Well, I have been here another week...10 full weeks...too fast.
Let's see what has happened...on Sunday for fireside, we had some professor at BYU who was an expert on Joseph Smith, so that was pretty awesome. I was like a fat kid in a candy store during that.
Well, because we have so much time on our hands...Elder McQuivey and I are taking this opputinity to teach as much as we can. It really is paying off. We try to teach 4-5 lessons a day...that is pretty good for the MTC.
One experience that is cool, that I will share is this: We were teaching a teacher in Brazil on skype...her name was Sister Gasper...she was playing a person named Aline who she taught on her mission. We wanted to committ her baptism that day we taught. She got really concerned because her family was really against it. The spirit was really strong. After a while I just stopped and asked..(this was not me talking it was the spirit)...Do you believe in the Book of Mormon?...I believe..Do you believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet?...I believe...Do you believe that this church is true?..I believe...Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized?...I will...It was so amazing...and we also promised blessings and everything. We found out after the fact...sister gasper told us she did almost the exact same way that we did. It was amazing.
I have learned this week that as an authorized represtative of Jesus Christ...I have the authority to promise blessings to people. That had not clicked with me before. That was pretty cool.
Tuesday we had Elder David F. Evans from the 70...that was pretty cool. He spoke about the Book of Mormon...he spoke for like an hour and a half...but it was a blast. His talk prompted me to start reading the Book of Mormon...so I have started over once again. But I really am taking my time with it...like it has taken me 2 days to get through one chapter. I love it. To all that read this letter...read the book of Mormon, you will feel spirit...I know that because I have felt this joy in my life.
There is not a lot to report... the mtc is a lot of the same everyday.
Oh yeah remember Abby Goode from Advance Eye Care...She is on a mission now she got here this week...she is going to Pocatello, Idaho...that's 2 from charlotte now. The other is Blake...I have seen like 20 people that I have known here at the MTC. I love it.
Still no visas...oh well...perhaps I have more to learn here in Provo...I just need to keep doing my best. The mission really takes a lot of energy out of a person. Pray for visas...so that this great blessing of the gospel can be taken to those people that are ready for the message.
Muito Amor
Elder Athans
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tudo Bem minha familia e meus amigos
Wow, I love being on a mission. There is nothing better, and the best part about it is that I am still in the MTC...the field is gonna be amazing. Well, we got 8 visas this week.....all to the younger kids.
We became a mega distict this week. What this means is that we don't have a teacher and we decide what we do with our time here in the MTC. Some of the older mega districters gave us the advice to treat it as if you actually were in the field. To be honest, I have done just that and it has made all the difference. Elder McQuivey and I set our goals on what number of lessons we want to teach, how many referalls and etc. We teach our investigators on skype or other companionships. We treat them as real investigators by...praying for them, studying for them, filling out the area book. It is one of the coolest feelings ever.
So I had the scariest experience of my entire mission this week. So, the branch that I am in here at the MTC is all portuguese, and each week they have all the missionaries prepare a talk on a christ-like attribute from chapter 6 of PMG. Then they call 2 elders at random during sacrament to give the talk. One of the counslers who I know pretty well...and I guess knows me conducted. The first person called was a kid named Elder Swanson...he is a few weeks younger than me and is also going to Vitoria, and then I was called up. I was so nervous, and you know me, I never get nervous about talking...but in portuguese...wow talk about scary. I am gratefrul for that opportunity; it was a chance to grow and learn.
This week they had a training for new MTC presidents and director of vistor centers...so we had a lot of general authoirites here. We had L. Tom Perry speak to us again. It was good. He taught the first lesson very simply for us so that was pretty legit.
Well I am still here in Provo and still learning a lot. One of my teachers, Brother Smith brought in mission pics and shared stories from his mission in Brazil. That made me very excited. He is the one that grew up in Holladay.
Well, Sister Swope will leave before me.....haha.
So thats about it. The gospel is still true...I will get to Brazil but until then the Lord has a purpose for me here in Provo.
