Matthew didn't send an e-mail this week. Instead, he flew from Salt Lake to Pasco, Washington and was assigned to an area in Walla Walla, Washington. We were all able to talk to him for about 45 minutes while he waited for his flight to board in Salt Lake City. Later at night, we got a call from President Belnap's wife telling us he would be working in the Walla Walla, WA area.
We got a letter from Matthew on Saturday that was written on Tuesday. I transcribed it for your enjoyment.
Well here I am, sitting in the apartment of the office elders and the assistants to the president. Today we were picked up from the airport from an airplane that was so small we had to walk on the tarmac to get to it in Salt Lake. The plane only held 50. That means at 17 of us, we took up 34% of the plane. They picked us up at an airport about the size of Scottsdale. We drove from Pasco through Kennewick to Richland where the mission president lives. He has beautiful home. It is huge. They are very nice. We ate lunch there, sloppy Joes, and then had interviews while having safety meetings and stuff like that. Then we walked to the temple (which is a five minute walk from their home) and just looked at it. Then we came back and ate dinner, ham, it was pretty good, then we had a little devotional with the president and his wife. Then they told us where we are going. I am off to Walla Walla and the Walla Walla 3rd ward. My companion is Elder Flint. The ward is an English ward but there is a Spanish group of about 30 in it I guess. I don’t really know what that means but I will let you know. We transfer on Wednesdays and p-days are Tuesday. I don’t know what else to say. We ship out tomorrow at 7:30. I will let you know how it goes. I love you with all my heart!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
02/17/2009 (Well its about time)
The subject has to do with 2 things. First, I finally have a week left and second, they fired Porter (I will give my professional opinion on that later in this writing).
Well I leave a week from today. Today is also my 2 month anniversary. Man time is going fast. 22 more months sounds a lot better then 24 more months, why, I don’t know.
Not much is happening here. We have mainly been talking about what to expect when we get to the mission field. My teacher told me that next Tuesday night I should be doing regular missionary work. I don’t know how I feel about that but I will let you know.
4 out of the 7 from our district have left for the field. The other 2 leave Monday and I leave Tuesday. I am trying not to complain about anything because I have really loved the MTC and everyone in my district but I think egos just start running high here in the MTC. Today we went to the temple and breakfast there again and then did a session. They had a different video. It seemed older and it was a little longer. I did the veil with almost no help too.
I kinda figured it was the Gila Valley temple because that’s what was on the cover of LDS.org. That is exciting though.
So Terry Porter getting fired eh? I figured it would come. It sounds like no one wanted to listen to him. What has Gentry done? Has he made any decisions? When do Pitchers and Catchers report? How are the Dbacks looking. Are you going to buy tickets or have you not decided yet?
Mom, I did receive your package and letter. Thank you so much. The card was awesome. It kinda startled me at first but I love it.
Well sorry this is really short. I will be able to chat today and I will rush to a phone on Tuesday. There are 18 in my travel group by the way but some how I still haven't met any of them. Thanks for all of the phone numbers. I look forward to talk to you.
This church is true and the only true one on the earth. It brings such great happiness in our lives and that is so important to me.
I love you all and pray for you daily.
Well I leave a week from today. Today is also my 2 month anniversary. Man time is going fast. 22 more months sounds a lot better then 24 more months, why, I don’t know.
Not much is happening here. We have mainly been talking about what to expect when we get to the mission field. My teacher told me that next Tuesday night I should be doing regular missionary work. I don’t know how I feel about that but I will let you know.
4 out of the 7 from our district have left for the field. The other 2 leave Monday and I leave Tuesday. I am trying not to complain about anything because I have really loved the MTC and everyone in my district but I think egos just start running high here in the MTC. Today we went to the temple and breakfast there again and then did a session. They had a different video. It seemed older and it was a little longer. I did the veil with almost no help too.
I kinda figured it was the Gila Valley temple because that’s what was on the cover of LDS.org. That is exciting though.
So Terry Porter getting fired eh? I figured it would come. It sounds like no one wanted to listen to him. What has Gentry done? Has he made any decisions? When do Pitchers and Catchers report? How are the Dbacks looking. Are you going to buy tickets or have you not decided yet?
