Hola mi familia,
Buenos tardes del CCM por la ultima vez. Yep, this is the last email from the MTC. I am flying out early Tuesday morning for Colombia. I've got a layover in Georgia, so I'll try to call home while I'm there. Meanwhile, things here seem to be going faster and faster as the weeks go by. If the rest of my mission keeps going by at this rate, my mission will be incredibly short. I love this opportunity that I have to serve and to spread the gospel. If ever there is anyone who is not sure if they should serve, let me tell you, so far it has been the greatest learning experience of my life. And I haven't even hit the field yet. Yeah, it's that good.
This past Friday my companion was playing volleyball and hurt his ankle. At first they thought it was broken. so we got to leave the MTC and go to the BYU health clinic for X-rays. It was really wired being in the waiting room and watching all these people who weren't missionaries all around me. Then, when they found that it wasn't broken, but was in fact just a really bad sprain, they sent us back. So for the first three days my companion was limping around on crutches. Then, he had a couple of us give him a blessing. Now, he can walk around just fine (without crutches) and without much pain either.
Saw Elder (Hans) Larson at the temple on Sunday and talked to him for ahwile about the MTC, our respective languages, etc. Was really cool seeing him. He leaves in about two weeks.
Also, we had an awesome fireside on Sunday. It was a musical fireside by the BYU Men's Chourus. It was sweet. They were problably one of the best sets of singers I have heard in my life. They are also apparently the largest men's choral group in the USA, probably the world. The musical fireside was amazing. They sang several hymns, several psalms, a Native American creation song, several African-American worship songs, etc. All songs were arranged in the coolest manner possible. Seriously, look them up on iTunes or something. Check it out. It's some good stuff.
I love this gospel. I love the peace and guidance that I brings to me and to those around me. I look and see hundreds of men and women everyday who have had their lives touched by this gospel and want to share this light with the world. This work is amazing and I am so happy that I am able to be a part of it. A couple days ago I got a letter from Mom about being grateful. It really touched me and, after I prayed, for the rest of the night I just felt giddy and happy. I was prancing around the room singing, "tengo gozo en mi alma hoy!!!". Such is the life of a missionary. Highest highs and lowest lows.
That's about it for now. Love you all lots!!!
-Elder Rallison
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Conference was awesome!!!
Mi familia,
The title says it all. Conference was amazing. I think that this was by far one of the best conference experiences that I've ever had. It really didn't seem like I spent 10 hours in a suit sitting on a hard plastic chair. It seemed like it was only 10 minutes long and left me wanting so much more. I think my favorite was President Uchdorf's talk on Sunday morning about hands that help. We need to commit to be that person who is there to lift those around us, we need to be His hands, do what he would do if here were here now. That is our responsibility as members of this church. Also, really cool with the new Duty to God stuff. I'm sure Dad, Eli, and soon to be Jonah (yikes), will all love it very much. Can't wait to hear the full details on it.
I also loved how there was such a focus on family this conference. I am thankful for the help that you all gave me in my life, for how you gave me a testimony of the gospel. Good job with all you did. I love how well you nailed Elder Perry's counsel to "teach children in the home". Homeschooling, epic win. I owe so much to you for the help and advice you gave me in times of need, and the support and encouragement in all my endeavors. Keep up the good work. Testify of your knowledge of the gospel to your children, do it spontaneously and do it often. As missionaries, we are challenged to contact those we come across. I challenge you to contact your children. Know their concerns, know their desires. I love you all so very much and this conference has helped me to realize how my much my life has been blessed by you.
In other news, guess what I'm going to get tomorrow. If you guessed travel plans, than you get a gold star! I'm so excited to be heading to my mission. I'll let you know all the details in my next message. I have less than two weeks left here at the MTC, and then, to Colombia. ^_^ I love this opportunity to share the gospel and to spread the message of the restored gospel. I can't wait to go and invite others to come unto their Lord and Savior, Jesucristo. Sé que este evangelio es verdadero. Testifico que José Smith fue un profeta de Dios. Sé que el Libro de Mormón es verdadero. Sé que mediante el evangelio restaurado que familias vivan por eternidad.
Les quiero.
-Elder Rallison
--
John 14:27
PS. Yesterday was the 180th anniversary of the Church. :)
The title says it all. Conference was amazing. I think that this was by far one of the best conference experiences that I've ever had. It really didn't seem like I spent 10 hours in a suit sitting on a hard plastic chair. It seemed like it was only 10 minutes long and left me wanting so much more. I think my favorite was President Uchdorf's talk on Sunday morning about hands that help. We need to commit to be that person who is there to lift those around us, we need to be His hands, do what he would do if here were here now. That is our responsibility as members of this church. Also, really cool with the new Duty to God stuff. I'm sure Dad, Eli, and soon to be Jonah (yikes), will all love it very much. Can't wait to hear the full details on it.
