Dear Family,
I am getting so excited to leave! Time has flown and I am leaving in less than two weeks now. It's great, for the first time, an English-speaking district came in today and we get to leave before they do! The language is coming along great. This week in the TRC, we taught the 3rd lesson, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was awesome. I didn't use any notes at all and we had a great lesson, an actual discussion, with the investigators. We only have one more time to teach, then the next week it's the real thing!
I don't remember if I told you guys, but I've been singing in the MTC choir. It's great, I love it. We've sung some really awesome songs and they are fun. I've been singing tenor, trying to increase ye olde vocal range. It's pretty crazy, I'm actually a pretty decent singer.
Sorry I never mentioned anything about the blog, Mom. I think it's an awesome idea. It's a great way to keep everyone updated. Do you put pictures up, too? I really like when you send other people's comments to me in your letters, so keep doing it.
I've been getting packages and letters from many people. I got your Valentine's package. Thank you!
Yeah, President Ashby and his wife were confused about the 17 going to Romania as well. But all of us are speaking Romanian. There aren't Russian speakers going with us.
The language really isn't too frustrating. They only thing is that I still can't roll my R's all the way. I mean, I can do it but I can't hold it yet. We're supposed SYL [speak your language] all the time, as much as we can, but our district isn't very good about that.
I did write Victor [his Russian pen pal] and he knows I am gong to Romania. I haven't written him since I got here. I need his address.
The MTC Bookstore actually sells a lot . It has everything from food and drinks to church books in different languages to laundry supplies. It's pretty useful. No, I don't have my flight plans yet but I'm sure it won't be too long now.
Well, life here is slow and fast. A week feels like a day and a day feels like a week. It's weird to think I've been here seven weeks. Well, I included some pictures. [I will include them soon.] Hope you enjoy. I love you all, Have a great week!
Love, Elder Ross
P.S. I showed off the article of J. to everyone! It was way cool and I was proud to show everyone my brother! [Email us and we can tell you about the article.]
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Feb 14 - Pictures
Me at the Referral Center
Me with Elder P. I hated playing basketball with him; he's a big boy.
With two of the baddest missionaries that have been in my zone!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Letter written Feb. 14
Dear Family
Happy Valentine's Day! It's been a very good Valentine's for me; I got 3 packages and a letter yesterday! A small package and a letter from E. and a package from each of the grandparents. Make sure to tell the grandparents thanks. I have never been in short supply of food and I'm pretty much the envy of everyone else. People always come to me because they know I'm the man with the hook-ups!
The MTC is going well and the language is coming along great. Elder B. and I are preparing to teach the next TRC lesson without any outline. This last time at the TRC was incredible. We taught about the Plan of Salvation and were still wrapping it up after 40 mins when time ran out. Fratele Norris said it looked too easy for us so halfway in, he sent in Fratele Orme to mix it up. It was fun! He said it looked like we had been out in the field for a couple months already. And everyone who watched us said we look extremely relaxed and comfortable teaching. It's great to feel the Spirit work through me.
I had a great experience teaching district meeting Sunday. Oh it was so cool! Elder R and I were asked to teach at the district meeting this morning. It lasts an hour and we were given the topic of Jesus Christ, only the biggest topic in the history of the church. So we decided to teach on how we can feel our Savior's love and draw closer to Him. We read through most of chapters 9-11 in 3 Nephi (highly recommend you read it) and discussed and analyzed it with the district. It was so sweet, we both bore really good testimonies and the Spirit was working through us and was felt by everyone. President Cochran (the branch president) stood up after and said, "Those were 19 year old men and they just gave an incredible lesson." Then in Sacrament Meeting, he talked about how he had heard this morning the best lesson he's ever listened to and how no one in the room could deny the Spirit. Oh! I'm so excited, the Lord is beginning to work through me and use me. It's exhilarating!
So my nightly workouts have started something big! I asked Elder G. to "coach" me, just to give a good workout with lots of different muscle builders. He knows a lot about exercise. Anyway, now, like 10-15 join in his workout. It's sweet and it's pretty intense. We call it "General G's House of Pain."
