Hey everyone!
I leave this week! I got a temporary reassignment to the Philadelpia, Pennsylvania mission! I'm kind of stoked that I get to have two missions! I leave Tuesday at 3 AM so you don't have to worry about sending me mail in the MTC anymore, because I won't get it. I'll try to let you all know the address for Philly, but I honestly don't know how long I will be there because I will be leaving as soon as I get my visa.
Christmas was great! We had Elder Nelson come and speak to us. The spirit of Christmas was so great here, it was so much easier to focus on the real reason that we celebrate Christmas. I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be here during this great holiday.
We also had an amazing talent show. Imagine 6 russian elders all singing a song that they made to Lady Gaga's "bad romance" but titled and themed "I missionary now." They even did the entire music video dance and all that. It was SO funny! We also had a great Christmas dinner in which we were able to get together as the elders of the zone and share our favorite tradition and a testimony. It was probably one of my favorite parts of the day.
It really is crazy how fast the time has flown. I can't believe that it has already been about six weeks since I left. It feels just like yesterday. Thank you all for your support.
Love,
Elder Siebert
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Weekly Report: MTC Week 5
This week has been a super busy one. We have been really cracking on the language as it is nearly time to leave and go to the mission field. I've been really amazed as I have tried to speak and speak and speak at how much help I have received from the Lord. I feel like I remember more words than I ever thought possible and I have progressed so much. This week was also a little stressful because all of my district got their travel plans to leave, but I have not yet received mine. I've been worrying for a while if I will get stuck here for another six weeks. However, today I talked to the people at the travel office and they informed me because the visa was not yet here that I will almost certainly be reassigned somewhere stateside until the visa comes. I should know by Wednesday, which means everyone can know by next Monday.
We combined districts with another one this week because their DL left today and they were left with only three people. I am now mailman for seven people now. The pressure is on. With all the mail I will be carrying I think that I may be able to maintain my biceps in prime condition. Hahaha, just kidding. The change has been a little rough because we are all in different points in our learning because we had different teachers. However, all the elders have a wonderful spirit about them and I am sure that this will really help us get everything worked out.
I really don't know of much else to say. We have a funny joke in our district concerning our lotion bottle. It's shea butter. If anyone knows Chinese, Shea sounds like the same word for who, so we always say "na4 shi4 shea2..........butter!" it's super awesome. Even the new elders in our district have caught on, they know that when we leave a big pause after shea to say "butter."
Finally, I'd really like you to try to remember the purpose of Christmas this week. Fill your life with things of the Savior. Set aside thirty minutes to really talk to and be with the family, read the scriptures or think of ways that you have been blessed and how you can bless others. I know as you do this the true spirit of Christmas will be with you and will bring you great joy.
Merry Christmas, I love you all,
Elder Siebert
We combined districts with another one this week because their DL left today and they were left with only three people. I am now mailman for seven people now. The pressure is on. With all the mail I will be carrying I think that I may be able to maintain my biceps in prime condition. Hahaha, just kidding. The change has been a little rough because we are all in different points in our learning because we had different teachers. However, all the elders have a wonderful spirit about them and I am sure that this will really help us get everything worked out.
I really don't know of much else to say. We have a funny joke in our district concerning our lotion bottle. It's shea butter. If anyone knows Chinese, Shea sounds like the same word for who, so we always say "na4 shi4 shea2..........butter!" it's super awesome. Even the new elders in our district have caught on, they know that when we leave a big pause after shea to say "butter."
Finally, I'd really like you to try to remember the purpose of Christmas this week. Fill your life with things of the Savior. Set aside thirty minutes to really talk to and be with the family, read the scriptures or think of ways that you have been blessed and how you can bless others. I know as you do this the true spirit of Christmas will be with you and will bring you great joy.
Merry Christmas, I love you all,
Elder Siebert
Monday, December 13, 2010
Weekly Report: MTC Week 4
As the weeks to pass here in the MTC I am struck by what seems to be a time paradox. It seems that it was just a moment ago that I sat typing at this exact same computer, yet it feels at the same time that I have been here for centuries. Seriously, my hair is turning grey. (I have actually noticed, to my great alarm that there are more gray strands than before, but this may be because I can get a good look at them with my hair parted). Whatever the time flow though, I am happy to be in such a wonderful place in which I have such a great opportunity to learn how to bring the Gospel to those who are prepared to recieve it.
We have instituted a new thing in our district called DDT. While this sounds like pest control, it's actually an accronym that I chose for Dynamic District Teaching. We teach Elders Sanford and Olsen different Chinese skills, and they teach us advanced teaching techniques. I feel like it has been such a great blessing to our district and our learning.
At lunch yesterday we were joking with Sister Tan, after which she began to pout because she claimed we were mocking her. I then asked for her forgiveness, forgetting that there is a term for God's forgiveness (kuan1shu4) which is not used for forgiveness from mere mortals. I used the godly form. Oops. Then Sister Austin said "much as she wants to believe it, she's not God so she can't grant that for you." Sister Tan then said in somewhat awkward and broken Chinese that she is the Lord's servant and therefore has his authority. Never have I laughed so hard and yet at the same time been so afraid for someone's eternal salvation.
