Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Final Countdown!
Hola Padres, Hermanos, Hermanas, Amigos, y quienquere más,
Wow, these past two days have really brightened my last experiences at the MTC. We were able to hear Elder Douglas Callister of the Seventy speak on Tuesday night about the Role of the Atonement and that we really need to know WHO Jesus Christ IS and what the meaning of what he did really is. The veil will be the thinnest between this world and heaven when we are testifying of Chirst, our Savior and showing others how they can be infinitely clean through His Infinite Atonement. Wow, what a talk! Elder Metcalf found out that same day that he received his VISA and actually left yesterday morning. He was a great kid, to be honest, and I'm happy that he was able to get out to Argentina where he needs to be. I know that Elder Johnson and I will be able to make these last few days as effective as possible. We are progressing well with a couple of our investigators, Fausta and Miguel (Hermana Gain and Hermano Coles). I know that when we put our differences aside and REALLY focus on bringing the spirit to the investigator in a personal way, they will feel how the Gospel will bless their lives and why they need it. A couple minutes before our last appointment last night, Elder Johnson said something about someone very close to me that deeply offended me. Even though he wasn't trying to hurt me, we got in a fumed, fast argument that drove away the presence of the Holy Ghost faster than I can ever remember. I was devastated at that moment, to say the least, and we had to teach a lesson 5 minutes later. When we got there, I asked if Hermano Coles (Miguel), who taught with Austin, if Elder Johnson and I could have a second alone. We talked and said a prayer and moments later I began loving Elder Johnson just the same as I had before and we brought the Spirit back stronger than was before.That lesson that we had taught was one of the most Spiritual experiences I've had outside of the Temple in my life. I Love the power of god that we have been blessed with through the Priesthood. It allows us to be instruments in the Lord's hands. I was just pondering my role as a missionary the other day and talking about it to Elder Monroe (The district Leader of the newest district in our zone). Elder Monroe is actually from Poway, CA. Does Dad or Mom know anyone Monroe family from Poway? Anyways, As Elder Monroe and I were talking, I realized that "We can't be the Lord's hands, we are only able to be the tools in the Lord's hands. The rest is all dependant on our faith and the Lord's will." I feel blessed to know that as long as I put forth my best efforts and am obedient, the Lord will take care of the rest.
MOM and AUSTIN! I got to sing "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul" on this Past Sunday! It was at a Departure Devotional with about a fourth of the MTC there. All I can say is "Wow, what a blessing!" Our pianist was amazing, my duet elder was so helpful, and I loved all of it. I really felt like we were singing for the Lord and that the Congregation felt my testimony. The best part about it was that we sang it the best that we had ever done.
So I will be calling you all during my layover in LA. I hope to get the calling card and watch in time. Thank you so much for the packing tips buu I don't think toothpaste and shampoo will make too much of a difference. I will be smart when I pack though. I don't know what else to say except that I love you all who are reading my emails and supporting me and to all my friends and family that aren't aware as well. Haha! I am committing EVERYONE who has has been reading my emails to read the Book Of Mormon. It is the word of God and the Most True book of any other book on the earth. I know this to be true because I have prayed with a sincere open heart to know and it has been manifested to me that the Book of Mormon is true. Anyone who will read it and do the same will know of a surety as I do that it is true. Whether you were born in the LDS Church or have heard of it for the first time, it is and will ever be the whole true Gospel of God on the earth! I love you all and will always cuz we're all sons and daughters of our Heavenly father.
Love,
Elder Boaz (Bible) Isaiah 41:10, (Book of Mormon) Moroni 10:3-5
P.S. Mom, make sure you post my Mission Field address, the pouch one, now cuz I won't get anymore mail if people send their letters after tomorrow or maybe even tomorrow. I saw Kellen Laker today in the cafeteria! It was so awesome to see him and he looks awesome, just like a missionary. I am so happy for himn to be here! Anyways, talk to you all later.
