Hey guys!! I've been busy this week for Christmas! On Christmas(yesterday) We were blessed to hear from Elder Bednar concerning the characteristics of Christ. I felt the spirit in such abundance yesterday, and will continure to hold his presence dear as I serve my mission as best I can in Columbia! Unfortunately, I've spent a lot of time sending emails to my parents and family, so I haven't much time left on the computer. I received an excellent pair of Ray Bans as well as a yo yo from my parents, amongst other things. But I got a lot of chocolate! Mmmm I love dark chocolate. I'm going to create a stash, (hopefully there aren't many mice where I go). I love you all!! I hope you had an amazing Christams!! I sure as heck did! You have a good week!
Love, Elder Patrick.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Feliz Navidad!
Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
Feliz Navidad y Merry Christmas!
I hope y'all are doing well this week. It's a very special week, in which we prepare to celebrate the Lord's birth as well as enjoy the gifts from loved ones. I'm sorry that I don't have much to send to you except my words, and I hope they find you well and merry. I'm very excited for the week. Christmas as the Lord's servant within the Lord's training center is a blessed opportunity. First of all, I hear the First Presidency will be visiting on Christmas day... First Presidency meaning: The prophet and his counselors!!! :D :D :D This makes me excited, and motivates me to work harder. If all goes well, I'll be speaking fluent Spanish next week :) We'll see. They say the brain is a muscle and if that's the case, it's very mushy because I haven't used it much this past year, but it's getting there!! How are you all? As much as I looove receiving letters from parents, family, and my Best Friend, I would really love to get letters from more people for at least Christmas! I'm bad at being the first to write, but I promise if your letter has a return address on it, you will get a letter back within a week (with the exception of the sluggish nature of our wonderful USPS). I look forward to hear about the various gifts and experiences you have with Christmas this upcoming week. I also sent Cara some pictures, so hopefully she posts them on Facebook for you all. Haha We have some cool ones and some really strange ones, plus you get to see some of the sights I get to. Provo is a very beautiful place. I'm so glad to be here this time of year, serving my Lord and strengthening my testimony, while preparing to share it with others. Well, I feel as if this letter is short and sweet. Time has ticked it's final seconds and I need to get off. Have a merry merry Christmas (Navidad) or else!!!!
These words I leave for you with love.
Sincerely,
Elder Patrick.
Feliz Navidad y Merry Christmas!
I hope y'all are doing well this week. It's a very special week, in which we prepare to celebrate the Lord's birth as well as enjoy the gifts from loved ones. I'm sorry that I don't have much to send to you except my words, and I hope they find you well and merry. I'm very excited for the week. Christmas as the Lord's servant within the Lord's training center is a blessed opportunity. First of all, I hear the First Presidency will be visiting on Christmas day... First Presidency meaning: The prophet and his counselors!!! :D :D :D This makes me excited, and motivates me to work harder. If all goes well, I'll be speaking fluent Spanish next week :) We'll see. They say the brain is a muscle and if that's the case, it's very mushy because I haven't used it much this past year, but it's getting there!! How are you all? As much as I looove receiving letters from parents, family, and my Best Friend, I would really love to get letters from more people for at least Christmas! I'm bad at being the first to write, but I promise if your letter has a return address on it, you will get a letter back within a week (with the exception of the sluggish nature of our wonderful USPS). I look forward to hear about the various gifts and experiences you have with Christmas this upcoming week. I also sent Cara some pictures, so hopefully she posts them on Facebook for you all. Haha We have some cool ones and some really strange ones, plus you get to see some of the sights I get to. Provo is a very beautiful place. I'm so glad to be here this time of year, serving my Lord and strengthening my testimony, while preparing to share it with others. Well, I feel as if this letter is short and sweet. Time has ticked it's final seconds and I need to get off. Have a merry merry Christmas (Navidad) or else!!!!
These words I leave for you with love.
Sincerely,
Elder Patrick.
Monday, December 12, 2011
23 months to go! :)
Hello everyone! It's been another week... So fast! If it keeps up at this pace I'll be back at home in no time :) 1 month down 23 more to go! :) or... 100 weeks to go. I like 23 better :)
Anyway... button on my pants came lose, and a seam tore near my pocket *sigh* figures. I guess I'll need to relearn sewing. I got my first packages of Christmas this week. Thank you Aunt Kelly, and all those in Parker who helped. Cally and Allen also wrote a cute card to me for Christmas, thank you guys :)
If any of you are thinking about sending a package, make sure it won't arrive between Dec. 23-25. The mail workers will be with their families and won't be at the MTC those days.
