I’ve officially spent over a week here!
This week has been simultaneously the longest and fastest week. An hour feels like days, and a day feels like an hour.
12th April
My first full day as a trio with Elders De León and Kitimbo! Our lesson in the morning was so good! Sister Trautman is an awesome teacher!! Plus the class is warming up to another a lot. I had a one on one with Sister Trautman where we spoke about why I came on a mission and what I can do to strengthen my reason. She invited me to think about how I could improve on the aspects where I fall short. She seems like she actually cares about people.
Lunch actually had flavour today. Which was nice.
We then had to do all the admin for Elder De León. When we were at the clinic, Elder Kitimbo had to get a jab. For a 26 year old man… he was freaking out A LOT. I had to talk him through it and try desperately not to laugh. Well… my laughter was short lived. I was informed I too had to get jabs. No stress… I’ve had jabs before… easy. I WAS GETTING 4 JABS. I’m basically immune to EVERYTHING now. I am invincible 💪. The nurse said if I was scared I could hold someone’s hand. There just so happened to be a sister missionary there. It would be rude not to, right?? Just kidding…I follow the rules. I was given two Strawberry Shortcake plasters and a lolly. Worth it.
We had a meeting with the MTC presidency which was actually pretty good. President Calderwood was essentially saying grow up and get real. He’s a cool guy! After this we had a thing called the Character of Christ which spoke about how we can become more like Him. In situations where we would naturally want to turn inwards and be self centered, self obsessed, and selfish, Christ turns outward with compassion, service, and love. Pretty gold thing to aim for.
13th April
I think they’ve killed my soul… the food is starting to taste good!
The lessons are all pretty similar, but this stuck out to me, “If you’re serving people to be praised, you aren’t serving”.
Guess who said that… me. I’m so wise 🙂
After dinner we had a two district meetings (a district is about 10 missionaries), one online and one in person. Elder Monzon (from Argentina) was made district leader for the in person group. He’s a really cool guy and I have full faith he’ll thrive on a mission… as long as he learns English.
14th April
Pizza Night! We had Papa John’s for dinner. And, at night, we just had a laughing fit. Elder De León and I are super close! Shame we won’t be comps (companions) for that long.
15th April
The first hour of afternoon class was led by yours truly. Not to blow my own trumpet… but I think I did a pretty good job. People seemed to enjoy it! We have officially finished learning how to teach The Restoration. Hoorah!
So Elder Baker speaks French and I’ve been speaking to him with the little French I know (bear in mind I failed French at school) but there’s also someone from France! It’s crazy how much I’m remembering… we don’t have full-on conversations but I say the odd word in French. She’s impressed by my pronunciation😏
16th April – Shabbat
There was only cereal for breakfast, which is great if you’re lactose intolerant. Church was good! Elder Vaihola (from Tonga) is leaving so he spoke. It sorta felt like a farewell… very emotional.
Dinner, clean room, and then branch meeting (a branch is a small congregation. Multiple districts to a branch). My favourite quote from De León was, “My heart is locked… but my eyes are open 😉”
17th April
We only had morning class so loads of free time. After lunch we just sat outside and studied. The air is different here… it’s dry and thin.
Dinner and then gym. We played volleyball until the Polynesians joined in and they just took all the fun out of it by being tryhards, so we just left them to it and played basketball.
I wouldn’t say I’m homesick, but I do miss England. The green and pleasant land. I miss moderation, I guess.
It’s been a good week. Been kept busy! Gonna take a cat nap after I call home. Love you all!
Elder Bishop
P.S Hopefully there are fewer spelling mistakes… still not used to the keyboard 🙂
LOVED reading this update and hearing how the MTC is for you. Sounds like the food hasn’t changed much since my older brother was there (35+ years ago … eek!). You’re priceless and there’s no-one like you … that’s your purpose, thrive in it.
Sometimes it’s the different culture and eating that can be harder than learning a new language. You sound as though you’re doing amazingly well on both of those issues Jake. I’m very impressed that you have been leading as well as following in your lessons and leisure.
Jabs are necessary but boring and painful especially when you see them coming your way. I’m glad you survived the ordeal and are now well protected against you allergies.
I’m glad you’re a true English man and keep us up to date with the weather report. If all fails we talk about the weather🤣🤣 I have to say it’s a real delight to get such a newsy email. Keep it up we want to travel this journey with you ❤️.
Praying for you that the routine will become the new normal and you are able to embrace it with your cheery and witty disposition.
Really admire your progress so far you’ve come such a long way in a short time. Take care Jake. Your a real asset to your fellow missionaries. Best wishes love Freda Baird