Wow, these past two days have really brightened my last experiences at the MTC. We were able to hear Elder Douglas Callister of the Seventy speak on Tuesday night about the Role of the Atonement and that we really need to know WHO Jesus Christ IS and what the meaning of what he did really is. The veil will be the thinnest between this world and heaven when we are testifying of Chirst, our Savior and showing others how they can be infinitely clean through His Infinite Atonement. Wow, what a talk! Elder Metcalf found out that same day that he received his VISA and actually left yesterday morning. He was a great kid, to be honest, and I'm happy that he was able to get out to Argentina where he needs to be. I know that Elder Johnson and I will be able to make these last few days as effective as possible. We are progressing well with a couple of our investigators, Fausta and Miguel (Hermana Gain and Hermano Coles). I know that when we put our differences aside and REALLY focus on bringing the spirit to the investigator in a personal way, they will feel how the Gospel will bless their lives and why they need it. A couple minutes before our last appointment last night, Elder Johnson said something about someone very close to me that deeply offended me. Even though he wasn't trying to hurt me, we got in a fumed, fast argument that drove away the presence of the Holy Ghost faster than I can ever remember. I was devastated at that moment, to say the least, and we had to teach a lesson 5 minutes later. When we got there, I asked if Hermano Coles (Miguel), who taught with Austin, if Elder Johnson and I could have a second alone. We talked and said a prayer and moments later I began loving Elder Johnson just the same as I had before and we brought the Spirit back stronger than was before.That lesson that we had taught was one of the most Spiritual experiences I've had outside of the Temple in my life. I Love the power of god that we have been blessed with through the Priesthood. It allows us to be instruments in the Lord's hands. I was just pondering my role as a missionary the other day and talking about it to Elder Monroe (The district Leader of the newest district in our zone). Elder Monroe is actually from Poway, CA. Does Dad or Mom know anyone Monroe family from Poway? Anyways, As Elder Monroe and I were talking, I realized that "We can't be the Lord's hands, we are only able to be the tools in the Lord's hands. The rest is all dependant on our faith and the Lord's will." I feel blessed to know that as long as I put forth my best efforts and am obedient, the Lord will take care of the rest.
MOM and AUSTIN! I got to sing "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul" on this Past Sunday! It was at a Departure Devotional with about a fourth of the MTC there. All I can say is "Wow, what a blessing!" Our pianist was amazing, my duet elder was so helpful, and I loved all of it. I really felt like we were singing for the Lord and that the Congregation felt my testimony. The best part about it was that we sang it the best that we had ever done.
So I will be calling you all during my layover in LA. I hope to get the calling card and watch in time. Thank you so much for the packing tips buu I don't think toothpaste and shampoo will make too much of a difference. I will be smart when I pack though. I don't know what else to say except that I love you all who are reading my emails and supporting me and to all my friends and family that aren't aware as well. Haha! I am committing EVERYONE who has has been reading my emails to read the Book Of Mormon. It is the word of God and the Most True book of any other book on the earth. I know this to be true because I have prayed with a sincere open heart to know and it has been manifested to me that the Book of Mormon is true. Anyone who will read it and do the same will know of a surety as I do that it is true. Whether you were born in the LDS Church or have heard of it for the first time, it is and will ever be the whole true Gospel of God on the earth! I love you all and will always cuz we're all sons and daughters of our Heavenly father.
Love,
Elder Boaz (Bible) Isaiah 41:10, (Book of Mormon) Moroni 10:3-5
P.S. Mom, make sure you post my Mission Field address, the pouch one, now cuz I won't get anymore mail if people send their letters after tomorrow or maybe even tomorrow. I saw Kellen Laker today in the cafeteria! It was so awesome to see him and he looks awesome, just like a missionary. I am so happy for himn to be here! Anyways, talk to you all later.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
About ready to go to Chile!
May 26th,2009
Hola Todos!
