Mi Familia,
I have been here a long time! I have seen it snow, seen the snow melt, and watched it snow again. I have seen missionaries and a new MTC Presidency come and go. Crazy! But it is going by so fast. I love it here and am learning and growing so much.
Thanks for the Dear Elder, Mom. It is great to here about subbing and what is going on! Although there was really sad news I am glad that I am updated.
On Tuesday night we had a devotional. Elder Evans of the 70 spoke. It was great, he talked about President Monson. The Prophet is an amazing man. I have been studying about prophets and I have learned a lot. Sister Evans also spoke. She talked about how great of an example we are to our siblings. It made me think of Tanner and how much I miss him. I sent a letter to you, bro, for your talk! I hope it is helpful. President Monson also talked about missionary work in the Ensign this month, or so I've heard. I haven't had a chance to read it yet.
Elder Webb left yesterday morning for Peru. It was sad to see him go. Elder Shaw's visa isn't ready so he is sticking around till it is ready. I am happy to spend more time with him, but know he is anxious to leave. We got our new district yesterday. 10 elders! We barely fit in the residence. 8 are going to Mexico (Leon y Monterrey) and 2 to Bolivia. They seem good and we showed them around a little yesterday and will give them the full tour tonight. They seem good and excited to serve. I can tell they really look up to us. I am going to do my best to be a good example!
I am learning so much here. I feel like right now I could put up a pretty good fight if someone wanted to Bible bash. Not that I am ever going to do that, but it's nice to know I can, I suppose. It is so awesome to see how much The Book of Mormon and Bible compliment each other. Isaiah 29:10-11 and Joseph Smith History 1:64-65. That is awesome.
For the TRC this week Elder Peck and I got Sister Carrasco again, and had to teach about the Plan of Salvation. She is so funny. She got out of character more than last time. She is the only one that does! I didn't know if I should bear testimony or if she was just talking about the scriptures as a member of the church. She talked about San Diego, too of course. It makes me excited to really teach.
My friend Marshall Oelkers from BYU got to the MTC this last Wednesday, the 19th. I had been looking for him and didn't see him until this Tuesday, and also yesterday. It was so fun to see a familiar face. He is doing great! He is going to Toronto and will leave on my 5th week. He is the only other person from my BYU ward out right now. I can't wait till Trevor gets here! Speaking of which, two more of my friends from BYU (and BYU ward) got their mission calls. My friend Tanner Skousen is going to Guatemala! The Retalhuleu mission. It is the one just south of me. My EQP also got his call to Oaxaca, which is just west of me! I am going to be surrounded by friends down there. I am so excited so serve with such great guys.
I am doing really well with Spanish and learn more everyday. I am trying to speak it as much as possible, because that is what helps most. I can teach a simple lesson in Spanish, and I am improving so much still. One of the first things I learned was the difference between pecado and pescado. It is essential. Pecado means sin and pescado means fish. I don't want to to tell anyone to be a sinner of men... or to fish no more. That would be bad.
My testimony has grown so much since I have been here. I know without a doubt that this is the true church. I cannot deny it. I love being here and know that this is where I am supposed to be. I love serving the Lord and doing His great work. I wish I could tell everyone in the world what I know.
I love you and miss you. Thanks so much for your prayers and love. And letters. Hope to hear from you soon!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Firmes Creced en la Fe
Mi Familia,
I can't believe I have been gone three weeks! It is going by so fast, and it is hard to decipher what happened on what day. It is pretty funny. Thanks for all of the updates, I think I have a good grasp on what is going on at home which makes me so happy, and hasn't been a distraction at all.
Dad, I was so excited to hear about your business trip. I had been praying that work would go well, and I know that the Lord would have no reason to hold blessings from you. You are a great example to me as a hard worker. When I am having a tough time here, I just think about how you did it and I feel like I can't let you down! Congrats though, and thanks for the update. The snow campout sounded so fun. I wish I could have gone. I started thinking about my own campouts and for the first time saw my life flash to where I am now. I can't believe how fast these 19 years have gone. Speaking of which 10 deacons in the ward! That is crazy. Those boys are going to be great missionaries, and heading out all at the same time. That is so fun. I can't wait till Trevor gets here. I am hoping he gets in our Zone. I am bummed I couldn't go to his farewell. It sounded like a great meeting.
My testimony of the importance of Hymns has grown so much. I love 166 in Spanish which is "Firmes Creced en la Fe" or True to the Faith. I love belting out Si! and No! All Hymns bring the Spirit.
Mom, sounds like subbing is going well! I don't know why anyone would disobey in your class, you're too nice. Thanks for sharing Clark's experiences. That is so awesome when it rained after he prayed. I hope I can have similar experiences.
I am excited to get the new memory card for my camera. The printing machine here broke so I can't send pictures without giving you my card. I will send it soon hopefully.