Oh, I've seen Dallin [one of his best friends as a preschooler] a few times here and talked to him. It was cool, he's way excited to serve. He actually left yesterday, I think. I've seen Josh a couple times, too but haven't been able to talk to him for very long. Oh, and I've seen Andrew (Mark's cousin) and talked to him a bunch. It's crazy how many people I know here, some from last semester, too.
Peter [his cousin] sent me a letter! It was great to hear from him. I'm sure you guys have heard more so I won't give you his news, which is like a month old.
It's really cool, we have a deaf Elder in our zone again so when we go to the temple, we get to see the subtitles. It's cool to read because a lot of times I get something new out of it that way. I'm going to miss that most of all, the temple, I mean when I go to Romania. And the breakfasts we eat in the temple cafeteria after session. It's the best food we eat all week.
On Sunday night, I've probably already told you this, we get to watch a movie. Last Sunday, it was the Testaments. I love that movie so much. It means even more because I've drawn so much closer to my Savior and felt so much more of His love since I've been here.
Tell Pietr or his family to tell him to write me. He will probably need my address. I haven't heard from him yet. Get that punk to write me.
Dad - Thanks for the update on conference! It sounds like it was awesome! The new English-speaking elders in my zone (some of them) are going to Portland. So maybe you'll see them.
Mom- How are you doing? Keeping the kids under control? Haha! It sounds like you are very busy but that is good. Thanks for your "I Knows" They are seriously a help and a strength.
J - It's great to hear you've been reading "Preach my Gospel."
S - Thanks for your letters. They are great! Thanks for the drawings too. They are very cool. Man, I was thinking about it and you will be so grown up when I get back. Just stay smiley and be friends with everyone.
I would love to hear about the youngest ones. Write and tell me what you are doing, okay? Love each other and help each other out. Be good and listen to Mom.
Well, it's about that time. Have an amazing week and I love you all!
Love, Elder Ross
PS I hope you like the pics. In case you forgot, I labeled myself on the back! [I will post these in a day or two.]
Happy Valentine's Day! It's been a very good Valentine's for me; I got 3 packages and a letter yesterday! A small package and a letter from E. and a package from each of the grandparents. Make sure to tell the grandparents thanks. I have never been in short supply of food and I'm pretty much the envy of everyone else. People always come to me because they know I'm the man with the hook-ups!
The MTC is going well and the language is coming along great. Elder B. and I are preparing to teach the next TRC lesson without any outline. This last time at the TRC was incredible. We taught about the Plan of Salvation and were still wrapping it up after 40 mins when time ran out. Fratele Norris said it looked too easy for us so halfway in, he sent in Fratele Orme to mix it up. It was fun! He said it looked like we had been out in the field for a couple months already. And everyone who watched us said we look extremely relaxed and comfortable teaching. It's great to feel the Spirit work through me.
I had a great experience teaching district meeting Sunday. Oh it was so cool! Elder R and I were asked to teach at the district meeting this morning. It lasts an hour and we were given the topic of Jesus Christ, only the biggest topic in the history of the church. So we decided to teach on how we can feel our Savior's love and draw closer to Him. We read through most of chapters 9-11 in 3 Nephi (highly recommend you read it) and discussed and analyzed it with the district. It was so sweet, we both bore really good testimonies and the Spirit was working through us and was felt by everyone. President Cochran (the branch president) stood up after and said, "Those were 19 year old men and they just gave an incredible lesson." Then in Sacrament Meeting, he talked about how he had heard this morning the best lesson he's ever listened to and how no one in the room could deny the Spirit. Oh! I'm so excited, the Lord is beginning to work through me and use me. It's exhilarating!
So my nightly workouts have started something big! I asked Elder G. to "coach" me, just to give a good workout with lots of different muscle builders. He knows a lot about exercise. Anyway, now, like 10-15 join in his workout. It's sweet and it's pretty intense. We call it "General G's House of Pain."
Oh, I've seen Dallin [one of his best friends as a preschooler] a few times here and talked to him. It was cool, he's way excited to serve. He actually left yesterday, I think. I've seen Josh a couple times, too but haven't been able to talk to him for very long. Oh, and I've seen Andrew (Mark's cousin) and talked to him a bunch. It's crazy how many people I know here, some from last semester, too.
Peter [his cousin] sent me a letter! It was great to hear from him. I'm sure you guys have heard more so I won't give you his news, which is like a month old.
