"Para Siempre Dios este con Vos" (Semana 2.5)

Hola amigos!!

So thus ends another week in the MTC. Life is finally beginning to feel somewhat normal here... except that change is a big part of MTC life. Every Wednesday, new arrivals pile in, and throughout the week, groups of seasoned professionals hit the road to the Salt Lake Airport. This week, my zone mourned the loss of our two wonderful Zone leaders, Elders Moulton and Warner. They are going to do such a wonderful job spreading the joy of the gospel to the people of El Salvador... that is, if they stop walking around with the "Castidad" booklet either sticking out of their pants or strapped to their head...Anyway, I'm sure they'll do awesome. Our new Zone leaders are pretty awesome dudes as well. They aren't exactly as rambunctious as the old ZL's, and therefore almost all of the old traditions have been abolished. White Elephant Friday, Linen's day, and the Pull-up challenge are things of the past. I don't doubt they would have kept the pull-up challenge going, but the President of the MTC, President Martino, called them personally to abolish it himself. He was getting a lot of complaints about how loud we are (most definitely from the Koreans who hate our guts), even though all the noise is coming from the wrestling matches the Tongans have upstairs, that literally shake the building and you can basically hear it anywhere in the MTC. (Definitely not an exaggeration. Also the Koreans totally know it's not us, but something about us really pushes their buttons for some reason.)

ANYWAY, there are more ways to find happiness, for example, Élder Anderson. This week's Anderson Antics were found in a TRC lesson. So the lesson is going pretty well, and Élder Luna is telling the "friend of the church" (again... Not investigator) about the Book of Mormon. Apparently Élder Anderson had been doing a decent job of keeping up with the conversation and, using his book, would add a comment here and there. Well, the lesson was just winding down, and Élder Luna invited the sister to read the Book of Mormon, then, before she could answer, Élder Anderson piped up and said "¿Se bautízara? (Will you be baptized?) I imagine she was shocked, and so she obviously said no. Whats worse was that they just ended the lesson like that. Elder Luna basically closed with a prayer and they went on their way. I can't believe Élder Anderson would do that! I was laughing so hard when he told me about it. I don't think it even fazed him though. He is such a funny guy! 

Speaking of Élder Anderson... My district received some biteersweet news yesterday. Elders Toomer, Holt, Peterson, Luna, and Anderson received a surprise notice that they will be leaving to the Mexico Cuidad CCM on Tuesday. I am a selfish person, so I see this as entirely bad news, as we will have our district split in half and we will lose some of our closest friends. It's funny to think that I've only known these guys for less than 3 weeks and we are all so tight. Something about spending every waking moment with people seems to accelerate friendships. Anyway, that's why the Subject of my email is the title of this hymn. In English, it is "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" On Sunday, I am playing a special musical number in church (Called to Serve), and I have now decided to dedicate it to my dear departing amigos. I'm happy for them. Mexico is going to be so cool! I hope all goes their way.

In other news, choir just got a bit more interesting. Last Tuesday, they passed out slips to anyone who was going to be in the MTC past October 7th. (I'm here until the 17th). The slips were basically a little questionnaire on our singing and sight reading ability and experience. I am nowhere near having perfect pitch (they already pulled those people aside), but I have pretty good relative pitch... I don't know really. Anyway, rumor was that they were choosing people to sing in General Conference. Now that rumor has been confirmed by those people who have perfect pitch and therefore insider information on the choir, since they were told they were chosen for the group. Even if I never receive another letter in the mail, I just want to get one that gets me in that group. That would be the coolest thing! But if not, no big deal, I can cheer my friends on from the MTC. I just can't wait to watch general conference. Apparently President Nelson himself said it was going to be an "exciting" one. I can't wait to see what he does next.

Speaking of General Authorities, I got to see an apostle in real life! On Tuesday, Elder Neil L Anderson spoke to the MTC. He talked about temples and shared some really good insights and advice. I felt the spirit swell in my chest as he spoke, and I know for sure that he is an apostle and prophet of God. As he stood up and began shaking hands (I was in the choir towards the middle of the row, so he never came very close) the entire congregation stood, and as the orga is played postlude, all the missionaries, began to sing "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet" and "The Spirit of God". It was entirely unplanned and it was POWERFUL. I can't wait to hear from another general authority.