Zone Leader training is going great. I am learning so much and am so excited to serve. We have a new district coming in tomorrow and I will help them get settled in and and show them a tour on Thursday. We will have around 40 elders in the zone and 4 hermanas- all in my district.
I got my Typhoid shot last Thursday! I am all done with that and my arm has stopped hurting. No peanut butter shot! When I was walking out Elder Peck and I started talking to a Missionary Couple. I said I was from San Diego and they got really excited and told me they were serving at the Mormon Battalion Center down there. I was so happy for them! Especially because I just went there a few weeks ago with Riley and Jordan. I told them all about it and they were smiling and happy.
Lately for Spanish I have been working on past tense a lot. I try to tell stories to my district and they love them. They will always ask to hear a story in Spanish and it has been great practice. Kind of funny.
On Sunday we watched Legacy. It was so good! The part where Eliza (I think that's her name) was very sick really stood out to me. Joseph Smith gave her a blessing and she was able to get up and was fine. It reminded me when I broke my ankle at Philmont. I couldn't walk till I got a blessing from Brother Stotts, Jepson, and Dimmit. I was able to hike miles that day. I am grateful for their example to me.
Elder Shaw and Webb from my district leave to the Peru MTC tomorrow. I am super bummed. I love those Elders and have really bonded with them in these 3 short weeks. It is going to be hard to say bye, especially because I don't know if I will ever see them again.
All is well. I am getting over a cough. It came and went very fast. Thanks for all your letters. I pray for you each night, by name. I miss you, but you are also the ones helping me stay out here. Thanks for your example. I love you!!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
P.S. Natalie- Thanks for the Dear Elder! The mission is going great, I am learning so much. I am excited for your letter and I have put good thought into my next move in the dots game. You will have to tell me what you got on your Bird Project, It sounds awesome. I am happy you read my essays! I hope you thought they weren't too bad. I love you and miss you! I hope 7th grade is going great.
I can't believe I have been gone three weeks! It is going by so fast, and it is hard to decipher what happened on what day. It is pretty funny. Thanks for all of the updates, I think I have a good grasp on what is going on at home which makes me so happy, and hasn't been a distraction at all.
Dad, I was so excited to hear about your business trip. I had been praying that work would go well, and I know that the Lord would have no reason to hold blessings from you. You are a great example to me as a hard worker. When I am having a tough time here, I just think about how you did it and I feel like I can't let you down! Congrats though, and thanks for the update. The snow campout sounded so fun. I wish I could have gone. I started thinking about my own campouts and for the first time saw my life flash to where I am now. I can't believe how fast these 19 years have gone. Speaking of which 10 deacons in the ward! That is crazy. Those boys are going to be great missionaries, and heading out all at the same time. That is so fun. I can't wait till Trevor gets here. I am hoping he gets in our Zone. I am bummed I couldn't go to his farewell. It sounded like a great meeting.
My testimony of the importance of Hymns has grown so much. I love 166 in Spanish which is "Firmes Creced en la Fe" or True to the Faith. I love belting out Si! and No! All Hymns bring the Spirit.
Mom, sounds like subbing is going well! I don't know why anyone would disobey in your class, you're too nice. Thanks for sharing Clark's experiences. That is so awesome when it rained after he prayed. I hope I can have similar experiences.
I am excited to get the new memory card for my camera. The printing machine here broke so I can't send pictures without giving you my card. I will send it soon hopefully.
Zone Leader training is going great. I am learning so much and am so excited to serve. We have a new district coming in tomorrow and I will help them get settled in and and show them a tour on Thursday. We will have around 40 elders in the zone and 4 hermanas- all in my district.
I got my Typhoid shot last Thursday! I am all done with that and my arm has stopped hurting. No peanut butter shot! When I was walking out Elder Peck and I started talking to a Missionary Couple. I said I was from San Diego and they got really excited and told me they were serving at the Mormon Battalion Center down there. I was so happy for them! Especially because I just went there a few weeks ago with Riley and Jordan. I told them all about it and they were smiling and happy.
Lately for Spanish I have been working on past tense a lot. I try to tell stories to my district and they love them. They will always ask to hear a story in Spanish and it has been great practice. Kind of funny.
On Sunday we watched Legacy. It was so good! The part where Eliza (I think that's her name) was very sick really stood out to me. Joseph Smith gave her a blessing and she was able to get up and was fine. It reminded me when I broke my ankle at Philmont. I couldn't walk till I got a blessing from Brother Stotts, Jepson, and Dimmit. I was able to hike miles that day. I am grateful for their example to me.
Elder Shaw and Webb from my district leave to the Peru MTC tomorrow. I am super bummed. I love those Elders and have really bonded with them in these 3 short weeks. It is going to be hard to say bye, especially because I don't know if I will ever see them again.
