Week #2

August 2, 2013

Yesterday, August 1, I received a handwritten letter stating he had exciting news. 1st that his district  was chosen to clean the Provo temple next Friday. 2nd that he and his companion, Elder Averett, were called to be Zone Leaders. Awesome news isn't it? He has only been at the MTC for two Sundays...he seems to be doing so well! (Sorry, proud mother moment)

Today we were blessed with an email and 2 emails with pictures to post, Plus a handwritten letter from Elder Averett, he seems really sweet!

Email #1

So time has started to speed up finally here at the MTC. Spanish has been going pretty good, there's just so much to learn in such a little amount of time. But I know with faith all things are possible!  

A mission has so far been the biggest test of my faith, and it hasn't been easy one bit. With all the learning Spanish put aside the MTC is a great place to learn and grow your testimony. It is so spiritual here and I have learned so much. 

So anyways, last Sunday President Tyler pulled me and Elder Averett aside and asked us if we're willing to become the new zone leaders in our zone (11). Of course me and Elder Averett accepted this great opportunity and calling! I'm really excited but also kind of nervous about it all, since I feel like it's a big responsibility. I'm sure me and Elder Averett will do great though. 

Oh another exciting thing that is happening is that our district (11C) has been chosen to clean the Temple a week from today. I heard its a rare experience, so we're all super excited for it. 

As of this week we have started teaching an investigator everyday now, instead of every other day! It is a hard challenge especially now we have to plan two different lessons for two different people. 

Our first one (who we will be teaching tonight) is Pedro and he has been exploring different churches and trying to find the right one for him. 2 days ago we taught him about the restoration and we related him to Joseph Smith! It was such a great lesson and the Spanish seemed to flow easier than ever before. 

Our other investigator Israel has been attending our church for the last 6 years every week too! His wife is a member. So we taught him yesterday and... that didn't go too well, he asked questions we didn't understand and couldn't really respond back to in Spanish. Like he doesn't know/believe how someone (us, lds members) can testify to know certain things to be true . So yeah Israel will be a challenging investigator to teach. We plan on teaching him about the holy ghost so hopefully that will be good for him. 

On Tuesday we had a devotional at the Marriott Center and Elder Richards spoke. A thing I liked that he mentioned was how missionaries always tend to complain about how hard a mission is. And what he told them was "It's not the first time someone has asked that question: Isn't there an easier way? Our Savior even asked that to our Heavenly Father when he was here suffering for our sins." I really liked that because I/we can relate to our Savior when we are going through hard times and just want to ask our Heavenly Father if there's an easier way. This also gives proof that Jesus knows exactly what we're going through. 

Well that's all for now! I hope everything is going well back at home! Send all my love to the rest of the family! I love you guys.

Love always,
Elder Thayn

Email #2 

Our weekly Sunday trip to the temple and a pic of our district in front of the temple! 

A protester yelling "Throw your crowns on the ground, for you are not gods" and "I call you to repentance" oh and the other funny thing was when he was singing and in the middle of the song said "Jesus said this"! Hahaha funny stuff.

Email #3

Oh yes and of course our new tradition "comb-over Wednesday"! Just so everyone knows I was the one to suggest it and start it!  

Our drawing of our ship (our district) and our duties on the ship! Oh and I forgot to tell you guys 

I'm getting a haircut today at 2:45 so next week I will put the picture on of my new haircut! I hope they don't cut it too short! haha

 "NOTICE: These email messages and pictures are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited."