Email #19

   So after last week's little e-mail fiasco, I'm going to try sending my e-mails from now on with the pictures attached in a separate e-mail. Sorry about the confusion!

   Good news - I don't feel sick anymore! I can't even remember if I mentioned it in my last e-mail, but I was feeling pretty crummy last preparation day when I was writing my e-mail. But by the following morning, I felt completely fine - Thank heavens. 

   I truly feel so blessed to be here serving in Fresno itself in the Pioneer Park ward. I can't even describe to you how much I love the members in this ward. From the old-dead Hmong ladies all the way down to the insane screaming Hmong kids, I really just feel so blessed to be here serving with these people. I know this sounds super-cliche, but this really is the best call to serve. 

   One fun thing we've been doing this week is what I've deemed 'Investigator Hunting.' I don't know if you remember the story from a couple weeks ago about how Elder Allen and I found the lady cooking meat outside her apartment. Anyways, we have literally been borderline stalking her trying to figure out which apartment she actually lives in because she and her husband are really interested in coming. It's kind of frustrating, but I know that if we continue to be diligent the Lord will help us be able to find their family. 

   This last week we finally found what I would like to think is my first 'golden' investigator. Elder Allen and I were trying to contact a former-investigator and met her little brother Kong, who is 20 years-old and is really interested in learning more about the restoration! I know I've said this a lot, but it really just blows my mind away when I see how the Lord is preparing people for us missionaries to go out and find! I'll keep you updated on how he is progressing. 

  Speaking of 'keeping you updated,' here are some updates on the past people I said I would let you know about...

• Miracle Cooking-Meat-In-Front-Of-Her-Apartment-Complex lady - Still on the hunt to have a real lesson with her.
• Lu, aka the lady who was referred to us and we thought had a lot of potential and committed her to be baptized - she decided that she just wants to go to the church by her house instead of continuing to learn more. Kind of a bummer, but maybe future missionaries will be able to get to her. For now we're giving her time. 
• Ze, aka the lady who we met during a dinner appointment and gave a church tour to and seemed really interested in joining - we've been having a really hard time even getting into contact with her. Hopefully we'll be able to meet with her soon!

   I never thought I'd say this, but the member's always feeding us missionaries is starting to become a problem. This last Thursday our dinner appointment cancelled, so Elder Allen and I ran through the Wendy's drive through (Shout-out Thank You to Momma for the gift card), then show up to our next appointment who "on a whim" cooked us this insane Thanksgiving Dinner...... I don't think that I've ever eaten so much in my life. 

   This week was fast and testimony and meeting because of conference next weekend (WHOO!), and I tried to translate in sacrament meeting again.... which unfortunately didn't work so well because everyone that bore their testimonies were either old Hmong woman who I literally couldn't understand a single word, or people who spoke around 87343 miles per hour. Translating is actually my favorite thing to do, just it's kind of awkward when a lady is going crazy at the pulpit bearing her testimony in a language that I really don't think is Hmong, your supposed to be translating but not saying a word in the headset transmitter, and all the English-speakers in the audience are just staring at you waiting for you to say something...... Welcome to every week in the Pioneer Park Hmong ward :)

  I've got to go now, but I love you all so much! You are in my prayers, and please pray for the poeple here in Fresno that they will continue to be prepared by the Lord and Elder Allen and myself will be able to find them! I LOVE YOU!

- Tub Txib Tshaj Lug Vwj / 

   Elder Matthew Doane

Email #18

Soooo I just figured out the e-mail from last week didn't send through for some reason, so here is the first one from last week and I'm typing this week's right now! And I had to take the pictures off too for some reason :( I'll try attaching them in a separate e-mail. 

KUV... HLUB... NEJ!!!        { I... Love... You!!! }

Highlights from this week...

• As you can see in the lovely attached picture, we had dinner at a super-Hmong sister's house for dinner the other night. And unfortunately, she ran out of plates so all the meat was placed on a Frisbee... funny thing is that we're pretty sure she really thinks the Frisbee is a plate - It was so funny!
• Speaking of crazy food experiences, guess what animal I ate the other night - A Bear! Some members surprised Elder Allen and I with dinner when we came to teach them and sure enough, we had bear! It was actually really good. I kinda-thought eating bear was illegal or something, but I guess not... :)
• This last Wednesday Elder Allen and myself were, for no reason known to me, chosen to help with the incoming new missionaries! It was so weird because I've literally only been here for one transfer (6 weeks) so it was weird to already be helping with new missionaries because it literally feels like that was me yesterday. Anyways, we each took out a missionary on 'Open-your-mouth', which is basically we each take the missionaries out to a specific area and go tract and talk to everyone we see to get the 'jitters' and hesitancy to talk out of the new missionaries. I don't know if you remember one of my first e-mails out here, when I went out on 'open-your-mouth' it was when I saw that little girl get hit by the car.... so freaky...... anyways, it was so interesting because what ended up happening was Elder Ennis and myself tracted into a minister for another church and it basically turned into him wanting to bible bash. He made lots of sense logically, but it was so painfully obvious that there was ZERO spirit there as we talked about our varying beliefs. It really just made me so much more grateful for what we had. It really stood in stark contrast to...
• Elder Allen and I had a GREAT lesson this week with two recent convert sisters. They are amazing. Straight up. The lesson we taught was about how the Lord is preparing people in their lives right now to learn about the gospel and the Spirit was sostrong, especially as they bore testimony of how they had felt the Holy Ghost during their conversion and continue to want to feel it more fully in their lives. It was somewhat of an epiphany of me to compare these two experiences and just realize how true the gospel is. 
• This week has been filled with the most AMAZING sunsets! About once a month we drive out to Madera (about a 45 minute drive from Fresno) to visit some members out there, and it is awesome just to drive through the country side and soak up the California sun. I LOVE BEING IN THIS MISSION!
• Another unexpected perk of being in this mission is that I get to play the piano in primary about every other week. I included a picture because it shows my nice part really well. Did I tell you that we're required to have parts in this mission? Anyways, I think I've been pulled into playing for the primary program... I LOVE BEING IN THIS MISSION! (take ii)
• In last week's e-mail I mentioned that I was going to a baptism that night for our neighbor - It was such an INCREDIBLE experience. I honestly can't think of many situations that i have felt the Spirit stronger. Elder Allen and I got to be the witnesses and help in giving him the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and I'm honestly just grateful to be here in Fresno just to witness these miracles unfold before me.

