i got your letters and you packages. So thank you a ton for the
two packages. The Butt Pillow is glorious! Really i don't think
anyone understands how bad the chairs are until they sit in them
for 12 hours a day. So having the Butt pillow rocks. Also the
banana bread was glorious. After three weeks in the MTC i am so
sick of the food. It keeps tasting worse and worse everyday.
Hopefully i make it for the next 6 weeks. Thanks for the flag,
now are room looks like we are excited to actually be going to
Deutschland! I hope you enjoyed the pictures. I can't believe
Elder Green is out serving already. He was so ready to go and he
is gonna rock it out in California. So the reason my hair was
parted was because our whole zone decided to part our hair that
sunday, and i didn't have time to put my contacts in so i wore my
glasses. I don't know how many people called me Clark Kent. Kind
of funny, to bad i don't have my Superman shirt with the cape.
That would have been great.
But things are going great, i am pretty much recovered from being
sick, my nose is still a bit stuffy but all is well. We taught the
second lesson this week in our TA. Basically we go and teach a
volunteer like they are an investigator. It was amazing! Elder
Houston and I didn't feel very prepared, we didn't feel like we
knew the lesson as well or how to teach it. So we spent all
Tuesday morning practicing and getting ready. When we went in to
teach that afternoon, we still didn't feel as ready as we would
have liked. But we prayed that we would be directed in what to
teach and how best to apply the plan of salvation the our
investigators life. And wow we were so blessed! The Spirit taught
the lesson through us. Things popped into my mind that i had not
planned for or studied, but we used them and just went with it.
She seemed really receptive, and the spirit was so strong. We
challenged her to be baptized!! Ok so i know that she is a member
already and that she is supposed to be receptive to what we teach.
But the Spirit still helped us out so much and i was prompted to
say some things that i am sure really helped her in her personel
life. So wow, i am so excited to teach people in Deutschland, but
not quite yet. I'm hoping to learn the language first.
Speaking as such, the german is coming for sure. So long as i
trust and have faith in the Lord i will be fine. We learn so much
and i love the language it is so fun to speak, and some of the
phrases are just hilarious! I love our Teachers, but Sister Duffin
is gone. She is in Deutschland for the next 2 weeks. Crazy but
she'll be back and by then we will have taught the 1st lesson auf
Deutsch! I can't even believe it. These first 3 weeks have gone
by so fast. We got new Deutschers yesterday, i remember when it
was my first day and now i'm the second oldest group. Wow pretty
soon we'll be the oldest and then only 3 more weeks till
Deutschland! But i'm not gonna lie so far not impressed with the
new Deutschers, i don't know they didn't seem as excited as we were
our first few days, in fact some of them seem down-right scared!
But by sunday we will have them whipped into shape no doubt.
But that is what is happening in the good old MTC. I'm glad that
Aunt Stella's Funeral service was good. i know that right now she
is being taught the gospel by missionarys just like me in the
spirit world. So that is crazy about Leslie. I'm so glad that the
Lord blessed her and they were able to find out the problem. So
it is so crazy that school starts soon, and i am so happy that i am
not going to school!
Alright to answer some questions. I have not tried my new contacts
yet, but i will put them in tomorrow and i will send a letter
telling you how they feel. Also i am going to send my glasses
today, thank you for taking care of that. The envelopes you sent
will be fine. I only need them for pictures cause pictures don't
fit in the small envelopes. And Dad we are supposed to speak
Deutsch as much as we can. But we are not total Deutsch till like
the last 2 weeks or something like that. But it is a lot of fun to
speak it as much as we can.
I just got back from the Temple, we did Sealings and it was amazing
i just love it. To think that i am acting as a proxy so that a
family can be sealed together for time and all eternity is so
amazing to me. How can this gospel not be true. Sorry if i didn't
answer all your questions but i'll be sending a letter as well.
I'm out of time so I love you all so much and am so grateful that i
have amazing family and friends like you. I would be so lost
without you in my life. Ich weiss dass, die Kirche wahr ist. Love
you! read the Book of Mormon and pray often.
Love Elder Rogers
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Week number 2 in the MTC
Alright, so i've been in the MTC for 2 weeks now and i'm still
loving it! Let me recap my week kind of. So a lot has happened
since last week and the days all kind of blend together but we'll
see how well this goes.
The german is coming! I've found as long as i work my hardest, and
use the language it comes really easy. But if i don't use the
language or work my hardest it is just a pain in the butt. But we
have talked a lot about learning a new language, and even when you
are promised the gift of tongues it still means you have to work
for it. The Lord isn't just gonna hand you something for free, he
has done enough of that anyway. So long as i work my very hardest
the Lord will bless me to become fluent in the Language, I KNOW IT!
And i have already seen it happen. Like i said last week,
everytime we pray it is auf Deutsch and whenever we know the world
auf Deutsch we have to use it, if we don't, we won't get a response
from whoever we are talking to. So that helps, the MTC is all
about SYL. Speak Your Language. And i know that it is for real.
Gospel wise, i've learned so much more than i could even imagine.
We taught the 1st lesson again Tuesday and it was amazing. The
"investigator" was really interested in our message and wanted to
read and learn more, it was so amazing how the Spirit guides us in
what to say and teach. I just love it. Also yesterday we went to
the RC (referall center) It is really amazing. We get to call
people and answer phones and tell them about the gospel, send
missionary's and other church stuff to them. But anyway i was
doing outbound calls and i talked to this lady from the South.
Apparently it was the wrong number, the lady we were trying to get
a hold of had moved, and this lady went off on me it was really
funny. She kept telling me that she believed in Jesus our Savior
and Redeemer, and that he Atoned for our sins. And she went off
for like 2 minutes on this. I just sat there, said i was sorry and
that we too believe Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Redeemer.
And that i would make sure to take her off the list. But it was
really funny that she was yelling at me about Jesus telling me
stuff i've known my whole life. Wow you've just got to love the RC.
So along with the gospel it was really cool this past week cause i
have been really sick. It started with a cough a few days after i
reported to the MTC then last Saturday i woke up all stuffed up and
had a sinus Headache. Well i made it through the weekend feeling
like crap and kind of complaining, but not really. Then on Monday
i went to the Health Clinic and got checked out. He made me feel
like an Idiot for getting sick kind of strange but then the doctor
gave me some pills and sent me on my way. Well anyway about Sunday
afternoon, my outlook on this whole sickness thing turned from "why
this, why now?" To "what does the Lord want me to learn from
this?" Well that was about the greatest change i could have ever
made. I started to feel better, and as i humbled myself and relied
a lot more on the Lord i felt stronger, and i never felt the spirt
more then i did from Sunday to Tuesday. Wow because i was relying
upon the Spirit so much and i was doing the best i could i was
truly uplifted. Elder Houston gave me a Priesthood blessing on
Monday Night and it was such an amazing experience and i knew that
what the Lord promised me with would come true. I learned that God
gives us trials so that we can make our selves better. I learned
that without the spirit i am absolutely nothing and it has been
such an amazing blessing. Being sick in the MTC rocks! Well
except for the being sick part, the spirit that came with it was
the best, such a huge learning experience. WOW!!!
So other then all that we have been doing some pretty fun stuff all
around, class 12 hours a day, sleeping for 8, and gym and lunch for
2. Great fun! Oh ya when i was sick, i couldn't play in gym,
after 3 days i was about ready to burst, it was driving me crazy.
All i can say is "gym time is inspired of the Lord"
But i only have 30 minutes of computer time so i need to go. I
love you all so much and i am truly blessed to have you as Family
and Friends. The Church is True no doubt about it.
Love Elder Rogers
loving it! Let me recap my week kind of. So a lot has happened
since last week and the days all kind of blend together but we'll
see how well this goes.
The german is coming! I've found as long as i work my hardest, and
use the language it comes really easy. But if i don't use the
language or work my hardest it is just a pain in the butt. But we
have talked a lot about learning a new language, and even when you
are promised the gift of tongues it still means you have to work
for it. The Lord isn't just gonna hand you something for free, he
has done enough of that anyway. So long as i work my very hardest
the Lord will bless me to become fluent in the Language, I KNOW IT!