My goodness , I have so much to write and not enough time. I will start off with how my week has gone......very rough. This past week, we taught 21 LESSONS in the Teaching Evalution Center this past week. I am astounded as to how we accomplished that. We taught 7 lessons alone on Saturday and I feel blessed to have gained that experience in teaching to be more prepared for the field. As for our companionship, everything hasn't been roses this past week. Elder Metcalf has made it quite difficult to be productive with him having an opposing opinion to everything!!! It is tough to mold Elder Johnson's and mine teaching style and our schedule for each day to Elder Metcalf's. He is a nice guy with a bright personality, but he is making us late alot, causing arguments about every little thought when it's not significant at times, and wants to do it all his way. He is trying hard to work with us and I'm not saying I am perfect either cuz I probably haven't helped the situation at times, but we are trying hard to work out all the kinks so we can be a better companionship. I love the Holy Ghost cuz it has helped us teach with the Spirit at times and we have definitely had some fun times as well. I just hope we can do as much as possible to help us be ready for the Mission Field in 6 DAYS!!!!
I have felt the trials of the adversary working on me as I am trying to finish these last days out strong. He is trying to make it tough for me to be productive and get along with my companion who I have come to love SO MUCH here (Elder Johnson). His testimony has been what has fueld me to be better as well and I am so grateful for that.
Now, let's get down to business: I need a cheap METAL watch from Walmart that preferrably has a digital face cuz the watch we originally got makes my wrist stink horribly. Hahaha! I also need a calling card if you haven't already sent me one. I haven't received the socks and USB yet. Probably today though. I can possibly get all of my pictures on a RW-CD here at the bookstore and try to send that home to you first so I'm all empty for the rest of my mission. Mom, Taylor Robinson was a friend of mine from high school. Just let her know that I'm on a mission and I am doing great.....and that i said "hi!" By the way, what is my blog address the blog that rebekah made for me? I want to give it to other people that I'm writing letters to. We are going to be reporting at the front of the mtc at 5 in the morning. we depart salt lake city at 8:35 on Delta Air Lines flight 1173. We arrive in L.A. at 9:33 where we have a 4 hour lay over until our next flight. our next flight leaves at 1:20 PM on Lan Chile S.A. flight 601. we arrive in Santiago at 5:25 AM. I will call home first and then call your cell phone mom to set up three way with austin. that is so awesome that rachael made the soccer team. i will talk to you about other things on thursday. i got taylor's email and address for his home. it is soo good to hear from all of you. i am ready to preach the gospel to the people of chile. i love you all and will talk to you soon.
Love
Elder Boaz
Hola Todos!
My goodness , I have so much to write and not enough time. I will start off with how my week has gone......very rough. This past week, we taught 21 LESSONS in the Teaching Evalution Center this past week. I am astounded as to how we accomplished that. We taught 7 lessons alone on Saturday and I feel blessed to have gained that experience in teaching to be more prepared for the field. As for our companionship, everything hasn't been roses this past week. Elder Metcalf has made it quite difficult to be productive with him having an opposing opinion to everything!!! It is tough to mold Elder Johnson's and mine teaching style and our schedule for each day to Elder Metcalf's. He is a nice guy with a bright personality, but he is making us late alot, causing arguments about every little thought when it's not significant at times, and wants to do it all his way. He is trying hard to work with us and I'm not saying I am perfect either cuz I probably haven't helped the situation at times, but we are trying hard to work out all the kinks so we can be a better companionship. I love the Holy Ghost cuz it has helped us teach with the Spirit at times and we have definitely had some fun times as well. I just hope we can do as much as possible to help us be ready for the Mission Field in 6 DAYS!!!!
I have felt the trials of the adversary working on me as I am trying to finish these last days out strong. He is trying to make it tough for me to be productive and get along with my companion who I have come to love SO MUCH here (Elder Johnson). His testimony has been what has fueld me to be better as well and I am so grateful for that.
