Hola from Nicaragua!

I made it here safely, and my first area of serving will be in Managua. Things are really different here. For one I am living in one of the nicer homes in my area, but it still seems very, well I don´t know...Well different. The country is so green, and hot, and humid, and it all just seems kinda weird, but I know I´ll get used to it eventually.  

Here is the rundown of how things went after I called my family from the SLC airport. We got on the plane, and made it safely to Atlanta, and had a layover there, then made it here. The very first thing that I noticed upon landing was the humidity. It turns out that it wasn't so bad (inside of the airport), because once I got outside the airport - the humidity REALLY hit me! Then we drove to a place and stayed the night, and in the morning went to the Mission Home. It is a really nice place, and it would be cool if everywhere was like it. Once there we had our interviews with the Mission President, and got assigned our companions and places. I´m with an Elder López, and he is from Hondorus. So he knows hardly any English at all....This is very difficult and frustrating. He is nice, but I hardly understand him, and he hardly understands me. I am trying to enjoy myself, but it´s just really hard right now. I know I´m supposed to be here, and just need to push through. I love you all, and it is a really interesting place, and is very different. I´m not saying I´m having a bad time, but it´s very hard. I love you all and thanks for all of your prayers.  ​ 

-Elder Vogt

Last night at the MTC

Seth was able to "email chat" with us a bit today as it was their last day at the MTC. He also sent home a bunch of pictures that he took today (along with a few pictures with his Instructors that were taken yesterday)... He said to just label them as "Pictures with Elders mostly from my Zone"...

The last picture with my District

Q & A: Week 5

1. Only 5 more days in the MTC! Do you have a flight itinerary yet? if so - what time does your flight leave and what stop(s) do you make? 

Yeah we got them on Friday. And we have to be at the travel Office at 3:50am on Monday. Plane leaves around 8:40am and arrives around 12:30pm in Atlanta. Then we leave Atlanta around 4 and get in Nicaragua around  7:50 (these are all in MST)

2.  Did the ZL's "one up you" on the pranking!? If so, do tell!

Not yet, but there is always more time.

3. Favorite part of the week?

I think just hanging around with the other elders at night, and early mornings. Those are always my favorites.

4. Spiritual highlight of the week?

The devotionals are always great. The spirit is so strong there.

5. What are you most looking forward to in Nicaragua?

I don't know, just everything. I feel ready some times, others not as much.

6. Any advice for your family/siblings about preparing for a Mission?

Get fluent in a language, it helps a lot, especially if they send you there. Other than that, just learn the doctrine, it makes a big difference. And get a strong testimony.

Week 5 in the MTC

Last week here in the MTC

I leave soon. Monday at 3:50 AM I have to go to the travel office. But It's all good, because it gives extra time to sleep on the Plane.

Anyways it's time for a rundown of the week. So I don't have my journal on me right now, so let's see how good my memory serves.

Thursday, we taught Marco again again, and yeah. Dang I don't have the best memory but yeah. 

Friday we taught him again for our last lesson with him, and taught Jaime again. I think. And while writing this we saw Marco walking down the hall past the computer lab. So we just said Hola. We also got our flight plans, and it was so exciting.

Saturday. I love saturday. I don't know why, because the days just all sort of blend together. But that night we all just relaxed. Well most nights we relaxed.

Sunday is also good. We all just sort of take it easy and prepare for our talks in the morning, because we each need to prepare a talk and they call on people during the Sacrament meeting. Afterwards is lunch, and then more meetings, then after that is everyone gets to take a walk around the temple, and just relax enjoying the fresh air. At night  is dinner, choir, and then a devotional. We had this former byu football player, who went on to the NFL and now does a sports broadcaster or something. And he is a stake president. He talked about the influence we can have on others. His name was Vai Sikahama or something close.

Monday. Mondays are always hard to wake up, but we do it. We manage. And just had a normal day. Probably. Like I said my memory isn't all that good here. 

Yesterday. We had to take a test over the computer where we had to speak and answer questions. It was okay, but hard, and slightly stressful. Then we had lessons with a member named Mario over skype and he lives in El Salvador, so that's cool. Then we sung in the choir, and then got back and everything.

Today same schedule as most P-days.

A couple of random things that happened.

So most nights now people from other Districts have been coming up to our room to hang out. Mainly Elder Soto, Foote, and Diniz. The one who talks with me the most out of those three is Elder Diniz, he came in the group in our zone, one week after us, and he is originally from Brazil, but moved over here about a year ago. So he's really fun. 

- Elder Vogt

Q & A: Week 4

1. So I know there are 5 Elder companionships and 1 Sister Companionship in your District - are they ALL going to Nicaragua North? or are Districts just put together by language (so everyone is just learning Spanish but going different places?)

Moreso by Language. 4 of us are going to Nicaragua North, 4 are going to San Fernando California, 3 to Bolivia, and 1 toEcuador

So it's mainly the language but they are also somewhat by area.

2. Spiritual High for the week...

Well last night we heard Elder Bednar talk for the devotional that was great. 

3. Favorite part of the week...

Just spending time with my district. One elder had to go home this morning because he tore his ACL so we spent a lot of time with him.

4. We will continue praying for the language - anything else specific I/we can pray for?

For August to go on a mission would always be great.

5. Are you getting excited about heading out to Nicaragua? 

I am, but it'll also be sad to leave all the friends here that I've made, and I am kinda nervous about the Spanish.

6. Last week you mentioned that you and Elder Simpson were teaching one of the Priesthood lessons at church this week. How did that go?

I think it went really well. We didn't have enough time to get through everything which was great! It means we prepared well enough.