And i have already seen it happen. Like i said last week,
everytime we pray it is auf Deutsch and whenever we know the world
auf Deutsch we have to use it, if we don't, we won't get a response
from whoever we are talking to. So that helps, the MTC is all
about SYL. Speak Your Language. And i know that it is for real.
Gospel wise, i've learned so much more than i could even imagine.
We taught the 1st lesson again Tuesday and it was amazing. The
"investigator" was really interested in our message and wanted to
read and learn more, it was so amazing how the Spirit guides us in
what to say and teach. I just love it. Also yesterday we went to
the RC (referall center) It is really amazing. We get to call
people and answer phones and tell them about the gospel, send
missionary's and other church stuff to them. But anyway i was
doing outbound calls and i talked to this lady from the South.
Apparently it was the wrong number, the lady we were trying to get
a hold of had moved, and this lady went off on me it was really
funny. She kept telling me that she believed in Jesus our Savior
and Redeemer, and that he Atoned for our sins. And she went off
for like 2 minutes on this. I just sat there, said i was sorry and
that we too believe Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Redeemer.
And that i would make sure to take her off the list. But it was
really funny that she was yelling at me about Jesus telling me
stuff i've known my whole life. Wow you've just got to love the RC.
So along with the gospel it was really cool this past week cause i
have been really sick. It started with a cough a few days after i
reported to the MTC then last Saturday i woke up all stuffed up and
had a sinus Headache. Well i made it through the weekend feeling
like crap and kind of complaining, but not really. Then on Monday
i went to the Health Clinic and got checked out. He made me feel
like an Idiot for getting sick kind of strange but then the doctor
gave me some pills and sent me on my way. Well anyway about Sunday
afternoon, my outlook on this whole sickness thing turned from "why
this, why now?" To "what does the Lord want me to learn from
this?" Well that was about the greatest change i could have ever
made. I started to feel better, and as i humbled myself and relied
a lot more on the Lord i felt stronger, and i never felt the spirt
more then i did from Sunday to Tuesday. Wow because i was relying
upon the Spirit so much and i was doing the best i could i was
truly uplifted. Elder Houston gave me a Priesthood blessing on
Monday Night and it was such an amazing experience and i knew that
what the Lord promised me with would come true. I learned that God
gives us trials so that we can make our selves better. I learned
that without the spirit i am absolutely nothing and it has been
such an amazing blessing. Being sick in the MTC rocks! Well
except for the being sick part, the spirit that came with it was
the best, such a huge learning experience. WOW!!!
So other then all that we have been doing some pretty fun stuff all
around, class 12 hours a day, sleeping for 8, and gym and lunch for
2. Great fun! Oh ya when i was sick, i couldn't play in gym,
after 3 days i was about ready to burst, it was driving me crazy.
All i can say is "gym time is inspired of the Lord"
But i only have 30 minutes of computer time so i need to go. I
love you all so much and i am truly blessed to have you as Family
and Friends. The Church is True no doubt about it.
Love Elder Rogers
Elder Rogers' First week in the MTC
Hallo Familie und Freunde!
How is everything going? Good I hope. Things are just going
amazing in the MTC I really love it. Learning German is crazy!
Honestly i have learned more this last week than i did in 3 years
of german in highschool. how ridiculous! but the reason why is
because of the spirit of the Lord. Really the spirit is everywhere
in the MTC, it is absolutely amazing.
I love the fact that i can email here as well it is amazing. It
makes things a lot easier, but don't worry i still write letters,
if your lucky you'll get one, also it is a lot easier to decide who
to write to if you get letters, or better yet packages. Oh i just
love shameless plugs. But really letters are like a missionary's
life. One elder in out district is so paranoid about mail he will
ask about it 6 times a day. It is so hilarious, he will pop up out
of nowhere and ask about the mail. Or he will remind our District
Leader Elder Harsh to make sure he gets the mail. I'm pretty sure
he won't forget:)
But we have an awesome time here we work 12 hours a day, which gets
hard but i wouldn't have it any other way. German is going great!
We all gebet(pray) and bare our Zeugniss(testimony) auf Deutsch!
And everyday we learn even more. Even the grammer is making sense
to me and it comes really easily, which is crazy cause i hated the
grammer when we studied it in school. But the Lord blesses those
who ask for help and those who work for it. I know that if you
will ask for his help and if you will have the faith that he will
help. He Will!!!
Just a story to prove that, Elder Houston (my companion) and I
taught the first lesson about the restoration on Tuesday. We teach
it to a member, who volunteers at the MTC as an investigator. We
prayed before that all of the preparation we did would come in
handy and that we would be prompted in what to say, and to be
directed on how best to teach our investigator. Let me just tell
you, that i was not the one teaching that lesson! It was the
spirit! Everything just flowed really well and things would pop
into my mind that i had never thought of or prepared for. The
gospel is true! and it blesses us all so much, i know it for real!
So that is what is up teaching/learning side of life, but what
about everything else the MTC offers. Well the food is alright, it
is like a midway point between Elementary cafeteria and USU
marketplace. It brings back some memories of days gone by, but i
am pretty sure i'll be sick of the food by the time i leave. Lets
see... what else. Oh yes Gym! I love gym or as we Deutschers call
it sport(pronounced shport) It is awesome, the only thing that i
have trouble with is the fact that you can't play Ultimate, what is
up with that. They play soccer, and Ultimate is a non contact
sport. All i have to say to that is BOOO!!!! But we play awesome
stuff like volleyball, both regular and beach, kickball, which is
so much fun i haven't played forever, 4 square, croquet,
basketball, softball. Ya it is that cool! Don't you wish that you
could play all those awesome sports everyday, with enough people to
field a team.
So ya that is basically life in the MTC. We live in our classroom,
we sleep in our rooms. That is how it goes. If you have any
questions, just write me. I love you guys so much! You really
have no idea how blessed i am because of you my family and my
friends. I hope to hear from everyone soon. I love letters!
(another shameless plug, next time i'll see how many i can get in.)
I love you and miss you. The Gospel is True and i know it will
bless you if you have Faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Love Elder Rogers
p.s. read das Buch Mormon (the book of mormon) it will bless you!
How is everything going? Good I hope. Things are just going
amazing in the MTC I really love it. Learning German is crazy!
Honestly i have learned more this last week than i did in 3 years
of german in highschool. how ridiculous! but the reason why is
because of the spirit of the Lord. Really the spirit is everywhere
in the MTC, it is absolutely amazing.
I love the fact that i can email here as well it is amazing. It
makes things a lot easier, but don't worry i still write letters,
if your lucky you'll get one, also it is a lot easier to decide who
to write to if you get letters, or better yet packages. Oh i just
love shameless plugs. But really letters are like a missionary's
life. One elder in out district is so paranoid about mail he will
ask about it 6 times a day. It is so hilarious, he will pop up out
of nowhere and ask about the mail. Or he will remind our District
Leader Elder Harsh to make sure he gets the mail. I'm pretty sure
he won't forget:)
But we have an awesome time here we work 12 hours a day, which gets
hard but i wouldn't have it any other way. German is going great!
We all gebet(pray) and bare our Zeugniss(testimony) auf Deutsch!
And everyday we learn even more. Even the grammer is making sense
to me and it comes really easily, which is crazy cause i hated the
grammer when we studied it in school. But the Lord blesses those
who ask for help and those who work for it. I know that if you
will ask for his help and if you will have the faith that he will
help. He Will!!!
Just a story to prove that, Elder Houston (my companion) and I
taught the first lesson about the restoration on Tuesday. We teach
it to a member, who volunteers at the MTC as an investigator. We
prayed before that all of the preparation we did would come in
handy and that we would be prompted in what to say, and to be
directed on how best to teach our investigator. Let me just tell
you, that i was not the one teaching that lesson! It was the
spirit! Everything just flowed really well and things would pop
into my mind that i had never thought of or prepared for. The
gospel is true! and it blesses us all so much, i know it for real!