Now, let's get down to business: I need a cheap METAL watch from Walmart that preferrably has a digital face cuz the watch we originally got makes my wrist stink horribly. Hahaha! I also need a calling card if you haven't already sent me one. I haven't received the socks and USB yet. Probably today though. I can possibly get all of my pictures on a RW-CD here at the bookstore and try to send that home to you first so I'm all empty for the rest of my mission. Mom, Taylor Robinson was a friend of mine from high school. Just let her know that I'm on a mission and I am doing great.....and that i said "hi!" By the way, what is my blog address the blog that rebekah made for me? I want to give it to other people that I'm writing letters to. We are going to be reporting at the front of the mtc at 5 in the morning. we depart salt lake city at 8:35 on Delta Air Lines flight 1173. We arrive in L.A. at 9:33 where we have a 4 hour lay over until our next flight. our next flight leaves at 1:20 PM on Lan Chile S.A. flight 601. we arrive in Santiago at 5:25 AM. I will call home first and then call your cell phone mom to set up three way with austin. that is so awesome that rachael made the soccer team. i will talk to you about other things on thursday. i got taylor's email and address for his home. it is soo good to hear from all of you. i am ready to preach the gospel to the people of chile. i love you all and will talk to you soon.
Love
Elder Boaz
Monday, May 18, 2009
Thursday, May 14th, 2009
Que tál?
No puedo decir usted como animado estoy por ensnando Hermano Coles. Ese hombre es magnificio. Él tiene el Espíritu Santo cuando nos enseña. Mi experiencia aquí es maravilloso. Yo entendo sobre la regla de no mandando emails a otras personas. Yo no se cómo important esa regla fue.
Ok, in english now. I don´t have much time and my head hurts from thinging. Haha! I definitely won´t email other people besides immediate family then. Está bien. I really feel like my spanish is progressing well and I hope to become much better in these next 2 1/2 weeks before the mission field. It's ridiculous how much Elder Johnson and I have planned citas para the TEC. I love it there and am excited to work with Brother Coles. His personality is so funny! I have also been able to have some amazing experiences with real investigators in the Referral Center. There are a couple ladies I have been chatting and talking with to help become baptized. One, Tina Noble is he=aving trouble stopping smoking and I have been trying to help her see how the scripture, HG, and the Lord can help her. Hopefully she'll come around cuz her two sons just got baptized and her 16-year-old wants to go on a mission. I know that when we are helping others, we are bringing ourselves closer to Christ as well. It gives me so much joy to bring the Gospel to those who need it! The other lady, Shannon Murphy, has a non-denominational mindset but has so many similar beliefs to the true Gospel that it amazes me. She knows she needs to get baptized but I have been trying to help her understand proper authority and exercising the weekly covenants she makes each week by going to church. It's DEFINITELY a learning experience!
My companion and i will be zone leaders next week. Pray for us. It's not too big of a deal in the MTC but I need the help and humility. Haha!
Ahhhhhh! I almost forgot to tell you that Elder Russell M. Nelson came to speak to us on Tuesday. We had two apostels for two weeks in-a-row. I feel SOOOOO blessed. Elder Nelson spoke about the friendly, clean, clear, and dignified presence we need to have as missionaries in the field. He wants us to use a simple phrase when people ask what we're doing: "Seguimos a Jesucristo." We need to short but dignified in our speeach and keep our batteries charged in the field so we can keep going. I loved his message. It was much shorter than I thought it would be but he was funny and I loved every minute of it. :) Well, we'll talk soon. I love you all. The Gospel is true!
Love
Elder Boaz
No puedo decir usted como animado estoy por ensnando Hermano Coles. Ese hombre es magnificio. Él tiene el Espíritu Santo cuando nos enseña. Mi experiencia aquí es maravilloso. Yo entendo sobre la regla de no mandando emails a otras personas. Yo no se cómo important esa regla fue.
Ok, in english now. I don´t have much time and my head hurts from thinging. Haha! I definitely won´t email other people besides immediate family then. Está bien. I really feel like my spanish is progressing well and I hope to become much better in these next 2 1/2 weeks before the mission field. It's ridiculous how much Elder Johnson and I have planned citas para the TEC. I love it there and am excited to work with Brother Coles. His personality is so funny! I have also been able to have some amazing experiences with real investigators in the Referral Center. There are a couple ladies I have been chatting and talking with to help become baptized. One, Tina Noble is he=aving trouble stopping smoking and I have been trying to help her see how the scripture, HG, and the Lord can help her. Hopefully she'll come around cuz her two sons just got baptized and her 16-year-old wants to go on a mission. I know that when we are helping others, we are bringing ourselves closer to Christ as well. It gives me so much joy to bring the Gospel to those who need it! The other lady, Shannon Murphy, has a non-denominational mindset but has so many similar beliefs to the true Gospel that it amazes me. She knows she needs to get baptized but I have been trying to help her understand proper authority and exercising the weekly covenants she makes each week by going to church. It's DEFINITELY a learning experience!
