Missionary (noun): Someone who leaves their family for a short period of time so that others may be with their families for eternity.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

“I seriously love the MTC. I walk down the hallway hearing Spanish, German, and Malagasi.”

June 7, 2011

So much to say, so little time! I think it's 0613 because that's the day I'm leaving. I'm sticking with that theory. Sorry, but I just don't know. I received my itinerary. everything we were told was true about my flight plan. I jsut sent you 4 letters, so this email will seem... empty. Those letter go all the way back to Friday I think.
So excited for the package! Can't wait for the contacts. And pictures. And everything else. I feel so spoiled (in a good way)! hahaha
I want pictures of the new house! I have over 100 pictures so far of the MTC. Most of them are of the temple. I just concluded my last temple trip for two years. Very sad about that. I need to help the people of India be converted so that they can have a temple of their own! It' won't be in my time, but it will happen eventually. An Apostle has declared it so!
There are 4 NWD Elders. I've met the other two. I don't know their full story either, but it's not important. We're all on the itinerary to ship off to india.
I seriously love the MTC. I walk down the hallway hearing Spanish, German, and Malagasi. A Companionship stopped me and Elder Bradley to tract us in Chinese. They're going to Hong Kong. My two Madagascar-bound Elders left. They've been here 9 weeks, so they're exicited. And, as it turns out, they weren't joking. (You'll understand what that means in a few days). Ironically, I've heard that the two new roommates that we're getting tomorrow are also going to Madagascar! Not sure if that's true.
I'm going to India! ON MONDAY!! I'm still up in the clouds about it, even after all of this time! The flights are going to be horrible; I have to go in suit the entire time.Oh well. It'll be worth it in the end!
I'm becoming more confident in our roleplays here. Knowledge of the scriptures is a definite plus, but not necessary. It's all about finding the Spirit; anything else is either a hindrance or a help, but not crucial to the overall success of the discussion.
I'm sorry to hear about Brother Shelley.
I've signed up to play for our last Sacrement Meeting here; just for my small branch. Praise to the Man by Aaron Waite. My district doesn't even know about it yet. I need to tell them eventually. They know that I play the piano, and they love it. I haven't heard anyone else play the Piano. I go by about 6 rooms called "chapels" on my way to the cafeteria. They each have a piano. I've heard La Campanella by Franz Lizt, Viva La Vida by Coldplay, countless Church Hymn Arrangements, and Christofari's Dream (full story in one of my letters). I play sometimes. i.e. whenever I get the chance. I went from playing every day for at least one hour to playing a quick song every 3 days. Epic sadface.
It'll be better in India! I'm still putting forth the effort, which is what matters.
remember in "Spirit of God" how it says "The Lamb and the Lion shall lie down together without any ire"? I always thought that that was literal. It's not! The Lion stands for Justice; God's Law, in sense. The Lamb is the Savior, Jesus Christ. The Author is stating that God's Law (Justice) and the Lamb (Mercy) shall be equals with eachother; we will be redeemed! The demands of justice will be met by Christ's mercy for us, so they can be at peace. I've never heard that before! Amazing stuff.
That's all that I have to say! Next email will be from India! But I'll still write normal letters. Please send me my India mailing address via DearElder.com! I like really seriously need it! Thank you!
Love you all!
Elder Montgomery

"My first mission email!"

May 31, 2011

My first mission email! yay! I have no idea how to send out mulitple emails at the same time, unfortunately, so I'm just sending this to you, mom; forward it as you please.
I am loving life!!!!! My MTC district is the most amazing creation ever! Our district has 5 companionships; 2 of them are Sister companionships. They are amazing. I don't know what I'd do without them. Elder Payne from Utah is District Leader. All of my district but me and my companion Elder Bradley are going to Nashville, Tennessee. Elder Bradley will be joining me in India New Delhi. But we don't even notice. I've known them less than a week, and they're already family (we said the same thing on Saturday, too). We have some seriously spiritual experiences in my district.
My roommates are going to Madagascar. They've been here 8 weeks and know the ins and outs of the MTC. They're leaving next week. They constantly speak Malagasi, which sounds amazing. I'm almost jealous, but I don't think that I could stand 9 weeks here. It's a great place, but very challenging.
I'm excited about the blog. I can't access it from here, unfortunately. There's a nice little timer up in the corner. I can only access MyLDSMail and LDS.org. Unfortunate, but expected. I just sent you two envelopes; one envelope has two letters in it. I sent out the Thank You cards at the same time, so that's done.
I'm learning a lot. I can completely feel the power of the Spirit in my teaching. We have practice Investigator meetings to create real spiritual experiences. Roleplays are our life. My companion and I have had one second appointment interview acceptence thing! not the best record in the world, but we are steadily progressing.
Piano time is hard to come by now. I'm constantly looking for an empty classroom after meals to play a quick song. Elder Bradley is very patient in that regard. I went to the temple today! It was beautiful! I plan on going on a "Temple Walk" next week and take pictures. I have some beautiful pictures of the SLC Temple while visiting there!
I took my camera for the first time with me yesterday. By the time I finished taking two pictures, it ran out of batteries. I have since changed them out, no problem, but all camera possibilites of that time are now gone forever; guess you'll never get to see what rain looks like!
Elder Bradley is from Utah, and is used to the cold. I am from Arizona and used to the hot. The weather is one of our most common conversations. It's very nice right now!
My P Days here are on Tuesdays. my laundry time is at 3:15. I'm slightly early due to the advice of the Madagascar Elders.
That's all for now! Love you all!
Elder Montgomery