So that is what is up teaching/learning side of life, but what
about everything else the MTC offers. Well the food is alright, it
is like a midway point between Elementary cafeteria and USU
marketplace. It brings back some memories of days gone by, but i
am pretty sure i'll be sick of the food by the time i leave. Lets
see... what else. Oh yes Gym! I love gym or as we Deutschers call
it sport(pronounced shport) It is awesome, the only thing that i
have trouble with is the fact that you can't play Ultimate, what is
up with that. They play soccer, and Ultimate is a non contact
sport. All i have to say to that is BOOO!!!! But we play awesome
stuff like volleyball, both regular and beach, kickball, which is
so much fun i haven't played forever, 4 square, croquet,
basketball, softball. Ya it is that cool! Don't you wish that you
could play all those awesome sports everyday, with enough people to
field a team.
So ya that is basically life in the MTC. We live in our classroom,
we sleep in our rooms. That is how it goes. If you have any
questions, just write me. I love you guys so much! You really
have no idea how blessed i am because of you my family and my
friends. I hope to hear from everyone soon. I love letters!
(another shameless plug, next time i'll see how many i can get in.)
I love you and miss you. The Gospel is True and i know it will
bless you if you have Faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Love Elder Rogers
p.s. read das Buch Mormon (the book of mormon) it will bless you!
Message from MOM
Well, Spencer (I mean Elder Rogers) has been in the MTC for three weeks on July 30. He asked his little brother, Jonathan, to post his e-mails on his blog. The reason he asked his little brother to do it is because his mom is CLUELESS when it comes to this new technology stuff!!! So, Spencer's first two e-mail are finally being posted. We'll do much better in the days and weeks to come.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Today Is The Day!
Alright world in 2 1/2 hours i will be a missionary! This is a very surreal feeling. Something i've waited for all my life and now it is so close. It is absolutely insane! But here are some thoughts i've had the last few days along with some of my comings and goings.
Last Sunday at home. I don't think it could have been any better. It was totally missionary focused. In Priesthood we discussed how we can be better member missionaries and we had some great ideas which i'm sure i'll put into practice in good old Deutcshland. Then in Sunday School we were talking about Alma 17-22, for those of you who don't know this is the story of Ammon. Like the greatest missionary ever! If your unfamiliar with it, read it! I promise you'll love it and really feel the spirit. My favorite scripture from this section is definitely Alma 17:2-3 It reads:
2.) Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
3.) But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.
I love this scripture because i look forward to the day when all my friends are back together and we will still be brethren in the Lord. I can only imagine how amazing that day will be.
Testimony meeting was great. Such a strong spirit attended to us. And i knew that what i was about to do was the only thing for me to do. Also we sang patriotic hymns as the 4th of last Friday. And as we closed singing The National Anthem, it brought tears to my eyes. It just hit me for the first time that i won't be in this great country and how blessed we truly are to live here. Wow it was an amazing spirit.
I spent the rest of the day with my family and reading the 7th Harry Potter. I started it Sunday afternoon and finished it Monday, reading on a time deadline kind urged me on. Sorry to my family for neglecting them whilst i read. And then that night I tossed around a Frisbee with Ell Linds Russ and Tobin. It was great! I had a blast so many great memories at that park you've just got to love it!
Alright. As this will most likely be my last post for awhile. (i'm gonna have my family post my emails here once i get to Germany in about 2 months so look forward to that.) I thought it best for me to post my testimony.
I know without a doubt that this church is true! If i didn't, i wouldn't be going on a mission. I know that Christ lived a perfect life, and then suffered all of my sins and died on the cross for me and for everyone else. I know that he loves me and always wants me to be the best that i can. I know that the Book of Mormon is the most true book on the earth, and i know that we will be blessed for reading it and following the counsel found in it. I know that after we have done all that we can do to be saved, that we are saved by the grace of our loving Savior Jesus Christ. I know that we are lead by a true and living Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I know that as we listen and heed to his counsel that we will never be lead astray. I know that all of the apostles and general authorities are called of God to lead us in these the latter days. I know that if we have faith in our Savior Jesus Christ we will live better lives and then one day return to live with him. I know that as i put my faith in our Savior that i will make it through those rough days with him by my side. I testify of the power of the Holy Priesthood! It is the power of God on this earth. I have witnessed it's power in my own life and the lives of others. I have been so blessed to have a loving family who supports me in everything i do, and also friends who are right by my side to pick me up when i fall. I know that it is by the light of Christ that we see in these dark days when sin is so prevalent upon the earth. I thank my loving Heavenly Father for all he has done for me and say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Thanks to all you readers you rock. For those of you who would like to write me, i've posted my address on facebook as well as here. Hope to hear from you. And as always, keep it real world, and i'll catcha in a few.
MTC address, Use for the first 2 months.
Elder Spencer Wallace Rogers
Germany Frankfurt Mission
Provo Missionary Training Center
2005 North 900 East
Provo, UT 84604
This is the mission home, once i'm in Germany you can send stuff here and it will eventually get to me.
Elder Spencer Wallace Rogers
Germany Frankfurt Mission
Corneliusstrasse 18
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Last Sunday at home. I don't think it could have been any better. It was totally missionary focused. In Priesthood we discussed how we can be better member missionaries and we had some great ideas which i'm sure i'll put into practice in good old Deutcshland. Then in Sunday School we were talking about Alma 17-22, for those of you who don't know this is the story of Ammon. Like the greatest missionary ever! If your unfamiliar with it, read it! I promise you'll love it and really feel the spirit. My favorite scripture from this section is definitely Alma 17:2-3 It reads:
2.) Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
3.) But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.
I love this scripture because i look forward to the day when all my friends are back together and we will still be brethren in the Lord. I can only imagine how amazing that day will be.
Testimony meeting was great. Such a strong spirit attended to us. And i knew that what i was about to do was the only thing for me to do. Also we sang patriotic hymns as the 4th of last Friday. And as we closed singing The National Anthem, it brought tears to my eyes. It just hit me for the first time that i won't be in this great country and how blessed we truly are to live here. Wow it was an amazing spirit.
I spent the rest of the day with my family and reading the 7th Harry Potter. I started it Sunday afternoon and finished it Monday, reading on a time deadline kind urged me on. Sorry to my family for neglecting them whilst i read. And then that night I tossed around a Frisbee with Ell Linds Russ and Tobin. It was great! I had a blast so many great memories at that park you've just got to love it!
Alright. As this will most likely be my last post for awhile. (i'm gonna have my family post my emails here once i get to Germany in about 2 months so look forward to that.) I thought it best for me to post my testimony.
I know without a doubt that this church is true! If i didn't, i wouldn't be going on a mission. I know that Christ lived a perfect life, and then suffered all of my sins and died on the cross for me and for everyone else. I know that he loves me and always wants me to be the best that i can. I know that the Book of Mormon is the most true book on the earth, and i know that we will be blessed for reading it and following the counsel found in it. I know that after we have done all that we can do to be saved, that we are saved by the grace of our loving Savior Jesus Christ. I know that we are lead by a true and living Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I know that as we listen and heed to his counsel that we will never be lead astray. I know that all of the apostles and general authorities are called of God to lead us in these the latter days. I know that if we have faith in our Savior Jesus Christ we will live better lives and then one day return to live with him. I know that as i put my faith in our Savior that i will make it through those rough days with him by my side. I testify of the power of the Holy Priesthood! It is the power of God on this earth. I have witnessed it's power in my own life and the lives of others. I have been so blessed to have a loving family who supports me in everything i do, and also friends who are right by my side to pick me up when i fall. I know that it is by the light of Christ that we see in these dark days when sin is so prevalent upon the earth. I thank my loving Heavenly Father for all he has done for me and say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Thanks to all you readers you rock. For those of you who would like to write me, i've posted my address on facebook as well as here. Hope to hear from you. And as always, keep it real world, and i'll catcha in a few.
