Monday, 25 September 2017

Well, it's been an exiting two weeks! Last week at the MTC was chilly, and we were ready to get out. 

We woke up at 5:30, and headed to the travel office. Got on a n=bus, which took us to a train, which took us to the tram, which took us to the airport. I don't know why e have to do it in such a complicated way, but it must be cost effective or something. There were 24 missionaries on the plane to Phoenix (all in the Scottsdale mission). So cool to see so many missionaries helping in this great work. We met our mission president and his wife just outside the exit, got our bags and loaded up. We were in orientation all day and just learned a bit more about teaching. My interview was quick, didn't really ask worthiness questions, mostly just got to know me, I didn't want to take too much of his time. 

My new companion is Elder Guthrie, he's very smart and patient with me. Because orientation went so long, we didn't teach or proseyte much. Just unpacked and got settled in. The second day we started the regular schedule which just got changed last february. The schedule is as follows:

6:30am Arise and pray (we ger up at 6:15 for more exercise time)

6:30-7:00 Exercise time. Once a week we do Zone sports which is fun, we played ultimate frisbee last week.

7:00-8:30 Breakfast shower and prepare for day

8:30-9:00 daily planning

9:00-10:00 personal study

10:00-11:00 companion study

11:00-12:00 first 12 weeks

at some point 30 minutes of lunch

9:00 back at the apartment, 9:30 if coming from a lesson

10:30 lights out

I won't lie in saying I'm a little overwhelmed, lots of meetings and lots of new things to adjust to (again). I feel that we waste some time, we always go late with daily planning, and then go late again with companion study. Don't end up getting out until 1:00, which I feel is unacceptable. LOTS of meetings, way too many if you ask me. We have to set lots of goals, monthly district goals, monthly companion goals, transfer goals, weekly goals for the district, weekly companion goals, daily personal goals, goals for our investigators, goals for working with the ward, goals for the next 30 seconds, then SO much planning. 

We still had a really good week, Kelle was baptized last Saturday, she was only contacted a month ago! She has amazing faith, and is a true gem. I'm really starting to appreciate the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, she came from a really bad situation. People need this in their lives, and I'm just starting to see it.

We get little miracles everyday, we just moved last saturday (which added to why we haven't done a ton of proselyting or teaching), and got to our new apartments. One night we were coming back to the apartments, and the Spanish branch president met us at the mail boxes, he gave us the wifi password for the community (we're in a closed gate community), and now we can sync our area book apps/calendars, and send emails. Little things like that happen all of the time, it's been amazing!

Missionaries are like friendly neighborhood super heroes, people are always nice to us, and I try to wave to everyone and smile and give quick hellos, people always respond positivily. It's awesome, we get support from people who aren't even members. Missionaries have a great reputation.

My area is the Phoenix Central Ward, which covers a huge area! There are 4 sets of missionaries in the ward, lots of ground to cover. We're on bikes, but the other set of Elders in our apartment use the car.  The total population in our area is 400,000, only 1,000ish members in those boundaries, and only 200ish active. Lots of work to do! Our area is on the poorer side, it reminds me of Pocatello, except uglier. People are a lot like where we were in Poky though, pretty friendly poorer people.

P-Day is being cut short today at 1:30 because we're going to the Mesa temple tomorrow (yippee), I'm so excited, I love the temple. So nice to actually relax as a missionary. We are always working, even in our "free time", but it's excting and I LOVE really working. I'm not a huge fan of planning or meetings even though I know those are necessary, but actually going out and talking to people, and teaching lessons is really fun. You never know what's going to be behind the next door.

Really excited for the coming week, keep me in your prayers. I LOVED THE BOX YOU SENT!!!!!!! IT MADE MY NIGHT, AND REALLY LIFTED MY SPIRITS. The tie is super cool, I wore it this morning when we went shopping.The t-shirt makes me feel proud of my stupid state that I miss so much. I'm growing to love the people, but I would never live here in Phoenix. There's like 5 strip clubs in the part of the area we cover, we're trying to convert Babylon basically. Seriously though thank you for the wonderful above and beyond box, It really lifted my spirits. Although I've been experiencing some high altitude highs, I've also experienced some deep lows (nothing to worry about just overwhelmed and adjusting), lots and lots to do. 

I hope everything is well at home, it's nice here, in the 80s during the day, 60s in the evening, just perfect. I do miss the crisp air and pine trees, there are no trees here. Well there are but they have to drown them in water for them to survive.