It's really cool, we have a deaf Elder in our zone again so when we go to the temple, we get to see the subtitles. It's cool to read because a lot of times I get something new out of it that way. I'm going to miss that most of all, the temple, I mean when I go to Romania. And the breakfasts we eat in the temple cafeteria after session. It's the best food we eat all week.
On Sunday night, I've probably already told you this, we get to watch a movie. Last Sunday, it was the Testaments. I love that movie so much. It means even more because I've drawn so much closer to my Savior and felt so much more of His love since I've been here.
Tell Pietr or his family to tell him to write me. He will probably need my address. I haven't heard from him yet. Get that punk to write me.
Dad - Thanks for the update on conference! It sounds like it was awesome! The new English-speaking elders in my zone (some of them) are going to Portland. So maybe you'll see them.
Mom- How are you doing? Keeping the kids under control? Haha! It sounds like you are very busy but that is good. Thanks for your "I Knows" They are seriously a help and a strength.
J - It's great to hear you've been reading "Preach my Gospel."
S - Thanks for your letters. They are great! Thanks for the drawings too. They are very cool. Man, I was thinking about it and you will be so grown up when I get back. Just stay smiley and be friends with everyone.
I would love to hear about the youngest ones. Write and tell me what you are doing, okay? Love each other and help each other out. Be good and listen to Mom.
Well, it's about that time. Have an amazing week and I love you all!
Love, Elder Ross
PS I hope you like the pics. In case you forgot, I labeled myself on the back! [I will post these in a day or two.]
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Letter written Feb. 7, 2007
Hey Family,
How is everyone doing? The MTC is going well, it's extremely reptitious, but its going well. I can't believe I've been here over a month now!! Today, Josh [his college roommate] is coming in so hopefully I'll see him. The MTC is supposed to be the slowest part of the mission and it is going fast! In less than 4 weeks, I'll be in Romania!
This week was the first week we taught at the TRC in Romanian. It was crazy! Elder B. and I had our lesson written down but we said a lot of stuff on the spot, making it up as we went. We understood, too, when the investigator gave us answers. It was sweet and a blessing. Afterwards, Fratele Norris said he was especially impressed with us and we were incredible! Oh, at the end of the lesson, the investigator asked how to pray, and Elder B and I hadn't practiced teaching that. Elder B, being the nice guy he is, haha, turned to me. Then I taught the guy how to pray and it was actually pretty good. It was so sweet! I want to go to Romania now!
Last night, Elder Richard G. Scott spoke at our devotional on prayer. It was really good and then afterward he wanted to shake all of the missionaries' hands so I stood in line for an hour to shake his hand.
The MTC really isn't that exciting . . . it's the same thing day after day, week after week. The language is coming along and I'm growing in the Gospel. Wow, I saw Grandma and Grandpa L. at the temple this morning! It was crazy! I talked with them for a few minutes. What a coincidence. I was shocked when I saw them at first but it was great to talk to them. [I talked with Dad L, who recently moved close to the MTC. He said the whole thing was a nice blessing. He and Mom had driven around and around the temple trying to find a parking spot, then ended up parking far away. As they were walking into the temple, they happened to see Ross leaving. They had a quick visit, not wanting to detain Ross.]
Well, not a lot to write. Have a great week everyone! I love you all.
Elder L.
P.S. Thanks for the stamps. I'll send some pics next week.
How is everyone doing? The MTC is going well, it's extremely reptitious, but its going well. I can't believe I've been here over a month now!! Today, Josh [his college roommate] is coming in so hopefully I'll see him. The MTC is supposed to be the slowest part of the mission and it is going fast! In less than 4 weeks, I'll be in Romania!
This week was the first week we taught at the TRC in Romanian. It was crazy! Elder B. and I had our lesson written down but we said a lot of stuff on the spot, making it up as we went. We understood, too, when the investigator gave us answers. It was sweet and a blessing. Afterwards, Fratele Norris said he was especially impressed with us and we were incredible! Oh, at the end of the lesson, the investigator asked how to pray, and Elder B and I hadn't practiced teaching that. Elder B, being the nice guy he is, haha, turned to me. Then I taught the guy how to pray and it was actually pretty good. It was so sweet! I want to go to Romania now!
