This is a view of Tab's street. He lives on the right in the gated community!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Missionaries arriving in New Jersey
This group of missionaries arrived in the Morristown New Jersey Mission on October 8, 2012.
Elder McLain sorta sticks out doesn't he?!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Baptism!
Hey Dad!
I did have a baptism yesterday and it's basically a miracle that it all worked out. Pretty much anything bad that could have happened did. But we made it! And it was awesome. I sent a letter home that will tell you all about Larry, the man who we baptized. Elder Estipona told me that he had been working with Larry since the day he came out - in January - and that for some reason in the last month and a half or so Larry decided to start keeping commitments and make progress and it just took off from there. So I got to see and enjoy the fruits of their labor :)
I hope work is going well for you. I imagine your BYU ward is keeping you pretty busy in light of the announcement from General Conference. 17 new sister missionaries in one week! That's insane. And as far as work... man that's rough. I know you would overwork yourself if it came down to it but I hope that you don't have to. I laughed when I saw what happened with the test you handed out. I'm sure many people gave you beef for that.
I'm doing just fine. Like I said I sent a long letter on saturday morning that you should get soon. Hopefully. I had a lot of emails to respond to today so I don't have as much time to write to you and Mom but like I said things are going great.
I love you and I am thinking of you always.
Love,
Tab
I did have a baptism yesterday and it's basically a miracle that it all worked out. Pretty much anything bad that could have happened did. But we made it! And it was awesome. I sent a letter home that will tell you all about Larry, the man who we baptized. Elder Estipona told me that he had been working with Larry since the day he came out - in January - and that for some reason in the last month and a half or so Larry decided to start keeping commitments and make progress and it just took off from there. So I got to see and enjoy the fruits of their labor :)
I hope work is going well for you. I imagine your BYU ward is keeping you pretty busy in light of the announcement from General Conference. 17 new sister missionaries in one week! That's insane. And as far as work... man that's rough. I know you would overwork yourself if it came down to it but I hope that you don't have to. I laughed when I saw what happened with the test you handed out. I'm sure many people gave you beef for that.
I'm doing just fine. Like I said I sent a long letter on saturday morning that you should get soon. Hopefully. I had a lot of emails to respond to today so I don't have as much time to write to you and Mom but like I said things are going great.
I love you and I am thinking of you always.
Love,
Tab
Monday, October 22, 2012
A few good quotes!
Tim sends Tab quotes weekly and I love each one. They always seem so fitting. Here's one:
“When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power.”
― Ezra Taft Benson
Tab's response....
These are awesome. Don't worry I am saving each one of them! Thanks again,
Love you,
Tab
“When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power.”
― Ezra Taft Benson
Tab's response....
These are awesome. Don't worry I am saving each one of them! Thanks again,
Love you,
Tab
Experiences out here in New Jersey
Dear Mom and Dad, and Family,
I hope that you're all doing well! New Jersey and myself are doing just fine. I got a package from you on Wednesday that had my coat, pants, sweatshirt and sweater in it. Thank you! I had to use my coat yesterday so that was nice to have. Once it begins to get cold, I'll really need it. I'd guess that you still have another package on the way - I'll be getting that on Wednesday. Thanks again!
One question I have that's been concerning me, although it probably shouldn't, is do I have mail that's being sent to the MTC right now or is sitting in the MTC? I mailed a whole bunch of letters the week I left and forgot to include the fact that I would soon be leaving to New Jersey. And so they had no address to send it to besides the MTC. Anyway, if you could call the MTC or stop by and check that for me, I'd much appreciate it.
As for my experiences out here in New Jersey, I already have plenty! I'll just mention a few however. First is about a guy named Aaron Green and his friends David and Philip. They all three live in a boarding house, and they are between the ages of 35 and 55. Aaron is interesting but I like him because he knows what he's talking about. Unfortunately he ended up in a boarding home because he has a hard time walking. I'm not sure what his illness is. One day we taught him how to pray and why, and he told us he didn't believe God would help him turn his life around. He said he'd think about it and maybe pray. We visited him the next day and he couldn't keep this smile off his face because that morning as he was walking around the block, he saw his family drive by and stopped and talked to them. He hadn't seen his family in 25 years he said! But even better, they were going to help him find his own home and get his life back to normal. I hope that happened because he had faith God would help him. So we shared a scripture in D&C 63 that talks about how faith is required for miracles to happen and build our faith.
Next is David, who I think has even more promise because he is so humble. David is a smoker and he had a stroke the weakened the whole left side of his body. But, he knows Heavenly Father has a plan for us all and that there is a reason for all things. So strangely enough he is grateful for this trial because he knows God will give him something better if he endures it well. David has a baptismal date on the 11th of November and we're hoping that he will be able to quit smoking and drinking coffee before that date. We're playing basketball with him today!
Philip is the oldest one of the bunch. Ironically, he is the only one who has come to church yet! Philip really enjoyed church, I think, but he secretly went out and took a smoke break while we were in sacrament meeting. He came back in and told me that we needed to talk, so we did, and he decided then and there he wanted to quit smoking. So we went to Walgreen's and got him a pack of Nicorette gum and exchanged them for his cigarettes. He promised he would quit smoking. We haven't been able to talk to him since. All I know is that he still smokes on occasion and that the doctors tried to put a hole in his throat but he wouldn't let them. So he's not too happy, but I hope he'll start meeting with us so that we can help him.
Then there's John and Jasmine and their son Joshua. they're the most awesome people I've met yet! John used to be a rapper but he settled down, got a girlfriend and had a kid, and now wants to turn his life around. He and Jasmine both have struggled with addictions but when we invited them to be baptized on the 18th of November, they said "DEFINITELY WE WOULD BE BAPTIZED!" In fact John wanted to be baptized tomorrow but we told him that couldn't happen. They both committed to stop drinking, smoking, cursing, and the biggest thing - they committed to live the law of chastity. They want to get married in the LDS "castle!" I firmly believe they will follow through with those commitments because John told us this is something they'd been searching for all their lives, and that they'd given it much thought. I know they are so ready and I know that is because the Lord has been preparing them. I'm super excited for their family. Oh, and John rhymes in his prayers, it's funny!
Last is Larry, a 30 yr. old (white!) guy who is homeless. He lives in the forest somewhere like an hour away, but he takes the bus to the church building so we can meet with him twice a week. Larry has seen it all. President Jeppson said he had to do some major repenting because the first time he met Larry, he said in his mind that there was no way this man could ever change his ways. And guess what?? Larry is being baptized tomorrow! By me! Larry is ready for this covenant. He has given up just about everything to do it too! He said something to the effect that the LDS Church is the only thing that fills his soul.....that makes him feel worthwhile. Larry is awesome and I can't wait for him to be our next Branch President, haha. Speaking of Branch Presidents, our Branch President Hines is a big Jamaican (or Haitian) man with dreadlocks. He looks exactly like Reggie Williams the football player. Super cool.
