Week Four

Shortly after I had to stop emailing last week, I collected my laundry and found out I was missing two socks. Not a pair, but one sock from two different pairs. Hopefully, I can find them some time, because otherwise, I guess I'll just mix match my socks.

We have an investigator and this Thursday we were talking to her about baptism and the significance of that. We went on to talk about when you are baptized you are freed from sin. But I got the weirdest impression that I needed to ask her about if she had repented before. Let me just say wow. Was that exactly the question I needed to ask. Listen to the spirit. At times, it may be very quiet. I think it's so easy to disregard. But we bonded and it was just an amazing experience. I just wish that or hope that this will be like the rest of my mission because I'd totally be ok with that.

This week I was reading in 2 Nephi 32:1-3 and read about feasting upon the words of Christ. It got me thinking the significance of Feasting. I mean I follow the words of Christ. I listen to the words of Christ. However, I'm not feasting. I think back to when it's Thanksgiving. I mean man I'm thinking about that meal all day long. I'm constantly seeking for something that I can just get a little nibble of. Why am I not looking at the words of Christ in that same way? With that same desire? Then I read in the Bible Dictionary about feasting (which if you're looking for something to do, it's actually kind of enjoyable and I recommend you search up feasting) that in the past feasting was a commandment or covenant. Well, there were many different feasts. Many of them were an all day event. They would go to the temple and wouldn't leave there till nightfall and just eat and give praise to God. There was also one feast that lasted 80 days or something in the New Testament. If I remember correctly they weren't supposed to fast during this time. Anyways I was inspired to try to seek the gospel as frequently as I think about food. It's going to be a challenge.

My teacher took a leave of absence to go home to see her brother return from his mission. So, we have had a few subs. And MAN! All the teachers at the MTC as just so great. I am just really impressed with the whole of them. Each has their own strengths, but I'm glad we got to have multiple teachers. We just have had some great and amazing lessons. One day we actually paired up with another class. It ended up being the class of sisters that were also going to Panama. Sister Updike and Sister Davis. Which by the way there are two Sister Davis's going to Panama. But yeah it was pretty fun. I'm just kind of disappointed we won't get to see them much out in the field. Our mission president is very strict. He sent us an email of additional Panama rules. And I know they're to help us, but in comparison to what I've heard from the other missions, it's strict. However, I'm sure there's a good reason for everything they do. We are both rather loud groups. So it was more of an enjoyable time than a lesson, but that's relaxing to have every once in a while. 

Oh, and with my new music calling I goofed up with the songs. I forgot the sacrament hymn had to be themed around the sacrament. But it's been fun. I had three different conductors and four different pianists. I'm really getting everyone to use their talents.

I finally got the time to attend the choir. It was really enjoyable. I forgot how much I enjoyed it. The director used to be an institute teacher. And his insight is the best part of all choir. I would sit there for an hour just to hear him talk for 15 minutes. But he told us about the history of Parley P. Pratt in the church. (The writer of the song) What a stud, he was converted and served a mission for 5+ years. But I really enjoyed singing again. It's been a while. I'm glad I have a companion who will also go with me to the choir.

Five hundred missionaries came to the MTC last Wednesday. Now that has been really fun. I've made a bigger effort to talk to the new missionaries. From what I've seen some are more focused on the mission while others are more laid back. It is really just enjoyable to meet new missionaries. The new Elders in our Branch locked themselves out of their dorm after they showered and they had to wait forty minutes just outside their dorm in towels.  I'm sure that was a fun start to their MTC experience.

We all missed Father’s Day. We totally forgot that we can't email ahead of time. And so that night we were looking ahead and realized dang, well there is always next week. But we weren't alone we went to church on Sunday and very clearly the congregation groaned Ohhhh... when they said welcome to church and Happy Father’s Day. SO, Happy Father’s Day! 

Each week we have two devotionals. Donny Osmond came in and gave a devotional. He was such a funny guy. He sang a cool Father’s Day song. It was motivational. On Tuesday, our devotional was given by Diane and Donald Hallstrom from the Presidency of the 70.  It was brilliant, they talked about the importance of a broken heart. Then they talked about how important it is to decide and make sure that we have ABSOLUTELY decided what type of missionary we were going to be. It struck me again. After that, we had a group discussion, the spirit was there and prompted others to say things and everyone shared how they felt and were moved to do better. I grew a stronger testimony in the importance of sharing a testimony.

