Week 7 in the MTC (only 2 more to go)

10-25-10

Hey everyone!

So the big news for this week is that on Tuesday for the devotional we got to hear from Elder Nelson! I sang in the choir like I normally do, and it was funny walking in because there were tons of people lined up outside already waiting in line to get good seats, and I automatically got a seat for being in the choir, and my spot is in the very middle part of the gym so I was at his level looking straight at him. It was nice watching him speak rather than the screen. It was amazing feeling such a strong spirit there with an apostle of the Lord. He reiterated how much the Brethren love us and how much they pray for us. It made me feel pretty good, knowing how mindful they are of us, and how mindful the Lord is of his servants. It's such an awesome opportunity to hear from a real apostle in person, but I found it kinda funny how people make such a big deal going to "see" the apostle when they mainly look at the screen the whole time and might as well be watching a recording, and then they complain about having to watch all 5 sessions of general conference. I just love getting to hear God's chosen servants, special witnesses of Jesus Christ, and hearing their strong testimonies'. I hope that I can bring that same spirit to my future investigators so they can know of its truthfulness and come to know that God lives and loves them. That message is so important and so many people don't know it! For the TRC on Saturday we had to do our task of going to a store and buying clothes, contacting the clerk and getting him to invite us to teach him the lessons (all in Spanish) and then go to his house and teach him the first lesson (all in Spanish). We had to teach a lesson to a person without a teaching record, and our person decided to be an atheist, which was fun... It's so hard to talk about our message when they think it's all just a fabricated story to get people to live good lives. I tried so hard to bear witness that, I know it's true, that God really does live, that we are his children and he loves us, but it's hard to answer questions and explain things on topics I've never studied the Spanish vocabulary for. It was a very neat experience though, when during the lesson I felt like we weren't connecting with him, or getting the investigator interested, so I just started asking more questions and trying to pry information out of him. I finally got him to say that he liked reading, and upon further inquiry that he liked history, which I love! So I then had to try to get him to talk to me about his favorite historical figure, and then I started going on this tangent trying to show how Napoleon (the person he decided on) was able to make such a difference in the world, and was able to make such great changes and affect so many people because he'd been prepared and learned what he needed to know. I tried to make an analogy to the gospel and how it helps teach us the principles on how to live our lives, but we need to make the effort to follow their counsel and let Heavenly Father teach us. It was just really cool because it got him all excited and perked up and I was talking about all this in Spanish, and half the words I'd never even seen or learned, but words kinda just popped in my head and later I looked them up and they were right, and he understood me. The gift of tongues is such a blessing, I hope I can use it in the field, to help me communicate with the people, even with my lack of knowledge, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can!=) In our class we're playing a game called loco nativo where every night we draw cards and one person is the nativo and they have to try and speak the most Spanish the next day At the end of the day we all vote who we thought was it and if we get it right we get 2 pts, and if someone votes for us and we weren't it we also get 2 points. So everyone tries to speak a ton of Spanish so people will vote for them. It's helped a lot so other class members speak a lot of Spanish which in turns helps all of us! It's a lot of fun, and I just enjoy speaking Spanish, especially if everyone's doing it so it doesn't matter if it takes a while to formulate and conjugate all your sentences=)

Also this week we've had a lot of subs. Hno. Edwards got married on Sat. in the San Diego temple so we missed him half of last week, all this week, and part next week too. We're very happy for him, but we miss him. It's interesting getting subs though because each teacher is extremely different in their methods, some have certain things that are extremely effective, and some things that aren't so much. It's quite the party every day having a new person that we have to get used to, but it also keeps us on our toes and we are learning a lot! One of our teachers was Sis. Ennor who had served in NYC-S as well! She told us lots of great stories after class and we want to go see pictures and hear more about our mission, at least the 3 of us in my district that are going there. Just 2 more weeks!! Crazy.

