3rd Week at the MTC

Hola familia!

 My zone here at the MTC is fantastic. We have the best teachers, the best branch presidency, and of course the best missionaries. We tried to institute Christmas Song Saturdays, but some of the Sisters are resisting. They'll give in soon enough, though. The district above us left this week, and there won't be any new ones coming in because for some reason they're dissolving our district. We were all really sad, but super excited for them to go out and spread the gospel with the world. You should look up Christian Hobb's band, Live Out Loud. I don't think you'll be dissapointed. And on that note, try to find Porter Smith's Disney XD commercial for something called Sky Runners. Our zone's just full of celebrities. Hopefully next week I'll have some more pictures to send.

Earlier this week we had TRC, which I'm sure stands for something. Instead of teaching a lesson to an investigator who's really just a teacher (don't tell the incoming missionaries; it's a surprise), we got to teach with volunteer members just being themselves. Still in Spanish, of course. We just chatted for a while and had a quick lesson about the Plan of Salvation and how it blesses families. Hermana Rice and Jordan were both great people, and it was nice just chatting in Spanish. Unlike the lessons, they wrote short feedback notes, and it turns out we really managed to touch their lives and help them feel the Spirit. It was awesome.

Today was probably my last time going to the temple for a while, since the Provo temple is closing for a while and there isn't one in the McAllen mission boundaries. It was probably the best session I've had yet. I thought about the lyrics to The Spirit of God, and was really reminded why I'm out here in the first place. Also, my favorite scripture of the week is gonna have to be Psalms 40. It really applies to all missionaries, full time and otherwise.

I got the Dear Elder from Grandma and Grandpa Owens. Have you had any sun yet? Hopefully pretty soon so the lake can warm up. We've had plenty of nice weather down here, and I admit I've been missing the cabin quite a bit. I'm excited to get that book from Ben and LeAnn.

Thanks, Aunt Dee, for the cinnamon bears! Those are my favorite. I hope the Condos were super much fun. Did you have camp cousin?

We got to meet our mission president and his wife, the Maluendas, since they're here for the new mission president training week. The whole main building has been completely closed off because of all the general authorities that are here. I never thought I would miss eating at the MTC cafeteria, but I'm definitely ready to be done eating in the gym. Singing at the worldwide training broadcast was amazing, though. I'm sure you watched the video. We already watched it, too. The sisters in the close up right at the very end of the first song are in our district. I'm in the video too, but only if you pause right in between 3:00 and 3:01. The elder in front of me moves a little, and you can see half of my face. My companion was too short to be seen at all. Seriously though, the devotional was amazing. It's cool how the emphasis was on not the full time missionaries, but the members. It's up to you guys to share the message of love the gospel has with everyone you can.

For anyone reading this who's not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I invite you to at least learn some more about it, as a personal favor. Just head on over to mormon.org for a few minutes, watch a couple videos or read some of the info pages there. If you're feeling ambitious, find yourself a Book of Mormon; any Mormon would gladly get you one; and start reading it. If you already have a strong belief in Christ, that's fantastic. Our message will only add to and enhance your relationship with God. Either way, I know that this gospel is true. I love the feelings of peace and love that my faith has given me. Christ suffered for all of us, paid for all of our mistakes, felt the pains of all our sicknesses as well as our griefs. No matter what you're looking for, no matter what kinds of lonely or confused feelings you may have, this gospel will bless you and your family. Christ has restored his Church on the earth once more, and it means so much to me. I'm giving up two years of my life to share this fact to as many people as I can. I figure I should start with those who mean the most to me. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen

Con mucho amor,

Elder Young

Week 2 at the MTC


Hola, Family!
 
Life at the MTC is pretty insane. They sure push us hard, but it's all worth it getting so familiar with the gospel. It sounds like Summer is off to a good start! I wish I could have seen Spencer passing the Sacrament! I'm so proud of you! Dad's new calling sounds awesome too. Happy father's day, right?
 
