Dear Family,
Doing Great! One Day left until I’m on the Plane! Gahhh! I’m so ready. Not that I feel like I NEED to leave the MTC…but just that I Feel That Now is the Time.
(I will bring up some thoughts regarding this topic in a minute)
Yes, yes indeed. I love that story as well Mother. The Story of the Stripling Warriors. Each and every One of Us. This Gospel is so important to Us. It is Everything to Us.
If You Would Like…mmm…man. Haha…Don’t know if I have any time to write about that tonight. We’ll see. I will try very hard to write ya’ll a letter tonight. Brief as it may be. But to mail it off tomorrow.
I’m glad Dad gave out my email, makes me happy =p! And I will be sending the memory card picture thing home tomorrow...i will still have one here…give you that one. It is a bit defective, as I mentioned once before…when you insert it into the proper slot…sometimes it will either say “Memory Card Full” or “Need to Reformat”…DON’T! I’ll lose all the pictures haha! But yeah…I just keep turning the camera off and on off and on til it works…or taking the card in and out and in and out til it works. It works every now and again.
I’m glad to hear that Ethan is thinking on me =) And that he’s getting his paper’s in! Woo! Haha! He just sent me an email…and I intend to write him back. My apologies…I did receive his letter, and enjoyed it quite thoroughly…I just get so caught up. Oh dearr…
Haha…just to give you an idea of how far behind I was…remember that picture you sent me? That I had made out of words for Alena? Yeah…I just mailed her that today. Oopsies xD! And I still have much I need to catch up on in my journal…oh dear…what I wouldn’t give to have everything where I would be starting fresh. All caught up.
Sooo…as I mentioned, I have a 22 hour long flight ahead of me…and 11 hours of layover. Oh dear me…but it is a wonderful time to begin Spreading the Gospel. In fact…it already had begun…from the day I was set apart. But now…a whole new venue.
If you wouldn’t mind…I’d like to speak of a few things concerning my time here at the MTC.
There are some people…who would say the MTC is long and arduous. Others who say it is boring. Others who find it meaningless. Others who come and meander through. There are those people…who, to make an all encompassing statement, “believe that their time or efforts could be used better elsewhere.”
To Them I Say: I have been here for over 9 weeks. I Have but one day left. And the ONLY thing I would change…is if I could have realized how Sacred this time is…from Day 1. The MTC is so precious.
I do not understand…how a missionary can miss this. And yet…I can. And the tragedy is that this is something very real. And very, very dangerous. We are the instruments of Eternity…and yet…we fail to see our call.
Perhaps it is BECAUSE I have been here 9 weeks that I realize this. Yet…know this:
In my heart…… “letting my light grow brighter”… And I know that I have great lengths to go…even infinite strides…to achieve that “perfect day.”
I don’t know when that day will come…but I Promise You. When that day arrives…I will be there. With the light. I will become the light.
It overwhelms my soul…to feel as I feel, even now.Lehi, in 2 Nephi 1…bears such beautiful testament: “for behold, my Savior hath redeemed my soul from hell…and I am encircled eternally in the arms of his love”
The very end of Romans 8: “I am convinced…that nothing-shall stay the love of Christ.”
And John 16…a Promise of the Father…one of eternal hope and love…one that makes my very heart weep:“Yet shall I See You Again.”
These small verses…through the course of 9 weeks, and scriptures like unto them…have become the very foundation of who I am. I know…that in every one of us resides the light of Christ. I know…that the very purpose of our existence is to give our heart…all that is most precious, that which is truth…that which we’ve spent our lives to discover…to give to someone else. To give them…our light of Christ.
This is My Eternal Purpose.“For This End Was I Born” saith the Lord Jesus Christ.For His Purpose…Am I Here.
God is Love, Mother. It is His Sole Reason for Being. It is His Only Purpose, yea, even all that he Does…He Doeth for The Love and Joy of His Children. This is His Power. Without it…He Would Cease to Be God.But He Is. And I Am. And I Know Him. I Love Him. And if Even He, The Greatest of All…This Be His One Eternal Purpose…then This is My Purpose.
This is My Testimony Mother…in but brief. In but a sparkle of the majesty He Hath Given unto my heart.I pray, that I might be able to finally give someone…all of me. Even the fulness of my Soul. Because I Love Them…My Sweet Redeemer…I Love Them.
It was Yesterday…not a huge turn of events…but one moment…not out of the ordinary, but just a moment…amidst crying…over the Spirit which came upon me…that I Decided.
I Will Become a Missionary. Today.This is the Start of My Eternity.
If Ever The Lord Might Grant Me One Wish, One Desire of My Heart…it Beith Thus:That I Might Serve Unto Thee Forever.This is My Celestial Glory.
I wish I had more time…To say a few more words…for this testimony causeth me to see other missionaries…and how greater the Lord hath need of them than I…and How they Do Not See! They Are All Glory in my Eyes. All! And Yet..they do not see. They, in their ignorance…treat the Kingdom of Everlasting…as but another ‘something.’ It is Everything! For Someone! For Everyone! This is Everything!
Oh How I Desire to Grab Them…and Shake Them! And Shake Them! Fiercely…and Call Unto them Awake!And I Shall…Oh I shall…Through My Testimony…no Matter What and no Matter Where…I Will Let Them Know that Withing Me I Know Christ. And Christ Knows Them. And They Know Christ.Therefore…They Shall Feel All of Heaven Through Me.And Maybe…Oh Dear Lord, Maybe…They Will Finally Fell The Savior… And Become That Missionary…The Lord Has Ever Ordained Them to Be.
They Are Everything To Me.
You All Are Everything to Me.
I Love You,
--Elder Christopher Lewis
Showing posts with label [MTC]. Show all posts
Showing posts with label [MTC]. Show all posts
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
PHILIPPINES!! I'm COMING!!
Hey Mom!! Haha! Guess What?! I’mma headed to the Philippines!! Just got my flight plans the other day (last Friday!) I’ve been meaning to write…there’s always something I write down every day that I intend to send to either you, the family, or alena, etc. but I NEVER get around to actually writing it in a letter (only little notes on the side to myself)
HOWEVER!! To at least say it here: I INTEND to have at least one bunch of letters sent home to you before I leave, hopefully addressing enough people =) I have a couple done that have been done for weeks…Sister Johnson’s, Lauren , and ideas for some others…a Start Up Resume for Brody, etc.Those I WILL send out to you all at home before my last day.
To Dad real quick: THANKS!! I got the Package!! Just 30 seconds ago or so. Lots of wonderful little surprises xD!! And it was quite exciting, all the new stuff =PP! Please though, don’t go out of your way trying to send me stuff…the watches are quite nice, and hammock and netting and all, thanks! Don’t spend too much on me though…if anything all I need are some bare essentials and I can get by xD! So don’t worry about sending me too too many things. From what I hear from my Native Teacher Sis. Rather, and my other Teacher Brother Leslie, I should be more than fine as I am. And there are so many things I could pick up there if I need to…pretty darn cheap =pp! Might try and come home with some hand tailored suits for $50, who knows!(also, my teacher once got a speeding ticket there…$3. Haha! There really aren’t “police” there…more like army. And he just happened to end up in a very unlikely situation…) (But not a huge laughing matter…because the Filipinos work tremendously over there…some for so little money a day. Comparatively, we really would be seen as quite rich. It’s amazing how blessed we are.) So…for the most part, the things I would like through the mail are letters, personal things like pictures, etc. I’m sure if I haven’t yet realized it yet, nor realize it in the very near future…I should be fine without it.
OH! But I need to tell you when I leave! November 24, 2009. Next Tuesday, at 4ish? Yup yup. Will be flying Delta airlines…then to Eva…then to Philippine Air…and finally Cathay Pacific Airways.
All in all…if we calculated correctly…about 22 hours of flying…and 11 hours of layover/wait time.Oh boyyy…and that’s if everything is on time =PP!!
And yes Mother, I am flying out with my district…all the way until we arrive in Manila. And when we arrive there…7 of us leave for Bacolod…only one stays in Manila (Sister Ball) to serve in Quezon City.
I am quite excited! The flight plans just finally made it seem so real…that it is coming xD! I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels…to think that soon…I’ll be off. And only 22 months left! AHH!!
The language feels so wonderful. There is still much I have to learn…and again…I’m not gonna lie…I haven’t put all my effort into learning or doing here at the MTC. Not to say I’ve skimped off…but I know when I’ve really worked. And thus…I will try this week. To really push myself. I can speak the language comfortably right now…enough to speak about the lessons and the church and chit chat and whatnot. But I’m sure it will all seem inferior when I finally arrive. Yet…I am confident that it will be a marvelous learning experience if I so let it be. Spiritually…the Lord continues to bless me. Some people here feel like they wish they had more time to prepare. Well…I am ready. I mean…there is always so much more we can do to prepare. But it’s no longer time to just prepare. Its now time to Do. And I feel the Spirit shall Abide with me.
I was released yesterday as the Zone Leader…man, that’s different.I’ve been in leadership position ever since the day I arrived…senior companion, district leader, zone leader… And now…I don’t have too too many meetings…woo! Haha! But it was a marvelous experience…and truly…I was able to learn from so many wonderful leaders…and I feel like I grew…oh so much. Especially telling this to you, Dad. You always say you see me as a Leader. Well…not to Go bragging or building up my Pride…but I felt such Growth. And I Began to Feel Power…radiate through me, From The Spirit. And truly… I feel like the Lord Is Helping me to Become. I will Become.
Again…I feel so ready to head off to the Philippines. I hope to jot down my thoughts on the Islands before I actually arrive there…so as to be able to compare later (and keep my thoughts untainted of the “before hand”) I need to write down now. OH! And my image has changed several times over the course of being here of the Philippines…from a place of beauty and nature and hardwork…to poverty…to in dire need of the health of the gospel to rid from the plagues of wickedness and evil. I believed that perhaps things may not have permeated to such an island. But mother…Satan is ever prevalent. While there may yet be some places of the world who remain in an ignorant peace…I believe there will be much work to be done, that in the Heart’s of those Filipinos, truly they desire these truths: family. Chastity. Hope. Love. Forgiveness.I never realized…just how precious the smallest of things we have in this Gospel are… And I never realized…how much I have always wanted to thank you…for sheltering me. Not from the world. But protecting me against it. Helping me realize…evil is very real. But In the Presence of Light, Evil MUST depart. And truly as you shielded and protected me…even if I was “sheltered” in the sense of mere ignorance of the existence of certain evils…I am ever grateful for even that. It seemed so weird…even hard, to admit back then to the world: I’ve been sheltered. Almost ashamed to say it. But now, I wish to Proclaim it Openly: I Am So Proud…That I Have Been Sheltered. But not Sheltered Only. I Have Been Shielded. Against All Evil…even the unknown evils I have yet to encounter…I Am Prepared.