To be honest, this week has been hard because our teaching pool has been dropping, but I KNOW there are Hmong people here in Fresno that are being prepared for ME to share the gospel with. I love being a missionary. I love you all so much. You drive me to be a better representative of the Lord and to make you proud of the man I am becoming. Continue to pray for me, but more importantly for the people being prepared for me to teach, and I'll continue to pray for you!

Sib Ntsib Dua!

- Hlub,      ( Love, )

  Tub Txib Tshaj Lug Vwj       ( Elder Matthew David Doane)

I always feel like I'm leaving out so much when I send these.... Anyways, Until Next Week!

Email #17

I'm pretty sure you're all tired of reading that I had the best week ever, but this past week really has been amazing and the most spiritual week of my life. 

A couple of days ago our zone had the opportunity to have personal one-on-one interviews with President Gelwix. I really do love him so much. Sometimes I just can't believe that I'm now best friends with President Larry Gelwix. It's so spiritually empowering when we have the chance to talk just the two of us, and really gets me motivated to get out there in the blazing sun and find those the Lord is preparing to recieve the gospel.

Our teaching pool recently has gotten a lot smaller, so finding has been something that Elder Allen and myself have really been focusing on. It's ironic how even though we'll have days where literally no one answers their door to us and nobody is home that we wanted to visit, we still come home at the end of the day completely satisfied because we know we gave our greatest effort to follow the will of the Lord. I know that as we continue to give it our all we'll find those who have been prepared. 

Elder Allen really is the bomb. By far one of the most genuinely nice people I will ever know. And it freaks me out because we really had 62984278 mutual friends back in our high school days but somehow didn't know who each other were. 

I know I probably shouldn't say this, considering I've only been out a couple months, but I'm SO excited for after my mission to take all you out to go eat Pho (pronounced Fu). It's a Vietnamese meat-broth soup that the Hmong have made into their own special dish and they love  to eat. I think I literally ate it 5 times in the last week. And the weird thing is, I don't like eating food now that isn't spicy! I never though I would say that!

Tonight Elder Allen and myself are actually going to a baptismal service for our neighbor that is being baptized! It's exciting because even though it's not our  baptism, it's the first one I'm going to since being out here on a mission! It's been amazing the see how the Lord had prepared him to receive the Gospel and see the faith that he has to follow Christ. 

Something else really awesome that happened this last week was some members in the ward Elder Allen and I have recently been visiting a lot went through the temple and were sealed as family! It's awesome to see that happen because that really is the eventual direction we want all of our investigators to go - to receive all the blessings available of the Atonement through the temple of the Lord. 

Sorry that this is somewhat short and sporadic - today has been hectic in running around and trying to get things done. What else is new? :) But I really do LOVE you so much and pray for you continually every day. 

Sib Ntsib Dua!

- Tub Txib Tshaj Lug Vwj / 
  Elder Matthew David Doane

+ P.S. - THANK YOU so much for the box the other day! Bah I really can't even tell you how much I appreciate it. And Morgan, I'm writing a response to your slightly offensive letter right now as we speak, so EXPECT it.

Email #16

Nyob Zoo! I love you guys so much! Happy September 11th! - "We will never forget." {Elder Burdick just said that to me}

This week has been the usual - amazing! To be honest it hasn't been the hottest week as far as results go - lots of dropped appointments and such. I actually had my first investigator drop me a couple days ago. Not going to lie, that was kinda rough, but this week has still been great! 

Yesterday our mission had a zone conference with Elder and Sister Golden from the quorum of the 70 - IT WAS SO COOL! I don't think I've ever had the Spirit talk to me so directly with so many specific questions I had. It was actually kind of stressful because I had to play all the music and help with the musical number, but all the songs went over well! It's weird because I'm theonly missionary in all of Fresno that can play the piano, so I get to play all the time! It is awesome, all that time practicing at the church before I left really has paid off. 

I think one of the coolest experiences I have had so far are giving lessons to recent converts of the church. We've given a couple this last week, and it really just reaffirms my own testimony when I hear these new converts talking about how the gospel, which is brand new in their lives, is already blessing them so much. 

Something that I've been studying this week that has been really meaningful is what faith truly is and trying to more fully apply it in my missionary work. A verse I read that I particularly like is in Alma 5:12 when it says "And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in the his heart." When we have faith in Jesus Christ and act on it, meaning we trust in him and his promises He has made us, the result is that our hearts are able to be aligned with our Heavenly Father's. And that through doing we are able to have a greater happiness that we have ever attained through our own efforts.  

I really do love being a missionary. Seeing the change wrought because of the gospel, not only in the lives of those we're teaching but also in our own lives, really makes all the hard work worth it. I love you so all so much and preay that you are all doing well. I know that the Lord is watching over you because He has confirmed it to me through the Spirit. Until next week... SIB NTSIB DUA!

- Yours Truly,
  Elder Matthew David Doane / 

  Tub Txib Tshaj Lug Vwj

P.S. - I'M SO EXCITED TO HEAR THAT LEXI IS GOING TO DETROIT! And, speaking of, here's something I forgot to tell you guys that is semi-important... so it turns out apparently that all the Hmong Elders in this mission get a 3-week extension meaning Lexi and I are literally BOTH getting off our missions the same day!!! 

P.S.S. - I'm officially becoming Hmong because I'm starting to crave spicy food now... I never though those words would come out of my mouth. 

These pictures goes with email #15

Email #15

Nyob Zoo Kuv Tsev Neeg thiab Cov Phooj Ywg! Kuv Hlub Nej tiag tiag!

{Hello Family and Friends! I Love You So Much!}

   Hey! This past week has been both grievously exhausting and blatantly miraculous! Definitely a week that I will ever forget.

   This week was tough in that it was a lot people cancelling appointments, unopened doors (despite people talking literally right on the other side), and making eye contact with people through the window only for them not to open the door for you. Missionary work never is easy, but it is completely worth every effort. After this somewhat dismal week, we were struggling on Sunday night to figure out what we should do. We randomly decided to visit a less-active member, which at the time seemed completely illogical because they usually aren't available at that time, it was getting dark, and it was a really long drive to get there. Looking back though, we've realized it was the Spirit guiding us. We went to their apartment complex that was Hmong-people central outside. We went to their door and nobody was even home. But on the way out, we started speaking to a Hmong lady and it turns out she has been wanting to come to church for a while, and she and her family are now planning to come to church this next Sunday and we have a return appointment with them. It's amazing how the Lord, if we are able and willing to listen to the promptings of the Spirit, will place in our path individuals who have been prepared to receive the gospel. 

