Monday, October 26, 2009

Only 7 days left!

> And that is how the cookie crumbles! I have purchased the calling card and I will either call you at SLC or LAX. I am debating calling from Taiwan because my minutes become 539x more expensive so it drops from 1000 minutes to like 4 but all is good. If you could, in your next dear elder, give me the phone numbers of both sets of grandparents, leah, sarah, and aunt laura I will be sure to call them all! I am going to call mom's cell phone so if you all could be ready it would be a sweet deal! I leave the MTC at 4:30 PM on Monday so I hope to have a decent amount of time at SLC to be able to call. If you can tell grandma and grandpa Muller to be expecting my call that would be great. I will probably end up calling them first because they are 2 hours ahead so I will call them and talk with them for a while and then let them go to bed. Brady will be able to tell you how to put it on speaker, but if not I will tell you way quick-simple as pie. I was close to calling Jules from the airport and seeing how he is doing because I havent talked to him in a while and I wanted to make sure he is doing alright, but I dont know how he would receive my phone call so I decided against it. I do hope he is doing well.
>
> Anyways, I have a few requests that I would like to drop down. I would really like a few things in the mail...
>
> 1)Superglue. My scriptures look like they have been through WW2. The casing is coming unglued so I need to glue it back on. It is just the border so nothing too big. Ok, maybe not WW2...maybe Grenada...
>
> 2)A jumprope. Ok, this sounds wierd, but its not for double dutch I promise! I want a jumprope so I can get a good workout in the morning when I get over to the Philippines and dont have the privilege of having a gym period 5 days a week. You can find a sweet (yea I just used sweet to describe a jump rope:/) jump rope at like sports authority or something. It has to last 2 years so we will see the true colors of such sports stores.
>
> Those are the only two things that I need in the mail. I am sending back a whole bunch of cards and things that I have received in the mail. If you could put them in my room so I have them when I get back it would be awesome. Mind you Braeden, that room is still mine and I will dominate you if you think otherwise...
>
> Amidst the confusion of letters that will be in the package, will be a whole bunch of toiletries. I bought enough toiletries to bathe the salvation army for 3 years so I am not gonna carry it all with me. I will send you a tie (from missionary mall) in which the string in the back randomly came out so I was like "what is this random string" and so I pulled it and my tie like blew up and fell to peices in my hands. My poor tie gave its life in the line of duty. It will receive a purple heart from the MTC I will make sure of it.
>
> Anyways, so a tie, toiletries, cards, and 2 pairs of pants. I need to get new clothes and belts in the Philippines anyways because they make stuff special to the heat and rain so it doesnt either shrink from a 34 waist to a 24, or fall apart. You can get way cool bone and wooden belts over there so that is the route that I am going to go. The two pairs of pants have enormous holes on the seams-how this happened I have no clue, but I can guarantee that mom is gonna make fun of me for the rest of my life when she sees where the holes are. Ha cliche? I think so...
>
> So, back to the airport situation. I am going to call, like I said, from SLC (hopefully) and so Braeden, Samuel, and Ben have elder Muller's permission (even though its not my house...) to stay up that night until I get to talk to them. Mind you, that is while I am still in the United States...speaking of which, who is excited for the definately not 2 month long flight over the scenic view of...water? I AM!!! Yea, that was sarcasm. Being stuck on a plane with the same people for hours and hours and hours...and hours...is not gonna be fun. I better get the window seat or someone is gonna get a pass along card to the face. Ok, maybe not, but still.
>
> So, if you could send those things in the mail, it would be way nice. I only have 50 dollars in cash right now so I need to go to the ATM (which charges 2 bucks. In the MTC? Honestly...) and take out 60 more so I can be close to 100 cash. That is what they suggest you have at all times on your person when you are traveling. I have decided that if I get mugged at gun point in the airport at taiwan, I am gonna go down swinging...
>
> "GIVE ME ALL YOUR MONEY NOW!!"
> "No, you give me a minute of your time so I can tell you about the salvation you are about to screw up"
>
> That is my fail-proof way of getting out of a robbery. I an anxious to try it out so we will see.
> > So, basic underlying theme of this email-I have only 7 days left in the MTC before I fly to my actual mission. Am I excited? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!!! Am I going to miss smelling 11 other elders who aren't the most hygenic out of the bunch? Yea, I think you can answer that one!
> I will explain more when I get to the airport. If you guys want to stay up so I can call you when I get to Los Angeles, tell me and I will be sure to call you and continue talking because I will have 1000 minutes paid for and 2 hours of nothing to do whatsoever but sit there and talk...
>
> Anyways, that is how it is going to go. I love you all and hope that you all are staying safe and out of trouble. I love you all and will talk to you in 7 days!!!
>
> Love always,
> Jake
> aka Elder Muller
>
> PS-yes mom I have been taking my vitamins...gosh...

