So, all is well here. Nothing too exciting. As for my companionship stiuation, this one luckily made it a week with me. I don't know what it is, maybe I'm hard to live with? :P I think that him and I are the only ones flying to Costa Rica on Aug. 4th. I think that there are others here that are going to Costa Rica, but I havent met them or know when they are going. The church is having a big Mission President change up right now from everywhere, so the MTC is busy. I guess the apostles and prophets are here to train all of them or something. Half of the lunch room is blocked off for them so things are crowwwwded. But its all good. There is a new Pres for Costa Rica, and I have heard that if yours is here you'll ahve a chance to meet him. That would be neat to maybe have a leg up on the other Costa Rican missionaries :). Um... the gym is closed too now because they are having training and seminars and stuff there. So we have to play things all outside. But the whole restriction on basketball games and soccer is gone. So we played a nice game of soccer yesterday. I got our only goal. Woot. My lungs were about to explode or catch fire though. I had/have a mean chest cold and am coughing up green. Yum yum. The companionship is tough. My patience is definitley being tried. I feel like I'm a babysitter when it comes to class and learning and teaching. We get along well, but he definitely lacks in communication, social, teaching, focus, and learning skills. We are still teaching the lessons in English. We taught the first lesson for like the first 2 or 3 weeks, and last week we went to lesson 2. All in English. We move to Spanish in two weeks, and that will be hard for us. I'll do great, but we probably won't. Haha. All is well. We got a new district in last wednesday and this wednesday. The older new district is awesome, we got 4 new Hermanas which makes this place a little more bearable, and I havent really got to talk with the new new district. As for my district, we are well. Another Elder went home due to family porblems and plans coming back here in a month. Also, 2 of our Elders went to the Guatemala MTC. How sweet would it be if Costa Rica had an MTC. So, what started as 12 is now down to 7. Remember my first companion? He got the Swine Flu. And his Visa didnt come yet so he hasnt gone to C.R. yet. The Lessons are going well though, everything we do and teach is centered and focused around the investigator and their needs. Thanks for everything. Thank you Chelsea I love you so much. Love ya Mom n Dad and Scott and Taylor and Hunter.
Family- My ankle is fine, I played soccer without my brace, oops, but it onlyhurt a little bit soemtimes. How is scotts nose? did they lower the mountain that was on it? My laundry hamper is great. I might send home one pair of the unpleated pants. It would be awesome to get some black or dark navy pants from Costco or target or wherever you got those 2 pair. The Savane brand ones. Also, maybe some more lighter brown socks. Also, some missionaries have said that sil ties are a no-no for south of the U.S. LIke half of mine are silk. So maybe getting some polyester ties from the DI would be smart? Or even TJMaxx or Ross. Tell dad I feel for him. I was sick this week and still ahve a cough. GOod luck iwth the BBQ, try to make more profit. Also if possible, send more of the "uniball signo RT gel 0.38" pens. They are awesome. As for my time to email it is usually around 4 or 5. we ahve luanry at 3:30 and everything else in the day is full. except to day i got to take a nap baecause the temple is closed this week. muy bueno. Amo ustedes muy mucho. until next week!