Sister…take this to heart. Please. And Be Proud. I cannot Begin to tell you How I feel. The World…it is a Beautiful Place. But There Is Great Distortion…Sister…do not let the beauty you see be confused with the evil mirages. This Gospel is Our Shield. Our Parents…They Know. This is the Shield of Our Savior.
Ever Hold Your Head High, in the Honoring Truth and Right. And in the Presence of Evil, You Command Him Flee…You Reprove Him. Ever…if Evil Cometh, You Speak Light. And He Shall Leave.
You may not understand this…but know that I know this happens on a daily basis during high school. And to apply this principle to you: that which sounds so natural to the world…it makes me quite sad. For we have accepted as normal such great tragedies. Alcohol, sex, drugs…lying, gossiping, lack of morality.Where is the Virtue? I Tell you, Sister, I Testify…if You will Hold Strong as an Example to These Principles as are In the For Strength of Youth…and if ever of evil undertones in school you hear…you Be the Example. It will be quite difficult. But Be Bold. The Lord Shall Comfort Thee. And You STAND for Truth.You are a Daughter of God. You are Honored Respect of the Most High. Do not let such degrading lack of tact and tongue touch your ears without you bearing your witness against it. If anything…you Flee. However…Pray, Muster the Courage. And You Let Known Your Light.
I guess…what I’m trying to say Sister, simply…is Be Yourself. And If ever your hear something your soul feels is not of goodness or virtue…please…help those who speak of evils they do not understand. And you let them know that You Know, in your heart…true Happiness is not within that evil.
I have full faith in you Sister. As Does the Lord.
Sorry for that Tangent!
Mmm…I’m going to grab some pictures from our companionships and send them home…but for the most part, I’ll just send the chip home (not a whole lot of good pictures on there yet haha xD!)
In any case…this last week has been great! Pushing for a final MTC Goal… Hopefully be able to finish the Book of Mormon (if not..i WILL soon..for I know when I do…oh how the Spirit within me will change); hoping to get those letters all down…and catch up on all the notes in my journal and other Big journal…while trying to keep studying and preparing for Teaching Assignments and Teaching Evaluations we schedule. All in all…I will Do My Best to Show the Lord I Will Do The Work…not only because I Believe in Him…but Because I Love Him. And I know He Loves His Children.And just as I pray to him for help, for miracles…I know he would have each and every one of us be that miracle that someone has prayed for. And we Are. If we but Will Give our hearts to Him.
Mm…I do believe my address for the Philippines is on Facebook. Please give that out to as many people as you can =p! I LOVE Mail haha!! And I will write Megan too…I will I will…man! I say that so much…I need to make sure I do these things. But in my heart, know that I mean it every time I say it. And I WILL! For if it is in one’s heart, truly, then one will do.
Yes mother, I am a grazer too. I try not to eat here either…not too much. Skip a meal or so here or there.Haha…im still in shape! Maybe even better than before! (except I can’t play soccer for the life of me! I FAILED!!! Its been almost a year since last I played…and I failed!) (Volleyball im a pretty good hand at though xD!)
Oh..and that candy…yeah. That went. Pretty darn fast. I’m a grazer…and when it comes to candy…I graze often ;D!!
Sorry bout your accident mom! Fingers must hurt, youch!
And yayy! I hope you liked your date!
I’m glad Dad is busy =D So long as he’s happy!
I’ve sent Brother a letter and so has my companion (my companion’s line of work is right up his alley!) Hopefully we hear from him. If not..well…I’ll send him a letter soon again.
Yes, Sara , I recommended Her. I thought of her…and recommended her because the thought touched my heart. Love her as my friend, such a wonderful spirit.
Thank you for helping Molly..trying to get that CD…it means a lot to me. Please call and keep in touch with her.
YAY!! I will write Lala! (although..hmm…not sure I can see her being retired…Lala usually likes to be DOING things…and she LOVES people. Guess she’ll have to think it over…but I hope she’s happy xD!)
OH MAN I GOTTA GO!!Sorry! I Will Write!
ONE WEEK TIL IM GONE!!
--Your Son and Brother and Grandson,Elder Christopher Lewis
P.S. Mother, Father, Family, Grandmother…I am ever noticing…in my time on my mission…that My dreams and aspirations for life are ever changing…more than I have ever imagined or dreamed…taking me somewhere new… Even my very vision for the rest of my life… And yet…I feel in my heart…that truly…this new developing vision…is exactly what I’ve always ever wanted. This is the Dream of Dreams, for Me.
Before…friends, places, college…my career…soccer forever…my family…living life to the fullest wherever I decided to pursue…many many avenues of aspirations…
But now…a new take…on all of these.
And I am finding…This New Vision. This is the Dream of Dreams, for Me.
HOWEVER!! To at least say it here: I INTEND to have at least one bunch of letters sent home to you before I leave, hopefully addressing enough people =) I have a couple done that have been done for weeks…Sister Johnson’s, Lauren , and ideas for some others…a Start Up Resume for Brody, etc.Those I WILL send out to you all at home before my last day.
To Dad real quick: THANKS!! I got the Package!! Just 30 seconds ago or so. Lots of wonderful little surprises xD!! And it was quite exciting, all the new stuff =PP! Please though, don’t go out of your way trying to send me stuff…the watches are quite nice, and hammock and netting and all, thanks! Don’t spend too much on me though…if anything all I need are some bare essentials and I can get by xD! So don’t worry about sending me too too many things. From what I hear from my Native Teacher Sis. Rather, and my other Teacher Brother Leslie, I should be more than fine as I am. And there are so many things I could pick up there if I need to…pretty darn cheap =pp! Might try and come home with some hand tailored suits for $50, who knows!(also, my teacher once got a speeding ticket there…$3. Haha! There really aren’t “police” there…more like army. And he just happened to end up in a very unlikely situation…) (But not a huge laughing matter…because the Filipinos work tremendously over there…some for so little money a day. Comparatively, we really would be seen as quite rich. It’s amazing how blessed we are.) So…for the most part, the things I would like through the mail are letters, personal things like pictures, etc. I’m sure if I haven’t yet realized it yet, nor realize it in the very near future…I should be fine without it.
OH! But I need to tell you when I leave! November 24, 2009. Next Tuesday, at 4ish? Yup yup. Will be flying Delta airlines…then to Eva…then to Philippine Air…and finally Cathay Pacific Airways.
All in all…if we calculated correctly…about 22 hours of flying…and 11 hours of layover/wait time.Oh boyyy…and that’s if everything is on time =PP!!
And yes Mother, I am flying out with my district…all the way until we arrive in Manila. And when we arrive there…7 of us leave for Bacolod…only one stays in Manila (Sister Ball) to serve in Quezon City.
I am quite excited! The flight plans just finally made it seem so real…that it is coming xD! I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels…to think that soon…I’ll be off. And only 22 months left! AHH!!
The language feels so wonderful. There is still much I have to learn…and again…I’m not gonna lie…I haven’t put all my effort into learning or doing here at the MTC. Not to say I’ve skimped off…but I know when I’ve really worked. And thus…I will try this week. To really push myself. I can speak the language comfortably right now…enough to speak about the lessons and the church and chit chat and whatnot. But I’m sure it will all seem inferior when I finally arrive. Yet…I am confident that it will be a marvelous learning experience if I so let it be. Spiritually…the Lord continues to bless me. Some people here feel like they wish they had more time to prepare. Well…I am ready. I mean…there is always so much more we can do to prepare. But it’s no longer time to just prepare. Its now time to Do. And I feel the Spirit shall Abide with me.
I was released yesterday as the Zone Leader…man, that’s different.I’ve been in leadership position ever since the day I arrived…senior companion, district leader, zone leader… And now…I don’t have too too many meetings…woo! Haha! But it was a marvelous experience…and truly…I was able to learn from so many wonderful leaders…and I feel like I grew…oh so much. Especially telling this to you, Dad. You always say you see me as a Leader. Well…not to Go bragging or building up my Pride…but I felt such Growth. And I Began to Feel Power…radiate through me, From The Spirit. And truly… I feel like the Lord Is Helping me to Become. I will Become.
Again…I feel so ready to head off to the Philippines. I hope to jot down my thoughts on the Islands before I actually arrive there…so as to be able to compare later (and keep my thoughts untainted of the “before hand”) I need to write down now. OH! And my image has changed several times over the course of being here of the Philippines…from a place of beauty and nature and hardwork…to poverty…to in dire need of the health of the gospel to rid from the plagues of wickedness and evil. I believed that perhaps things may not have permeated to such an island. But mother…Satan is ever prevalent. While there may yet be some places of the world who remain in an ignorant peace…I believe there will be much work to be done, that in the Heart’s of those Filipinos, truly they desire these truths: family. Chastity. Hope. Love. Forgiveness.I never realized…just how precious the smallest of things we have in this Gospel are… And I never realized…how much I have always wanted to thank you…for sheltering me. Not from the world. But protecting me against it. Helping me realize…evil is very real. But In the Presence of Light, Evil MUST depart. And truly as you shielded and protected me…even if I was “sheltered” in the sense of mere ignorance of the existence of certain evils…I am ever grateful for even that. It seemed so weird…even hard, to admit back then to the world: I’ve been sheltered. Almost ashamed to say it. But now, I wish to Proclaim it Openly: I Am So Proud…That I Have Been Sheltered. But not Sheltered Only. I Have Been Shielded. Against All Evil…even the unknown evils I have yet to encounter…I Am Prepared.
Sister…take this to heart. Please. And Be Proud. I cannot Begin to tell you How I feel. The World…it is a Beautiful Place. But There Is Great Distortion…Sister…do not let the beauty you see be confused with the evil mirages. This Gospel is Our Shield. Our Parents…They Know. This is the Shield of Our Savior.
Ever Hold Your Head High, in the Honoring Truth and Right. And in the Presence of Evil, You Command Him Flee…You Reprove Him. Ever…if Evil Cometh, You Speak Light. And He Shall Leave.
You may not understand this…but know that I know this happens on a daily basis during high school. And to apply this principle to you: that which sounds so natural to the world…it makes me quite sad. For we have accepted as normal such great tragedies. Alcohol, sex, drugs…lying, gossiping, lack of morality.Where is the Virtue? I Tell you, Sister, I Testify…if You will Hold Strong as an Example to These Principles as are In the For Strength of Youth…and if ever of evil undertones in school you hear…you Be the Example. It will be quite difficult. But Be Bold. The Lord Shall Comfort Thee. And You STAND for Truth.You are a Daughter of God. You are Honored Respect of the Most High. Do not let such degrading lack of tact and tongue touch your ears without you bearing your witness against it. If anything…you Flee. However…Pray, Muster the Courage. And You Let Known Your Light.