MTC address, Use for the first 2 months.
Elder Spencer Wallace Rogers
Germany Frankfurt Mission
Provo Missionary Training Center
2005 North 900 East
Provo, UT 84604
This is the mission home, once i'm in Germany you can send stuff here and it will eventually get to me.
Elder Spencer Wallace Rogers
Germany Frankfurt Mission
Corneliusstrasse 18
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Rain Check
Ok so i've slacked on my daily blog till i leave sorry. And right now i really do have some stuff i need to say, but it is way to late for me to force myself to think so tomorrow i'm post them. In fact suspect multiple post tomorrow cause that will probably be it. Maybe one last post before i leave wednesday morning, but i doubt it, as i will be a missionary. We'll see, if the parentals approve it will happen if not then it won't. Keep it real world, until tomorrow/today since it's so late.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
More and More Goodbyes
So this past year I have dubbed the year of a thousand goodbyes (you know like Disney's year of a million dreams just not as cool, no one ever dreams of saying goodbye to close friends and family.) Some of you may recall how i don't believe in goodbyes just see-you-laters, but i didn't think the year of a thousand see-you-laters sounded as good. So whenever i say goodbye it really means see-you-later. But really from last summer to this summer has been the year of a thousand goodbyes. I've had some really hard ones, and others that weren't as hard. But today was a hard one, i said goodbye to several of my favorite things, and people.
I started off the day with a hike. My Dad and I went up and hiked around Silver lake and Twin Lakes, up by Brighton Ski Resort. It was prodigious! The mountains are seriously my favorite things. There is nothing like looking up at them and inside i just think "how can you not believe in Heavenly Father with something as amazing as those!" Really i love looking at them, hiking in them, camping, skiing, the whole deal. You can't beat these mountains i don't care who you are. Well we got up and it was a cool 66 degrees. The mountains were as green as i had ever seen them, and there was still a ton of snow, for it being July 5th it was stellar.
Ya it was that green!
Postcard anyone?
So my dad and i had a great talk. It was killer, he told me about a lot of the things to expect, and i got to ask him any questions i had. It seriously helped a lot, i haven't been really nervous about what i'll be doing but there were a few things. And now i feel great. I know it is still gonna be a shock but at least i sort of grasp what is about to happen in my life. So we walked around silver lake then took the hike up to twin lakes reservoir. Just look at these pictures.
That was amazing, such an awesome hike. So i said goodbye to my mountains and that was rough. I know that i'll see mountains, and not just any mountains but the Alps but really i don't know if you can compete with what we've got.
Well after the hike i just kinda chilled all day, took a much needed nap, and hung out with the fam. I went and ate at Hires with my little brother, and that was great. I really do love Hires, i've got some great memories there. After we lit of some fireworks just for kicks, come one you've got to love playing with fire. (but only in safe environments. Remember only you can prevent forest fires.)
And then i went and did one of my favorite things. I met up with Ell Brooke and Lindsey, and we hit up the sconecutter! Let me just tell you world, these three girls are amazing! Really i was truly blessed to have such stellar friends! And these three especially since i got back from school and most my guy friends were gone on missions. They were there for me. Playing frisbee with Lindsey and Ell. Having great talks with all of them, playing the question game, watching crazy awesome movies like little giants, and going to sconecutter. Some of my greatest memories include these three ladys and i wouldn't trade it for anything. Thanks, you guys rock! But tonight like i said we hit up sconecutter, and just talked. We went up and sat on the overpass between the Jr. High and High school, it was great. Here are some pictures from the event.
Linds and Ell doing "the brock"
Sconey Island, great times in there.
Hey i'm taking a picture!
The only thing that would be better then this night would be to have Brock Josh Preston and Alvin there with us. This was definitely the hardest goodbye since the guys left. Thanks again ladys for putting up with me, and being so amazing. I'll miss you a ton and like always, this isn't a goodbye just a see-you-later!
I started off the day with a hike. My Dad and I went up and hiked around Silver lake and Twin Lakes, up by Brighton Ski Resort. It was prodigious! The mountains are seriously my favorite things. There is nothing like looking up at them and inside i just think "how can you not believe in Heavenly Father with something as amazing as those!" Really i love looking at them, hiking in them, camping, skiing, the whole deal. You can't beat these mountains i don't care who you are. Well we got up and it was a cool 66 degrees. The mountains were as green as i had ever seen them, and there was still a ton of snow, for it being July 5th it was stellar.
Ya it was that green!
Postcard anyone?
So my dad and i had a great talk. It was killer, he told me about a lot of the things to expect, and i got to ask him any questions i had. It seriously helped a lot, i haven't been really nervous about what i'll be doing but there were a few things. And now i feel great. I know it is still gonna be a shock but at least i sort of grasp what is about to happen in my life. So we walked around silver lake then took the hike up to twin lakes reservoir. Just look at these pictures.
That was amazing, such an awesome hike. So i said goodbye to my mountains and that was rough. I know that i'll see mountains, and not just any mountains but the Alps but really i don't know if you can compete with what we've got.
Well after the hike i just kinda chilled all day, took a much needed nap, and hung out with the fam. I went and ate at Hires with my little brother, and that was great. I really do love Hires, i've got some great memories there. After we lit of some fireworks just for kicks, come one you've got to love playing with fire. (but only in safe environments. Remember only you can prevent forest fires.)
And then i went and did one of my favorite things. I met up with Ell Brooke and Lindsey, and we hit up the sconecutter! Let me just tell you world, these three girls are amazing! Really i was truly blessed to have such stellar friends! And these three especially since i got back from school and most my guy friends were gone on missions. They were there for me. Playing frisbee with Lindsey and Ell. Having great talks with all of them, playing the question game, watching crazy awesome movies like little giants, and going to sconecutter. Some of my greatest memories include these three ladys and i wouldn't trade it for anything. Thanks, you guys rock! But tonight like i said we hit up sconecutter, and just talked. We went up and sat on the overpass between the Jr. High and High school, it was great. Here are some pictures from the event.
Linds and Ell doing "the brock"
Sconey Island, great times in there.
Hey i'm taking a picture!
The only thing that would be better then this night would be to have Brock Josh Preston and Alvin there with us. This was definitely the hardest goodbye since the guys left. Thanks again ladys for putting up with me, and being so amazing. I'll miss you a ton and like always, this isn't a goodbye just a see-you-later!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Day 5? I'm not sure i kinda lost count.
What up world? Happy 4th of July! I sure enjoyed it cause i'll be out of the country of the next 2. My father so lovingly pointed out that all the things i did today probably won't happen for another 3 years depending on my return. So here's whats up.
So if you know me at all, you know that i am the furthest thing from a morning person. So usually i sleep through parades. Why must they be in the morning, i say we have a parade at dusk. Make it an electric parade like in Disneyland. (note the electric parade is no longer in Disneyland but in California Adventure) But ya wouldn't that be cool. And on the 4th there would be fireworks over the parade or after it either way works for me. Well i decided since this will be my last 4th that i would go to the parade. News Flash, i should have stayed in bed! I mean really i was pelted with crappy candy over and over again, there were like 4 real floats, and the rest was stuff i could care less about. Not to mention the old guy sitting next to my family who felt he needed to pass his ideals onto every float car or person. This is how it happened every time, mind you there were 100+ entries.
Old Guy (OG): " Is that an All-American car!?" usually twice per car. And if it wasn't a ford, dodge, or Chevy he would yell at the driver or kids in the car that they didn't belong in the 4th of July parade. Or something to that extent.
OG: "We want our oil, and we want it now!!!!" Every time a government official of any kind walked past this was yelled, and each time he seriously wanted an answer.
OG: "That's not how you wave!!! Your not doing it right! (childs name) show them how to do it!" Tell you what if i'm on a float i'll wave however i want! Deal with it.
