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| Elder DeFord in front of the Provo Temple |
Y ahora,
Bienvenidos a la MTC!
I will try to hit all of the important events, but I don't have my journal on me, so here goes.
A
week ago yesterday I entered the MTC. After dropping my bags off at my
residence, we went straight to a class to get my companion.
I
walked in and met those members of my district who were already there,
and then everyone, including Elder Carraway, my companion, trickled in.
Elder Carraway is a great guy, though more of an extrovert than me. He,
along with one other elder, are also going to the Texas Houston East Mission. You'll meet the rest of my district once we actually manage to
get a group picture.
When
I say my district, it takes on a special meaning as on our second day I
was assigned to be the District Leader for my district. Initially, I
was kind of like, what, not Zone Leader? But I soon realized that I am
both where I should and where I want to be. I'm really glad to be
working with my district more closely.
Each
day proceeds roughly the same. Classes in the morning, study or a
workshop, lunch, study, dinner, class, retire to my room. On Saturday we
met our first "investigator", Daniel, who we've taught three times now.
Incidentally,
the fear of me picking up a southern acc'nt is already coming true.
Elder Carraway is from Lousiana, and Elder Barber is from a hick town in
Florida, so I'm surrounded by it. Alright, we have a district photo by
the Provo temple.
From
left to right, we have Elders Kurth, Davey, Barber, Newbie, King,
Strain, me, and Carraway. For the sister's we have sister Rougeou,
Satterwhite, Herbert, Pirente, Kotter. And I love 'em all.
Anyways.
This last Tuesday we had a devotional where Elder Soares spoke, sharing
the impact that missionaries can have. On Sunday, we watched a video of
Elder Bednar called the Character of Christ. It was actually very
powerful, but you should search "Elder Bednar Character of Christ cookie
monster", for a good laugh.
So
I had a humbling experience coming into the MTC. As I was going in, I
had stress induced acid-reflux. The second day it went away and I
realized that it was covering up for a common cold, so I've been sick my
whole MTC stay. Why this was humbling was because my voice was shot--I
didn't have the opportunity to be known for my singing. I had to
actually have a personality ;) However, there are like no piano players
here, so I am getting opportunities to share that talent. Elder Kurth
asked me to accompany him to audition for a musical number, so we'll see
how that goes. I may also prepare my own vocal solo.
Now,
as to communication--I can receive and read emails every day, but can
only reply on p-day. As District Leader it's also my job to pick up
mail, so I get anything you want to send right quick. Mom has my
address, if you want to send me anything physical.
Let's
see. Ah yes. One of our sister's was having a tough time, so I had the
opportunity to give her a blessing for health and comfort. It was a
powerful experience, and it was nice to be trusted to perform that
priesthood blessing. I also was able to receive a blessing from Elder
Carraway for my sickness.
Today
we had the opportunity go to the Provo temple (clearly, from the
pictures). It is sooo much bigger than the temple back home.
My
visit with Michael went well, for everyone taking score back home.
Well, email me any questions, but I'm holding up well so far. If I think
of something I really want to say I'll pass it along.
Love y'all,
Elder DeFord
P.s. guess whose bed is made so well? Uh-huh, that's right. Finally learned how.
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| Elder Carraway and Elder DeFord |
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| Elder Strain and Elder DeFord |
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| Elder Barber and Elder DeFord |