   Today we had the opportunity to go the Fresno Temple as a Zone, which is actually only about 20 minutes from where we live! It was so awesome to be able to go to the temple again! It definitely was way smaller than the temple in Provo I had become used to attending at the MTC. It was great though to be able to go, especially because you appreciate chances like that to go so much more as a missionary. Elder Allen said we usually only go about once every six months. 

   Speaking of Elder Allen, he is awesome. He really is an amazing missionary and I have no idea how we weren't friends in high school. It actually freaks me out a little. The other night we made Strawberry Boba drinks! Hmong people love Boba drinks, so all those months working at Yogurt Stop have actually paid off because I know how to make the drinks now! I was semi-impressed with ourselves that we made the drink because it tasted like liquid-awesomeness.

   Another great opportunity we had this week was to go the the church-owned vineyard here in Fresno and pick grapes for the church! It was so fun! What I ended up doing was being the spreader - I would take the picked grapes and spread them out onto these sheet of paper so they will dry and become raisins. They're used for all the humanitarian efforts. It's crazy how quickly we got through our section as a ward compared to other wards, the Hmong people really do know their stuff when it comes to farming. It really was so cool, I'll send some pictures home of that too as soon as I can!

   One of mine and Elder Allen's favorite scripture this past week has been John 16:33 (I don't have my scriptures on me, but I'mpretty sure that's the right reference). Christ truly has overcome everything, and because of that, He's able to help us in return with anything. I really am just so grateful for this opportunity that I have to serve, I truly know that I've been called by a prophet of God specifically to this mission and to a people who have been prepared to hear and accept the Gospel through me. I love you guys so much and pray for you. Love unconditionally as Christ unconditionally loves us. Sib Ntsib Dua!

- Elder Matthew Doane / 

  Tub Txib Tshaj Lug Vwj

Elder Doane with President Gelwix (I think)

Email #14

It's been over 3 months since I left home now - time is FLYING! It kind of freaks me out. Anyways, things are going great here in Fresno as usual!

Elder Allen and I really do get along so well, it's like we've known each other our whole lives. He actually really reminds me of Morgan because we have the same kind of humor with each other. Together we've been able to have some great success with the guidance of the Lord. We've now got 5 investigators, and they are all awesome! We have one committed for baptism already, and the rest are progressing really well. All the hard long work really is worth it when you see these people you love so much accepting the gospel and changing their lives. 

A really cool experience this week was that I gave my first blessing. One of our investigators, who we hadn't even really taught yet, got into touch with us and asked us to give her a blessing because she's was really sick - talk about having faith! Not going to lie, I was extremely nervous when I was asked to give the actual blessing itself, but the more I look back on what happened I know that it was the Spirit speaking through me. I'm so excited for her and will keep you posted on how it goes. 

This last Sunday was also really awesome for two reasons - the investigators we invited to church came, and I got to play piano in primary again! Couldn't ask for anything more than that! I love playing in the primary because now all the little kids in ward know who I am and it's awesome. Bah. I love it so much. 

Speaking of little kids, my 'nephew/niece withdrawals' have been partially appeased these last few Mondays. On Monday nights we're not supposed to have dinner appointments because of Family Home Evening, so every Monday we just go over to a member's house and eat. It's great though because she has tons of little kids and it's so fun just to be able to play with them. No one can replace all the nieces and nephews, but at least I'm still getting some quality little-kid time in. 

The three random-moments-of-the-week (at least more random than usual) would include...

• One of our appointments the other night was in an apartment complex, and on the way walking through  we were almost (for lack of a better word) urinated on by a guy the floor above. Guess he doesn't like Mormon missionaries!
• One of the members we teach owns a photo business and really wanted us to come over to her studio and take pictures of us today. It was hilarious! She's planning on photo-shopping us into a Thailand backdrop, so I'll definitely make sure a copy of that picture gets sent home when I get a copy of it. 
• Every week Elder Allen and I have to take our car through a car wash, and after while we were vacuuming out the car (to make a long story short) somehow got into the middle of a fight between a homeless man and an employee of the car wash that almost broke out into throwing punches... yep!

I'm just completely content with life as a missionary. It really is the most worthwhile thing I know that I can be doing with my life. To see how others have been prepared by the Spirit throughout their life to learn about and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ just further reinforces my own testimony that God really does personally love us, is completely aware of us, and is waiting to bless us. I love you guys so much and hope you guys have a great week too!

Until next week - Sib Ntsib Dua!

- Yours Truly,

   Elder Tshaj Lug Vwj / 

   Elder Matthew Doane

+ P.S. - You may have noticed, but I definitely spelled my new Hmong name wrong in last week's e-mail! My 'hmoob xeeb' or last name is Vwj, not Vuj! Ha!

Email #13

Family! Friends! Everyone! Nyob Zoo!

Yeah, last week's e-mail was semi-frantic - Sorry about that! Things have been going GREAT though! All is well in Fresno-land.

One the coolest things about being a missionary is that miracles are a regular occurrence - both for us as missionaries, and in the lives of those we are teaching. There are so many that I can think of off the top of my head. We have neighbors that have been prepared by the Lord their whole lives and recently moved right next to us and are practically converting themselves without our help. They literally knocked on our door the other night asking for more Books of Mormon - that is not normal! There are two Sisters from Laos that we've committed to be baptized this week. It's just amazing how when you get to know people, you see how the Lord has been involved in helping them get the place they are today to hear about and accept the Gospel. I'm so excited to continue to work with them, hopefully they will be our first baptisms since getting here!

My companion, Elder Allen, is the bomb. We seriously get along so well! I can't believe I didn't know him in high school because we seriously have 1000's of mutual friends. We'll be together for at least two transfers (12 weeks), and I'm pumped because I really think that we are going to continue to work well together and make a big impact on this area while we're here together. Elder Allen has been in this specific area (Fresno-West) for literally over a year, so he really knows everyone and everywhere. It's great!

The Hmong is coming. Slowly but surely. It's definitely completely different now that I'm out in the field. It's kind of been a reality slap that I really need to put everything that I've got into learning the language and talking with people if I am going to be able to really master the language. Everyone has told Elder Burdick and myself that we're pretty good for just being out, so we're hoping to really master it so that we can teach everyone and teach effectively. Hmoob for life!

You guys would be so proud of me - The food is so spicy! Basically 99% of the meals in Hmong homes consist of sticky rice (SO GOOD!), every part of the chicken, and then this (for lack of a better word) hot sauce called 'qua txob' that is insane. It is just in a completely different realm of spicy than I have ever eaten. The Hmong people seriously just pound it down like it is no big deal, while I'm in the corner basically balling my eyes out because I had a tiny piece of it. By the time I get home I'm going to be able to eat spicy food like never before. And I guess it's a common joke in Hmong that the more qua txob you eat, the quicker you will be able to speak Hmong. Painful, but worth it. 

