Hey y'all!! I'm actually on time for this email haha! This week has been an absolutely powerful week, but also a test of faith. I'm currently writing this email in the MTC gym while the other missionaries are playing basketball and volleyball (I had to finish it late cause I got distracted haha sorryyy).
Friday 10/9
It was an EARLY day. Elder Penrose and I had to eat breakfast in about five minutes because we had a leadership meeting for the new DL's and STL's (Sister Training Leaders). The MTC presidency basically told us that just because we have these roles, doesn't mean we're above anyone. We just have a responsibility to serve the district and to be there for them.
Class with Brother Buckner was focused on how to briefly and clearly explain the Book of Mormon to someone (we've done a lot of brief and clear teaching). I shared a thought I had about a sermon John Bytheway gave on heroes in the Book of Mormon, the one I'll mention being Abinadi. Brother Bytheway talked about how Abinadi probably didn't think his preaching to King Noah would've done much good, even him dying by fire he was probably thinking, "Wow, this was all for nothing". But when you look forward in the BoM, had Abinadi not done what the Lord asked, we wouldn't have the rest of the records we have. It's just a friendly reminder that we're just here to teach and serve. What people do with that knowledge is up to them. (I'm glad Calvin included a picture of Brother Buckner below.)
In Sister Bishop's class, we had a guest teacher, Brother Packer, talk to us how to effectively teach the restoration. He was super cool and even sat in on our role play. He gave amazing feedback and I'm thankful for the criticism.
We had an emotional resilience workshop that night and we had to find somebody we didn't know. I sat next to an Elder Anderson (Elder Adamson is the name of our other ZL whoops) and introduced myself to him. Turns out we had already met and he lived in College Station! He even went to A&M Consolidated where I would've gone if I stayed. The world sure does shrink when you're a member!
After the day ended we had a personal study as a district. It was good that we did it together because it helped me stay focused on really studying. As we all went around and shared our thoughts, we could hear the BYU/Iowa State game going on less than a mile away at LaVell Edwards Stadium. We even almost got soaked by sprinklers hahaha. (Calvin also reported to us that they could hear the national anthem being played before the football game. Sooo close, yet sooo far.)
Micro miracle:
On our way to dinner after our afternoon class, we came across an oil vial on the ground with no lid. We figured it was on a keychain and came undone. So Elder Penrose and I went to take it to the lost and found. We were welcomed by a super cute couple who gave us lots of chocolate. They saw my water bottle and asked if I had my name on it. I told them I didn't and they suggested that I write it while I was there. After dinner, I grabbed my bag and couldn't find my water bottle. Thank goodness I listened to that couple. Something so trivial turned out to save me from buying another water bottle.
Saturday 10/10
Okay I know people want to know about the MTC food. For cafeteria food it's not that bad. But Saturday hit SO GOOD. Easily the best food day by far for everything. And for those who have had HEB Chocolate Milk, BYU Creamery is a close second haha. (This is a highly contested issue among Utahns and Texans!)
Brother Buckner's class was awesome as always. We went outside for the first hour and practiced teaching more principles. When we went back into the class we had a teacher from Australia join us. Well, an Elder from England (IYKYK hehe) going to the Philippines asked us for a marker for his class. Turns out the teacher served in his ward as a missionary, and he's going to her brother's mission!! There is no such thing as a coincidence in the Church. As class went on, I've seen my growth in being able to shorten the lessons and explain things clearly.
We then talked about the BoM, the introduction, and its purpose in helping others come unto Christ and better understand the Gospel. After class, a Sister in our district asked if us Elders could give her a blessing of comfort. Immediately we all said yes. But who? You guessed it, she asked me to give the blessing. I happily accepted but I was so nervous. I had never given a blessing before, so I said a quick prayer to Heavenly Father to let me say what she needs to hear. When I finished the blessing she thanked me. I could see that it really was the Spirit that was guiding me. There is absolutely no way I could've said those things by myself.
That night in the dorms, I opened up to the Elders about something I'd like to share to y'all as well. After I gave the blessing, I could help but think of what I would've done if I wasn't worthy of the Priesthood. Had I not made the choice to change my ways, I would have had to say no. I'm so glad I've chosen to live righteously, and because of that, I was able to bless a member of my district in her struggles. As I shared this, I felt the Spirit so strongly I couldn't stop crying. If this is what I'm gonna feel at the MTC, I can't wait for the field!!
Sunday 10/11
My first Sunday in the MTC! And of course it was Fast Sunday. It was a really busy day though. Once again, Elder Penrose and I had an early morning meeting which actually was fine cause we didn't have to eat. It also helped that the Elders in the district started the fast last night (thank you Mom and Dad for doing that at home!). I technically am not a part of the meeting, so Brother Nistler had me write announcements on the board. I don't think my handwriting was that good but I'll let y'all be the judge of that (I took a picture of it haha).