Anyways, I'm doing great! I hope that you all are too. I can't wait to hear back from you. You're in my prayers.
Much love,
Tab
I hope that you're all doing well! New Jersey and myself are doing just fine. I got a package from you on Wednesday that had my coat, pants, sweatshirt and sweater in it. Thank you! I had to use my coat yesterday so that was nice to have. Once it begins to get cold, I'll really need it. I'd guess that you still have another package on the way - I'll be getting that on Wednesday. Thanks again!
One question I have that's been concerning me, although it probably shouldn't, is do I have mail that's being sent to the MTC right now or is sitting in the MTC? I mailed a whole bunch of letters the week I left and forgot to include the fact that I would soon be leaving to New Jersey. And so they had no address to send it to besides the MTC. Anyway, if you could call the MTC or stop by and check that for me, I'd much appreciate it.
As for my experiences out here in New Jersey, I already have plenty! I'll just mention a few however. First is about a guy named Aaron Green and his friends David and Philip. They all three live in a boarding house, and they are between the ages of 35 and 55. Aaron is interesting but I like him because he knows what he's talking about. Unfortunately he ended up in a boarding home because he has a hard time walking. I'm not sure what his illness is. One day we taught him how to pray and why, and he told us he didn't believe God would help him turn his life around. He said he'd think about it and maybe pray. We visited him the next day and he couldn't keep this smile off his face because that morning as he was walking around the block, he saw his family drive by and stopped and talked to them. He hadn't seen his family in 25 years he said! But even better, they were going to help him find his own home and get his life back to normal. I hope that happened because he had faith God would help him. So we shared a scripture in D&C 63 that talks about how faith is required for miracles to happen and build our faith.
Next is David, who I think has even more promise because he is so humble. David is a smoker and he had a stroke the weakened the whole left side of his body. But, he knows Heavenly Father has a plan for us all and that there is a reason for all things. So strangely enough he is grateful for this trial because he knows God will give him something better if he endures it well. David has a baptismal date on the 11th of November and we're hoping that he will be able to quit smoking and drinking coffee before that date. We're playing basketball with him today!
Philip is the oldest one of the bunch. Ironically, he is the only one who has come to church yet! Philip really enjoyed church, I think, but he secretly went out and took a smoke break while we were in sacrament meeting. He came back in and told me that we needed to talk, so we did, and he decided then and there he wanted to quit smoking. So we went to Walgreen's and got him a pack of Nicorette gum and exchanged them for his cigarettes. He promised he would quit smoking. We haven't been able to talk to him since. All I know is that he still smokes on occasion and that the doctors tried to put a hole in his throat but he wouldn't let them. So he's not too happy, but I hope he'll start meeting with us so that we can help him.
Then there's John and Jasmine and their son Joshua. they're the most awesome people I've met yet! John used to be a rapper but he settled down, got a girlfriend and had a kid, and now wants to turn his life around. He and Jasmine both have struggled with addictions but when we invited them to be baptized on the 18th of November, they said "DEFINITELY WE WOULD BE BAPTIZED!" In fact John wanted to be baptized tomorrow but we told him that couldn't happen. They both committed to stop drinking, smoking, cursing, and the biggest thing - they committed to live the law of chastity. They want to get married in the LDS "castle!" I firmly believe they will follow through with those commitments because John told us this is something they'd been searching for all their lives, and that they'd given it much thought. I know they are so ready and I know that is because the Lord has been preparing them. I'm super excited for their family. Oh, and John rhymes in his prayers, it's funny!
Last is Larry, a 30 yr. old (white!) guy who is homeless. He lives in the forest somewhere like an hour away, but he takes the bus to the church building so we can meet with him twice a week. Larry has seen it all. President Jeppson said he had to do some major repenting because the first time he met Larry, he said in his mind that there was no way this man could ever change his ways. And guess what?? Larry is being baptized tomorrow! By me! Larry is ready for this covenant. He has given up just about everything to do it too! He said something to the effect that the LDS Church is the only thing that fills his soul.....that makes him feel worthwhile. Larry is awesome and I can't wait for him to be our next Branch President, haha. Speaking of Branch Presidents, our Branch President Hines is a big Jamaican (or Haitian) man with dreadlocks. He looks exactly like Reggie Williams the football player. Super cool.
Anyways, I'm doing great! I hope that you all are too. I can't wait to hear back from you. You're in my prayers.
Much love,
Tab
Tab's first baptism!
Yes he's only been out 2 weeks but he had his first baptism last Saturday! He said it's a pretty neat story. Can't wait to hear......details in upcoming letter. President Jeppson posted the following on his blog last night:
Sister Jeppson and I attended a baptism today in East Orange. Elders Estipona and McLain baptized a man who has progressed from essentially no belief in God to a testimony of the truth. Good work Elders. Congratulations Elders. Baptismal services are such a joy to attend. It is a life changing event for them, and is the culmination of tremendous effort on the part of our missionaries. We are so proud of you all.
Sister Jeppson and I attended a baptism today in East Orange. Elders Estipona and McLain baptized a man who has progressed from essentially no belief in God to a testimony of the truth. Good work Elders. Congratulations Elders. Baptismal services are such a joy to attend. It is a life changing event for them, and is the culmination of tremendous effort on the part of our missionaries. We are so proud of you all.
Already Monday Again!
Ok so I have about 10 minutes but I'll try to make as many things in as possible.
How are you doing? I'm sure things are busy at home.
I haven't gotten a package yet with the scripture case and all that stuff - somethings up with the mail. If you're sending it through the MTC, don't. They are slow and tend to lose stuff and forget about it from what I've heard and experienced. Reese said they ate one of his letters! I never got it :( But he's writing it again so it's good.
To answer your questions:
1. My bed sheets are just fine. In fact it's warmer here than it was in Utah. I still wear short sleeve shirts every day.
2. The grocery store we go to has most of the things we need as far as food but once a month or so we go to walmart or something to get other stuff. So we're fine. If you want to send me chocolate or whatever occasionally I obviously won't turn that down.
3. I don't think I need a night light because we do studies in the morning and if I ever get extra time it's usually during the day. I haven't found the need for a night light, but thanks for thinking of me!
4. I haven't gotten that yet
5. I don't think so... We have everything we need and in fact it's nice to have just one of everything because my roommates are responsible enough to clean it every time they use it. So we only need one pot, pan, etc.