The Hmong people seriously are so incredibly humble. Some of the government-provided refugee housing that we often visit really is... down-trodden to say the least. Us missionaries stick out to much! The Hmong people tend to have a respect for us as missionaries trying to learn their language, so it's not like we feel unsafe or anything like that. For some reason being in these really poor parts of town really makes me realize that I'm exactly where I am supposed to be doing exactly what the Lord would have me do. I know I've said this already, but it truly is an honor to serve with among the Hmong people of this area.

It's crazy serving in Fresno because there are people from here that I know! The other day one of my friends from BYU, Ginger, sang in our sacrament meeting! And we have our district meetings in Elder Evan's church, my roommate from BYU! I see his plaque on the wall and it's so weird to think he'll be coming home eventually and there's a chance I could see him while I'm out here on my mission! I'm secretly hoping this happens! Okay I'm a-lot hoping this happens. 

I'm still happier than I think I've ever been. Missionary work is completely drop-dead-into-bed-at-night exhausting, but so worth every effort. I know this is only the beginning, and I'm so excited to see what the Lord has in store for me. I'd love to hear from you guys! Just send anything to the mission office address (1814 N Echo Fresno, CA 93704) or family can just e-mail this address directly! I can't wait to hear from you and let you know what craziness  has happened this upcoming week!

Sib Ntsib Dua!

 - Tub Txib Tshaj Lug Vuj /
   Elder Matthew Doane

+ P.S. - Any friends that are reading this - Before leaving for the MTC I forgot to get pictures of you guys and now it's killing me! So if you have a spare second, I would be so grateful if you just printed a picture of us together off of Facebook or some other picture and sent it to me - I would be forever grateful! Not to mention I want to hear how you are guys are doing!

+ P.P.S. - Recent family pictures of any kind would also probably cause me to burst into sobs of happiness :)

Email #12

Nyob Zoo Kuv Tsev Neeg! Alright, where to even start... Let's go back to day 1.

{And note, I am skipping SO MUCH detail that I don't have time to fill in, this is bare bones!}

First off, the missionaries that came to Fresno with Elder Burdick and myself are amazing people! We instantly bonded. We got here in Fresno and were met at the airport by President Gelwix and the missionaries that were leaving that day. President Gelwix is one of the most down-to-earth, spiritual men that I've ever met. I can't even tell you how excited I am to have to opportunity to have him as my mission president. From the airport, we went to an orientation-type meeting, and were paired up with a random missionary to go out tracting! I was kind of nervous, but really excited to be just jumping into it. Myself, Elder Burdick, and two other Hmong Elders (more on them later. . .) went to a refugee housing area called 'Little Laos.' I paired off with Elder Burton, one of the Hmong missionaries, and we went out tracting through the apartments.

The high-light of tracting was I realized that I've already fallen in love with these people. The Hmong people really are the most humble, spirited people that I have ever met. Just talking to them made me feel honored to have to opportunity to be serving them for the next two years.

Alright, now the low-light. (And Mom, please don't freak out...) So we were walking by this road, and across the street was an elementary school. Long story short, we saw a hit-and-run of a little girl crossing the street. I can't even tell you how freaking out I was. There were people suddenly everywhere, and we left because there was no way we could have been helpful in that situation. We don't know what happened to the girl. Bah. Everyone keeps telling me that never happens to missionaries out on the first day, but I'm still just a little bit nervous whenever we're out on the streets. Bah!

Anyways, things after that have been great! We were finally introduced to who our companion would be for these first two transfers, and my companion's name is Elder Allen! It's hilarious because we went to Alta and both graduated in 2010, but we somehow didn't know each other before! God works in mysterious ways! :) He's been out here well over a year, I think he goes home in January. We get along swimmingly. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better companion.

The area that I'm in now is the Fresno-West area. I'll be here at least for the first-two transfers (12 weeks), although Elder Allen has been in this same area for months so there's a chance I'll be here even longer than that. Which I'm actually really grateful for because I'm going to be able to really get to know the members, which will really help!

Yesterday at church was so fun! Every week for Sacrament Meeting, they have one missionary and one member of the ward translate because some of the families are English-speaking families that serve in the ward. Hence, they have to translate both from Hmong to English and English to Hmong depending on who is talking. The translator sits in a little booth on the podium, and everyone in the congregation that needs translating wears headphones. Thankfully, no translating duty for me this week :) but Elder Burdick and I said the prayers in Sacrament Meeting! Everyone said we did really well, which we hope isn't just because it's our first week. Then they had me play the piano in both primaries because the pianist was a no-show, I loved it!

I really am so grateful for this chance that I have to serve. I know that this is where the Lord wants me to serve, and that I'm going to have success provided I continue to rely wholly on the Lord. I love you guys and miss you so much, and know the Lord is blessing and supporting you!

I really feel like I have left out 99% of what's happened, so I'll cram as much in as I can next week! I love you!

I almost forgot... I HAVE A HMONG NAME!!!! We went over to a member's house, and he gave me my name - it's Tshaj Lug Vuj (pronounced Cha Lew Vue, Tones are descending on the Cha, Breathy {basically sound like you are being punched} on Lew, and descending on Vue). It literally means 'to declare the word!' It's basically the coolest name ever! Haib Heev! Tshaj Lug Vuj for life!

Yours Truly,

Tub Txib Tshaj Lug Vuj / 

Elder Matthew Doane

P.S. - I was wrong about the address thing, send mail to the mission office. I included the address below. They forward the mail onto us. Thanks!

1814 N Echo Ave

Fresno, CA 93704

Arrived!

Hey Mom! I don't have long, but I just wanted to let you know I got here safely! And boy has it been... crazy! They said that I'll be able to e-mail on Monday, I'm guessing that Monday will be my new p-day, I'm not sure though.

 

I love you, I'm safe. And I'm a missionary.

Email #11

Nyob Zoo! Nej nyob li cas? {Hello! How are you!} It is officially my last day here in the MTC! I can't believe it! It's weird to think that I have almost literally been here the whole Summer, and yet in many respects it has felt no longer than a week. At this rate I really do feel like my mission is going to fly by!

