Well, it's about time. The teachers are telling us over and over again to be diligent until the end because that will set the tone for the rest of our mission. The struggle hasn't been working, though .... it's been finding stuff to work on. I can't imagine being here for twelve weeks.
Thursday: the *Japanese missionaries didn't have a teacher at the end of the day, so we got to combine with them. It was cool to hang out with them and talk about the struggles of Japanese, and I'm sure it's fun for them to hear us stutter. Also, went to the top floor of the teaching building to see if we could see the score for the game in the distance. We learned the outcome the next day. It's fine by me if BYU is better than Utah in pretty much every way except football.
*He refers to the missionaries who come to the MTC from Japan. Members of the church in Japan often receive mission calls to serve in their own country. But first they fly to the United States for 3 weeks of training at the Provo Missionary Training Center. And then fly back to Japan for their mission, serving in an area away from home.
Friday: combined classes with the other district leaving Monday. Lunch was hamburgers as usual. First one was made of charcoal, but the second was pretty good. Also got all our flight plans today. When we leave the MTC, it will be 26 hours about until we get to our mission in Sapporo. Good study time and talking with passengers time I guess.
His flight plan is Salt Lake City to LAX to Tokyo to Sapporo. He leaves Monday morning and arrives in Sapporo on Tuesday evening. There are about 20 missionaries that will travel together to Tokyo. Then 7 of those are going to Sapporo -- 5 Elders from his district (1 lone Elder from his district is staying in Tokyo), and 2 native Japanese missionaries (one Elder, one Sister).
Saturday: not much really happened, but wasn't as bad as other Saturdays.
Sunday: fast Sunday again. Wasn't too bad. Used pretty much the same strategy as last time. Sang Joseph Smith's first prayer in choir. The speaker for the devotional was the lady who wrote "Adjusting to Missionary Life." Lol early on in our MTC experience, one of our teachers said he took the booklet and crossed out the word missionary, so it just said "Adjusting to Life."
(Video of a choir of Missionaries from the Provo MTC singing "Joseph's First Prayer" in General Conference.
Not Conner.)
Monday: more confirmation while talking about the atonement that we have literally the best teachers. Huber kyõdai (kyõdai means brother and after eight weeks it feels weird to call them brother) is just so full of energy for this work, and Cox kyõdai is always so spiritual in our discussions. It's a shame we are their last district, but I'm just glad we didn't miss them.
Tuesday: can't remember the name of the speaker, but he gave a great talk about not complaining. Laman and Lemuel did everything Nephi did (and kudos to them for doing it), but they always murmured and complained, so it was never worth it for them. Also, the speaker shared a cool insight about Doctrine & Covenants 4:4.
4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;
We aren't just reaping the souls of men, but also experiences and habits that will help us stay faithful for the rest of our lives.
Wednesday: just got back from the temple. Doing laundry. Super hungry. The gist. Last p-day before we leave.
When we get to Japan, it's gonna be pretty depressing, because Pratt chõrõ isn't going to Sapporo with us. (chõrõ means "Elder"). Here's how it's gonna go: Williams chõrõ (Pratt chõrõ's companion) is gonna start crying. Then Pratt chõrõ is gonna start crying. Then the rest of the district will start crying. And I...will stand there wishing I could cry. We'll do a group hug and I will have no clue what to do with my face like every goodbye I've ever had. At least it isn't my job to tell everybody we need to get to customs.
Conner is not sentimental when it comes to good-byes. At the end of each school year the Madrigals would have what they call, "Mads Circle" where everyone would gather in a circle and share their feelings about the school year, the group, how much they are going to miss everyone, and there would be lots of tears and hugs. Conner always participated but never got caught up in the sentimentality, always feeling a little awkward because he was the only one not emotional. His typical quote, in jest, "What are these feelings you speak of?"
I (mom) was relieved that Conner's name was NOT listed as travel leader. I'm sure he is too.
(photo for Payton - "This is what awaits you in two years" -- Payton looooves his condiments especially BBQ sauce and hot sauce)
Lol - I love Conner's comment about BYU and Utah. I'm fine with it too, Conner!! But I would like them to win one of these years. I think it's amazing how confident and ready Conner is. Does he ever feel nervous??
Posted by: Katie Morgan | 09/05/2019 at 12:13 PM