The testimonies were so strong. I even got the chance to share what I was thinking the night before about the blessing and being worthy. I invited all the Elders to stay worthy at all times, cause we never know when the time will come to use the Priesthood to bless others.
In Elder's Quorum with Brother Clare, I had the chance to express my worries that the expectations I have about the field won't be what I think. He told me some amazing things but what stuck was to simply love, because love will always help, in any situation. We held a district discussion about what we all learned in second hour and Brother Clare was able to stay with us and led an awesome discussion about the relationship between the Father and the Son.
When Brother Clare left, we played some appropriate Sunday group games before the "Go and Do Experience". We pretty much spent two hours to simply study the BoM or anything else. I took the time to prepare for an HOA (Helping Others Appointment) that we had scheduled for Thursday morning. Sister Nistler then joined us and asked us all how the BoM has blessed us personally. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that as you read and study it, you can truly know God's love for you through His Son and our Savior. I would not be who I am today without that book or this Gospel. Take it from me, everyone will benefit from reading it.
CHOIRRRR!!!! GUYS I FINALLY GOT TO SING!!! I miss singing in a big choir with four-part harmony (I know the feeling!!) (I'm most definitely my Mom's son, sorry Dad haha). We practiced singing The Iron Rod for two hours then had dinner before the devotional that night. Elder Penrose and I were a bit late getting to the devotional but when we got there one of the Sisters wasn't feeling well. Her companion asked me to pray for her. I did, and when I finished, I looked over to the companion and she told me the Sister needed a blessing immediately. I was in a panic because this was real. I didn't even have time to say a prayer like before. But I knew the Lord would guide me. I gave the blessing in a separate area from the devotional and we waited for the Sister to feel good enough to go back in. Once again, an opportunity arose for me to use the Priesthood for the benefit of the district. And once again I'm glad I stayed worthy enough to help. (Spiritual thought is the picture of the book attached below)
Monday 10/12
In the words of Sister Freeman, it was a "best day and worst day". We woke up super early so we could get ready for the temple trip we had planned at Mt. Timpanogas to do initiatories and baptisms. The temple was absolutely gorgeous and we took lots of pictures (the temple where I gave that dirty side eye haha). (I didn't download that picture, 😏). I loved being back in the House of the Lord. On the bus headed back to the MTC, I sat next to a French Sister missionary which was pretty cool.
We got back, had a decent lunch, then had class with Sister Bishop. We talked a lot about extending invitations and practiced with each other. We also talked about using the BoM to answer questions of the soul. About halfway through class we got a message from President Smith (Branch President who is currently on vacation) about the Elders being in the halls past lights out. He kind of chewed us out in that message (in front of the whole district), so I sent him a message directly and told him honestly what happened. The rest of the day I kind of lost all motivation and was being really self critical about myself. All the other missionaries were super supportive and made sure I was okay.
At dinner I had a bonding moment with some of the Sisters when I shared some doubts I was having and just all that I was feeling. It's nice to have people to relate with and to help each other through the same stuff.
That night we had a workshop on teaching by the Spirit. A quote from Ezra Taft Benson stuck with me. It said that if we don't have the Spirit with us, we won't be successful, no matter how talented we are.
Tuesday 10/13
"Rolo, we're not in Snyder anymore". IT GOT COLD AND WET FASTT!! I am totally not used to this and I didn't pack anything for the Utah mountain cold. The weather was really miserable and depressing, but we took it in stride and kept a smile on our faces.
Brother Buckner's class that day made me realize that I absolutely SUCK at listening and asking questions. Which is a good thing because now I know what I need to work on.
TEMPLEEEE!! We had another temple appointment at Mt. Timp to do child sealings this time. I had done them before and even got to be at my cousins sealing in Manti over the summer. As we went on with the ordinances, I couldn't help but imagine the glorious reunion in the Celestial Kingdom that these families will have. The best part about me thinking this, was that a couple minutes later, the sealer in the room mentioned the exact thing I was thinking and invited everyone else to think about it as well.
We took a 15 minute break between the sessions and everyone had such a spiritual moment in the temple, whereas I wasn't feeling anything super special. It made me think I was doing something wrong or I could be doing better. And that's all I could think about the whole day. Even when we had...
GARY E. STEVENSON COME TO THE MTC!! It was the coolest thing ever to have an Apostle of the Lord speak with us about the importance of the Book of Mormon. (Sooo cool! Especially because it's the only Tuesday devotional he will have in the MTC). I wrote down my thoughts but surprisingly I didn't have much to write about. However, when we did our district council with Brother Clare (Elder Penrose led it beautifully) I had wayyyy more to write. Thank you to everyone who shared, I really needed those thoughts!