 

I know that's because I'm working harder than I ever have. This last week has sort of been a 'reality-slap' for our whole South-Eastern Asian hallway in that we said to ourselves, "Shoot, we need to be able to speak this language in a week." And hey it's not nearly as bad for us Hmongs just going to California, I could be going to Cambodia speaking Vietnamese, so count your many blessings. { cough cough Mom :) }

 

But even more importantly than learning the language, even more importantly is understanding the simple doctrines of the gospel and being able to teach these simple truths to the needs of the investigators. It has been something we've been drilling since day 1, and I feel like this last week things are finally starting to connect on really how to do this. Now I've just got to see if it's going to work when I am teachingactual investigators!

 

Here's a couple highlights / lowlights / 'what-just-happened' moments of the week...

• Okay I'm going to preface this Story by saying Mom, I'm sure this isn't going to happen to me. Well, now that that is out of the way... One of our teachers, Brother Sanchez (aka Southeastern-asian language master) was telling us this story about how when he was serving in San Fransisco, an elderly lady he and his companion were teaching called them and asked if they could give her a blessing. They agreed, but when they got there it turns out the the two of them "walked into the middle of a gun fight." People were shooting at eachother in this lady's house! They said that they screamed "the police are coming" in Laotion or something along those lines and everyone took off. Again, Mom, I'm sure that won't happen... pretty sure... :)
• With the aforementioned teacher, the three of us Hmongs were trying to practice street approaches. One of the funniest / most awkward experiences of my life. So Brother Sanchez just randomly walks out of class, and by the time we finally deduce what is going on, he is wondering around the MTC campus. So the three of us are literally running around the entire place, building through building, trying to intercept our teacher. People thought we were crazy! Finally we found him, so completely out of breath and from 100 feet away we scream 'Oh NYOB ZOO', at which point our teacher burst out into laughter. It was great.
• This last Sunday, we had a departure devotional for us missionaries that would be leaving this week from the MTC. Just the 300 of us! Ha anyways, one of the Elders gave an amazing testimony, and in it he stated "Today's test is tomorrow's testimony." I think that is such a simple statement, and yet it is so completely true. It reminds me of in Ether 12:18 which states "And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God." I know that the many miracles I have seen take place in my life have only come after a personal trial of my faith and testimony, and I know this is true for the rest of God's children as well. I'm excited to be able to share that message with the Hmong people - that trials you may be facing today allow miracles to take place in your life and your testimony to grow.
• So the 'what-just-happened' moment of the week took place during the closing prayer of said devotional. So my companions and myself were sitting in the second row from the front, and in the row behind us were all the Senior Missionaries. So when the closing prayer was being offered, I heard what I thought was snoring, and just thought to myself 'one of the senior missionaries must be asleep.' Turns out the senior elder sitting directly behind me had a stroke during the closing prayer! It was such a sureal experience. The second the prayer was over, his wife screamed out for help and we all realized something bad had happened. Before I even knew what was happening, there were paramedics sweeping in, ambulances being called, and groups of missionaries praying all around me! I really do hope and pray he was alright.

As I've prepared to leave and packed all of my belongings away, I've had such an amazing realization - I have no fear. I'm so grateful for this time I've had at the MTC because it has helped me continue to develop my faith to the point of where I can say I have no reservations or anxieties going out into the field tomorrow. Sure, I may not understand what's being said to me, but I'm ready to give all that I have in helping invite others come unto our Savior, and I feel truly privileged for the opportunity to do so.

 

I love you! Oh, and before I forget, don't forget I have a new writing address now, so don't send any letters to the MTC anymore! The address is below. I believe it is the address of my mission office. When I get the address of my actual place I'll be living, I will let you know. Until then, write to here...

1814 N Echo

Fresno, CA 93704

USA

 

Alright, well I'm sure my e-mail next week will be interesting to say the least, so I can't wait until then! Don't worry about me, and I won't worry about you guys - deal? Just always cultivate your relationship with our Heavenly Father and keep your perspective on the things that truly matter in this life, and we will always be at peace.

Sib Ntsib Dua!

- Es Daws Tooj / Elder Doane / Elder Fierce / just-realized-I'm-probably-getting-my-real-Hmong-name-tomorrow!

Email #10

Nyob Zoo! Bah - I love you guys so much!

 

This last week has been amazing! Felt like half an hour in real-time, but still amazing! Couple high-lights would include...

• So with the audition for the musical number in the devotional... I made it! To be honest, I was completely terrified. Playing an instrument I haven't played in literally years in front of 2700+ people - no pressure! But for me, a miracle happened. I prayed fervently to help my technical skills return, especially considering this piece is really high, something I'm definitely not used to as a viola player. And this last Sunday night when I stood up in front of the packed auditorium, I could almost literally feel the Spirit pouring into me, and I know this because I was I think one of the happiest that I've ever been. I prayed to be an instrument in the Lord's hand, and I feel I accomplished that. The piece went off without a hitch, I literally couldn't have asked for a better performance. It was such a unique experience I know I won't ever forget, and was also awesome because....
• Because I played in the devotional and they announced my name and where I'd be serving and such, after the devotional some Elders came up to us Hmongs and it turns out they're the majority of the other Elder's going to out Fresno with us speaking Spanish and Engligh! There are 15 other Elder's going out to Fresno with us, and they are such incredible guys! It just got me more excited to finally get out into the field. Yet at the same time....
• I have been studying harder than I ever have before. Studying for school or a test is one thing, but I'm talking about studying so I'm not completely in the dark when I arrive. It's defintely going to be a humbling experience, because as it is with any South-Eastern Asian Language, you have to just immerse yourself and study for months before you really start to get a grasp on it. Well and that's only if you've got the power of the Spirit too! I've been trying to prepare myself as much as I can {And, I feel it is approapriate here to give a shout out to my favorite Texan-Sister for sending me Hmong dictionaries. You have no idea how helpful they are!}, but nothing can replace just jumping out of my comfort zone and being completely immersed in the people. Which is interesting because.....
• Looking from when I entered the MTC to know as I'm about to leave, I can see one of the blessings that is already being bestowed upon me from the Lord - confidence! Not that I didn't have any coming in, just there was that fear of jumping into the unknown. But now, I feel completely opposite. It's almost strange how unafraid I am to dive head-first into helping the Hmong people come unto Christ. I've never felt more sure of myself, and I know that is only because of the truthfulness and the divinity of the message that I have to share with God's children.
• I wish I had a cool transition for this next point, but I've got nothin'. Ha anyways, in Sacrament Meeting this last week I heard a really cool analogy that I wanted to share with you guys. There is a scripture that he read (and I forgot to write down the reference, sorry!) that talks about how the Lord refines us like Silver. He then continued to tell us of how that process actually works nowadays. The man that is refining the silver holds it in the oven at the hottest part and intently watches over it. He must keep meticulous watch over it because if the Silver is left in the heat for too long, it is ruined. Yet the refiner knows the silver is completely refined and pure when he can see his reflection in the silver itself. Similiary, the Lord is watching over us. He refines us with our trials and adversities, yet is intently watching us, making sure we are not overcome from the trial itself. And through the trials, we obtain that part of Christ in us. I know this is true, and I'm so grateful for the challenges and trials I have faced in my life, because I know they have made me into the man that I am today. Like my favorite scripture (2 Nephi 2:24), "All things have been done in the wisdom who knows all things." I think this is so important to remember when going through life - Christ is always watching over and helping us, often in ways we don't even recognize.