This week we also got to teach Tommy again, our progressive investigator, and it was fun teaching lesson 4! It's crazy with Tommy because we picked him up our first week here, so we've gotten a lot farther with him then with our teacher investigator "juan", so in class we always learn how to teach a lesson, like 2 weeks after we already taught it to Tommy. It helps us a lot to learn, and lesson 4 we never teach or learn how to while in the MTC so it's very good for us as a companionship to have to work really hard forming our lesson plans and all that. Lesson 4 is hard because it's all the commandments and things: tithing, chastity, word of wisdom, Sabbath day, 10 commandments etc. We wish we would have integrated these commandments earlier in our lessons like you’re supposed to so you don't dump it all on them one right after another, but we didn't know back then, but we know for next time! Always learning=)

Sunday was really fast yesterday, which was weird because it normally takes forever, and in choir we're going to sing "A Marvelous Work" on Tuesday which reminds me of when I was really little and I think we performed this song as a family in church or something. I somehow already know it and it reminded me of you Mom=) Again thank you so much for giving me so many musical opportunities growing up, they've blessed my life so much!

Dad: Thanks for your letter! It's always nice to hear about you in the family newsletters, but I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to write me a letter, and even give me great advice!

Our investigators are usually volunteers that know Spanish or are learning English, or they're teachers. I think they all know the gospel, and just have a character that they do for the lessons. Like Tommy is actually Hno. Evans an RM from Peru, but he always in character if we ever see him, so I don't really know Evans at all, just Tommy, a young man from Chicago that has a good friend that joined the church and he wants the happiness she now has.

I love reading the family newsletters. Thanks for sending them! makes me miss XC, and going to Herricks, etc. I love you all and miss you!

Elder Lewis

Week 6 from the MTC

Hey everyone!

So I think this is week six, at least that what it has down in our schedule stuff, but I neer know if that week starts on Wed, the day of the week we got here, or if they start it Sunday like a normal week. So I think this is my sixth letter, but I don't have time to check!

This week was quite a load of spiritually uplifting experiences that really made it meaningful for me. Of course every week at the MTC is full of great experiences, awesome talk, lessons, etc. but this week I really tried to have the spirit with me as often as possible, and I think that helps, when you're actively striving to live and act in a way that you know would bring the spirit, and would never drive it away. On Tuesday we had the opportunity to hear from Bishop Edgley from the church Bishopric which was quite a treat! He was very funny and gave some great insight which inspired me. He talked about how our success isn't measured by how many baptisms we get, but by how committed we are, if we're hard workers, obedient, if we rely on prayer and don't hesitate to get on our knees to ask for help or to receive guidance, and then how much we changed during our mission. In one of my interviews with my teacher Hno. Jensen, he challenged me to try and figure out how I can take this opportunity of being on a mission to solely focus on gospel related things, and during my personal study, since I didn't have a progressive investigator really, to try and see how I can change myself for the better. This really is a great thing since every day I have at least one hour where I have to account for what I did the day before and if I was trying to reach my goals. Being accountable and reporting your success really does force you to improve dramatically, faster than I could've thought possible. He also touched on how I've been called of God, this is His work, so I shouldn't be intimidated to share His gospel with those around me. Yes they have their agency, but we're called to find the elect of God, and he is preparing people for us to guide to him, we just have to be bold and open our mouths! Afterward we had a great district review, which I find is always especially uplifting because not only do I get to discuss what I learned, but everyone else's views and thoughts as well! It helps us to let each and every thing really sink in and helps us decide how to apply that.