I also loved how there was such a focus on family this conference. I am thankful for the help that you all gave me in my life, for how you gave me a testimony of the gospel. Good job with all you did. I love how well you nailed Elder Perry's counsel to "teach children in the home". Homeschooling, epic win. I owe so much to you for the help and advice you gave me in times of need, and the support and encouragement in all my endeavors. Keep up the good work. Testify of your knowledge of the gospel to your children, do it spontaneously and do it often. As missionaries, we are challenged to contact those we come across. I challenge you to contact your children. Know their concerns, know their desires. I love you all so very much and this conference has helped me to realize how my much my life has been blessed by you.
In other news, guess what I'm going to get tomorrow. If you guessed travel plans, than you get a gold star! I'm so excited to be heading to my mission. I'll let you know all the details in my next message. I have less than two weeks left here at the MTC, and then, to Colombia. ^_^ I love this opportunity to share the gospel and to spread the message of the restored gospel. I can't wait to go and invite others to come unto their Lord and Savior, Jesucristo. Sé que este evangelio es verdadero. Testifico que José Smith fue un profeta de Dios. Sé que el Libro de Mormón es verdadero. Sé que mediante el evangelio restaurado que familias vivan por eternidad.
Les quiero.
-Elder Rallison
--
John 14:27
PS. Yesterday was the 180th anniversary of the Church. :)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Happy Day, All Is Well (including me)
Hola todas de las personas,
I'm having a bad/good week this week. I was sick for most of the week with a really bad cold. Terrible sore throat kept waking me up at night. Turns out it was due to the incredibly low humidity of the recirculated air in all the buildings here. The problem was resolved, mostly by me drinking a ton of water in order to keep my throat from drying out while I'm sleeping.
This last Sunday was fast Sunday here at the MTC. We had a mission conference in the morning, it was really good, the mission president talked about the converting power of prayer and that we should always try to have our investigator pray at the end of the first lesson. It is through prayer that we can feel the confirmation of the Spirit as to the truth of things. My district is almost the old district. We have been here for six weeks now. We will be getting our flight plans next Thursday. I'm so excited. So close. I love it here and all, by I really can't wait to get out into the mission, in Colombia.
My companion has been having a rough time lately and a as such, I've gotten very familiar with the district president's waiting room. But all is well. I always have plenty to study what with Spanish and the gospel. I love the time I've spent here and really look forward to the future. I can't wait to se what lies around the bend. For example, Conference!
I don't think I've ever been so excited for conference in my life. And this time I'll be watching on hard plastic chairs while wearing a suit. So, Eli, don't whine about getting dressed up for priesthood session. You ain't got nothing. I challenge all of you to watch conference with specific questions in mind, and as you receive answers, to write them down. It is not so important to write down what is said as what is felt. I'd love to hear what you get out of it. Love you all very much and you are all in my prayers.
-Elder Rallison
I'm having a bad/good week this week. I was sick for most of the week with a really bad cold. Terrible sore throat kept waking me up at night. Turns out it was due to the incredibly low humidity of the recirculated air in all the buildings here. The problem was resolved, mostly by me drinking a ton of water in order to keep my throat from drying out while I'm sleeping.
This last Sunday was fast Sunday here at the MTC. We had a mission conference in the morning, it was really good, the mission president talked about the converting power of prayer and that we should always try to have our investigator pray at the end of the first lesson. It is through prayer that we can feel the confirmation of the Spirit as to the truth of things. My district is almost the old district. We have been here for six weeks now. We will be getting our flight plans next Thursday. I'm so excited. So close. I love it here and all, by I really can't wait to get out into the mission, in Colombia.
My companion has been having a rough time lately and a as such, I've gotten very familiar with the district president's waiting room. But all is well. I always have plenty to study what with Spanish and the gospel. I love the time I've spent here and really look forward to the future. I can't wait to se what lies around the bend. For example, Conference!
I don't think I've ever been so excited for conference in my life. And this time I'll be watching on hard plastic chairs while wearing a suit. So, Eli, don't whine about getting dressed up for priesthood session. You ain't got nothing. I challenge all of you to watch conference with specific questions in mind, and as you receive answers, to write them down. It is not so important to write down what is said as what is felt. I'd love to hear what you get out of it. Love you all very much and you are all in my prayers.