MTC Roommates! 

Only a minute to relax, but what a view.

Hanging out.

     All around a good week. It's weird it’s been like a month I've been out. But we are trying to cut down on our time we can use the computers. We are only supposed to get one hour, and in the past, I've gone way past that in the past few weeks. I will try my best to cut that down a bit. I will do my best to prepare more ahead of time. Until Next week. 

Week 3 at the MTC

So this week was a better week. A bit more happened.

On Thursday night, I was just writing in my journal before I went to bed, in the lobby. Out of nowhere, there was a guy who spoke only in Russian and very little phrases. He was digging in between the couch cushions. Knowing that he didn't speak much Russian I figured he is probably just learning it. SO after asking him like 4 or 5 times in English he broke and responded that he was looking for money that fell in between the cushions. The coaches were designed in such a way that he could pull things up from the couches with a bent paperclip. I don't think I've seen anyone work harder for 25 cents. He said he was working since Monday in the dorms and found like $11. But he was so determined and fidgety, that I just let him continue on his way.  I hope this determination and craftiness will help him on his mission in Russia. That night I also had a sub that came in to help our teacher. She has been trying to help me roll my R's and even though I can't quite do it yet. I apparently sound a lot better than I did beforehand. 

Friday was pretty uneventful, but that night we had our first tie trades. We've all heard that it happens a lot to trade your ties on your mission, but we didn't think it would really happen in the MTC. Anyways one guy from the 2nd floor of our building came upstairs and was like, "YO, I have some ties that I want to trade, who wants in?". So at first, it was just him and Elder Hollander. But I leave to go to the restroom and by the time I get back... There were at least 10 people in our room about the size of a broom closet. Now, I don't know the best way to describe this either then it was either the most underground stock market trades I've seen or the most formal flea market. Half of us were in white shirts still, the other half just in their underwear. One elder had his like 20 ties spread across the table. Others holding up tie racks yelling, "I got three ties right here!". This went on for at least 40 minutes. Our most prized possession of our district was we got 2 ties original and signed from Elder Starkey, one of our favorite Elders. And then also we had one tie from the Trump Wardrobe Collection. Elder Starkey is a rancher and is just the nicest most genuine guy you will meet. But also very blunt. This was a quote from him that same night, "Well, I was supposed to write a 12-page paper.., but I was around 3 pages and just put the font size up to 48. Easiest paper I ever wrote..." And after his story of the time he flipped a semi-truck and got stabbed in the back with his own pocket knife while rolling down the hill.., It's hard to have a more favorite Elder than Elder Starkey.

Saturday we had the most in-depth lesson that I can remember since seminary. But even more detailed than most seminary lessons. Sister Richards is super knowledgeable about the Book of Mormon. We kept asking questions and she knew exactly where to search where to find them. But we were trying to find about if the Jaredites lived around the same time as the Nephites if they were both in America. And wow... I don't think I've ever been more inspired to read the Book of Mormon and study it. I have been taking better notes after everytime I read and I've been making a bigger effort to ask questions and search for them. Also, I have been looking in the footer more often. But Maestro Jake really encouraged me and gave me tips to study better and it's been so much more exciting. I don't find myself falling asleep reading the scriptures anymore. I was super excited when I was able to cross reference something in a lesson to a scripture I read this week. We also had our sauna night that night. But some punk from the floor beneath us ripped down our curtain and let all the steam out and booked it. I don't know why he feels the need to ruin our bonding time, but It's all good. Later that night another kid from the floor beneath us came up and said we were 'too loud' and that we needed to be quieter because he was trying to sleep. He was just so confused because he was looking around everywhere almost as if there was something making the noise under our carpet. He was out of it. So hopefully he got some sleep. I think my district has been a little more respectful since then so I'm appreciative he came up.