The church is true
Te Amo
Elder Athans
We became a mega distict this week. What this means is that we don't have a teacher and we decide what we do with our time here in the MTC. Some of the older mega districters gave us the advice to treat it as if you actually were in the field. To be honest, I have done just that and it has made all the difference. Elder McQuivey and I set our goals on what number of lessons we want to teach, how many referalls and etc. We teach our investigators on skype or other companionships. We treat them as real investigators by...praying for them, studying for them, filling out the area book. It is one of the coolest feelings ever.
So I had the scariest experience of my entire mission this week. So, the branch that I am in here at the MTC is all portuguese, and each week they have all the missionaries prepare a talk on a christ-like attribute from chapter 6 of PMG. Then they call 2 elders at random during sacrament to give the talk. One of the counslers who I know pretty well...and I guess knows me conducted. The first person called was a kid named Elder Swanson...he is a few weeks younger than me and is also going to Vitoria, and then I was called up. I was so nervous, and you know me, I never get nervous about talking...but in portuguese...wow talk about scary. I am gratefrul for that opportunity; it was a chance to grow and learn.
This week they had a training for new MTC presidents and director of vistor centers...so we had a lot of general authoirites here. We had L. Tom Perry speak to us again. It was good. He taught the first lesson very simply for us so that was pretty legit.
Well I am still here in Provo and still learning a lot. One of my teachers, Brother Smith brought in mission pics and shared stories from his mission in Brazil. That made me very excited. He is the one that grew up in Holladay.
Well, Sister Swope will leave before me.....haha.
So thats about it. The gospel is still true...I will get to Brazil but until then the Lord has a purpose for me here in Provo.
The church is true
Te Amo
Elder Athans
Monday, January 11, 2010
Tudo Bem Toda Pessoas
Tudo bem in portuguese for "How are you?" but it literally means all is well...It is used in the hymn, Come, Come Ye Saints...I use that as my subject because that is my feelings...tudo bem.
This week truely has been extraordinary and ordinary all at the same time if that is possible. Hahaha...
Monday, I went to the doctor again...He said my foot looked good...but to discourage anymore growth he put some acid stuff on it. But, because of the acid I could not shower till tomorrow (Saturday). So, I had to take a bath in the MTC....yeah pretty gross hahaha. The day I did take a bath some thing happened and I was in a lot of pain. I wanted to die, but, the foot feels good now. I have been able to walk on it just fine, so much better than last time.
Tuesday, Elder Ringwood from the 70 spoke to us. He was awesome because he talked about enduring to the end and it was very inspiring. Lets see, I did cancel that life insurance policy thing or catusportific (good one Zach).... whatever.
The visa situation....still not here because I am still in provo. None this week that I know of. This is our last week of regular class before we become a megadistrict. What that means is that we have the entire day to decide what we do because our teachers have to move on to teach other districts. Its okay though because I have realized something...I am on the Lord's time...He is calling the shots...If he needs me to be here in Provo, I will stay.
One really cool and spiritual experience I have had this week is this. Our teacher talked to us a bit about prayer and read from the Joseph Smith story. He then let us spread out and just pray for like an hour. It was amazing. When you just stop and take time to really pray...you run out of the superfical prayer stuff and really get down to some good prayers and holy communication with father. He really does answer...at times it was like he was literally talking to me. I really can't describe it...I got some very poignant information. One of the revealtions i will share. I was praying about the visas and the answer came in time. Amazing and then to top it off I got a letter from dad that same day and it was also like a second testimony of what my father in heaven told me. Prayer is so real. I remember the overwelming feeling of love I got from it. Indescribable.
Correction: Nehiamah was techinically on a mountain because he was in Jerusalem. Mark Hall taught me that, so sorry for last week.
Mark Hall sent me another package...so amazing. He sent me a muscial card and it was tommy boy themed. what more could you ask for and then it gets better. He sent pics of the fam...and cards his girls drew for me and a few letters from him.....and the best part he sent me a University of Utah Tie. Amazing right hahaha... he said it was the only one he had and he gave it to me. I love it...and I am wearing it. Sorry mom, dad, Aunt Cindy, Grandpa and everyone else.
