Week 8 MTC

Mission times update:

 

Chase seems very upbeat this week and excited to get to Honduras.  It sounds like he will get to experience the "red eye" out of SLC to Atlanta.  Then he will be on his way to Honduras from there arriving next Tuesday some time.  That will be a very long day full of anticipation.  It is good to see that he will be traveling with a companion so that they can share their international travel experience.  He will surely be exhausted by the time he arrives in the country.  Mom and Dad will be very anxious to hear from him via phone because it seems as though he has been gone much longer than two months.  The upside is that once he arrives in Honduras he will shortly be calling for Mothers day.  Mom already told us that it is her phone call and her's alone.  We'll see about that.....

 

I am a bit surprised to hear him aplogize for how he treated his Dad.....as I reflect on Chase's life it seems to me he has always been a good and faithful son.  Surely he is having a lot of time for introspection and self evaluation.   Patience, long suffering can be hard teachers.   If he can harness all of this insight he will surely be a very strong and faithful missionary and servant.  "unless you become as a little child"  comes to mind.

 

Enjoy:

 

Mom,

Well I have one more day to write until I leave for the field I got my flight plans this past week. My flight leaves at 1:05am from SLC, but I leave the MTC on MOnday night at 8:30pm. I am flying to Atlanta, GA and will arrive there I think at like 6:33am. Not sure if they included the time zones or not but my layover is there and I will call around that time in the morning I think. Then my flight will leave from Atlanta at 10:00am again not sure what the time zones will be. Then I head to Honduras!!!! I am so excited!!!! It is just Elder Andrus and I going to Honduras so it will be interesting. But I am ready to go but my spanish is still iffy oh well I know the Lord will provide! Also I sent you the SD card in the mail last week!!?? I hope you  got it!!! Please let me know if you got it or not. Also sound like not to big of a change in the ward. I am sure it will be different when I come back. Also I am happy and sad to hear Navy walking everywhere:( but its okay she probably doesnt remember me at all. Thank you for the letters and food ha Way to much of it but its okay.

 

Now this week was a lot better!! We as a companionship have been doing well and getting along. Even though its toward the end of the MTC experience I feel like I have grown sooo much. The Lord is truly guiding me everyday to be a better tool in His hands. I have been tryingn to read up on the Atonement and what Christ has done for us. It is hard to understand the Atonement but I find something new everyday to apply to my investigators and my life. We had a mission conference this past Sunday and it was really good because President Brown talked about the last hours of the Saviors life and it shows how much he really loved us. Then it had me thinking about how the Savior did Heavenly Fathers will without question. Then I thought do I do that to my own personal dad. I thought of what my dad has asked me to do in the past and how sometimes I was being a stupid teenager and questioning everything he asked me to do. I feel bad and regret for doing that and it shows how much I have disrespected my dad in my life and I apologize and repent for it. Then I though in a sense how many times I have not done what the Father has commanded me to do in this life and how much I have disobeyed. I need to have more respect for my Father in Heaven and My father now because I love them both so much and they tell me and ask me to do things because they love me. ANd I want to show my love for them by doing what they ask.Yes it is hard sometimes, but I will be blessed for it. My testimony for the Savior and The Father has grown so much and how big of a role they play in my life. I know that through the Savior Jesus Christ I can do all things as long as I have faith and obey His command. My time here is running short and I have absolutely love the MTC. Then I remember the scripture that you gave me Mom, Moroni 8:16 with a perfect love we can be fearless and have nothing to fear. I know the Lord can support me and never ever will leave me in my life and in Honduras I just have to faith and go forward in Faith.

 

Well enough preaching and stuff ha well we got a new district in our Zone this week and they are really cool. Another District came decided to pull a prank on them by have one of the missionaries have no arms explain later in pictures, another that could not speak english, and another be mad all the time and yell at everyone. It was really funny and they believed them for a while but realized that we were just having fun. Well  I think that is about it I am not sure what my address will be for my mission field but I will find out and I am able to write one more time. Also General Conference is this week way exciting!!

 

Con Amor,

Elder Hall

Week 7 MTC

Chases latest letter attached:

He is doing well and learning that missions are full of great days and very learning, refining and long suffering days.  I am impressed that he can write in Spanish.... to some extent.  That puts him ahead of me already as I can make out what he says but would be unable to write.  His testimony is growing from what he expresses here.

We are anxiously waiting for his departure in a few weeks.   It will be the start of another adjustment for him and all prayers will be welcome.

