Week 2- Peace Cali, Hello MTC

Hey again everyone!

 

 

     After a long and harrowing experience of me taking home MTC, I've finally been shipped off to Provo's MTC to learn and live the missionary life in person! Leaving my family at the airport knowing that I wouldn't see them for two whole years was pretty difficult, I'm definitely going to miss them a lot. I love them so much and I can't lie. I've felt a little homesick at times, I miss my mom's cooking, the MTC's food hasn't been the best so far.

 

 

God's definitely been on my side throughout this massive change though. I immediately got to have an awesome missionary experience on the flight I took from John Wayne Airport to Salt Lake City! I was seated next to an older lady and got to talk to her during our flight. She told me that her dad died when she was young and she's taken missionary lessons before, but never really remembered a lot about them. I got to explain to her where her dad went and why I'm going on a mission. It was so awesome already having the chance to share the gospel just because of my name tag!

 

 

After a short shuttle ride to my new residence for a couple of weeks, I got to meet my district in person! We all get along super well with each other, especially us Elders. We are always joking and making each other laugh, hooping or playing volleyball in the gym, and playing Jenga whenever we have freetime. These guys and girls have all been awesome friends so far and I've learned to love all of them so much!

 

 

Part of the reason why I've learned to love my district is because of their love of God. Every member of my district wants to be here, and they all have a good knowledge of their Heavenly Father too. I was additionally called to become our District Leader, helping me to gain even more of an insight on them all both spiritually and personally. Every member of our district is so unique, they each have amazing perspectives and I truly feel like we are one of the closest knit districts here.

 

 

I've had so many spiritual experiences over this past week. From being able to go to Provo's temple to us having a devotional with Jose A Teixeira, a member of the 70's presidency, I've been nourished and strengthened in ways that I never thought I could be! Our companionships have these fake lessons that we get to give to people. Me and my exceedingly dope companion, Elder Haws, keep getting better and better at giving them and our growth together really has been insane. I would never have become such a better leader and teacher in these past few weeks without having my Heavenly Father on my side. I've really come to have a desire to show how much I'm thankful for my opportunity as a missionary. I love my Father in Heaven so much.

 

 

Anyways, with one more week until I'm once again shipped off, this time to Washington, I'm getting more and more excited to see what God's plans for me are. I know he wants me here right now to help teach and guide people back to him. I can feel his love ever so strongly and I just want to help others feel as I do! This last week really has been a busy, crazy blast and I love it so much. My missionary experience has been awesome so far!

 

 

Here's some amazing spiritual verses that I want to share, that being Alma 37:6-7:

 

 

"6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

7 And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls."

 

 

Thank you all for the crazy support of me and my mission, I love you all so much and I can't wait to send another email next week!

 

 

With Thanks,

Elder Stephen Timothy

 

 

Pictures:

1- The Arrival

2- Apostles of Christ

3- Super Sick Mural

4- District Pic

5- Me & Elder Haws at the Temple

6- Me Striking a Pose

7- Group Devotional Selfie