Monday, October 19, 2009

Dang, Where is Time Going?

> So, first priority-things that I have forgotten to tell you guys thus far. First thing on the list-I have a new companion! I got him last sunday (as in not yesterday Sunday) because most of the companionships in our zone were having hardcore problems with contention. There was one companionship in particular that I can think of in my district that cause a LOT of contention between everyone in our district. They were both really good guys, they just didnt get along, shall we say, the best. My new companion Elder Brown-a crazy good guy from Ceder City. He was a fire fighter before he decided to go on a mission so he has cool stories about that and all. He is 23, and is such an inspiration to me. If I had been baptized when I was 23, I dont know if I would have had the courage to serve a mission. He is a cool kid, and our district leader at that. Elder Hansen got released last Sunday, and only the district leader can get the mail, so it is cool because I am the first one to get mail!!!
>
> Anyways, onto item number 2. I got to host last wednesday (I dont know if I told you that that is why I am repeating it) which basically means I get to foresee the new missionaries in when they arrive. I get to take them to get their 10 million books and through all the orientations and all that trash, but all in all it is a good experience. Its wierd because I still regard the incident of arriving at the MTC as yesterday, and yet it was almost 2 months ago holy cow. I get to host this week also, and I am guessing they are going to have us host every week until we finally leave (in 2 weeks WOOOOOOOT) but that is just a guess. Last wednesday there was this family that seemed close knit, and let me just say this-when a hispanic mom starts crying and sobbing in spanish and you are standing there between her son and herself and she starts running to her son to give him a hug you need to MOVE and QUICK. The elder seemed like he was ready though so all is well in the MTC.
>
> So, onto the main course-I get my flight plans this friday. Yea holy cow it is that close. I only have 14 days left in the good ol' MTC, and I think I am gonna miss it im not gonna lie (which is good because missionaries dont lie...). We get a general authority every tuesday, and the spirit here truly like a fire is burning. I got the privilege of hearing Elder Holland a few weeks ago and, during a visit with the MTC president that I scheduled, I was told that I "dont want to miss the one tomorrow..." so I dont know if he was pulling my leg or if this leaked info is legit but we will see. I feel cool, like I have infiltrated the system or something because I know something that no other elders know ah ga ga ga-that one was for you Benjamin:) Anyways, in 14 days my mission will be 1/12 of the way over. Ha, I wish I could stop time and take it upon myself to go to every single house in the Philippines-whether in my mission or out-and share the gospel. If they dont accept it, I will just stand outside of their door and sing with my companion until they cant stand it anymore because of how bad it is and decide to read the book of mormon just to get us off of their backs-but little will they know they