Enjoy.

Hola Madre,

Buenos Tardes!! Como le van? Esta semana fue muy importante! Por que mis distritos fue enfermo. No bien. Yo se que El Senor es verderdera y se que Padre Celestial es mi Padre y nosostros somos Sus Hijos. Yo se que Jesucristo es mi Salvador y Redentor.

Haha hopefully you can get all that! well that is good Chelsey did well in her teams tournament. Denver sounds like it was a blast. Very interesting what is happening back in Arizona ha I predicted Stratland Estates to be a ward of their own but not moved into another oh well. I am sure it will be different when I come back. Also how is the Gilbert Temples progress going? I am excited to come back and see it.

Well I am doing pretty good little bit of a struggle this week. So that Elder that was in quarantine came out of it after a couple of days and is doing lots better. Then Elder Brixey one of my companions got sick and he has been out for like four days or so. Also I got to go off campus for a couple of hours because he need to go see the Doctor for pink eye so that was interesting lol. Entonces no good. Our district has been switching off companions since and it has affected our progress this week. I have been struggling because of this. I found myself lost and trying so hard to support my district with their needs and trying to help out my companionship. I have been praying everyday for help and guidance and some how we got through the week. I know for a fact that the Lord helped me or otherwise I would have not made it. The spanish has been super hard because we are teaching the 2nd lesson in spanish and its so hard. Our teacher has been a little hard on us, but I know I need to get through it and I just need to remain faithful and positive. I have realized how much the Lord helps and provides in His work and he only helps those who are willing to work and endure to the end. I am trying so hard to prepare myself for the field and I only have two weeks left!!! It is crazy to think how fast time flies. I should be getting my flight plans thhis week so that is something to look forward too. I am hoping this week will be better and more productive. Well I know and have learned to stay faithful and endure like Joseph Smith did in Liberty Jail D&C 121,122,123. Also 2 Nephi 4 I encourage you all to read and study. Well I am remaining positive and still faithful to the work and I am trusting in the Lord with all my Heart, Mind, and Strength. Well I appreciate all the prayers and love you have given me. thank  you so much.

Les quiero mucho,

Week 6 MTC

Week 6 has come and gone.  Chase continues to do well and he is busy as evidenced by the details he provides.  Interesting note regarding his current campanion's Brother who is serving in Japan.  The good news is that Elder Andrus' brother is safe and accounted for but I am sure as young missionaries in the MTC this creates reflection on what they may face when the arrive in Honduras.  Chases Mom was pretty upset when she heard about the lack of information that was available in Japan about some of the missionaries there.  It would be very hard to have to wait for several days to hear news about a son or daughter who was involed in such a large scale natural disaster while serving in a foreign land.  What we do know is that the Lord watches over them, goes before them, prepares a way for them and will carry them if needed.  (D & C 84:71-88)  God bless the missionaries.

Here is this weeks letter.

Hey Mom,

Yeah it was a suprise to see her at the MTC. I couldnt remember her name at all but I stopped her anyways and explained who I was lol. Luckily she remembered. Okay I will use the ATM Card ha my bad and I pretty sure I have 200 bucks in cash still, no worries. That is awesome that Emily and Kyle are in the same ward as Ashley's parents! That makes me laugh and I love her parents. Sound like everyone is doing well and settling in. Oh Chelsey is just as busy as ever nothing new there lol Tell her good luck! Yeah I heard about the Earthquake and Tsunami from my companion Elder Andrus. His brother is in the Japan mission right now where they got hit. His brother is fine and safe, but its crazy how it happens. Really good opportunity for missionaries to help them out.

Well this week was interesting because Trio companionship is struggling on teaching. We have started to teach in Spanish and its going okay, but its a lot better than I thought I would do. In our TRC task we taught in spanish and that was rough and hard. But we managed to do it. I am pretty sure they understood us and which is an accomplishment. Also when I teach other missionaries and stuff they said I do pretty good. Grandpa and Grandma Reid sent me a letter in the mail in Spanish mostly and I could understand it pretty well! I have been struggling though because I am so consumed with being district leader and trying to have companionship unity when we teach. The Lord is truly testing me and I am relying on him for help and guidance. Alsoo I feel like I have not gotten much done with the work and being prepared for the mission field! I only have three weeks left!!! It is so crazy! We have a District leaving for Chile this week and were getting a new one so our Zone is starting to get more new comers and our district and another are the senior ones. It is ssoooooo crazy to think about! Also I am over my sickness and we had another get sick, Elder Braegger, and he went to the doctor to get a check up because he has been in his bed for a couple of days. The clinic found out that he might have influenza so he is in quarintine for the next couple of days!! Then they had our whole district come in and they gave us anit virus pills so we dont get the sickness and spread it around.Crazy!!! But funny at the same time. That is pretty much to what has happened this week.