Another thing I'm working hard on this week is memorizing scriptures in Spanish. We're having to start teaching the lessons in Spanish, which is a whole new ball game, but it helps when I know the scriptures and can share them and discuss them in Spanish, and I'm finding that the best way for me to understand what a scripture is saying, is by going through it line by line and deciphering the message, and while I’m at it I might as well remember it=) Also a cool little thought that I had this week was with our teaching opportunities. it really strengthened my testimony of the spirit and my resolve to have it with me always (which I've been promised if I am worthy and do those things I've covenanted to do). One day we had to teach the first lesson (something we taught a million times the first 3 weeks, but the last 3 weeks we've been focusing on the next 2) and it was a trying experience, but educational when we were with other missionaries our same level so none of us new exactly how to say everything, so we were just stumbling through, and then later my companion and I had to teach "Juan" our progressive investigator with Hno. Jensen, and that went rather badly because we just weren't on the same page, he hadn't done any of his commitments, and we couldn't move on with our lesson I thought until we addressed all his problems, but he would just be stubborn and every time I explained why he needs to do something, he's just say that's great that I believe that, but he believes something else. I tried so hard to get him to see why he needed to pray to God and not just recite rote prayers, or why he needed to read the Book of Mormon, but eventually we just had to bear witness that we knew it was true and we hoped he'd follow the Lord up on his promise, but it was rather disheartening just feeling so helpless, then we remembered right after that we had to go teach again in Spanish to the ZL's because they'd asked if we could practice on each other since we'd done it a couple times before. My companion was out of sorts from the last lesson and completely abandoned me half way through the lesson so I had to do the whole thing, which just sent the spirit out the window, and of course you can't teach without the spirit so I just felt like I might as well have just recited Spanish phrases to the wall. Anyway, this was an example of how when we didn't do what we were supposed to, have the right attitudes, and subsequently didn't have the spirit, then we could do nothing and it just made us feel exhausted afterward. This experience I want to compare to 2 days later when we went down to teach our other progressive investigator "Tommy" in the TRC. This time we really focused on making sure we were ready to do it, and would keep the spirit. The lesson went great, all throughout it I felt impressions to say things I hadn't planned on, and somehow it made it better, I just seemed to know what he needed to hear or how to explain it, and I know that's because we had the spirit. This lesson was a lot more in depth and should've made us even more exhausted then all the other practices, but walking out of it we both felt elated, and energized. The scripture that says when we teach, the student and the teacher will be edified together. I felt that promise come true and it was so great to see the difference. Just like in running when I run with bad form, or am distracted thinking about other things, or I don't run the pace I knew I should've, I always had a horrible race, and felt completely dead afterward and I had a terrible time. When I followed Cantrall's plan, when I was focused, then I'd run great, I'd usually PR, and even win it! It's just funny how even though I ran faster, or taught longer, I was less tired=)

Running out of time! In the TRC we got to teach an Italian so that was interesting, he talked way fast, but we somehow were able to answer most of his questions, and teach with the spirit. I guess practice makes perfect, and we did prepare a lot which I"m grateful for. On Sunday we had the awesome opportunity to bless the sacrament, in Spanish. It really felt cool knowing that my priesthood is used to bless others, give them the opportunity to utilize the atonement, and I can do it in Spanish too!=) We didn't get a temple walk on Sunday but we instead reviewed "Sweet is the Work" a hymn our Branch Pres had us all read and discuss. Reminded me of Paul's lit class talking about the different interpretations of poetry, but it was so much cooler with a spiritual perspective!

Also for fireside the Beeson's spoke which was hilarious and awesome! Sis Beeson sang a medley of a bunch of hymns to describe a day in the life of an MTC missionary. Mom it reminded me of you, always singing=) Well I love you all, am so grateful for your prayers, letters, etc. You're the best!!

Church is true!

Love,

Elder Lewis

10-4-10 (4th letter)

Hey everyone!

So this week has been very trying, but in the end was probably the most rewarding. All I can think about is General Conference and the wonderful blessing and opportunity it is to hear the words of the prophets. I've been coming to enjoy it more and more every year, but being a missionary during it is just that much better! Every talk it seemed I could somehow relate back to my purpose as a missionary, whether it be being a better teacher, leaning on the spirit more, or just improving myself so I can help my future investigators more. It was amazing!

