A week from today I will be at the airport preparing for my long flight to Arizona. Okay, so it won't be a long flight, but somebody jokingly said that they might show one episode of a tv show on the flight. Even better, one Hermana in my District did not receive flight plans, but simply travel plans. Her traveling consists of riding with the other missionaries to the airport, staying on the bus, and then getting dropped off at the Salt Lake City mission home. She is excited, and so are we.
As Zone Leaders my companions and I welcomed a new group of missionaries this week. It was so fun to reference them for how far we have all come in the short time we have been here. I have grown here so much in ways that I didn't think I needed to. Although I have not enjoyed every moment, it has all been for my good, and hopefully therefore, for the good of others. It does frighten me a little to think that I will be expected to speak Spanish to real Spanish people next week and teach them about the Gospel. My biggest fear is that they won't understand how much I want them to accept the message I bring.
But those fears are silly. Last night, two Elders from the new District taught the 1st Lesson to us for their first time. They were nervous. They wanted to get it right. Their biggest fear was to screw up and be embarrassed in front of us. As they taught, in English of course, their simplicity brought the testifying Spirit to the Lesson. I was moved strongly as they testified of the Book of Mormon and the Prophet Joseph Smith. At times, I think they weren't sure what to say, but in those times, the Spirit was saying it all.
And so, my friends, even though I am speaking English, I do speak simply. I know that the Book of Mormon is powerful. I know that it will change lives as my life has been changed. I honestly never thought to be a missionary, but here I am, because of that book. Anyone who carries doubts about the Book of Mormon need only to read it. If you feel nothing, then I am a fool. But if you feel a peaceful and calming emotion that makes everything feel right, and a bit better than it seemed before, then I am here for a reason. And an important one. And then, if the Book of Mormon is scripture and brings you closer to God, it is logical to know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet. He truly saw God and Jesus Christ, and as one of those missionaries told me last night, "They told him something IMPORTANT." His vision was important. It was so important that everyone needs to know that it happened. It may seem too simple or too grand, but it is true. With everything I am, I know it is true.
Thank you for the letters and mom, for the snacks and my Halloween costume (we are going to Trick-or-Treat amongst our Zone) and the shirt ... at last :). And Kristen, the cookies were a hit. I know you all too well. Thank you. And to everybody else, thank you for everything.
And so to all, Hola y Adios del CCM (MTC) por el ultimo vez. Yo les amo mucho. Estoy agradecido por todos de ustedes, mis bendiciones mayores.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
week 7
Week 7 brought on some changes in the MTC. My district is now the oldest in our zone. On Wednesday, my companions and I will be welcoming a brand new district of 10 elders. We are their zone leaders. Excuse me while I laugh that I am in missionary leadership. It just seems strange to me. But I am grateful for it. I've gotten to know a lot more people through this call and it is wonderful.
With all the departing districts since we arrived, the five elders in my district have accumulated many gifts, traditional rites of missionaryship if you will. And soon, it will be time for us to bestow these meaningless things onto others for them to figure out what to do with. These are things such as a paper-organizer box, or a bendable glow in the dark skeleton, etc. Who will I deem worthy of such honors? Sometimes the MTC feels like scout camp.
Today I face the barber. I am nervous, and I did my best to avoid it, but I need a haircut. After weeks of parting my hair to make myself feel more like a missionary, I finally gave it up. A part in your hair is not longer a requirement for missionaries, there are few people that have one. As for the Barber, I hope they know how to follow instructions, I don't want to feel self-conscious about my hair.
But all of these things that I've talked about really only signify that our time in the MTC is waning. In just a few short weeks we will be teaching real people the real gospel in real Spanish. Really. I thought I would be nervous at this point. But you know, I've realized that as long as we are doing what the Lord wants us to, we need never to be nervous, for anything. I know I have spent a lot of time with uneasy anticipation for good things and with negative outlook on change. What was I worried for? God has never led me in a direction I didn't like. I have such an appreciation for the details of our lives that were planned ages before we ever came here.
