UPDATE From The MTC!

Hey everyone! As many of you may recall, I'm now serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I'm almost done with my first week of training in the At-Home MTC (Missionary Training Center). I wanted to start by first explaining some terminology for you: Elder and Sister are titles my church gives to missionaries, followed by their last name. EX: Elder Berry. Today is P-Day (Preparation Day), which is the one day of the week I have to rest from missionary efforts, class, get to email friends, and spend time talking/being with family. "Companions" are other missionaries you are assigned to plan, study, teach, and work with. When you are in the online portion of the MTC, you only see them when you Zoom or video call them, but eventually when you reach the mission field you live with them and stick together. A District is a group of missionaries you are assigned to meet with for classes and group study/updates. My District has 12 members, including me. The Book of Mormon (BOM) is another testament of Jesus Christ that relates teachings also taught in the Bible and contains other books of prophets and apostles God ministered to. We believe it contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is what we missionaries aim to share with the world.

 

 

This week has been such a learning experience, and I've really grown closer to God. Classes are each in 3 hour blocks, and unlike Caden who has a Morning/Afternoon schedule, I have an Afternoon/Evening schedule and don't get out of classes until 9:30. By then, I'm pretty exhausted and get in bed as fast as I can to wake up early the next day at 6:30. This week has been a little tough because I've had to adopt a lot of the missionary standards and focus my attention on a lot of study, planning, and learning 99% of the day. BUT- it's been totally worth it. It's been humbling, my perspectives have changed, and I am beginning to learn what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. My testimony of God and His work has only grown and expanded. 

 

 

My District is INCREDIBLE! We hit it off right from the get-go and talk on a group chat and in breaks between classes whenever we can. We tight. They all have so many different talents and spiritual gifts. One can paint REALLY well, one is skilled in pottery, and another is a rock/fossil collector. But don't get me started on my companion, Elder Montoya. He's a beast. Like literally. He's 6"6'. But what he has in size he also has in spirit. We are very similar and he has been such a good friend and helped me adjust to our new way of life comfortably. After one day you wouldn't have been able to tell we've only been friends for 24 hours. He's actually a writer and started his own novel, which he promised to share with me once it's finished. 

 

 

The coolest thing from this week has been that Elder Montoya and I have had the opportunity to practice teaching lessons. We got to have a virtual role play lesson with Fernanda, who was awesome. We were lucky to have a class that prepared us more than others the day before our lesson. We, too, were able to build on each other, address most of her needs and concerns we had time for, and, most importantly, be led by the Spirit. 

 

 

I'm doing great. I miss you all. I am so excited to go to the Provo MTC next week on Wednesday and meet my companion, district, and teachers in person! I'm even more excited to be doing the Lord's work. England isn't too far away now and the anticipation is through the roof!

 

 

Scripture: (BOM) Alma 27:27—"...and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also toward men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end."

 

 

Sincerely, Elder Berry

 

 

Here's some pics from this week: 

1. My District 

2. Companion Study

3. Cheerios with fruit are Da Bomb

4. The Elder Berry's

5. The Dynamic Duo