The mission is a very hard and demanding thing, but I am a living breathing example and god does qualify those him he calls.
The gospel is true even in portuguese....I mean especially in portuguese. The Lord has a great work for me and all of us to do...we just need to do it.
All for now, Thanks every one for the love and support.
Te Amo
Elder Athans
This week truely has been extraordinary and ordinary all at the same time if that is possible. Hahaha...
Monday, I went to the doctor again...He said my foot looked good...but to discourage anymore growth he put some acid stuff on it. But, because of the acid I could not shower till tomorrow (Saturday). So, I had to take a bath in the MTC....yeah pretty gross hahaha. The day I did take a bath some thing happened and I was in a lot of pain. I wanted to die, but, the foot feels good now. I have been able to walk on it just fine, so much better than last time.
Tuesday, Elder Ringwood from the 70 spoke to us. He was awesome because he talked about enduring to the end and it was very inspiring. Lets see, I did cancel that life insurance policy thing or catusportific (good one Zach).... whatever.
The visa situation....still not here because I am still in provo. None this week that I know of. This is our last week of regular class before we become a megadistrict. What that means is that we have the entire day to decide what we do because our teachers have to move on to teach other districts. Its okay though because I have realized something...I am on the Lord's time...He is calling the shots...If he needs me to be here in Provo, I will stay.
One really cool and spiritual experience I have had this week is this. Our teacher talked to us a bit about prayer and read from the Joseph Smith story. He then let us spread out and just pray for like an hour. It was amazing. When you just stop and take time to really pray...you run out of the superfical prayer stuff and really get down to some good prayers and holy communication with father. He really does answer...at times it was like he was literally talking to me. I really can't describe it...I got some very poignant information. One of the revealtions i will share. I was praying about the visas and the answer came in time. Amazing and then to top it off I got a letter from dad that same day and it was also like a second testimony of what my father in heaven told me. Prayer is so real. I remember the overwelming feeling of love I got from it. Indescribable.
Correction: Nehiamah was techinically on a mountain because he was in Jerusalem. Mark Hall taught me that, so sorry for last week.
Mark Hall sent me another package...so amazing. He sent me a muscial card and it was tommy boy themed. what more could you ask for and then it gets better. He sent pics of the fam...and cards his girls drew for me and a few letters from him.....and the best part he sent me a University of Utah Tie. Amazing right hahaha... he said it was the only one he had and he gave it to me. I love it...and I am wearing it. Sorry mom, dad, Aunt Cindy, Grandpa and everyone else.
The mission is a very hard and demanding thing, but I am a living breathing example and god does qualify those him he calls.
The gospel is true even in portuguese....I mean especially in portuguese. The Lord has a great work for me and all of us to do...we just need to do it.
All for now, Thanks every one for the love and support.
Te Amo
Elder Athans
Monday, January 4, 2010
Tudo bem!
Well, this week has been exciting as always. I will start with visa news. We got 50 visas this week. Mine was not in it, but our district leaders was.... hahaha. So yeah...that's where we are. I hope we get another batch on monday...if I do get that I will call you for like 5 minutes...yeah pretty exciting I know.
Lets see....well Monday I had to go to the podiatrist...no insurance..but the doctor helps missionaries for free...so it was good...I went because of my wart....it came back with a vengence...he cut it out again just like last time. I think that he went deeper this time. it bleed a lot more which actually had me concerned. I even got a blessing because i was concerned about the bleeding. I went to the nurse the next day and she told me to stay off my feet. That was Wednesday when the new missionaries come in...I was supposed to host...which means you just walk all the newbies around and help them. I couldn't do that because of the nurse...so while I did that got to work on português with my teacher, Irmão Smith, for like 2 hours just us. So that was pretty much my week. I go back to the doctor on monday. I can actually walk on it without it hurting too bad. That is a blessing from serving.
