WK #1 - First P-day!!

June 27, 2013

Dear Everyone,

Thanks so much for everything you have given to me, all the letters and the packages have been super amazing. The support is super nice and I need it. This first week has been really good. I have had ups and downs with the language and teaching. I was struggling because of things like freezing in the middle of a lesson I was teaching and forgetting what I needed to say. I look back on it now though and realize I would not have been able to accomplish even that much about 2 weeks ago. Its not to difficult, the only thing that is hard is sentence structure. The language has no masculine or feminine way of speaking its simple. I can now bare my testimony and say prayers and ask questions like, "will you pray?" without any problems at all.

I had some issues with my companion earlier. It was stupid... he is a faithful missionary and is super obedient and keeps me on track (which also bugs me a bit:)) all on all though he keeps me moving on the path of righteousness. I'm usually so self sufficient that this is new and i am just getting use to it.

Our lessons have gone great we usually get her to commit to something such as praying or reading the BOM. This last time she accepted baptism!! It was our first investigator but it was pretty cool. 

Today is weird though I feel almost lazy. I study and eat, then clean and study. I just feel like I need to be going somewhere.

Might I ask if you would send me my Vikings blanket? The blankets here are terrible and I'm just not comfortable. I have never had such a great spirit though. The Elders in my area are fantastic!! I have met an elder who I am now super close with. His name is Elder Lloyde. He is a pro-gamer (which is awesome) he is going to Utah State and we are talking about hooking up to get an apartment together. It is nice having someone to talk to.

The food here is alright. I got sick yesterday and had to go draw blood to make sure it wasn't appendicitis. It wasn’t, I just got a bug that’s going all around the MTC. I am much better now, but I can't eat too much or I get bad stomach pains.

It takes like 2 days to get mail here and 2 days to get mail out so if it is taking awhile that is why. Please send me stephens address if you can I'd like to send him mail too.

Kabalo ako nga matoud ang ebanghelyo, kag Manluluwas si Jesukristo, kag propeta si Joseph Smith. Kabalo ako nga kilala kita ni Jesukristo, kag palangga kita sang dios. Sa ngalan ni Jesukristo Amen.

That was my testimony in Hiligaynon I love how it is spoken.

Its says:

I know that the gospel is true, and Jesus Christ is our savior, and Joseph smith is a prophet. I know that Jesus knows us, and God loves us. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Palangga,

Elder Minson

P.S. Palangga is Love/to love

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Dear Pamilyo,

I had to hurry off last time because some others were waiting, but now i have a little more time. So, just got done doing laundry... Successful!! Be proud of me mother. So today has been super awesome it is so chill i love it. In a little bit we will be going to the temple and today one of our sisters is having her Endowments done. We have a lot more time with the sisters then you think. Everything we do we try doing as a district like gym time. Which, during gym time we have been playing sand volley ball and it is such a blast especially sense you dont take score. It is also fun because the sisters play as well as the elders.

I have found that being patient isn't a strength for me... haha you knew that!! I always want to go my own way, but i am not able to do that having a companion. That is my biggest trial right now.

That is so awesome that Brig's team is dominating. It's a Minson thing I guess ;) And Brody is gonna be such a great officer everyone just loves him and how happy he is all the time. Sorry about the mess in my room haha woops...

Please keep me in your prayers. I need all the help i can get. It is hard being on the go twenty-four seven. I just want to relax, but i know that will lead to lazyiness and that would be a bad idea. The sister missionaries are very supportive as well it might just be my charm ;) haha just kidding I dont have that!! Anyway I love it here even with all the trials. I know this is sad to say, but i have had very little home sickness, all the letters keep me happy and it is nice to know i have support.

Well, I've got to going soon. I love you guys and I will try sending pictures soon they don't work on this computer.

Palangga,

Elder Minson

 

Sentence to learn of the week:

Vowels

a- ah

e- ae

i- ee

o- oh

u- oo

Amay namon sa langit...

(Dear Father...)

P.S. that is how you open a prayer with the family or other people.

 

Three Letter Day!!!

June 22, 2013

Dear Family,

How are you guys doing? Are you getting these? I’ve sent one every night so I hope so. Man I miss you guys. Today we taught Sister Cherry Mae…it went alright I guess. We have gym time at the end of the day though, which makes up for it.