Love ya.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
6-18-09 Email- Subject: New News, New Shoes.. or boot
Hey hey hey.> > So, once again my companion stiuation changed. We were in a trio if you remember, I joined two other elders cause mine went to an advanced district. So, now the new stuff. The old D.L. wanted to go home and had some things to take care of I guess so he took off on Friday I think. So now it is me and Elder Orton. He is from Bountiful, and was the odd one that I talked to you about. He is getting better, we are teaching much more efficiently and he likes me. So all is well in the category.> Now to the fun stuff. Earlier this week (Friday) I was playing dynamite in gym and missed my first shot and ran to get my ball. We were shooting from the baseline and my ball was bouncing towards midcourt. So I ran to the left to get it, planted my foot, and wham, my ankle whipped over the side of my shoe and the bone hit the ground. I tried to fall with it, but it didnt work too well. So earlier this week I rolled my ankle and went to the hospital.> But that hospital run wasn't for my ankle. Elder Orton has a broken thumb in a cast and so he had to get it x-rayed on that Monday. However, after my injury of Friday, I got ice, an ace bandage, and went on my way. About 4 hours later it was killing me so I went to the Doc to see what was up, they gave me an ankle brace like Scott's and said it'll heal eventually. It didnt. Last night (which is 6 days after the injury, 6 days of volleyball, dynamite, sprinting, etc. :) ) I noticed taht the bottom outside of my foot was really purple and bruised so I went in this morning to get it checked again. I got an appointment for 3 ish and this Doc thought i should get an x-ray. So I did. They shipped me over to the Hospital emergency care place and blasted my ankle with some gamma rays. Turns out, the ankle bones are fine, the tendons are badly sprained. The bad part is, my heel bone may be chipped. Not fun. So they had a nurse wrap me up in an ace bandage and stuck me into one of those big old boot things till tomorrow when a radiologist can check me and my x-rays out. Fun stuff huh?> Anyways.. everything else is well. Espanol is pretty easy as far as grammar goes. Just the whole imperfect/ preterit/ present/ future/ past paticiple/ all those crazy conjugation things and the whole speaking thing is tough when you've only known the words and pronunciation for a week.> We are getting into Leccion Dos, El plan de Salvacion, este semana. But we are doing it in English still. Good thing too. The spirit is still crazy nutso insane here. Especially at devotionals and watching movies on Sunday night. Last Sunday we watched the Restoration movie and I swear I almost cried 20 times. What is this whole mission thing doing to me as a man? Do they not even let me keep my manly pride? Seriously. Its such a good show. Anyone who watches that and says they don't feel something is lying.> As for everything else, we can't play basketball or soccer in gym still becuase of that darn Schwine PhFlu thing. Swine Flu my eye. Just an excuse for Elders to sit in their room and take a nap all day. :P> I have officially gained about 5-7 lbs... of muscle...> Haha but seriously this food is killer. I work it off though and my arms and chest are seeing the rewards.. :P Hahaha> And how about this beautiful weather. Its killing me that you guys can't go swimming.. :P I think I'm just getting prepped up for Costa Rica and the rain there. All I know is that it is nice here in Provo Utah with the cooler weather.> Anyways, love you all. oxXOxooXx
Thursday, June 11, 2009
First Email!
Hola familia-> >
To start, Let me know if you have gotten any of my three letters that I sent.
The MTC is great. The Spirit is so freakin nuts here, its thick and dense. So, as for stuff that you want to hear. I started out the week with my companion Elder Bernuy. He is from Virginia and his parents are native Peruvians. He speaks fluent Spanish. And he was my companion. And he was in our beginner spanish class for almost a week. Long story short, I feel a little ahead of the class due to my live dictionary. Very nice tool. If anyone is trying to learn a language, hang out with a fluent speaker. The week started out soooooo sloooowwww. I swear the Lord packed 4 weeks into the first four days. Then again, we didn't get our p-day on that Thursday and our gym time started on monday, but holy moly... So slow. The schedule is the same every week. Mainly its wake up at 6:30, solo study from 7-8, breakfast 815-845, companion study 9-10, class 1030-1, lunch 1:15-145, class 2-6, dinner 6-645, language study 7-8, and MDT(missionary directed time inbetween). We then plan from like 9 -930. Obviously thats not perfectly correct, but Im rushing and dont have my schedule in front of me. So, going back to Elder Bernuy my walking talking guide to Spanish. He couldnt keep it in. Eventually the teacher started talking to him and found out. They took him to get tested and yep, sure enough, he is fluent. He got put into an advanced district, skipping the intermediate level entirely, and I got put with the two other missionaries going to Costa Rica. So now, it is me, Elder Zinck, and Elder Orton. Zinck is a big round short samoan. Very funny and laid back. He was the D.L. for a week. I really get along with him and we do well together. So yeah. Im in a trio. The presidency decided to make me D.L. instead of Zinck so yeah. That takes up more time as well. I feel like there is infinite tasks and limited time. Very limited time. But the thing is God makes it happen. I have no idea how. I love the environment here though. It's super chill and the food is good. People are nice, except the old grumpy mormon guys that never crack a smile and the BYU dorks that think they are the bomb. Bryan Burton has been in my zone, he was supposed to leave this morning but his flight was cancelled due to tornados. So yeah. He has been here like 3 weeks. It's nice cuz our schedules are exactly the same, except he is in a different classroom. We have gym together, dinner together, and everything else.