Fun fact, there's a district in our Zone whose teacher is Russell M Nelson's granddaughter, and she promised that if they got 100% SYL (Speak your Language) She would let them Face-Time the prophet. Can you believe that? I would never speak English again for that opportunity lol. 

Last night was... Interesting. So Élder Luna and Anderson decided to throw a siesta fiesta as a sort of "goodbye sleepover" or something like that... Anyway, they managed to make a three-layer bunk bed that nearly touched the ceiling, and added another bunk bed to the room. There were also 2 mattresses on the ground and a couch in the corner. I believe that 8 of the 12 elders in our district slept in there last night. Elder Meyers didn't want to and I was undecided, but I eventually just decided to sleep in my own room, figured I might want at least a little bit of sleep, and sticking with your companion(s) is rule number one (Ahem... Elder Jensen). Elder Zaxbys and Taylor also passed up the slumber party. I will include a picture of the setup. It was hilarious. Elder Anderson slept on the top and couldn't even turn over on his side. I'm pretty sure his nose was touching the ceiling. 

This week I also taught my first TRCs!! My "friend of the church", Daniela (Hermana Inzunza) is AMAZING! I have loved teaching her and connecting with her. She is progressing really well and our lessons have gone pretty smoothly... Well as smooth as it gets with 3 teenagers speaking a language they've only been learning for 2 weeks... I really enjoy teaching her and I am so excited to be teaching her again three times this week! 

Last, but not least, there are two birthdays worth mentioning. First of all, Elder Jensen turned 19 this Wednesday, and second of all... ¡¡FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS A MI MAMÁ!! I LOVE YOU MOM! She is turning 19 as well... Wait a second... Something doesn't add up... Anyway, y'all should wish her a happy birthday 

Welp, before I end this incredibly long-winded email, I just want to tell you guys how much I love this gospel. I have had an incredible experience so far here in the MTC. The atmosphere provides opportunities to have spiritual experiences all the time, you simply have to try to have them and pray to have the companionship of the spirit. I have seen the hand of God much more clearly in my life this week as I taught and studied the gospel. The gift of to guess is real, and I have experienced it on a few occasions. I bear my testimony to you that the gospel is true, and that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I know that through repentance and atonement of Jesus Christ, we can all become clean and have eternal life. I know that Joseph Smith restored the true and complete gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days and that by the power of God he translated the Book of Mormon. I love this gospel so much, and I can't wait to spread to my premortal friends in Colorado. Dijo estas cosas en el nombre de Jesucristo, Amén. 

Have a fantabulous week!! 

-- Élder Davís

PICTURES!! 

A nice MTC breakfast complete with Tide Pods... Yum! 

Walking to the Laundry building with Swag

The siesta fiesta setup. Élder Butler (red), Élder Holt (Green), Élder Anderson (gray), and Élder Clarke (In bed)

A nice tie pin for the Colorado Denver South mission... Also it was $10 so I will just leave it on the shelf lol

Jesus es Mi Luz (CCM Semana Dos)

Buenas Dias amigos!! 

So this week was pretty great, and things are finally starting to fell normal here. The first few days here felt like months, but now they just fly by way too fast. There really isn't anything super interesting to talk about since I spend most of my time studying and in classes, but I will try to make this more or less interesting lol.

So zone holidays were awesome this week, as usual. I attempted to wear a sweater on sweater Tuesday, but I soon realized that wearing a sweater in 80 degree weather typically makes one uncomfortable. So I was like, okay, I'll just take it off. Then I realized my mistake. My sweater is very fluffy on the inside, and therefore left a nice layer of black lint all over my white shirt. so I was forced to wear it so I didn't violate dress standards. It was legit like 300 degrees. I have never been happier to change my shirt. On White elephant Friday, I did end up giving elder Huehon a large bag of rocks. He's actually a really big dude, he probably played Rugby or something before his mission, so I don't think it was too cruel. I received a used Wonder Woman Bandaid. I covered the bottom of it with masking tape and then used another piece to stick it on my arm so it looks like I just put it on. Don't worry I'm not gonna get AIDS or anything. Also yesterday, I got the flu shot and I now have this awesome "My Little Pony" bandaid that makes me so happy. On linen's day, I made this awesome layout with a sheet over the door, a sheet laid out on the floor, an altar and covering, and a sacrifice of White-Elephant Bleach. Right after I had finished putting it out, I got a knock on the door. I peeked out and it was a security guard. He asked me what all the "curtains" were for. I told him that it was linens day (of course). He asked it that was a tradition or something and when I told him it was, he laughed and said "Well, I guess that since it isn't hurting anyone, I won't worry about it." Then he went on his way. THE TRADITION LIVES ON.