I'm dead tired, but I'm so glad I'm here, this is changing lives.

My assignment for this week is to do one act of service for someone outside of the family everyday, it could be  anything! As you serve people, you learn to love them, thus devoloping Christ's perfect love, that is charity. I want a follow up! 

Thanks for the pics and videos of the beach, I love you and miss you. I have the picture of the family on my desk.

Elder Sanders

Tuesday, 12 September 2017

New haircut.

This week was still great, but the initial excitement from entering the MTC has worn off. Elders are starting to be slack about the rules, and some challenges have started to arise for me as I've started to grow. I'm working on a few things, patience, diligence, charity, time management, controlling my temper, constructive criticism in love, and exact obedience. I wont lie, but I've been struggling. As I've started to pray for an increase in these things, I've been tested a lot this week. Little tiny things are annoying me, and my patience all of the sudden has started running thin. I know the Lord is trying to teach me something, it's definitely been a growing week. Previous outlets that I had are gone, and I've started turning to the scriptures and prayer for peace and guidance. My actions are still on track for the most part, but a lot of my issues (especially with anger) have all been thoughts in my head. However, I'm improving, I'm getting more and more Christlike everyday, and I'm definitely growing.

Yesterday, I was taught a very important lesson about exact obedience. All of the missionaries in my District are pretty obedient, a few little tweaks can be made though. One for us, is that our room has slowly been going to bed later. Not much, only 10 or 15 minutes however, it makes a big difference. We haven't been staying up late goofing around getting into trouble, almost every night we were discussing gospel related topics. However, we weren't following the rules with exactness. Sunday night (2 nights ago), we made an effort to have lights out at exactly 10:30. The next day, I did feel pretty good, as any other day here at the MTC. However, exercise time was interesting after dinner. Saturday, I ran 2.2 miles. I was running to burn off steam, about a bunch of little things. After the 2.2 miles (which I've slowly been building up to), I was exhausted. Because I was running with anger and bitterness. Yesterday (Monday), I was starting fresh after having the opportunity to partake of the Sacrament. I tried to talk with other runners, encourage them or give them compliment. I smiled as I ran by people and tried to be have more Christlike thoughts. When the announcement was made that our gym time was over, I had run 5.1 miles. And wasn't tired. Saturday, 2.2. Exhausted. Angry. Monday, 5.1 miles. Felt like I could keep going. I testify as a missionary and representative of Jesus Christ, that that strength was not my own. There is no way. I was blessed, for being exactly obedient. Did the 10-15 minutes make a difference? I don't think so. It was the Spirit showing me that exact obedience, is going to give us strength spiritually, physically and mentally beyond our own. Strive to obey the commandments with exactness. Make changes in your life, make sacrifices with a steadfastness in Christ, and you will be given that same power.

I'm trying to cut back on food, I've gained a little weight, only 5ibs but I wan't to stay healthy and fit. For breakfast I usually just have a bowl of cereal now. Lunch is salad and then dinner I'll eat the entree. It's made a difference and I'm back down to 155. 

We've been sick this week (along with the rest of the MTC), it's been pretty bad. My companion Elder Bendixen was sick enough one day that we headed back to residence for the afternoon. He fell asleep, and I watched the Old Testament Stories on my tablet. Pretty awesome. I too took a nap as well, I'll call it deep pondering/vision time. However I was sick as well and I did feel better. I think that added to why my temper has been so short.

 Our new TRC, basically an investigator that may or may not be LDS, was a little rough. Last week our first TRC was super cool, he follows up on all of the commitments and understands what the Spirit is teaching him. The new guy, Adam, has been a little more tricky. Our lesson wasn't very good which was our fault because we weren't able to find time for a quick planning session. Our personal study and companion study is whenever we can find time, Breakfast is at 7 so we have to do it at random parts of the day. 

I think Elder Bednar is my favorite Apostle. On Sunday night the film we decided to watch was a devotional he gave at the MTC, talking about recognizing the Spirit by said Apostle. The question was how do I know if it's the Spirit, or just me. Answer, quit worrying about it. stop fussing, stop analyzing etc. Be a good boy or girl, honor and keep your covenants and keep the commandments. If we are doing those things, the Lord will guide us with His spirit and guide our footsteps. However, we have to get moving. The Spirit can't direct us sitting still. It was interesting andit changed my outlook on the Holy Spirit.