I have seen tons of people here. The Burton twins a bit, tanner Lofgren a couple times, Andrew Jones, Rich Durham, Ryan Krantz, Andrew Barrett once. and Terrrance Vomocil.
The Spanish is coming well too. A lot of words I memorized came back and verb stuff is pretty easy. I just wish that it was more focused on the language. I feel like we are wasting time not learning as much as we could. We are heavily focused on Gospel, which is good. But anyways. We have a ton of teaching appointments at certain places in the MTC to help us train our Spanish and teaching abilities. So far, we have had to be able to greet someone, introduce ourselves, teach our purpose, bear testimony, and get to know someone, all in Spanish. And thats at one week. Its a lot of memorization and not grammar. Ah well. I miss you all so much. You guys are such a dang good family. I just wish Scott were here to teach with me. I feel like I am alone when we teach. I guess i just know the lessons better and am more comfortable talking to people, but it gets frustrating. That is definitely my strength- teaching the lesson. I want you to know that I know this is the right thing. I can't wait to teach real investigators and get 'em wet in the waters of baptism. The Spirit definitely testifies to you all day.
Yeah. All is well. We sing in Spanish and the theme song is tengo gzo en mi alma which is there is sunshine in my soul. Very fun song in Spanish.
My teachers are good, although I think they are new here. Very nice and smart. My district is also pretty good. There is a kid that reminds me of Ben Griffith. Looks and acts like him sometimes. haha oh man. Our Z.L.'s are way good too. We went to the temple today which was dope. I also accomplished doing my own laundry for the first time. Successful.
I have pictures from here as well. Dont know how to get them home. And I am sleeping very well. My bed is by the window so light comes in and kept me up the first night, so I put up a blanket tucked under the top bunk to make a fort/cave thing to make it dark. Works well. As far as I know, thats all thats happening here. I love the packages and letters. Keep 'em coming. Things are well and I love you so much family. And friends you guys rock! Be good be safe. Pura Vida! Thanks to Chelsea my lovely cousin for putting this on my blog. You are awesome cuzzin. Family- Love you guys so much. I will try to write you all individually one week, but time is limited. dearelder me things you want to know and I will try to address them. I love you all so much. Im running out of time to write, but I love you. Pray for me, and I'll pray for you. Love you SOOO much
To start, Let me know if you have gotten any of my three letters that I sent.
The MTC is great. The Spirit is so freakin nuts here, its thick and dense. So, as for stuff that you want to hear. I started out the week with my companion Elder Bernuy. He is from Virginia and his parents are native Peruvians. He speaks fluent Spanish. And he was my companion. And he was in our beginner spanish class for almost a week. Long story short, I feel a little ahead of the class due to my live dictionary. Very nice tool. If anyone is trying to learn a language, hang out with a fluent speaker. The week started out soooooo sloooowwww. I swear the Lord packed 4 weeks into the first four days. Then again, we didn't get our p-day on that Thursday and our gym time started on monday, but holy moly... So slow. The schedule is the same every week. Mainly its wake up at 6:30, solo study from 7-8, breakfast 815-845, companion study 9-10, class 1030-1, lunch 1:15-145, class 2-6, dinner 6-645, language study 7-8, and MDT(missionary directed time inbetween). We then plan from like 9 -930. Obviously thats not perfectly correct, but Im rushing and dont have my schedule in front of me. So, going back to Elder Bernuy my walking talking guide to Spanish. He couldnt keep it in. Eventually the teacher started talking to him and found out. They took him to get tested and yep, sure enough, he is fluent. He got put into an advanced district, skipping the intermediate level entirely, and I got put with the two other missionaries going to Costa Rica. So now, it is me, Elder Zinck, and Elder Orton. Zinck is a big round short samoan. Very funny and laid back. He was the D.L. for a week. I really get along with him and we do well together. So yeah. Im in a trio. The presidency decided to make me D.L. instead of Zinck so yeah. That takes up more time as well. I feel like there is infinite tasks and limited time. Very limited time. But the thing is God makes it happen. I have no idea how. I love the environment here though. It's super chill and the food is good. People are nice, except the old grumpy mormon guys that never crack a smile and the BYU dorks that think they are the bomb. Bryan Burton has been in my zone, he was supposed to leave this morning but his flight was cancelled due to tornados. So yeah. He has been here like 3 weeks. It's nice cuz our schedules are exactly the same, except he is in a different classroom. We have gym together, dinner together, and everything else.