I guess…what I’m trying to say Sister, simply…is Be Yourself. And If ever your hear something your soul feels is not of goodness or virtue…please…help those who speak of evils they do not understand. And you let them know that You Know, in your heart…true Happiness is not within that evil.
I have full faith in you Sister. As Does the Lord.
Sorry for that Tangent!
Mmm…I’m going to grab some pictures from our companionships and send them home…but for the most part, I’ll just send the chip home (not a whole lot of good pictures on there yet haha xD!)
In any case…this last week has been great! Pushing for a final MTC Goal… Hopefully be able to finish the Book of Mormon (if not..i WILL soon..for I know when I do…oh how the Spirit within me will change); hoping to get those letters all down…and catch up on all the notes in my journal and other Big journal…while trying to keep studying and preparing for Teaching Assignments and Teaching Evaluations we schedule. All in all…I will Do My Best to Show the Lord I Will Do The Work…not only because I Believe in Him…but Because I Love Him. And I know He Loves His Children.And just as I pray to him for help, for miracles…I know he would have each and every one of us be that miracle that someone has prayed for. And we Are. If we but Will Give our hearts to Him.
Mm…I do believe my address for the Philippines is on Facebook. Please give that out to as many people as you can =p! I LOVE Mail haha!! And I will write Megan too…I will I will…man! I say that so much…I need to make sure I do these things. But in my heart, know that I mean it every time I say it. And I WILL! For if it is in one’s heart, truly, then one will do.
Yes mother, I am a grazer too. I try not to eat here either…not too much. Skip a meal or so here or there.Haha…im still in shape! Maybe even better than before! (except I can’t play soccer for the life of me! I FAILED!!! Its been almost a year since last I played…and I failed!) (Volleyball im a pretty good hand at though xD!)
Oh..and that candy…yeah. That went. Pretty darn fast. I’m a grazer…and when it comes to candy…I graze often ;D!!
Sorry bout your accident mom! Fingers must hurt, youch!
And yayy! I hope you liked your date!
I’m glad Dad is busy =D So long as he’s happy!
I’ve sent Brother a letter and so has my companion (my companion’s line of work is right up his alley!) Hopefully we hear from him. If not..well…I’ll send him a letter soon again.
Yes, Sara , I recommended Her. I thought of her…and recommended her because the thought touched my heart. Love her as my friend, such a wonderful spirit.
Thank you for helping Molly..trying to get that CD…it means a lot to me. Please call and keep in touch with her.
YAY!! I will write Lala! (although..hmm…not sure I can see her being retired…Lala usually likes to be DOING things…and she LOVES people. Guess she’ll have to think it over…but I hope she’s happy xD!)
OH MAN I GOTTA GO!!Sorry! I Will Write!
ONE WEEK TIL IM GONE!!
--Your Son and Brother and Grandson,Elder Christopher Lewis
P.S. Mother, Father, Family, Grandmother…I am ever noticing…in my time on my mission…that My dreams and aspirations for life are ever changing…more than I have ever imagined or dreamed…taking me somewhere new… Even my very vision for the rest of my life… And yet…I feel in my heart…that truly…this new developing vision…is exactly what I’ve always ever wanted. This is the Dream of Dreams, for Me.
Before…friends, places, college…my career…soccer forever…my family…living life to the fullest wherever I decided to pursue…many many avenues of aspirations…
But now…a new take…on all of these.
And I am finding…This New Vision. This is the Dream of Dreams, for Me.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Lalala...lala.
ooook...so guess what?There's been two people in my district quarantined =p!!haha...flu, however not the swine flu. Yet as a precaution, they quarantine those with symptoms for a few days.
actually...just got one of the sisters back =) makes me happy.Trying to stay focused here...again, i get my ups and downs...but when its up its reallyy upp.
Trying to fix certain things within the zone...being a good size zone...we want to have people get to know eachother better. outside of just the districts. and also...we're doing a good job here...yet we feel as though the Spirit could be stronger. There are times when it is so Strong...in all we do. And yet...for most of the districts, including ours occasionally...we lose focus of WHY each day is so fixed and why we learn things again and again etc. As i said...most of us have a good grasp of what our purpose is...but we really want to Perpetuate the FEELING of that Purpose. Because if we can do that...we will be given the Power to do All Things.
Other than that though...things are going good here =) Two weeks left though...and there is much i want to get done, just sometimes i feel as though time slips past me when I couldve been doing something. Again...I can't quite understand why i don't actively use the language here at the MTC. We are Asked to SYL (speak your language) all the time...and that is so critical. And yet...there are so many little things that come up that give me excuses not to. It's a little bit disheartening too, when i see myself and a lack of motivation or dedication.
But as i said, I am doing well. If I can just work. Do more. Then I know, that even in 2 weeks, my last 2 weeks here, a miracle can happen. A miracle will Happen...if I so Allow it to.
I'm not sick haha =p!! But that's sad...why are you all sick??i boast about how i NEVER get sick xD! And even if i am...i refuse to admit it =pp!
Sunshine is always good medicine, Mother. I'll take pictures and send you some sunshine in the winter when I get there!Mmm...yeah at the bookstore they sell pretty much everything a missionary might need. Converters, yup...adaptor, pretty sure...iron, yeah they've gotta.
And YES! I LOVED the album! It was just what I needed haha!I would absolutley love more pictures...if you want to send me some or grab some from off of Facebook
Or take some new ones! I would LOVE to see them! it feels good to reminisce once in a while. OH! andif you could...get some nice nature pictures. I have one picture of me sitting on the car that lala sent...and i just STARE at the trees in the background...so lush and green!
oh dear...i cant tell you how much I love the Piano. That's amazing that Sister is learning to play. I want to take that up when I return home. Perhaps the violin too! (but thats more of a dream..) Piano and Drums...yeah, that'd be nice
I also want to re-take Spanish somehow...and American Sign Language.And Thus i'll know 4 languages! (maybe even try for french! but yeah...that ones more of a nice afterthought...a nice lil one to learn but maybe i wont)
BROTHER!! WOOO! Way to GO! first trophy...undefeated!! haha, that's amazing. I think i'll gain so much appreciation for life while I'm out here on my mission...i have already...but i mean so. much. more. It will be quite a humbling experience. And I intend to bring it all back home...and to live the things I learn. And share it with my family. I Know we can be so Happy. We are a Happy Family.
Tell me how everyone is doing. This week and next. People in the Ward. Friends and Family.
I don't have all that much to say here bout the MTC...just that i tried to play soccer the other day...and was worn out in about 8 minutes. couldnt do very well for the next 20 or so. It was rough...i cant even run! But i am still in shape...might actually be a bit more defined Pec-wise =p!! =D!!
The rest of the letters I'm still finishing.I just...gahhh! There's so many things I'm trying to do...and i feel like even with planning...i still get none of it done. Even when i plan...i feel like even if i follow through perfectly with the plan...theres so much i missed that i shouldve done. and trust me...i have YET to actually fulfill a planned day completely. planning like this is still a work in progress...
however! again, know that I love you all.And am Doing quite well.
The Grace of God has Kept Me And Will Continue to Embrace Me.
-Elder Lewis
actually...just got one of the sisters back =) makes me happy.Trying to stay focused here...again, i get my ups and downs...but when its up its reallyy upp.
Trying to fix certain things within the zone...being a good size zone...we want to have people get to know eachother better. outside of just the districts. and also...we're doing a good job here...yet we feel as though the Spirit could be stronger. There are times when it is so Strong...in all we do. And yet...for most of the districts, including ours occasionally...we lose focus of WHY each day is so fixed and why we learn things again and again etc. As i said...most of us have a good grasp of what our purpose is...but we really want to Perpetuate the FEELING of that Purpose. Because if we can do that...we will be given the Power to do All Things.
Other than that though...things are going good here =) Two weeks left though...and there is much i want to get done, just sometimes i feel as though time slips past me when I couldve been doing something. Again...I can't quite understand why i don't actively use the language here at the MTC. We are Asked to SYL (speak your language) all the time...and that is so critical. And yet...there are so many little things that come up that give me excuses not to. It's a little bit disheartening too, when i see myself and a lack of motivation or dedication.
But as i said, I am doing well. If I can just work. Do more. Then I know, that even in 2 weeks, my last 2 weeks here, a miracle can happen. A miracle will Happen...if I so Allow it to.
I'm not sick haha =p!! But that's sad...why are you all sick??i boast about how i NEVER get sick xD! And even if i am...i refuse to admit it =pp!
Sunshine is always good medicine, Mother. I'll take pictures and send you some sunshine in the winter when I get there!Mmm...yeah at the bookstore they sell pretty much everything a missionary might need. Converters, yup...adaptor, pretty sure...iron, yeah they've gotta.
And YES! I LOVED the album! It was just what I needed haha!I would absolutley love more pictures...if you want to send me some or grab some from off of Facebook
Or take some new ones! I would LOVE to see them! it feels good to reminisce once in a while. OH! andif you could...get some nice nature pictures. I have one picture of me sitting on the car that lala sent...and i just STARE at the trees in the background...so lush and green!
oh dear...i cant tell you how much I love the Piano. That's amazing that Sister is learning to play. I want to take that up when I return home. Perhaps the violin too! (but thats more of a dream..) Piano and Drums...yeah, that'd be nice
I also want to re-take Spanish somehow...and American Sign Language.And Thus i'll know 4 languages! (maybe even try for french! but yeah...that ones more of a nice afterthought...a nice lil one to learn but maybe i wont)
BROTHER!! WOOO! Way to GO! first trophy...undefeated!! haha, that's amazing. I think i'll gain so much appreciation for life while I'm out here on my mission...i have already...but i mean so. much. more. It will be quite a humbling experience. And I intend to bring it all back home...and to live the things I learn. And share it with my family. I Know we can be so Happy. We are a Happy Family.
Tell me how everyone is doing. This week and next. People in the Ward. Friends and Family.
I don't have all that much to say here bout the MTC...just that i tried to play soccer the other day...and was worn out in about 8 minutes. couldnt do very well for the next 20 or so. It was rough...i cant even run! But i am still in shape...might actually be a bit more defined Pec-wise =p!! =D!!
The rest of the letters I'm still finishing.I just...gahhh! There's so many things I'm trying to do...and i feel like even with planning...i still get none of it done. Even when i plan...i feel like even if i follow through perfectly with the plan...theres so much i missed that i shouldve done. and trust me...i have YET to actually fulfill a planned day completely. planning like this is still a work in progress...
however! again, know that I love you all.And am Doing quite well.
The Grace of God has Kept Me And Will Continue to Embrace Me.
-Elder Lewis
Monday, November 2, 2009
Good to Hear From You!
Hey Ya'll!
