June 13, 2021

From Ben - And So it Begins! - An Epistle Unto Friends and Family

Ah yes. And so it begins. The missionary journey. 

As this is the first email, I'll throw down a quick recap of what has happened so far in the MTC and such. 

The first few days of the MTC were something else. Not because of the 6 hours of zoom meetings, but because of the "withdrawals of the world": It was rough being unable to listen to the music I used to, having to focus only on gospel literature, and... (I'm ashamed to say it) being unable to watch a cheesy children show with Abby and Mia (the name of said show will for now remain classified, I need to maintain my dignity.) 
But, with some divine aid, I was able to overcome the pull of the world, and the withdrawals eventually dulled to a manageable level. 
As for my district! They are grand. Here's a quick summary of their character (from what I know in my limited zoom experience with them) and what they taught me

Elder Burgess was my MTC companion and grew up ranching, because of him, I will one day go spear fishing. He taught me the importance of silence, not the awkward kind, but the kind that invites the spirit, and having the courage not to immediately break it. He also helped simplify the random tangents I would go on about gospel doctrine during comp study. It appears I tend to overcomplicate things. 

Sister Kalamafoni has a great laugh and a great smile. She is Tongan and loves her family and culture. She helped me realize how great it feels to receive a genuine compliment. She is super lovable and I'm confident will bring a lot of light into people's lives. 

Sister Drummond lives somewhere in the mountains (I can't remember which state she lives at the top of my head, but that she lives in the mountains is the important part), and wears these cool blue glasses to help her read with her dyslexia. She bore a powerful testimony that nearly made me cry (emphasis on nearly...), and helped me understand the power of a genuine testimony.

Sister Grover is super enthusiastic and helped me understand that sometimes, you just have to go for it. Her faith in the Lord and his promises was awesome. 

Sister Cook is crazy adventurous and wants to travel the world. We bonded over having drank the same banana cocoa smoothie (it is possible that this smoothie recipe is a lot more common than I first supposed... we bonded nonetheless). She showed me that I don't need to have a super complex testimony. Turns out simplicity is the way to go. 

Sister Hutchins is planning to be an archeologist (which has me shook) and enjoys books and basketball. Because of her, I'll be reading Frankenstein when I get back (let this email stand as a record and a reminder that I will read it.) She was really good at making you feel really cool. She helped me realize that I need to better internalise my purpose as a missionary; to bless and build the lives of OTHERS through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Beyond this, the library room I had the MTC in often became an absolute sauna when the sun was shining in. One is not supposed to sit in a sauna for 3 hours straight. I was sweating buckets and learned one definition of the phrase "long-suffering" 

My MTC teachers, Brother Ellingson and Sister Stevens need a quick mention. The one thing that stood out to me the most from everything they taught me was their love of the Gospel. Their countenances of joy was a lesson in and of itself. 

Overall. It was a stellar experience. Now I get to go out into the field to realize that I know absolutely nothing about missionary work. I'm excited! 




Till next P-Day

Elder Smith

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