I love the Gospel. I love that the Atonement is for everybody, ever day, all the time. Jesus Christ is our Savior and God wants us to be happy with Him, nothing more. I love you all and miss you and pray for you. Take care. And don't be nervous.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
With all the departing districts since we arrived, the five elders in my district have accumulated many gifts, traditional rites of missionaryship if you will. And soon, it will be time for us to bestow these meaningless things onto others for them to figure out what to do with. These are things such as a paper-organizer box, or a bendable glow in the dark skeleton, etc. Who will I deem worthy of such honors? Sometimes the MTC feels like scout camp.
Today I face the barber. I am nervous, and I did my best to avoid it, but I need a haircut. After weeks of parting my hair to make myself feel more like a missionary, I finally gave it up. A part in your hair is not longer a requirement for missionaries, there are few people that have one. As for the Barber, I hope they know how to follow instructions, I don't want to feel self-conscious about my hair.
But all of these things that I've talked about really only signify that our time in the MTC is waning. In just a few short weeks we will be teaching real people the real gospel in real Spanish. Really. I thought I would be nervous at this point. But you know, I've realized that as long as we are doing what the Lord wants us to, we need never to be nervous, for anything. I know I have spent a lot of time with uneasy anticipation for good things and with negative outlook on change. What was I worried for? God has never led me in a direction I didn't like. I have such an appreciation for the details of our lives that were planned ages before we ever came here.
I love the Gospel. I love that the Atonement is for everybody, ever day, all the time. Jesus Christ is our Savior and God wants us to be happy with Him, nothing more. I love you all and miss you and pray for you. Take care. And don't be nervous.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
week ... 6?
I don't even know what week it is. I do know however that in three weeks from today, I will be leaving the MTC. Of course by then I will be fluent in Spanish and a wiz with doctrine. Okay, maybe those things will come a little after three weeks.
We got a new district this week, which is not unusual. But this District is the first since we arrived that has Hermanas. Our Hermanas jumped onto the new friendship opportunities and we now have an entire District that eats lunch with us, both Hermanas and Elders. Some of our Elders need to be reminder to focus after talking to some of the new Hermanas...."Enfoque!" As for me, I just run faster than them at gym time, so I see them a lot and they are good friends.
Speaking of Sister Missionaries in general, I think they are wonderful. Unlike Elders, they have grown up, and weren't idiots to begin with, which makes them powerful servants who are mature. If any girl is considering a mission- don't avoid other things in life, but don't hesitate if a mission becomes an opportunity for you! The world needs you, because let's face it, many people would rather listen to you than an Elder.
This Sunday, my companions and I were asked to be Zone Leaders. This is a position that works under our Branch President (a branch and a zone are the same in the MTC) on a more personal level with the missionaries in the Zone. This is one of those times where I worry about the inadequacy to serve, but like President Eyring, I know the Lord won't let me fall.
And speaking of President Eyring and keeping journals and remembering great experiences, I've been working on a project. It sounds silly, but it is basically my own brass plates. You could call it memoirs. I have been writing about experiences and places I've gone and people I've known. This has been in itself a new and wonderful experience. Looking back from here, it's easy to recognize the powerful influence of the hand of God clear back into my childhood. Small details of life that seemed happenstance at the time now show themselves to be utter miracles, railway switches in my life. Like President Hinckley's analogy, I have found myself in Louisiana rather than Pennsylvania (not that I have any particular dislike or preference in any way to Louisiana or favor Pennsylvania, they are just different).
I know that God plans an immense amount for our lives. This week, I urge you to stop and consider a time that changed your course. Think of the small things surrounding that time. Then recognize it for the miracle that it was. And also remember that though the jaws of Hell open to consume you, it is and was for your good. (I wish I had my scriptures here so I could quote that and reference it for you--it's in D&C). Looking at what God has done for me already in life, I am humbled, and wonder what could be in store for the future. No doubt more need of forgiveness, more work, and definitely more miracles. Consider what God has done for you and what He will do more in the future. He loves us.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
p.s. to my family, thank you for your letters.... those of you that have sent them. I promise, they do not serve as a distraction to my missionary service. I love you all.
We got a new district this week, which is not unusual. But this District is the first since we arrived that has Hermanas. Our Hermanas jumped onto the new friendship opportunities and we now have an entire District that eats lunch with us, both Hermanas and Elders. Some of our Elders need to be reminder to focus after talking to some of the new Hermanas...."Enfoque!" As for me, I just run faster than them at gym time, so I see them a lot and they are good friends.