So anyway the parade was really annoying and sleep would have been a much better option.
Well after the parade i took a nice nap, just think of all the sleep i missed while listening to this guy yell at parade floats. But when we all woke up we went and hit up the fun days at Murray park. I've never been so this was a first, we did have a great pulled pork sandwich. That was the highlight i promise. So since fun days wasn't all that fun, the fam went and got a snow cone from Island Flavors. Oh i love this place. Putting cream on top of a snow cone, and then in the bottom is a little scoop of vanilla ice cream. BRILLIANT!!! You've got to love that. Then we went and saw Kung Fu Panda. I really like this show, pretty much i just love Jack Black but really it is a great film.
And to end the day we lit some fireworks, which i've noticed as i've grown up that they've gone down hill. It used to be so exciting, and i still love to do them. I mean what boy scout doesn't like to play with fire, but still they were a whole lot cooler as a child. And finally the one thing i love to do on the 4th, watch the fireworks at Murray Park from my roof. A few years back i decided i was sick of only seeing some of the fireworks from our front lawn, so i pulled out the ladder jumped on the roof and ever since then that is what i do.
This is a Disney Firework, but you get the gist.
I think i love it so much because it gives me an excuse to get on the roof. For some reason i really just love sitting on the roof at night, during the day it is blasted hot so don't try it, but at night... much love! I've decided that my house will have a window that opens up to the roof, so i can just go out and chill on my roof, look at the stars or whatever. That's how i do world. Let me know how your 4th was and i'll catch you on the flip flop. (josh isn't even here and he still gets me saying things like that. Gotta love that kid!)
So if you know me at all, you know that i am the furthest thing from a morning person. So usually i sleep through parades. Why must they be in the morning, i say we have a parade at dusk. Make it an electric parade like in Disneyland. (note the electric parade is no longer in Disneyland but in California Adventure) But ya wouldn't that be cool. And on the 4th there would be fireworks over the parade or after it either way works for me. Well i decided since this will be my last 4th that i would go to the parade. News Flash, i should have stayed in bed! I mean really i was pelted with crappy candy over and over again, there were like 4 real floats, and the rest was stuff i could care less about. Not to mention the old guy sitting next to my family who felt he needed to pass his ideals onto every float car or person. This is how it happened every time, mind you there were 100+ entries.
Old Guy (OG): " Is that an All-American car!?" usually twice per car. And if it wasn't a ford, dodge, or Chevy he would yell at the driver or kids in the car that they didn't belong in the 4th of July parade. Or something to that extent.
OG: "We want our oil, and we want it now!!!!" Every time a government official of any kind walked past this was yelled, and each time he seriously wanted an answer.
OG: "That's not how you wave!!! Your not doing it right! (childs name) show them how to do it!" Tell you what if i'm on a float i'll wave however i want! Deal with it.
So anyway the parade was really annoying and sleep would have been a much better option.
Well after the parade i took a nice nap, just think of all the sleep i missed while listening to this guy yell at parade floats. But when we all woke up we went and hit up the fun days at Murray park. I've never been so this was a first, we did have a great pulled pork sandwich. That was the highlight i promise. So since fun days wasn't all that fun, the fam went and got a snow cone from Island Flavors. Oh i love this place. Putting cream on top of a snow cone, and then in the bottom is a little scoop of vanilla ice cream. BRILLIANT!!! You've got to love that. Then we went and saw Kung Fu Panda. I really like this show, pretty much i just love Jack Black but really it is a great film.
And to end the day we lit some fireworks, which i've noticed as i've grown up that they've gone down hill. It used to be so exciting, and i still love to do them. I mean what boy scout doesn't like to play with fire, but still they were a whole lot cooler as a child. And finally the one thing i love to do on the 4th, watch the fireworks at Murray Park from my roof. A few years back i decided i was sick of only seeing some of the fireworks from our front lawn, so i pulled out the ladder jumped on the roof and ever since then that is what i do.
This is a Disney Firework, but you get the gist.
I think i love it so much because it gives me an excuse to get on the roof. For some reason i really just love sitting on the roof at night, during the day it is blasted hot so don't try it, but at night... much love! I've decided that my house will have a window that opens up to the roof, so i can just go out and chill on my roof, look at the stars or whatever. That's how i do world. Let me know how your 4th was and i'll catch you on the flip flop. (josh isn't even here and he still gets me saying things like that. Gotta love that kid!)
Friday, July 4, 2008
Day 4
Alright for the few of you who actually care about my daily comings and goings here is the ever exciting day 4.
So today was kind of my chill with the fam/watch tv/think day. Cause i did a whole lot of each. But i did however go see Hancock with a bunch of friends and played a little tennis and tossed around the disc. Hancock was great! Language was an issue but i really enjoyed the story, and i'm a sucker for anything superhero related. Over all i definitely recommend the show. Although i am really sick of the same previews over and over again, especially since i've seen so many movies lately all the previews are the same and i can pretty well quote them all word for word. But after they played a couple of the old previews there were a few new ones. Like Step Brothers with Will Ferrell and John C Reilly.
This movie looks hilarious, same stupid stuff Will Ferrell always does but i still love it every time. To bad it's rated R. But i figure by the time i get home it will be playing on TV every other night and i can watch it then. Also the new James Bond film Quantum of Solace. 
This looks Flipping amazing! I loved Casino Royale and this looks right up there with it. Definitely on the top of my list of movies to see when i get home. But enough about that stuff.
Coleton and I went and hit around a tennis ball and tossed around the disc. Thanks Coleton it is times like that, that i really love! And it was a blast.
So that was pretty much the extent of my day, but i do have a few thoughts for you. This one is for everyone, but especially for those younger readers. Are you ready cause this one is huge. drum roll please......... LIVE LIFE TO IT'S FULLEST!!! I was talking to Coleton about how i wish i could go back and relive those awesome times in High School and last summer with all my friends. I wish i could go back and fix my regrets, the few that i have. One was not going to Disneyland with the guys, and not going on senior trip. These two were kind of out of my hands, one my parents said no. Granted it was really last minute. And the other i was in summer school. And my last regret was not getting to know everyone as well. Sure i knew them and was friends but i really didn't get to know them till much later. Really those were my only major regrets that i had. Also here is some advice, go out and do stuff. If your working or going to school all the time, sure you'll have money and maybe be a little ahead of the curve. But your going to hate yourself later for it. And if you do work a lot and make some money, go out and do stuff. Spend it and make some killer memories. i think i learned that a bit to late.
I know it sounds like i'm going to die sorry, but i know that things won't ever be the same. And i wish i could go back and relive all the awesome stuff i did, and do even cooler stuff. So if your younger then I don't do what i did, have as much fun as you can. If you work all the time your gonna hate looking back and remembering how you hated that you worked all the time and didn't go out and have fun making memories with family and friends. The song that says this all to me is of course by John Mayer, and it's one of my favorites. Stop This Train. Hope you enjoy it. Really listen to the lyrics. And you'll get it. Keep it real world, catcha on the flip flop.
So today was kind of my chill with the fam/watch tv/think day. Cause i did a whole lot of each. But i did however go see Hancock with a bunch of friends and played a little tennis and tossed around the disc. Hancock was great! Language was an issue but i really enjoyed the story, and i'm a sucker for anything superhero related. Over all i definitely recommend the show. Although i am really sick of the same previews over and over again, especially since i've seen so many movies lately all the previews are the same and i can pretty well quote them all word for word. But after they played a couple of the old previews there were a few new ones. Like Step Brothers with Will Ferrell and John C Reilly.
This movie looks hilarious, same stupid stuff Will Ferrell always does but i still love it every time. To bad it's rated R. But i figure by the time i get home it will be playing on TV every other night and i can watch it then. Also the new James Bond film Quantum of Solace. This looks Flipping amazing! I loved Casino Royale and this looks right up there with it. Definitely on the top of my list of movies to see when i get home. But enough about that stuff.Coleton and I went and hit around a tennis ball and tossed around the disc. Thanks Coleton it is times like that, that i really love! And it was a blast.
