January 28, 2015 10:57 AM
Yep, Wednesday P-Day now! Bummer for Austin, maybe next year on state cup, so close!
Wish Emily luck on Math! She can do it, make Mrs. Bowen proud! Impact final isn't one to stress over and making plays in German is always fun :)
Fun, having missionaries over for dinner, thinking of me and the families who will feed me, Mom ;) ? Good missionaries coming over, the follow up is important, "we invite, they commit, we follow up" as missionaries, if you're not committed to their invitation you won't benefit! Follow up with me too. Austin was probably stoked to talk about his love for guns with someone haha, keep that guy safe while I'm gone.
Yay! Glad to hear preschool is going well, let me know who's in the class when everything is worked out.
Sweet! You chatted with one of my German teachers [BYU Teacher]? [Here Hayden is talking about his MTC Teacher...I caused him some confusion in my email to him] I've met two so far and I think we'll have one sub. Both teachers are really good, loved their missions and are excited for us, excited to share things that they learned and principles of missionary work.
It's nice to speak German again. I've been reading the scriptures and preach my gospel in German, but now I read out loud as well and speak with missionaries and the teachers. The missionaries are doing well and learning really fast for how short of a time they've been in the MTC, [list of MTCs]it's cool to see so much growth. When I talked with the branch president he asked me if I could tutor other missionaries and that will be happening soon. I know gospel vocabulary and German really well already and want to either learn a lot or be productive in helping others learn, tutoring will be great.
Watching Elder Bednar's talk "The Character of Christ" (the other day really inspired me to reach out to others more, not think of the mtc as "what can I get and what can I learn here", but as a "how can I help" experience. Elder Bednar illustrated a powerful aspect of Christ's character as he highlighted personal experiences and selfless acts in Christ's life. (Garden of Gethsemane, healing a guard's ear, and many others, highly recommend studying Christ's life more. All about turning away from ourselves when life gets hard and looking first to help and support others. Such a powerful message.
I also really like the International (advanced language district) that I was in for the last few weeks. Going through the the doctrine of Christ so quickly and learning how to teach was great. Teaching isn't about simply knowing the material to teach. So much more important is caring about people, listening to them, and working to help them to be happier. The teachers were awesome, the companions and other missionaries there were great too! (may have mentioned some of these in past letters, only so much time to email, not checking what I've already written)
Yep, I saw Elder Chamberlin in the MTC! Good to chat and reconnect with him :)
Love,
Elder Blanchard
Wednesday, January 28, 2015 11:07 AM
Trevor and I are not companions actually. With scheduling changes and such I'm actually with Elder Barnhill and Elder Klingler (different district, same Zone as Elder Ashby). Both great missionaries, fun district. Most people haven't taken much German at all, but like I said in the other email, they learn fast!
I moved to this district on Monday. Nope, my situation is Very unique, people are surprised that I'm fluent in German already. I have the first vision memorized in German and English, I read out loud a lot in German to improve my speaking and pronunciation, review grammar a lot, and I help other missionaries. I'll be tutoring soon.
Glad to hear Ashley's [Elliot, going to Portugal] talk went well, will I see her in the MTC here or is she going to a different one? I've seen a lot of BYU friends as missionaries and working in the Cafeteria. Also, one of Taylor's german teachers from when he was here is now my teacher! An elder who did an exchange with him once also teaches here, so many connections.
The dear elders work, thank you! I try to answer those when I write emails, I'll go back and double check. And enjoy ward conferences Dad! support the great youth in our stake!
Thank you!
Elder Blanchard
PS
Do you know about dearelder.com? It is a website for the MTC where you can search a missionary and send them an e-mail that gets printed and delivered to our mailbox every day, same day you wrote it! (unit #: 158, Mission Code: GER-FRA, Date: FEB25)
Some back information about how a Mission Area is Organized.
“It is wisdom in me; therefore, a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall organize yourselves and appoint every man his stewardship” (D&C 104:11). Additional scriptures: D&C 104:12; 136:2–3, 15–16
Your mission is organized according to the same principles that govern other basic organizations in the Church. Your mission president has been called of God and set apart. He holds the keys to preside over the mission and direct the work (see D&C 65:2; 124:143). He will help you maintain your spiritual and temporal welfare and help you fulfill your purpose as a missionary (see Preach My Gospel, p. 1). He assigns district and zone leaders to help him strengthen, support, and train you in your work. He also assigns two elders as assistants to help him plan, prepare, and present training and supervise the work.
You and your companion are assigned to a specific proselyting area. You represent the Lord in this area and are responsible for obtaining His direction in carrying out your assignment and blessing the people there.
…
When you have questions or concerns, your first source of help is your Father in Heaven. Seek His guidance through the scriptures and personal revelation. Your companion and your district and zone leaders are your next sources of support. They can help you with everyday matters. For special needs, such as illness or confidential matters, talk with your mission president.