Sunday was an eventful day. We said our goodbyes to all the Elders and Sisters heading off for Monday morning. We swapped emails. We left notes. But my favorite note is one that Sister Markward gave my companion. We misread it the first time and read, "I don't know why you are at the MTC, but I'm glad we became friends". So the ongoing joke to Elder Tenney anytime he makes a simple mistake has been, I don't even know why you're at the MTC. But honestly, I think he probably knows the most out of all of us in regards to Spanish. So we love to give him a bad time every chance we get. Oh, and we had new callings. Elder Heathcote is now our new district leader. I am the music coordinator. Elder Tenney is the Computer Specialist. Which is funny, because if you look at our strengths you would immediately swap those two callings, but it's all good. Also, Dieter F. Utchdorf toured the new MTC buildings. We were walking outside and he passed by. Then he stopped took off his glasses and waved at us with his smile and gave us two big thumbs up. Also, they have a bunch of flags that they always put up in front of the new MTC buildings. And finally, they put up Panama's flag. That night when they brought down the flags we actually caught them and got a picture of our group in front of the flag. Hopefully, Sister Feinga will send them to me by next week. But the Sunday devotional was enjoyable. My favorite day of this week.

Monday wasn't too exciting. However, I fasted and started getting weird cravings. I find that's always when you get your most weird cravings when you're fasting. But Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper licorice, and Hawaiian BBQ chips. That was what I was missing. But it was a good day to fast because Monday nights are days they bring in food from chain fast food restaurants. So TacoBell was a fun surprise. I wish I could have ordered off the menu, but I wasn't too disappointed. It was TacoBell!! So that meal was pretty golden.

Tuesday was super fun. I had some of the best lessons that I had taught in a while. I went to a devotional, which was just so powerful. I think it was the best one by far that we have had. I wish I brought all my notes about it with me. I could talk on and on about it. It was about listening to the promptings of the spirit, having a vision of why we are on missions, and how the Lord protects his missionaries. I don't know it was probably just some solid work that they did and excellent stories. The funniest part of that day though was we decided to run down to the gym after the devotional. We all went to weigh ourselves after what we have been eating. I after feeling upset on the food during week 2 decided to eat more healthier. Whereas some of my companions in the district have had on average 7-9 proportioned meals a day. Now to be fair when I'm hungry I find the meals are a little smaller then I'm used to and I will eat 2 plates, but they just kept downing food. So I don't know why they were so surprised when they realized they gained weight. Some of them gained like 5. But at the worse one Elder gained 30 pounds. That's 10 pounds a week. They for sure thought the scale was off. They started weighing weights from the gym. I think I weighed 1 pound more than when I left. But I think that's because I didn't weigh myself in shoes and in a full outfit. Needless to say, he's been eating a little less each meal.

Today we woke up early to go to the temple. It was nice, but we once again just barely, by like 5 minutes mixed breakfast at the temple cafeteria. But I love the temple and every chance I get to be there so that was good. I also finally got a haircut. We tried to get one last week, but they were wayyy too busy. But yeah overall a good week. I'm excited to meet the new Elders. We are supposed to get 12 more on our floor. What's weird is that we are now considered the old and experienced Elders. Like I looked up to the Elders who were there 3 weeks before me. So yeah, that hit me earlier and the week and is weird, but I'm just mostly excited.

Opening of New MTC - Week 2

Week two at the MTC! Since I've gotten here, and I wish I could say its gotten easier. However, It has definitely not but I'm holding on and doing great. This week wasn't as eventful as the prior week. Everything about last week seemed fun, new, and exciting and now we are into a daily routine. The MTC food is great, well its sufficient. They do have some pretty decent meals now and then. I mean like on Friday, I kid you not they had Mahi Mahi tacos. And of course I had to get one, recognizing the fact that we are in Utah and Mahi Mahi is a tropical fish.  I couldn't say no to my favorite fish and it tasted absolutely amazing.  It was deep fried with mango slices on top, a little bit of shredded lettuce, they had some sort of tartar sauce. I went back and actually ate four of them. It was by far the best tasting thing at the MTC.

I have been playing more and more volleyball. By no means am I as good as some of the competitive groups I've seen my sister play in. However, I definitely think I'm getting the hang of it. I'm kind of wishing I would have done a little bit more volleyball in highschool, or even college. However, I know that I'll probably pick that up after the mission.