6. I don't think anyone needs anything! We're good here for now.
Yeah we had a baptism yesterday! It was really great and it has a pretty neat story behind it. Larry is homeless and so it was often difficult to plan things with him but he was extremely reliable and would always come early to appointments. And it would take him an hour's bus ride to make it to our area. So it was all on him really. I had a hard time getting him under the water because as you can see his is pretty tall and we had to use another church's small font because everything went wrong at our church. It was crazy. I'll tell you about it later.
We don't have a laptop but I don't see when I would ever need it except to check out lds.org or something. We have movie players that we can watch Church DVDs at dinner or whenever so that's nice.
Oh yeah you should get Reese that sweatshirt. The size you got me would work or the next size down. I appreciate you getting one for Clark. I know it meant a lot to him. He really wanted to get one. Thank you for doing that! I got an email sent to both Reese and Clark today so that was nice.
Yesterday we went through West Orange and South Orange and I got to get a little taste of what New Jersey country looks like in the fall. It is extremely pretty. You'd love it! And just five miles east is the ghetto. But I found out that the place we went through is in our area so maybe we'll get to spend more time there. We just don't have any members or investigators that live out there, ironically. The poor areas are where the humble-hearted people are.
I sent pictures in my letter home on Saturday! Hope you like them. I had tons of videos from our Stake's cultural night which was a blast. We have tons of Haitians and Jamaicans in our area and they make crazy foods that are really good.
Well I'm off now, but you'll be hearing more from me soon! I'm doing great by the way. I love you!
Tab
How are you doing? I'm sure things are busy at home.
I haven't gotten a package yet with the scripture case and all that stuff - somethings up with the mail. If you're sending it through the MTC, don't. They are slow and tend to lose stuff and forget about it from what I've heard and experienced. Reese said they ate one of his letters! I never got it :( But he's writing it again so it's good.
To answer your questions:
1. My bed sheets are just fine. In fact it's warmer here than it was in Utah. I still wear short sleeve shirts every day.
2. The grocery store we go to has most of the things we need as far as food but once a month or so we go to walmart or something to get other stuff. So we're fine. If you want to send me chocolate or whatever occasionally I obviously won't turn that down.
3. I don't think I need a night light because we do studies in the morning and if I ever get extra time it's usually during the day. I haven't found the need for a night light, but thanks for thinking of me!
4. I haven't gotten that yet
5. I don't think so... We have everything we need and in fact it's nice to have just one of everything because my roommates are responsible enough to clean it every time they use it. So we only need one pot, pan, etc.
6. I don't think anyone needs anything! We're good here for now.
Yeah we had a baptism yesterday! It was really great and it has a pretty neat story behind it. Larry is homeless and so it was often difficult to plan things with him but he was extremely reliable and would always come early to appointments. And it would take him an hour's bus ride to make it to our area. So it was all on him really. I had a hard time getting him under the water because as you can see his is pretty tall and we had to use another church's small font because everything went wrong at our church. It was crazy. I'll tell you about it later.
We don't have a laptop but I don't see when I would ever need it except to check out lds.org or something. We have movie players that we can watch Church DVDs at dinner or whenever so that's nice.
Oh yeah you should get Reese that sweatshirt. The size you got me would work or the next size down. I appreciate you getting one for Clark. I know it meant a lot to him. He really wanted to get one. Thank you for doing that! I got an email sent to both Reese and Clark today so that was nice.
Yesterday we went through West Orange and South Orange and I got to get a little taste of what New Jersey country looks like in the fall. It is extremely pretty. You'd love it! And just five miles east is the ghetto. But I found out that the place we went through is in our area so maybe we'll get to spend more time there. We just don't have any members or investigators that live out there, ironically. The poor areas are where the humble-hearted people are.
I sent pictures in my letter home on Saturday! Hope you like them. I had tons of videos from our Stake's cultural night which was a blast. We have tons of Haitians and Jamaicans in our area and they make crazy foods that are really good.
Well I'm off now, but you'll be hearing more from me soon! I'm doing great by the way. I love you!
Tab
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
A taste of East Orange
We read a post today that was written by President Jeppson, Tab's mission president. It was so great that I had to share. I've been a little uneasy about his first area......until now. It may just be the greatest! And I am sure Tab is going to love it!
Humbled but Happy!
We had a wonderful experience today at church. We went to East Orange Ward to see one of the baptisms. We walked in the chapel and there were only chairs. It was a very nice chapel, just no pughs. Everyone was black except for the missionaries and one woman. The first counselor in the branch presidency had dreads! Amazing. The brother who said the prayer came to the pulpit and said, Let us pray! Then said a beautiful prayer. I think he was a minister before he joined the church. The branch president was an amazing man with a beautiful voice and a beautiful spirit to match. The speaker was a man named Brother Sims. He called the branch president the pastor and told us he had been a full blown athiest who did not like organized religion in any way shape or form. He talked about the preisthood of God. He had been to many churches and they could never answer any of the questions he had. He went to an LDS ward and said there was something that just stood out. There was no foul language. There were families, believers, working men who were working together to try and improve themselves. They were showing him by example. It took years to mold me but it finally worked he said. He said he got to see many saints of life doing the same thing over and over. He travels and saw the same thing all over at the LDS wards where men were presiding with their priesthood and respecting the women in their wards as well. He said it happened in no matter what LDS church I went to. He said, I am not suppose to have pride , but I am so proud to be part of this church and have this priesthood. The closing prayer was said in Spanish. We went to the baptism following and the service was in French/Creole for a woman from Haiti. In that ward there was Spanish, French, Portugeues, English and when they sang everyone sang in their own language. It was simply amazing. Never have I seen anything like it! We felt so humbled because we take the church for granted when we have it so easy every day of our lives. The Spirit that was in that building was one I have never felt before. We are in a foreign country here. People wear whatever they want I suppose. We had suits, levis, shorts, pant suits, you name it we had it there and it didn't seem to matter. They were very kind to us and were so happy we were there. Oh do I have alot to learn.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
a letter from dad!
I loved this message so much that I wanted to share it. It seems like what Tab will be experiencing throughout his mission.......