Spiritual thought is I had the opportunity to annoint oil on Elder Braeggers head and then we did a blessing it was so cool. The feeling of being able to help someone when theree sick is absolutely amazing in every way. The priesthood authority which we hold is so amazing. I have also been looking at Jesus the Christ stuff and the book is amazing and shows how mucht the Savior has blessed our lives.

Funny story, I think its funny how our whole district has to take a pill for not spreading the influenza. We are taking pictures of our pill that we have to take for ten days! Anyways thank you Grandpa and Grandma Hall for the treats. Thank you mom for the love and prayers. Also my companions like to eat Chips preferrably Lays BBQ and the other likes Sour Patches. I have a ton of treats ha but some Twizzlers wouldnt hurt!!

Con Amor,

Elder Hall

Week 5 MTC

Another week gone by.

We can sense that Chase is doing well on a daily basis and has become accustomed to the MTC schedule.   We continue to feel that he is struggling with fluency in the language and we continue to petition daily for the Lord to bless him in this area.  As you read below change is constant.  New language, new responsibility as a District leader and another new companion.  Sounds like life as we all know it.  We have no concern regarding his leadership ability.  As a Priest Chase did a great job as the Bishop's First Assistant.  I am sure as he applies the same principles he learned then he will do fine.

enjoy,

Mom,

Thank you for the prayers they help  a lot. I have been struggling the past couple of days because our companioship turned into a trio. Talk about complicated! I have been trying to teach with this but it is super hard and challenging. Also we have to teach in Spanish this week in the TRC, which is a opportunity to teach to live investigators. I am so stressed, but I know i will do fine with lots of faith and lots of prayer and lots of work. I hope  my insights helped because they have helped me a ton. Anyways the past couple of days have been challenging with tuning in with the spirit while we teach in a trio. It is way harder to feel the promptings of the spirit in between us. I have been trying so hard to teach to peoples needs and teach in spanish. It is so difficult. But I can get through it and I know the Lord is testing me all the way to helpe me become a better tool in the hands of the Lord. Also the MTC food is fine my weight keeps going everywhere but I am maintaing it. The only problem is your sending me all these treats that are tempting me to eat them. They are good especially the brownies! Ummm thats way exciting for the new house!!! Also for Navy to be walking all the time. Cannot wait till I get to see her! Thank you for the addresses and what is the full address of Ashley Lindbloms address. I am also sick and thank you Elder Andrus! Its all good I am maintaing it and I am stilll working hard. I also forgot that I have been made a District Leader of my District. Little interesting haha. Anyways im glad I can lead my district and help them in any way I can. Spanish is coming little by little. Still struggling here and there, but I think the main thing I struggle with is making myself speak and talk in Spanish. Also Steven has been writing me and giving me some tips before I come he is so awesome.

 

The biggest thing about missionary work is were here to teach people not lessons. Our teacher evaluated us on our teaching and said we need to teach to peoples needs. It is really hard, but I know its possible. It will take a lot of practice and diligence. I love to teach, but it is challenging because we are a trio now. So it is hard to take turns talking. Oh yeah the other companion we have is Elder Brixey and he is from Dallas, Texas. He is a very good man and is a little older than us. He has such a good spirit. So a spiritual thought I have is in our Testimony meeting on Fast Sunday. The spirit was so strong because the missionaries that learn and grow here, build a stronger testimony. While I was sitting and listening to other bear their testimony, my mind went to D&C 135 when Joseph and Hyrum Smith were about to get murdered. Before they were killed they were reading in the book of Ether 12:37. It made me realized what kind of testimony they have and they were willing to die than to deny the gospel of Jesus Christ. Absolutely amazing!! I need to be like them and fear nothing in this life and never deny what I know to be true.

 

I cannot think of anything really to say that was funny this week. oh well

 

Con Amor,

Elder Hall

Week 4 MTC

Another letter addressed to Mom.  I suppose she has earned preferential status over the years as his confidant and advisor on a daily basis.