Back at the dorm, I shared with the Elders my concerns and doubts about what I was feeling in the temple and they all shared the most powerful testimonies I've ever heard. I was crying so bad. After I thought I was good, Elder Wangsgard offered to give me a blessing of comfort. I eventually said yes (I still asked if he would and he said he would absolutely do it) and I kid you not. I have never, NEVER, felt the Spirit so strongly about a blessing. The only other time I've been emotional in a blessing was my Patriarchal Blessing. I knew God loved me and was watching out for me. He said everything I needed to hear. I testify that the Spirit is real, and speaks to everyone differently, but the way that works for you individually.
10/14
Yesterday was a rough day, I'm not gonna lie. There were some things that happened but it's not for this email and will stay in my journal. I remember in class we talked about the Plan of Salvation, which was perfect because we had an endowment session at Mt. Timp later that day. I got to sit next to Elder Anderson (from College Station) during the session, and we were both kinda falling asleep. The seats were so comfy haha (sorry for calling you out Elder haha). It was an amazing opportunity for me to be reminded of the sacred covenants I've made.
I got an email from the mission about next Tuesday when we leave for Boise. At two am. On a bus. For six. Grueling. Hours. Yayyyy (not thrilled for this at all). I desperately need an overnight bag for when we either stay with the AP's (Assistant to the President) or in a hotel before getting to our assigned area with all of our luggage. At the temple after the session, I met an Elder Holbrook from Houston and Elder Barbeau from Quebec (he has such a French accent it's amazing). They're both going to Boise and they're so cool, I hope we can be companions in the field.
10/15
Today was a better day. Elder Penrose and I had an HOA this morning with our friend Cooper. He said he's been struggling to feel God's love and is trying his best but feels like he's not measuring up (literally how I've been feeling the last couple days). We got to know him a bit then asked him some questions to better understand where his relationship with God was at. Once we got an idea of that, we said a prayer to start the lesson. Elder Penrose gave a very thoughtful prayer and when he closed, Cooper was crying. I knew that this was the real deal so I locked in. We told him about how we have a loving Heavenly Father who cares about us and knows us all. That we are His spirit children. That we have a divine identity as children of God. I even mentioned to him how I was feeling exactly how he was. How I feel lost, without direction, like I don't know what I'm doing here at the MTC. How am I supposed to bring others closer to Christ when I'm still figuring it out for myself. But I told him that when I take the time to step back, and pray to Heavenly Father about it, He really does answer our prayers and I feel God's love for me. I invited him to pray about this so that he could better feel God's love and to know his purpose and have that direction in his life. If anyone receiving this email is feeling the same way, I invite you to do the same thing. I then gave the closing prayer and when I finished, once again, he was crying. It's so cool that the Spirit was working through us to bless our friend.
When we exited the building where they hold the HOA's, I could finally answer my question. This is why I'm here. To help people like Cooper. None of this is about me. It's about fighting for the lives and salvation of everyone on earth. And that brought me so much more joy the rest of the day.
Later we had an appointment at the Provo City Center Temple. Wow wow wow, what a gorgeous building. I still think Manti is cooler looking but Provo City Center was amazing (we also took lots of pictures). The best part about the whole thing was that Brother Buckner (who was not a teacher today) joined us for the endowment along with his sister. Apparently we're his first district he's gone to the temple with (he has taught 15 districts). That says all you need to know about us hahaha. It was really cool having him with us.
(The Provo City Center Temple has an interesting history. It was built from the surviving exterior shell of the historic Provo Stake Tabernacle after a tragic fire in 2010--originally designed by William H. Folsom and built between 1882 and 1898. Folsom also designed the Manti Utah Temple that Calvin loves so much. It reminds us that there will always be beauty for ashes.)
Sooooo, I got my overnight bag (a Cotopaxi backpack) for when we leave. Along with a cool shirt and CTR ring. And $238 gone from my bank account. (There wasn't any missionary discount on that Cotopaxi backpack. 🥴) Oh well, these are investments. I think the MTC store has gotten about $400 from me this past week haha.
The rest of the day I've been working on this email, playing ping pong, and reflecting on the week. Next time y'all hear from me, I'll be in Boise with my new companion. Until then, keep the emails coming y'all!! I may not be able to respond to them all, but I love hearing from y'all. Christ is risen, and lives today. I've seen God's hand in my life and you can too.
Lots of love,
Elder Hough
(Where's Elder Hough? Took us a second or two. :)
(I'm not sure that's Elder Hough's coat he's wearing. He didn't have one to take and was waiting to purchase cold weather gear when he got to Idaho. He almost made it!)
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