I got a package from Aunt Cindy with goodies in it.
Last Saturday I placed a set of missionaries for a girl who called in at the Referral center.
New Years was kinda of dead....not a whole lot of excitement.
I have learned today from my study about repentence. I like the talk by Elder Andersen ...repent that I may hear you....I like it because our families are blessed when we repent.
So tomorrow I am gonna fast for the visas. I have a big hope for Monday that it will come...but if not...the church is still true and I am where I need to be.
Hows the house? Mail me pics if you can.
How's Tazie?
We taught in the teaching resource center again yesterday. We taught the 2nd lesson for the first time. It wasn't too bad. Its weird to think I have been out almost 2 months...craziness!!!!
Thanks for all the support you guys give me.
How did my Christmas letters turn out...anyone cry? Hahahaha!!!
Well, that's all for now.
Te Amo,
Elder Athans
Lets see....well Monday I had to go to the podiatrist...no insurance..but the doctor helps missionaries for free...so it was good...I went because of my wart....it came back with a vengence...he cut it out again just like last time. I think that he went deeper this time. it bleed a lot more which actually had me concerned. I even got a blessing because i was concerned about the bleeding. I went to the nurse the next day and she told me to stay off my feet. That was Wednesday when the new missionaries come in...I was supposed to host...which means you just walk all the newbies around and help them. I couldn't do that because of the nurse...so while I did that got to work on português with my teacher, Irmão Smith, for like 2 hours just us. So that was pretty much my week. I go back to the doctor on monday. I can actually walk on it without it hurting too bad. That is a blessing from serving.
I got a package from Aunt Cindy with goodies in it.
Last Saturday I placed a set of missionaries for a girl who called in at the Referral center.
New Years was kinda of dead....not a whole lot of excitement.
I have learned today from my study about repentence. I like the talk by Elder Andersen ...repent that I may hear you....I like it because our families are blessed when we repent.
So tomorrow I am gonna fast for the visas. I have a big hope for Monday that it will come...but if not...the church is still true and I am where I need to be.
Hows the house? Mail me pics if you can.
How's Tazie?
We taught in the teaching resource center again yesterday. We taught the 2nd lesson for the first time. It wasn't too bad. Its weird to think I have been out almost 2 months...craziness!!!!
Thanks for all the support you guys give me.
How did my Christmas letters turn out...anyone cry? Hahahaha!!!
Well, that's all for now.
Te Amo,
Elder Athans
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Oí From the Great State of Utah
Happy Christmas everyone. This week really has been an eye opener for me in lots of ways. I will start out with the not so great news and then i will get to the better news.
Well, yesterday we had a TRC (teaching resource center). We taught in português the first lesson. My português is really coming along. The gift of tongues is real; I testify of that. But, I really wasnt feeling it. I had an interview with one of my teachers afterwards...they have to interview us every week and let our branch president know about us. I was interviewed my Irmão Flanigan (a really great man). For some reason I just couldn't hold back my tears. I just bawled which is really not like me to do much anymore. I don't cry much. I learned that the evil that is pride has gotten to me and I need to work on my humility. I learned that humility is being able to trust in the Lord that he will help you accomplish all that he requires of you. Pride is trusting in your own abilities. I have been trusting in my own abiliites too much. My pride has brought my very low...but when are brought low... that is when can begin to excerise faith in our beloved Reedeemer who can make more out of us that we ever could. Humility is what I am going to work on this week.
Well updates..earlier this week I got to go off campus and go with my companion to the doctor...just a case of athletes foot haha...it was fun...the best part was riding in the van....its been six weeks too long...
We were visited on Tuesday by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the quorom of 12. He was awesome. His famous tagline for that talk was this know ye the condensention of God. The spirit was very strong with him. I have been singing in the MTC choir, so I got to sing for him.