Mom, I did receive your package and letter. Thank you so much. The card was awesome. It kinda startled me at first but I love it.
Well sorry this is really short. I will be able to chat today and I will rush to a phone on Tuesday. There are 18 in my travel group by the way but some how I still haven't met any of them. Thanks for all of the phone numbers. I look forward to talk to you.
This church is true and the only true one on the earth. It brings such great happiness in our lives and that is so important to me.
I love you all and pray for you daily.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
02/10/2009 (So when do I leave?)
Well the big question of the week is did I get my flight plans? Well you must read on.
We actually had a pretty good week. On Saturday we were teaching lesson 2 at the TRC (that is just were you teach fake instigators). We were teaching lesson 2 which is the plan of salvation in Spanish and everything was going well. Our teacher evaluates you and he said he left and left the door partially open. Upon returning, the door was closed and thought, hmm that’s weird and when he opened it he said the spirit just hit him like a sack of potatoes. Then at the end of the lesson, the guy we were teaching, who served his mission in Espana, began to cry. We didn't know what to do but we just kept going. We ended the lesson and left and came back to talk to him and he said that he just said that the doctrine is just so true and the spirit was so strong. I am not saying we are fabulous teachers by any means, I just realized that the spirit can dwell anywhere and there is no such thing as fake navigators.
So a couple of weeks ago, a kid in our district couldn't sleep so he came in our room to see if anyone was awake in our room. So at one in the morning he comes in and turns on the light. Realizes that no one is awake and leaves without turning on the light. So we thought it was very odd of this individual to do this so on Saturday night we plotted a counter attack. We got in all black and walk into his room and all stood by his bed with the lights off and started saying his name. He rolled over until his eyes rested upon us when he quickly jumped back and raised his fist into a punching motion. None the less, mission accomplished and a very funny story to tell for years to come.
Yesterday, Elder Beckstead’s parents sent him some really good chips and salsa and a kid from our districts parents sent him some Gatorade so we had a little party last night. That was fun
I can’t believe that the roof still has a leak in it, well I can I just can’t believe that the day you get guys out there it rains again. This is Arizona we are talking about right, or did you move on me? That is way exciting that they are going to break ground on the temple. I hope I get back in time to maybe help put in the landscape if that happens.
Today we had breakfast at the temple. It was really good, especially for 2.50. I had waffles.
I still write Clint. He is the only one I get letters from outside the family. He is doing well. He is a senior comp now which is scary. I may have already told you that though.
Well the verdict is I leave the 24th of February. I didn't get my flight plans but I went to the travel office and the lady told me I was flying straight to Pasco on the 24th. She didn't give me any times though. That should come Thursday or Friday. So I still have another 2 weeks from today. I am sure it will go fast. I haven’t met anyone else going to Kennewick. I’m sure I will once I get on the bus.
Well keep up the good work. I smile every time I think about people coming unto the great gospel. If you baptize one, you don't know how many people that one person affects.
Well sorry for all of the typos. I was typing fast so I could have time to chat. I will talk to you later
We actually had a pretty good week. On Saturday we were teaching lesson 2 at the TRC (that is just were you teach fake instigators). We were teaching lesson 2 which is the plan of salvation in Spanish and everything was going well. Our teacher evaluates you and he said he left and left the door partially open. Upon returning, the door was closed and thought, hmm that’s weird and when he opened it he said the spirit just hit him like a sack of potatoes. Then at the end of the lesson, the guy we were teaching, who served his mission in Espana, began to cry. We didn't know what to do but we just kept going. We ended the lesson and left and came back to talk to him and he said that he just said that the doctrine is just so true and the spirit was so strong. I am not saying we are fabulous teachers by any means, I just realized that the spirit can dwell anywhere and there is no such thing as fake navigators.
So a couple of weeks ago, a kid in our district couldn't sleep so he came in our room to see if anyone was awake in our room. So at one in the morning he comes in and turns on the light. Realizes that no one is awake and leaves without turning on the light. So we thought it was very odd of this individual to do this so on Saturday night we plotted a counter attack. We got in all black and walk into his room and all stood by his bed with the lights off and started saying his name. He rolled over until his eyes rested upon us when he quickly jumped back and raised his fist into a punching motion. None the less, mission accomplished and a very funny story to tell for years to come.