are about to be dominated by the spirit ah ha! But, on a lighter note, the fact that I only have a couple days until I get my flight plans is quite exciting. Tomorrow I have the devotional, Wednesday I get to host, Thursday I have my T.A-kapag nagtututo ako ng lahat leksion sa Tagalog (where I teach the whole lesson in Tagalog), and then Friday is when I get my flight plans. This week is set!! Of course, next week I will have practically nothing to pass the time so it looks like someone is gonna get to know Isaiah rather well (understanding Isaiah is harder than all my 7 mile runs put together ill have you know...)!
>
> I will let you know next monday what my plans are like so I can tell you when I can call and when you should be ready. I think I am gonna buy the 10 dollar card because I was reading the fine print's fine print, and it turns out when the card says you get 500 minutes, you actually get like, I dont know, 7. So, better safe than sorry and hey, if I actually do get 1000 minutes, so be it. I can think of some people to call.
>
> How is the MTC going so far you ask? Well, rather well actually. I have come to find a new meaning reading the scriptures and I started the good ol' BOM over again. I have 10 pages of notes and I am only in Jacob, so I think that I am gonna start another journal just for the language and for my personal study of scriptures so that way I have everything in one convienient package.
>
> Now here is where we hold the phone...let me get this straight. MY family decided that they were gonna go down to Logan and visit a certain person. Cool. Not only do they get to go to one of my favorite places, they get to chill with one of my favorite people. Well thanks for taking me with you. Ok, maybe that isnt that possible, but still. Ill have you know that while you all had a blast, I dealt with elders who think it is funny to see who can play a hymn with their...backside. Yea-fun times here in the MTC...
>
> Anyways, how is all the family doing? How are Braeden, Samuel, and Ben doing in school? I wish I could pound the importance of diligence in educational studies into their heads, well more Samuel and Braeden but still. You tell them that they need to be workin' their tails off or I am gonna get permission from president Smith, take a scooter up to roy (cause there are more scooters than people in Provo) and personally dominate them. Also, if I remember correctly, Braeden went and did baptisms. I am so proud of him. There are so many people that have been waiting for him to go do their work so they can take the next step.
>
> Well, off I go to change out my laundry (2 pairs of my pants have holes in the seams ill have you know. THANK YOU MISSIONARY MALL. Now I have to take a 20 out of the ATM to break it because they dont take debit. COOL.) Life is good, the gospel is true, the Lord loves us all and blesses us in our daily lives, and skittles dominate-what more is there to ask?
>
> I love you all and hope that you are staying on the straight and narrow path.
>
> Love always,
> Jake
> aka Elder Muller
>
>
> PS-if you are having trouble with backtalking in the house, sit down and read James 3 as a family. EXCELLENT CHAPTER ON THE TONGUE!!!! Do it-you wont regret it, I promise:)