I have seen tons of people here. The Burton twins a bit, tanner Lofgren a couple times, Andrew Jones, Rich Durham, Ryan Krantz, Andrew Barrett once. and Terrrance Vomocil.
The Spanish is coming well too. A lot of words I memorized came back and verb stuff is pretty easy. I just wish that it was more focused on the language. I feel like we are wasting time not learning as much as we could. We are heavily focused on Gospel, which is good. But anyways. We have a ton of teaching appointments at certain places in the MTC to help us train our Spanish and teaching abilities. So far, we have had to be able to greet someone, introduce ourselves, teach our purpose, bear testimony, and get to know someone, all in Spanish. And thats at one week. Its a lot of memorization and not grammar. Ah well. I miss you all so much. You guys are such a dang good family. I just wish Scott were here to teach with me. I feel like I am alone when we teach. I guess i just know the lessons better and am more comfortable talking to people, but it gets frustrating. That is definitely my strength- teaching the lesson. I want you to know that I know this is the right thing. I can't wait to teach real investigators and get 'em wet in the waters of baptism. The Spirit definitely testifies to you all day.
Yeah. All is well. We sing in Spanish and the theme song is tengo gzo en mi alma which is there is sunshine in my soul. Very fun song in Spanish.
My teachers are good, although I think they are new here. Very nice and smart. My district is also pretty good. There is a kid that reminds me of Ben Griffith. Looks and acts like him sometimes. haha oh man. Our Z.L.'s are way good too. We went to the temple today which was dope. I also accomplished doing my own laundry for the first time. Successful.
I have pictures from here as well. Dont know how to get them home. And I am sleeping very well. My bed is by the window so light comes in and kept me up the first night, so I put up a blanket tucked under the top bunk to make a fort/cave thing to make it dark. Works well. As far as I know, thats all thats happening here. I love the packages and letters. Keep 'em coming. Things are well and I love you so much family. And friends you guys rock! Be good be safe. Pura Vida! Thanks to Chelsea my lovely cousin for putting this on my blog. You are awesome cuzzin. Family- Love you guys so much. I will try to write you all individually one week, but time is limited. dearelder me things you want to know and I will try to address them. I love you all so much. Im running out of time to write, but I love you. Pray for me, and I'll pray for you. Love you SOOO much
The First 2 Letters!