Well, I should probably be going now! I'm starving! Ha! I love you guys though, are always in my thoughts and prayers, and I honestly couldn't ask for better people in my life. Stay near to Christ, and He'll stay near to you.

 

- Es Daws Tooj

Email #9

NYOB ZOO! Oh My Lanta, I love you guys! This week has been great! T-minus 15 days until I am OUT OF HERE! I'm kinda nervous, but mostly excited. We've been working for what sometimes feels like aneternity to prepare ourselves to be able to teach with the Spirit and, you know, in the language, so I'm excited to just get out there and finally do what we've been talking about! It's going to be great!

 

So I've started to just write down little notes in my planner of thoughts I want to send home. Some of them are awesome, some incredibly stupid, but that's alright.

 

• So I've been told by multiple people that I look like President Barack Obama... not sure really how to take that...
• We had a really amazing week this wise in terms of teaching. Incredibly hard, but great! We've been teaching an 'investigator' who had already gone to Christian churches and said he was already baptized and that he didn't need to be baptized again. We had been teaching him about the priesthood and why it is important, but we were seemingly going nowhere, so we decided to stop being nice/beating around the bush and just straight-up tell him that his baptism wasn't done with proper authority and only our church had the authority to do so. It made me realize that the message we are teaching is bold, and as such I too need to be bold and unafraid in declaring the message. And plus, considering the language barrier, it sometimes forces us to be very bold because that's all we're able to say.
• Okay, this is another really stupid thought, but I've decided I'm hoping my Hmong name will be Zaj Dawb... It means White Dragon...
• I think I mentioned this last week, but me and an Elder from high school, Elder Eldredge, auditioned to play in the devotional in front of the whole MTC. Long story short, we're not sure if we made it or not so we have to audition again on Thursday, so I'll keep you posted on that (again).
• So that other day in class, the three of us Hmongs were getting really confused and hitting a wall in terms of how to make a lesson plan for one of our investigators, and our Teacher interrupted and talked to us about something that has been really meaningful. He asked us if we felt lost, then continued to explain how we were beginning to understand what it meant to be 'lost in the work,' and that we were progressing towards becoming the missionary the Lord would have us be. I'd never thought of it that way before - if we are to truly lose ourselves in the work, than an element of that is feeling lost! It was a much needed thought because I was beginning to get frustrated in that I wasn't sure how to best approach the situation, but I've realized it's just a part of the process of become the Lord's missionary. This week I read in Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." To me, that is such an incredible scripture because if we are the Lord's side, working to bring about His will, He will always be with us and never fail us.

I love you guys so much! I am so incredibly grateful for the love and support you continue to give me, and I can honestly say that I am working my hardest out here and will not let you down. This opportunity to serve has been the most difficult experience I have ever been through, yet also far more rewarding than I ever imagined. And this is only two months in! Holy Cow, just realized my 2-month mark was yesterday! Anyways, you are all in my prayers, and I'd love to hear from you, just shoot me a letter or a DearElder. Sib Ntsib Dua!

 

- Es Daws Tooj (Elder Doane)

Email #8

Nyob Zoo!!!

 

Well I'm now 3/4's of my way through here in the MTC! I can't believe it! I'm so excited to get out into the field. The three of us are starting to get to the point where we're not so much as just remembering as much vocab as we can to now we're trying to really understand how the Hmong people speak, which what better way then actually being around them? We're working harder than every before because we really want to be as prepared as possible for when we get out into the field. That's what I love about my companionship. The 3 of us are all striving to be the best missionaries we can be and helping others come unto Christ, so we're all united in our focus. Not to mention sometimes I feel like I've known them my whole life, we get along so well! I think the perfect example of this was the other day, during our companion inventory, Elder Burdick said something to me along the lines of, "You're just enough crazy that you keep us insane."

 

Thanks Mom for so much for that cake you sent a while ago! I felt bad because I literally hadn't opened yet and it was still really soft, so I brought it into the Cambodian district and we all enjoyed, so on their behalfs', Thank You!

This week has been so incredible! So I just barely got back from cleaning the Provo Temple! It's closed for these couple of weeks, and in the mail one day we randomly got this slip saying we would have the opportunity to help in the cleaning of the temple on our p-day! So we went up there, they ended up giving us some white scrubs, and we helped to rip out the carpet on the cement in front of the temple, scape the glue off the cement, and then do some dusting and cleaning inside! It was such a cool experience, and it really made me appreciate how much work goes into maintaining the Houses of the Lord. For the devotional last Sunday, Jenny Oaks Baker played a couple songs! If you don't know who she is, she's basically one of the best violinists in the country and is actually Elder Oak's daughter (just YouTube her!). You could feel the Spirit so strongly, and not to mention it really made me want to play my viola again! Actually, speaking of, I've been able to play a violin a couple times while I've been here because I am accompanying one of my friends from high school and we are auditioning to perform a musical number in one of the devotionals! In every devotional, they have a musical number perform, but you have to audition for it, so I'll keep you posted on if we make it!

 

So, on a completely random note, I had the greatest dream ever last night! So it started out that I snuck out of the MTC. Not that I'm condoning that, just keep reading. So I snuck out home and I was able to have a Sunday dinner with you guys and all the sisters and their families, but the dream was super realistic! I remember I went through and hugged all of the nieces and nephews, it was so great! Haha sorry that was really random, but it was really cool. But hey, no worries, I'm not planning on sneaking out of the MTC :)

 

I'm so grateful to the Lord and all that he has given us. Something that I have been realizing this week is how the more you open your eyes spiritually and become aware of how much the Lord has blessed you in your life, the more in debt you are to serve and give thanks. I'm so grateful for this chance I have to serve my mission because in my own small way, though these two years of service, I'm able to give what little I can back to the Lord and in the process, help some of His children return to Him and realize the peace and safety that comes through following our Savior. A scripture that has really impacted me this week in regards to this is Helaman 5:12 (Go read it!), which talks about how we should build "upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ," and that if we do, Christ will never let us fall. To me, this scripture insures me the both if I build my foundation upon Christ, I will have a successful mission; and that all of you back home will also be supported as you put your trust in Christ.