-Elder Rallison
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Another week
Hola mi familia,
This past week has been pretty good. No complaints. I got an awesome package on Saturday. Had cookies, caramel brownies, and all kinds of other good stuff. I loved it! Thanks guys!!! Oh and just so you know, everyone agrees that the brownies are by far the best.
One the more miserable side of things, this crazy bipolar weather up here has given me a nasty head cold that I've been fighting for the past couple days. Oh and one of the elders in the other companionship that shares our room (his name is Elder Hemple), contracted pneumonia. Fun stuff. But hopefully, it should get better. Not sure though. We don't get weather forecasts here, or any news for that matter. Last week, when one of the elders in my district got mailed a copy of the current (well not so current now) standings in the NCAA tournament, it was all that anyone in the zone talked about all night. Until 10:30 that is.
As for that Colombian missionary that I met, he is headed to Washington DC. He was called to speak Spanish, but I guess that when they call you to serve in the US and you don't speak English, they have you learn it.
Not much more to say for the broadcast email. Umm...Fast Sunday is this coming Sunday because we have General Conference in a week and a half. I can honestly say I have never been so totally psyched for General Conference in my life. Sadly, we won't get to sing because the MTC choir sang last conference. Ah well, it is still really exciting that in a week and a half we get to hear the prophet, apostles, seventies, oh I just can't wait!!! It is going to be so awesome. I want you all to commit to watch all of the sessions. And take good notes. Not of what is said, but of what the Spirit says to you as you listen. I've started doing that lately in a little book that I take with me everywhere. It is probably one of the greatest faith and testimony building things I've done in a long time.
Well that's about it for now.
Till next week,
Elder Rallison
PS- read verse three of the hymn "How Gentle God's Commands". It's amazing to me the lessons that can be learned from music. DyC 25:12.
This past week has been pretty good. No complaints. I got an awesome package on Saturday. Had cookies, caramel brownies, and all kinds of other good stuff. I loved it! Thanks guys!!! Oh and just so you know, everyone agrees that the brownies are by far the best.
One the more miserable side of things, this crazy bipolar weather up here has given me a nasty head cold that I've been fighting for the past couple days. Oh and one of the elders in the other companionship that shares our room (his name is Elder Hemple), contracted pneumonia. Fun stuff. But hopefully, it should get better. Not sure though. We don't get weather forecasts here, or any news for that matter. Last week, when one of the elders in my district got mailed a copy of the current (well not so current now) standings in the NCAA tournament, it was all that anyone in the zone talked about all night. Until 10:30 that is.
As for that Colombian missionary that I met, he is headed to Washington DC. He was called to speak Spanish, but I guess that when they call you to serve in the US and you don't speak English, they have you learn it.
Not much more to say for the broadcast email. Umm...Fast Sunday is this coming Sunday because we have General Conference in a week and a half. I can honestly say I have never been so totally psyched for General Conference in my life. Sadly, we won't get to sing because the MTC choir sang last conference. Ah well, it is still really exciting that in a week and a half we get to hear the prophet, apostles, seventies, oh I just can't wait!!! It is going to be so awesome. I want you all to commit to watch all of the sessions. And take good notes. Not of what is said, but of what the Spirit says to you as you listen. I've started doing that lately in a little book that I take with me everywhere. It is probably one of the greatest faith and testimony building things I've done in a long time.
Well that's about it for now.
Till next week,
Elder Rallison
PS- read verse three of the hymn "How Gentle God's Commands". It's amazing to me the lessons that can be learned from music. DyC 25:12.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
From the MTC -about halfway through
Hola!
So I got the package. Thanks!!! Of all the stuff, the picture was by far my favorite. Followed 'closely' by the razor. The consensus among the distinct is that the warheads are the best, but that's probably my number three. Thanks again. I like it all a lot.
Wow, as of today I've been in the MTC for a total of four weeks. It seems like I've been here so much longer. Everyday seems to take ages, but before you know it it's P-day or Sunday again. I've learned and grown so much over the past few weeks, I can't hardly believe it. There isn't really much to report on the day to day basis, but overall, it's just good.
Last night we had Elder Quentin L Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve speak to us for Tuesday devotional. It was a phenomenal talk. He talked on the importance of teaching with the power of the holy ghost and committing people to change. It was inspiring. I took good notes and will probably have more to say in my letters. Towards the end of the talk he closed with a blessing for us. That the work that we do would bless those we serve in the field, and bless those at home. That we would be blessed, that our children would be blessed, and that our children's children will be blessed by me having served a mission. Wow.