Hi Elder Tab!I hope your first week in NJ was great! No doubt, you are seeing and experiencing many new things. I look forward to hearing from you tomorrow.I've been super busy at work. I don't think it will let up until the end of the semester, so I will just have to hang on. I gave an exam this past week that was too long for the allotted time — I am hated and despised…I hope that you are having opportunities to teach. The life of a missionary speeds along when there are lessons to be taught — especially if the investigators are truly interested.This past General Conference has excited a missionary fervor throughout the church — there were a number of great talks about missionary work to go along with the new announcement by Pres. Monson. Although I know you heard it, I thought I would share a quote from President Monson's talk in priesthood session:Back in the year 1961, a worldwide conference was held for mission presidents, and every mission president in the Church was brought to Salt Lake City for those meetings. I came to Salt Lake City from my mission in Toronto, Canada.In one particular meeting, N. Eldon Tanner, who was then an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve, had just returned from his initial experience of presiding over the missions in Great Britain and western Europe. He told of a missionary who had been the most successful missionary whom he had met in all of the interviews he had conducted. He said that as he interviewed that missionary, he said to him, “I suppose that all of the people whom you baptized came into the Church by way of referrals.”
The young man answered, “No, we found them all by tracting.”
Brother Tanner asked him what was different about his approach—why he had such phenomenal success when others didn’t. The young man said that he attempted to baptize every person whom he met. He said that if he knocked on the door and saw a man smoking a cigar and dressed in old clothes and seemingly uninterested in anything—particularly religion—the missionary would picture in his own mind what that man would look like under a different set of circumstances. In his mind he would look at him as clean-shaven and wearing a white shirt and white trousers. And the missionary could see himself leading that man into the waters of baptism. He said, “When I look at someone that way, I have the capacity to bear my testimony to him in a way that can touch his heart.”We have the responsibility to look at our friends, our associates, our neighbors this way. Again, we have the responsibility to see individuals not as they are but rather as they can become. I would plead with you to think of them in this way.
You will be challenged to do this as you serve in NJ. Many of the people you teach will live in humble circumstances and face challenges that are daunting. Many are suffering from the circumstances they were born into and some suffer from the consequences of a lifetime of poor decisions. You will be challenged to remember that each of these is a child of a loving Heavenly Father and that his gospel plan offers remarkable prospects for them if they will accept it and try to live it.
Remember: obedience, hard work, love (the Lord, the people you teach and live among, your companion), and service are the keys. You are fortunate to be a part of this great work. As you devote yourself fully and lose yourself completely in the service of others, you will be blessed beyond your ability to comprehend. You will lay a foundation that will serve you for the rest of your life.
We are proud of you. Do work — the Lord's work!
Love,
Dad,
Monday, October 15, 2012
Hey dad!
Hey dad!
I don't have time to leave you a long reply but I want you to know that I read your letter and it was awesome. It was extremely relevant to the work I am doing now, and it helped me to see what I can do better at. I truly appreciate the message.
I hope that your work load eases up... Just hang on. I know you're good at that. I'm praying for you.
You'll be hearing more about my awesome first week experiences soon in my letter home. If not this week, I'll be writing next monday. Things are busy so I don't have much time and I apologize for that but I know that you'd rather I be busy than worried about writing home :)
I love you very much. Tell everyone hi for me, and make sure you read the email I sent to mom!
Love, Tab
I don't have time to leave you a long reply but I want you to know that I read your letter and it was awesome. It was extremely relevant to the work I am doing now, and it helped me to see what I can do better at. I truly appreciate the message.
I hope that your work load eases up... Just hang on. I know you're good at that. I'm praying for you.
You'll be hearing more about my awesome first week experiences soon in my letter home. If not this week, I'll be writing next monday. Things are busy so I don't have much time and I apologize for that but I know that you'd rather I be busy than worried about writing home :)
I love you very much. Tell everyone hi for me, and make sure you read the email I sent to mom!
Love, Tab
Hi mom!
Hi mom! This is the time I will be getting on for the next... two years :/
I am out of time but I love you and will talk to you soon!
Tell everyone hi and love for me! Family, Clark, Reese, everyone!
Love, Tab
I am out of time but I love you and will talk to you soon!
Tell everyone hi and love for me! Family, Clark, Reese, everyone!
Love, Tab
Happy Monday!
Hi again!
Today, Monday, is my p-day. And I think that usually we head over to the library around 10:30/11:00am so that is 8:30/9:00am your time. I'm glad you had a good week! I did too... I'll be able to tell you more about it in my letter home. I'll just answer all your questions and what not in this e-mail.
I enjoy the area quite a bit and it isn't as bad as it looks. From the outside it looks old and rough and beat up (and the same goes with the people), but the truth is almost all of them have a soft side that is easy to bring out. Many of the people are hard-headed and often very prideful but they all have good hearts. The city reminds me a lot of San Fransisco and how it would be in 200 years with little upkeep. It could be the most awesome place if it was just cared for a little better. And yeah, about 5 miles away it begins to be the rich neighborhoods. Kinda crazy. There is a school just right by us called Science Park High School and it has to be the nicest school in the USA. Look it up!
Yes we can drive on p-days, the only days we're not supposed to drive are Thursdays, which are car fast days. But we still have to go shopping and to the library and to our appointments on p-days. The other elders that we live with are the walking elders so they don't have a car to drive. I don't know their first names but I will ask them. They are both within 3 months of finishing their missions.
I can receive letters, and probably envelopes as well, at our apartment so if you want to send those that would be great. I will be mailing letters home soon. Some things I want/need are a coat, sweater (one is fine), picture of indie, a bleach pen, the plastic plate and bowl and silverware that I used at college, and some [dark] chocolate. So you can stuff those into your next heavy package as long as it doesn't cost a load to ship. I don't need extra sheets for a while, if ever, or a GPS or another sweater. If you already bought them then send them but otherwise don't worry about it. As for the hat, just a black beanie is fine. I prefer one with the little puff ball on the top of it :) I think I'll be able to get that package that you sent this Wednesday when we have zone conference.
That is absolutely insane how many people submitted their mission papers! I am amazed. Tell them all that I am excited for them. I'm happy that you went to Clark's farewell. I know he is going to be a stellar missionary and he is going to love Germany. I bet Reese will go to Germany as well. Maybe Thailand. Who knows, he could go anywhere.
I really appreciate all you are doing. Thanks for the packages, letters, support... everything. You'll be hearing more from me soon but for now I have to go. Keep reading those scriptures - that's what we invite everyone to do so I know you can do it too. You're all in my prayers as well. I love you!
Much love,
Tab
Today, Monday, is my p-day. And I think that usually we head over to the library around 10:30/11:00am so that is 8:30/9:00am your time. I'm glad you had a good week! I did too... I'll be able to tell you more about it in my letter home. I'll just answer all your questions and what not in this e-mail.
I enjoy the area quite a bit and it isn't as bad as it looks. From the outside it looks old and rough and beat up (and the same goes with the people), but the truth is almost all of them have a soft side that is easy to bring out. Many of the people are hard-headed and often very prideful but they all have good hearts. The city reminds me a lot of San Fransisco and how it would be in 200 years with little upkeep. It could be the most awesome place if it was just cared for a little better. And yeah, about 5 miles away it begins to be the rich neighborhoods. Kinda crazy. There is a school just right by us called Science Park High School and it has to be the nicest school in the USA. Look it up!