I'm so glad to be in preparation for our Lord during Christmas, it's his birthday after all. I hope that all who read this, not only gift the ones you love this season, but also see to serve them through your actions, clean your dad's truck or something.
This week I've been teaching a lot in Spanish, I know that: as the Lord's servant, my mind can become open and receive revelation to teach. I know that what I teach, although the investigators are just actors; I still know what to teach and when, through the power of the Holy Ghost; and in Spanish to boot!
One of the elders in my district has to get knee surgery today, he tore is meniscus? The doc said get it fixed, so that's what he's doing. Keep him in your prayers, he needs a speedy recovery. Elders Craig and Robinson left to Peru this week on Wednesday. Elder Craig is from Texas and is ranked at 203 amongst professional raquet ball players internationally, and has traveled around the world playing raquet ball for Team Head. Elder Robinson wouldn't shut up about his girlfriend and "wife-to-be," Baleigh(bailey). I say if it works for ya after two years more power to ya. These two elders made our time here enjoyable and will be missed. Another Elder in our district had business to take care of at home, so unfortunately he had to leave... We went from 8 strong down to 5. It's nice in a way, because we get more stuff done.
Anyway! The food is still good, my bed becomes comfier by the day, and my muscles are getting bigger from all the gym time we have... ladies :p (jk) but seriously, I'm getting stuff done and enjoying it. I hope y'all are too, Caio.
Elder Patrick.
Anyway... button on my pants came lose, and a seam tore near my pocket *sigh* figures. I guess I'll need to relearn sewing. I got my first packages of Christmas this week. Thank you Aunt Kelly, and all those in Parker who helped. Cally and Allen also wrote a cute card to me for Christmas, thank you guys :)
If any of you are thinking about sending a package, make sure it won't arrive between Dec. 23-25. The mail workers will be with their families and won't be at the MTC those days.
I'm so glad to be in preparation for our Lord during Christmas, it's his birthday after all. I hope that all who read this, not only gift the ones you love this season, but also see to serve them through your actions, clean your dad's truck or something.
This week I've been teaching a lot in Spanish, I know that: as the Lord's servant, my mind can become open and receive revelation to teach. I know that what I teach, although the investigators are just actors; I still know what to teach and when, through the power of the Holy Ghost; and in Spanish to boot!
One of the elders in my district has to get knee surgery today, he tore is meniscus? The doc said get it fixed, so that's what he's doing. Keep him in your prayers, he needs a speedy recovery. Elders Craig and Robinson left to Peru this week on Wednesday. Elder Craig is from Texas and is ranked at 203 amongst professional raquet ball players internationally, and has traveled around the world playing raquet ball for Team Head. Elder Robinson wouldn't shut up about his girlfriend and "wife-to-be," Baleigh(bailey). I say if it works for ya after two years more power to ya. These two elders made our time here enjoyable and will be missed. Another Elder in our district had business to take care of at home, so unfortunately he had to leave... We went from 8 strong down to 5. It's nice in a way, because we get more stuff done.
Anyway! The food is still good, my bed becomes comfier by the day, and my muscles are getting bigger from all the gym time we have... ladies :p (jk) but seriously, I'm getting stuff done and enjoying it. I hope y'all are too, Caio.
Elder Patrick.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
3 weeks?!
¡Buenos Dias Mis Amigos!
How have you all been? Letters are slowing down a bit, no complaints. It's been 3 weeks (101 to go!!!) and it feels like 3 months! Spanish is becoming easier by the day!
Yo se que Jesuchristo es el salvador y Padre Celestial es Amoroso Padre. Yo tengo lee el Libro de Mormon y se que verdad. Yo se que jose smith y tomas s monson somos profetas. En el nombre de Jesuchristo, amen.
It's a simple testimony, but it delivers the point. My mission is the best thing I can be doing. It's going to be a long two years, but highly beneficial.
I've been working out to get ready to be chased by dogs, I'm terrifies of rabies. I might carry some jerky to drop as some sort of countermeasure and means of escape.
This week we've been talking all about charity and love for each other. It's an important virtue to have especially since I'm stuck with me compañero 24/7; not so bad. As I continue to teach mock investigators; the gift of tongues and teaching by the spirit is manifest. It's an amazing experience.
I'm almost done reading the Book of Mormon, about 3/4 done! Almost through Alma. If you haven't read this inspired book, READ IT!!! [: [: [: It's so wonderful, after I complete it, I'm going to read Matthew-John and 3 Nephi. I'm trying to learn more about Christ since this is his Holiday after all.
I'm excited to spend Christmas here, we've already talked about Christmas in our devotionals and how we'll be giving more than receiving. This time next year, expect some stuff back from Colombia , that is, if you've sent me letters :3. Well, my clothes have been cleansed! I'll talk to you all next week, can't wait! [: [: [: Love you all and the support you've given me.