Monday, October 12, 2009

Only Three Weeks Left in the USA!

> Well, the day is here. I leave in exactly 3 weeks-not to return to the U.S. for another 22 (or 21.5) months. I cant believe its this close ha I can taste the delicious cinnabon at the airport now mmmmmmm.....
>
> I really need to work out with you guys what time I am going to call. Like I said, I will have 500 minutes to use whenever. I might call at LAX because we have a layover (I think) and so that would give me time to call. It would be on a Monday more towards the nighttime so if that helps as to when you should make sure everyone is inside. By the way, should I call a cell or the house because if I called a cell, you would be able to put me on speaker and everyone could hear me at once instead of having to talk to each person individually (not that I have a problem with that though!). I do have a few favors to ask though, and I am going to ask them early so I dont forget.
>
> 1)Can you ask grandma and grandpa to be at the house when I call so I can talk to them also? That would rock my socks if I could talk to them.
>
> 2)Can you get me Scott Bradford's address? There is a letter that I want to write him (along with 10,000,000 other people I have to write I am SO far behind...)
>
> So, anyways yea if you could decide those things (house phone vs. cell, what time to call, and if grandma and grandpa can be there) it would be great.
>
> I have a question for you mom. I am really curious about the whole me being able to send things for free back to you (cause I am gonna have a TON of toiletries left over I kinda over estimated on that one...). How does it work? Who do I have to talk to to get information on that cause I really dont want to drop a fat amount of money on sending a package of soap and deodorant back to roy (which is why I would love it if you showed a Christlike attribute a.k.a. Charity and paid for it:D).
>
> How was conference? I heard that it was only you (as in Mom) and Ben? Was everyone else spending time with their heads near the good ol' porcelin throne? That sucks, but good thing you guys are all over it!!
>
> Anyways, onto the daily grind. Here at the MTC, the days go slow and the weeks go fast. I cant believe that it has already been 6 weeks. Like I said, we speak nothing but Tagalog all the time, and so it is just enduring through these last 3 weeks that is gonna get tough. There are some good friends that I have made here in the MTC leaving today (that was horrible grammar but oh well, or in Tagalog-walang anuman) and they are so stoked. I cant wait to arrive on the day that I get to go to the actual field and start dominating people with the gospel full force. Its wierd cause, with the whole Tagalog thing, it has overtaken my vocabulary. I will be sitting there and daydreaming and it will be in Tagalog and whenever I write or type, there is this little voice in the back of my head that translates everything into Tagalog. Its actually really annoying ha but all is well. I can talk in Tagalog if you guys want when I call. I would rather keep it at a testimony, but I can teach you the first and second lesson if you really want:/
>
> Speaking of which, I am sure you guys are all curious as to how the whole teaching the first lesson in Tagalog went. Well, let me illuminate. Each week, we have a wika-task or language-task. It is usually completing objectives by conversing with people and getting their information. It is just a way to increase our skill in Tagalog. Well, Elder Hansen and I had our wika-task turn into a door approach. The best part is that he forgot everything and froze so I did all the talking haha. We did a door approach and we went in and started teaching the lesson. Ha poor guy, Elder Hansen had no clue what to say whatsoever. I would talk for like 15 minutes and he would try to put in a sentance and it would be like "Through sin, the earth restored god to joseph christ and made it possible for families to apostasize eternally" Ha it was NOT good. So I took over and taught the lesson and finished it out. He didnt do too bad overall, like I said, some of his sentences were a bit...different that what he wanted, but he did alright. It was really easy for me though. The language just seems to click for me and its not that difficult. We have learned all the necessary conjugations, structures, and essentials for Tagalog so now it is strictly memorizing vocab. Unfortunately there are some elders in our district who have NO clue what we are saying and they are behind the elders who just got here last wednesday. They are trying their hardest though, and I know that if they keep trying they will get it eventually! I will say this though-it is one of the most gratifying things when you and your companion try your hardest to teach a lesson in a foreign language and by the end the investigator has tears in his eyes. It is what im talkin about!! I cant WAIT to get out into the field.
>
> Ill have you know that I am still taking my vitamins mom. I would never skimp on such a thing. I take one every morning before I dominate the cafeteria with eating skill. I (this is random by the way) will have you know that I am suffering here without my memory card:/
>
> I love you all and hope that you all are doing your very best to not let the Lord down and keep his commandments. I am still trying to hold on (cause everyone says that the MTC is the biggest hurdle in the field and that once you get out you have a BLAST!) and rock the MTC so we will see!!
>
> Stay safe, and I look forward to calling you guys soon.
>
> Love always,
> Jake
> a.k.a Elder Muller