All is well. I am getting over a cough. It came and went very fast. Thanks for all your letters. I pray for you each night, by name. I miss you, but you are also the ones helping me stay out here. Thanks for your example. I love you!!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
P.S. Natalie- Thanks for the Dear Elder! The mission is going great, I am learning so much. I am excited for your letter and I have put good thought into my next move in the dots game. You will have to tell me what you got on your Bird Project, It sounds awesome. I am happy you read my essays! I hope you thought they weren't too bad. I love you and miss you! I hope 7th grade is going great.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Start of Week 3
Mi Familia,
Hola! Things are going great here at the MTC. Time is starting to go by so fast. I can't believe it. I am learning a lot and doing my best. I love this work more than I can tell you! There's no place I would rather be. At first there were a lot of hard days where I would get discouraged, just about how much I have to learn. I haven't had one for a long time now though! I feel so blessed to be here and the Lord is helping me learn so much.
Mom, I got your last two Dear Elders yesterday, which I love! I prefer them because they come so quickly here. I am not sure how it is going to work in the field, but if they are easier keep sending them! I love hearing back so quickly. I still get to email twice a week, and I think that will continue the whole time at the MTC. And everything is good with the shots, they just wanted to clarify that I had gotten both of the MMR's. I only need typhoid which I might get today. We will see!
Sounds like everyone is doing well at home. Thanks for giving me updates. I love to hear what everyone is doing! I am so glad you are still reading Preach My Gospel. It is so important and everything you need to know about missionary work is in that book. Continue reading it, it will bless your life. In fact, at this point if I was going to give one piece of advice for someone preparing to go on a mission, I would definitely recommend knowing Preach My Gospel the best you can. I can't stress it's importance.
In a week and a half our district will have been here the longest in the zone. Crazy! We will be in the middle of our 4th week. (January 31st.) On Tuesday night Brother Willes, the First Counselor in our Branch Presidency called me and Elder Peck in to talk with him. He asked us if we could be Zone Leaders. I was totally caught off guard. I feel so new here and not ready for that! But I think it will be great because I will learn a lot. It is going to be announced on Sunday and we will shadow the current Zone Leaders until they depart. I am excited and nervous.
I haven't told you too much about my district, so here it goes:
Elder Peck, my companion is from Sandy, Utah. He is a great guy and we are getting along great.
Elder Gabbitus is from Kaysville, Utah and is also going to my mission. He is really smart and is good at singing.
Elder Amijo is his companion. He is also from somewhere in Utah and is going to San Fernando with all of the Hermanas in our district. He is the district leader and is a great example. He is companions with Elder Gabbitas and they share a room with Elder Peck and I.
Elder Shaw is from Baker City, Oregon. He is so funny but so hard working. He is always happy and singing. He is going to Trujillo, Peru with his companion Elder Webb. Elder Webb is from Twin Falls, Idaho and is super cool. He makes me laugh a lot. They are leaving to the Lima MTC in a week. I am really sad that they are going!
The Hermanas are all nice and are all going to San Fernando, CA.
Also on Tuesday we had our weekly devotional. It was awesome. Elder Gong of the Seventy spoke. I think he spoke in conference not too long ago. He told the story about his wife sending fresh bread to their son and his roommates while he was in the MTC. They all wrote thank you notes to Sister Gong and one of them said to remember him if things don't work out with Elder Gong. Haha so yeah, that's the one. He gave an amazing talk. I don't know if those are accessible or not but I would recommend reading it! He talked about so many important things, and a lot of interesting information about the Book of Mormon. My testimony gets strengthened every day here. It is amazing. I feel really bad that I didn't share the gospel more growing up. When I get back from my mission I want to share it with everyone I know. I know without a doubt it is true!
Thanks for all the letters, I get more than one every day. On Tuesday I wrote 19 letters. Loco. Thanks for your love, support and prayers. I miss you all!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Hola! Things are going great here at the MTC. Time is starting to go by so fast. I can't believe it. I am learning a lot and doing my best. I love this work more than I can tell you! There's no place I would rather be. At first there were a lot of hard days where I would get discouraged, just about how much I have to learn. I haven't had one for a long time now though! I feel so blessed to be here and the Lord is helping me learn so much.
Mom, I got your last two Dear Elders yesterday, which I love! I prefer them because they come so quickly here. I am not sure how it is going to work in the field, but if they are easier keep sending them! I love hearing back so quickly. I still get to email twice a week, and I think that will continue the whole time at the MTC. And everything is good with the shots, they just wanted to clarify that I had gotten both of the MMR's. I only need typhoid which I might get today. We will see!