On 12/23 we had a district night, where the 8 of us and our 2 teachers in the district....each went around and said what we liked about the other one. We did it for everyone. It really did make us all feel better. Tthe spirit of Christ is to build up not break down. One of the sisters, Sister Riggs said one thing in particular that I really liked...it was two qualities she admired in me...maturity (no idea haha) and enthusaism (rubbing my hands together when i get excited...thanks pai). The spirit was very strong there.
We did a district-wide white elephant gift exchange with a 2 dollar limit. I got a retractable sharpie and a pocket protector for my item to put in the pot...but, I ended up liking it so much I actually did end up walking away with it.... and yes, I do wear a pocket protector and proud of it.
Last night, we had a special fireside from the MTC presidency. Elder McQuivey and I got to sit front row. That was cool. There were testimonies shared and and music performed. The spirit truely was there. One of the most touching pieces was a harp composition played by Sister Smart (Elizabeth). I enjoyed it.
I kept the traditon going from the Athans family. I read Luke 2 by myself and opened one present. Amy, I opened the pack of gum...I thought is was very ironic because missionaries are not supposed to chew gum.....sorry. Thank you anyways.
This morning my companion and myself got up way early.... like 5:45 to do our laundry. It is still p-day for us hahahaha....we had it done by 7:45 i think...we waited for a good seat for the devotional this morning too haha...we had Elder L. Tom Perry of the 12 there this morning...that was pretty cool...he rocks....I am grateful for this opporutunity to serve the Lord.
So, I opened my presents thank you so much...I love them so much.....a lot of candy...actually, I have kinda stoped eating candy but i guess I will start up again. Thanks for the suspenders they rock...I put them on immediately.
Tell Aunt Shelia and Whitney thanks for me...their gift was way too generous. Amy, I love the gifts...if it don't finish the candy here...I will in Brazil..... not that I know if I am going yet. We got 10 more visas this week. I hope soon...because we only have 2 weeks left before we become a mega district.
One quick concept that I have learned this week is the importance of a study journal. I have my regualar journal yes...but it is important to have a journal which you keep your insights and revelations from the scriptues in. My testimony has increased because of this. I learned how I can best use mine too. I write out my thought processes in sentences rather than bullets. It really has helped.
One thing...I am not on a mountain. The prophet Nehemiah never was...he was rebuilding the walls at jersalem. I am doing a great work so that I cannnot come down.
My hope and testimony is that this season we will remember who this holiday is about....our Saviour Jesus Cristo. He leads this work. He was the babe of belém. We only make it through his merits, mercy, and grace.
I love you all.
Pray for me and I do for you.
I know this work is important.....the most important one
I love you all so much,
Elder Athans
Well, yesterday we had a TRC (teaching resource center). We taught in português the first lesson. My português is really coming along. The gift of tongues is real; I testify of that. But, I really wasnt feeling it. I had an interview with one of my teachers afterwards...they have to interview us every week and let our branch president know about us. I was interviewed my Irmão Flanigan (a really great man). For some reason I just couldn't hold back my tears. I just bawled which is really not like me to do much anymore. I don't cry much. I learned that the evil that is pride has gotten to me and I need to work on my humility. I learned that humility is being able to trust in the Lord that he will help you accomplish all that he requires of you. Pride is trusting in your own abilities. I have been trusting in my own abiliites too much. My pride has brought my very low...but when are brought low... that is when can begin to excerise faith in our beloved Reedeemer who can make more out of us that we ever could. Humility is what I am going to work on this week.
Well updates..earlier this week I got to go off campus and go with my companion to the doctor...just a case of athletes foot haha...it was fun...the best part was riding in the van....its been six weeks too long...
We were visited on Tuesday by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the quorom of 12. He was awesome. His famous tagline for that talk was this know ye the condensention of God. The spirit was very strong with him. I have been singing in the MTC choir, so I got to sing for him.
On 12/23 we had a district night, where the 8 of us and our 2 teachers in the district....each went around and said what we liked about the other one. We did it for everyone. It really did make us all feel better. Tthe spirit of Christ is to build up not break down. One of the sisters, Sister Riggs said one thing in particular that I really liked...it was two qualities she admired in me...maturity (no idea haha) and enthusaism (rubbing my hands together when i get excited...thanks pai). The spirit was very strong there.
