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
