Howdy from Provo! I was supposed to email yesterday but so many things have happened and I've been super busy. But I'm here now and I'm ready to tell y'all all about it.
Home MTC was such an amazing experience. I got to meet my district, my companion (Elder Penrose), and my teachers Brother Buckner and Sister Bishop. I love them all so so much, I have thr best district by far. The only thing about home MTC I have to complain about is that being home, I had almost nothing to do a ft ter classes. I would spend hours just studying the Book of Mormon which isn't a bad thing, but I wanted to learn more about being a missionary and the things I need to do to prepare myself. However the Book of Mormon has been a tremendous help in showing me the things I can do to get ready, and I'm so grateful for that.
Wednesday morning was a rough day. It was my very first time on a plane, and I was by myself. Luckily the Lubbock airport is small so it was easy to navigate haha. Mom was pretty sad about me leaving but it didn't hit her until I was going through security. Dad just wanted me to be gone (I know he cares haha). I was surprised I didn't cry. (So was his mom!) I'm still going to miss everyone, it's just I'm excited to be invest in the work of the Lord. Being on a plane was actually so fun. As much as I loved road trips with my family, I would much rather fly to my destination. (So would his parents!)
Once I arrived in Phoenix for my two hour layover, I made my way to my gate, on my way I saw an Elder headed to my gate. I was so happy there was someone else I could talk to about the Gospel and the excitement of going on a mission. We talked for about 30 minutes before another Elder showed up! And by the time we were boarding the flight to SLC, we had a whole district worth of missionaries!! Shout out to Airport District B16! One of the Sisters that showed up was actually in my MTC District, Sister Cook. We even had aisle seats next to each other which was pretty cool.
We made our way to baggage claim, and everyone made their way to their own rides with family or friends. There were about seven of us who were taking the shuttle so we stuck together. After waiting for 15 minutes for my second bag, I decided I should talk to the airlines about it. They said it was somewhere else but would be here later (no specific time) but because we all had a shuttle to catch I just told them to mail it to the MTC when it showed up. I was just glad they knew where it was. (In Dallas...with all of his white shirts and hygiene supplies!)
When we got to the MTC, I was guided to my residence and dorm room where I met the Elders in my district, and our Zone leaders, Elder Ayllon and Elder Anderson. We're all getting along so well, it's the best. Class with Sister Bishop and the rest of the district was right after so we went and had an awesome class about the standards and why we have them. It's important to note that even if we don't agree with the standards that are in place, we need to follow them to show that we can be obedient when the Lord needs us.
The next morning I GOT MY BAG! (Blessings!!) It was delivered at 2:57 am and picked it up at 7 am. I'm so happy that I have everything I need now. The best part about it was it was p-day so I wasn't too worried about not having everything but thank goodness I had it. The Elders all decided to go to the gym and play basketball (I'm still sore even while writing this) but it was really fun hanging out and having fun with them. Let me just say that Elder Ray can ball! He's crazy good at basketball. When our hour was up all of us Elders went with the Sisters to the MTC store to check it out and buy some things. I may or may not have spent almost $50 that day haha. It was worth it though so I'm not stressed.
That night we met the Branch Presidency and all the new missionaries in our branch. Unfortunately our branch president and his wife were gone but Brother Clare and Nistler are the most amazing counselors. We all went around, introduced ourselves, and gave a brief testimony of Christ and our feelings of Him. It was so satisfying to hear everyone share their personal testimony, and I could just feel the Spirit flood the room. The presidency then stepped out while we looked at PMG (Preach My Gospel). When they came back, they pulled me, Elder Penrose, and a couple of other Elders. Brother Clarke asked Elder Penrose to be our District Leader. I'm so glad he accepted the call to serve as our DL and I'm ready to do what I can to help him in his leadership role.
Before going to bed, my shoulder was hurting really bad. It hurts almost everyday, but it was a pretty bad day for pain. Realizing I had five worthy young men with the Priesthood, I asked Elder Wangsgard and the other Elders to give me a blessing of healing. I'm so thankful for them and their willingness to set up and use the power of the Priesthood to help me with my affliction.
Thank y'all so much for being patient with me, and I apologize for how late I am. I do ask that if you wish reply to my email that you email me separate from this one because I have no way to bcc the emails on the missionary phone. But I would still love to hear from y'all!! Until next week, I know that God loves you and this is His true church!
Sincerely,
Elder Hough