We taught our first TRC investigator. I have no idea what that means, but it's someone who wanted to meet with the missionaries in our area, but instead they come here and they meet with us. That was a beautiful experience. She spoke only in Spanish. Even though I struggled, I think through what limitations of Spanish I had and some really spot on hand-gestures. We were able to help her and answer all of her questions.

Our scheduling has finally been making sense. We went over with the teacher how we could rearrange somethings to give us just a little bit more time. So, I am getting the hang of where are classes are and where we are all supposed to be, but then they finally opened the new MTC buildings. Now I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be in both of the buildings. However, this new building is absolutely incredible. You walk in and you just feel at peace. It has six floors or so and so many new classrooms. They have incredible views. We were told, and I genuinely think this is the best way to describe these buildings, but they were described as an investment in us. An investment to feel the spirit more. An investment to focus more. An investment to pray and ponder more. They have the classrooms and for each classroom they have a little side room where you can go off to and focus. The classrooms are practically sound proof. They have ponder rooms where they play hymns softly in the background. Its just a special place. Like not only does it look nice and its more practical, I just feel that much more focused. My favorite parts are each floor has an area with chairs in front of these beautiful murals. They are about 10ft by 25ft If I had to take a guess. They portray different scripture stories. On the other wall they have references with the scriptures, but these murals are just so grand you feel like you could walk right into them.

Well, I'm excited I'm going to head out to the temple. I will talk to you guys later!

Elder Irizarry

First Week at the MTC

Well, I'm here at the MTC! I am going to start by getting some of the most important questions out of the way. My Preparation days or P-days are on Wednesday. However, my first day I came in was a Wednesday so my P-day was filled with introductions. Yes, they do speak entirely in Spanish, starting day one. If you're lucky your teacher will explain the complex words to you in English. Needless to say, I am so thankful I took that Spanish class. Because of the class, I knew a handful of verbs, nouns, and numbers. I also learned how to conjugate. These are things that were not even mentioned during my first week. It's that fast. By day three, they had us teach an investigator completely in Spanish. All I can say is that my Spanish capabilities are growing and that I am so thankful to have this opportunity to learn the language before I head out. And yes, our schedules are busy. But nothing I can't manage.

So what can I tell you about my week? Well, to start off I got off the plane and met five other missionaries going to the MTC. Out of those, I found out two others were also being called to Panama. One of which ended up being my companion. But out of roughly 300 missionaries that came in last Wednesday, only six were heading to Panama. Our district and supposedly a district of young women elsewhere is the group heading out to Panama currently. But I love my district, these guys are just really laid back and fun guys that aren't afraid to say what is on their mind. Our zone is a group of districts heading to similar places or speaking the same language. The zone leaders are super cool, the first thing they immediately taught us QUE PASSSSA. Which is the Spanish equivalent of WASSSUP. The first night we got into the apartments they took extra bed sheets and taped them up to the showers. Then turned all the showers on hot and let them run for a while. Literally, they turned the showers into a sauna. Soon after, we all got in and just sang songs that we knew. It was so incredibly hot that the members of my district all looked at each other and realized, as sweat was rolling down our faces, this is what Panama is going to feel like. But instead of being in basketball shorts and T-shirts we will be in white shirts and ties. So we were all were laughing about how unprepared we are for that heat. But also how unprepared Elder Hollander was. He came from the middle of a cruise around Greece so he wasn't too concerned about packing. Just about every day he remembers something he wishes he would have brought. So here is a picture of our companionships when we went on a walk around the temple.

​

Elders: Tenney, Hollander, Kuhn, Heathcote, Chavez and Irizarry.

Oh, but at day five I felt confident enough to give my prayers solely in Spanish being able to say what I want. Well, I tend to use Spanish and cover up the rest with French and then if I don't know the word in either I change a word like "napkin" to "napkino". But I mean, that doesn't happen very often. But also we realized that by five days being around each other constantly, that we have so many inside jokes already. We all have nicknames. We all give each other a bad time. Just genuinely close guys. 