Soo...lemme start by stating what I did in my letter (which i JUST sent today...so it should be in the mail by tomorrow):This is my 6th week! I have 3 left here! and on top of that...i never thought i'd find myself saying something like this...but soon i'll only have 22 months left! not that i'm counting down the time...but rather...i'm getting really excited about the work...and to think that i only have that certain amount of time as a missionary...It Really Invigorates Me To Do All I Can Now.
In any case...in the next few days you should recieve a general letter...followed by a package with a couple more inside for various people (i'll finish those ones tonight). Sorry about that...and I've resolved to try and send some form of written letter on Friday or Saturday for the next 3 weeks. Sorry about not being able to in the past...I had certain challenges =P!
But I am in Good Spirits and doing well.
OH! by the way...Thanks for the Candy =D! I cannot tell you how happy that makes me. I NEEDED candy. I go to eat meals all the time...and i realized that it was kinda making me feel like "blah." Too much food. I don't like just EATING. Maybe one good meal for dinner is all i need. or for lunch. but not THREE full meals. eeckkk...specially with this food. So usually...for two of my meals ill just have cereal (in a cup of course!) (everyone finds that so odd...yet intriguing. And I love itt haha!) So i'll eat 2 cups of cereal or something...or some cookies and milk...just something to NIBBLE on but not too much.
aaaand NOW!! I have candy in my dorm room drawer! MUAHAHA! Munchies!! I live off of these. It's how i do. Candy candy candy.
oh...that reminds me...i need to pick up grandmothers package...that came a day or two ago...and i still havent done that yet.
I receieved the letter for the Card today, as well as the Patriarchal Blessing. I'll read that tonight...but thank you so much! And i don't mind you reading it Mom =) Thats perfectly fine.
Dad...ohh mann...so guess what?The other day we started a "punishment program" where for every english word you spoke during the day...you do one push up....friday night I did 50. Saturday night I did 100. (No, not all at once...maybe in the course of 8-10 min)
MAN!! That felt good! I think i might just make that a routine every night! so much more motivating if you have otehr people doing it with you...and it'll help me stay in shape (and i doooo want to stay in shape!) (im afraid ill lose the abs...but maybe i can gain some pecs and work on the abs when i get home! or the philippines ill just sweat it off!)
But yeahh...doing good all around.
This week, on Tuesday, Elder L. Tom Perry came and spoke during devotional. It was an amazing fireside. I've been enjoying thse moments fully.
I'm not gonna lie...i almost TOTALLY forgot about Halloween...you lose track of all else in here!
OH! almost forgot...so guess what time i end up waking up at every morning? Either 4 or 430...on the dot, every Morning. It feels so natural...and then if I get up i feel good. If i stay asleep...i feel so lazy and wake up and feel all sluggish =p! Dunno how I'm gonna fix that.But yup...thats what waking up at 4am for a long time does to ya.
Good to hear ya'll enjoyed your halloween. And its great to hear about the Kids. I Miss Them. I love hearing the stories, because I can picture them in my mind. It's wonderful.
I didn't realize it...but I'd like some pictures if you guys could send them. I know you said you'd send some...but general pictures too. Tell Brody and Ethan and Lauren and what not to ok? I enjoy looking at the few pictures I have with me from time to time. And I LOVE the one Lala sent me with a picture of me on the white car and our neighbors house in the background...I love looking at our neighborhood and those trees...all i ever get to see here is Campus...MTC Campus.
You still haven't told me if there was anything you wanted at the Bookstore Mom.
Oh yes...please go through all the emails you send and I send and see if theres any questions either you or I have asked each other and neither of us have addressed. That way...we can address them =)
Yes...stories. Yup yup...i love to hear stories any and all. please send 'em. As i said...i have found an area of time where I can write back more...so i will. As i said...you'll recieve some mail soon for various people xD
I've been teaching in Tagalog now too...THATS interesting.Just when the Lord had granted me power to testify of my love for this Gospel in English...NOW I'm teaching sa Tagalog. Oh Dearr...thats gonna take some time. Although the Gospel is the same, in any language. Different words, even when translated exactly. But the same meaning.
As I mentioned...I'm a zone leader now and the zone is coming along well. They are a great bunch of guys (and sisters) (oops...i should call them Elders). theres about 40-50 of us All in Total. But still...i love our particualr District of 8 sooo much. I intend to keep well in touch with a number, if not all of them.
Bye My family, my time is Up.I love you all...i really need to make a list of things to send you in an email...that way its not generic...i need to write more stuff down...darnitt =PP!
Love all of You Guys! All the Kids, 'n Rebecca (cuz she's not a 'kid' anymore i guess =pp! still daughter yup...and a youngin'...but i guess i wont call her a kid xD!)
And My Dear, Dear Parents,Who Have Taught Me Oh So Much.And To Have Faith. For Through Faith...I can do Miracles.
Mom & Dad......How Grateful I am for you both, and for the wonderful example you set as Parents.
And My Sweet Grandmother ...haha! God knows He Sent a Gem when He Sent Her. Love That Gal! Never was Anyone Like her. And Thats RIGHT! Cuz she's mine.
Love You All!!
--elder Lewis
Soo...lemme start by stating what I did in my letter (which i JUST sent today...so it should be in the mail by tomorrow):This is my 6th week! I have 3 left here! and on top of that...i never thought i'd find myself saying something like this...but soon i'll only have 22 months left! not that i'm counting down the time...but rather...i'm getting really excited about the work...and to think that i only have that certain amount of time as a missionary...It Really Invigorates Me To Do All I Can Now.
In any case...in the next few days you should recieve a general letter...followed by a package with a couple more inside for various people (i'll finish those ones tonight). Sorry about that...and I've resolved to try and send some form of written letter on Friday or Saturday for the next 3 weeks. Sorry about not being able to in the past...I had certain challenges =P!
But I am in Good Spirits and doing well.
OH! by the way...Thanks for the Candy =D! I cannot tell you how happy that makes me. I NEEDED candy. I go to eat meals all the time...and i realized that it was kinda making me feel like "blah." Too much food. I don't like just EATING. Maybe one good meal for dinner is all i need. or for lunch. but not THREE full meals. eeckkk...specially with this food. So usually...for two of my meals ill just have cereal (in a cup of course!) (everyone finds that so odd...yet intriguing. And I love itt haha!) So i'll eat 2 cups of cereal or something...or some cookies and milk...just something to NIBBLE on but not too much.
aaaand NOW!! I have candy in my dorm room drawer! MUAHAHA! Munchies!! I live off of these. It's how i do. Candy candy candy.
oh...that reminds me...i need to pick up grandmothers package...that came a day or two ago...and i still havent done that yet.
I receieved the letter for the Card today, as well as the Patriarchal Blessing. I'll read that tonight...but thank you so much! And i don't mind you reading it Mom =) Thats perfectly fine.
Dad...ohh mann...so guess what?The other day we started a "punishment program" where for every english word you spoke during the day...you do one push up....friday night I did 50. Saturday night I did 100. (No, not all at once...maybe in the course of 8-10 min)
MAN!! That felt good! I think i might just make that a routine every night! so much more motivating if you have otehr people doing it with you...and it'll help me stay in shape (and i doooo want to stay in shape!) (im afraid ill lose the abs...but maybe i can gain some pecs and work on the abs when i get home! or the philippines ill just sweat it off!)
But yeahh...doing good all around.
This week, on Tuesday, Elder L. Tom Perry came and spoke during devotional. It was an amazing fireside. I've been enjoying thse moments fully.
I'm not gonna lie...i almost TOTALLY forgot about Halloween...you lose track of all else in here!
OH! almost forgot...so guess what time i end up waking up at every morning? Either 4 or 430...on the dot, every Morning. It feels so natural...and then if I get up i feel good. If i stay asleep...i feel so lazy and wake up and feel all sluggish =p! Dunno how I'm gonna fix that.But yup...thats what waking up at 4am for a long time does to ya.
Good to hear ya'll enjoyed your halloween. And its great to hear about the Kids. I Miss Them. I love hearing the stories, because I can picture them in my mind. It's wonderful.
I didn't realize it...but I'd like some pictures if you guys could send them. I know you said you'd send some...but general pictures too. Tell Brody and Ethan and Lauren and what not to ok? I enjoy looking at the few pictures I have with me from time to time. And I LOVE the one Lala sent me with a picture of me on the white car and our neighbors house in the background...I love looking at our neighborhood and those trees...all i ever get to see here is Campus...MTC Campus.
You still haven't told me if there was anything you wanted at the Bookstore Mom.
Oh yes...please go through all the emails you send and I send and see if theres any questions either you or I have asked each other and neither of us have addressed. That way...we can address them =)
Yes...stories. Yup yup...i love to hear stories any and all. please send 'em. As i said...i have found an area of time where I can write back more...so i will. As i said...you'll recieve some mail soon for various people xD
I've been teaching in Tagalog now too...THATS interesting.Just when the Lord had granted me power to testify of my love for this Gospel in English...NOW I'm teaching sa Tagalog. Oh Dearr...thats gonna take some time. Although the Gospel is the same, in any language. Different words, even when translated exactly. But the same meaning.
As I mentioned...I'm a zone leader now and the zone is coming along well. They are a great bunch of guys (and sisters) (oops...i should call them Elders). theres about 40-50 of us All in Total. But still...i love our particualr District of 8 sooo much. I intend to keep well in touch with a number, if not all of them.
Bye My family, my time is Up.I love you all...i really need to make a list of things to send you in an email...that way its not generic...i need to write more stuff down...darnitt =PP!
Love all of You Guys! All the Kids, 'n Rebecca (cuz she's not a 'kid' anymore i guess =pp! still daughter yup...and a youngin'...but i guess i wont call her a kid xD!)
And My Dear, Dear Parents,Who Have Taught Me Oh So Much.And To Have Faith. For Through Faith...I can do Miracles.
Mom & Dad......How Grateful I am for you both, and for the wonderful example you set as Parents.
And My Sweet Grandmother ...haha! God knows He Sent a Gem when He Sent Her. Love That Gal! Never was Anyone Like her. And Thats RIGHT! Cuz she's mine.
Love You All!!
--elder Lewis
Monday, October 26, 2009
Re: mom again
OHhhh! You have no idea how good this feels.Starting just last wednesday, we have been asked to speak Only Tagalog. For the rest of our time here at the MTC....Yes, of course we cheat, all the time. But STILL! its interesting. and its nice to write in English.
I must say, I did a bit of studying the other night, and man...it clicked.the language just all of a sudden clicked. Not that it didnt click before...its just i hadn't tried to understand it yet.however...i need to study it again...because the basics i studied and it clicked, however, for the rest to click i need to sit down and actively study it again. They try and have you Plan your Day sooo...fixedly...15min increments and whatnot...and it just really fragments my ability to study. Granted...the concept makes sense...its just not what I'm used to. I like delving in for a whole hour or so into something...and i don't have that time. So when i study here...it starts to come...and then BAM, 15 min gone, time to move on to something else...its interesting.
