Nov 10: MTC Week 5 Tempe Arizona

Well, no surprise I didn't get my visa so I got re-assigned to Tempe Arizona for 6 weeks. I take off the 20th at 8:15 and I seriously couldn't be more excited to be out of this place. Today is my one month mark. It’s weird to think that I've been gone this long. The Spanish is still coming, we put a lot of work into it. I can already tell when I leave the MTC I’m going to know absolutely nothing.

Nothing really happened this week, typical class, study, and exercise time. We always get some crazy volleyball games going. We finished our Soda Tower with 300 cans and it was taller than I was, I haven't even gained a pound either.

A scripture that I especially liked this week was in Alma 26 versus 11 & 12

11 "I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.

12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever." 

This scripture really spoke to me. As a missionary, it's super easy to get frustrated with myself, or with those around me about so many things. I know that I am nothing, but in the strength of God, I can do all things. 

I hope you all have a wonderful week. 

Elder Rich

Map picture with Ecuador - I'll get there eventually

Picture with my brother, Austin's, trainer from Wisconsin, Elder Lewis, who is now a Hmong
teacher at the MTC.  He seemed like a super funny guy. He said Austin was a great missionary. I pulled off my tag and showed him my name and he like instantly gave me a hug. He told me
his first impression of Austin was him dunking a basketball and he thought it was so cool.  He also said
he went back to visit Wisconsin this last summer and he said Austin was cracking jokes in Hmong.

Elder Mabeus and the Soda Completed Soda Tower

MTC selfie