So that was pretty much the extent of my day, but i do have a few thoughts for you. This one is for everyone, but especially for those younger readers. Are you ready cause this one is huge. drum roll please......... LIVE LIFE TO IT'S FULLEST!!! I was talking to Coleton about how i wish i could go back and relive those awesome times in High School and last summer with all my friends. I wish i could go back and fix my regrets, the few that i have. One was not going to Disneyland with the guys, and not going on senior trip. These two were kind of out of my hands, one my parents said no. Granted it was really last minute. And the other i was in summer school. And my last regret was not getting to know everyone as well. Sure i knew them and was friends but i really didn't get to know them till much later. Really those were my only major regrets that i had. Also here is some advice, go out and do stuff. If your working or going to school all the time, sure you'll have money and maybe be a little ahead of the curve. But your going to hate yourself later for it. And if you do work a lot and make some money, go out and do stuff. Spend it and make some killer memories. i think i learned that a bit to late.
I know it sounds like i'm going to die sorry, but i know that things won't ever be the same. And i wish i could go back and relive all the awesome stuff i did, and do even cooler stuff. So if your younger then I don't do what i did, have as much fun as you can. If you work all the time your gonna hate looking back and remembering how you hated that you worked all the time and didn't go out and have fun making memories with family and friends. The song that says this all to me is of course by John Mayer, and it's one of my favorites. Stop This Train. Hope you enjoy it. Really listen to the lyrics. And you'll get it. Keep it real world, catcha on the flip flop.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Day 3
You better believe it folks, i've got a week left! Can't even believe it myself, but more on that later. Day 3 has come and gone and i retract my comment that day 2 was most boring cause today takes the cake so far, but once again i did some sweet stuff that i'd like to share.
Alright, if i haven't complained to you personally about all appointments i've had i'm doing it here so enjoy. Another appointment, you've got to be kidding me, but on to why i put this in here in the first place. I had my dentist appointment today, and i enjoyed it for a few reasons. First the assistant that cleaned my teeth wasn't a member and didn't know a lot about the missionary program, so i got to explain to her a little bit about what we do and how we do it. She was blown away that we had anywhere from 8-12 weeks to learn a language then go out and teach in it, and by the end of the 2 years that most are fluent. It was really cool to see her excitement and surprise as i explained more, with the help of my dentist of course. I wish i would have had a pass along card but alas i'm not well stocked. Hopefully my dentist will have caught onto her interest and maybe follow through on it. Who knows? Well the second reason i enjoyed it was because they said that my teeth are great, and i should be set for the next 2 years. Haha, who said flossing matters. Just kidding folks you should floss everyday! It's real important.
Alright after my experience at the dentist, my Mom, Grandpa, and lil' bro hit up Italian Village for lunch. I absolutely love this place, if you've never been there you've got to check it out. My personal favorite is the pizza bender w/sauce. Oh it is delicious. But it was fun to have lunch with part of my family and just talk, great times.
The rest of the day was filled with shopping for missionary stuff and just chillin, well at least until Mein Vati und Mutti und Ich hit up the Temple. I love to see the temple and love to go even more. I have to admit because my life has been so packed i've missed my weekly temple trip for the last couple weeks. Poor choice, as josh would say. Really my week isn't the same if i don't go to the temple. It was really cool to go with my parents again. The last time i did a session with my parents was when i went through for the first time. So i loved it, and it was really cool cause i really felt that the work i was doing was really really appreciated. Like this guy had been waiting awhile for this to happen. It was amazing! There is nothing like the feeling when your in the temple, it just can't be beat. So my point is go to the temple. Even if you think you don't have time. If you make time to go to the temple, the Lord will make time for you to finish everything else on your plate. No matter if it's baptisms, endowments, sealings, or initiatory. It is all great! If you guys have questions about the temple just ask i'll answer them as best i can.
So the temple rocked as always, and after we went and got dinner. It is tradition to eat after the temple doesn't matter what time you go, you've just got to go out after, at least if your with me. So we hit up Olive Garden. I know two Italian places in one day its pushing it but it was oh so good. great dinner with my parents definitely gonna miss that.
Well that was the extent of Day 3. And it being a week till i enter the MTC i've got some new emotions that i haven't felt since i got my call. Nervous. I know you may be surprised but up until now i haven't felt nervous about anything mission related. But now its hit and it is really just about little things but still its how i feel. I know the Lord will help me through so long as put my faith and trust in him. So no big deal... hopefully. Also i'm starting to realize all the things i'll be missing out on. I know i'd like to think the world stops while i am gone for 2 years, but it won't. I'm worried about friends not being there when i get back, that i won't know them and it will just be awkward between us. I'm sad about missing out on family stuff. And wondering what the world is gonna be like when i have to come back and live it in and start my life. I don't know if any of this makes sense. And i know that what i'm doing is the only thing i should be doing now and it is the only thing i want to be doing, but i still can't help but think about this stuff. So thats whats on my mind now, keep it real world and i'll catch you tomorrow. You guys rock!
Alright, if i haven't complained to you personally about all appointments i've had i'm doing it here so enjoy. Another appointment, you've got to be kidding me, but on to why i put this in here in the first place. I had my dentist appointment today, and i enjoyed it for a few reasons. First the assistant that cleaned my teeth wasn't a member and didn't know a lot about the missionary program, so i got to explain to her a little bit about what we do and how we do it. She was blown away that we had anywhere from 8-12 weeks to learn a language then go out and teach in it, and by the end of the 2 years that most are fluent. It was really cool to see her excitement and surprise as i explained more, with the help of my dentist of course. I wish i would have had a pass along card but alas i'm not well stocked. Hopefully my dentist will have caught onto her interest and maybe follow through on it. Who knows? Well the second reason i enjoyed it was because they said that my teeth are great, and i should be set for the next 2 years. Haha, who said flossing matters. Just kidding folks you should floss everyday! It's real important.
Alright after my experience at the dentist, my Mom, Grandpa, and lil' bro hit up Italian Village for lunch. I absolutely love this place, if you've never been there you've got to check it out. My personal favorite is the pizza bender w/sauce. Oh it is delicious. But it was fun to have lunch with part of my family and just talk, great times.
The rest of the day was filled with shopping for missionary stuff and just chillin, well at least until Mein Vati und Mutti und Ich hit up the Temple. I love to see the temple and love to go even more. I have to admit because my life has been so packed i've missed my weekly temple trip for the last couple weeks. Poor choice, as josh would say. Really my week isn't the same if i don't go to the temple. It was really cool to go with my parents again. The last time i did a session with my parents was when i went through for the first time. So i loved it, and it was really cool cause i really felt that the work i was doing was really really appreciated. Like this guy had been waiting awhile for this to happen. It was amazing! There is nothing like the feeling when your in the temple, it just can't be beat. So my point is go to the temple. Even if you think you don't have time. If you make time to go to the temple, the Lord will make time for you to finish everything else on your plate. No matter if it's baptisms, endowments, sealings, or initiatory. It is all great! If you guys have questions about the temple just ask i'll answer them as best i can.
So the temple rocked as always, and after we went and got dinner. It is tradition to eat after the temple doesn't matter what time you go, you've just got to go out after, at least if your with me. So we hit up Olive Garden. I know two Italian places in one day its pushing it but it was oh so good. great dinner with my parents definitely gonna miss that.
Well that was the extent of Day 3. And it being a week till i enter the MTC i've got some new emotions that i haven't felt since i got my call. Nervous. I know you may be surprised but up until now i haven't felt nervous about anything mission related. But now its hit and it is really just about little things but still its how i feel. I know the Lord will help me through so long as put my faith and trust in him. So no big deal... hopefully. Also i'm starting to realize all the things i'll be missing out on. I know i'd like to think the world stops while i am gone for 2 years, but it won't. I'm worried about friends not being there when i get back, that i won't know them and it will just be awkward between us. I'm sad about missing out on family stuff. And wondering what the world is gonna be like when i have to come back and live it in and start my life. I don't know if any of this makes sense. And i know that what i'm doing is the only thing i should be doing now and it is the only thing i want to be doing, but i still can't help but think about this stuff. So thats whats on my mind now, keep it real world and i'll catch you tomorrow. You guys rock!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Day 2
Alright folks I'm willing to bet today will be my most boring day for the next week or so. But none the less i did some great stuff and also I've got some thoughts on my mind so keep your hands and arms inside the ride at all times and have fun.