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Monday, October 5, 2009

Officially Half Way at the MTC

> So, I first want to point out that I am officially halfway done the MTC. I have 28 days from today and then its off on a plane to the Philippines. I actually want to address something real quick regarding that actually...
>
> I have the opportunity to call whoever I want when I am at the airport. I buy a calling card here (I choose between 500, 1000, and 2000 minutes at 5, 10, and 20 dollars respectively) and then I use it during all my layovers in LAX and stuff so here is what is going down. I need to know when you guys are gonna be home so I can call you. I am going to have SO much time to talk ha so you better be ready. Will you be able to be home (mom and dad) or will I have to call your cell phones? Either way, all is good. I am planning on calling the house when I get into either SLC or LAX so hopefully you will be home. I hope I get to talk to everyone cause, well, what else do you do during a 12 hour layover? Ill answer that one-you sing hymns! Ha, the elders in my district have come up with a playlist of hymns we are gonna bellow out in the airport. Its gonna be mormon DOMINATION!!! We expect at least 550 people to be converted that day so its gonna be a good day. Anyways, like I said, I need to know when you guys are gonna be home so I can call. Oh man...hundreds if not thousands of minutes at my disposal with a brain full of phone numbers...how I could get into trouble:)
>
> Anyways, life in the MTC is good. I have gotten used to the constant day by day schedule that NEVER CHANGES so its not that bad anymore. General conference this weekend was absolutely AMAZING. I got to watch all 5 sessions (that includes priesthood obviously) and it was one of the fattest spiritual highs I have ever had. It was way cool during the priesthood session cause the song that they sang with the congregation was praise to the man (amongst the top of our mormon domination playlist ill have you know) and we were near the front so I had 2000 elders singing way loud behind me it rocked my socks im not gonna lie. Anyways, one of the things that I noticed was the pure love that President Monson has for us holy cow. I dont even know the man personally and I love him like family. I feel myself turning into the stereotypically missionary. What is next? Laughing at "the singles ward" and parting my hair in the middle? I am finally starting the appreciate the MTC. I am finally learning that there are so many blessings that come from obediance. Rules are there to strengthen us, not restrict us so Braeden, Samuel, and Ben-listen to mom and dad or ill come home and dominate you!
>
> I got to go to the temple today, just like every other monday, and, just like every other monday, it was such a good experience. I am destined to become a temple president one day. That would be the job of a champion. I am gonna try for a session a week when I get back and I am gonna try to volunteer weekly as well. I love how the general authority (I forget who) announced the Brigham City temple. Who lives in Brigham City? I know of two really nice old people who live there and thats it. Still, the temple is gonna be way pretty.
>
> Anyways, how is life at home? How is the epidemic known as the swine flu coming along? Has everyone gotten over it? I hope so, but remember, you do have someone with the priesthood right on the second floor of the house if needed:)
>
> The language is actually coming along really well. This thursday Elder Hansen and I are going to teach the first lesson in Tagalog, and we are feeling rather confident about it. All I do is memorize memorize memorize so its all good. After you have the 10 million structures of sentances and conjugation and possession and all that trash down, its actually not that bad. Some of the elders in our zone decide to memorize phrases that they...lets say...will NEVER USE on a mission so I already have half of the vulgar dictionary ingrained in my head. When I come back and we are riding in the car, I have decided that I am only going to speak Tagalog so we will see how much you understand. Its funny because I will find myself mixing up randomly. We pray in tagalog, and all our classes are straight Tagalog now (no english) and so its starting to get to my head. I will randomly mix up words and phrases and stuff (like calling him Jesu Christ or Jesus Cristo) but its all good like I said.
>
> Next week, the branch 3 weeks ahead of us leaves, which means we are the oldest Tagalog speaking branch in the MTC. Of course, we also get 50 new Tagalog speaking missionaries in next week also so that kinda sucks (30 minute lines to take a shower here we come!) but no worries. I am sure you all have heard of the insane tropical storm that hit the Philippines this month so that is what everyone is doing right now who is over there. The tropical storm hit 2 main missions-Manilla, and, yep, you guessed it, San Pablo. Ha oh well though-ill do what the Lord wants me to do:)
>
> Elder Hansen was telling me what the San Pablo RMs were telling him and its really interesting. Apparantly, there is a place in San Pablo called "the strip" and its like the tourist attraction of the Philippines. It is right on the beach, and it is where all of the people who visit the Philippines go so that is gonna be tight. The whole "strip" is covered in hotels and stuff like that...of course, when you go to its back yard, you are in the jungle book with mowgli as your tour guide wishing you had your machete, so I guess its once again to balance out the good and the bad. You better believe that I am gonna take 10 MILLION pictures and send them to you so be ready. I need to set up a gmail account by the way cause that is what the missionaries use in the Philippines to rock email (by the way, the pouch service only comes once a month at zone conferences so probably not an efficient way to send mail that way:/) so I will do that once I get over there. I am sending a memory card this week, so it should get to the house Wednesday-hopefully.
>
> Well, I hope all is well, and I love and miss you all!!
>
> Keep everyone safe and rockin the iron rod with the grip of death:D
>
> Love always,
> Jake
> a.k.a. Elder Muller...or akela...