I really enjoy running, I've found that I get too competitive and angry when I play sports on the gym floor, so I run. You also don't have to with your companion in the gym so It's some "alone" time. 

  

Got my first haircut today, first time someone besides you has cut my hair! I guess I'm a real man now. 

And finally my commitment for you and the family (btw I need a report on my commitment from last week). Pray that you will find someone IN FAITH and thrust in your sickle. Share either a mormon.org card, a Book of Mormon or a pass along card. I know it's scary, but the missionaries need help. I'm learning that very quickly. Prepare souls for salvation, love your neighbors. Set a goal, then make a plan.

Please pray for me, it really does help.

Elder Sanders

PS thanks for the pics!

This is my favorite mural.  There are over 300 in the new MTC.

First Letter Home!

Ok, I have a lot to squish in!!

 4 missionaries were on the plane including me, one of them was going to Scottsdale! Super awesome and motivating to have other missionaries on the flight.

Temple Square was great with Abe, we walked in to the SLC temple and walked right back out. Saw Hope Davis and took a picture with her, that was fun. Ate at the garden, super yummy rolls and salad. Picked up Clark, then headed to MTC.

 It's not this pretty drop off at the doors anymore because of the new buildings. You get dropped off in a parking garage, which isn't as pretty of a picture. I had a host missionary help me with my bags, to the ground floor. Went through the new building for registration, got my name tags and missionary handbook. Got to my room, met my companion Elder Bendixen, super cool and spiritually gifted guy from Philly. We headed to our classrooms without unpacking or anything, you just bring your scriptures, Preach my Gospel and put on your name tag and go. Super super chaotic and exciting. The nice thing about being here is everyone is new. The longest you stay here is 9 weeks so everyone is still fresh.  So we met our district in the classroom by about 2, and started a gospel discussion about our purpose, shared reasons why we were service and just got to know each other. The MTC, is like the City of Enoch. Not quite there, but it's definitely a few feet off the ground. It's cliche, but the Spirit is strong here. Truly. After the classroom instruction, we had dinner.

 Holy crap. I thought we were supposed to be eating healthy to get the necessary energy we need. That, is not necessarily true here at the MTC. Soda machines, endless chocolate milk and sugar cereal every meal, lots of fried food, and dessert every meal. On top of that there's always ice creams coolers open at every meal. I've been trying hard to not eat dessert, and I drink water at every meal, except for Fast Sunday. Fast Sunday I stuffed myself and had 3 cookies, the ice cream provided for dessert, chocolate milk, Fanta, and 2 ice cream sandwiches from the ice cream cooler. Oh yeah. 

 After the first very long (not boring) day, I was worried my roommates who are part of my District  weren't going to like my school bell alarm clock, they were super laid back and the past few days they've thanked me, because it gets everyone awake in the morning. Very awake.

Showers were in insane! We were awake a tad early too, but it was packed pretty fast. needless to say, I'm a night showerer now. Spellcheck is disabled on missionary computers so I don't know if that's how you spell "showerer".

The first full day (Thursday), We taught our first lesson to Sarah. The method to teaching, is to set a commitment from the info you have of the investigator, and also what the Spirit tells you to say. i testify that the Spirit has guided us in EVERY single lesson, the Spirit truly does guide you. The very first thing they taught us, and reemphasized over and over again in the lessons the first day was to love those you teach. love those you teach. love them. love. From there, the Spirit will help you to give them the best information. My companion and I Elder Bendixen, get along great. We are also great instruments together in the Lord's hands, makes it very easy for the Spirit to guide us in our lesson.

Our district has been having discussions in the evening, in our "free time". They've been powerful, and we have been put in this district together for a reason. We all have strong testimonies of the Atonement, and our Savior Jesus Christ. Very interesting to see our different testimonies are about the Savior. The MTC theme is "Become as He Is. And our District goal, is to increase in Charity. Which believe it or not I felt strongly prompted to be my personal goal, the first afternoon here. 