 

Oh and guess what... I'm going to Laos instead of California for my mission! Just kidding :) in our companionship we like to joke around whenever we get an official letter addressed from the church that it is going to say something along the lines on "Hey, Laos is now open to missionaries and we need to send some Hmong speakers, so you're up!" Ha that would be crazy!

 

I love you guys so much! I'm so grateful for the roles you have played in my life, helping me get to this point where I am today. I know it's not a coincidence that we are together as a family and I have made the friends I have, because like it says in 2 Nephi 2:24, "But behold all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things." This is actually the scripture that I'd like to have put on my missionary plaque (mom, I sent you a letter today talking about this, so hopefully you get that soon). I really do think and pray about you guys all the time. And trust me, my companions make fun of me for how many letters I write, so if you write me, I WILL respond as soon as I can!

 

Only 22 more days until I'm on a plane to Fresno! Sib Ntsib Dua!

- Es Daws Tooj (Elder Matt Doane

Email #7

Nyob Zoo! Kuv hlub nej!

Hello! I'm still slightly in shock it is another P-day again. The days are flying by so quickly, it is so strange! I feel like at this rate, I'm going to be home in what feels like a week! No offense, but I really don't want it to feel that way :) This past week has been amazing! Even though it was slightly sad to think that you guys were literally a couple blocks away from me on the 4th of July, I had such a good time here! They ended up having this big devotional thing where they celebrated the rights of all the countries around the world, and then after we got Ice Cream and got to go watch the fireworks go off out in the grass around the MTC. I was weird because we were out there until 11, which I've NEVER stayed up that late since being here! It was awesome to be able to see the fireworks though, made me feel like I was with you guys.

The language is coming along. At moments, it's daunting, and at other times, it feels like I'm on top of the world. It's crazy how much of not just Hmong, but Thai and Laotian words were are learning as well, since they are so incorporated into American Hmong. I think I also now know how to say hi in at least 10 different languages! I'm also finding that I really like Green Hmong more than White Hmong, even though we've only been learning about it for a little while. It sounds so crazy to speak it! It kind of sounds like Chinese, just really off. I LOVE IT!

My teacher, Brother Luke, said something really interesting this week that has really stuck a cord. It was on a day that as a companionship we were getting frustrated with the language, and he talked with us about how 'we are all prodigies in Hmong in a sense because we were all preordained before this life to learn Hmong.' Whoa! I never thought about my mission in that eternal of a perspective of before, but now that I think about it, I am sure that it is so true. With that perspective in mind, it helps me to be more patient at myself when I may be feeling frustrated or like I am not learning fast enough.

 

I really CAN NOT wait to get out into Fresno. I really do love it here in the MTC, but we've been here so long now that we've been here longer than almost everyone here. It's weird because we always have some English missionaries in our zone, but they are only here for 3 weeks (JEALOUS!), so we've gone through 4 sets of them already I think. It makes me so excited to actually get out there! I know that I'm probably not going to understand what is going on for months, but I'm ready to just trust in the Lord and throw myself in the Lord's work. It's so rewarding to work completely and singly for the Lord. I go to bed utterly exhausted, but utterly satisfied as well, knowing that I'm consecrating my time to helping God's children return to Him through Jesus Christ.

As a companionship, we have made a huge improvement this week in teaching in unity and, more more importantly, teaching with the Spirit. Yesterday we had an 'appointment,' and our investigator was having a hard time understanding why he needed to 'luam dab', or end ancestral worship if he wanted to be baptized. The three of us completely ditched our original lesson plan and taught what seemed to be a powerful lesson, and I could feel the Spirit so strongly. The 3 of us work really well together. I think that 3-way companionships usually have a bad wrap here in the MTC because it almost always turns out that two of the companions grow close or are similar, and one is left out. It is completely opposite for us! We all get along really well! I've already convinced the other two they really need to transfer to BYU after their missions. And (I don't know if I'm not supposed to be saying this or not...) just saying, I am already planning on one day going to Harry Potter world with Elder Lowry, he lives an hour away from it! Haha had to say it...

 

I sent that SD card in the mail, so hopefully you guys will have some pictures soon!

I love you guys so much! I really do feel so blessed for this life that I have been given. How many people in the world, in all-time, have the means and the opportunity to be able to serve the Lord for two years and help His children? I know it's not many, and I'm so blessed for this opportunity I have been given. I hope to make the most of it, and become the servant that the lord would have me be. It's hard. Every day. It never gets easier. But you get stronger, because Christ is right by your side helping you.

KUV HLUB NEJ!

- Es Daws Tooj

Email #6

Well it's official, I'm passed my half-way point here at the MTC! I'm feeling kind of bipolar because I'm both EXTREMELY happy that I am that much closer to actually being out in the field serving God's children, yet also worried because that means I actually need to be able to speak Hmong. Regardless, this week has been a big week in our tri-companionship. We're really revamping our efforts to work as hard as we possibly can these last few weeks here at the MTC. Like I said last week, all classroom instruction is now done in Hmong, and we're supposed to be speaking Hmong outside of class 24/7. It's really challenging, but I can totally see the benefit of trying to speak Hmong 24/7 now as compared to when I actually get out into the field. I'm learning little conversational things that are essential if I'm going to be able to, you know, have a basic conversation.

I left some stuff out of last week's e-mail that I wanted to talk about, so I'm actually going to go all the way back to last Monday. It was so great! So like I think I said in my last e-mail, there were 150 new mission presidents and their wives here in the MTC getting training before they headed out to their fields. On Monday, all the presidents had meetings with the missionaries that would be going to their respective missions. Because us Hmong's and lots of other people here in the MTC aren't getting new mission presidents this time around, we went to the big auditorium for a 'surprise' movie. We thought that it was going to be some really lame movie to be honest and had low expectations going in (I know that is a terrible thing to say, but it's the truth!), but it turned out we watched The Other Side of Heaven! Definitely not something I thought they would let us watch in the MTC. When the movie started and movie title appeared on the screen, the place literally errupted into cheering. It was great just to sit back and relax for a couple hours, definitely not something we get all the time! In some ways it kind of made me feel like I was back home with you guys, watching a movie together as a family.