Sounds like everyone is doing well at home. Thanks for giving me updates. I love to hear what everyone is doing! I am so glad you are still reading Preach My Gospel. It is so important and everything you need to know about missionary work is in that book. Continue reading it, it will bless your life. In fact, at this point if I was going to give one piece of advice for someone preparing to go on a mission, I would definitely recommend knowing Preach My Gospel the best you can. I can't stress it's importance.
In a week and a half our district will have been here the longest in the zone. Crazy! We will be in the middle of our 4th week. (January 31st.) On Tuesday night Brother Willes, the First Counselor in our Branch Presidency called me and Elder Peck in to talk with him. He asked us if we could be Zone Leaders. I was totally caught off guard. I feel so new here and not ready for that! But I think it will be great because I will learn a lot. It is going to be announced on Sunday and we will shadow the current Zone Leaders until they depart. I am excited and nervous.
I haven't told you too much about my district, so here it goes:
Elder Peck, my companion is from Sandy, Utah. He is a great guy and we are getting along great.
Elder Gabbitus is from Kaysville, Utah and is also going to my mission. He is really smart and is good at singing.
Elder Amijo is his companion. He is also from somewhere in Utah and is going to San Fernando with all of the Hermanas in our district. He is the district leader and is a great example. He is companions with Elder Gabbitas and they share a room with Elder Peck and I.
Elder Shaw is from Baker City, Oregon. He is so funny but so hard working. He is always happy and singing. He is going to Trujillo, Peru with his companion Elder Webb. Elder Webb is from Twin Falls, Idaho and is super cool. He makes me laugh a lot. They are leaving to the Lima MTC in a week. I am really sad that they are going!
The Hermanas are all nice and are all going to San Fernando, CA.
Also on Tuesday we had our weekly devotional. It was awesome. Elder Gong of the Seventy spoke. I think he spoke in conference not too long ago. He told the story about his wife sending fresh bread to their son and his roommates while he was in the MTC. They all wrote thank you notes to Sister Gong and one of them said to remember him if things don't work out with Elder Gong. Haha so yeah, that's the one. He gave an amazing talk. I don't know if those are accessible or not but I would recommend reading it! He talked about so many important things, and a lot of interesting information about the Book of Mormon. My testimony gets strengthened every day here. It is amazing. I feel really bad that I didn't share the gospel more growing up. When I get back from my mission I want to share it with everyone I know. I know without a doubt it is true!
Thanks for all the letters, I get more than one every day. On Tuesday I wrote 19 letters. Loco. Thanks for your love, support and prayers. I miss you all!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Week 2
Mi Familia,
This week went by so fast. Probably faster than the first Wednesday to that Sunday. I am so busy and got so many letters this week. I feel so loved. I got 19 in 5 days, Tuesday to Saturday. (No mail on MLK day.) Everyone says that I don't need to write back, so I am going to write them all back, or I would have no one to write. It might take a while but I will do it.
I haven't talked too much about what goes on here. The average day starts with waking up at 6:30 to get ready. I am grateful I had early morning seminary or it might be really hard for me. Then we go to class from 7:00 to 7:45 and Elder Peck and I do personal study. I am reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish, which I love. Then we have breakfast from 7:45-8:15. I usually eat Mini Spooners. Then we have gym! I love gym. I play basketball every day we have it. We don't on Sunday and P-day. On p-day we work out by ourselves. Today I suggested all the Elders in the District do yoga because one of the elders used to be an instructor. It was awesome. After gym we have class with Hermano Law till 12:30. Then we have lunch, and back to class at 1:15. Then we finish personal study and to companion study until 2:45 when Hermana Verwer teaches us, which goes till 5:30. Then we have dinner. After dinner I like to do language study, from 6:15 till 9. Then we plan for the next day, go home, and prepare for bed, lights out by 10:30. It is busy but is going by so fast now.
This week I have learned a lot of Spanish. I memorized La Primera Vision (First Vision) in Spanish, learned future and past tenses, and I feel pretty confident going contacting or door to door in Spanish. I am so glad I am learning Spanish, and it is coming along very well.
It is quite funny, everyone at the MTC likes to challenge us. I usually have a ton of activities, talks, and passages to complete. It helps though so I try to be diligent about it.
From our classroom (where we are basically all day) I can see BYU! It is pretty crazy that it is right there, but I try not to dwell on it too much because I miss my friends and ward at school. I hope they are doing well and pray for them often.
Things are going great with Elder Peck and me. He is awesome. He makes me laugh. He always talks to the Hermanas in our zone, asking them how their mornings are going, how they feel, etc. That is usually followed by him telling me how weird it is to talk to girls without flirting, and asking if what he said was appropriate. It cracks me up. We are working hard and get along well.
I got the letter from Jeremy Rios! Thanks for sending it Mom. He wrote a ton of advice and scriptures and it has been really helpful. I miss that guy. Also thanks for the family picture. I have something to hang up! My district wanted to see it and everyone loved it and looked at it for a long time. All of the Hermanas either said Mom looked very young or Tanner was cute.