Yesterday, Elder Beckstead’s parents sent him some really good chips and salsa and a kid from our districts parents sent him some Gatorade so we had a little party last night. That was fun
I can’t believe that the roof still has a leak in it, well I can I just can’t believe that the day you get guys out there it rains again. This is Arizona we are talking about right, or did you move on me? That is way exciting that they are going to break ground on the temple. I hope I get back in time to maybe help put in the landscape if that happens.
Today we had breakfast at the temple. It was really good, especially for 2.50. I had waffles.
I still write Clint. He is the only one I get letters from outside the family. He is doing well. He is a senior comp now which is scary. I may have already told you that though.
Well the verdict is I leave the 24th of February. I didn't get my flight plans but I went to the travel office and the lady told me I was flying straight to Pasco on the 24th. She didn't give me any times though. That should come Thursday or Friday. So I still have another 2 weeks from today. I am sure it will go fast. I haven’t met anyone else going to Kennewick. I’m sure I will once I get on the bus.
Well keep up the good work. I smile every time I think about people coming unto the great gospel. If you baptize one, you don't know how many people that one person affects.
Well sorry for all of the typos. I was typing fast so I could have time to chat. I will talk to you later
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
02/03/2008 (Hola)
Very little has happened this week. I am pretty sure I am going to stay until the week of the 23rd because I checked the bags today and there was a whole bunch of people going to Kennewick so I figure I will leave with them in 3 weeks. I was really excited to leave in 2 but oh well life goes on. Since I won’t receive my travel plans this week I will probably receive them in 2 weeks so I will let you know.
I got the Super bowl news. I wasn't very surprised that they lost so it didn't really bother me.
On Sunday one of the MTC president’s wife spoke to us and told us how import family history work is to converts. I thought that was interesting. Dad you still do that within the ward right?
The food actually hasn't been that bad. You can get snacks at the vending machines but we usually eat so much for the meals its not every enticing.
I went and got my Green suit altered yesterday. I mainly did it because we got to walk to BYU for it but they were also really like. I was stepping on them in my brown shoes. Also I lost a garment bottom sometime this last week but you can order them here so I just ordered a bottom. The come the same day so I figured here would be just as easy as any where else.
Well I better get going so I can have time to write you via chat. I hope all is well there. Tell everyone I say Hi. The work is continuing to bless the lives on many. President Hinckley asked 7 years ago to double the number of converts and it hasn't happen yet. So that is quite the goal but very attainable. Well I will catch you on the flip side. Pray that my flight plans come this week!!
I got the Super bowl news. I wasn't very surprised that they lost so it didn't really bother me.
On Sunday one of the MTC president’s wife spoke to us and told us how import family history work is to converts. I thought that was interesting. Dad you still do that within the ward right?
The food actually hasn't been that bad. You can get snacks at the vending machines but we usually eat so much for the meals its not every enticing.
I went and got my Green suit altered yesterday. I mainly did it because we got to walk to BYU for it but they were also really like. I was stepping on them in my brown shoes. Also I lost a garment bottom sometime this last week but you can order them here so I just ordered a bottom. The come the same day so I figured here would be just as easy as any where else.
Well I better get going so I can have time to write you via chat. I hope all is well there. Tell everyone I say Hi. The work is continuing to bless the lives on many. President Hinckley asked 7 years ago to double the number of converts and it hasn't happen yet. So that is quite the goal but very attainable. Well I will catch you on the flip side. Pray that my flight plans come this week!!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Pictures (February 2009)
What happens the last week in the MTC
Elder Bair with his teacher, Hermano Vance, Elder Fuller, Elder Beckstead
Hermano Brodegard, Elder Bair, Hermano Hildago
Matthew's prized possession - his name tag in Spanish.
Hermano Silva with Matthew.
Matthew and Elder Beckstead through the peep hole.
Matthew with Hermana Hawley
Our district in front of the Provo Temple
Our whole district:
Elder Black (New York), Elder Fotheringham (Costa Rica), Elder Cortez (Tucson), Hermano Hildago, Elder Hatch (Tucson), Elder Bair (Kennewick), Elder Beckstead (Argentina), Hermano Brodegard.
Matthew displaying his flight plans for his trip to Kennewick.