 Earlier, I was having issues just not clicking with Elder Carver. I started getting down and he instantly fixed everything. It is so hard. I’m not a huge fan of studying for tatlo hours (3 hours).

I am so excited for the conference tomorrow; the MTC is a mess because of it. Lunch and dinners are out of the sack now. Well I love you guys.

Keeping my shoes on!

Love,

Elder Minson

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June 23, 2013

Dear Family,

Today was a crazy and hard day. We “taught” our first investigator. It was so hard, the language is easy but I drew a huge blank. It’s not like the stage where I can hide behind a character. I am trying to make it that easy though and it’s slowly moving.

These first couple days have been long but are getting shorter. I met an Elder named Elder Lloyde, he reminds me so much of Joey. He is like my father figure during free time.

Worst thing I’ve had is I was chosen to say the first prayer in Illango. I totally froze, it was the most embarrassing thing ever. The sisters and Brother Spencer(?), our teacher were really kind about it though. It was a humbling experience for me.

Life is so simple yet complicated here. I wake up, get ready, at 8am eat, study, lessons, 1pm eat, lessons, teach, study, 6:30 pm eat, gym, study, then bed. The days are so long, 3 hours in a classroom is a lot.

I am striving to be the best leader I can be. I love you all. Please let my friends know about 

DearElder.com.

Keeping my shoes on!

Love,

Elder Minson

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June 24, 2013

Dear Family,

Well this is my last letter until Thursday. Today was just amazing. Every meeting was so uplifting and spiritual. I have never felt so uplifted in my life I learned today that I’m not the only one struggling. My district bonded today so well that the spirit is going to strive in us to help one another grow.

The Leadership Conference was fantastic. I did cry, I couldn’t help it. The choir was amazing. Me and elder Carver are joining this week. I was fascinated by the Apostles on our Heavenly Father. Their presence was just so amazing. I love this gospel.

I feel more confident in myself now. I am becoming strong in the gospel, and the language won’t stop me from that.

I love you all so much! Please keep in touch and get my friends to send (letters)as well.

I’m keeping my shoes on and so should you!

Love,

Elder Minson

Letter #2 - Called as District Leader in the MTC

June 20, 2013

Dear Family,

First full day in the MTC. It has been long, like I’ve been told the first 3 days are. I have found much success in many areas today. I was made and called as District Leader. It is a huge responsibility, especially with only my companion and 12 sisters to take care of.

I want to correct my last letter my P-Days are on Thursday, so letters will come on weekends

The language is difficult but Elder Carver and I are doing very well. Tomorrow we are teaching an investigator on the plan of salvation in Hillgaynon (Hil-ee-guy-noon). Which is gonna be crazy since we have had 2 days. We will do great through.

If you can, send me some stamps I would love to receive some. I can send a letter everyday until Sunday. The stamps here are .48 cents a stamp. So that would be really nice.

The stress is getting to me a bit, but I know I can finish this strong. The other Elders keep me going. Every night the guys are laughing and chilling. It is fantastic.

I love you guys. I am keeping my shoes on!

Love,

Elder Minson

This was a misfire when we dropped him off, but it is so fitting considering his
farewell talk and the continuing theme of this letter

First Letter - Received June 21, 2013

June 19^th, 2013

Dear Family,

I have survived my first day on campus! It has been crazy, but I am catching along. The other Elders are fantastic. My companion is amazing and it’s probably because….I KNOW HIM!! His name is Christopher Carver. He went to junior High with me and debate. It is amazing.

I have learned that Oo means yes, and the vowels are the same as Spanish so I can read it decently. I also have learned that Elder Carver and I are the only Elders in our district. Yup,12 sister missionaries.

The language is tough and fast, but I feel I am going to adapt easily.

Our first big meeting or orientation we sang the Hymn “We Have Been Called” and instead of the line “We will be the Lords Missionaries” we sang “We are NOW the Lords missionaries”. It was so cool to say that, it sent shivers down my spine.

It is amazing to be around everyone here they are amazing Men and Women. I’m scheduled on Monday for P-Days so expect letters Tuesday or Wednesday.

I love you, stay strong, and keep me in your prayers.

Love,

Elder Minson

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You can reach Brock at the following address

Elder Brock Thomas Minson
JUL31 PHI-BAC
2007 N 900 E Unit 20
Provo UT 84602

Email:
MinsonMail@gmail.com