As you read his entry this week it is evident that he is being led by the Spirit each day and experiencing the little miracles that can happen daily when in the employ of the Lord.  Ironically in my letter addressed to him this week I shared a couple of scriptures with him from the Saviors teachings on faith and the power of exercised faith.  His letter to us below, unbeknownst to us, was about the same subject.  Coincidence…maybe but more likely the message of the Spirit is consistent for what he needs in this stage of his mission.

 If you read in the book of  Mark the Savior teaches his apostles about the power of faith when he explains about what great miracles will happen if they (we) ask in faith.  See Mark 11: 22-24 when the apostles are asking how he controls even nature as shown by the fig tree withering at his command.  Then cross reference that to 3 Nephi 18: 20 when the same promise of faith is given but with the addition that it must” be right”.      

paraphrased....Ask Heavenly Father for something in the name of Christ,  if it is right, truly believing and  it will be given to us.  Faith indeed can be powerful if we understand the ability to excersize perfect Faith.  It is truly a lifelong pursuit which I have yet to master… but Chase seems to be grasping the magnitude of  the promise.

Here is his letter:

Mom,

I am doing pretty good. This week has been a lot of faith and diligent work. I have learned so much about faith and how it plays in our life. In Moroni 7 it talks about faith, hope, and charity. They said if we do not have these three things we are nothing and are lost. Faith is such an important role in the work and in our life. I got some notes from a Hermana on Faith and she got  the notes from a teacher Hermano Coles. Hermano Coles is an amazing disciple of Christ. He is an example to all missionaries of how we need to act in Faith and go forward with the work. Even though there are times where you do not know where to go or what to do. You can put your trust in the Lord and He will support you in everything. My testimony of faith and also the understanding has grown significantly. My struggle has exercising in the faith that I have. So many people are decieved by faith being a thing to say and not to act. Faith is an action word and this is my spiritual insights this week.

"Faith is Confidence. Faith doesnt necessarily happen when you are kneeling down, but when your out doing something about it. What we see is what we allow ourselves to see what we do is what we allow ourselves to do. Dont doubt its gonna happen. Faith is the difference in missionary work."

All of this pertains to Faith. I encourage you to read, study, and ponder Moroni 7 and Hebrews 11. 

The pictures will come soon ha I dont want to send pics until my memory card is full so thats what I am waiting for!!! PLus some good news my estimated departure date is April 4th!! Tell emily she was right lol This means I only have like a little more than 4 weeks left!!!! Also our district is gettting smaller which is sad because Elder Tays has not left for Guatemala yet because he had some paperwork issues (no visa required) he said it was some kind of authentication record that was not done or something so he leaves this Tuesday. He will be missed for sure! This past week has definitely been learning one and I absolutely love it to death!!! Oh yeah thanks for the packages Grandpa and Grandma Hall, Grandpa and Grandpa Reid, and of course my mom/family lol. I would not be anywhere else in the world right now. God be with you All and thank you for the love and support!!!

Oh yeah funny story, so Elder Brixey was telling me to come into his room so I go into his room then Elder Bateman (Zone Leader) was hiding in the closet and jumped out and scared me so bad and he recorded it! haha pretty funny I think. The MTC food is starting to mess up my stomach lol

Con Amor,

Elder Hall

Week 3 at the MTC

Great letter from Chase this week.  It begins below addressed to "Family",

At this stage in the MTC we read "between the lines" that he has been struggling to feel like he is mastering the language.  His mom and I have felt impressions this past week that he needed some extra prayers in his behalf to help him over this hurdle.  If you could petition the Lord to provide help for him in your prayers we would be very grateful.  As you read below you can see his attitude is great in spite of the challenge.  MTC life can be the uplifting and frustrating at the same time.  This is the paradox of promises based on long suffering.... the learning curve is very steep but the blessings are greater.  He will be a great missionary as he relies on the Spirit to teach him.  Read his favorite scripture from Alma he mentions below.

ps.  We can also see he hasn't lost his sense of humor....