Working the phones in the referral center.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
1/27/2009 (Gosh Darn it)
Well they have foiled our word document plans I guess because it won’t work now. Oh well life goes on.
Not much has been happening around here. We are not allowed to speak English as of January 22nd. I am really excited about this so I can finally put all that I have learned to the test. But the other members of my district especially my companionship are not trying as hard and it is making it difficult when they speak English to you and you try to respond in Spanish. I don't know if you have all realized that I only have 3 weeks from yesterday left. That just blows my mind. Only 98 more weeks left of the mission. I better get baptizing
I am getting kinda nervous to leave but not at the same time. I am excited to get out there but I am nervous for the unknown so I am somewhat content right here.
Our new district has been going well. We are still in the trio. I was looking at the bags that they hand you when you get here the first day to see if there was anyone speaking English going to Kennewick but I didn't see anyone. Maybe it will just be me out there.
Sounds like you all had fun at the Lion King. Leave to Stacy to give me the juicy part about the guy only wearing a loin clothe.
Today we went to the temple and did sealings. Last week we didn't do Endowments but we prefer to do sealings because they take up less time.
I had a little bit of a cold on Thursday. Not to bad but good enough to go a take a nap. I still have the dry cough from it. I finished the book of Mormon on the 25th that I started on the 1st. We have been learning so many grammar principles it is crazy. It is fun though when you realize you have been saying things all wrong.
Dad I was going to mention that I might call you guys when I head out. But I decided I would surprise you. But it looks like you have caught on. Is there anyway I can call mom. They have phone cards here at the MTC Wal-mart that I can buy.
Well sorry if it seems I am not giving as much detail. We are back to only 30 minutes. In 3 weeks I will be writing those long boring letters again because hopefully I will have more time.
Mom if in one of your next few letters if you could send me some stamps that would be nice. I can buy some here but the ones in the desk draw at home will probably be there when I get home anyway.
Well I will talk to you all later. Everything is going great here. I hope and pray for all of you at home. Remember the gospel is true and there is no way to deny it!
Elder Bair
MTC Mailbox #150
WA-KENN 0216
2005 N 900 E
Provo Utah 84604
(If that isn't a big enough hint I don’t know what is!!)
Not much has been happening around here. We are not allowed to speak English as of January 22nd. I am really excited about this so I can finally put all that I have learned to the test. But the other members of my district especially my companionship are not trying as hard and it is making it difficult when they speak English to you and you try to respond in Spanish. I don't know if you have all realized that I only have 3 weeks from yesterday left. That just blows my mind. Only 98 more weeks left of the mission. I better get baptizing
I am getting kinda nervous to leave but not at the same time. I am excited to get out there but I am nervous for the unknown so I am somewhat content right here.
Our new district has been going well. We are still in the trio. I was looking at the bags that they hand you when you get here the first day to see if there was anyone speaking English going to Kennewick but I didn't see anyone. Maybe it will just be me out there.
Sounds like you all had fun at the Lion King. Leave to Stacy to give me the juicy part about the guy only wearing a loin clothe.
Today we went to the temple and did sealings. Last week we didn't do Endowments but we prefer to do sealings because they take up less time.
I had a little bit of a cold on Thursday. Not to bad but good enough to go a take a nap. I still have the dry cough from it. I finished the book of Mormon on the 25th that I started on the 1st. We have been learning so many grammar principles it is crazy. It is fun though when you realize you have been saying things all wrong.
Dad I was going to mention that I might call you guys when I head out. But I decided I would surprise you. But it looks like you have caught on. Is there anyway I can call mom. They have phone cards here at the MTC Wal-mart that I can buy.
Well sorry if it seems I am not giving as much detail. We are back to only 30 minutes. In 3 weeks I will be writing those long boring letters again because hopefully I will have more time.
Mom if in one of your next few letters if you could send me some stamps that would be nice. I can buy some here but the ones in the desk draw at home will probably be there when I get home anyway.
Well I will talk to you all later. Everything is going great here. I hope and pray for all of you at home. Remember the gospel is true and there is no way to deny it!
Elder Bair
MTC Mailbox #150
WA-KENN 0216
2005 N 900 E
Provo Utah 84604
(If that isn't a big enough hint I don’t know what is!!)
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