In gym I have met a couple of random people that I have had connections with. On Thursday I was playing basketball and I met an Elder Bass from West Jordan. I told him my brother in law lived there and asked if he knew the Niederhausers, not expecting him to. Turns out he lived on their street! He took piano lessons from Cecee and knew the whole gang. He said he had seen a picture of Lauren and Seth's wedding announcement on the fridge. It was awesome.
I saw an Elder the other day wearing a Huntington High shirt. I asked him if he knew Maelen Lockhart. He is from their ward! Matt was his seminary teacher. He said he knew the Lockens as well. I can't remember his name but his last name started with a G.
On Sunday we watched the new Joseph Smith video. It was amazing. I want to watch it again so badly. It really strengthened my testimony of him, especially because I had just memorized La Primera Vision. It was one of the most spiritual moments here at the MTC and that means a lot, because the spirit is always strong here. I am learning a lot and the time is starting to go so fast. I love it here and know this is where I supposed to be. I know for a fact this is the true church.
I love you all and hope to hear from you soon. I miss you and pray for each one of you. What is going on in ol’ San Marcos?! Let me know.
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
This week went by so fast. Probably faster than the first Wednesday to that Sunday. I am so busy and got so many letters this week. I feel so loved. I got 19 in 5 days, Tuesday to Saturday. (No mail on MLK day.) Everyone says that I don't need to write back, so I am going to write them all back, or I would have no one to write. It might take a while but I will do it.
I haven't talked too much about what goes on here. The average day starts with waking up at 6:30 to get ready. I am grateful I had early morning seminary or it might be really hard for me. Then we go to class from 7:00 to 7:45 and Elder Peck and I do personal study. I am reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish, which I love. Then we have breakfast from 7:45-8:15. I usually eat Mini Spooners. Then we have gym! I love gym. I play basketball every day we have it. We don't on Sunday and P-day. On p-day we work out by ourselves. Today I suggested all the Elders in the District do yoga because one of the elders used to be an instructor. It was awesome. After gym we have class with Hermano Law till 12:30. Then we have lunch, and back to class at 1:15. Then we finish personal study and to companion study until 2:45 when Hermana Verwer teaches us, which goes till 5:30. Then we have dinner. After dinner I like to do language study, from 6:15 till 9. Then we plan for the next day, go home, and prepare for bed, lights out by 10:30. It is busy but is going by so fast now.
This week I have learned a lot of Spanish. I memorized La Primera Vision (First Vision) in Spanish, learned future and past tenses, and I feel pretty confident going contacting or door to door in Spanish. I am so glad I am learning Spanish, and it is coming along very well.
It is quite funny, everyone at the MTC likes to challenge us. I usually have a ton of activities, talks, and passages to complete. It helps though so I try to be diligent about it.
From our classroom (where we are basically all day) I can see BYU! It is pretty crazy that it is right there, but I try not to dwell on it too much because I miss my friends and ward at school. I hope they are doing well and pray for them often.
Things are going great with Elder Peck and me. He is awesome. He makes me laugh. He always talks to the Hermanas in our zone, asking them how their mornings are going, how they feel, etc. That is usually followed by him telling me how weird it is to talk to girls without flirting, and asking if what he said was appropriate. It cracks me up. We are working hard and get along well.
I got the letter from Jeremy Rios! Thanks for sending it Mom. He wrote a ton of advice and scriptures and it has been really helpful. I miss that guy. Also thanks for the family picture. I have something to hang up! My district wanted to see it and everyone loved it and looked at it for a long time. All of the Hermanas either said Mom looked very young or Tanner was cute.
In gym I have met a couple of random people that I have had connections with. On Thursday I was playing basketball and I met an Elder Bass from West Jordan. I told him my brother in law lived there and asked if he knew the Niederhausers, not expecting him to. Turns out he lived on their street! He took piano lessons from Cecee and knew the whole gang. He said he had seen a picture of Lauren and Seth's wedding announcement on the fridge. It was awesome.
I saw an Elder the other day wearing a Huntington High shirt. I asked him if he knew Maelen Lockhart. He is from their ward! Matt was his seminary teacher. He said he knew the Lockens as well. I can't remember his name but his last name started with a G.
On Sunday we watched the new Joseph Smith video. It was amazing. I want to watch it again so badly. It really strengthened my testimony of him, especially because I had just memorized La Primera Vision. It was one of the most spiritual moments here at the MTC and that means a lot, because the spirit is always strong here. I am learning a lot and the time is starting to go so fast. I love it here and know this is where I supposed to be. I know for a fact this is the true church.
I love you all and hope to hear from you soon. I miss you and pray for each one of you. What is going on in ol’ San Marcos?! Let me know.