Then Tuesday night's devotional. Oh my goodness. So, no biggie, but Elder L. Tom Perry spoke to us. Oh, and up on the stand with him were Elders Cook, Bednar, Holland, Perry, Oaks, Nelson, Christofferson, Anderson, Ballard, and Scott. And I sat only a few rows from the front. It was such an amazing experience. When they entered the auditorium, we all stood up and you could feel the spirit so strongly just with their presence. Elder L. Tom Perry spoke to us about the benefits that come from being members of the church, and how we need to go forth and take advantage of this time in the world when there is extra attention on our religion. It made me even more excited to just get out into the field and help God's children that I have been called to serve return to Him through our Savior Jesus Christ. I can't wait! Seriously!

Our 'investigators' this week (aka our teachers that flawlessly act like investigators) have been really tough this week. One just fell through on his baptismal commitment, one just told us he smokes Opium and that there is nothing wrong with that, and another one speaks Green Hmong. It's frustrating because he can understand us speaking White Hmong, but we have a harder time understanding him because there are lots of changes between White and Green Hmong. But with all of these challenges, it has been a monumental week in that I feel like I'm finally starting to learn how to really teach by the Spirit. Like it says in D&C 4, the Spirit testifies to us through simple thoughts of the mind and feelings of the heart. As we as a companionship are getting better at inviting the spirit, recognizing it, and following it's promptings, we have become so much more passionate and wanting to help our investigators, even if they are just being acted by our teachers. Teaching appointments (which we usually have 2 a day) are transforming from something we dread because we don't language-wise feel prepared, to something that we eagerly look forward to in helping our investigators come unto Christ. 

So, I know that this isn't what you wanted to hear, but I'm 99% sure that I'm not going to be in the Provo parade tomorrow :( I think that it is just for the missionaries that are actually serving in the Provo Utah mission. Last time, I don't recall literally thousands of missionaries, which is what it would have to be if we were all going. I'm definitely going to be thinking of you guys at the parade though come tomorrow morning. But, hey, I just thought of this, just think that I'm literally going to be up a couple blocks from you guys and that I'll see that same balloons up in the air! We saw some of them today even! Us Hmong's were kind of bummed out because we thought that we weren't going to be able to watch the firworks, but talking to an MTC employee today we got the D-L that they we are going to have a special devotional tomorrow night (which, rumor has is, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf is going to be at) and then we're going to be able to go out to the big missionary field tomorrow night and eat ice cream while we watch the fireworks - I'm pumped!

Oh, and on a more random note, I got evicted. Just kidding. Kind of. We had to move buildings because they are turning our building into a Sister's only building, but it has actually turned out really nice because we moved into a newly rennovated building! New more-comfortable beds, new bathrooms, more colorful room - definitely no complaints on my part. I'm planning on sending my camera SD card home next week, so you guys will be able to see for yourself!

Well, I really do love you guys so much. I pray for you every night. Stay close to the Lord in all the ways you can, and His Spirit will always be with you. And when you have His Spirit with you, there is nothing you can't accomplish.

Happy 4th of July!

Your's Truly,
Es Daws Tooj

+ P.S. - THANK YOU FOR THE CARE PACKAGES THIS WEEK!

Email #5

Nyob Zoo (Hello) Kuv Tsev Neeg (my family) thaib (and) kuv tej phooj ywg (my friends)!

 

It's into Week 6 now, it really feels like five minutes ago that I was writing my last e-mail to you guys! The time really is just FLYING by which Hey, no complaints here, I can't wait to actually be out in the field. Not that I'm not enjoying it here, but I'm excited to finally be doing what we've been preparing to do for the last six weeks - help God's children come unto Christ! I really am so excited!

The language is going really well! Yesterday we had an 'appointment' with one of our investigators, and we understood almost everything he said and answered his questions so well, it was such a cool experience! The scary thing is that the teachers keep telling us, "we're not here to help you learn the language before you go out into the field, because that isn't possible. We just want to give you to tools to be able to learn the language once you are out in the field." No pressure there! I really am so excited though, I can just imagine it now, when I first go to Fresno to a member's house and maybe understand 5 words they say! That's the thing with Hmong is that it isn't a very documented language, so truly learning it is only possible through actually being with the people.

 

Ocassionally in class we will have 'cultural' lessons where we will just learn about different aspects of the Hmong people. This last Saturday (I think.... like I said, the days are a blur) we had one of these, and we learned about different social aspects of the poeple. One part in particular stood out, which was one of the three ways you can become engaged to a woman. To paraphrase, our teacher said that the man who want's to engage to a girl 'steals her' from her house. This is usually done voluntarily, but there have been stories of it being involuntary.... anyways, the man takes her back to her parents house, where the man's parents then hold a chicken over the girl's head. Once this happens, she becomes part of their 'coj neej tsa', or certain of form of ancestoral worship. She's become a part of the family, and it's a done deal - the two are engaged to be married. They're culture really is so different then ours, it's definitely going to take some adjusting to once I get there!

 

This week, our whole hallway (which includes us, the 3 Thai classes, the Cambodian class, and the Vietnamese class) all are doing SYL, or Speak Your Language. This means we're now talking in our mission language 24/7 unless we absolutely have to say something. At first it was really frustrating because we all basically couldn't say anything. But even after just doing it for a few days, we've all already learned so much and am really improving! It basically forces you to learn all the little conversational things you don't think of, which has helped a lot with our teaching appointments.

 

A talk I heard this week that really impacted me was a past MTC Christmas Devotional given by Elder Bednar called 'The Character of Christ.' Bednar is definitely to the point, and at one moment he looked straight into the camera and said "This mission is not about you. Get over yourself." He continued on to talk about how we need to be relying on the Lord's strength and knowledge, not our own, and that we are consecrating the these two years of our lives to serve the Lord's will, not our own. It really hit home for me because it's sometimes easy to get distracted on lose focus onw what we are doing all this work for, especially while here in the MTC while we are preparing to leave. But I know that as I continue to align my will with the will of our Father's, I will soon have success in helping His children return unto Him through Jesus Christ.

Sorry that this e-mail is kinda short, to be honest I am feeling sick and am probably going to go lay down in the residense hall for a while. I'll make sure I send something more beefy next week. I want to be good for tonight because there is a member of the Quorom of the 12 coming tonight to talk at the devotional!! I'm really excited, I'll definitely let you guys know on what he says!

I love you guys so much. As hard as it is being away, I know I am doing the right thing by serving the Lord. Your support and letters really do just make my life. Until next week - Sib Ntjib Dua!

- Yours Truly

   Es Daw Tooj / Elder Doane