We did a district-wide white elephant gift exchange with a 2 dollar limit. I got a retractable sharpie and a pocket protector for my item to put in the pot...but, I ended up liking it so much I actually did end up walking away with it.... and yes, I do wear a pocket protector and proud of it.
Last night, we had a special fireside from the MTC presidency. Elder McQuivey and I got to sit front row. That was cool. There were testimonies shared and and music performed. The spirit truely was there. One of the most touching pieces was a harp composition played by Sister Smart (Elizabeth). I enjoyed it.
I kept the traditon going from the Athans family. I read Luke 2 by myself and opened one present. Amy, I opened the pack of gum...I thought is was very ironic because missionaries are not supposed to chew gum.....sorry. Thank you anyways.
This morning my companion and myself got up way early.... like 5:45 to do our laundry. It is still p-day for us hahahaha....we had it done by 7:45 i think...we waited for a good seat for the devotional this morning too haha...we had Elder L. Tom Perry of the 12 there this morning...that was pretty cool...he rocks....I am grateful for this opporutunity to serve the Lord.
So, I opened my presents thank you so much...I love them so much.....a lot of candy...actually, I have kinda stoped eating candy but i guess I will start up again. Thanks for the suspenders they rock...I put them on immediately.
Tell Aunt Shelia and Whitney thanks for me...their gift was way too generous. Amy, I love the gifts...if it don't finish the candy here...I will in Brazil..... not that I know if I am going yet. We got 10 more visas this week. I hope soon...because we only have 2 weeks left before we become a mega district.
One quick concept that I have learned this week is the importance of a study journal. I have my regualar journal yes...but it is important to have a journal which you keep your insights and revelations from the scriptues in. My testimony has increased because of this. I learned how I can best use mine too. I write out my thought processes in sentences rather than bullets. It really has helped.
One thing...I am not on a mountain. The prophet Nehemiah never was...he was rebuilding the walls at jersalem. I am doing a great work so that I cannnot come down.
My hope and testimony is that this season we will remember who this holiday is about....our Saviour Jesus Cristo. He leads this work. He was the babe of belém. We only make it through his merits, mercy, and grace.
I love you all.
Pray for me and I do for you.
I know this work is important.....the most important one
I love you all so much,
Elder Athans
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Feliz Natal
Feliz Natal Família,
Well, just another P-day here in the Provo MTC. I did a sesssion at the temple this morning. That was good. Oh yeah, I saw Allen a few minutes ago. He wants me to sign up to do a class with him. Hahaha, we will see. Oh yeah, remember the Noels from Charlotte mission president? I saw sister Noel here. They just got back from a mission in Alaska.
Thank you for the packages. I got three: Amy, Mom, and Aunt Cindy. I have not opened them. Mom, did you send my debit card in my Christmas package?
You should be receiving an envelope from me very soon. Open it on Christmas Day with the entire family.
Thanks for the addresses...i got most of them sent out. The português is coming along. I dont realize it a lot but the Lord really is helping out with the gift of tongues. I have started this new rule: every time I speak inglês outside of the dorm and gym I have to do 5 pushups. First day I had to do like 85...oh yeah, I do them all at the end of the day and I can't read my letters until I have completed them all. Hahahaha!
An update on the visas...all the missionaries who don't have them and have been here longer than their normal 9 weeks of the MTC...they are combined with one or two other districts into what is called a mega district....and basically they don't have a teacher and they have missionary directed time all day. Hopefully, that won't happen to me. But, there is some good news...31 visas came yesterday and more might come today. Really pray for the visas. I have begun to do so.
Sunday, for the fireside we had the BYU mens choir sing...that was pretty good....and Tuesday we had Elder and Sister Maynes from the 70.
Other than that the MTC has been a lot of the same....12 hours a day of study Hahahaha....
How is NC? How is Tazie? How is TJ? How is the ward?