 During gym time, I have played soccer and volley ball, but I mostly like to go running and lifting weights. P-days are probably busier than regular ones. After study time in the morning, we go to the Provo temple and do a session, then eat in the temple cafeteria because it's quite a bit better than the MTC's. By the time we finish laundry and writing, it's time for choir. Almost the entire MTC is in the choir, which is about 1200 people. And it turns out we're going to be singing at the worldwide training broadcast next week! So look out for that. Brother Monson hasn't shared too many other Uncle Tom stories, but his own life stories are plenty inspiring. The way he talks kind of reminds me of President Monson and Brother Barnes put together. I saw Elder Hardy and Sister Norris a couple times, which was fun. I've seen everyone from Spokane several times, in fact. I did get your package, and the fig newtons were a life saver. Teaching in Spanish has been going really well. Mostly everything I learned in high school has already come back, plus I'm picking up on the missionary vocab really fast. The hardest part, believe it or not, isn't communicating in Spanish, but just communicating with people on a deeper level, getting to know and love them and understanding their needs. Of course, that should come easier with actual investigators, but the ones here are pretty good actors.
 
Just know that I'm doing great and everyone here is awesome. It's amazing how quickly and powerfully the word of God is spreading accross the world. The Church is true!
 
Love,
Elder Joven
 Companions Elder Young & Elder Green
with Hermana Webster

Elder Young with his zone

We received a letter! After patiently (actually, not so patiently) waiting for 6 days, Dylan had his first P-day (preparation day) and sent us an email:

Dearest family,

I miss you!!! Life here at the MTC is insane. Sometimes I feel like I don't even have time to breathe, but it's all worth it. I love having so much time just to read the scriptures and ponder words of Christ. They had us teaching an "investigator" our third day here, all in Spanish. It's pretty stressful, but the Spirit has absolutely helped us as we prepare our lessons and teach Ivis. To answer the questions:

1. What was your first impression of the MTC? Since I checked in at 2:30, my first impression of the MTC was kind of a blur. I missed the first class time and most of orientation. I barely had time to pull my suit coat out of my suitcase and throw it over my short sleeved shirt!

2. Are you getting enough to eat?  I'm getting plenty to eat. For cafeteria food, it's actually pretty good, and since my district goes in last for every meal (breakfast at 8:45!) I'm pretty hungry going in every time. Hopefully I'll be able to gain some weight!

3. Where are you living?  I'm living on the top floor of 14M, and my class (where I actually live) is in the top floor of 18M. It's a lot of stairs!

4. Who is your companion? Where is he from? Is he going to McAllen too? What do you have in common?  My companion, Elder Green, is from good ol' Utah. He and two others in my room are going to McAllen. Elder Green just graduated a week and a half ago. It's crazy! We're both pretty much nerds, he played the trumpet, and we both have the same goofy sense of humor.

5. Have you seen anyone you know from BYU or home?  I've already seen just about everyone I know. Elder Braun and Elder Sant, plus most of the people from BYU.

6. What are the classes like? Are they teaching everything in Spanish yet?  Classes are really long, but really helpful. We mostly practice learning good missionary phrases that teach us vocab and grammar as we go. Hermano Warburton speaks mostly Spanish, but still speaks English when we need it.

7. Have you had any firesides/devotionals yet?  We had an MTC devotional on Thursday from the administrative director of the MTC about getting on the same plane as our investigators. It's so important we really know and love those we teach.

I'm almost out of time, but I don't think there's anything else important... Oh yeah, one of our branch presidency counselors is Brother Monson, and he'll be telling us all kinds of stories about "Uncle Tom." For real! He's so cool! Here's a fun fact: President Monson doesn't eat the bottom of his ice cream cones because his grandma taught him they might have flies in them.

Well, the Church is true! I'm so proud of you for becoming a deacon, Spence! Good luck with finals, Cassidy! I love you all sooooo much!


Elder Young
Dylan entered the Provo, Utah MTC (Missionary Training Center) on June 5th. Uncle Jason and Aunt Anna picked him up at the airport, went out to lunch and then dropped him off. We can't wait for our first letter!