Last night, Elder Richard G. Scott spoke at our devotional on prayer. It was really good and then afterward he wanted to shake all of the missionaries' hands so I stood in line for an hour to shake his hand.
The MTC really isn't that exciting . . . it's the same thing day after day, week after week. The language is coming along and I'm growing in the Gospel. Wow, I saw Grandma and Grandpa L. at the temple this morning! It was crazy! I talked with them for a few minutes. What a coincidence. I was shocked when I saw them at first but it was great to talk to them. [I talked with Dad L, who recently moved close to the MTC. He said the whole thing was a nice blessing. He and Mom had driven around and around the temple trying to find a parking spot, then ended up parking far away. As they were walking into the temple, they happened to see Ross leaving. They had a quick visit, not wanting to detain Ross.]
Well, not a lot to write. Have a great week everyone! I love you all.
Elder L.
P.S. Thanks for the stamps. I'll send some pics next week.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Letter written Jan. 31, 2007
Hey family,
How is everything going? The MTC is going well! Still can't wait until I'm in Romania, though. Our district is back to 17 . . . Elder D. switched to English-speaking and is actually already in the field! He's in Canada, Toronto. It's too bad but maybe the Lord knew that and so we got Elder Williams, so we are still a district of 17.
We got a new teacher, Fratele Irion. He's way cool; he just got off his mission in September. So for now, our district has 5 teachers because Fratele Orme and Sora Jensen will be helping us until the new Romanian district arrives on the 14th. Speaking of new districts, I'm excited to meet the new district in our branch that is coming in today. And next week, Josh [his BYU roommate] is coming in to the MTC. That'll be way cool to see him.
My branch president is president Cochran. He knows some American Sign Language but no other languages. His counselors are Brother Stone and Brother Yerkes, who is a convert. They're all great guys.
I've seen Katie [a high school friend who works at the MTC cafeteria] and talked to her a couple times and I've seen Doug in the techie box but haven't gotten to talk to him yet. My companion is Elder B. He's from St. George. He's a crazy guy; he keeps us all entertained.
One of my favorite things is the RC. Last Friday or Saturday, we were doing outbound calls. My first call I talked to this lady, Ruby. I talked to her, bore testimony and I felt that she would take the missionaries. When I asked if she would like the missionaries, she said no, but I had already felt she would so I talked to her more, bore more testimony and promised blessings, then asked her again. She said no, I don't know about that. So I talked to her more and testified and told her how great it would be. Finally she agreed to meet with the missionaries and even seemed excited about it.
It was great. I gave every single person multiple chanced to take the missionaries but no one else would. I want the to have the Gospel so bad but thy wouldn't open up to it. It was frustrating but I learned a lot. The Lord prepares people, not me.
Dad - uhh, there's a slight chance I might have taken your suit and left my own green one. [Funny thing - G's suit disappeared about a month ago and we couldn't find it, then yesterday, just before the letter arrived, J came upstairs with Ross' suit and asked why Ross didn't take his suit. Mystery solved! Now we just need to switch the two suits.]
The language is coming. We teaching in Romanian on Monday in the TRC so that'll be a big test of my proficiency. Fratele Norris said of all the Romance languages, Romanian is probably the hardest. It's fun though. Te iubesc (tay you-bese) - I love you (to one person); Va iubesc - I love you (plural).
J-The food isn't bad but be grateful you have homemade food. I can't wait to go to Romania. Our teachers said the food is really good, especially the bread. The MTC is a great place, I'm making friends that I'll keep for life. I'm ready to leave and do the real work.
It was nice to get a letter from Guy and Stephanie. Tell them thanks and if they are sending a package, chips and salsa are hot items here. It's great to hear from them.
Well, laundry is done. I need to go. Have a great week everyone! I love you all!
Drag (love),
Elder L.
How is everything going? The MTC is going well! Still can't wait until I'm in Romania, though. Our district is back to 17 . . . Elder D. switched to English-speaking and is actually already in the field! He's in Canada, Toronto. It's too bad but maybe the Lord knew that and so we got Elder Williams, so we are still a district of 17.