Yes we can drive on p-days, the only days we're not supposed to drive are Thursdays, which are car fast days. But we still have to go shopping and to the library and to our appointments on p-days. The other elders that we live with are the walking elders so they don't have a car to drive. I don't know their first names but I will ask them. They are both within 3 months of finishing their missions.
I can receive letters, and probably envelopes as well, at our apartment so if you want to send those that would be great. I will be mailing letters home soon. Some things I want/need are a coat, sweater (one is fine), picture of indie, a bleach pen, the plastic plate and bowl and silverware that I used at college, and some [dark] chocolate. So you can stuff those into your next heavy package as long as it doesn't cost a load to ship. I don't need extra sheets for a while, if ever, or a GPS or another sweater. If you already bought them then send them but otherwise don't worry about it. As for the hat, just a black beanie is fine. I prefer one with the little puff ball on the top of it :) I think I'll be able to get that package that you sent this Wednesday when we have zone conference.
That is absolutely insane how many people submitted their mission papers! I am amazed. Tell them all that I am excited for them. I'm happy that you went to Clark's farewell. I know he is going to be a stellar missionary and he is going to love Germany. I bet Reese will go to Germany as well. Maybe Thailand. Who knows, he could go anywhere.
I really appreciate all you are doing. Thanks for the packages, letters, support... everything. You'll be hearing more from me soon but for now I have to go. Keep reading those scriptures - that's what we invite everyone to do so I know you can do it too. You're all in my prayers as well. I love you!
Much love,
Tab
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
10/10/12 - HELLO JERSEY!!!
Elder McLain's new apartment (according to Google Maps)
Hi Mom!I've got lots of news so I'll try to make it all into one e-mail.
So I made it to New Jersey just fine and saw New York from afar! It's
huge. But we headed straight into the heart of Newark to do the
"fearbuster" which is basically a bunch of street contacts to help get
us ready for what's to come. We handed out some Books of Mormon and I
got a little bit more comfortable talking to people on the street.
You've just got to be yourself, but also remember what you're doing
which is hard to keep that balance because most people aren't
interested in hearing about religion. It was way fun though.
Afterwards we went to the mission home in Mendham and stayed the night
which was nice sleeping in a comfortable bed and the food was solid.
We woke up and had a few meetings and then were assigned our
companions and areas and went off to our respective areas! My
companion's name is Elder Jerom Estipona and we are serving in East
Orange, which is just west of Newark I think. Only a few miles. Elder
Estipona is Phillipino and he is super cool and a hard worker. I think
we will get along well. My roommates, Elder Pruitt and Elder Scott are
also cool guys. East Orange is basically the ghetto from my
understanding but some people say it's the best place in the mission
behind Jersey City and Tom's River. Our apartment is stationed right
in the heart of everything so we've got crazy neighbors and what not
but I have heard they don't bother the missionaries because they know
who's on their side... The address is 108 South 11th Street, Newark,
NJ 07107. I believe we can only receive mail, no packages. I'll have
to find that out. I'll take some pictures of it soon. For now there
are a few on the mission presiden't blog.
Last night we jumped right into some appointments with a guy named
Aaron Green. He lives in an ill-patients home, and I'm not sure what
his problems are, but he seems pretty okay to me. He has a good heart
and he knows what is good for him. We invited him to read the Book of
Mormon (in exchange for a bag of potato chips) but his eyes are bad
and he is waiting on some reading glasses. He prays often and is
determined to come to church this Sunday. I admire Aaron a lot.
Right after that we went to John and Jasmine's home and they were a
loud bunch. John is a rapper and has a 3 year old boy but he and his
girlfriend realized they need Christ in their lives because they were
both struggling with addictions and were going nowhere. His girlfriend
is very sweet and more open to the message than John; John seemed to
be more worried about a scripture in Genesis that talks about Sons of
God having children with daughters of men. We didn't know the answer
and he wanted it but we made it clear that the answer wasn't going to
help him come to know Jesus Christ. Both are in a state where they
don't know what religion to believe but when we came over they said
the timing was so ironic that "we must be men of God". We didn't
really teach them much but they were interested and set up a return
appointment for the next day. They loved to hear from us and I loved
the visit with them.
That was all the people we saw that night, and today I have only
prepared and studied but we have a busy afternoon. We have at least 5
appointments depending on how many people are available. We are going
shopping right after I send this email and there is a store called
Western Beef by our apartment - I think that is a funny name for a
store. There are a bunch of shack restaurants nearby as well, but I
haven't found any that serve something besides fried chicken and
waffles, gyros, gumbo, and pizza. None of them look trustworthy to me.
So if you can google restaurants in Newark or more near East Orange
where Man vs. Food or Guy Fieri have visited, let me know!
If you were wondering, we drive a Chrysler Sebring and it is a lemon.
I do not like it, but it should be getting replaced soon.
Thank you for mailing my sheets! I slept on them last night - THEY ARE
SO SOFT and warm. I love them. And thanks for the notes as well! You
are the best. I saw you got me another bottle of face wash from that
letter I sent and right after I mailed it I found two more bottles in
my bag so now I have 3. So I don't need anymore of that, but thank
you! I know you'd do anything for me. One other thing - I am guessing
you sent my rain coat already. I'll be needing that soon as it has
begun to rain almost every day. I haven't encountered rain yet because
we drive, don't worry, but it would be nice to have that. Thanks
again!
I hope everyone is doing well! Let me know how things are going for
you. I'm doing just fine. New Jersey is awesome. If you have any
questions let me know and I'll answer them.
I don't know if there is a way to find out, but I am hoping that
people don't mail anymore letters to the MTC. If you could call and
ask that'd be great. No hurry though.
I love you Mom! You're great and I appreciate all you do.
Love,
Tab
Monday, October 8, 2012
Made it to the Mission Home!
Hey all,
I made it to Newark and it's awesome! First thing we did was what they call the "fearbuster" where we go with a Book of Mormon and do a random street contact. It went well, but two of the three people we talked to (a trainer and I) were high and drunk so I don't think they cared. It was fun though. I was quite nervous and then when I spoke, the words came out with fluidity and meaning. I learned a lot.
The mission home is super nice but we get shipped out to our areas and get assigned trainers/companions. All of the areas sound like somewhere I'd like to go, so I'm excited but not worried about where I go.
