December 23, 2013

Alrighty, so it's been a long week and a half. First off, my P-day is on Monday, so expect one of these on such! A little bit about my last week in the MTC: when they say "make it to the first sunday", they mean it! It blew by, but the field is not the same way. This first week was really drag-y. My dear firend Elder Phipps had to go home because he had some back problems. The crazy thing is the first restaurant we saw in the airport in NC was called Phipps diner. I mean really, what are the odds? I've learned something about myself: I hate flying. I had a big anxiety attack and was sick all day. I apologize to those who saw me in the airport while that was all going on, I was a wreck. I assure you I'm good now! I am very homesick, but that's expected, especially around Christmas time. My first area is in High Point, NC, and my address is 145 Hartley, High Point NC, apartment C.

My new companion's name is Elder Leishman, and he's gonna take some getting used to. He's really good at making me follow the rules, but he kind of slacks off himself. He also doesn't tell me anything. He just looks at me and expects me to figure it out myself because apparently that's the best way to learn. Not for me! Just tell me what I need to do and I'll do it. He's not all bad though, he is a good teacher and we get along just fine.

The field is not as white here in High Point. A lot of people will talk to us when we first meet them, but won't open up to a return appointment. So for now we're teaching some less-active members and going through some former investigators, seeing if they are still interested.

Apparently my mission president, President Craven, is one of the best. Even the quorum of the twelve speak highly of him. It's very easy to confirm that just with one meeting with him.

I hope I didn't miss anything, but for the sake of time I must go.

Elder Matthew B Gardner

1 John 1:4

December 12, 2013

So my first week at the MTC was a crazy one. They have every minute of every day planned out for you. Regardless, it fills your day with good things. So my district consists of 3 other elders and 4 sisters. My companion is Elder Morrow, a guy from the marine corps who got relieved of duty to come on a mission. Me and him work well together, but sometimes our differences get in the way and we'd rather hang out with other people, specifically the other Elders in our room. He likes Elder Bishop, a small guy with a big voice. He has a comment for everything. I like Elder Phipps, who is actually a lot like me. He likes to draw, likes the same things I do, similar personalities, and he's a nerd! The Sisters in our district are Sister Lamborn: a ditzy kind of girl who plays basketball, but she's very pretty and has a nice spirit. Sister Rawlings: Also very pretty, but she's a huge nerd! Definitely not the kind of girl I expected her to be. But she's fun to talk to. Sister Clark: also a huge nerd, but she looks the part. She's very shy but also has a sweet spirit. Then there's Sister Peterson: a very shy and humble person. She's fun to talk to and will be friends with anyone.

So the second night we were here (Thursday), we met our branch presidency. They interviewed us and appointed district leaders. Elder Morrow and I were called over our district. Later that Sunday we were called to be Zone Leaders. Usually we'd have more responsibilities, but since we didn't get any new missionaries the week after us all we have to do is go to one extra meeting and check on how everyone's doing. There's definitely a different feel around here, this is dedicated ground after all. A lot of good experiences, but my favorite at the moment is the opportunities I've had to exercise my priesthood. I've received one blessing and have given three, and what I want to talk about is the one I gave Elder Jackman. Elder Jackman is in a different district, and they called Elder Morrow and I as zone leaders to step in and help give blessings. I found out afterwards that Elder Jackman had to be pushed to get one, and the one I gave was his very first one. I felt inspired for sure, I mean I don't even remember his first name. I just hope it helps.

Luckily I haven't felt too homesick yet, and the nights are okay, but I sure do miss my own bed. There's a cabinet outside our room with a bunch of extra sheets and pillows, and it was open for the few new missionaries that did come in. Needless to say we raided the left overs and having two pillows again gave me one of the best nights sleep here.

Attached (hopefully) is a picture of the Provo Temple. We got to walk up to it on Sunday. Unfortunately it's closed for cleaning, so it's only a picture from the front gate, but it's good nonetheless!

Also here's a picure of the first vision I drew on the white board in our classroom

That's all for this week, next time I'll be in North Carolina!

-Elder Matthew B Gardner

1 John 1:4

December 9, 2013

Mom & Dad, 

I got your letter today, but not the chocolates. You probably just mailed them at different times. My P-day isn't 'til Thursday (at least in the MTC anyway). so I won't be able to see the e-mails for a bit. And no, I didn't get last Thursday off. My companion and I were made district leaders, and then zone leaders on Sunday. BTW, Sundays at the MTC are awesome. So far I've given 2 blessings and received 1. I've seen Aryn quite a few times, and it's been alright. Everyone in our district looks at me like I'm crazy because "They could never do that." I don't think it's that bad.

I've been struggling with why I'm here. Like what's my purpose? I'll figure it out. Feel free to share some stuff with Bishop. He wanted to hear from me, but I don't have a whole lot of time to write letters.

There are some Polynesians a couple of floors down that like to chant. EVERY. NIGHT. A COUPLE FLOORS DOWN. Just saying.

Love you,
Matthew Gardner
1 John 1:4

P.S. Make sure to tell everyone who wants a weekly update from me to e-mail me first. mattattack@myldsmail.net

December 4, 2013

Dear Mom & Dad, 

This is the end of the first night here at the MTC. It's certainly different. Some things are better than I expected, some things are worse, but over all just different. My companion is Elder Morrow, a guy who's in the Marine Corps and who I perceived to be very sarcastic and cocky at times (which he is). but as soon as he let loose his spirit you could tell it was pure. I shouldn't judge too harshly. I can tell we'll get along fine. We're in the same dorm as Elder Bishop, a loud little spitfire, and Elder Phipps, who actually has a lot in common with me. The food was pretty good, but nothing like everyone else made it out to be. Today was so long! But I did actually learn a lot. There was an activity we did when an "investigator" came in and we did some role playing as a whole class (there was a lot of us). I (thinking it was an actor) perked up and said something, and it turns out they were real! People that really have questions come to the MTC to help us learn as well. I helped someone hopefully come to Christ. Like I said, today was packed. It already feels like a long time since you dropped me off, and the next two weeks are gonna be the same. I'll write to you again.

With love, 
Matt Gardner