Speaking of Sister Missionaries in general, I think they are wonderful. Unlike Elders, they have grown up, and weren't idiots to begin with, which makes them powerful servants who are mature. If any girl is considering a mission- don't avoid other things in life, but don't hesitate if a mission becomes an opportunity for you! The world needs you, because let's face it, many people would rather listen to you than an Elder.
This Sunday, my companions and I were asked to be Zone Leaders. This is a position that works under our Branch President (a branch and a zone are the same in the MTC) on a more personal level with the missionaries in the Zone. This is one of those times where I worry about the inadequacy to serve, but like President Eyring, I know the Lord won't let me fall.
And speaking of President Eyring and keeping journals and remembering great experiences, I've been working on a project. It sounds silly, but it is basically my own brass plates. You could call it memoirs. I have been writing about experiences and places I've gone and people I've known. This has been in itself a new and wonderful experience. Looking back from here, it's easy to recognize the powerful influence of the hand of God clear back into my childhood. Small details of life that seemed happenstance at the time now show themselves to be utter miracles, railway switches in my life. Like President Hinckley's analogy, I have found myself in Louisiana rather than Pennsylvania (not that I have any particular dislike or preference in any way to Louisiana or favor Pennsylvania, they are just different).
I know that God plans an immense amount for our lives. This week, I urge you to stop and consider a time that changed your course. Think of the small things surrounding that time. Then recognize it for the miracle that it was. And also remember that though the jaws of Hell open to consume you, it is and was for your good. (I wish I had my scriptures here so I could quote that and reference it for you--it's in D&C). Looking at what God has done for me already in life, I am humbled, and wonder what could be in store for the future. No doubt more need of forgiveness, more work, and definitely more miracles. Consider what God has done for you and what He will do more in the future. He loves us.
-Elder Sam Bostwick
p.s. to my family, thank you for your letters.... those of you that have sent them. I promise, they do not serve as a distraction to my missionary service. I love you all.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
week ... I don't know
Well, we reached our halfway mark in the MTC at midnight on Friday night. Just yesterday we bid farewell to a large District of Elders in our Zone. We had grown attached to several of them and it is strange to see them go. Just a reminder that the MTC never stays still. Before we know it, it will be our turn, though our destinations aren't quite as foreign as Paraguay or Chile. Every missionary in my District will be serving in the States--and every other District in our Zone has foreign destinations. We are called 'spoiled' and I can't say that I disagree.
Conference in the MTC was a strange affair. Really, I just wish my seat wasn't so uncomfortable and it might have been perfect. I breathed fresh air again when the Tabernacle Choir sang--not a single Elder in my District brought a single CD, including myself. Great music has been sucked out of my life, and it's almost painful. I did however spend some time at a piano on Sunday night. I played hymns for a while and then tried to play some classical pieces from memory it wasn't the best concert you've ever heard, but Elder Rutt was impressed I had memorized so much music.
Spanish is coming. Slowly but surely. I am working very hard to speak and draw from the vocabulary in my head, not vocab that I look at in a book. There is value in memorizing phrases, but too many Elders find themselves unaware of grammar principles because they never thought about how they apply. I have signed up for individual tutoring, not because I am behind, but because it is extra practice. The language teaching in the MTC is nothing short of miraculous. Two of my good friends from Nauvoo, Elders Black and Johnson, arrived in the MTC this week. I had only been here for 4 weeks and was able to bear a detailed testimony to them (except I mixed up the words for 'strong' and 'strength' several times without realizing it). We can teach about Joseph Smith and the pattern of dispensations and prophets all from words and principles we already know. It's a miracle.
And of course, my testimony is very strength. I mean strong. Especially that the Love of God and His individual care for us is incomprehensible. He knows us literally, as a dear friend. He knows our quirks and faults, but He doesn't worry about those. He knows what makes us happy, what lifts our Spirits, what draws love out of us and helps us to connect to others. The Father of all things, a being with such supreme power and authority truly does care about me, of all things. That is significant.
This is the Church of Jesus Christ. No other church exists that carries the authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ and no other church is entitled to Revelation by a prophet. Gordon B. Hinckley is a prophet! His counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve are servants of the Lord! I hope your life was improved by listening to them. I hope you were improved by them, I know I was.
