Friday, September 27, 2013

MTC Week 2


Things are great over here in the MTC, and the day is getting closer to leave to Oklahoma. I am really excited but also unsure of what to expect. Yesterday we had a 5 hour in-field orientation at main campus. I'm full of new knowledge and can't wait to get out into the field.
Earlier this week on Tuesday I got to sing with the choir during the MTC devotional at the Marriott Center which was an awesome experience. We were honored to listen to two members of the Quorum of the 70. Both of them gave excellent talks on becoming more like Christ.

 "Think outwards not inwards, and you will become the missionary that God wants you to become."
-Elder Bednar

This past week we have been teaching an MTC investigator named Arnold. He is older and his wife passed away in the 1970s. He is a very sad man and has seen alot of wicked in the world from his previous employment doing technical work in prisons. He is very hard hearted, but me and my companion believe we can help him see the good in life. We teach him again tomorrow for the last time, we are thinking about teaching him the restoration again. His story is a lot like Joesph Smith--Arnold has been to a lot of churches, but they all teach differently and he wants to find the truth.

From what I have learned at the MTC I feel like the most important thing I've learned has been that we teach people not lessons. Out in the field each person is going to be different, with different sets of concerns and situations. We must love our investigators in order to teach them effectively. I've seen a huge change in the way I study since I've been here. If you know me I never study or im not very effective at it, but since I've been here I have learned so much, and I am so excited to teach and help the people from Oklahoma.

We have a huge branch in the MTC. Most of the missionaries in our zone are going to Minnesota, Minneapolis but five of us are going to OKC. We have become like a family, and it's kind of sad to think that I won't be seeing more than half of them out in the field. Anyways things are going and clock is ticking, I leave to Oklahoma in 4 days! 


Sincerely, Elder Watkins

 Our District 159A
 some of our zone
sketchbook before bed

Friday, September 20, 2013

MTC Week 1

Things are going great! My best friend Elder Saxton was able to be my host when I got to the MTC. Everything here is crazy organized, the MTC is kind of like a spiritual boot camp. When I got all of my paperwork and folders, Elder Saxton showed me who my companion was which read, Elder Bueno, Jaden. Which was really cool considering that him and I both went to high school together. After I got all of my papers I said goodbye to Elder Saxton and boarded a bus which took me to West Campus, which is the new part of the MTC. Unfortunately Elder Saxton was called to main Campus so I wouldn't really get to speak with him any time soon. The new part of the MTC is really nice, and kind of spoiled. Elder Saxton was a little jealous when he read what part of the MTC I was called to. The main reason being that we get free ice cream and we are able to get Jamba Juice. 

I've had an amazing experience so far, and I won't lie it has not been easy. Waking up early has been the easiest part surprisingly. The power of the Lord is strong. My companion Elder Bueno is awesome, and we have hit it off really well. Today we get to teach our first investigator, which is exciting and nerve-racking, but I think we are ready. 

I am shocked on how much I've already learned, and each day being a new and powerful experience. We have the greatest branch president. Last night he gave one of the greatest morale boosting lectures I have heard so far. He reminded me of Jeffrey R. Holland, a spiritual coach. Last night the Spirit was so strong and I feel like I will be a great missionary now more than ever. 

Today (Friday) we woke up at 5:30 to do grounds cleaning service, which was. It's crazy how many Lone Peak graduates are here right now, especially since my companion is one. Things are going good and sorry this letter is all over the place, we have learned so much and I can't really think straight. Also I'm sorry there aren't any photos yet, the computers here are a bit different.

Thank you for your letters.

Kia Ngawari,  Elder Watkins