Last Week in the MTC!

Well this week was pretty awesome!! I learned a good amount the last week here. I learned the importance of knowing the scriptures better, and I was talking to Dustin about it too, but that's definitely something I wish I could do better because the way that I'm learning to teach is using the scriptures and then talking about it, instead of using scriptures to prove my words if that makes sense.  Anyway, so that's definitely important for preparation. 

I also got to host! It was sooo cool to be able to welcome the new guys and comfort the families and the new missionaries. I saw different types of goodbyes and where one was forever and others seemed uncaring.  I think you guys did awesome with that.  It was so funny to see them and think I wasn't THAT scared was I... and then I thought about it and yep! I was definitely the same.  Kinda reminds me of where I'm from and makes me realize how far I've come. I still see how far I've got, but I'm definitely excited to get out there and start learning more!

I also got to do a how to begin teaching which means me and my 2 companions would start teaching and when we got to the point where we'd start teaching then the new missionaries (arrived that day new).  It was really cool but also annoying cause when we'd hit that point the moderators would just stop us -- it was just like AGH!  haha but I loved it - it was so much fun!!

We also did something called in-field training where all the missionaries that were leaving come together and learn a bunch of awesome stuff like finding people to teach, planning, and using members etc. It was really cool.  Then at the end, the instructors did this play thing where there was a new missionary (who was actually named Elder Sharp! They even used my name tag and I got the teacher's name tag for ransom) to the field and he was the typical new missionary Haha.  It was so funny, but it also taught us the importance of using members and making sure that members keep caring about the new converts through things like home teaching and visiting teaching. One of my teachers actually said one of the biggest reason new members don't stay is because they don't feel welcome.  It was a kinda big eye opener.

I miss you guys a lot, but surprisingly I've only wanted to be home once for like 15 minutes.  Then I was like, "Dude!  You just wasted 15 minutes of study!"  haha!  I'm glad for the experiences I have had and that you guys let me go out and didn't hold on too tightly.  

Anyway that's all I learned this week -- haha pretty Grrrrrreat!!

I'll call from Denver!

Amo Vocês!!

Elder Sharp

Before the Missionary Training Center

This is Don's Mom.  I wanted to record his last 48 hours with us and his trip to Utah before we start getting weekly letters from him.

We threw a going-away party for him at the community center.

The next morning he was set apart as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  

 It was awesome for his Grandma Black to be in town and able to be there for the special occasion!

The night before he left was busy packing his suitcases.  We hid Butterfingers throughout his suitcases and carry-on to surprise him when he opened his bags.

Saying goodbye at the airport was bittersweet.  We were sad to have him leave us -- but so excited about this exciting time for him.  

We asked a friend, who recently got off his mission to TN and lives in Utah, if he would pick him up from the airport. "Elder" Barton served in our area for quite a while, and Don Jr went with him once a week to do missionary work local.  They became good friends.  It was so comforting to know he would be at the airport to greet Elder Sharp and be with him until he took him to the Missionary Training Center Wednesday.  

He took him to the Salt Lake Temple Tuesday night.

Wednesday morning they went to Denny's for breakfast, who apparently gives incoming missionaries free meals on Wednesday.  :)   They went to a couple stores for last-minute items he needed before beginning his mission.  They had some free time, so they went to the Provo Temple.  

At 11:00 am, Elder Sharp entered the Missionary Training Center, where he will be for the next six weeks.  Learning Portuguese and taught how to be a successful missionary.  I cannot wait to get his first letter about his experiences!  This is what "Elder" Barton said about this:  Look who I dropped off at the MTC today! So grateful I know this man; he is a powerful missionary.

"Elder" Alexander Barton called me right after Elder Sharp entered the MTC to let me know he was there and tell me about their 18 hours together.  He said the kindest things about Elder Sharp.  He is an instructor at the MTC and said anything I want to give Elder Sharp, let him know -- he would love an excuse to go visit Elder Sharp.  :)