I heard the news about carmen that is ótimo (awesome)!
Hahaha it really is hard to speak english at times... i have to stop and think about which word in the language I want to speak....irony.
I really want a visa. What are the plans for Christmas? I really don't know what the MTC plans are... probably an apostolo or the profeta. I am not sure. It will be good. How can it not be good? I am in the service of the most high God.
I will miss you this holiday season but Tudo Bem (all is well)
I think and pray about you all often. You all have been a great support and a leading factor to where I am today.
Remember that this season is about our Master even Jesus Cristo.
Te Amo
Elder Athans
Well, just another P-day here in the Provo MTC. I did a sesssion at the temple this morning. That was good. Oh yeah, I saw Allen a few minutes ago. He wants me to sign up to do a class with him. Hahaha, we will see. Oh yeah, remember the Noels from Charlotte mission president? I saw sister Noel here. They just got back from a mission in Alaska.
Thank you for the packages. I got three: Amy, Mom, and Aunt Cindy. I have not opened them. Mom, did you send my debit card in my Christmas package?
You should be receiving an envelope from me very soon. Open it on Christmas Day with the entire family.
Thanks for the addresses...i got most of them sent out. The português is coming along. I dont realize it a lot but the Lord really is helping out with the gift of tongues. I have started this new rule: every time I speak inglês outside of the dorm and gym I have to do 5 pushups. First day I had to do like 85...oh yeah, I do them all at the end of the day and I can't read my letters until I have completed them all. Hahahaha!
An update on the visas...all the missionaries who don't have them and have been here longer than their normal 9 weeks of the MTC...they are combined with one or two other districts into what is called a mega district....and basically they don't have a teacher and they have missionary directed time all day. Hopefully, that won't happen to me. But, there is some good news...31 visas came yesterday and more might come today. Really pray for the visas. I have begun to do so.
Sunday, for the fireside we had the BYU mens choir sing...that was pretty good....and Tuesday we had Elder and Sister Maynes from the 70.
Other than that the MTC has been a lot of the same....12 hours a day of study Hahahaha....
How is NC? How is Tazie? How is TJ? How is the ward?
I heard the news about carmen that is ótimo (awesome)!
Hahaha it really is hard to speak english at times... i have to stop and think about which word in the language I want to speak....irony.
I really want a visa. What are the plans for Christmas? I really don't know what the MTC plans are... probably an apostolo or the profeta. I am not sure. It will be good. How can it not be good? I am in the service of the most high God.
I will miss you this holiday season but Tudo Bem (all is well)
I think and pray about you all often. You all have been a great support and a leading factor to where I am today.
Remember that this season is about our Master even Jesus Cristo.
Te Amo
Elder Athans
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Hello family
Tudo bem
Well, here is the update....my subject says that I have bad news and I do for you. It is that I will not be able to call home on Christmas because of how many people are here. So sorry, but I can write you a letter because that is just like a conversaton.
So, here is an update for you...remember how that one Elder Handy got his visa and was supposed to leave? Right after emailing you...he got sick and had to quarantine because of swine flu. They made everyone in the district take Tamiflu except for those who have had both shots...regualr and swine, so no Tamiflu for Elder Athans.
The MTC is a lot of the same. Not a whole lot to report. Every week we have what are called TRC...teaching recource center....where we teach a fake investigator. Thursday was our last one in English. Next Thursday, we are supposed to teach in only português. That should be an experience. Pray for me.
So, Mark Hall pretty much sent me the coolest package every. It almost tied Amy's birthday present for college. He sent me some pics of him and the girls....some twilight themed candy...a kuzi from DD Peckers that orginally said chicks dig peckers but he made it say chicks dig RMs...the best part about it was there was about 10 letters in it from all the Charlotte people such as Jason Pratt, Frank, Cope, Richard Morrell, Blake Hart, Bryant Haines. It was so amazing.
Update on visas...we got a form this week about a background check for the visas...I had to open up my package to get my new lincese for it. Sorry, Mom, Thanks for the present though.