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Start of Week 2
Mi Familia,
Hello! I am having the most amazing time here. Since Tuesday, we had a Devotional, and Elder Holland spoke. It was so good, and I don't think I have ever felt the spirit so strongly. He talked about preparing to teach those in our missions. It was the first time the mission has seemed real to me. I realized that I am preparing to invite the people of Mexico to come unto Christ. It makes me want to study harder, which I am not sure is possible. I am so dedicated to this work. I can't wait until it pays off.
The MTC is a very special place. I always feel the spirit! I know we are protected here as missionaries, and there is such a brotherhood with all the Elders. I am often on the verge of tears because I feel so good here. What else gets 2000 19 year-old boys up at 6:30? I can't think of anywhere. Especially because it is so cold here! I am rarely outside but I know it's very cold haha. But I don't need a coat Mom.
Oh and by the way we can't email pictures home. It is a real bummer but I think I might print some out and send them home when I have time. That's another thing, I am always busy! Which is great, because it is busy reading the scriptures and studying Spanish, which is coming along very well.
Tuesday was P-day and was so hectic. There was not very much time to write letters so I apologize to those that I wrote, they are going to be short. And just after I finished I got a letter from Lauren and my whole Home Evening family at BYU! 11 letters. It is the district record. It totally made my week and made me a little "BYU sick." In a good way. I love them and miss them so much! My district was so amazed when they heard. They said things like, "They must have really liked you!" ...Yeah they do! And I love them more than they know. It made my week.
We also got to go to the Temple which was so nice. It was great not to have to worry about what time it is and just relax and be uplifted. I love the Temple and testify that it is the house of the Lord.
There has been a lot of problems with the Visas for Mexico. Apparently around Christmas time they stopped processing them. But three Elders from my zone got to leave today to Northern Mexico. They were only here a week and a half extra. I am praying they will get mine processed in time.
On Monday I saw Johnny Slagle! He works for the Church doing an iPhone app and his office is exactly two floors below the class we are in all day. It was good to see him and talk to him. Sometimes I forget that people exist outside of the MTC. It is weird, but if you've been here you know what I mean.
Another thing about the MTC is the concept of time. It is weird. They say the weeks feel like days and the days feel like weeks. It is so true. If you think back to the morning when you're going to bed it seems so long ago. But then you realize you have been here over a week, and you think, how am I going to learn Spanish in 9 weeks? It is loco.
A new district came in yesterday. They seem good and it is great to get our zone a little bigger. It is really funny, the guys that have been here longer than me seem so much older, but in reality they aren't, they've just been here longer. It is an odd concept, but I am going to take advantage and enjoy not being the youngest ones here. Or newest rather.
Things are going great with Elder Peck and I. He is not related to the Peck's you know Mom, or at least he hasn't heard the names. He did a lot of research on our mission before he got here and he has told me some crazy things about Tuxtla Gutierrez. First of all, I have heard that we only get mail at transfers. Joy. It will be ok though! There are not addresses in most of Chiapas so that's why. Also, instead of bikes, we get machetes or however it's spelled. That way we can cut through the rainforest to get places. Que gran! It is going to be really hot there which will be nice when I get there for about a half hour. So I am excited for that. But in all seriousness I am so glad I am going there and learning Spanish. It is so useful and I cannot wait until I am fluent.
I love it here and all is well. I have to go but I hope to hear from you soon. Adios!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Hello! I am having the most amazing time here. Since Tuesday, we had a Devotional, and Elder Holland spoke. It was so good, and I don't think I have ever felt the spirit so strongly. He talked about preparing to teach those in our missions. It was the first time the mission has seemed real to me. I realized that I am preparing to invite the people of Mexico to come unto Christ. It makes me want to study harder, which I am not sure is possible. I am so dedicated to this work. I can't wait until it pays off.
The MTC is a very special place. I always feel the spirit! I know we are protected here as missionaries, and there is such a brotherhood with all the Elders. I am often on the verge of tears because I feel so good here. What else gets 2000 19 year-old boys up at 6:30? I can't think of anywhere. Especially because it is so cold here! I am rarely outside but I know it's very cold haha. But I don't need a coat Mom.
Oh and by the way we can't email pictures home. It is a real bummer but I think I might print some out and send them home when I have time. That's another thing, I am always busy! Which is great, because it is busy reading the scriptures and studying Spanish, which is coming along very well.
Tuesday was P-day and was so hectic. There was not very much time to write letters so I apologize to those that I wrote, they are going to be short. And just after I finished I got a letter from Lauren and my whole Home Evening family at BYU! 11 letters. It is the district record. It totally made my week and made me a little "BYU sick." In a good way. I love them and miss them so much! My district was so amazed when they heard. They said things like, "They must have really liked you!" ...Yeah they do! And I love them more than they know. It made my week.