Ah here we are. My notes from Sunday. Two cool things. One, we sang the primary song "We'll Bring the World His Truth" at the Sunday night devotional. The other, well...as far as I know I'm still the only missionary here at the MTC going to Colombia. But, while on the temple walk, I met an Elder from Colombia. How cool is that! His name was Elder Salatzar (I think that's how it was spelled) and he's from Burrcamanga. Only got to talk to him for a few minutes, but it was really cool.
Well...I think that's about it. Sorry, I forgot to bring my journal this time, and ergo don't have all my notes. If I come up with anything more I'll add it to next week's letter.
Love you all,
-Elder Gabriel Rallison
So I got the package. Thanks!!! Of all the stuff, the picture was by far my favorite. Followed 'closely' by the razor. The consensus among the distinct is that the warheads are the best, but that's probably my number three. Thanks again. I like it all a lot.
Wow, as of today I've been in the MTC for a total of four weeks. It seems like I've been here so much longer. Everyday seems to take ages, but before you know it it's P-day or Sunday again. I've learned and grown so much over the past few weeks, I can't hardly believe it. There isn't really much to report on the day to day basis, but overall, it's just good.
Last night we had Elder Quentin L Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve speak to us for Tuesday devotional. It was a phenomenal talk. He talked on the importance of teaching with the power of the holy ghost and committing people to change. It was inspiring. I took good notes and will probably have more to say in my letters. Towards the end of the talk he closed with a blessing for us. That the work that we do would bless those we serve in the field, and bless those at home. That we would be blessed, that our children would be blessed, and that our children's children will be blessed by me having served a mission. Wow.
Ah here we are. My notes from Sunday. Two cool things. One, we sang the primary song "We'll Bring the World His Truth" at the Sunday night devotional. The other, well...as far as I know I'm still the only missionary here at the MTC going to Colombia. But, while on the temple walk, I met an Elder from Colombia. How cool is that! His name was Elder Salatzar (I think that's how it was spelled) and he's from Burrcamanga. Only got to talk to him for a few minutes, but it was really cool.
Well...I think that's about it. Sorry, I forgot to bring my journal this time, and ergo don't have all my notes. If I come up with anything more I'll add it to next week's letter.
Love you all,
-Elder Gabriel Rallison
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
From the CCM
Hola all,
To begin, thanks for the package mi familia!!! I loved (and continue to love) it. You guys are so awesome.
Life here is going on as usual. Nothing really new to report. After the initial novelty wears off the MTC starts to get kind of old. But it's still good. I'm learning a lot and am going to be doing a role play tonight where we will be talking with people on a bus (in Spanish) and then teaching the Plan of Salvation (in English). So excited for that. Love the chances to learn and to grow that we get here. Yesterday we learned subjunctive. Past and Present. Noun, adverb, and adjective clauses. In less than 2 hours. Only in the MTC.
Other than that, my companion and my district are doing fine (other than a sore throat for my comp), I'll try to send pictures of the district sometime if I can. The weather here is really annoying. One day it will be sunny and warm, the next, snowing. What's up with that? Ah well. I'll live. But I definitely would not want to live her long term. I really wish I had more to say than this pathetic excuse for an email, but that's about it. Just lots of learning, both of Spanish and of the gospel. There is no place (other than actually in Colombia) that I'd rather be right now. I'm so excited to serve and to share the message of this restored gospel with the people of Colombia.
Lots of love,
Elder Rallison
To begin, thanks for the package mi familia!!! I loved (and continue to love) it. You guys are so awesome.
Life here is going on as usual. Nothing really new to report. After the initial novelty wears off the MTC starts to get kind of old. But it's still good. I'm learning a lot and am going to be doing a role play tonight where we will be talking with people on a bus (in Spanish) and then teaching the Plan of Salvation (in English). So excited for that. Love the chances to learn and to grow that we get here. Yesterday we learned subjunctive. Past and Present. Noun, adverb, and adjective clauses. In less than 2 hours. Only in the MTC.
Other than that, my companion and my district are doing fine (other than a sore throat for my comp), I'll try to send pictures of the district sometime if I can. The weather here is really annoying. One day it will be sunny and warm, the next, snowing. What's up with that? Ah well. I'll live. But I definitely would not want to live her long term. I really wish I had more to say than this pathetic excuse for an email, but that's about it. Just lots of learning, both of Spanish and of the gospel. There is no place (other than actually in Colombia) that I'd rather be right now. I'm so excited to serve and to share the message of this restored gospel with the people of Colombia.