We got a new teacher, Fratele Irion. He's way cool; he just got off his mission in September. So for now, our district has 5 teachers because Fratele Orme and Sora Jensen will be helping us until the new Romanian district arrives on the 14th. Speaking of new districts, I'm excited to meet the new district in our branch that is coming in today. And next week, Josh [his BYU roommate] is coming in to the MTC. That'll be way cool to see him.
My branch president is president Cochran. He knows some American Sign Language but no other languages. His counselors are Brother Stone and Brother Yerkes, who is a convert. They're all great guys.
I've seen Katie [a high school friend who works at the MTC cafeteria] and talked to her a couple times and I've seen Doug in the techie box but haven't gotten to talk to him yet. My companion is Elder B. He's from St. George. He's a crazy guy; he keeps us all entertained.
One of my favorite things is the RC. Last Friday or Saturday, we were doing outbound calls. My first call I talked to this lady, Ruby. I talked to her, bore testimony and I felt that she would take the missionaries. When I asked if she would like the missionaries, she said no, but I had already felt she would so I talked to her more, bore more testimony and promised blessings, then asked her again. She said no, I don't know about that. So I talked to her more and testified and told her how great it would be. Finally she agreed to meet with the missionaries and even seemed excited about it.
It was great. I gave every single person multiple chanced to take the missionaries but no one else would. I want the to have the Gospel so bad but thy wouldn't open up to it. It was frustrating but I learned a lot. The Lord prepares people, not me.
Dad - uhh, there's a slight chance I might have taken your suit and left my own green one. [Funny thing - G's suit disappeared about a month ago and we couldn't find it, then yesterday, just before the letter arrived, J came upstairs with Ross' suit and asked why Ross didn't take his suit. Mystery solved! Now we just need to switch the two suits.]
The language is coming. We teaching in Romanian on Monday in the TRC so that'll be a big test of my proficiency. Fratele Norris said of all the Romance languages, Romanian is probably the hardest. It's fun though. Te iubesc (tay you-bese) - I love you (to one person); Va iubesc - I love you (plural).
J-The food isn't bad but be grateful you have homemade food. I can't wait to go to Romania. Our teachers said the food is really good, especially the bread. The MTC is a great place, I'm making friends that I'll keep for life. I'm ready to leave and do the real work.
It was nice to get a letter from Guy and Stephanie. Tell them thanks and if they are sending a package, chips and salsa are hot items here. It's great to hear from them.
Well, laundry is done. I need to go. Have a great week everyone! I love you all!
Drag (love),
Elder L.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Wed., Jan. 24, 2007
On Saturday, Jer went to get the mail. Garn told him to bring back a letter from Ross. (The last one had just come on Wednesday, a week after his p-day.) I told Jer I would give him a big kiss if he brought a letter back. That wasn't much motivation for an 8-year-old boy. When he brought back the mail, he held something behind his back. He was hoping to escape the "reward" but didn't! I am a bit slow getting the letter posted.
Dear Family,
I haven't gotten letters so I'll just tell what I've been up to since I don't have anything to respond to. [We mail his letters on Monday so he probably received ours right after he wrote this.]
Oh man, the hardest part for me has been getting good sleep. It usually takes me a while to fall asleep. I think the biggest problem is that dinner is at 4:30! Ridiculous, I know. And so, I'm not used to my stomach being so empty and so I wake up feeling sick. Hopefully, I get used to this schedule. [We took pity on him and sent a box with snacks.]
Wow, last time we did service, I had to clean toilets. It's a dreaded job but I did it. It's amazing how many 19-year-men "men" don't know how to flush!
The Spirit here has been great. I can feel the Lord working in me and making me to be a greater instrument. This is a place where I am really happy and I know this is where I'm supposed to be.
The Romanian district ahead of us left on Monday! I'm way excited for them and I'm sure they're doing great. Oh, and remember how I said my district had 17 people and was the largest district ever? [He had never told us this but now we know.] Now there are 18 of us! Elder Williams was going to Romania as a Russian-speaking missionary. Now his call has been changed [to Romanian-speaking, I assume] and he has changed into our district. Crazy, huh?
Well, it has been great here. I'm changing a lot. Not my personality, don't worry, but my faith and knowledge and trust in the Lord. The Referral Center is an awesome experience and the only real missionary work we get to do here. I've sent out lots of missionaries so hopefully people let them in and accept their great message.
