Week # 2...Sitting next to the Korean sisters.

Hello Friends and Family!! 

I've had yet another great week at the MTC, and to my surprise am losing rather than gaining weight. Everyone says to stay away from the chocolate milk, but it is there every meal and is very tempting. 

My companion and I were called as Zone leaders, we will begin our assignment this coming Monday, and continue throughout the rest of our stay at the MTC.
I am very excited to serve, and also to welcome the new missionaries into the field! However, It is also a good reminder to be on my best behavior, as everyone in my zone will probably be watching me and my companion. One of my favorite quotes from this week relates to that idea,
Full time missionary = Full time example
Investigators will be watching us out in the field, and we must always be a representative of Christ. Regardless if you have a name tag or not, every member should show that they are not of this world. People will see a difference in us, and want to know what that difference is.
Mosiah 2:41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
One of my favorite experiences this week was at our Sunday devotional. It was a great devotional, and I took a lot of notes. However the spirit hit the strongest during the closing Hymn, not because we were singing it good, but rather the exact opposite. There happened to be a Korean sister behind me, who was learning english while at the MTC. She could ask "how old are you", or "how big your family". During the closing hymn, she attempted to sing in english. It was quite possibly the most beautiful thing I've heard. She got roughly 3 words correct, and to my surprise (given her stature) sang louder than anyone else.
The spirit spoke so strongly to me.

A bit of background information, I personally feel like I've had a solid grasp on the principles of the gospel, but the language was and is my main concern. However, the spirit is a language of it's own. It occured to me, that the spirit is universal, and even though this sister could only sing "JESUS CHRIST", her testimony she bore through song spoke to me. I cried immensely, and laughed at the same time. I don't think I was ever so happy in the previous week. Everyone in my company thought I went mad, but in reality I was simply so joyful that I couldn't contain my excitement for the experience I just had.
I would highly recommend sitting next to the Korean sisters, their testimony is amazingly strong!
That is just one of my stories this week. I love this gospel. I love the MTC. I have loved sharing my experiences via email, and can't wait to get into the field!! 

I would challenge everyone to share what they feel from the spirit immediately when recieved. Or set time aside to study the Word of God. This is the most important work on this earth today, and you don't need a nametag to progress the Kingdom of Heaven.
Love all the emails!!
-Elder Vance

Elder Vance, Elder Vance, Brother Vance!!!

Week #1...To say that I've had some spiritual experiences would be an understatement!

Hello All,

To say that I've had some spiritual experiences would be an understatement. I will admit I've cried at least 5 times (and not because I miss you, sorry). The MTC is amazing!!!! And it's safe to say that my previous appetite is all but gone, if some food is put in front of me i'll eat it, even broccoli.

I am loving my district and especially my companion (Elder Hallsted). He is one of the funniest elders I know, and he actually gets my references! It is really funny because we both love quoting movies, so we challenged each other to only quote in ASL. The language is coming along great!! There are times where in the middle of our converstations we switch to ASL and just keep going, its really funny to see everyones reactions to us signing, we are basically celebreties at the MTC. Also because in choir we are front row and the camera always watches us, so everyone reacts when they see our name tags that say "american sign language".

My companion sleep talks, which really scared me at first. He didn't give me any clue that he did, so in the middle of the night (roughly 2 am) he yelled "ELDER, ELDER" and i just about leaped off my bed and i was freaking out and went to talk to him, only to find him sound asleep. It is alot funnier after it happens, but sometimes scary. Sometimes he laughs, another time he said "Welcome to the MTC", or he will just have a conversation with someone.

I will share 1 spiritual experience ive had this week, it started when an Elder I remember from Elementary (who i dont have fond memories of to say the least) came up to me and said he "recognized me from somewhere", I really didn't want to admit where I knew him from, but trying not to be rude I briefly talked to him. After my companion and I left, I was waiting in line for food, when I couldn't shake the feeling that i should talk to him. And iIcould tell it was a prompting because i REALLY didn't want to talk to him. I briefly talked to my companion about what I was feeling, and we left to go talk with this Elder. Come to find out he is going to Omaha, Nebraska (the same mission as my oldest brother Auston) and his sister served in sign language. But one thing he said to me that really stuck in my mind, he said (with sincere earnesty) "Thank you for coming and talking to me".

It wasn't until later that night that I understood. We had a talk by Elder Bednar (and don't try to find it because it is for MTC use only). In this talk he described Christlike attributes, and one of which was the strength and patience of Christ. He shared a story of how a mother who's daughter (and 2 friends) had gotten into a car accident, and the ambulance hadn't identified which of the 3 girls had died. While on the phone with Elder Bednar, the Mother had gotten word that her daughter had been the one who passed away. Rather than grieving, she told Elder Bednar to call the other 2 moms to share the news that their daughters were safe. She acted for others before herself.

It then occurred to me that maybe I wasn't the only one who needed to move on. Maybe this Elder did remember me and wanted to move on. In the same time though, I became very happy for him. I no longer had any bad feelings towards him, and truly wish him the best on his mission! If I had not been willing to put my own feelings aside, I don't know if this Elder would have gotten what he wanted, nor would I have this amazing feeling of hope that replaced the anger I had.

Another story came to mind during Elder Bednars talk. My long time (and probably eternal) Best friend Elder Matt Bair. My junior year I lost a close friend of mine, Aaron Zundel. I found out during the school day, and it hit me hard. It never crossed my mind that the moment I heard the news, my friend (now elder Bair) Matt had texted me first, asking if I was ok, or if I needed anything. Matt had been just as close, if not closer to Aaron than I was, yet rather than grieving for himself, he turned to help me. Needless to say i cried for a bit. I was so overwhelmed with happiness and joy that I couldn't help but smile. I have been so blessed in my life and really don't understand why. But I know that i am very grateful.

That is one of many experiences this week, and I will share more as they come!
Thank you for all the emails!!
2 Nephi 22:2
-Elder Vance

The adventure begins...Drop Off Day!

Hello Family,

They are making us say we are safe, so here goes...I'm safe!
P-day is Wednesday, and I regret wearing a suit, it is way to hot right now.
It's a good thing I packed deodorant.
Everything is awesome here, the interior designers deserve a raise.
I'm about to go to my first ASL class, so I will let you know how that goes.

Love you all!!
Mom stop crying
Dad get Mom a cookie

My new Companion Elder Hallsted