I'm probably sitting about 7 or 8 lbs more. Scary right? Yes?
Mom, could you get me the following addresses asap? I have letters with stamps on them with no address. Frank, Michelle, Meghan Cunningham, Ryan and Melissa and finally Aunt Shelia.
The langugage is coming slowing but surely. We are no longer allowed to speak English in class starting today. I have a feeling it will be a very silent class. Pray for me if you could about the language. It could really help.
My friend Kaylin from school got her call to Guatemala, Guatemala City Central. I am happy for her. I have started reading the Book of Mormon again, but i started it in 3rd Nephi which is rocking...I am trying to find as many parrellels to Preach my gospel as possible. They are everywhere. It will help my future investigators.
Mom sidenote...I think I have set up my debitcard already with a pin, try it out, activate it and send to me asap if possible.
Well that is all for this week. Thank you both Mom and Amy for the compliments on last weeks letters. I am learning.
Dad dearelder.com me a little more...bare testimony...share expereiences from your mission....give advice...i do miss hearing it.
Oh yeah, this week for the portuguese part of the TRC we had to bring in a pic of my family and talk about them. Hahhaha....
The work goes on. Remember I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down.
The Lord loves us all and wants to bless us....let us be obedient so that he can.
Te Amo
Èlder Athans
P.S. How is TJ?...Let him know I love him and have thought about him a lot this week
Well, here is the update....my subject says that I have bad news and I do for you. It is that I will not be able to call home on Christmas because of how many people are here. So sorry, but I can write you a letter because that is just like a conversaton.
So, here is an update for you...remember how that one Elder Handy got his visa and was supposed to leave? Right after emailing you...he got sick and had to quarantine because of swine flu. They made everyone in the district take Tamiflu except for those who have had both shots...regualr and swine, so no Tamiflu for Elder Athans.
The MTC is a lot of the same. Not a whole lot to report. Every week we have what are called TRC...teaching recource center....where we teach a fake investigator. Thursday was our last one in English. Next Thursday, we are supposed to teach in only português. That should be an experience. Pray for me.
So, Mark Hall pretty much sent me the coolest package every. It almost tied Amy's birthday present for college. He sent me some pics of him and the girls....some twilight themed candy...a kuzi from DD Peckers that orginally said chicks dig peckers but he made it say chicks dig RMs...the best part about it was there was about 10 letters in it from all the Charlotte people such as Jason Pratt, Frank, Cope, Richard Morrell, Blake Hart, Bryant Haines. It was so amazing.
Update on visas...we got a form this week about a background check for the visas...I had to open up my package to get my new lincese for it. Sorry, Mom, Thanks for the present though.
I'm probably sitting about 7 or 8 lbs more. Scary right? Yes?
Mom, could you get me the following addresses asap? I have letters with stamps on them with no address. Frank, Michelle, Meghan Cunningham, Ryan and Melissa and finally Aunt Shelia.
The langugage is coming slowing but surely. We are no longer allowed to speak English in class starting today. I have a feeling it will be a very silent class. Pray for me if you could about the language. It could really help.
My friend Kaylin from school got her call to Guatemala, Guatemala City Central. I am happy for her. I have started reading the Book of Mormon again, but i started it in 3rd Nephi which is rocking...I am trying to find as many parrellels to Preach my gospel as possible. They are everywhere. It will help my future investigators.
Mom sidenote...I think I have set up my debitcard already with a pin, try it out, activate it and send to me asap if possible.
Well that is all for this week. Thank you both Mom and Amy for the compliments on last weeks letters. I am learning.
Dad dearelder.com me a little more...bare testimony...share expereiences from your mission....give advice...i do miss hearing it.
Oh yeah, this week for the portuguese part of the TRC we had to bring in a pic of my family and talk about them. Hahhaha....
The work goes on. Remember I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down.
The Lord loves us all and wants to bless us....let us be obedient so that he can.
Te Amo
Èlder Athans
P.S. How is TJ?...Let him know I love him and have thought about him a lot this week
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