Hey Y’all!!
Good news! :) We rode the train up north yesterday to the consulate
and got everything squared away so I should be receiving my visa today and
leaving Monday or Tuesday morning. I haven’t received my travel plans yet
but I will let you know through email or possibly phone call when we are
leaving. We rode the Front Runner up to the IMC Hospital - yes, 5 minutes away
from the house - hopped on Trax, got off by Spring Mobile, walked by the ball park
to the consulate. One of the weirdest experiences of my entire life being
out of the MTC and better yet 5 minutes away from the house. We talked to
a few people on the train - mostly members asking why there was a group of 20
missionaries riding the train and walking around SLC. We got a lot of
funny looks on the train. This shows you how much I have changed but
EVERYONE had some sort of iPad or laptop on the train and I couldn’t help but
think how much easier life was without all these devices. I saw people
reading all sorts of different books and without even realizing it, I thought, “Man
you really should be reading the Book of Mormon.” Ha that book is of
God. Period. Read it. We were talking to a guy before we got
on the train just telling him where we were going and why our name tags were in
Spanish and he was like, where can I find out more about your church? BINGO!!
Ha one of the Elders that was with us talked to him and gave him a Book of
Mormon and my boy Elder Gundersen explained some of the basic doctrines in the
book. We got his contact info and gave it back to the Elders here at the
referral center so someone can call and talk with this man. I am so very
grateful for this experience. I forget how much we stand out here. At the MTC everyone has a black name tag on
and everyone is in a suit. Yesterday really made me look at myself and
how I wear Christ's name over my heart daily and represent His church. I
already know the first few days in Tijuana are going to be very overwhelming
and nerve wracking but that is what I signed up for - right? I found
comfort for the field in D & C 84:85. I think where it talks about how we
are Christ's friends and because we have the Gospel, He expects us to take that
to the world. Very comforting words in those verses. Christ is
truly with us every step of the way.
My mind is blown that the next time you hear from me I will probably
be in Tijuana!! Ha it will be a great experience to finally get down
there. I will grow so much in the next few weeks. We are making our
final preparations here in the MTC and trying to be ready for the real world
once again. I just fall back that many Elders have done it before and
survived. Better yet . . . the Savior suffered and felt this in the
Garden so He knows exactly how I feel right now. Enough about me
though. I am happy Daniel and Wyatt were able to come by. It was
probably fun to visit with them for a bit. Also cool that Aubrey got her
call to Ukraine!! That is nuts! That’s awesome that Hayden and
Keaton were able to start ball again at Edo's. That should be good
getting back into baseball for them.
Well I hope you have all had a very good week! Can’t believe I
was within five minutes of you all yesterday but it’s all good. Watch
your email and phones so I can let you know when I will be leaving and when to
expect a call from the airport :) Take care of yourselves! I love
and miss you all!
Your son and bro soon to be engulfed in Mexico-
Elder Roper
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| Elder Rentz and I |
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| Jackson and Elder Nick Paulson Jackson and Nick went to high school together. They played on the baseball team and served on the seminary council together. |
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| The district before the 3 left to Vegas |
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| The future starting QB for the U - Elder Chase Hansen |