Teaching wise, things have been great. Our first teacher we found out was a substitute after two days. And since we have four subs and until we finally got our actual teacher. My theory is that the first substitute was supposed to be our teacher and we scared her off. And each teacher after that was supposed to be replacement teachers, but we scared them off as well. Oh, but in reality, it's been great because each teacher has had a different purpose of what they thought was important. So I felt like I've been learning rather well. 

Now the food is great at the MTC. Much more variety and plus I don't have to cook. They have three different courses you can choose from almost every meal. However, they don't want you taking food out of the cafeteria. So we always sneak out an apple or banana or some fruit for later. But the second day we met the teacher, we had all snuck out extra bananas. And in the middle of class, we all pulled out our bananas put them by our ears and started making ringing noises pointing to an extra banana on the table. You have no idea how funny it was to see that teachers face with complete and utter confusion as he picked up that banana phone to answer our call. 

Oh, how the time flies by. The joke is that we feel like every meal is a new day because so much has happened between that time. However, our district is really close and we do everything together. So we were dying because of my companion, Elder Tenney, has a reversible tie. On Sunday, he wore one side and on Monday he wore the other. Elder Hollander, attempted to chew him out for wearing the same tie for three days in a row. However, not only did we give Elder Hollander a bad time at lunch, but also after exercise time when he tried it again confident he had worn that tie three days in a row, and even once more attempt right before we went to bed. 

In our exercise time, we've been told not to get too competitive. We have played sand volleyball just about every chance we get. We go ham and cheese. It's really fun but even better is that we aren't that bad. Even though we were told not to be too 'athletic' Elder Chavez got hit and got a bloody nose and just about every round someone is 'falling with a purpose' (because diving is not allowed). I love it, it took me a day before I felt comfortable, but I'm not terrible. When we don't get the chance to go to the field there is a gym which has been renamed to 'The Iron Chapel'. They have a rowing machine. Let me tell you, I remember being a lot better four years ago. WEIRD, right? But my endurance is lacking, my strength is better. It was filled with some fun memories as I hopped back on.

Today we got to the temple, which I loved. It is nice to be able to be back in the temple. I have already been missing it. We weren't in long, but the time was great

Even though, this first week hasn't been the smoothest of rides. I feel at peace. The devotionals that they have are absolutely incredible. Just so powerful and you can undoubtedly feel the spirit throughout the meeting. 

This is a picture I spotted in the hallway of the MTC, it is of Bishop Hoybjerg as a missionary when he was serving in Spain.

Thank you so much for all the letters, I will try to get to as many as I can.

Elder Irizarry

Mission Farewell

For those of you who missed it or simply just wanted to read it again, here was my farewell talk at church. 

Mid-January, I received my mission call.  I had been waiting for over five weeks since the time I sent in my application, each day running to the mailbox full of hope, but each time leaving with a little-bit of frustration.  Until it finally came.  My anxious family and friends assembled in my house and on Skype to finally hear my big announcement, an announcement I had planned to execute flawlessly and with power, excitement and confidence. 

As video players were turned on, and with all eyes on me, my plan failed as excitement and nervousness took over and I boldly announced, “You are assigned to labor in the Pah-nom-men-a, Pah-nom-men-a City mission.”  After realizing what I said, feeling a little embarrassed, I reread my mission call correctly; Panama, Panama City Mission. 

In life, sometimes the most thought-out and perfect plans don’t work out quite the way we planned them and we fall short of our expectations as well as the expectations of others.  At times our plans fail miserably or are temporarily ignored and we even fail to live up to the expectations of our Heavenly Father.   However through His mercy, we can learn of Christ and draw on Christ’s Atonement to make the necessary adjustments to receive the wonderful blessings of our Heavenly Father. 

In our last General Conference Russell M. Nelson gave a talk entitled, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ in Our Lives”. During his talk he told how he challenged the young adults to study everything Jesus Christ said and did in the scriptures. After he completed the challenge himself he reports back with these key words and I quote, “I am a different man!” According to our Father’s plan, it was Jesus Christ, our Savior, who suffered. It was the Savior who paid the price for our sins and transgressions. It is through the Savior that we are able to repent and live again as he did. “As Latter-day Saints, we refer to His mission as the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which made resurrection a reality for all and made eternal life possible for those who repent of their sins and receive and keep essential ordinances and covenants.”