In Spanish news, I have just finished learning and memorizing the 400 Basic Core Words and Phrases. I am so thankful for your guys's prayers on my behalf, because I am 100% sure I would never have been able to do that on my own. El don de lenguas, verdad? But trust me, it wasn't easy, and I am very far away from being a decent Spanish speaker, but now I have a foundation to build upon. I really felt pretty discouraged when we started learning because I felt like no matter how long I studied, I couldn't retain anything, but as I counselled the Lord and made Him a part of my learning, it started to click. Prayers work, y'all. When in doubt. the Lord will help you out. 

Oh! I almost forgot! I got my TRC "investigator" yesterday! TRC is basically a program where the church takes people who either a) sought out the church and want to know more, or b) member actors to be your "truth seekers" (we're still trying to figure out what to say instead of investigators lol) So for 3 weeks, you teach this person 3 times a week. In these 9 lessons, you practice becoming a missionary and teaching the gospel. I am so excited to meet my seeker in person. Her name is Daniela and she sounds really neat. She's from Chile and her family is Catholic. I am just so excited to meet her... except that the lessons are in 100% Spanish, and I've heard native speakers talk and I don't think I'm learning the same language at all lol. I trust that the spirit will guide me and I will be able to use what I know and interpret what she is saying.

Okay, so my district is obsessed with the hymn "Jesus es mi luz" (The Lord is my Light) and we sing it in every class. Anyway, yesterday Hermano Haywood told us that it was Hermana McDougal's birthday, so he taught us the traditional birthday song from Mexico. When class started, she asked us what hymn we wanted to sing and we decided on "Jesus es mi luz"... what a surprise. Anyway, right when Hermana McDougal began singing, we sang the birthday song instead. It was awesome. We sounded absolutely awful, but it's the thought that counts, right? My district is so tight. We are all best friends and we get along pretty well. Unfortunately, we will probably lose half of the elders pretty soon. The elders going to Mexico are going to the Mexican Consolate this week to get their visas and stuff like that and may be shipped off to the Mexico City CCM. If I am being selfish I would hope that they would have to stay here and they can't go to Mexico for another 4 and a half weeks, but for their sakes I hope everything turns out well and they can go where they are supposed to go. 

Also this coming week, my zone loses 24 missionaries as they head out into the field. That also includes our Zone Leaders. Replacements will probably be called on Sunday. And if half my district actually does leave, we will need a new district leader too. I can't wait to meet them. 

Anyway, hope this wasn't too boring, I'll try to make things more interesting next week.

Dios te acompane hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar,

--Elder Davis el Elder

Una selfie con mis companeros:

Swag al templo:

 District Leader Luna attempting to make a mission vlog on an iPad:

Elder Zaxbys (Elder Peterson) eating his fourth donut... out of seven:

Linen's Day layout:

First Pictures!

This is Maegan :)  The first pictures I got of Sam in the MTC didn't come from Sam.  A missionary from our stake, whom we've never met, visited with Sam in line at the cafeteria.  He texted me the first picture.  I was so excited to see Sam's smiling face!  Elder Vick and his wife are missionaries on their way to Nevada. 

The second picture came from one of our favorite sister missionaries that served in Ohio while we lived there.  Sister Willey works at the MTC now.  She said she was just about to get on an elevator to head home when she felt impressed not to get on.  A moment later Sam walked out of a classroom and they were both shocked to see each other!  How awesome!  This is Sam and his companions and Sister Willey: 

   

PARTY IN THE MTC (Semana 1)

QUE PASAAAAA?? It's day 3 in the MTC, and let me tell you, it is absolutely insane over here.