There is a kid here who I went to high school with and he recognized me. He's one of the coolest elders in the mission and everyone respects him because he is extremely brave and has so much love for the people. He is polynesian (go figure) and I think those are characteristics of most big polynesian guys who play football. His name is Elder Key by the way, and he lived with the Tyler family in our old ward.
Anyway, I like New Jersey. It's just like any other big city, really. I can see why Elder Christensen said "it looks like Gotham City." It totally does.
All is well for now! I hope I soon get the desire to be lost in the work because I still have desires to do the things I did before I left - sleep in, hang out, go to school, etc. I hope that makes sense. I'll be writing soon from my apartment's address.
I love you all! So awesome to hear from you today and say hi.
Love, Tab
I made it to Newark and it's awesome! First thing we did was what they call the "fearbuster" where we go with a Book of Mormon and do a random street contact. It went well, but two of the three people we talked to (a trainer and I) were high and drunk so I don't think they cared. It was fun though. I was quite nervous and then when I spoke, the words came out with fluidity and meaning. I learned a lot.
The mission home is super nice but we get shipped out to our areas and get assigned trainers/companions. All of the areas sound like somewhere I'd like to go, so I'm excited but not worried about where I go.
There is a kid here who I went to high school with and he recognized me. He's one of the coolest elders in the mission and everyone respects him because he is extremely brave and has so much love for the people. He is polynesian (go figure) and I think those are characteristics of most big polynesian guys who play football. His name is Elder Key by the way, and he lived with the Tyler family in our old ward.
Anyway, I like New Jersey. It's just like any other big city, really. I can see why Elder Christensen said "it looks like Gotham City." It totally does.
All is well for now! I hope I soon get the desire to be lost in the work because I still have desires to do the things I did before I left - sleep in, hang out, go to school, etc. I hope that makes sense. I'll be writing soon from my apartment's address.
I love you all! So awesome to hear from you today and say hi.
Love, Tab
Sunday, October 7, 2012
10/6/12 - email to Mom
Cafe Rio in the airport?? Hooah!
I will be sending a letter later today and you probably wont get it till monday, but I'll give you a jst of what it says because it is a pretty short letter. So I bought a phone card and it was only $5 for 3 hours! Or so they say. I hope that's true, because the instructions on the back are way too confusing to understand. I paid cash for it though, so they can't charge me credit if I go over minutes. I am pretty sure that I can only make one phone call with it though, maybe 2, so hopefully I get it right.
I also bought new scriptures that are smaller and lighter (triple combination and Bible - separate books) and I don't have a case for them because the bookstore had no selection. So if you're available to go to the bookstore and find one that fits well, doesn't matter how nice it is, that would save me some time. The letter has a tracing on the back of it that is the exact size as the scriptures. And maybe the bookstore will have a sample copy so you can find a case that fits. If you have any questions, let me know. And one more thing, the Book of Mormon I bought came without those sticker tabs and the bookstore is closed for the weekend so if you can ask them for sticker tabs or if you can buy some, that'd help too. Thanks!
I hope you got my last letter I sent on Friday morning because it had a lot of good stuff in it. I'll call you on Monday around 8 - 9am. Love you!!
Tab
10/5/12 - to Mom
Dear Mom,
It's nice to get a letter from you -- on P-days when I do emails, it's hard for me to remember things and focus on writing -- and if you didn't notice, my reply was quite scatterbrained. I feel bad not giving individual attention to Colby, Rorie, Caitlin, Nate, Regan, and you and Dad in my letters but I hope you understand that it is just because I don't have the time. But I am thinking of each one of you and I love all your personalized letters!
To be honest, I am not extremely nervous about leaving for NJ on Monday. And it's not that I feel over-prepared or anything, but confident in the Lord and his help to me. And I've had the realization that teaching the basics to people isn't as hard as it may seem. As far as basic principles and doctrines go, I really haven't learned anything that I didn't already know before I came to the MTC. I think the job here is to refine the missionaries, in order to help them teach by the Spirit and teach effectively.
That's awesome that you go to meet another NJ missionary mom! I have made tons of friends in the MTC via connections like that. I bump into someone and it turns out their my long-lost cousin (not really, but you get the point).
I hope you get my letter to Clark soon! He was the first person to write me in the MTC. I also wrote letters to Elder Parkinson and Elder Hatfield, and I was hoping you could mail them for me. I left instructions on the envelope. Sister McKay sent me a package today! It was a box of cookies and they were super good. Bummer that Hayden still hasn't received his call... it must be something special! Make sure she gets my thanks even though I will be writing her back.
I play basketball at the MTC, by the way. The field is just too far away and I like basketball more anyway. My roommate Elder Duncan plays with me and he is actually really good. Neither my companion or my other roommate play basketball. We only have an hour, but it's a blast. On P-day, we still wear our missionary attire because you need it to eat in the cafeteria. Otherwise, I'm in sweats and a shirt.
I'll answer some questions that I forgot to answer in my previous letters:
It's nice to get a letter from you -- on P-days when I do emails, it's hard for me to remember things and focus on writing -- and if you didn't notice, my reply was quite scatterbrained. I feel bad not giving individual attention to Colby, Rorie, Caitlin, Nate, Regan, and you and Dad in my letters but I hope you understand that it is just because I don't have the time. But I am thinking of each one of you and I love all your personalized letters!
To be honest, I am not extremely nervous about leaving for NJ on Monday. And it's not that I feel over-prepared or anything, but confident in the Lord and his help to me. And I've had the realization that teaching the basics to people isn't as hard as it may seem. As far as basic principles and doctrines go, I really haven't learned anything that I didn't already know before I came to the MTC. I think the job here is to refine the missionaries, in order to help them teach by the Spirit and teach effectively.
That's awesome that you go to meet another NJ missionary mom! I have made tons of friends in the MTC via connections like that. I bump into someone and it turns out their my long-lost cousin (not really, but you get the point).
I hope you get my letter to Clark soon! He was the first person to write me in the MTC. I also wrote letters to Elder Parkinson and Elder Hatfield, and I was hoping you could mail them for me. I left instructions on the envelope. Sister McKay sent me a package today! It was a box of cookies and they were super good. Bummer that Hayden still hasn't received his call... it must be something special! Make sure she gets my thanks even though I will be writing her back.
I play basketball at the MTC, by the way. The field is just too far away and I like basketball more anyway. My roommate Elder Duncan plays with me and he is actually really good. Neither my companion or my other roommate play basketball. We only have an hour, but it's a blast. On P-day, we still wear our missionary attire because you need it to eat in the cafeteria. Otherwise, I'm in sweats and a shirt.
I'll answer some questions that I forgot to answer in my previous letters:
- Sundays are the busiest days of the week, and frankly I don't enjoy Sundays all that much for that reason, especially now that I am a zone leader.