The first day we were here, we got chewed out by Elder Holland (in a video), that the first conversion we make on our missions is not others, but ourselves. Elder Sanders is my first convert. Kind of interesting. Going along with that, we watched a devotional that's only shown in the MTC, the Character of Christ by Elder Bednar. Holy crap. Changed my life. He talks about how we ARE NOT to convert people to ourselves first of all, or the church, but to Jesus Christ. He talked about how all missionaries who come to the MTC have testimonies, but aren't converted to Jesus Christ. The Character of Christ that he talked about, is that Christ turns out when we turn in. Example, he suffered ETERNITY in the Garden, and after that healed the Guard's ear. We, would have turned in, thinking and worrying about ourselves. He talked about not being cookie monster, and did a spot on impression of cookie monster. This was shocking, and hilarious to see an Apostle to an impression of Cookie Monster at a Missionary Devotional. Anyway, he gives other examples like while being hung on the cross, he comforted the thieves next to Him. He said "get over yourself missionaries. It's not about how you, how many people YOU baptize, how many people YOU help, it's not you. It's the Lord. Get over yourself". Conversion, is getting rid of the natural man. Getting rid of the cookie monster. Most of us have testimonies, not all of us are converted to Jesus Christ. Elder Bednar talked about how %60 percent of missionaries at some point leave the Church, the brotheren didn't understand why. Then they realized it was because they weren't converted to the Lord, they were converted to the Church. He PROPHECIED, that if you will convert yourself to Christ, you WILL NOT fall away.

So many other things to share, I'm sorry my grammar isn't perfect, I don't have time to fix it. Only 60 minutes to write emails. I commit you to practice the gospel of Jesus Christ. Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End EVERYDAY. It is not a checklist. It is a life time commitiment, but is also something you can do DAILY. Mom, I love you. I will send a little email to everyone but this will be my big email so read it to everyone. Edit as needed. I love you, I pray for you several times a day. Thank you for giving me my testimony, I'm learning how to be converted to the Lord, and the Pure Love of Christ/Charity, and Patience. That's what I'm working on. Pray for me please, I do not have the strength to do it on my own. I need the Spirit, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ almost constantly, missionary life is hard. But I love it. Finishing each lesson motivates and energizes me. I wouldn't be able to do it without those 2 things. I love you. Tell Henry I love him too. Tell Eve I love her. Tell Lucy I love her. Tell Camilla I love her.

Sincerely and with much much Love

Elder Sanders

PS this is not proof read or spell checked at all because of time.

Spring Break and NYC Preparation

Finally! Spring Break is here, and with it Snow...again.I think I jinxed myself with this whole spring thing, there's a good 4-6 of snow on the ground outside. I hope and pray it's the last of it! I'm kind of finished with winter, especially my experience with Russia's.

 I went again to the 3 book stores that I have knowledge of, and searched through the insurmountable amount of events, people and stories. Fed my mind and soul with its unending fantasies, books. I purchased with what little money I had, The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien. The English language is such a comfort to me, and seeing it anywhere excites me, a bit of familiarity. And of course, Middle Earth is such an in depth story, so I will be returning soon to purchase The Lord of the Rings.

 I'm hard at work preparing for NYC, checking my flight information, packing, scheduling, checking and stressing. Of course, a bit of stress is good before a competition! It will be a lot easier this year, as I have gone before and know how to do everything. I'm also much more comfortable with international traveling and public transportation, although, believe it or not I personally think that the Moscow Metro is more organized and clean then the NYC Metro. Just Putining it out there! (Pun intended.)

 I'm all alone in my dorm room for the next few days, Kaito has returned to Japan and Janos is out and about with his parents. At least I'm not in the snow! Ah, I love spring break.

Kaito

Kaito's last day.

Kaito, my good friend and ex-roommate has just left for Japan. We have the high scores on all of our video games thanks to him. It was nice to meet him, and if I ever go to Japan he'll be the first person I contact. Bye Kaito! さようなら！

Just Kidding

Spring is a miraculous experience. The whole world comes alive after the winter in which it seemed that everything was dead. The world comes filled with color and the scent of delicious greenery. The world that seemed so dull and cold has come alive once again. Little did we know that beneath the cold hard ground the plants and trees were preparing for rebirth. Spring gives us hope for rejuvenation in our own lives as well. Spring is a time to renew the excitement and zest for life that lives inside.

...Funny Joke Russia...

Dorm Happenings

With spring here, we decided it was time for some change. We wiped every surface in the room down, washed the laundry and sheets, opened the window for some fresh air and mopped the floor. Following deep cleaning everything, we started moving the furniture. The room is very small however we still wanted some change. We started moving things around and all of the sudden one of the closets fell apart and crumbled to the ground. With some bent nails we found from the closet and a character shoe, we were able to put it back together.

Janos hard at work.

After some bruised fingers and a long evening, we had everything perfect the way we wanted it. Just another day in Russia.