We also got to go to the Temple which was so nice. It was great not to have to worry about what time it is and just relax and be uplifted. I love the Temple and testify that it is the house of the Lord.
There has been a lot of problems with the Visas for Mexico. Apparently around Christmas time they stopped processing them. But three Elders from my zone got to leave today to Northern Mexico. They were only here a week and a half extra. I am praying they will get mine processed in time.
On Monday I saw Johnny Slagle! He works for the Church doing an iPhone app and his office is exactly two floors below the class we are in all day. It was good to see him and talk to him. Sometimes I forget that people exist outside of the MTC. It is weird, but if you've been here you know what I mean.
Another thing about the MTC is the concept of time. It is weird. They say the weeks feel like days and the days feel like weeks. It is so true. If you think back to the morning when you're going to bed it seems so long ago. But then you realize you have been here over a week, and you think, how am I going to learn Spanish in 9 weeks? It is loco.
A new district came in yesterday. They seem good and it is great to get our zone a little bigger. It is really funny, the guys that have been here longer than me seem so much older, but in reality they aren't, they've just been here longer. It is an odd concept, but I am going to take advantage and enjoy not being the youngest ones here. Or newest rather.
Things are going great with Elder Peck and I. He is not related to the Peck's you know Mom, or at least he hasn't heard the names. He did a lot of research on our mission before he got here and he has told me some crazy things about Tuxtla Gutierrez. First of all, I have heard that we only get mail at transfers. Joy. It will be ok though! There are not addresses in most of Chiapas so that's why. Also, instead of bikes, we get machetes or however it's spelled. That way we can cut through the rainforest to get places. Que gran! It is going to be really hot there which will be nice when I get there for about a half hour. So I am excited for that. But in all seriousness I am so glad I am going there and learning Spanish. It is so useful and I cannot wait until I am fluent.
I love it here and all is well. I have to go but I hope to hear from you soon. Adios!
Con Amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
First Letter!
Mi familia!
I only have 30 minutes so it is going to be short. I love the MTC. My companion is Elder Peck. He is from Sandy, Utah and is going to my same mission. He comes from a split family. He is a little older because he stayed home to be with his family. I love him to death. He is so kind and we get along very well. I couldn't have asked for a better companion. He is dedicated which makes it so easy.
It was nice to spend time with Lauren and say bye. I flew with those two missionaries. Elder Rice I met before, he is in the Del Mar Stake. Elder Sulzen is from Ramona and was in my mission prep. The first day was hectic. It was so hard to transition that quickly, but every day since then has been so much easier. I moved my stuff into my room and got a ton of books and the water bottle to purify water. I got a dictionary, two books with Missionary words and sentences in Spanish, another Spanish Review book and I think that is it. We were supposed to get a Spanish Preach My Gospel but they ran out so I don't have one yet, but I will soon. I am learning so much Spanish. I am glad that that is the language I am learning. It is going to be so useful after! I can already pray, bear testimony, and say Su Objectivo (Our Purpose) as a missionary in Spanish. I also know some small talk and words that I just throw into my English. It is the best!
I love my district. We are like a family. I feel like I can talk to any of them. Two of the Elders are going to Peru and are going to be transferring to the Peru MTC in 2 and a half weeks which I am really bummed about because they are awesome and they feel like hermanos. Three of us are going to Tuxtla Gutierrez, and 4 hermanas and one elder are going to San Fernando. They are all so nice! Our Zone is very small. It is about 25 total so about 15 before we came to the Zone. They are nice and we have great Zone leaders. Our District leader is the Elder going to San Fernando. He is a great guy and leads us well. We do service two times a week and everyone says we have the best one! We set up chairs for the devotionals and firesides. It is much better than mopping stairways, cleaning bathrooms, etc. We have service today that cuts into our P-day which is awesome! We get to email home twice a week! I will email on thursday as well. That is another thing, please do not send me emails while I am here at the MTC! I don't have much time to write and a Dear Elder response would be best because I am very slow at typing, and we have to read the emails during the time, if that makes sense.
I love my teachers. Hermano Law is new and Hermana Verwer has taught here for a while. They are so great! They both went to Chile on their missions. They are teaching us so much Spanish. Thay rarely talk in only English. I understand most of it but am still learning. I am excited to work with them.
The food at the MTC is great, so far. It is just like the cannon center but looks like it is inside of an old church building. I am not gaining weight so far! But the packages of food have been gladly accepted. Please don't send my any for a while though, or you will have to send my new slacks as well.