My companion and i will be zone leaders next week. Pray for us. It's not too big of a deal in the MTC but I need the help and humility. Haha!
Ahhhhhh! I almost forgot to tell you that Elder Russell M. Nelson came to speak to us on Tuesday. We had two apostels for two weeks in-a-row. I feel SOOOOO blessed. Elder Nelson spoke about the friendly, clean, clear, and dignified presence we need to have as missionaries in the field. He wants us to use a simple phrase when people ask what we're doing: "Seguimos a Jesucristo." We need to short but dignified in our speeach and keep our batteries charged in the field so we can keep going. I loved his message. It was much shorter than I thought it would be but he was funny and I loved every minute of it. :) Well, we'll talk soon. I love you all. The Gospel is true!
Love
Elder Boaz
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
It's been a great week!
Hola Familia y amigos,
Yo tengo mucho cosas a hablar sobre y estoy teniendo mucho divertido. Me encanta todas las cosas que estoy aprendiendo en el CCM (MTC). Mis maestros son muy bueno maestros. Pero, pienso que hablara en ingles ahora.
Ok, there was just a little taste of my Spanish. I promise that I've learned a ton more than that and can speak more complex but writing is totally different than typing. So anyways, this wee has been pretty awesome. I don't think I told you already, but guess who came to last week's devotional?!?!?!.........Elder M. Russell Ballard of the 12 Apostles. It was awesome; apparently he also has a grand-daughter in the MTC right now that I have met to. It was such a good talk. He spoke about How important it is for us to have a "desire" to serve everyday of our lives and then that desire will ignite a desire in our companions and investigators. I thought it was interesting when he said that in the beginning the missionary is more important than the Gospel because they are responsible for making a good impression with the investigators before they even teach them any lessons. I loved it all and took a ton of nots but can't remember them right now. When we sang in the MTC choir, it was so peaceful. We won't be singing for a few weeks now cuz they are resurfacing the gym floor and we have to wth all of the devotionals and firesides in the Main building where you dropped me off. It's fine though. I am going to practice the song that dad sent me with two other missionaries today. One is from another zone, but sings amazing and one is in our zone and already has his Bachelor's of Music from BYU in piano AND organ. The guy is amazing. I'm excited, we'll probably tryout next week.
I saw Colby Tanner in the cafeteria this past week! It was awesome. He is teaching a district that I have gym time with all the time so that was a funny coincidence. Elder Johnson is typing for me now so this should be much faster. Colby Tanner and I talked in Spanish for a little bit and it was fun seeing him. Also this past week, my companion and I have picked up two "progressing investigators" at the teaching center. this is going to help us so much in teaching to needs and helping people progress in the gospel. what is an even funnier coincidence is that one of the teachers that is our investigator taught with austin while he was here. austin actually trained this teacher. his name is brother coles and he is an amazing guy. we have only met with him for a total of 45 minutes and we have already learned so much. i am excited for these next three weeks because i know that we are going to learn so much more. we have had the chance to hear from teachers that our spanish is progressing well. elder johnson and i are getting into a groove where we are able to work much more productively as a companionship. the spirit is helping us. i am excited for ryan olson and Kellen Laker to be coming into the mtc soon and i will definately look for them. Cody Lehr is leaving for the mtc in AFRICA on my birthday August 20th. that's exciting. i have also seen derrick taylor here in the mtc and elder mitchell left yesterday. it's amazing how everyone is going into the missions.
i am not sick any more and have been taking my vitamins pretty well. mom, you do not need to send me a new health pack if that next order is coming. we enjoyed the apple pie thoroughly. my whole district devoured it.
funny story in the referral center. i was chatting with a girl who had questions about what happens to people that aren't baptized in this life and it was a perfect question. she asked if they are just confined to hell and when i went to reply i said, "God does confine them to hell." when i meant to say "God does NOT confine them to hell." what is even funnier is that after that sentence i said, "that is what is sooo great about the gospel of jesus christ." she was taken back and i had to correct my self. my companion and i were cracking up.