HOWEVER, it is coming. And I am enjoying myself quite a bit.I apologize, however...for having not sent that Letter to you yet. It had already been started last Monday...however...Mom somehow the time gets away from me...and lil by lil everything adds up of the things that get away from me...and I can't catch up. And i like to DEVOTE my attention to letters I write...i cant merely spend just a half hour writing...because then i feel like i scanted it short.
And so things pile up...i get to some things...however for the most part...i keep not getting to the things like that letter i really WANT to do...which would require at least an hour or so of my time, and because i havent been able to find that time anywhere in a day...it's been hard.
I'll have it out in the next couple of days...I'm sorry.
But yeah...i guess i might as well say a couple things that were in that letter then:
I'm a Zone Leader now =PP!3 weeks, and yup. The story behind it is already written in my letter, so I'll save that...but yup...and there are now about 40ish new Missionaries in our Zone. It's fun =)
And I love reading your letters...ill (hopefully) get to address everyone individually at least in a short letter to you all (i'll find some time one morning...)
I happen to wake up like clockwork at 4am every morning.However...even though I've woken up at this time every morning...and COULD get out of bed and do stuff...i HAVENT. that AMAZES me. I should. because i gain some time to catch up. we'll see. I plan to do that tomorrow morning.
Also...haha...interesting story about My Temple Reccomend as well =) (already written in future letter)
so...did the computer work? was i wrong? sorry...i'm not there to fix it...i swear the computers probably fine you just have to DIG.
I'm getting so tired of eating food...its so boring. But its just what we DO. and its not like i can go sit and write something...cuz there are no reading or writing in the cafe...and my companion is not one who would want to skip with me, nor anyone else for that matter. *sigh* I'm unique.
I've gotten QUITE adept at volleyball...i must say ;) Nahh...not that good yet, but i play it every day. and i've gotten a lot better and actually, i was quite fond of it before the mission, and this is my nice escape for the day during gym time (because 1. no one wanted to play soccer outside in our gym class and 2. now some new missionaries want to but they think its too cold...*sigh* i would.) But yup, gettin good at that ;)
And spiritually, I'm doing well. I have my ups and downs. Usually, for some reason...i have a grand Spiritual High one day...and the next...it just falls. I've since thought on this...and have made progress to remedy this. Much better now.
Good to hear everyone is so active! Sorry brother...I know, not playing soccer or sports or something is kinda saddening...too bad they dont let you play in the mud yet, thats the BEST!
And it's good to hear sister...well no its not good to hear she's hurt...however! It's Good! Lesson learned. And you find out your passion for what your doing. And hey, its supposed to happen. Well...no not really. But it happens anyway. Keep at it =)
Same goes for other sister...if you're gonna be goalie...get ready for that to happen a lot. And because you're goalie...remember...you are IMPORTANT...which sometimes the judges give you a lil' more leeway than the forwards on the other team. So be tough when you get the ball...and make sure you put the other forwards in their place. you are the Goalie. If they are gonna come in, remember, THEY better be careful. But yes, you will experience things like this alot. Just let em know how intimidating you can be.
youngest sister!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!! hahahaha. That will be funnny later =) sorry bout the money mom., be good. Keep Being a Princess. And Be Nice!! xD!!
youngest brother sang? aww... =)it was interesting...there was a baby in sacrament meeting the other day...i havent heard the sound of a baby in FOREVER! =) Miss You.
Hope all Ya'll Kids are playing with each other and Havin' Fun!Love Ya'll!
And dad, no I don't think I can get pictures. Sorry. Not via email.And in particular...i wouldnt have time to look at them either.unless they came regular mail.
Nothing I need right now...perhaps that watch thingamajig...i dont have one here and im always struggling to figure out the time.
Also...Mom, what kinda things you interested in at this MTC STore?I get 40% discount on certain things as a Missionary (but not all things...just mission related stuff)
They have pretty much EVERYTHING.music cd's, hymn books, book of mormons, shirts, etc.(i would rather have crummy shorts or shirts though and not want to buy em...MTC logo stuff is like any other brand name stuff...lil pricey)
and they have free engrave your name on book thing here they kind of have backpack things...but see if you can find that fanny pack thing...
but yup! Times almost up! Thats 30 minutes worth of writing!So Thank You so Much Family!I've been getting more emails from people =) That always makes me happy.Didn't get your Dear Elder yet dad...either later on today or tomorrow.(Its 1253pm here...so 253pm there)
Love You All.And I'll write! Promise!
--Elder Lewis
I must say, I did a bit of studying the other night, and man...it clicked.the language just all of a sudden clicked. Not that it didnt click before...its just i hadn't tried to understand it yet.however...i need to study it again...because the basics i studied and it clicked, however, for the rest to click i need to sit down and actively study it again. They try and have you Plan your Day sooo...fixedly...15min increments and whatnot...and it just really fragments my ability to study. Granted...the concept makes sense...its just not what I'm used to. I like delving in for a whole hour or so into something...and i don't have that time. So when i study here...it starts to come...and then BAM, 15 min gone, time to move on to something else...its interesting.
HOWEVER, it is coming. And I am enjoying myself quite a bit.I apologize, however...for having not sent that Letter to you yet. It had already been started last Monday...however...Mom somehow the time gets away from me...and lil by lil everything adds up of the things that get away from me...and I can't catch up. And i like to DEVOTE my attention to letters I write...i cant merely spend just a half hour writing...because then i feel like i scanted it short.
And so things pile up...i get to some things...however for the most part...i keep not getting to the things like that letter i really WANT to do...which would require at least an hour or so of my time, and because i havent been able to find that time anywhere in a day...it's been hard.
I'll have it out in the next couple of days...I'm sorry.
But yeah...i guess i might as well say a couple things that were in that letter then:
I'm a Zone Leader now =PP!3 weeks, and yup. The story behind it is already written in my letter, so I'll save that...but yup...and there are now about 40ish new Missionaries in our Zone. It's fun =)
And I love reading your letters...ill (hopefully) get to address everyone individually at least in a short letter to you all (i'll find some time one morning...)
I happen to wake up like clockwork at 4am every morning.However...even though I've woken up at this time every morning...and COULD get out of bed and do stuff...i HAVENT. that AMAZES me. I should. because i gain some time to catch up. we'll see. I plan to do that tomorrow morning.
Also...haha...interesting story about My Temple Reccomend as well =) (already written in future letter)
so...did the computer work? was i wrong? sorry...i'm not there to fix it...i swear the computers probably fine you just have to DIG.
I'm getting so tired of eating food...its so boring. But its just what we DO. and its not like i can go sit and write something...cuz there are no reading or writing in the cafe...and my companion is not one who would want to skip with me, nor anyone else for that matter. *sigh* I'm unique.
I've gotten QUITE adept at volleyball...i must say ;) Nahh...not that good yet, but i play it every day. and i've gotten a lot better and actually, i was quite fond of it before the mission, and this is my nice escape for the day during gym time (because 1. no one wanted to play soccer outside in our gym class and 2. now some new missionaries want to but they think its too cold...*sigh* i would.) But yup, gettin good at that ;)
And spiritually, I'm doing well. I have my ups and downs. Usually, for some reason...i have a grand Spiritual High one day...and the next...it just falls. I've since thought on this...and have made progress to remedy this. Much better now.
Good to hear everyone is so active! Sorry brother...I know, not playing soccer or sports or something is kinda saddening...too bad they dont let you play in the mud yet, thats the BEST!
And it's good to hear sister...well no its not good to hear she's hurt...however! It's Good! Lesson learned. And you find out your passion for what your doing. And hey, its supposed to happen. Well...no not really. But it happens anyway. Keep at it =)
Same goes for other sister...if you're gonna be goalie...get ready for that to happen a lot. And because you're goalie...remember...you are IMPORTANT...which sometimes the judges give you a lil' more leeway than the forwards on the other team. So be tough when you get the ball...and make sure you put the other forwards in their place. you are the Goalie. If they are gonna come in, remember, THEY better be careful. But yes, you will experience things like this alot. Just let em know how intimidating you can be.
youngest sister!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!! hahahaha. That will be funnny later =) sorry bout the money mom., be good. Keep Being a Princess. And Be Nice!! xD!!
youngest brother sang? aww... =)it was interesting...there was a baby in sacrament meeting the other day...i havent heard the sound of a baby in FOREVER! =) Miss You.
Hope all Ya'll Kids are playing with each other and Havin' Fun!Love Ya'll!
And dad, no I don't think I can get pictures. Sorry. Not via email.And in particular...i wouldnt have time to look at them either.unless they came regular mail.
Nothing I need right now...perhaps that watch thingamajig...i dont have one here and im always struggling to figure out the time.
Also...Mom, what kinda things you interested in at this MTC STore?I get 40% discount on certain things as a Missionary (but not all things...just mission related stuff)
They have pretty much EVERYTHING.music cd's, hymn books, book of mormons, shirts, etc.(i would rather have crummy shorts or shirts though and not want to buy em...MTC logo stuff is like any other brand name stuff...lil pricey)
and they have free engrave your name on book thing here they kind of have backpack things...but see if you can find that fanny pack thing...
but yup! Times almost up! Thats 30 minutes worth of writing!So Thank You so Much Family!I've been getting more emails from people =) That always makes me happy.Didn't get your Dear Elder yet dad...either later on today or tomorrow.(Its 1253pm here...so 253pm there)
Love You All.And I'll write! Promise!
--Elder Lewis
Monday, October 19, 2009
Hey Ya'll!
I apologize, guys! I haven't been able to send my next letter home yet...i have most of the ideas i want to write in the letter written on random pieces of study paper (from tagolog to devotional study sheets =pp!) however...i haven't composed all of it yet...I'll do that tonight.
And i was thinking...i think I will write you all some individual letters now and again...or at least, address you all uniquely somehow (because that would be a lot of letters to send)
I'm just always so busyy...and it's hard sometimes.I tell you, I have NEVER had such spiritual highs such as I am blessed to have here. I have felt this same Spirit many times in my life...but now I truly am coming to Love it...and Desire it Always.
Perhaps thats why sometimes i tend to have down days too...it's not that those days are Bad persay...but little things that occur...and take me away from my focus, or small things that just add up. In any case...i feel an absence of the Spirit. And sometimes...instead of working to get it back...sometimes i let the day drudge on and get away from me...and then I'm a lil depressed that I let the day slide...But I'm working on trying to Always have a Positive Attitude...even when I feel like I've Lost my focus, I'm striving to gain it back.