Yesterday we went to the TRC or Teaching Resource Center. We practice making contacts and then teach a lesson with volunteers. We had an elderly lady, probably in her 80's. She spoke Spanish so slowly for us and I understood just about all of it, but responding was so hard! I told her I was from San Diego and she said that is where she is from as well! She was so excited. We began to tell her a little about our church and when she found out we were Mormon she starting bashing us. I knew what to say in English! But not in espanol. She didn't want to meet with us again but said she would if Elder Peck brought her San Diego friend. By the end of the conversation we were talking about San Diego in English, and she was totally out of character. We took too long, the contact was supposed to take like 2 minutes and we were in there for like 10. We told her we had to go and then came back to teach a lesson. By the end of the lesson we were talking about San Diego in english again, out of charater once again. She told me to visit her in La Jolla when I get back from my mission, and also added that we need to convert Elder Peck (because he was from Utah.) I think it went well, other then the fact that I was not able to talk about our church at all.
I have seen a lot of Elders I know and I will have to tell you about it on Thursday!
I am so glad to be here. I know it is where the Lord wants me. I am learning and I know that is through divine assistance. Thank you to everyone who has written me and for the packages! I love you all. I am out of time!
Sus extrano!
Con amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
I only have 30 minutes so it is going to be short. I love the MTC. My companion is Elder Peck. He is from Sandy, Utah and is going to my same mission. He comes from a split family. He is a little older because he stayed home to be with his family. I love him to death. He is so kind and we get along very well. I couldn't have asked for a better companion. He is dedicated which makes it so easy.
It was nice to spend time with Lauren and say bye. I flew with those two missionaries. Elder Rice I met before, he is in the Del Mar Stake. Elder Sulzen is from Ramona and was in my mission prep. The first day was hectic. It was so hard to transition that quickly, but every day since then has been so much easier. I moved my stuff into my room and got a ton of books and the water bottle to purify water. I got a dictionary, two books with Missionary words and sentences in Spanish, another Spanish Review book and I think that is it. We were supposed to get a Spanish Preach My Gospel but they ran out so I don't have one yet, but I will soon. I am learning so much Spanish. I am glad that that is the language I am learning. It is going to be so useful after! I can already pray, bear testimony, and say Su Objectivo (Our Purpose) as a missionary in Spanish. I also know some small talk and words that I just throw into my English. It is the best!
I love my district. We are like a family. I feel like I can talk to any of them. Two of the Elders are going to Peru and are going to be transferring to the Peru MTC in 2 and a half weeks which I am really bummed about because they are awesome and they feel like hermanos. Three of us are going to Tuxtla Gutierrez, and 4 hermanas and one elder are going to San Fernando. They are all so nice! Our Zone is very small. It is about 25 total so about 15 before we came to the Zone. They are nice and we have great Zone leaders. Our District leader is the Elder going to San Fernando. He is a great guy and leads us well. We do service two times a week and everyone says we have the best one! We set up chairs for the devotionals and firesides. It is much better than mopping stairways, cleaning bathrooms, etc. We have service today that cuts into our P-day which is awesome! We get to email home twice a week! I will email on thursday as well. That is another thing, please do not send me emails while I am here at the MTC! I don't have much time to write and a Dear Elder response would be best because I am very slow at typing, and we have to read the emails during the time, if that makes sense.
I love my teachers. Hermano Law is new and Hermana Verwer has taught here for a while. They are so great! They both went to Chile on their missions. They are teaching us so much Spanish. Thay rarely talk in only English. I understand most of it but am still learning. I am excited to work with them.
The food at the MTC is great, so far. It is just like the cannon center but looks like it is inside of an old church building. I am not gaining weight so far! But the packages of food have been gladly accepted. Please don't send my any for a while though, or you will have to send my new slacks as well.
Yesterday we went to the TRC or Teaching Resource Center. We practice making contacts and then teach a lesson with volunteers. We had an elderly lady, probably in her 80's. She spoke Spanish so slowly for us and I understood just about all of it, but responding was so hard! I told her I was from San Diego and she said that is where she is from as well! She was so excited. We began to tell her a little about our church and when she found out we were Mormon she starting bashing us. I knew what to say in English! But not in espanol. She didn't want to meet with us again but said she would if Elder Peck brought her San Diego friend. By the end of the conversation we were talking about San Diego in English, and she was totally out of character. We took too long, the contact was supposed to take like 2 minutes and we were in there for like 10. We told her we had to go and then came back to teach a lesson. By the end of the lesson we were talking about San Diego in english again, out of charater once again. She told me to visit her in La Jolla when I get back from my mission, and also added that we need to convert Elder Peck (because he was from Utah.) I think it went well, other then the fact that I was not able to talk about our church at all.
I have seen a lot of Elders I know and I will have to tell you about it on Thursday!
I am so glad to be here. I know it is where the Lord wants me. I am learning and I know that is through divine assistance. Thank you to everyone who has written me and for the packages! I love you all. I am out of time!
Sus extrano!
Con amor,
Elder Riley Stevenson
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