How is everyone? What is everyone working on? Keep in touch!
Love, Elder L
PS There were so many people in the temple this morning! I love the temple so much, it's the highlight of my week.
Dear Family,
I haven't gotten letters so I'll just tell what I've been up to since I don't have anything to respond to. [We mail his letters on Monday so he probably received ours right after he wrote this.]
Oh man, the hardest part for me has been getting good sleep. It usually takes me a while to fall asleep. I think the biggest problem is that dinner is at 4:30! Ridiculous, I know. And so, I'm not used to my stomach being so empty and so I wake up feeling sick. Hopefully, I get used to this schedule. [We took pity on him and sent a box with snacks.]
Wow, last time we did service, I had to clean toilets. It's a dreaded job but I did it. It's amazing how many 19-year-men "men" don't know how to flush!
The Spirit here has been great. I can feel the Lord working in me and making me to be a greater instrument. This is a place where I am really happy and I know this is where I'm supposed to be.
The Romanian district ahead of us left on Monday! I'm way excited for them and I'm sure they're doing great. Oh, and remember how I said my district had 17 people and was the largest district ever? [He had never told us this but now we know.] Now there are 18 of us! Elder Williams was going to Romania as a Russian-speaking missionary. Now his call has been changed [to Romanian-speaking, I assume] and he has changed into our district. Crazy, huh?
Well, it has been great here. I'm changing a lot. Not my personality, don't worry, but my faith and knowledge and trust in the Lord. The Referral Center is an awesome experience and the only real missionary work we get to do here. I've sent out lots of missionaries so hopefully people let them in and accept their great message.
How is everyone? What is everyone working on? Keep in touch!
Love, Elder L
PS There were so many people in the temple this morning! I love the temple so much, it's the highlight of my week.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Dear Grandpa and Grandma Loveland
With our family letter, Ross included two extra letters to be send on to the appropriate people. We included much of the letters here. We wrote him about the blog and said we could pass along messages, either privately or on the blog. As you read between the lines in his letters, you can tell letters really help him, and all other missionaries!
Dear Grandma and Grandpa L,
How are you doing? Life here at the MTC moves slowly but it is great. I'm luck to have family that is so supportive.
And especially to have family that is such an example to me. Peter and Brandon have been huge examples and I look up to them and forward to when I'll be able to see them again. [Ross' cousins who are serving missions in Germany and Hong Kong, respectively.] Both of you are also great examples to me and I know your missions have blessed all of the L clan.
There are so many things to do and so much to learn and study, so sorry my letter is so short. Thank you so much again. I love you lots. Take care
Elder Ross L
Dear Grandma and Grandpa L,
How are you doing? Life here at the MTC moves slowly but it is great. I'm luck to have family that is so supportive.
And especially to have family that is such an example to me. Peter and Brandon have been huge examples and I look up to them and forward to when I'll be able to see them again. [Ross' cousins who are serving missions in Germany and Hong Kong, respectively.] Both of you are also great examples to me and I know your missions have blessed all of the L clan.
There are so many things to do and so much to learn and study, so sorry my letter is so short. Thank you so much again. I love you lots. Take care
Elder Ross L
Family Letter - Jan. 17, 2007
Left: Ross with his companion Elder B.Below: Zone leaders Elder Stinson [if I am reading it right] and Elder Kirk.
Left: Sister Anderson, Ross, Elder B (comp), Elder Stroud and Elder Eliason. (The other three are part of the Romanian district ahead of Ross' group.)
Dear Family,
It's pretty hard to believe I have been here two weeks yet at the same time it feels like I have lived here forever. The days drag but the weeks fly. The language is coming slowly. We've learned how to pray and to testify and on Friday I am teaching the 1st lesson for 5 minutes. It won't be anything special, I'm sure.
The devotional yesterday was Gerald N. Lund. It was a really good talk on revelation. I was hoping for more stories abut it was still good. I learned a lot.
Man, the whole first week I was sick. It wasn't bad, I just had a cough and it took me awhile to fall asleep every night. I'm better now, except my knee hurts. I must have hurt it in basketball, but now it hurts mostly just when I take stairs. Which is rough because my classroom is on the 4th floor! I'm sure it will get better though.
