Another great week is in the books and I can't believe how fast time is flying! First off, Happy New Year and I hope it was fun to celebrate bringing in the New Year. They didn't have anything special planned for us so we had our own fun here in the MTC. Thanks for the Dear Elder package - chucked full of candy bars and that precious Martinelli! I think we had 20 or 30 to drink between the Elders in the residency. I didn't stay up until midnight, but we definitely had fun popping bottles (don't worry . . . only Martinelli's) and visiting with each other. Glad to hear the Elders were able to come over and that Jenny was able to spend some time with you! Sounds and looks like you all had a fun time.
It's amazing how fast time flies! I think we have 3 weeks and 4 days until we get out of here but word on the street is that the Elders going to Mexico are having to be re-assigned somewhere in the states for a month or so until their Visas are acquired. I pray that isn't the case for me, but the Lord's work will be done and I will get some great Spanish practice before I hit the streets of Tijuana.
I thought I recognized Greg Olsen but I couldn't remember where from. Honestly, I passed out for the first half of his talk but I caught the last half when he was showing his paintings and sort of explaining how they are relevant to us and how it is an awesome experience for him to be able to paint and depict Christ. He said some really good things and it made me open my eyes more about the love the Savior and Heavenly Father have for us.
Glad to hear the Bryan and Nick did well in their farewells. Here is an eyeopener - the stateside Elders that got here this week will leave the MTC before I will because their time is being cut so short. Nuts how fast the Lord is hastening His work. Also frustrating for Elder Sandberg to get pushed back - I am sure he is getting super antsy!
It has been snowing here everyday just like back home. It is also super cold and it reminds me of the blizzard we had two years ago. Shows you just how fast 2 years goes by huh?
The temple has opened back up and we just returned back from our session there. It was great after not being there for a couple weeks. I really look forward to the temple every P-Day. It's a nice break and a good chance to have that bigger more open perspective on why we are here and where we came from.
The temple has opened back up and we just returned back from our session there. It was great after not being there for a couple weeks. I really look forward to the temple every P-Day. It's a nice break and a good chance to have that bigger more open perspective on why we are here and where we came from.
Thank you so much for coming down to the CTR store for those pants! I know that was probably a bit hard but I really appreciate it.
It's hard to not gain weight when all we do is sit in class all day. I'm trying my best not to pig out and watch what I eat though. I may take some treats down to Tijuana with me if I have room for them . . . overweight fees on luggage are like 300 hundred bucks a bag. Good thing we get reimbursed when we get to the field huh?
I haven't heard from CTR yet so hopefully they come in the next couple days or so. I think its probably a good idea to send me that other suit if you can and its not too big of a hastle? This other one is great but there are already 3 small holes in the thighs from who knows what? Don't get me wrong, I love that I was able to get this suit for free but I think the other suits from the missionary stores are made a little bit more sturdy to handle being worn everyday. Good thing I am going to Tijuana where I will rarely wear it huh? A lot of wear and tear happens when you wear them everyday I guess. Just part of the winter dress code down here. There are rules for every little thing but I can't do anything about them so I just be obedient and start getting in that good habit here so it won't be a challenge in the field.
I can't think of anything else I need before I leave. I can stock up once I get to Mexico. Just the compression shorts and oxy will do for now. Maybe my Utes shorts as well :)
It's amazing to see all the new Elders that come in every week. Some look very shell shocked and others look like nothing phased them. We get to host in two weeks I think? So its very possible that I could host my buddies coming in soon.
I am definitely getting excited for the field. There is a district in my zone leaving for the field Tuesday and another one the week after them. Alot of those Elders I have made really good friends with and hope to stay in contact with. Seeing them all leave is an eye opener and before I know it, my time will be here as well. I am still picking up Spanish very well and love to speak it. I would much rather preach in that than in English which is surprising. Elder Tall still really struggles but its good to see his faith and his hard work in order to learn the language. He will be blessed so much for his efforts. I am definitely excited and can't wait but at the same time am nervous for all the Spanish - not to mention I'm going to "Cartel Central"! However the Spanish will come and I have already had many experiences with the gift of tongues here in the MTC. So there are the first nerves already being calmed down. The second is the fact that I'm going to Tijuana, but as long as I am obedient the Spirit will be with me and I will be okay. I am trying not to fear man and his power anymore and to realize that I am a representative of Christ and called to do His work. He will have my back and help me through my struggles as long as I am obedient to what he asks of me. My testimony is so strong of the Atonement. Not only that Christ died for you and me to make up our sins, but also that He experienced everything that has happened, will happen, or could possibly happen for you and I while he suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane. Pretty eye opening if you sit down and think of that. My purpose is to bring others unto Christ and help them experience that saving power for themselves. I am lucky enough to be able to see that in a front row seat for 2 years. Granted we will have our struggles, that's why we came here. Christ will be with us everystep of the way if we let him and if we do what He asks.
I am definitely getting excited for the field. There is a district in my zone leaving for the field Tuesday and another one the week after them. Alot of those Elders I have made really good friends with and hope to stay in contact with. Seeing them all leave is an eye opener and before I know it, my time will be here as well. I am still picking up Spanish very well and love to speak it. I would much rather preach in that than in English which is surprising. Elder Tall still really struggles but its good to see his faith and his hard work in order to learn the language. He will be blessed so much for his efforts. I am definitely excited and can't wait but at the same time am nervous for all the Spanish - not to mention I'm going to "Cartel Central"! However the Spanish will come and I have already had many experiences with the gift of tongues here in the MTC. So there are the first nerves already being calmed down. The second is the fact that I'm going to Tijuana, but as long as I am obedient the Spirit will be with me and I will be okay. I am trying not to fear man and his power anymore and to realize that I am a representative of Christ and called to do His work. He will have my back and help me through my struggles as long as I am obedient to what he asks of me. My testimony is so strong of the Atonement. Not only that Christ died for you and me to make up our sins, but also that He experienced everything that has happened, will happen, or could possibly happen for you and I while he suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane. Pretty eye opening if you sit down and think of that. My purpose is to bring others unto Christ and help them experience that saving power for themselves. I am lucky enough to be able to see that in a front row seat for 2 years. Granted we will have our struggles, that's why we came here. Christ will be with us everystep of the way if we let him and if we do what He asks.
I look forward to the package later this week! Thank you for taking great care of me while I am gone. I love and miss you all so much and am grateful that you raised in me in such a way that I can serve a mission today. It really is such a blessing and so much fun!
Take care,
Your loving son and brother
Elder Roper
Nos vemos!
 |
| Deer this morning on the way to the temple |
 |
| Couple hours ago at the temple |
 |
| District leaving Tuesday |
 |
| Elder Schulte and I |
 |
| Another homemade cooler in prep for New Years Celebrations |
 |
| Part of the festivities on New Year's Eve! |
 |
| A Utah Man Am I! |
