Week 1: Home MTC

December 4, 2022

I wish I could say the past two months went by super fast but they haven't. When I first got my call I was filled with joy and excitement, but as I expected it just got harder The past couple of months have been very difficult. I kind of see it as a good thing though because it lets me know I'm doing the right thing. Now I'm a missionary and I feel like the same person, but the excitement has returned.

December 5, 2022

Today was the first day of Home MTC. I had a lot of nerves going into it but they went away pretty quick. It was super awesome getting to meet my companion Elder Mecham, and the other members of my district. There are 14 of us. Elder Mecham is a pretty cool person. I can't wait to learn and grow with him for the next week and maybe weeks (if he goes on to be my companion in the Provo MTC). 

I felt the spirit today but I can't remember any specific quotes or scriptures. It was super overwhelming. But tomorrow is a new day and maybe I'll take better notes. 

December 6, 2022

Today was an awesome day. We talked about how we were converted to the point we are today. For the elders it was pretty similar. Baptism, priesthood, endowment, mission. It was cool to see how everyone had different stories but the same major steps. We talked about some things in regards to our purpose, as well as God's purpose in missionary work. We also got introduced to these online lessons we are going to be teaching to actor investigators. Can't remember what it's called, it's something weird. It honestly seems like it will be kind of rough the first couple of lessons, but a good experience for me and my companion. We learned about some big diagram, and some more tips for the lessons we are going to be teaching. 

After classes and dinner we had a 40 minute devotional which was super good. We then met with our district to review it. We only talked about the devotional for like 5 minutes which was kind of bad. We did talk about random stuff like how tall everyone is and who is lying about their height. Pretty much we're gonna be insane at MTC basketball as long as this one elder is actually 6'6" and everyone else is 6'2".

December 7, 2022

Another day, another seven hours of class. It's crazy how you can sit through so many spiritual lessons and then not be able to recall much. It was a super good day, just so good I forgot about it all. Another good thing was that I left the house for the first time since I was ordained an elder. I can't wait until I can finally get out there into the Provo MTC and then Tennessee. Something about sitting in a chair for three days makes you really excited for something else. 

December 8, 2022

Today was my first preparation day. I had a good companion study in the morning and then a good devotional. I don't know if I am allowed to take naps but I literally wasn't doing anything so I took a long nap. I did some prep shopping with the parents and got some food. I went bowling for probably the last time in two years and did so bad. It's alright though because I. used to be the grand master. The missionary tag was probably throwing off my balance. 

December 9, 2022

Today we had some good discussions. We started the first lesson: The Restoration. We practiced teaching and I realized I'm bad at teaching.

December 10, 2022

Today was another good day of missionary discussions. We learned about asking questions and stuff. We had the Ward Christmas party and it was pretty dope. I'm proud of my little Primary troops. They did the little Nativity thing, and it was one of the best theater performances of all time. I finished my farewell talk for tomorrow and I don't think I've ever been so excited for a talk. I'm really bad at giving talks though so we'll see how it goes. 

Another thing, I have a coworker named Cale who is one of my favorite people. I loved working with him. I know he's been struggling with some stuff. But tonight he told me he could't make my talk because he has temple prep class. He said he's been working on getting endowed. Wish he could come but it's for a good reason.