It was really cool at the temple this morning. My knee was killing me on the walk there but when I was in the temple (there are a lot of stairs) it didn't hurt at all. Afterward, it hurt again but it was a nice blessing.
My companion Elder B has been sick lately with a nasty cough. He's starting to get better now. Elder G, who is in my room, is really sick. He has pneumonia and bronchitis and maybe even mono. If he doesn't improve soon, he will have a mono test. It's crazy much sickness is here! Don't worry, though, I have an amazing immune system.
Once again, I am writing you while in the laundry room. It's the best time to do it. I got your package today. It was nice to get all that stuff. Those envelopes are ridiculously small as you saw from these letters.
Dad - How is work going? Thanks for that last letter. Gym time is always looked forward to. I'm trying my best to work hard every day and to have fun every day, too. [That was part of the counsel Pres. Lundgren gave Ross when he was set apart as a missionary.]
Mom - Sounds like business is keeping you pretty busy and is doing well. I'm sure you'll be able to handle everything, you've always been good at balancing life.
J - What's up? So you're doing Mr. Cougar again, huh? You better win this year. How're the ladies treating you? Work hard in school, it means a lot for your future. You better send me a letter soon.
S - What are you doing these days? I hope you're still playing the piano. There are some really good piano players here and they are awesome. Elder Sumbot [sp?] (a roommate) writes his own songs, its awesome. Don't grow up too fast!
J -Balla! What are you doing? Doing any sports right now? How do you like school? Keep it real and keep working hard in school. You're a smart kid!
A - Are you being good? Many, you are going to be so big when I see you again! Be extra nice to your brothers and sisters for me okay?
W - You are a champion! Are you liking school? What have you been doing, Wes? Thanks for the note, buddy. Keep working hard in school, W and when I get back, you can read to me. Sound good?
Well, life is exciting but life is slow here in the MTC. I wish I was out in the field right now.
Take care everyone. I love your all a lot and pray for you every night. Keep sending those letters and maybe some packages! Voi iubesc!
Love, Elder Ross L
Letter to Seminary Class
This letter is to the Freshman Seminary class. The class had written letters to missionaries the first week in January.
Sister Hawkins and her Seminary class,
It was great to get your letters. Missionaries are always very excited to get mail. It was great to hear that you are studying about missionary work. You can never start too early; especially focus on your scripture mastery. It is so helpful to know where certain verses are. I wish I had done better on memorizing those.
For all those of you thinking of going on a mission (which should be all of the guys, at least), really focus on Preach My Gospel. If you know that book, you are ready to go out int he mission It is the outline of everything you do and teach.
I was calling people, making confirmation calls, to people who ordered stuff from the church, and I talked with a Mormon mom whose son called in. She said (he is about the same age as you), he had already handed out about six Book of Mormons and gave out Pass Along cards everywhere he went, like the grocery store. Realize that each one of you has been given something so special, the path to our Father in Heaven and a great plan of happiness. Try to be like this boy and share your blessings. I know you will have success.
Thanks again and don't breeze through life, make something happen!
Elder Ross L
Sister Hawkins and her Seminary class,
It was great to get your letters. Missionaries are always very excited to get mail. It was great to hear that you are studying about missionary work. You can never start too early; especially focus on your scripture mastery. It is so helpful to know where certain verses are. I wish I had done better on memorizing those.
For all those of you thinking of going on a mission (which should be all of the guys, at least), really focus on Preach My Gospel. If you know that book, you are ready to go out int he mission It is the outline of everything you do and teach.
I was calling people, making confirmation calls, to people who ordered stuff from the church, and I talked with a Mormon mom whose son called in. She said (he is about the same age as you), he had already handed out about six Book of Mormons and gave out Pass Along cards everywhere he went, like the grocery store. Realize that each one of you has been given something so special, the path to our Father in Heaven and a great plan of happiness. Try to be like this boy and share your blessings. I know you will have success.
Thanks again and don't breeze through life, make something happen!
Elder Ross L
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
First Letter
We received our first long letter from Ross. His P-day is Wednesday so he had written a quick letter on his first day there. Then we had to wait a week until he wrote. Below is much of the letter he wrote.
Dear Family (personal, huh?)