- You're not bugging me by writing a lot! I can't write back to all of them -- you know that -- but I still enjoy the letters you send me.
- The girls in the pictures are sister missionaries from our district. We have four, one of them going to New Jersey. She just got reassigned yesterday, however, to speak Spanish now (same mission)! She is no longer in our district. I was half hoping they would do that to me, we'll see.
- My other roommate is Elder Walker. He's from AF and he's super funny. He's my favorite.
- Tell Rorie her handwriting is super impressive. I thought I was reading Regan's letter, and then I saw it said "Love, Rorie"! I was surprised and very amazed.
- I got a haircut yesterday, and it looks great. Really.
- I also got your envelope today with all the Facebook stuff and that letter. I loved it! I miss Clark, but I'm glad he got my letter. Thanks also for mailing my letter to Dylan! I will buy a calling card and will call you between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. from the airport. And thanks for mailing my stuff to NJ.
- Tell Rorie I am doing just fine, and that I loved her letter with hearts on it. The thing that I liked the most about the MTC is either gym time or TRC, which is wherever come and volunteer as investigators and we teach them just like in the mission field. Thanks so much for the quotes too! I love D&C 4. I've got one for you that I have always enjoyed:
- "We would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most." President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
- One other thing that I found to be amazingly great is to read all of Joseph Smith-History in the Pearl of Great Price. It's awesome.
- Tell Colby that I miss being around to play ping-pong and what not with him. Let him know I love him and I'm praying for him too. And thanks for the chocolates!
- Tell Nate he's the man and I apologize -- I never fully read his note until a couple of days ago and so that's why I didn't write him back. But I am thinking of him too.
- Tell Regan I'm happy for her and I wish her the best of luck in her endeavors. And I feel back writing short-length replies to her awesome letters to me, but I'll make it up to her.
- Tell Dad I love him, and Caitlin too. Dad is my best example and Caitlin is just too kind.
I love you Mom, thanks for all your support! I miss you.
Much love to all,
Tab
10/1/12 - emails to Mom
Hi mom!
I had a good week full of packages! Thanks for all the things you sent me. I'll write you a more detailed letter on paper because I don't think very clearly in the laundry room.
I met a friend today who we share similar interests in music! I was wearing my nujabes sweatshirt (which is great by the way!) and he said something so that was neat. We exchanged information and he said he'll write me in two years asking to share music. He is way cool though.
I sent you my letter to Clark so I hope you got that! I don't know his address so I'm hoping you can get it to him. Reese's mom sent me a package and I'm going to write her back. That was way nice of her.
And I'm waiting to hear back on all those mission addresses for all my buddies because I have had a little more time lately to write letters so hopefully I can send off a few. And thanks for the donuts and all the treats! My pants are great too.
I don't think I really need anything - I leave a week from today so I'll be calling you when I arrive at the airport around 8am. We fly out to Newark at 9:54am.
But like I said I'll be writing you with much more detail. I wrote down some things but I forgot my notebook.
Anyway, I miss you all and I hope to hear from you soon!
I love you,
Tab
10/1/12/ - to Dad
Hey Dad!
I have more time to write back today so I will just stick to writing you via e-mail. I appreciate all of your letters and the good quotes too!
It's my last week! I leave on Monday, the 8th. The thought makes me a little bit nervous but more than anything I am excited. While the MTC is a great place to learn, I think the field is where the real work is and that is where the most joy must be. I'm nervous to teach real people but I am also looking forward to it.
I'm glad you saw Mitch! Does he have a call already? I thought he is older than me. I don't know if you heard but I met Elder Cheney a couple of days ago and he said he recognized me because I looked so much like you and he was in one of your BYU wards.
My companion and I got called as Zone Leaders so General Conference was kind of a blessing because it makes it so our calling only lasts for 4 days. They call the new ones on Thursday. With the new responsibility, my companion began to have an anxiety attack so he has had a rough couple of days. So I've been trying to do what I can to help him get better. I found that interestingly relevant that you gave me that advice.
I'll be sure to work on the attributes expressed in those quotes and I'll add them to my quote book so I don't forget them. My week has been somewhat uneventful (at least nothing really noteworthy in my opinion) so I don't have much to write but this week has been better.
Anyway, it's good to hear from you!
I love you!
Tab
9/26/12 - to Mom
Dear Mom,
So as I was saying, I am only allotted 30 min to write back all of the people who have sent me emails. I wrote a couple of paragraphs to you but, unfortunately, it logged me out in the middle of my letter and didn't save any of it so I will do my best to recreate that letter and remember the things I wrote you.
My companion's name is Elder Austin James Price and he is from South Jordan. He had anxiety problems and so he go the opportunity to serve a three-month mini-mission to try out how he would be able to handle the work and deal with his anxiety. Amazingly, he tells me it has almost cured him. My other two roommates are awesome and I'm sure that we would be friends outside the MTC if I had known them (better). Elder Duncan is my roommate who I already knew from middle school. It's cool to see him again. We all get along great.
The MTC is tough! I enjoy the happiness and the "rightness" (so to speak) that I feel here. But that doesn't make things easy. The food is no good. It gives me bad gas. The other thing I dislike is the three-hour class sessions. They are very difficulty to stay awake in, but I enjoy them. I have learned more than I think I have in an entire year of seminary in just five days here. Best of all, the days are starting to pass by quickly, in comparison with the first two days, which seemed like an eternity.
Tell thanks to everyone on Facebook! That's awesome to know they are thinking of me. And I am trying to keep up with all your letters, I promise!
Here's my responses to your most recent letters:
So as I was saying, I am only allotted 30 min to write back all of the people who have sent me emails. I wrote a couple of paragraphs to you but, unfortunately, it logged me out in the middle of my letter and didn't save any of it so I will do my best to recreate that letter and remember the things I wrote you.
My companion's name is Elder Austin James Price and he is from South Jordan. He had anxiety problems and so he go the opportunity to serve a three-month mini-mission to try out how he would be able to handle the work and deal with his anxiety. Amazingly, he tells me it has almost cured him. My other two roommates are awesome and I'm sure that we would be friends outside the MTC if I had known them (better). Elder Duncan is my roommate who I already knew from middle school. It's cool to see him again. We all get along great.
The MTC is tough! I enjoy the happiness and the "rightness" (so to speak) that I feel here. But that doesn't make things easy. The food is no good. It gives me bad gas. The other thing I dislike is the three-hour class sessions. They are very difficulty to stay awake in, but I enjoy them. I have learned more than I think I have in an entire year of seminary in just five days here. Best of all, the days are starting to pass by quickly, in comparison with the first two days, which seemed like an eternity.
