Nov. 26, 2009 - "Week does in el CCM (MTC)

Hey Again Family!

It was sooooo nice getting letters and packages of treats from you mom and dad. It's true what thay say. Missionaries are fueled by letters and packages ^_^. I'm glad you guys are doing well, and things are running smoothly. I'm sorry about dad's "parasite" that sounds pretty intense! i hope he's doing alright now. Mom, I'm glad you enjoyed the rest of your time with your family, and try not to miss me too much, The day I return will come out of no where and we'll all be reunited once again.

Anyway, got to make this quick. I'll try to explain everything that has happened.

This week has been a lot easier than the first. I'm getting the hang of the schedual and how to study efficiantly and trust in the Lord and the Holy Ghost to guide me. I've learned a couple of tasks in Spanish like praying, bearing my testimony, following up on commitments and so forth. It's coming pretty smoothly for me, but my companion has no spanish experience whatsoever, so i'm trying to help him out as much as possible. I was also introduced to the RC (refferal center) which is like telemarkiting for Missionaries. It's pretty cool because it gives you a chance to interact with people online or over the phone just a like missionary in the field would. it's good practice. My companion was lucky enough to get a golden contact and was able to give the whole first lesson over the phone. He was really excited. I got to explain the plan of salvation to someone, but I also had someone calling in for help to change a tire. She was asking for a pasture and stuff, it was so rediculous ^_^;;. Anyway Last Tuesday we got to hear from Dallin H. Oaks It was such an awesome expierience. He gave a lot of good advice on how to become a really good missionary.

So that's pretty all the big stuff. My schedual usually consists of classes, studying and meals. My P-day is on Thursday, and Saturday we clean. It's really cool to see how one's perspective changes in the MTC. I've learned to look at the eternal perspective of things and consintrate on helping Heavenly Father's children. Dallin H Oaks said that it's not often when you get to put full attention on one thing without worrying about school, jobs, marriage or all that other stuff. I'm going to concintrate on that and do my absolute best.

Oh! I've also gotten to know my companion a lot better. He seems like the type of person that if I were to meet anywhere else I would never become friends with him. He's the social butterfly type that thrives on attention and boasting. It was kind of a challange getting over myself, but I did it. I need to have the right attitude and now I've come to really care and love my companion. Right now he is going through some really tough times. He had to talk to the branch president about something, and he's about to get a colonoscopy because of his ulcerities (some type of stignent cancer in his digestive system) I say my prayers every night and ask heavenly father to help him because I can tell that he really wants to serve him, and that's all that matters

Thanks for the mail again guys, I really do appreciate it, and I love the support you give me. Hope you guys have a great Thanksgiving, and a Wonderful Christmas. I will be thinking about you guys and keeping you guys in my prayers. Until then take care and live for the day!

-Elder Pyro :D

Nov. 19, 2009 - Life at the MTC

Hola mi Familia!

I only got 15 minutes to write this e-mail so please excuse me if it's a bit short.

Things at the MTC are pretty good! The first couple of days where quite a shock. Sleeping was kind of rough, and the 24/7 work work work was quite a shock from my lazy summer days of just lying around and doing whatever. At first I felt lots of feeling of overwhelmment, discouragement, and lonelyness. It was quite a hard adjustment. But Tuesday really turning things around. I kinda got a better perspective and I have a better perspective of things now. My main focus is taking care of those who need the message that I am going to bring to them. I'm looking forward to that very much. I also can't wait to get home and share all the wonderful experiences that I had. I am now getting used to the whole schedual, how things are. Right now I'm typing on a computer in the laundry room doing my laundry. Don't worry mom I know how it works, and it's quite easy ^_^.

So MTC life is really great. I got to meet my companion his name is Elder Ellis. He's a farmboy from Logan Utah. I've realized that the MTC is comprised of 80% Utahians. It's pretty funny. But there is a person in my district who is also from Georgia so we stick together with our Georgia bad selves! ^_^. Anyway Elder Ellis and I are getting a long pretty well. We have a couple of differences. For example he liks to rush around, whereas I like to take my time, and he likes to teach by teaching on the spot and I like to have an outline and teach in order. It's interesting how a lot of companionships are like that. I view it as a way to learn from a different perspective and build each other up.

The food is good here and gym time is lots of fun. I get to lift weights and play extreme games of four square! It's pretty awesome

Also the spirit is felt so strong here. The Devotionals and firesides are so wonderful and it makes me even more excited to serve on my mission. My mission president has a huge spirit as well. He talked to us in a meeting last tuesaday and made me feel so wonderful.

One talk that really effected me was when the speaker told the story of a boy who converted to mormonism and his parents did not approve. He also decided to go on a mission and his parents definately did not approve. I couldn't imagine going into the MTC knowing that I wasn't going to have family there supporting me. But he did, and soon after his mother went to the MTC and was able to soon come to terms with the whole situation. It make me realize that my mission isn't going to just effect those who I come in direct contact with, but also my family and friends will be blessed emensely as well..

Well I wish I could say more, but I only got 5 more minutes. I love you guys so much, and I know that if we pray and stay faithful Heavenly Father will bless us emensily. Look forward to what the future holds, and live for the day. Once again, I love you mom dad and Rachel.

-Danny

P.S. Tell rachel that if she copies my shwagger that she's not gonna get any letters from me :P heheh ^_^

real quick

^_^ - smiley

^_^; - smiley with sweat droplets

^(^o^)^ - guy with hand in the air

The Adventure Begins

I am taking a page from Karlene's book and starting a blog for my missionary son. I will post his letters and emails as they come in so that you all can share in his experiences.

(Don't worry. When I get back to Georgia, I'll make this blog awesome.)