The scriptures are full of examples where individuals were able to enhance their lives through their belief in Jesus Christ and through His Atonement establish a new or better plan.  Some that come to mind include the following:

1)    Firstly, there was Alma. Alma who came to the realization that he was endorsing and following the wicked King Noah.  Alma….repented of his sins and iniquities, and went about privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi.

2)    There was Alma the Younger who was visited by an angel and told to cease his efforts in destroying God’s church or he would be destroyed.  After repenting and being forgiven of his sins. Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah completely changed their lives. Traveling throughout the land to correct the wrongs they had done.

3)    King Lamoni who after learning about the goodness of God cried, unto the Lord saying: O Lord, have mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou has had upon the people of  Nephi, have upon me, and my people.

4)    King Lamoni’s Father who also upon learning about God exclaimed, “O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a god; and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee….

I know that I have personally been changed through the goodness of God and Christ’s Atonement. As a temple worker, I have had the privilege to see Christ’s Atonement in action directly through temple ordinances.  Each and every sacred ordinance in the temple is deeply rooted back to Christ’s Atonement. I know that I wouldn’t be nearly as ready to serve a mission today without such a strong testimony in the Atonement. I know the biggest and most important part of the Atonement is that through Christ that we are able to gain any and all of the beautiful blessings God has promised his followers. Most importantly the blessing of forgiveness through the gift of repentance.

In my personal studies I have learned that the Greek term for repentance is “metanoeó” [meh-te-no-ehh-‘o’] meaning to change one's mind or purpose. And I know that when I think of repentance I think of the verse in 3 Nephi 9:20 “Ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit”. But I love the reminder of a change of one’s purpose. Not only should we repent for what we have done and to try our best to avoid those same shortcomings. But additionally, we need to repent by changing our purpose to be more like Christ and aligned with His teachings. On a mission I will continue to be repenting (as in the Greek sense of changing my mind and purpose little by little) towards being more and more Christ-like daily.  

In Mark 5:25-34, we read about a women who has retained an incurable blood disease for the past 12 years. By exercising an incredible amount of faith in our Savior she said: “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” This woman stretched as far as she could to reach our Heavenly Fathers power. When we reach up for that power with that life or death intensity it will be given unto us. Through repentance, we may gain this great intensity. Not just by repenting from our mistakes, but by additionally repenting for our purpose and our desires.

With a greater appreciation for the Atonement then from before I turned in my mission papers, I’m excited to be able to teach about this beautiful gift to others. I can’t wait to see and report back to all of you in two years. I’d like to end my talk with my testimony, but before I do I’d like to talk a little bit about me. 

[I'm sorry I don't remember exactly what I said when I started to give my thanks to everyone, but I know this was pretty close]

I’d like to thank my mother for her loving lectures. I’d like to thank her for consistent pushing and encouraging me to reach my potential. I’d like to thank her for her organization which has been incredibly helpful with my preparation. Without any of these I wouldn’t be ready for a mission.

I’d like to thank my father. Once I got my call and found out that it was Spanish speaking, I realized that my 4 years of French wasn’t going to be helpful. I probably should have listened more to my parents when they said Spanish was more practical. Anyways, what happened is we looked for a Spanish night class and we both joined it. It was such an incredible experience to be in class with my father. And I know that he was really excited when it ended, because he thought he was getting back those 6 hours a week. But I know he will make good use of that time with his new calling. I’d also like to thank him for being a worthy priesthood holder, for being role model, and for his unwavering faithfulness.

I’d like to thank my leaders for their dedication and always going that extra mile. I’d like to thank my siblings and grandparents, and well really everyone for their support. You have all allowed me to be where I am today. Now let me tell you a little of what I know.

[My Testimony]

1.    Dios es nuestro Padre Celestial.

2.    Nosotros somos Sus hijos.

3.    Dios nos envió a la tierra para aprender y progresar.

4.    Dios preparó un plan para ayudarnos a regresar con Él.

5.    Podemos regresar a Dios manteniédonos limpios.

6.    La Expiación de Jesucristo es central en el plan de Dios.

7.    A través de la Expiación, podemos ser liberados del pecado.