This week has been a little harder, I felt like there were some things that happened just so that I would have more trials with my teaching, but everytime when I turned to the Lord and faithfully put one foot in front of the other, I was blessed with amazing ability that was beyond my own. I would suggest that as we all experience trials in our lives, that we try to turn to the Lord. I promise you as you do, you will be blessed with power that is not your own. It is truly wonderful.
Love,
Elder Siebert
We have instituted a new thing in our district called DDT. While this sounds like pest control, it's actually an accronym that I chose for Dynamic District Teaching. We teach Elders Sanford and Olsen different Chinese skills, and they teach us advanced teaching techniques. I feel like it has been such a great blessing to our district and our learning.
At lunch yesterday we were joking with Sister Tan, after which she began to pout because she claimed we were mocking her. I then asked for her forgiveness, forgetting that there is a term for God's forgiveness (kuan1shu4) which is not used for forgiveness from mere mortals. I used the godly form. Oops. Then Sister Austin said "much as she wants to believe it, she's not God so she can't grant that for you." Sister Tan then said in somewhat awkward and broken Chinese that she is the Lord's servant and therefore has his authority. Never have I laughed so hard and yet at the same time been so afraid for someone's eternal salvation.
This week has been a little harder, I felt like there were some things that happened just so that I would have more trials with my teaching, but everytime when I turned to the Lord and faithfully put one foot in front of the other, I was blessed with amazing ability that was beyond my own. I would suggest that as we all experience trials in our lives, that we try to turn to the Lord. I promise you as you do, you will be blessed with power that is not your own. It is truly wonderful.
Love,
Elder Siebert
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Photos: MTC
Who says studying can't be hot?
Jedi Elder
The zone at dinner.
Snow crazy.
The zone at the temple.
Elders Forsyth and Holderness
Elders Greene and Ho
Trying to give Elder Lyman a Book of Mormon.
Elders Siebert and Ho
Monday, December 6, 2010
Weekly Report: MTC Week 3
This marks yet another week at the MTC down! It's a little crazy to think that I've been here for three and half weeks because it feels like it has gone by so fast. Our district got an invitation to host for new incoming missionaries for the next few Wednesdays. I feel so old here. I almost don't want to do it because that means pretty much a four hour loss of studies, but I am sure that because we have been selected, the Lord will provide a way that we can make up the time.
So this week, I got told by one of the sister companionships that they were trying to break Sister Bray of her habit of assuming everything is about her. This was all done jokingly by the way. After joking about it at breakfast, we just let the subject drop for a little bit. Later when I was headed back to the residence hall for the night, I say Sister Bray and her companions down the hall from our classroom. I had a devious idea. I waved in her general direction until she looked over. As soon as she began to wave back I said, "Sister, not everything is about you, I was waving to the people behind you." Her companions thought this was great. I got the death laser glare. The elders behind and around me laughed. It was good for moral.
Also funny this week, Elder Olsen decided he was going to pretend to attack Elder Sanford. He had the strangest face while doing his little cat fight slapping thing. I really wished I'd gotten the whole thing on video or something because I really didn't even know that a human being could make noises like that. Oh, I made Elder Brown throw up after he worked out with me. A strange mixture of self accomplishment and guilt washed over me when it happened.
Hopefully when I send my SD card this week it won't fall out of my torn envelope like last time. Maybe there will be pictures of me. Oh, one last thing, if anyone was planning on sending a package for Christmas, the last day that the MTC will accept packages from the local delivery services is going to be the 22nd. Just in case. Also, I hope all of you feel guilty if you don't send me a package.
Love,
Elder Siebert
So this week, I got told by one of the sister companionships that they were trying to break Sister Bray of her habit of assuming everything is about her. This was all done jokingly by the way. After joking about it at breakfast, we just let the subject drop for a little bit. Later when I was headed back to the residence hall for the night, I say Sister Bray and her companions down the hall from our classroom. I had a devious idea. I waved in her general direction until she looked over. As soon as she began to wave back I said, "Sister, not everything is about you, I was waving to the people behind you." Her companions thought this was great. I got the death laser glare. The elders behind and around me laughed. It was good for moral.
Also funny this week, Elder Olsen decided he was going to pretend to attack Elder Sanford. He had the strangest face while doing his little cat fight slapping thing. I really wished I'd gotten the whole thing on video or something because I really didn't even know that a human being could make noises like that. Oh, I made Elder Brown throw up after he worked out with me. A strange mixture of self accomplishment and guilt washed over me when it happened.
Hopefully when I send my SD card this week it won't fall out of my torn envelope like last time. Maybe there will be pictures of me. Oh, one last thing, if anyone was planning on sending a package for Christmas, the last day that the MTC will accept packages from the local delivery services is going to be the 22nd. Just in case. Also, I hope all of you feel guilty if you don't send me a package.
Love,
Elder Siebert
Monday, November 29, 2010
Weekly Report: MTC Week 2
Hey Everyone!