I love you all so much. I love you all so much, that I want to hear how all of you are doing.... But really, I've been thinking this week about where I came from. Why am I the way I am? What got me here? And the answer I came up with is the heroes that have always surrounded me. To my family--I look up to you as heroes. Every day I see more ways you have been powerful influences to me. And to the many friends who might read this blog--I assure you, I think about each one of you. I promise that you have changed me and made me into a better person. Each one of you feels like a gift that has changed my life. I am honored to know you. (So write to me!)
So, until next week everybody, God be with you, although I know He already is.
With Love,
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Conference in the MTC was a strange affair. Really, I just wish my seat wasn't so uncomfortable and it might have been perfect. I breathed fresh air again when the Tabernacle Choir sang--not a single Elder in my District brought a single CD, including myself. Great music has been sucked out of my life, and it's almost painful. I did however spend some time at a piano on Sunday night. I played hymns for a while and then tried to play some classical pieces from memory it wasn't the best concert you've ever heard, but Elder Rutt was impressed I had memorized so much music.
Spanish is coming. Slowly but surely. I am working very hard to speak and draw from the vocabulary in my head, not vocab that I look at in a book. There is value in memorizing phrases, but too many Elders find themselves unaware of grammar principles because they never thought about how they apply. I have signed up for individual tutoring, not because I am behind, but because it is extra practice. The language teaching in the MTC is nothing short of miraculous. Two of my good friends from Nauvoo, Elders Black and Johnson, arrived in the MTC this week. I had only been here for 4 weeks and was able to bear a detailed testimony to them (except I mixed up the words for 'strong' and 'strength' several times without realizing it). We can teach about Joseph Smith and the pattern of dispensations and prophets all from words and principles we already know. It's a miracle.
And of course, my testimony is very strength. I mean strong. Especially that the Love of God and His individual care for us is incomprehensible. He knows us literally, as a dear friend. He knows our quirks and faults, but He doesn't worry about those. He knows what makes us happy, what lifts our Spirits, what draws love out of us and helps us to connect to others. The Father of all things, a being with such supreme power and authority truly does care about me, of all things. That is significant.
This is the Church of Jesus Christ. No other church exists that carries the authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ and no other church is entitled to Revelation by a prophet. Gordon B. Hinckley is a prophet! His counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve are servants of the Lord! I hope your life was improved by listening to them. I hope you were improved by them, I know I was.
I love you all so much. I love you all so much, that I want to hear how all of you are doing.... But really, I've been thinking this week about where I came from. Why am I the way I am? What got me here? And the answer I came up with is the heroes that have always surrounded me. To my family--I look up to you as heroes. Every day I see more ways you have been powerful influences to me. And to the many friends who might read this blog--I assure you, I think about each one of you. I promise that you have changed me and made me into a better person. Each one of you feels like a gift that has changed my life. I am honored to know you. (So write to me!)
So, until next week everybody, God be with you, although I know He already is.
With Love,
-Elder Sam Bostwick
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
week 4
Can I emphasize enough how fast things change in the MTC? Wow. Thank you to all who write. I recommend reading Proverbs 25:25. Those who don't write.... read it as well and then guilt yourself into writing me. You know how to reach me.
So being in a threesome makes things unusual. I love both of my companions, but what can I say, three's a crowd. We taught our first lesson entirely in Spanish this week. I stumble and fear that I am hopelessly slow, but it's coming. There are a few more basic grammar principles to learn and then it will be a whole lot of trying to figure it out.
I continue to see people that I know, including one of the Elders from the Nauvoo Brass Band. Elder Johnson and I spent an entire dinner reminiscing and catching each other up on happenings amongst our Nauvoo friends. Elder Black and a different Elder Johnson both report to the MTC on Wednesday this week and I'm excited. I wonder which Nauvoo song we will sing first. Along with people I know, there's always connections to be made in the church. Everybody here comes from someplace and is going someplace and everybody wants you to know their friends. Dad, I met some Worthams from Santa Clara who know Grandma and she knew your name. Sister Wortham very well recognized aunt Mary's name. -As a side note, get this, the Worthams are serving their 9th mission. They've been going on missions since before I was born.