Love, Elder Shene Patrick.
How have you all been? Letters are slowing down a bit, no complaints. It's been 3 weeks (101 to go!!!) and it feels like 3 months! Spanish is becoming easier by the day!
Yo se que Jesuchristo es el salvador y Padre Celestial es Amoroso Padre. Yo tengo lee el Libro de Mormon y se que verdad. Yo se que jose smith y tomas s monson somos profetas. En el nombre de Jesuchristo, amen.
It's a simple testimony, but it delivers the point. My mission is the best thing I can be doing. It's going to be a long two years, but highly beneficial.
I've been working out to get ready to be chased by dogs, I'm terrifies of rabies. I might carry some jerky to drop as some sort of countermeasure and means of escape.
This week we've been talking all about charity and love for each other. It's an important virtue to have especially since I'm stuck with me compañero 24/7; not so bad. As I continue to teach mock investigators; the gift of tongues and teaching by the spirit is manifest. It's an amazing experience.
I'm almost done reading the Book of Mormon, about 3/4 done! Almost through Alma. If you haven't read this inspired book, READ IT!!! [: [: [: It's so wonderful, after I complete it, I'm going to read Matthew-John and 3 Nephi. I'm trying to learn more about Christ since this is his Holiday after all.
I'm excited to spend Christmas here, we've already talked about Christmas in our devotionals and how we'll be giving more than receiving. This time next year, expect some stuff back from Colombia , that is, if you've sent me letters :3. Well, my clothes have been cleansed! I'll talk to you all next week, can't wait! [: [: [: Love you all and the support you've given me.
Love, Elder Shene Patrick.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thanks for all your letters and treats you've sent me. The pumpkin pie was good :) It's my first full week at the MTC! Whew. Where to start... Most important I spose! We were visited by not one, but two apostles! :D On Tuesday we were surprised to find out that Elder D Todd Christopherson came. We found out that he was called in 2008 and practiced law in Washington D.C. (Soooo lucky). His wife, Katherine, gave an excellent talk on atunement/reception of the council of the Holy Ghost, which is mui importante mor mi misión. President Hinckley said "Get down on your knees first for help, Then up on your feet and go to work." Elder Christopherson spoke on missionary work. He started out by thanking us on behalf of the first presidency and the 70. He mentioned that the first presidency, quorum of the 12, and the 8 quorums of 70 are called to sere and we make their duties easier, thus the humble expression of gratitude and their pride in serving along-side us. One of his last things he spoke on is that we serve our missions indebted to God, and we leave our missions more indebted for all the miracles and safety that he provides.
Thanksgiving morning, we were greeted by Elder Russell M Nelson and his wife. Since it was thanksgiving, we were able to hear about what they are thankful for. Specifically, Sister Nelson is grateful for the Book of Mormon, and the First Vision, and bore her testimony. Elder Nelson gave up his career in surgery in 1984 and was appointed to serve as an apostle and assist opening the mission field back up in the communist occupied countries, specifically the USSR. He gave an excellent talk on how we must do the work, based on how the lord wants it accomplished, he used the example set by Nephi, when he constructed a boat "Not after the manner of men, but after the manner of God." He also discussed how Thanksgiving dates back to Adam, and giving sacrifices unto the Lord. Hosana, in other words, means Thanksgiving.
My language and studies are improving still. I'm so glad I'll have a senior companion during the first months in the field. Spanish is simple, yet so confusing. It's all memorization, and sometimes my brain feels like a black hole! I've prayed so often, sometimes falling asleep in the middle of prayers, we call this "pondering" and then finishing the prayers when we wake up. Sometimes the teacher makes us stand up. I love the group of elders in my district they're all so funny. Elder Hughes is taller than me, which is nice for once, Elder Wilshire is British, Elder Norton says "Que?" in a really high pitch voice. Elder Scherer is a bit jumpy, and my companion yells "Animado!!" for everything. My other roomies, Elder Robinson and Elder Craig, are choir boys at best.
I'm running out of time!! But I hope this message comes to you in good tidings, and that you can somehow feel the small fraction of the spirit that I feel on an hourly basis here in the Lord's training center.
Until next week,
Elder Shene Patrick
p.s. dearelder.com is the BEST way to send me a message in case postage isn't your thing, just in case you forgot, although I do love hand written letters [: [: [:
Thanksgiving morning, we were greeted by Elder Russell M Nelson and his wife. Since it was thanksgiving, we were able to hear about what they are thankful for. Specifically, Sister Nelson is grateful for the Book of Mormon, and the First Vision, and bore her testimony. Elder Nelson gave up his career in surgery in 1984 and was appointed to serve as an apostle and assist opening the mission field back up in the communist occupied countries, specifically the USSR. He gave an excellent talk on how we must do the work, based on how the lord wants it accomplished, he used the example set by Nephi, when he constructed a boat "Not after the manner of men, but after the manner of God." He also discussed how Thanksgiving dates back to Adam, and giving sacrifices unto the Lord. Hosana, in other words, means Thanksgiving.
My language and studies are improving still. I'm so glad I'll have a senior companion during the first months in the field. Spanish is simple, yet so confusing. It's all memorization, and sometimes my brain feels like a black hole! I've prayed so often, sometimes falling asleep in the middle of prayers, we call this "pondering" and then finishing the prayers when we wake up. Sometimes the teacher makes us stand up. I love the group of elders in my district they're all so funny. Elder Hughes is taller than me, which is nice for once, Elder Wilshire is British, Elder Norton says "Que?" in a really high pitch voice. Elder Scherer is a bit jumpy, and my companion yells "Animado!!" for everything. My other roomies, Elder Robinson and Elder Craig, are choir boys at best.
I'm running out of time!! But I hope this message comes to you in good tidings, and that you can somehow feel the small fraction of the spirit that I feel on an hourly basis here in the Lord's training center.
Until next week,
Elder Shene Patrick
p.s. dearelder.com is the BEST way to send me a message in case postage isn't your thing, just in case you forgot, although I do love hand written letters [: [: [:
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
One week down(:
Hi Guys!!
It hasn't quite been a week yet, but p-day is Monday. It's been quite the week!!
Time has flown, yet it feels like I've been here for a month. Our Spanish study has been intense. I'm expected to speak fluent Spanish in nine weeks, so far I am able to bear basic testimony, say prayers, and hold small conversations. My progress over 5 days has been remarkable, I know this progression is made possible by the spirit. I pray every day for the gift of tongues (el don de lenguas) I am already teaching a mock investigator, we've already "visited" him twice and due for another today. I can understand a lot, But ironically I can't speak what I'm understanding, it's weird.
Time has flown, yet it feels like I've been here for a month. Our Spanish study has been intense. I'm expected to speak fluent Spanish in nine weeks, so far I am able to bear basic testimony, say prayers, and hold small conversations. My progress over 5 days has been remarkable, I know this progression is made possible by the spirit. I pray every day for the gift of tongues (el don de lenguas) I am already teaching a mock investigator, we've already "visited" him twice and due for another today. I can understand a lot, But ironically I can't speak what I'm understanding, it's weird.
The spirit has helped in our teaching. I know my limited vocabulary wouldn't suffice otherwise.
I also went to the temple today with mi compañeros (companions) and it was mucho spiritual! The spirit encountered in the temple calms my soul, and soothes my anxious mind. Being a missionary is harder than I thought!! If I said I wasn't stressed before my mission, I am now, but every time I pray for comfort, and get lost in work, it gets better. I know my works will bring much good and happiness in the world. I know that what I'm doing is true and I am where I need to be.
My bed is comfy, the food es buenos, and I am very well! :)
I miss you all and have you in my prayers. 1 week down, 103 to go!!!! :D :D :D
Talk to you all next week: Love and best wishes!
Elder Patrick
I miss you all and have you in my prayers. 1 week down, 103 to go!!!! :D :D :D
Talk to you all next week: Love and best wishes!
Elder Patrick
Monday, November 14, 2011
New Start
MTC Letters and Packages: (Will be leaving MTC Mid-January)
Elder Shene C Patrick
MTC Mailbox # 320
COL-BOGN 0117
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793
After MTC
For letters:
Elder Shene C Patrick
Colombia Bogotá Norte Misión
Calle 72 #10-07, Oficina 1001
Edificio Liberty Seguros
Bogotá, Cundinamarca
COLOMBIA
For packages:
Elder Shene C Patrick
Colombia Bogotá Norte Misión
Calle 72 #10-07, Oficina 1001
Edificio Liberty Seguros
Bogotá, Cundinamarca
COLOMBIA
Elder Shene C Patrick
MTC Mailbox # 320
COL-BOGN 0117
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793
After MTC
For letters:
Elder Shene C Patrick
Colombia Bogotá Norte Misión
Calle 72 #10-07, Oficina 1001
Edificio Liberty Seguros
Bogotá, Cundinamarca
COLOMBIA
For packages:
Elder Shene C Patrick
Colombia Bogotá Norte Misión
Calle 72 #10-07, Oficina 1001
Edificio Liberty Seguros
Bogotá, Cundinamarca
COLOMBIA
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)