My main talk I enjoyed and can think of right now is of course Pres. Monson’s when he opened conference with a short call to all missionaries. I'm so grateful to be on a mission and hope Hunter is preparing himself to go, and all my friends that are nearing or are at that age. It truly is the best experience of your life up to this point! I also really enjoyed Elder Jensen and Bednars' talks on the Holy Ghost. As a missionary and even when not on a mission, it is so vitally important that we always are listening to the quiet promptings of the spirit. He will direct our paths, if we are humble enough and in tune with the spirit. I've definitely seen that promise come to fruition as I try to teach the lessons and cater them to the needs of the investigator. As members of the church we have such an awesome promise to have it with us always, the Sacrament prayers just take on a whole new meaning when I thought about it that way. Another couple talks I felt were directed at me was Elder Holland and Pres. Monsons' on Gratitude. Elder Holland is such a strong speaker, when he spoke of his own dear parents' sacrifice for him while on his mission it really hit home when I think about all the things you all have done for me. I don't say it nearly enough, but thank you thank you thank you! I am always amazed at how much easier and blessed my life has been and is because I was in our family. How lucky am I?! I also loved Elder Oaks talk on our personal and priesthood communication with God. Not only did this give me a lot of food for thought for my own relationship with God, but that is also a key part for when we teach investigators, to get them to come unto Christ and to feel his love, and why we need to pray always that we may come off conqueror. Also I had an investigator ask about the need for organized religion if we can just have such a close relationship with God ourselves, I think that talk answered a lot of those questions. My other favorite talk (I know I'm missing tons) was by Elder Arnold as he asked each of us what we're doing with Christ's name, relating to George A. Smith's experience. That talk really came alive for me since I do wear Christ's name every single day, everywhere I go, his name Jesucristo in Espanol, is on my chest. Am I always acting in a way that he would want me to act, honoring him with my actions? I have a lot to work on, but since I get to spend all day every day just focusing on the gospel I’m a lot more able to do something about it since all my time and focus is centered there, so I better not mess up. I was sad I still haven't heard Sat. afternoon, and I couldn't take notes for Priesthood, but I guess I'll just get to watch or read them later and take even better notes then I would have. Plus I got to sing in Priesthood Session! That was definitely the highlight of my week. It was a struggle this last week since I was sick for like 2 weeks, and got pretty bad last Mon and Tues, but miraculously my prayers were answered and literally my sore throat went away the day before we had to perform. The Lord really is mindful of us. I still coughed a bit and was a little congested, but I was able to sing with all my usual ability, and that was one of the best experiences of my life. Being in the conference center, right where the Mormon tabernacle choir sits, staring at the General Authorities, apostles and prophets right in front of me, and knowing I was being watched be every priesthood holder in the church! The experience was amazing, just getting to have the opportunity to learn those songs, their lyrics, and the meaning behind them would have been good enough for me, but that truly was the experience of a lifetime I'll never forget. I hope we were able to share our spirit, our love for the gospel, to show our purpose to go forth to every nation, tongue and people, as messengers of the Lord, going forth to serve his children and share his message of joy and happiness. I loved it!!!

After Conference on Sunday we had a devotional (sitting in meetings for like 12 hours in just 2 days was spiritually exhausting), but it was awesome because Pres. Breinholt decided to make it a musical devotional focusing on the ability of music to always bring the spirit. That is so true! I'm so grateful to you mom for always forcing me to develop my musical ability and getting me to push myself to learn more. It has been one of my greatest blessings on my mission, and really in my life!

Also thanks for following up on all my numerous requests for things, I know you are all so busy, I appreciate all you do! Thanks Dad for sending that letter, it was such a blessing in disguise because I was talking with some Elders just in a random hallway about the letter from New York and a teacher came over and heard I was going to New York (because of your letter) and apparently he went there as well and then Elder Patchett (the other elder in my district going to NYC) and I spent the next hour just listening to him tell us what to expect--another highlight of my week. I can't wait to get out into the mission field to preach the gospel to people that need it! It's going to be such an amazing experience I know!

Well I have 5 minutes left and I'm not going to make it too close like before when part of my letter got cut off so I'll end it here. Thanks for all your letters everyone! I loved them, and I'm working on getting back to you all. I can't wait to hear back from you=) keep up the good work, keep being missionaries and spreading the gospel. I think it's so cool Lynette how you talk about the church with your friends and you are such a good missionary to them. Use preach my gospel, it will help a lot!

I love and miss all of you! Yo se que este iglesia esta verdad y tenemos los profetas en la tierra. Les Ama!

Elder Lewis