Tell thanks to everyone on Facebook! That's awesome to know they are thinking of me. And I am trying to keep up with all your letters, I promise!
Here's my responses to your most recent letters:
- Colby: Thanks! I miss you. I found something cool in the Book of Mormon index the other day. On page 121, in the G's, it says Galland, Isaac at the top. I thought you'd find that funny. Maybe you could tell him!
- Rorie: I'm getting along great with my roommates! You can send that package any time you want. Make sure you tell Sister Payton thank you!! I love you too and miss you.
- Regan: Your letters and great and make me smile when I read them. If you go to Zurchers you can get a lifesize printout of me on cardboard and plant it in my room if that would help. Thant would be funny.
- Caitlin: I loved getting your Dear Elder letter! Those are cool because I get them same day. But can I write you back on paper? I don't have access to Dear Elder here at the MTC.
- Mom: You're the best! And you're too nice to me! I have gotten so many treats that I haven't even finished them yet! I appreciate you helping pay the tithing on my last paycheck. I love you lots and I'll talk to you soon. And I'll write Mitch and Clark too.
- Dad: I enjoyed those quotes you sent me in your letter. You're lucky -- you are the only one who got a full, or somewhat full, length letter from me! Today I met Elder Cheney, he told me that I looked exactly like you. Apparently he was in your ward last semester. It was great to hear from you. You are a great example to me and each day I ponder all the lessons you have taught me by your example. I love you.
Thanks to you all! You're all really great and I love you and miss you already. Keep it up at home!
Love,
Tab
Tab
MTC pics
Tab on his first P-day visit to the Provo Temple.
9/24/12 - emails to Mom
Hey Mom!
I'm sorry I haven't been able to
write you until now - I've been super busy. I wrote a letter to dad that
probably will be more exciting than the one I am writing to you because
I am running out of time... They only give me 30 minutes! Anyway, I'll
write a new letter here in just a sec. It might be better if I just
wrote you in the mail.
Love, Elder McLain
Hi again Mom!
I'll be honest, the first two days or so were rough. They were very long and I had to sit in a chair
for most of it. But it has gotten much better, don't worry.
I have 26 secondse left to write to you but I found a trick that pauses
the time, but i can't see what I am typing when it pauses so hopefully
what I am saying makes sense.
Anyway, I'll initial my garments because that is what they rtold me to do here in the MTC as well.
So it just deleted my letter to you so I'll write you in the mail.
Much love, (I'm out of time)
Elder McLain
Hi there,
I am only allowed to check my email inbox every preparation day, which is monday. As far as post mailbox, I can check that everyday. I don't always check it because I don't always have time but it seems that in the coming weeks I will be able to as the schedule spreads out. I am writing a letter right now and I will send it by tomorrow.
the reason I am still on is because I wanted to upload some photos and these computers don't have visual timers. So hopefully they aren't keeping track :/
Anyway, you'll hear again from me soon.
Love,
Elder McLain
I am only allowed to check my email inbox every preparation day, which is monday. As far as post mailbox, I can check that everyday. I don't always check it because I don't always have time but it seems that in the coming weeks I will be able to as the schedule spreads out. I am writing a letter right now and I will send it by tomorrow.
the reason I am still on is because I wanted to upload some photos and these computers don't have visual timers. So hopefully they aren't keeping track :/
Anyway, you'll hear again from me soon.
Love,
Elder McLain
9/24/12 - to Dad
Hi Dad!
I am enjoying the MTC! I have 3 incredible roommates and my companion, Elder Price, has already served a 3 year mini mission in St. George, so he is like a veteran among us. It's nice to have him around. He is from South Jordan, and my roommates are also both from Utah. And we are all headed to New Jersey! We all get along great.
The food here is not good. It is not horrible but it is not good. And the eating schedule is somewhat off from what I am used to so I get hungry at the wrong times. I can handle it though; don't worry about me!
The work here is very tough and extremely regimented. There is a level of seriousness that I am not familiar with but it is something I need to learn. I can already feel the increased influence of the Spirit as I have practiced exact obedience. They really stress that here in the MTC. My teacher was telling me that the rough translation of the term deja vu is "in the right place" and that is how I feel.
I am happy to hear that mom is doing well. You can tell her that I have worried about her and the family but the truth is after the first 2 days I have not had much time to. I think about our family each day and I am praying for you always. I am extremely grateful for your support. It helps me to stay motivated to wake up each day and get to work.
I cannot tell you in words how true that quote from Elder Benson is... I can only tell you that I have felt that with a surety here in the first few days at the MTC. And even though I have only been teaching fake investigators, the Spirit has touched their hearts and mine and I am happy. I cannot wait to teach real people in New Jersey and really feel the love for those people as we strengthen their relationship with Christ.
I hope that all are doing well at home. I love you all.
Love,
Elder McLain
9/21/12 - to family
Dear Family!
I know it isn't much, but...
Here's a report of my first day at the MTC:
EVERYONE welcomes you. I guess most new missionaries probably need it, but it's odd because I have never been anywhere like it. I have three pretty cool roommates, one of which I already know (Elder Duncan). My companion has already served a three-month mini mission in St. George, so its nice to have him around whenever someone asks a tough question in our pseudo-investigator meetings. We had a few today and it surprised me that they actually had real investigators like non-members. I felt the meeting went badly because it got way off topic and frankly, it got really awkward, but I guess it's good training!
The food -- which there is plenty of -- is not all that great. I won't starve, but I won't be lovin' it. I might have to resort to eating cereal every meal cause I tried the mini-wheats and they rock. That's what I did in college and I'm fine with that!
Well that's about the jist of what I did today... exciting! I miss you all and love each one of you! I'll be writing you more when I get time. Until then, much love,
Tab -- Elder McLain
I know it isn't much, but...
Here's a report of my first day at the MTC:
EVERYONE welcomes you. I guess most new missionaries probably need it, but it's odd because I have never been anywhere like it. I have three pretty cool roommates, one of which I already know (Elder Duncan). My companion has already served a three-month mini mission in St. George, so its nice to have him around whenever someone asks a tough question in our pseudo-investigator meetings. We had a few today and it surprised me that they actually had real investigators like non-members. I felt the meeting went badly because it got way off topic and frankly, it got really awkward, but I guess it's good training!
The food -- which there is plenty of -- is not all that great. I won't starve, but I won't be lovin' it. I might have to resort to eating cereal every meal cause I tried the mini-wheats and they rock. That's what I did in college and I'm fine with that!
Well that's about the jist of what I did today... exciting! I miss you all and love each one of you! I'll be writing you more when I get time. Until then, much love,
Tab -- Elder McLain
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