Lots of love,
Elder Rallison
Thursday, March 4, 2010
2nd week CCM (ccm is spanish for mtc)
This week has gone by so fast. I can hardly believe it's already P-day again. Not much seems to have happened though. I've learned a ton of Spanish and I get to go teach at the TRC again tonight. We will be doing door to door contacting in Spanish and then we will teach the first lesson, the Restoration, in Spanish. SO EXCITED!!!
In other news, had a great fireside last night, Bishop Edgely of the Presiding Bishopric. Talked about success and how often it will be seen in the years down the road, and not always right away. And guess who said the closing prayer...Elder (Shane) Larson. LOL. It was very funny. It's like, wait a second, I know that Elder! :D
I still don't really like the food here. I really miss my own cooking now. And yes, Seth is right. It gives everyone really bad gas. But other than that, life is good. My companion and my district are great, we all get along really well. And my zone leaders are awesome. Two more different guys could not be found. That's probably why they make such great companions. Elder Downs played college football for Wyoming. He's white as can be, 6'5", and really smart and competitive. Elder Tipa is from American Samoa. Yes, he is Samoan and about a head shorter than I am. Great personality, he's everyone's best friend. Yeah, they're pretty much awesome. And there is nothing like walking out into the hall and seeing a dozen guys in lava lavas doing the Hakka. Now that's cool.
With the Spanish, I'm whizzing along. Already covered present, future, conditional, preterit, imperfect, past and future conditional, and now I'm starting on passive voice. Memorizing lots of vocab and already have the missionary purpose in Spanish. I love this language and can't wait to share the message of the Restored Gospel in Spanish.
It sounds like you guys have had a lot going on lately. Sad Eli couldn't go camping, but it sounds like he had a lot of fun anyway. Got a message from Lyric. Glad she hasn't wrecked the car (yet). I wish her luck on the learning how to drive. Maybe this time around Dad won't be quite as uptight.
I hope everyone at home is feeling better now. That cold bug seems to have hit the family hard. Yes, I am receiving all the Dear Elders. Mail is manna from heaven for missionaries. No joke. Best thing in the world. After packages. :)
Love to all my family and all my friends. Buenos suerte in todos cosas.
-Elder Rallison
----------
Missionary Purpose (in Spanish)
--
Invitar a las personas a venir a Cristo a fin de que reciban el Evangelio resurado mediante: la fe in Jesucristo y su expacion, el arrepentamiente, el bautismo, la recepcion del don del Espiritu Santo, y el perseverar hasta al fin.
In other news, had a great fireside last night, Bishop Edgely of the Presiding Bishopric. Talked about success and how often it will be seen in the years down the road, and not always right away. And guess who said the closing prayer...Elder (Shane) Larson. LOL. It was very funny. It's like, wait a second, I know that Elder! :D
I still don't really like the food here. I really miss my own cooking now. And yes, Seth is right. It gives everyone really bad gas. But other than that, life is good. My companion and my district are great, we all get along really well. And my zone leaders are awesome. Two more different guys could not be found. That's probably why they make such great companions. Elder Downs played college football for Wyoming. He's white as can be, 6'5", and really smart and competitive. Elder Tipa is from American Samoa. Yes, he is Samoan and about a head shorter than I am. Great personality, he's everyone's best friend. Yeah, they're pretty much awesome. And there is nothing like walking out into the hall and seeing a dozen guys in lava lavas doing the Hakka. Now that's cool.
With the Spanish, I'm whizzing along. Already covered present, future, conditional, preterit, imperfect, past and future conditional, and now I'm starting on passive voice. Memorizing lots of vocab and already have the missionary purpose in Spanish. I love this language and can't wait to share the message of the Restored Gospel in Spanish.
It sounds like you guys have had a lot going on lately. Sad Eli couldn't go camping, but it sounds like he had a lot of fun anyway. Got a message from Lyric. Glad she hasn't wrecked the car (yet). I wish her luck on the learning how to drive. Maybe this time around Dad won't be quite as uptight.
I hope everyone at home is feeling better now. That cold bug seems to have hit the family hard. Yes, I am receiving all the Dear Elders. Mail is manna from heaven for missionaries. No joke. Best thing in the world. After packages. :)
Love to all my family and all my friends. Buenos suerte in todos cosas.
-Elder Rallison
----------
Missionary Purpose (in Spanish)
--
Invitar a las personas a venir a Cristo a fin de que reciban el Evangelio resurado mediante: la fe in Jesucristo y su expacion, el arrepentamiente, el bautismo, la recepcion del don del Espiritu Santo, y el perseverar hasta al fin.
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