The Tagalog...i wish I could say I've been studying. Truth is...i really havent. i KNOW my capabilities of studying...and I have hardly put much effort into studying this yet...and it is somewhat reflective of my ability to speak it. Granted, I'm still on par with most of the district...but I know my capabilities...and i feel like i am FAR from my potential if I truly desired to Study. This is also something that sometimes gets me a lil down.
However! I must say that I am in High Spirits.And not that I'm banking on this fact, but know this to be true:"You can learn EVERYTHING, you can have EVERYTHING, right now. If you truly desire. If you Decide. And If You Will Seek With All Diligence."
I have always known my biggest issue to be Pride. Of course I joke around a bit about it with mom and dad and everyone from time to time...and i really am not an overly PRIDEFUL person...however, i do have much inner Pride.And it is both a little frustrating, and yet, so relieving to know that I come Closer to Him as I Humble myself.Hard to do...but at the same time...it feels so good.
Mother, my next letter will be a good one...i leave most email details out because i want to write them via real mail.I apologize if you cannot read my handwriting...but i'd rather write it there...i have more time and i can think better than in the 15 minutes i have left, under pressure.
And i know i said i'd send you it last monday...ill do my best to write it tonight and send it...i know my last email was rather bland.
Do me a favor though?Save all these emails? As you send them?Save them, print them out, make a folder...of all you send and all i send to you. That way you have them all and I have them all (through you) when I return home. Thank you.
Yes mom, please mail me a copy of my patriarchal blessing. I would love to have one.
I'm so glad to hear everyone's doing well in their respective spheres. Sister...haha if she keeps at it, who knows, she may very well be the best by senior year! (and even before!) (she seemed like she enjoyed it when she started)
And thank you Aaron, for the solo!
OH, and yes, i did recieve the package...i believe on Tuesday. It was pretty fast.
Thank you all for the mail!
We will have a LOT of fun when I get home.P.s. Dad, you know what? Mormons really are the masters of networking. I'm not really all that social here...partially because I'm trying to maintain my focus, partially because my companion isnt that social, partially because im trying not to speak that much english (...and since i haven't been studying...i dont speak much Tagalog either!) and partially because...etc.
HOWEVER!! I've met so many people here, that I WILL keep tabs on. Not close close tabs...but the fact that i can call them up, and they will remember me. thats the kind of relationship we can have after the mission.
Well...thats about all the time I have for today...I'm doing laundry now too...oh dear! can you believe they MAKE me make my bed??I DONT EVEN WANT TO USE ANYTHING BUT A PILLOW!They make me use it, make it, reuse it, make it...dear me if it was up to me i wouldnt use the sheets or blankets or NADA!
oh oh! and we STILL have this rule of "no touching" here at the MTC because of the flu or something...i dont know...suffice it to say that they finally banned our 'pound its' (fist bumps) so missionaries cant even touch eachother THAT way!
uh oh gotta go BYE!!LOVE YOU!!
And i was thinking...i think I will write you all some individual letters now and again...or at least, address you all uniquely somehow (because that would be a lot of letters to send)
I'm just always so busyy...and it's hard sometimes.I tell you, I have NEVER had such spiritual highs such as I am blessed to have here. I have felt this same Spirit many times in my life...but now I truly am coming to Love it...and Desire it Always.
Perhaps thats why sometimes i tend to have down days too...it's not that those days are Bad persay...but little things that occur...and take me away from my focus, or small things that just add up. In any case...i feel an absence of the Spirit. And sometimes...instead of working to get it back...sometimes i let the day drudge on and get away from me...and then I'm a lil depressed that I let the day slide...But I'm working on trying to Always have a Positive Attitude...even when I feel like I've Lost my focus, I'm striving to gain it back.
The Tagalog...i wish I could say I've been studying. Truth is...i really havent. i KNOW my capabilities of studying...and I have hardly put much effort into studying this yet...and it is somewhat reflective of my ability to speak it. Granted, I'm still on par with most of the district...but I know my capabilities...and i feel like i am FAR from my potential if I truly desired to Study. This is also something that sometimes gets me a lil down.
However! I must say that I am in High Spirits.And not that I'm banking on this fact, but know this to be true:"You can learn EVERYTHING, you can have EVERYTHING, right now. If you truly desire. If you Decide. And If You Will Seek With All Diligence."
I have always known my biggest issue to be Pride. Of course I joke around a bit about it with mom and dad and everyone from time to time...and i really am not an overly PRIDEFUL person...however, i do have much inner Pride.And it is both a little frustrating, and yet, so relieving to know that I come Closer to Him as I Humble myself.Hard to do...but at the same time...it feels so good.
Mother, my next letter will be a good one...i leave most email details out because i want to write them via real mail.I apologize if you cannot read my handwriting...but i'd rather write it there...i have more time and i can think better than in the 15 minutes i have left, under pressure.
And i know i said i'd send you it last monday...ill do my best to write it tonight and send it...i know my last email was rather bland.
Do me a favor though?Save all these emails? As you send them?Save them, print them out, make a folder...of all you send and all i send to you. That way you have them all and I have them all (through you) when I return home. Thank you.
Yes mom, please mail me a copy of my patriarchal blessing. I would love to have one.
I'm so glad to hear everyone's doing well in their respective spheres. Sister...haha if she keeps at it, who knows, she may very well be the best by senior year! (and even before!) (she seemed like she enjoyed it when she started)
And thank you Aaron, for the solo!
OH, and yes, i did recieve the package...i believe on Tuesday. It was pretty fast.
Thank you all for the mail!
We will have a LOT of fun when I get home.P.s. Dad, you know what? Mormons really are the masters of networking. I'm not really all that social here...partially because I'm trying to maintain my focus, partially because my companion isnt that social, partially because im trying not to speak that much english (...and since i haven't been studying...i dont speak much Tagalog either!) and partially because...etc.
HOWEVER!! I've met so many people here, that I WILL keep tabs on. Not close close tabs...but the fact that i can call them up, and they will remember me. thats the kind of relationship we can have after the mission.
Well...thats about all the time I have for today...I'm doing laundry now too...oh dear! can you believe they MAKE me make my bed??I DONT EVEN WANT TO USE ANYTHING BUT A PILLOW!They make me use it, make it, reuse it, make it...dear me if it was up to me i wouldnt use the sheets or blankets or NADA!
oh oh! and we STILL have this rule of "no touching" here at the MTC because of the flu or something...i dont know...suffice it to say that they finally banned our 'pound its' (fist bumps) so missionaries cant even touch eachother THAT way!
uh oh gotta go BYE!!LOVE YOU!!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
End of Week 3!
Good Afternoon, Family!
ok...so a few things to say before i forget.1. thank you all for your past emails...i love hearing about what goes on at home...its like a mini world in here...and sometimes i forget that things still are happening outside of the MTC, so please...even the littlest stories of your day would be nice, please keep sending me emails =)
2. if you do write me, please make sure they are all written by sunday night...because i check them around noon on Monday here (2pm there)...and i can only come to the lab once really...so please, just so i never miss those emails, send them early.
3. did you get my last email? from last week? because it said there was an error...i have sent you a total of 2 emails (this being the third) and the last one talked about...stuff...haha i dont remember...ill try to re email it again too if i have time.
But anyway...tell me all thats going on...and ill give you a lil run down of whats happening now.
So...planning...theres a white missionary planbook...and i DESPISE it...i find it so cumbersome. darn schedule getting in my way of organizing things how i like to...its a weird format. BUT, i have found quite a new love for Planning. Planning is something you can completely throw your heart into. And YOU DECIDE what will happen in your week. Exactly how accomplished you want to feel...is dependant upon what you choose to set as your goals and plans for that week. When we Plan sincerely...thats when the Lord comes in. I'll mention that in my supplemental letter i will send you via real mail.
Mmm...and you know what else is interesting? three weeks really have flown by. My gosh...i cant believe how quickly the time is going. Because there really is nothing else to think about save it be Missionary Work...every day is really inspiring and they just fly by.
I will send you some pictures Mom, I have a few, but I havent developed them yet, and i need to take some better ones of my companion and me (i dont really have any...haha)
in any case...what else has been happening with me hmm?well...i've gotten awfully good at volleyball! that's what i do with my Gym time. an hour a day, vball everyday, oh yeah, i better be getting good. Unfortunately...in our zone the other district leaves tomorrow morning, and they had some good players...so i will just have to completely annihilate the new rookies who come in on Wed.(we are getting 37 new missionaries to the tagalog zone) (...and guess what? I am now the zone leader...oh boyy =pp!)
I will expound on certain things in my other letter, but yeah, thats whats happening.
Truly...i cannot tell you how blessed I feel becauseof the teachers we have and the unity and spirit of our zone. Truly one of a kind...even throughout the whole MTC.
Also...i havent been able to actually WATCH a movie yet here...always been a meeting or something i need to attend...however, on Sunday nights everyone gets to watch a movie...usually a choice of one of four that evening. And ive caught the last 5 minutes of The Prophet Joseph Smith-The Restoration (i think its called that) and the last 15 minutes of Testaments. Both are amazing...and I think it would be fantastic to watch them on Sundays. There are SO many good Sunday movies aorund...I'd recommend asking around and looking for some.
ALSO! Check out on the LDS.org website:Music with a Message (mom you will LOVE these types of music...you might have to search around a bit to find the sound clips...ask someone to help you, or actually...mayeb you'll find it! but they are awesome! add THOSE to your collection of songs of sunday music =D)
And Mormon Messages on the same sight are also nice movie clips with wonderful short stories =)
By the way...I hear you are enjoying the computer eh, mom? =D I'm glad. I hope you guys do let it see some good use...because two years from now...it may even be obsolete. but thats not why i want you to use it. Saving stuff for me is nice...just like the idea of the toys...but they are meant to be used, so use them! xD!Besides...its faster, portable...and i bet you could have a lil fun mom!
And I will write a letter to sister Johnson. Besides, she is another person I enjoyed very much! I'm glad to hear the ward is doing well, and that their spirits are high =)
My companion and I are growing well together for the most part...there are still some times where I think we sometimes "crunch" a little...however...it is quickly resolved. I cannot really explain it well without sounding harsh...nor do i wish to focus on why, because that is not why we are here, and definitely does not bring the Spirit. Suffice it to say we continually strive to keep the Spirit with us.
Mmm...the Tagalog is coming...i really feel like i am not quite where I could be...but then again...i COULD do more practicing...i just am very shy with the language speaking to other people when i have a very small grasp on it...
But I'm trying.
OH! But i must make note, really quickly here, that our particular district JUST went to our first trip to the Referral Center (where people ask questions about the church via chat message or phone call) (we shouldve done this in our first week...but didnt actually do it until our 3rd, i dont know what the mix up was)
BUT! i am out of time.
There was a girl, named Sonia. And I spoke to her via chat message. And she is 14 and entering high school...and she just made me think of Sister...and I spent a good hour and 20 minutes chatting with her until i had to leave.