Alright once again world i slept in today but can you blame me when i go to bed at 1:00 or 2:00 consistently. But I woke up and did something vital to my well being when i get home from the mish. I backed up my iPod onto my home computer as well as my Laptop and my external hard drive. For some reason i feel that some sort of curse will cause me to loose all my music so I'm doing all i can to fend it off. Also i did the same thing with pictures. so hopefully I'm secure. Also while i was doing all this i picked up John Mayer's new live album. For those of you who don't know i have a pretty severe "Man Crush" on him. But really of anyone to have a "man crush" on john mayer has got to be the best choice, go ahead try to argue with me. Anyway, the album is so so so choice! I figure it is the closest I'll be to actually hearing him/seeing him live for the next little while. So what i leave in 8 days can't i enjoy some steller guitar killer lyrics and amazing vocals. But enough of me going on about john mayer. Well one last thought check out the album if your a fan you'll love it, if your not a fan, we can't be friends.
Alright after hopefully saving my pictures and music for the next two years i hit up the mall for lunch. My escapades to the mall during my life have included eating, chilling in Brookstone and Lovesac, and checking out gamestop. Yes i'm a nerd get over it. And other stuff. When i go to the mall generally the last thing on my mind is shopping. most the time its "How can i kill time without getting kicked out of whatever store i'm in?" Anywho i picked up my lunch and as i'm walking out of the food court i spot Brooke working at bath and body works? is that right there are a couple stores like that and i never know if i am getting it right. Anyway, i stopped and talked with her for 5-10 minutes before it looked like her manager or another employee looked pretty ticked so i left. Side note i love visiting people at work/i love getting visited at work. Always an excuse to stop working, and you never know what you'll get roped into. One time Alvin and I got roped into sweeping and mopping the floor at KFC while waiting for Brock to get off. It was awesome, i can now say i have worked at KFC. At least for 2 seconds. Good times.
Well came home and just chilled for a few hours, when rob gives me a call and asks if i'm in for the TRIPLE CHALLENGE (dun dun daaaa, dramatic music and guy in deep voice announcing. just do it in your head and you'll catch what i'm getting at.) For those of you who don't know what the triple challenge is, it is a Triple with cheese and bacon, large fry and large drink. At wendys if you didn't know that already. that is about my daily allowance for calories right there folks gotta love it. A bit on the history of this challenge. Preston would get one of these all the time, and it wasn't a problem for him, well most the time it wasn't. It kind of became a joke. Getting the "meat sweats" and all that great stuff, not to mention feeling awful after, unless your preston in which case after so many it wasn't a big deal. So about a month ago after seeing Kung Fu Panda we were at Wendys and that is when Coleton Rob and I had the great idea to do the challenge, but also to ride our bikes there to do it. So today was the day. We rode over and ended up just Rob and I doing the challenge. Coleton got a triple but no large fry and drink, and Jimmy well he ate chicken nuggets. Proud to say we did it! well maybe not so proud, here it is 6 or 7 hours later and i still feel like crap, oh well all part of the game my friends.
There it is. (we recreated it cause i forgot to take a picture of mine, so that is coletons burger, my crushed up fry box, and robs empty drink. But you get the idea.)
This is how i felt after, and for the next several hours.
Preston would be proud, well he probably would call me a girl cause i felt like crap after but that is just his way of showing he is proud of you, sort of.
Alright after riding home on my bike, which was really hard mind you. I sat around trying to rebuild strenth. Then because everyone is either working, out of town, on missions, or has school in the morning. I went and saw Get Smart all by my lonesome. It was great! The only downside to seeing a movie by yourself is well there are a lot of downsides. walking into a theater full of couples about your age and sitting down by yourself, no one to talk about the film after not to mention the ride there and back by yourself. But i was fine with it, cause i don't have the time to wait for people to be able to go to a movie with me, i can't be alone for the next 2 years let alone see a movie so all was well. But it did get me to thinking on my way there how much i miss the guys, cause you better believe Alvin Brock Preston and Josh would have been with me to see it if they were here. Also driving out to the Carmike brings back so many fond memories of driving out there in the Jeep and stopping at every Wendys and Taco Bell on Redwood Road. Great times!
The Carmike is the only place to see a movie 4 bucks for a matinee 5.50 for regular shows you can't beat that. Plus no one is ever there so it is like having your own private screening. For more on the Carmike 12 West Jordan give me a call and i'll set you straight. Well that was my day. kind of nostalgic almost but mostly i'm nostalgic all the time so nothing new. Hope you enjoyed day 2, day 3 is shaping up to be a great day! But you'll just have to see.
Alright once again world i slept in today but can you blame me when i go to bed at 1:00 or 2:00 consistently. But I woke up and did something vital to my well being when i get home from the mish. I backed up my iPod onto my home computer as well as my Laptop and my external hard drive. For some reason i feel that some sort of curse will cause me to loose all my music so I'm doing all i can to fend it off. Also i did the same thing with pictures. so hopefully I'm secure. Also while i was doing all this i picked up John Mayer's new live album. For those of you who don't know i have a pretty severe "Man Crush" on him. But really of anyone to have a "man crush" on john mayer has got to be the best choice, go ahead try to argue with me. Anyway, the album is so so so choice! I figure it is the closest I'll be to actually hearing him/seeing him live for the next little while. So what i leave in 8 days can't i enjoy some steller guitar killer lyrics and amazing vocals. But enough of me going on about john mayer. Well one last thought check out the album if your a fan you'll love it, if your not a fan, we can't be friends.
Alright after hopefully saving my pictures and music for the next two years i hit up the mall for lunch. My escapades to the mall during my life have included eating, chilling in Brookstone and Lovesac, and checking out gamestop. Yes i'm a nerd get over it. And other stuff. When i go to the mall generally the last thing on my mind is shopping. most the time its "How can i kill time without getting kicked out of whatever store i'm in?" Anywho i picked up my lunch and as i'm walking out of the food court i spot Brooke working at bath and body works? is that right there are a couple stores like that and i never know if i am getting it right. Anyway, i stopped and talked with her for 5-10 minutes before it looked like her manager or another employee looked pretty ticked so i left. Side note i love visiting people at work/i love getting visited at work. Always an excuse to stop working, and you never know what you'll get roped into. One time Alvin and I got roped into sweeping and mopping the floor at KFC while waiting for Brock to get off. It was awesome, i can now say i have worked at KFC. At least for 2 seconds. Good times.
Well came home and just chilled for a few hours, when rob gives me a call and asks if i'm in for the TRIPLE CHALLENGE (dun dun daaaa, dramatic music and guy in deep voice announcing. just do it in your head and you'll catch what i'm getting at.) For those of you who don't know what the triple challenge is, it is a Triple with cheese and bacon, large fry and large drink. At wendys if you didn't know that already. that is about my daily allowance for calories right there folks gotta love it. A bit on the history of this challenge. Preston would get one of these all the time, and it wasn't a problem for him, well most the time it wasn't. It kind of became a joke. Getting the "meat sweats" and all that great stuff, not to mention feeling awful after, unless your preston in which case after so many it wasn't a big deal. So about a month ago after seeing Kung Fu Panda we were at Wendys and that is when Coleton Rob and I had the great idea to do the challenge, but also to ride our bikes there to do it. So today was the day. We rode over and ended up just Rob and I doing the challenge. Coleton got a triple but no large fry and drink, and Jimmy well he ate chicken nuggets. Proud to say we did it! well maybe not so proud, here it is 6 or 7 hours later and i still feel like crap, oh well all part of the game my friends.