My testimony of Jesus Christ continues to grow. He is our Savior. I know it, and I know I have hope because of it. My testimony of prayer has grown. The message of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ will never fail us. Prayer is always available and is real, legitimate communication with our Father. My testimony of the power of the Book of Mormon is strong. Revelation comes from that book. I know that the words are for us, each of us, on an individual level. It is promised that we will find answers from the Book of Mormon. When in doubt, search it prayerfully. I feel like an Apostle testifying and I just keep waving my hand for emphasis. These things really are true! They aren't just nice thoughts or fabrications of fantasy to make us feel better- They are real! And I wish everybody was aware of that.
We have so many amazing firesides and devotionals and meetings. This Sunday we had a "Mission Council" with the whole MTC. It was 2 hours of the MTC Presidency and their wives and it was amazing. Their talks all seemed for me! I ate it up. And now I can't wait until General Conference. Every six months, the importance of Conference becomes so much more significant. Here I am testifying of a Prophet, and have I ever really listened? Have I ever personalized what he says? Have I ever stopped to think that the words of a Prophet are for me? Oh, how I wish I could go back and listen again now that I've realized these things. The Gospel is so vitally important, and I didn't ever know it.
I love you all. I hope you are well. I pray for you and know that God is taking care of you. My suggestion for this week is to not waste time with discouragement. Sometimes it may feel as though you deserve to feel bad about things, but Christ never did. If you are discouraged, pray for a greater testimony of the Savior. Truly, we can achieve all things with the help of the Lord. Except maybe extend my 30 minutes of email time.
Until next week,
-Elder Sam Bostwick
P.S. My mom's birthday is this Saturday, the 6th of October. If you know her, make her feel special on Saturday.
So being in a threesome makes things unusual. I love both of my companions, but what can I say, three's a crowd. We taught our first lesson entirely in Spanish this week. I stumble and fear that I am hopelessly slow, but it's coming. There are a few more basic grammar principles to learn and then it will be a whole lot of trying to figure it out.
I continue to see people that I know, including one of the Elders from the Nauvoo Brass Band. Elder Johnson and I spent an entire dinner reminiscing and catching each other up on happenings amongst our Nauvoo friends. Elder Black and a different Elder Johnson both report to the MTC on Wednesday this week and I'm excited. I wonder which Nauvoo song we will sing first. Along with people I know, there's always connections to be made in the church. Everybody here comes from someplace and is going someplace and everybody wants you to know their friends. Dad, I met some Worthams from Santa Clara who know Grandma and she knew your name. Sister Wortham very well recognized aunt Mary's name. -As a side note, get this, the Worthams are serving their 9th mission. They've been going on missions since before I was born.
My testimony of Jesus Christ continues to grow. He is our Savior. I know it, and I know I have hope because of it. My testimony of prayer has grown. The message of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ will never fail us. Prayer is always available and is real, legitimate communication with our Father. My testimony of the power of the Book of Mormon is strong. Revelation comes from that book. I know that the words are for us, each of us, on an individual level. It is promised that we will find answers from the Book of Mormon. When in doubt, search it prayerfully. I feel like an Apostle testifying and I just keep waving my hand for emphasis. These things really are true! They aren't just nice thoughts or fabrications of fantasy to make us feel better- They are real! And I wish everybody was aware of that.
We have so many amazing firesides and devotionals and meetings. This Sunday we had a "Mission Council" with the whole MTC. It was 2 hours of the MTC Presidency and their wives and it was amazing. Their talks all seemed for me! I ate it up. And now I can't wait until General Conference. Every six months, the importance of Conference becomes so much more significant. Here I am testifying of a Prophet, and have I ever really listened? Have I ever personalized what he says? Have I ever stopped to think that the words of a Prophet are for me? Oh, how I wish I could go back and listen again now that I've realized these things. The Gospel is so vitally important, and I didn't ever know it.
I love you all. I hope you are well. I pray for you and know that God is taking care of you. My suggestion for this week is to not waste time with discouragement. Sometimes it may feel as though you deserve to feel bad about things, but Christ never did. If you are discouraged, pray for a greater testimony of the Savior. Truly, we can achieve all things with the help of the Lord. Except maybe extend my 30 minutes of email time.
Until next week,
-Elder Sam Bostwick
P.S. My mom's birthday is this Saturday, the 6th of October. If you know her, make her feel special on Saturday.
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