Week 2 at the MTC was much better than the first. There wasn't so much to get used to and now that we have a regular schedule, the life seems much more in control. We have been learning so much these last couple days. We've learned to use more questions teaching, testifying more and introducing baptism while contacting, which is absolutley crazy to me.
We had an amazing Thanksgiving Devotional by Elder Holland. It really made me think about my family, and made me think too that we should all be a little more thankful for our families because honestly, they do so much for us. We also had an amazing Thanksgiving sack dinner at our residence hall after the real Thanksgiving dinner. All the elders in the zone got together and went around expressing a little something we were thankful for. The spirit was so very strong for that thirty minutes.
We have a great time in the residence hall too. This week, with Elder Olsen's Snuggie and some camera skills, we took Jedi pictures of everyone, hopefully, when I get my card back from my parents I'll be able to send this one off so everyone can see it.
Unfortunately, I'm out of time, but I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive of me and my family these last few weeks. I truly love all of you!
Love,
Elder Siebert
Week 2 at the MTC was much better than the first. There wasn't so much to get used to and now that we have a regular schedule, the life seems much more in control. We have been learning so much these last couple days. We've learned to use more questions teaching, testifying more and introducing baptism while contacting, which is absolutley crazy to me.
We had an amazing Thanksgiving Devotional by Elder Holland. It really made me think about my family, and made me think too that we should all be a little more thankful for our families because honestly, they do so much for us. We also had an amazing Thanksgiving sack dinner at our residence hall after the real Thanksgiving dinner. All the elders in the zone got together and went around expressing a little something we were thankful for. The spirit was so very strong for that thirty minutes.
We have a great time in the residence hall too. This week, with Elder Olsen's Snuggie and some camera skills, we took Jedi pictures of everyone, hopefully, when I get my card back from my parents I'll be able to send this one off so everyone can see it.
Unfortunately, I'm out of time, but I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive of me and my family these last few weeks. I truly love all of you!
Love,
Elder Siebert
Monday, November 22, 2010
Weekly Report: Food Report, First Companion, Fun Elders
So this is the first report from the MTC! It's really not too bad here, I mean, the buildings all look the same, the maps are confusing, you're bound to get at least a little lost, but you get a feel for it really quick. Though many people say the food here is no good, I find it to be acceptable. Though it isn't the masterful gastronomical work of my mom or Mama Ludwig, I find that it gets me through the day.
My companion, Elder Ho, is amazing. He comes from Hong Kong, so he speaks Cantonese, but he also speaks Mandarin really well. As if this isn't enough, he speaks English well and he's also a fantastic dancer and basketball player. Seriously. I've never seen anyone pop like that in real life, and for a short guy, he shoots some fantastic hoops. I will have pictures of him and the rest of my zone and district as soon as I can.
The second day I was here, I got assigned to be the district leader of my older district. Some people might love the glory and fame of being a mission leader, but to me all I heard was, meetings and more stress in an already eventful life I'm just starting to get used to. Nevertheless, I am glad for the responsibility. I trust that the Lord will help me in this calling and that I will be shaped into the missionary I need to be.
In our residence hall, we have some amazingly fun elders. Elder Aikens and Elder Brown are a few of my favorites. With the help of Elder Ho, they managed to take a crazy matrix like picture using our ironing board. Also great are the other missionaries in my room, Elder Olsen and Elder Sanford. Elder Sanford is so kind and caring, he always irons my shirt in the morning. Elder Olsen is crazy at times, but a very good missionary and also looks a lot like the green goblin.
Finally, I'd like to say how much I appreciate all of you out there supporting me. Remember this week to pray with faith, fully believing that you'll receive the blessings you ask for. I have been praying with more faith and have been blessed with many small miracles in my life these last few days. I know the same can happen for you!
Love,
Elder Siebert
My companion, Elder Ho, is amazing. He comes from Hong Kong, so he speaks Cantonese, but he also speaks Mandarin really well. As if this isn't enough, he speaks English well and he's also a fantastic dancer and basketball player. Seriously. I've never seen anyone pop like that in real life, and for a short guy, he shoots some fantastic hoops. I will have pictures of him and the rest of my zone and district as soon as I can.
The second day I was here, I got assigned to be the district leader of my older district. Some people might love the glory and fame of being a mission leader, but to me all I heard was, meetings and more stress in an already eventful life I'm just starting to get used to. Nevertheless, I am glad for the responsibility. I trust that the Lord will help me in this calling and that I will be shaped into the missionary I need to be.
In our residence hall, we have some amazingly fun elders. Elder Aikens and Elder Brown are a few of my favorites. With the help of Elder Ho, they managed to take a crazy matrix like picture using our ironing board. Also great are the other missionaries in my room, Elder Olsen and Elder Sanford. Elder Sanford is so kind and caring, he always irons my shirt in the morning. Elder Olsen is crazy at times, but a very good missionary and also looks a lot like the green goblin.
Finally, I'd like to say how much I appreciate all of you out there supporting me. Remember this week to pray with faith, fully believing that you'll receive the blessings you ask for. I have been praying with more faith and have been blessed with many small miracles in my life these last few days. I know the same can happen for you!
Love,
Elder Siebert
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)