Wow, so much has happened it feels like i havebeen in the MTC for months, Ha,ha. It's not so bad, thoug. The biggest challenge for me with the language is still rolling my R's. Its frustrating but I'm sure I'll get it. As far as the Gospel goes, I wish I knew everything better if I could have done one thing better, it would been to read Preach My Gospel way more. Everything they teach and most of what we teach is from that book. It is scripture and its the best way to prepare, so Jake, I hope you start studying it!
This is my first P-Day and it is very nice. We went to the temple this morning. It was amazing. Now I am writing you while I wait for my laundry. I am literally wearing the only clean clothes I have left (besides my suits, white shirts). I'm in my Disney shirt. [Part of his Christmas pjs.]
DeeAnn sent me a box of food today. Which is rough because I'm fasting. The box she sent things in had been sent to Peter and back to DeeAnn so this box has been to Germany and back!
It was so cool at devotional yesterday Elder Ballard was the speaker. Elder Scott was also there and he bore his testimony. Elder Ballard talked about goals and how you cannot be a good missionary without them. It must have been after the devotional but I truly felt deeply how special of a message we have. This gospel really is God the Father's way of helping us get back to Him. It is of eternal purpose. The spirit of missionary work is beginning to burn within me. I really wish I had shared with so many more people Christ's love for us. I hope all of you will feel the same wya too and share the gospel, the great message that brings and joy and happines to everyone , not just some. I know that there are people only you can reach. I think it might be time to get some goals and become member mssionaries.
I spend 12 hours of my day, every day in the same classroom. It's nuts but it works well, I guess. Gym is very much looked forward to. We get it 5 times a week. I usually play basketball and own everyone.
On Monday, our district went to the TRC where we, in our companionships, teach the first lessosn. There's a hallway with lots of doors and we go and knock on one, then go into a room made someone's house and teach the gospel. I felt that my compaion and I did really well, the Spirit guided us and it really pumped me up to teach realy investigators.
Well, you need to write me and tell me what each one of you is doing so I can write something to each of you. Take care everybody, ask me lots of questions. I knowyou have them. I love you all.
Elder L
Dear Family (personal, huh?)
Wow, so much has happened it feels like i havebeen in the MTC for months, Ha,ha. It's not so bad, thoug. The biggest challenge for me with the language is still rolling my R's. Its frustrating but I'm sure I'll get it. As far as the Gospel goes, I wish I knew everything better if I could have done one thing better, it would been to read Preach My Gospel way more. Everything they teach and most of what we teach is from that book. It is scripture and its the best way to prepare, so Jake, I hope you start studying it!
This is my first P-Day and it is very nice. We went to the temple this morning. It was amazing. Now I am writing you while I wait for my laundry. I am literally wearing the only clean clothes I have left (besides my suits, white shirts). I'm in my Disney shirt. [Part of his Christmas pjs.]
DeeAnn sent me a box of food today. Which is rough because I'm fasting. The box she sent things in had been sent to Peter and back to DeeAnn so this box has been to Germany and back!
It was so cool at devotional yesterday Elder Ballard was the speaker. Elder Scott was also there and he bore his testimony. Elder Ballard talked about goals and how you cannot be a good missionary without them. It must have been after the devotional but I truly felt deeply how special of a message we have. This gospel really is God the Father's way of helping us get back to Him. It is of eternal purpose. The spirit of missionary work is beginning to burn within me. I really wish I had shared with so many more people Christ's love for us. I hope all of you will feel the same wya too and share the gospel, the great message that brings and joy and happines to everyone , not just some. I know that there are people only you can reach. I think it might be time to get some goals and become member mssionaries.
I spend 12 hours of my day, every day in the same classroom. It's nuts but it works well, I guess. Gym is very much looked forward to. We get it 5 times a week. I usually play basketball and own everyone.
On Monday, our district went to the TRC where we, in our companionships, teach the first lessosn. There's a hallway with lots of doors and we go and knock on one, then go into a room made someone's house and teach the gospel. I felt that my compaion and I did really well, the Spirit guided us and it really pumped me up to teach realy investigators.
Well, you need to write me and tell me what each one of you is doing so I can write something to each of you. Take care everybody, ask me lots of questions. I knowyou have them. I love you all.
Elder L
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