Called to Serve in the Honduras, Tegucigalpa mission. July 2013-July 2015

Called to Serve in the Honduras, Tegucigalpa mission.  July 2013-July 2015
"I love my mission! I am so grateful to be here!." ~Elder Smith

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

I'm A Missionary!!!

¡Hola Hola!
.
     What a week!!!! It feels like it has been a lifetime since we were driving to the airport at 6 in the morning! But at the same time, it feels like I've only been here for about an hour...it's a weird feeling! But I love it. I feel like waving goodbye was a lot harder for you guys than it was for me, because I was too busy trying to figure out which terminal to go to! No worries though, I figured it out. While I was waiting to get on my first flight I started talking to all the missionaries that were there. There were probably about 50 of them all going to the Mexico CCM (Centro de Capacioaciòn Misional) or MTC. It was a comforting feeling. I met 5 other Elders going to Tegucigalpa Honduras! They all seem like really cool kids, and I'm excited to serve with them!

     My first flight took off at about 8:30, and landed at about 8:40! haha Because Arizona doesn't do daylight savings time I had a 10 minute flight! (LONGEST TEN MINUTES OF MY LIFE!!) so me and two other elders, Elder Smith and Elder Christiansen; two of the elders I met who will be serving in Honduras, had to sprint to our next flight that left at 9! It was crazy! We made it and took off safely. About 3 hours later we landed in Mexico City! Oh, by the way, Mexico City is HUGE!!!! Looking down at it from the airplane, it looked like it went forever in every direction. It was quite the sight! After we landed and customs and stuff, we were picked up by a little van/bus thing that drove us through the City to the CCM. That was a fun drive and an even better destination. I got there at like 4:00, and had the rest of the day to just kinda do my own thing. I didn't realize it at the time, but that was my last piece of unplanned time I would have for the next six weeks at least, and possibly 2 years! My companion, Elder Anderson, got here at about 11:00 that night. He's like 6'3! I think I'm just supposed to be around tall people a lot. Michael, Joe, and now Elder Anderson! But he's great! Anyway, that was my CRAZY first day. (unofficially)

     The rest of my week has been SOOO busy! We wake up at 6:15, get ready and have breakfast at 7. After breakfast we have personal study time, language study, language coaching, and then additional study time till 12. Then daily planning, followed by gym!!! Oh my gosh, gym is the best thing of my life!!! Playing futsàl with the nativos is so much fun!! They love soccer almost as much as I do! It's great! Then a little more studying, followed by dinner. The food here is actually pretty dang good!  We teach a progressing investigator named Randy in a role playing sorta thing after that, Its pretty hard because it has to be in español, but when we testify the spirit is so strong! And that's the way my days go. They are long and hard, but at the same time fast and exciting!

     A few other things, We have 2 nativos for roommates who don't speak English very well. But from what I can understand they are sooo funny! I taught them a hand shake and we do it every time we see each other! Also the 2nd day I got here we gave a blessing to an Hermana that wasn't feeling very good. I annointed and Elder Anderson gave the blessing. it was way powerful! And Sundays are great, they are relaxing and a change of pace. We had a devotional with a general authority this week, I don't remember his name but it was awesome!

     I know this church is true! I'm so happy to be serving the Lord. I hope I can be a tool in the hand of the Lord in helping others come unto Christ! I love and miss you all.


Love, Elder Smith

These are a few pictures, I'll send some of my district and me and my companion later!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Mexico MTC

Well, I'm here in the MTC!  Everything went as smoothly as it could have.  No long delays or lost baggage.  I arrived with five other Elders serving in the Tegucigalpa mission!  They are all pretty down-to-earth guys, and I think we will get along really well!  I can't believe I'm actually out here!  It seemed like this was always something that was coming, but was never going to get here.  But I'm going to make the most of it!  I love you all very much!  Thank you for everything!

Love, Elder Smith

Saying Goodbye

Travel instructions for missionaries going to the Mexico City MTC:  Below is your e-ticketed itinerary for your travel to Mexico City.  Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight time. 

 US Airways, Tuesday July 23, Salt Lake City to Phoenix 
Depart 8:20 a.m.  Arrive 9:04 a.m.

US Airways, Tuesday July 23, Phoenix to Mexico City 
Depart 9:50 a.m. Arrive 2:59 p.m.

Once you arrive in Mexico City, you will pass through immigration, you will then collect your baggage and pass through customs inspection.  Please stay in a group with the other missionaries.  There will be greeters from the MTC waiting for you, please look for them.  







Monday, July 22, 2013

Friday, July 5, 2013

Temple Endowment

29 June 2013

Dear Brother Smith,

This letter confirms your endowment appointment at the Jordan River Utah Temple at 5:20 p.m. on 2 Jul 2013.  When you arrive at the temple, please tell workers at the recommend desk that you are here for your own endowment.  

May the Lord bless you as you prepare for this sacred experience.  We look forward to welcoming you to the Jordan River Utah Temple.

Sincerely,
Temple Presidency and Matrons