Letter #1
"Mom, Dad and Family,The MTC is good; the food is really better than what you would expect....a whole lot worse than food at home, but better than school lunch. I love you all so much. My companion, is Elder Bernuy (Burn-oy) is cool. He is from Virginia. We are rooming with another Costa rican companionship. Love you SO MUCH! Stop crying Mom. You guys are awesome. Thanks for everything! Elder Harrison Smith"
Letter #2
"I was going to put names at the top of this, but then I remembered that Mom reads anything anyway, no matter who it is for. Its the second day and we already have to memorize testimony and prayer in Spanish. Yo se que Jesu Cristo viviente. I know that Jesus Christ lives. Its exciting. The environment is very spiritually dense and a lot oc confirmation hits you here. The Spirit is with me and us. I can't say that I don't miss you, but I'm not homesick. Hopefully I'll get lost in learning soon and forget about home, eh? Everyone says the first 3 days are the worst and I see what they mean. It feels like I've been here for weeks; and I still haven't done my laundry, ironed, or cleaned anything. I don't think I forgot anything. Showering sucks; makes you really appreciate a house. I saw Andrew Barrett, the Burton twins (Brian is in my zone) and I saw Rich Durham. All in all, I am doing well. I would like some letters, but no need if ya don't want to . The first letter I sent was an assignment from our Branch Presidency, so don't mind it's crappiness. Love you so much. I don't know when I'll be able to email, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I really can't wait to teach people. I really don't like the idea of teaching "volunteer investigators", but whatevers. My district is cool. 12 guys, 4 to Costa Rica, 6 to Pittsburgh Spanish and 2 to Guatemala City Norte. I wish that they would cut out the cheesiness of the place and just teach us, but oh well, if they think that brings the Spirit, then okay. Have fun being out of school. I'll be praying for you. I love you all so much!- Harrison (Elder Smith) by the way- Use this return address to send me stuff. I don't know if it's the same as what you have. Thanks, love ya.
"This letter was addressed to:
To our friends at:
(then our address)
Harrison's address is:
Elder Harrison Smith
MTC Mailbox #214CRA SJO 0804
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604
"Mom, Dad and Family,The MTC is good; the food is really better than what you would expect....a whole lot worse than food at home, but better than school lunch. I love you all so much. My companion, is Elder Bernuy (Burn-oy) is cool. He is from Virginia. We are rooming with another Costa rican companionship. Love you SO MUCH! Stop crying Mom. You guys are awesome. Thanks for everything! Elder Harrison Smith"
Letter #2
"I was going to put names at the top of this, but then I remembered that Mom reads anything anyway, no matter who it is for. Its the second day and we already have to memorize testimony and prayer in Spanish. Yo se que Jesu Cristo viviente. I know that Jesus Christ lives. Its exciting. The environment is very spiritually dense and a lot oc confirmation hits you here. The Spirit is with me and us. I can't say that I don't miss you, but I'm not homesick. Hopefully I'll get lost in learning soon and forget about home, eh? Everyone says the first 3 days are the worst and I see what they mean. It feels like I've been here for weeks; and I still haven't done my laundry, ironed, or cleaned anything. I don't think I forgot anything. Showering sucks; makes you really appreciate a house. I saw Andrew Barrett, the Burton twins (Brian is in my zone) and I saw Rich Durham. All in all, I am doing well. I would like some letters, but no need if ya don't want to . The first letter I sent was an assignment from our Branch Presidency, so don't mind it's crappiness. Love you so much. I don't know when I'll be able to email, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I really can't wait to teach people. I really don't like the idea of teaching "volunteer investigators", but whatevers. My district is cool. 12 guys, 4 to Costa Rica, 6 to Pittsburgh Spanish and 2 to Guatemala City Norte. I wish that they would cut out the cheesiness of the place and just teach us, but oh well, if they think that brings the Spirit, then okay. Have fun being out of school. I'll be praying for you. I love you all so much!- Harrison (Elder Smith) by the way- Use this return address to send me stuff. I don't know if it's the same as what you have. Thanks, love ya.
"This letter was addressed to:
To our friends at:
(then our address)
Harrison's address is:
Elder Harrison Smith
MTC Mailbox #214CRA SJO 0804
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Saying Our "See You Laters"
The Family dropped this handsome Missionary off to the MTC this morning! He's going to be the best Missionary! Good Luck Bear!
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Weekend Before He Leaves:)
Saturday May 30th the boys sang at the Adult Session of Stake Conference. Dan, Daniel, Scott, and Harrison sounded so amazing! This is them practicing:) Harrison only has a couple days left before he leaves!! Good Luck Bear!
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