Let me start at the beginning, on day one, I got my companions. that's right... companionS. I have two. I am in one of the rare, but awesome triple companionships. My companions are Élders Jensen and Meyers. Elder Jensen is from California and Elder Meyers is from Washington State. They are so awesome! Both of them are 18, such as is the norm in the MTC nowadays. Elder Jensen is going to Colorado with me and Elder Jensen is going to Fort Worth, Texas. Elder Jensen and I are the only missionaries going to Colorado Denver Sur Spanish speaking, and Elder Meyers is the only Elder going to Fort Worth Spanish Speaking... As far as we know... 

Well, once we were aquainted, we set right to work. We started learning Spanish first thing once we got there. Luckily, I took 3 years of Spanish in High School, but most of my district has less than 2 years. My companions both have zero. Elder Jensen studied French and Elder Meyers studied Italian. I'm the lucky one I suppose. Anyway,  have been learning a lot and I already know more Spanish than I ever knew before. My District has an assignment to memorize all 400 words, phrases, and scriptures in the next 8 days. I totally got this.... hopefully. I think I would be doing a lot better if High School taught you how to pray and testify and teach... Oh well. 

 In other news, the MTC food is just as good as they say. I have already had biscuits and gravy, grilled chicken, breakfast burritos, fish tacos, and many more tasty foods. 

My Zone consists of all Spanish speakers, and our residence consists of the Spanish speakers, the Koreans, and the Tongans. Apparently the Spanish speakers are a rowdy bunch, so the Koreans hate us. My district has a lot of rituals and traditions that are just hilarious. For example, yesterday was white elephant day. We all went and bought little gifts for our randomly drawn person, and exchanged them that night. The catch to all this is that whatever you receive, you have to carry around with you all p-day. So, it was just my luck that I got a 30 ounce bottle of bleach. "Just in case you get thirsty". I gave my elder some twistable crayons to tape to his shirt. I know that was lame, but I'll be raising the bar next week. I'm thinking a bag of rocks should make a good gift XD. My favorite ritual so far though, is the pull up challenge. When we first got to our residence Wednesday night, some elders asked if we thought we could beat the pull up champion who got ten pull ups. Elder Jensen was all like "that's easy!" So they told him to meet them downstairs in ten minutes. (We live on the second floor) When we went down, our entire zone was there. They all lined up single file, their backs to the wall along the hallway. At the end of the hallway, they hung a sheet from the ceiling and "prepared" Elder Jensen behind it. Then everyone began chanting and an Elder walked out bearing a flag... I think it's like the Croatian flag or something... Anyway, Elder Jensen followed behind. Once at the bar, the flag bearer put the "great chain" Around Elder Jensen's neck. (it was just a chain necklace". Then everyone went silent as he grabbed the bar. Then for every pull up, they chanted the number in spanish "UNO, DOS, TRES, CUATRO, CINCO, SEIS, SIETE, OCHO, NUEVE, DIEZ, DIEZ, DIEZ, DIEZ!!!" At first I was confused, but then I realized the joke. You CAN'T beat the record, you can only meet it. That's why it's unbeatable. After Elder Jensen jumped down, they smeared some shaving cream on his face as an emblem of courage and we were dismissed. I can't wait for the new arrivals to show up on Wednesday, so we can do the same to them. That's the thing about the MTC, you gain seniority very quickly. Once you've been here 3 weeks, you're older than most people there, and its not just about MTC age, you literally look older. Everyone who has been here longer just looks like 20. My zone leaders look 20 and both of them are 18! I don't k is how it works but that's the way it is. This zone also has a lot of other hilarious traditions, but I'll talk about those once I've experienced them. But look forward to reports of Linen day passover, red tie, gray pants day, family dinner, and more. 

Anyway, life here is very different, but in a good way. I feel the spirit daily and I am developing a closer rationship with God with each passing day. I love the gospel even more than I did before. I'll admit Spanish isn't easy,  but I know that if I work hard the gift of tongues can be mine and I can learn a new language. I hope to hear from you all, your emails mean so much to me!

Y por el poder del Espíritu Santo podréis conocer la verdad de todas los cosas (Moroni 10:5)

LOVE Y'ALL,

--Élder Davís Él Élder