Family,

I am doing fantastic and thank you for the prayers. I have had a good week and had a bit of a struggle. Spanish is starting to get to me and I am still pressing forward though. I am studying spanish even harder because we are starting to teach in spanish and I tried it once and I didnt say anything in spanish. I couldnt say anything I was so frustrated and then I prayed for help and comfort and My prayer was answered. Never under estimate the Lord He is always willing to provide. Each day I am here my testimony grows and grows as I learn about the Savior. Jesus Christ is so amazing and is really there to help us. The MTC is an amazing place and you learn so much I love my teachers Hermano Sturgill and Hermana Harris. Both of them are really good teachers. Our district is getting smaller  because Elder Tays and Elder Eyre are leaving us for the Guatemala MTC on Tuesday. They are so awesome. Elder Tays is from Safford, Arizona and he said we should stay in contact so we could rooom together at EAC!!! Our district is now down to 5 Elders and we are still strong. This past week has definitely been a hard one and I am grateful  for it because the Lord wants me to succeed. I hope everyone is doing well. I am starting to lose myself in the Lord's work and is really helps. I am so grateful to be out here and I have met some amazing missionaries!!

Well my spiritual thought is I can recite the Jose Smith Primera Vision!!! " vi una columna de luz, mas brillante que el sol, directemente arriba de mi cabeza, y esta luz gradualemente descendio hasta descansar sobre mi, al reposar sobre mi la luz, vi en el aire arriba de mi a Dos Personajes, cuyo fulgor y gloria no admiten descripcion. Uno de ellos me hablo. llamandome por mi nombre y dijo. ensenalando al otro "Este es mi Hijo Amado: Escuchalo!" Yo se que Jose Smith fue un profeta y a traves Jose Smith el evangelio de Jesucristo fue restauro en la tierra nuevo.

Funny story is Hno. Sturgill was telling us how we are going to be out in the field and there is not going to be any toilet paper and you have to be a man and use your hand. Then you take bird seed and coat it on your hand and raise it in the sky, so you can catch a bird for something to eat lol He was dead Serious!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. Hermano Sturgill was just kidding he just made that up for fun lol!!!! I know my mom will not appreciate this oh well! I thought is was pretty funny!! Oh yeah I need mints and they do not allow gum here. My Favorite Scripture is Alma 36:3!!!

Con Amor,

Elder Hall

MTC Week 2

I am posting Chase's letter from his second week in the MTC.   Note at the bottom of this post I left his address should anyone want to drop him a line.  He certainly is enjoying the letters.  Once again Mom gets the preferential treatment with his letter addressed to her.

Mom,

I know this week has gone by quick and I am busy everyday. Thanks for the packages from grandpa and grandma Reid and I have tons of treats now lol. I knew you would break down for the dog! Hopefully its still there when I get back.

 

This week has been really good some up and downs,but I am pressing forwad with faith and giving my all to the Lord. I need to keeep trying to forget myself and do the Lords work. I have taught the first lesson about 6 times to all different investigators! Very spiritual and challenging but I know it will help me in the end. We had our first TRC, which is basically teaching live investigators, and also practicing our spanish with live investigators. So we got assigned to a room and had to go meet someone and talk to them about the Gospel by giving them a short testimony of what we know and its hard. Anyways my companion and I went in and I was totally blank!! I felt so lame, but eventually I started to talk in spanish and they understood what I was saying!!! So that Is a bonus. Spanish is so hard to come and practice, but I need to keep at it. Aftter we spoke spanish we taught the first lessson in English thankfully!!! I have found that teaching is not easy it really involves the Spirit and really trying to meet the needs of the investigators. So My companion and I were teaching the first lesson to the "investigators", all of the investigators we teach are other missionaries basically, anyways we taught and the spirit just guided us to meet every investigators needs and it really turned into an amazing lesson. I can testify that the Spirit testifies of truth not the missionaries!!!

 

That was my spiritual experience, now for my funny experience all of my district is super funny they are Elder Tavita, Elder Braegger, Elder Brixey, Elder Eyre, and Elder Tays. two are from St. George, Utah. One is from Taylorsville, Utah. One is from Safford, Arizona, and My companion is from Spanish Fork, Utah. My companion is awesome and loves to work, but sometimes is a little lazy but I like to push him and pick him up. The funny story is we all have a problem with the food giving us gas, especially from Elder Tavita he is so bad but super funny guy. He is originally from Somoa! He is going to Honduras too! But not my companion and my mission. He is going to Stevens mission!!! Love the experience here still losing myself in the Lords work and there are so many spiritual experiences!! Also Chelsey I need some addresses lol I need Sidney Merryweathers, Katie Brigg's, Ashley Lindblom, and whoever else you think I should write. Well thats all for now hopefully I answered everyones questions. If you have anymore write me on DearElder.com and I can write a letter back to you as soon as possible.

 

My address is

Elder Cory Chase Hall

MTC Mailbox #222

Hon-Teg 0404

2005 N. 900 E.

Provo, Utah 84604-1793