And that experience...made me feel that this work is REAL.it was just a taste...but so amazing.
I love you all! and i must go.but please...tell me some stories! And I'll ask questions as you do!
P.s. and yes, this email is for everyone, not just mom...you too dad, even though i didnt say your name in here xD!Love You Dad!
ok...so a few things to say before i forget.1. thank you all for your past emails...i love hearing about what goes on at home...its like a mini world in here...and sometimes i forget that things still are happening outside of the MTC, so please...even the littlest stories of your day would be nice, please keep sending me emails =)
2. if you do write me, please make sure they are all written by sunday night...because i check them around noon on Monday here (2pm there)...and i can only come to the lab once really...so please, just so i never miss those emails, send them early.
3. did you get my last email? from last week? because it said there was an error...i have sent you a total of 2 emails (this being the third) and the last one talked about...stuff...haha i dont remember...ill try to re email it again too if i have time.
But anyway...tell me all thats going on...and ill give you a lil run down of whats happening now.
So...planning...theres a white missionary planbook...and i DESPISE it...i find it so cumbersome. darn schedule getting in my way of organizing things how i like to...its a weird format. BUT, i have found quite a new love for Planning. Planning is something you can completely throw your heart into. And YOU DECIDE what will happen in your week. Exactly how accomplished you want to feel...is dependant upon what you choose to set as your goals and plans for that week. When we Plan sincerely...thats when the Lord comes in. I'll mention that in my supplemental letter i will send you via real mail.
Mmm...and you know what else is interesting? three weeks really have flown by. My gosh...i cant believe how quickly the time is going. Because there really is nothing else to think about save it be Missionary Work...every day is really inspiring and they just fly by.
I will send you some pictures Mom, I have a few, but I havent developed them yet, and i need to take some better ones of my companion and me (i dont really have any...haha)
in any case...what else has been happening with me hmm?well...i've gotten awfully good at volleyball! that's what i do with my Gym time. an hour a day, vball everyday, oh yeah, i better be getting good. Unfortunately...in our zone the other district leaves tomorrow morning, and they had some good players...so i will just have to completely annihilate the new rookies who come in on Wed.(we are getting 37 new missionaries to the tagalog zone) (...and guess what? I am now the zone leader...oh boyy =pp!)
I will expound on certain things in my other letter, but yeah, thats whats happening.
Truly...i cannot tell you how blessed I feel becauseof the teachers we have and the unity and spirit of our zone. Truly one of a kind...even throughout the whole MTC.
Also...i havent been able to actually WATCH a movie yet here...always been a meeting or something i need to attend...however, on Sunday nights everyone gets to watch a movie...usually a choice of one of four that evening. And ive caught the last 5 minutes of The Prophet Joseph Smith-The Restoration (i think its called that) and the last 15 minutes of Testaments. Both are amazing...and I think it would be fantastic to watch them on Sundays. There are SO many good Sunday movies aorund...I'd recommend asking around and looking for some.
ALSO! Check out on the LDS.org website:Music with a Message (mom you will LOVE these types of music...you might have to search around a bit to find the sound clips...ask someone to help you, or actually...mayeb you'll find it! but they are awesome! add THOSE to your collection of songs of sunday music =D)
And Mormon Messages on the same sight are also nice movie clips with wonderful short stories =)
By the way...I hear you are enjoying the computer eh, mom? =D I'm glad. I hope you guys do let it see some good use...because two years from now...it may even be obsolete. but thats not why i want you to use it. Saving stuff for me is nice...just like the idea of the toys...but they are meant to be used, so use them! xD!Besides...its faster, portable...and i bet you could have a lil fun mom!
And I will write a letter to sister Johnson. Besides, she is another person I enjoyed very much! I'm glad to hear the ward is doing well, and that their spirits are high =)
My companion and I are growing well together for the most part...there are still some times where I think we sometimes "crunch" a little...however...it is quickly resolved. I cannot really explain it well without sounding harsh...nor do i wish to focus on why, because that is not why we are here, and definitely does not bring the Spirit. Suffice it to say we continually strive to keep the Spirit with us.
Mmm...the Tagalog is coming...i really feel like i am not quite where I could be...but then again...i COULD do more practicing...i just am very shy with the language speaking to other people when i have a very small grasp on it...
But I'm trying.
OH! But i must make note, really quickly here, that our particular district JUST went to our first trip to the Referral Center (where people ask questions about the church via chat message or phone call) (we shouldve done this in our first week...but didnt actually do it until our 3rd, i dont know what the mix up was)
BUT! i am out of time.
There was a girl, named Sonia. And I spoke to her via chat message. And she is 14 and entering high school...and she just made me think of Sister...and I spent a good hour and 20 minutes chatting with her until i had to leave.
And that experience...made me feel that this work is REAL.it was just a taste...but so amazing.
I love you all! and i must go.but please...tell me some stories! And I'll ask questions as you do!
P.s. and yes, this email is for everyone, not just mom...you too dad, even though i didnt say your name in here xD!Love You Dad!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday Again!
Kamusta Kayo! (How Are You All?)
Haha! This language is so much fun!it sounds so sing songy, and its just a joy. Although i do have to say, I need to practice...because I am a bit shy trying to speak a language to random people because I don't always know the words to say right away, and have to stop and think about it. On the other hand, if i dont constantly practice, I'll never be comfortable! Pasencha! (Have Patience With Me!)
Sooo...it turns out i FINALLY was able to mail out all the letters i had intended to write...that was something weighing me down. I sent a substantial letter finally this morning that should arrive home in the next few days...just know that i wrote it a lil bit ago, in notes, and didnt finally have time to put it into a letter form until i pulled an all nighter (SHH!! not supposed to do that!)
But yes, ohh dearr haha! So I'm quite enjoying myself here.
Oh my...I can't even begin to describe conference.Suffice it to say thus (something my teacher Brother Leslie said, so eloquently):
Angels Minister Among the Conference Hall, But Christ Sits With the Missionaries.
And truly, I have never felt such POWER as I have experienced this conference. And oh, the power of Hymns! Singing...I never realized how truly wonderful some of the music in this church is. The melodies...and the lyrics. I do hope you will play hymns on sunday mother, they bring such a wonderful atmosphere, the spirit.
But i will let my letter suffice concerning General Conference.
Haha, Dad, I have not yet had time to read your emails...i only have 30 min on a computer on mondays!! No Time! but i print them out for the most part and logout to save time...(because it will go back to 30 min if i can finish before 29.01 countdown) but your emails through dearelder are an awkward format for Missionary emails...so i will wait for the pouch service.
HOWEVER! i laughed, smiled, and choked up a bit over all your emails. Thank you so much, my wonderful family.
And I FINALLY got a haircut like 2 hours ago...it was longg hehehe...(its SO hard to schedule a haircut here)
Brother! Haha! What are you doing! hahahaha! I hope it heals! I'm glad to hear youre rambunxious as ever. Dont lose that! Just learn when to calm down. You will be so great Brother. Sports. School. People...You will be THE MAN! Because to me, you already are.
And little Brother...I am away. Only for a time. When I come home, I will hold you so dear. But I am not so far away. Yes...I am at Work.
Younger Sister...that was a very touching letter...i have very little time left (2 min) and already wrote the last half of this letter so thats already inserted...so i must cut out. But i will not get sick. I am Heman, after all. PLUS! ...actually nvm... theyve asked us now not to handshake or hug...but PFFT! I DO IT ANYWAY!! haha!
Sister, I love YOU! I'm so glad you are Happy =)
And little Sister...you are a Princess.
Grandmother...I Will Write You Soon...But know that i have my picture of me kissing you up, and i love it and they all tease me all the time, but i wouldnt have it any other way!
But all is well. My dear Family. I am So Blessed. This District truly is one of a kind. Unique in all aspects. There is a Spirit within our small group of 8 that only we can bring. Truly, we have been preserved and prepared. Four sisters, four elders. We have plenty of fun, talking about babylonian things...but we get right back to work. And when the spirit comes...oh my...it overwhelms.
In fact, mother, I must tell you this. Because I feel it...with all My Soul:
The Lord Is Preparing Us...To Be Among the Most High.
There is a man here, Brother Leslie...and when he speaks...I feel the Power of One Who Stands With Christ. He Speaks By The Same Spirit, The Same Power, The Same Authority, as Those Men Elect of God, Our Dear Apostles and Prophets.
There is No Doubt in My Mind That the Lord Has a Great Work For Him in the Future. He Will Stand With God, Mother. He Will. When We Return...If He Remains Immovable...He Will Stand With God.
And our Great Heavenly Father and Redeemer Jesus Christ...They Have Given Us this Man...by NO coincidence.
There are good missionaries. There are even Great missionaries. And the Lord is Well Pleased. However...there is a Higher Calling. One like unto the Prophets. And it is available to all men. It is a Choice. But not all ever fully understand it. And this Man, Brother Leslie...through Him, and the Spirit...I'm learning of that Choice. Once Made, Mother, One NEVER goes back. He Loves the Lord...Until His Dying Breath...and then On Throughout Eternity. I Hear him explain this calling. And it makes sense...however. I am still learning...still growing. And Perhaps...one Day...I Will Understand, and Make that Choice: A Higher Calling.
I Love You, My Family. Please, continue to write. I am Well.And My Heart is Full For You.Because I Know That My Redeemer Lives. How Great He Is. And How Much My Family Will Always Mean to Him.
--Elder Lewis
Haha! This language is so much fun!it sounds so sing songy, and its just a joy. Although i do have to say, I need to practice...because I am a bit shy trying to speak a language to random people because I don't always know the words to say right away, and have to stop and think about it. On the other hand, if i dont constantly practice, I'll never be comfortable! Pasencha! (Have Patience With Me!)
Sooo...it turns out i FINALLY was able to mail out all the letters i had intended to write...that was something weighing me down. I sent a substantial letter finally this morning that should arrive home in the next few days...just know that i wrote it a lil bit ago, in notes, and didnt finally have time to put it into a letter form until i pulled an all nighter (SHH!! not supposed to do that!)
But yes, ohh dearr haha! So I'm quite enjoying myself here.
Oh my...I can't even begin to describe conference.Suffice it to say thus (something my teacher Brother Leslie said, so eloquently):
Angels Minister Among the Conference Hall, But Christ Sits With the Missionaries.
And truly, I have never felt such POWER as I have experienced this conference. And oh, the power of Hymns! Singing...I never realized how truly wonderful some of the music in this church is. The melodies...and the lyrics. I do hope you will play hymns on sunday mother, they bring such a wonderful atmosphere, the spirit.
But i will let my letter suffice concerning General Conference.