Other than all of that, my testimony is gatteing a stronger and stronger and this Gospel is being more concrete in my mind. I know the Book of Mormon is true and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth again. Talk to you all soon again!!!!
Elder Boaz
Yo tengo mucho cosas a hablar sobre y estoy teniendo mucho divertido. Me encanta todas las cosas que estoy aprendiendo en el CCM (MTC). Mis maestros son muy bueno maestros. Pero, pienso que hablara en ingles ahora.
Ok, there was just a little taste of my Spanish. I promise that I've learned a ton more than that and can speak more complex but writing is totally different than typing. So anyways, this wee has been pretty awesome. I don't think I told you already, but guess who came to last week's devotional?!?!?!.........Elder M. Russell Ballard of the 12 Apostles. It was awesome; apparently he also has a grand-daughter in the MTC right now that I have met to. It was such a good talk. He spoke about How important it is for us to have a "desire" to serve everyday of our lives and then that desire will ignite a desire in our companions and investigators. I thought it was interesting when he said that in the beginning the missionary is more important than the Gospel because they are responsible for making a good impression with the investigators before they even teach them any lessons. I loved it all and took a ton of nots but can't remember them right now. When we sang in the MTC choir, it was so peaceful. We won't be singing for a few weeks now cuz they are resurfacing the gym floor and we have to wth all of the devotionals and firesides in the Main building where you dropped me off. It's fine though. I am going to practice the song that dad sent me with two other missionaries today. One is from another zone, but sings amazing and one is in our zone and already has his Bachelor's of Music from BYU in piano AND organ. The guy is amazing. I'm excited, we'll probably tryout next week.
I saw Colby Tanner in the cafeteria this past week! It was awesome. He is teaching a district that I have gym time with all the time so that was a funny coincidence. Elder Johnson is typing for me now so this should be much faster. Colby Tanner and I talked in Spanish for a little bit and it was fun seeing him. Also this past week, my companion and I have picked up two "progressing investigators" at the teaching center. this is going to help us so much in teaching to needs and helping people progress in the gospel. what is an even funnier coincidence is that one of the teachers that is our investigator taught with austin while he was here. austin actually trained this teacher. his name is brother coles and he is an amazing guy. we have only met with him for a total of 45 minutes and we have already learned so much. i am excited for these next three weeks because i know that we are going to learn so much more. we have had the chance to hear from teachers that our spanish is progressing well. elder johnson and i are getting into a groove where we are able to work much more productively as a companionship. the spirit is helping us. i am excited for ryan olson and Kellen Laker to be coming into the mtc soon and i will definately look for them. Cody Lehr is leaving for the mtc in AFRICA on my birthday August 20th. that's exciting. i have also seen derrick taylor here in the mtc and elder mitchell left yesterday. it's amazing how everyone is going into the missions.
i am not sick any more and have been taking my vitamins pretty well. mom, you do not need to send me a new health pack if that next order is coming. we enjoyed the apple pie thoroughly. my whole district devoured it.
funny story in the referral center. i was chatting with a girl who had questions about what happens to people that aren't baptized in this life and it was a perfect question. she asked if they are just confined to hell and when i went to reply i said, "God does confine them to hell." when i meant to say "God does NOT confine them to hell." what is even funnier is that after that sentence i said, "that is what is sooo great about the gospel of jesus christ." she was taken back and i had to correct my self. my companion and i were cracking up.
Other than all of that, my testimony is gatteing a stronger and stronger and this Gospel is being more concrete in my mind. I know the Book of Mormon is true and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is on the earth again. Talk to you all soon again!!!!
Elder Boaz
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