There it is. (we recreated it cause i forgot to take a picture of mine, so that is coletons burger, my crushed up fry box, and robs empty drink. But you get the idea.)
This is how i felt after, and for the next several hours.
Preston would be proud, well he probably would call me a girl cause i felt like crap after but that is just his way of showing he is proud of you, sort of.
Alright after riding home on my bike, which was really hard mind you. I sat around trying to rebuild strenth. Then because everyone is either working, out of town, on missions, or has school in the morning. I went and saw Get Smart all by my lonesome. It was great! The only downside to seeing a movie by yourself is well there are a lot of downsides. walking into a theater full of couples about your age and sitting down by yourself, no one to talk about the film after not to mention the ride there and back by yourself. But i was fine with it, cause i don't have the time to wait for people to be able to go to a movie with me, i can't be alone for the next 2 years let alone see a movie so all was well. But it did get me to thinking on my way there how much i miss the guys, cause you better believe Alvin Brock Preston and Josh would have been with me to see it if they were here. Also driving out to the Carmike brings back so many fond memories of driving out there in the Jeep and stopping at every Wendys and Taco Bell on Redwood Road. Great times!
The Carmike is the only place to see a movie 4 bucks for a matinee 5.50 for regular shows you can't beat that. Plus no one is ever there so it is like having your own private screening. For more on the Carmike 12 West Jordan give me a call and i'll set you straight. Well that was my day. kind of nostalgic almost but mostly i'm nostalgic all the time so nothing new. Hope you enjoyed day 2, day 3 is shaping up to be a great day! But you'll just have to see.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Day 1
So i figure since this next week and a half will be pretty packed, I'll chronicle each day here as well as in my journal. Today's post will cover my farewell and Monday. Hope you enjoy.
Alright so my farewell... i felt it went really well. At least to me the spirit was really strong. I picked the songs that we sang, at first i had all the missionary songs and then as i thought about it i decided to switch it up, why i didn't know but during the meeting it hit me. The songs went as follows. I Believe In Christ, I Stand All Amazed, and Behold A Royal Army. We sang I Believe In Christ and i felt this comforting feeling and such an amazing spirit. Same type of thing as we sang I Stand All Amazed, it really helped me to allow the spirit to guide and direct me as i spoke. The first speaker was great i loved what she had to say. If you weren't there, her remarks we titled "The Marathon of Life" and she related marathon running to life in general and the mission work it was great! Really invited the spirit even more. Next my Brother and I sang one of my favorite songs "His Love" And it was amazing it was as if Angels were singing with us i felt such a strong spirit. Especially as i began to sing my part in the second verse it goes:
"Gently he beckons and i fall upon my knees, His loving eyes see past my weakness to my needs"
As i sang that i felt the most wonderful spiritual feeling, those words stuck in me and it surprised me i almost stopped singing it was the spirit of our Loving Heavenly Father testifying to me the truth of those words. Why it hit me as we were singing it for the real deal, and not the hundreds of other times i had sung it or heard it, i don't know for sure. But i think it had to do with how strongly i felt the Spirit as we sang. I felt we did well, and everyone said we did. But it wasn't all me all tell you that, i had my talented brother next to me carrying me along as well as the spirit lifting me up.
Alright my talk was on Increasing our Faith in Jesus Christ. I did mostly as planned but near the end it was the spirit telling me what to say not what i planned. It was an amazing feeling and i was so grateful for it. Again i was told i did well, i don't have the time nor space to go into details sorry but ask someone who was there and they'll tell you honestly how i did. Thank you to Friends and Family who were there to support me I love you guys. The rest of the day was spent chillin with family and friends and it was great.
Alright on to Day 1, I slept in till 11:30 12:00 Excessive i know but I'll be missing it for the next 2 years so bear with me. Well i had another appt. today. If you ask me I've had 1 to many already. They ripped my retainers out and sanded the glue down, not the best feeling ever believe me. I watched a couple of baseball games, if you don't know my feelings on baseball, read my post on baseball. Little league and then my good old Cardinals taking it to the Mets. Gotta love it. Then I went and visited the Sponbecks with Ell Bell and Coleton. I love that family! Today we did Muffin Monday, we made good old Blueberry Muffins and they tasted great, Sorry no pictures i forgot to take out my camera. But we visited with Kent Vicki and Staci. And it was just great! After watching a Slide show of "the guys" Ell and i went to play some Ultimate, Nate Rubens last game. It was great i just love that game! After we hit up the 7-11. Do they have 7-11's in Germany? I'm gonna miss Slurpee's if they don't. Maybe i should check that out. Well i came home and had a chat with the parentals, great stuff I'll miss that for sure. So pretty eventful day and I'm hoping all week is like this, but we'll find out. So tune in tomorrow for the hopefully exciting Day 2 dun dun daaaaaa (dramatic ending)
Alright so my farewell... i felt it went really well. At least to me the spirit was really strong. I picked the songs that we sang, at first i had all the missionary songs and then as i thought about it i decided to switch it up, why i didn't know but during the meeting it hit me. The songs went as follows. I Believe In Christ, I Stand All Amazed, and Behold A Royal Army. We sang I Believe In Christ and i felt this comforting feeling and such an amazing spirit. Same type of thing as we sang I Stand All Amazed, it really helped me to allow the spirit to guide and direct me as i spoke. The first speaker was great i loved what she had to say. If you weren't there, her remarks we titled "The Marathon of Life" and she related marathon running to life in general and the mission work it was great! Really invited the spirit even more. Next my Brother and I sang one of my favorite songs "His Love" And it was amazing it was as if Angels were singing with us i felt such a strong spirit. Especially as i began to sing my part in the second verse it goes:
"Gently he beckons and i fall upon my knees, His loving eyes see past my weakness to my needs"
As i sang that i felt the most wonderful spiritual feeling, those words stuck in me and it surprised me i almost stopped singing it was the spirit of our Loving Heavenly Father testifying to me the truth of those words. Why it hit me as we were singing it for the real deal, and not the hundreds of other times i had sung it or heard it, i don't know for sure. But i think it had to do with how strongly i felt the Spirit as we sang. I felt we did well, and everyone said we did. But it wasn't all me all tell you that, i had my talented brother next to me carrying me along as well as the spirit lifting me up.
Alright my talk was on Increasing our Faith in Jesus Christ. I did mostly as planned but near the end it was the spirit telling me what to say not what i planned. It was an amazing feeling and i was so grateful for it. Again i was told i did well, i don't have the time nor space to go into details sorry but ask someone who was there and they'll tell you honestly how i did. Thank you to Friends and Family who were there to support me I love you guys. The rest of the day was spent chillin with family and friends and it was great.
Alright on to Day 1, I slept in till 11:30 12:00 Excessive i know but I'll be missing it for the next 2 years so bear with me. Well i had another appt. today. If you ask me I've had 1 to many already. They ripped my retainers out and sanded the glue down, not the best feeling ever believe me. I watched a couple of baseball games, if you don't know my feelings on baseball, read my post on baseball. Little league and then my good old Cardinals taking it to the Mets. Gotta love it. Then I went and visited the Sponbecks with Ell Bell and Coleton. I love that family! Today we did Muffin Monday, we made good old Blueberry Muffins and they tasted great, Sorry no pictures i forgot to take out my camera. But we visited with Kent Vicki and Staci. And it was just great! After watching a Slide show of "the guys" Ell and i went to play some Ultimate, Nate Rubens last game. It was great i just love that game! After we hit up the 7-11. Do they have 7-11's in Germany? I'm gonna miss Slurpee's if they don't. Maybe i should check that out. Well i came home and had a chat with the parentals, great stuff I'll miss that for sure. So pretty eventful day and I'm hoping all week is like this, but we'll find out. So tune in tomorrow for the hopefully exciting Day 2 dun dun daaaaaa (dramatic ending)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)