Haha, Dad, I have not yet had time to read your emails...i only have 30 min on a computer on mondays!! No Time! but i print them out for the most part and logout to save time...(because it will go back to 30 min if i can finish before 29.01 countdown) but your emails through dearelder are an awkward format for Missionary emails...so i will wait for the pouch service.
HOWEVER! i laughed, smiled, and choked up a bit over all your emails. Thank you so much, my wonderful family.
And I FINALLY got a haircut like 2 hours ago...it was longg hehehe...(its SO hard to schedule a haircut here)
Brother! Haha! What are you doing! hahahaha! I hope it heals! I'm glad to hear youre rambunxious as ever. Dont lose that! Just learn when to calm down. You will be so great Brother. Sports. School. People...You will be THE MAN! Because to me, you already are.
And little Brother...I am away. Only for a time. When I come home, I will hold you so dear. But I am not so far away. Yes...I am at Work.
Younger Sister...that was a very touching letter...i have very little time left (2 min) and already wrote the last half of this letter so thats already inserted...so i must cut out. But i will not get sick. I am Heman, after all. PLUS! ...actually nvm... theyve asked us now not to handshake or hug...but PFFT! I DO IT ANYWAY!! haha!
Sister, I love YOU! I'm so glad you are Happy =)
And little Sister...you are a Princess.
Grandmother...I Will Write You Soon...But know that i have my picture of me kissing you up, and i love it and they all tease me all the time, but i wouldnt have it any other way!
But all is well. My dear Family. I am So Blessed. This District truly is one of a kind. Unique in all aspects. There is a Spirit within our small group of 8 that only we can bring. Truly, we have been preserved and prepared. Four sisters, four elders. We have plenty of fun, talking about babylonian things...but we get right back to work. And when the spirit comes...oh my...it overwhelms.
In fact, mother, I must tell you this. Because I feel it...with all My Soul:
The Lord Is Preparing Us...To Be Among the Most High.
There is a man here, Brother Leslie...and when he speaks...I feel the Power of One Who Stands With Christ. He Speaks By The Same Spirit, The Same Power, The Same Authority, as Those Men Elect of God, Our Dear Apostles and Prophets.
There is No Doubt in My Mind That the Lord Has a Great Work For Him in the Future. He Will Stand With God, Mother. He Will. When We Return...If He Remains Immovable...He Will Stand With God.
And our Great Heavenly Father and Redeemer Jesus Christ...They Have Given Us this Man...by NO coincidence.
There are good missionaries. There are even Great missionaries. And the Lord is Well Pleased. However...there is a Higher Calling. One like unto the Prophets. And it is available to all men. It is a Choice. But not all ever fully understand it. And this Man, Brother Leslie...through Him, and the Spirit...I'm learning of that Choice. Once Made, Mother, One NEVER goes back. He Loves the Lord...Until His Dying Breath...and then On Throughout Eternity. I Hear him explain this calling. And it makes sense...however. I am still learning...still growing. And Perhaps...one Day...I Will Understand, and Make that Choice: A Higher Calling.
I Love You, My Family. Please, continue to write. I am Well.And My Heart is Full For You.Because I Know That My Redeemer Lives. How Great He Is. And How Much My Family Will Always Mean to Him.
--Elder Lewis
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Your Son Is @ the MTC!
Magadang Umaga!Good Morning!
Mom! Haha. Let me start by saying that this email is only going to be used for general purposes, i.e. i will write you a letter in addition to this email. Please let dad know this email, and send it to andrea and ask her to give it to anyone who would like it.
I felt quite a wonderful emotion as I first entered the MTC when we parted, and knew that the Lord would help me be quite successful.
However, in these first few days, which really have flown by, I have been overcome with so much information, plus some other stressors on my mind of things I want to get done for myself, that one of these days I just felt sooo...impossible with myself. Inadequate in a way. To expound: I love everything that i was being presented with, i love the lessons and the purpose and sooo much about being here, however...THERE IS NO TIME. It seems there is no time to get half of what is on my mind done.
And then...I felt quite comforted. One day...I just felt quite comforted.
I feel quite at home here. I feel the Spirit, Mother. I feel it. Every. Day.And, slowly, this Gospel is truly becoming a part of me.
I can't believe that for the next 8 weeks, I will get to feel this Spiritual high every day! Granted, some missionaries get tired of the feeling. But we have been promised, that as we truly seek to lose ourselves in this work, to unify our hearts with the Lord and the purpose here, for HIS children, then every day will be wonderful.
And I have to tell you, Mother, every day IS beautiful. For me. For you.For anyone in this world. See the world for its beauty. How marvelous that such a Plan has been created for us, that we can KNOW and FEEL the love. Of the Family. Of our Friends. Of people, good people, who we have never met. This world is truly an amazing place.
Thank you, Lord, for this Glory.
I intend to find some time...albeit there exists none.To write You, Lala, and David. I will find time! But know that I am trying, and I would love mail even if it is hard to respond on my part!
Again, please encourage any and all to write me, it is such a heartwarming feeling to receive mail.
However, I must tell you thus: despite my minor feelings of doubt or inadequacy or stress at times, I FEEL why I am here.
Preach My Gospel...such a wonderful book. Concise. Those plain and precious truths which we hold dear. I am here...for the Lord. For my brethren...I love them.
Father, Thank you so much, for your support. I cannot tell you how many times I read something and think of something I would like to just mull over for a few minutes with you. There are so many wonderful messages I hear.
And I will testify again, as I did in my farewell talk, how important those small revelations in our lives are. The Spirit speaks to us. Every Day. Heed them. Within the walls of our home, in the company of our family. At work. At church. He is there for us. Always. Even if just to make us smile.
To my dear, dear family. I love you all so very much. I do hope these next two years you find yourselves quite happy. Please, please remember: Be Who You Want to Be. You decide. Who You Will Be. How Wonderful Our Home Can Be. How Wonderful Your Lives Can Be. And if you listen to TRULY what your heart desires, to those precious feelings, you will be so happy. The Lord will bless you with exceedingly great happiness. And all your dreams, your desires...will come true.
It's like a fairy tale...it is a fairy tale. And it's Real.
Lala...I love you so much! I don't have time in this letter to say much more...so I will strive to write a letter. But I HAD to mention you in here!I'm afraid I'm getting FAT! They FEED ME FAR TOO MUCH! Haha!!I miss you, My dear, dear Lala. Be strong...you always have been so strong. I testify to you, that the Lord loves you. With All His heart...beyond all power imaginable...he Knows You Lala...He loves You.
Pinatotohanan ko na walanghanggan ang Pamilya.I know that Families are Eternal.
I Love You, My Family.
I Love You. So Much. And That's Why I'm Serving For Two Years.
...and I'm crying...I don't cry often. But I know when I feel the spirit.And oh, I feel it so much. Here and now. For You.
I cry. Every day.
--Elder Lewis
p.s. Tell that Sorenson Girl (new girl here for 6 weeks at our ward) That I Found her cousin! Sister Emily Sorenson! =D!!!
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Mom! Haha. Let me start by saying that this email is only going to be used for general purposes, i.e. i will write you a letter in addition to this email. Please let dad know this email, and send it to andrea and ask her to give it to anyone who would like it.But yes, i only have about 25 min on a computer for a week.So let's get started.
AHH!! The MTC is so. darn. BUSY!!I have no time. NO TIME. However, this is also a good thing. The day is so rigidly conformed that it keeps us as missionaries on task.
I felt quite a wonderful emotion as I first entered the MTC when we parted, and knew that the Lord would help me be quite successful.
However, in these first few days, which really have flown by, I have been overcome with so much information, plus some other stressors on my mind of things I want to get done for myself, that one of these days I just felt sooo...impossible with myself. Inadequate in a way. To expound: I love everything that i was being presented with, i love the lessons and the purpose and sooo much about being here, however...THERE IS NO TIME. It seems there is no time to get half of what is on my mind done.
And then...I felt quite comforted. One day...I just felt quite comforted.
I feel quite at home here. I feel the Spirit, Mother. I feel it. Every. Day.And, slowly, this Gospel is truly becoming a part of me.
I can't believe that for the next 8 weeks, I will get to feel this Spiritual high every day! Granted, some missionaries get tired of the feeling. But we have been promised, that as we truly seek to lose ourselves in this work, to unify our hearts with the Lord and the purpose here, for HIS children, then every day will be wonderful.
And I have to tell you, Mother, every day IS beautiful. For me. For you.For anyone in this world. See the world for its beauty. How marvelous that such a Plan has been created for us, that we can KNOW and FEEL the love. Of the Family. Of our Friends. Of people, good people, who we have never met. This world is truly an amazing place.
Thank you, Lord, for this Glory.
I intend to find some time...albeit there exists none.To write You, Lala, and David. I will find time! But know that I am trying, and I would love mail even if it is hard to respond on my part!
Again, please encourage any and all to write me, it is such a heartwarming feeling to receive mail.
However, I must tell you thus: despite my minor feelings of doubt or inadequacy or stress at times, I FEEL why I am here.
Preach My Gospel...such a wonderful book. Concise. Those plain and precious truths which we hold dear. I am here...for the Lord. For my brethren...I love them.
Father, Thank you so much, for your support. I cannot tell you how many times I read something and think of something I would like to just mull over for a few minutes with you. There are so many wonderful messages I hear.
And I will testify again, as I did in my farewell talk, how important those small revelations in our lives are. The Spirit speaks to us. Every Day. Heed them. Within the walls of our home, in the company of our family. At work. At church. He is there for us. Always. Even if just to make us smile.
To my dear, dear family. I love you all so very much. I do hope these next two years you find yourselves quite happy. Please, please remember: Be Who You Want to Be. You decide. Who You Will Be. How Wonderful Our Home Can Be. How Wonderful Your Lives Can Be. And if you listen to TRULY what your heart desires, to those precious feelings, you will be so happy. The Lord will bless you with exceedingly great happiness. And all your dreams, your desires...will come true.
It's like a fairy tale...it is a fairy tale. And it's Real.
Lala...I love you so much! I don't have time in this letter to say much more...so I will strive to write a letter. But I HAD to mention you in here!I'm afraid I'm getting FAT! They FEED ME FAR TOO MUCH! Haha!!I miss you, My dear, dear Lala. Be strong...you always have been so strong. I testify to you, that the Lord loves you. With All His heart...beyond all power imaginable...he Knows You Lala...He loves You.
Pinatotohanan ko na walanghanggan ang Pamilya.I know that Families are Eternal.
I Love You, My Family.
I Love You. So Much. And That's Why I'm Serving For Two Years.
...and I'm crying...I don't cry often. But I know when I feel the spirit.And oh, I feel it so much. Here and now. For You.
I cry. Every day.
--Elder Lewis
p.s. Tell that Sorenson Girl (new girl here for 6 weeks at our ward) That I Found her cousin! Sister Emily Sorenson! =D!!!
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
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