7. I can't believe that you have been in the MTC for a month now!!! What!?! Cray-Cray! What is one thing that you have learned since being there?

Plenty of stuff. I remember I used to think how whenever I would hear a missionary talk about someone, they'd usually say "Wow they are the coolest person ever!" or "We love them so much!" or "They're such a stud." I think I'm getting to that point where just after meeting someone, I try looking for the best in that person, and see them as a son or daughter of God.

8. How's your confidence level on your Spanish? Is it easier for you to speak Spanish or understand it as people are speaking to you? Have you had to talk with anyone yet who just spoke rapid-fire Spanish like you hear people do on TV?
So in Spanish I feel  I can speak it better than understand, I am finally at the point where I can sass my teacher in broken Spanish. Then apologize for it, because I feel bad about it. I need to learn to curb my Fiery Latino Tongue! It's not like bad sass - more like if (well, here's an example) One person asked "What if they don't speak really any Spanish?" So the instructor said "Then speak English to them." So in my sass it was something along the line of "Well we don't speak really any Spanish, so why don't you just speak English to us when we don't understand Spanish!"

Week 4 in the MTC

So it's yet another week here in the MTC. I only have 12 days left until I leave for Nicaragua and the days are going by both really slowly and extremely fast. So it's both good and bad. The spoon game is starting to get more intense, but I'll get into that later. And sadly one of the Elders who was in our district had to leave this morning because he Tore his ACL. Love ya Elder Austin. All in all the week has been alright, pretty average if I think about it. A whole lot of studying, and a whole lot of, well.....what should be studying. 

So I don't really remember anything from Thursday, and I have my journal with me. All it says is "Forgot to write. It's past lights out. Good day today   Goodnight" So I probably was messing around with a lot of the elders upstairs on our floor, or just sharing stories and everything. Since all of the Thai people left, now all we have in our hallway are the Hungarians and the new Dutchies. We still have no neighbors right next to us which is great because we can be a bit louder in our room, but that will probably change today. 

On Friday's we have service so we get up early for that. But on that day we finished a bit faster so I took a small nap in my room. It was glorious. Usually on most days my district would get the Sack breakfasts and just eat in our residence hall, because we have exercise first thing in most mornings. So I just used some of that time for a nap. 

And then on thursday our TRC person didn't show up, and we had him again Friday (Trc is just someone we teach lessons to) and we asked about him. It turns out he injured his arm and was at home resting. So we taught him a lesson over skype which was pretty cool, but also a bit awkward, but it's okay. It was a good learning experience.

Saturday was Day 25 and wow It seems like so little time for how long it has felt like we've been here. On the other hand it was also really cool because, well I mean it's day 25! Since it was the night before Fast Sunday, we all had a late night food party to start us off right. I used a lot of the snacks my parents sent me, and other people had snacks too. It was the proper way to start a fast. 

Fast sunday was actually pretty good! I really like how much extra time we all had since we got an extra 2 hours that would be for Breakfast and Lunch. So it was a really relaxing day. Not eating until dinner here at first seemed more difficult (at like 6 AM) but later on it got better and it wasn't nearly as hard. Our former District Leader, Elder Jenkins that night on the devotional said he wasn't feeling so good and had to go back to the residence. So when we came back after the devotional and watching our weekly Sunday Movie (we choose to watch the new Visitor Center movies, and they were really good. It was about the translation of the Book of Mormon, 1 was about Oliver Cowdery, and the second was about David Whitmer) So we came back to their residence and went into their room. When we walked in (they left it cracked open) There he was laying on the floor, looking almost green. Let's just say it was No Bueno. The Jamaican gave him some sort of ginger drink or something, and that really helped him. And since Elder Robinson was flying out monday morning. (going back to Jamaica waiting for his visa to the Netherlands.) He came into our room and we were all just chatting with him until around 11:30. He is really swell. 

Monday Monday Monday!!! Everyone had a hard time waking up like usual on monday. But it was a pretty average day. Except for what happened that night. The spooning to the max. Uh by spoon I mean like the metal utensil kinds.

Then Yesterday we taught our TRC in person. He is doing much better, but his arm is in a sling. Which is very difficult for him because he is an older gentleman and has to walk around everywhere on crutches. (Even before hurting his arm) So I feel for him and hope he gets better. Then last night for the devotional it was broadcasted for all of the MTCs, and the speaker was David A. Bednar, one of the Apostles of the church. So it was super cool and exciting! Well because it was an apostle. He talked about how we can make the most out of general conference. And it was a really good talk. I was sitting in the aisle seat on one side, and he kept looking this way. And I felt he was looking right at me when he said "Now make sure you all are taking notes instead of falling asleep here" And in my defense I wasn't falling asleep, I just kept yawning. Then afterwards we did a district devotional, and the Elders in my district we all stayed up until around Midnight staying up with Elder Austin, and we got up at 3:30 to wish him off. We slept afterwards but it was worth it to see him a bit more.

Anyways time for the story of the week.

Spoons!!!!

So our zone is playing this spoon game, where we would have to hide spoons on someone, or in their belongings, and if someone gets you, you have to say "I've been spooned" Unless you're in class. Then just show it around. But at first like a week ago, it started out smaller and more innocent. Like a spoon in someone's bag, or maybe a coat pocket. But slowly we have been getting more complicated and more intricate. For example on Monday I put one spoon in each of my companion's butt pockets, without him noticing. Elder Hodges put a spoon in another elder's hand while he was dozing off and he didn't realize, and Elder Hodges also received 2 spoons in the mail. So slowly getting bigger and bigger. Well on Monday (so i had been planning this for a few days) I upped everyone, and I am worried how they will get me back. 

So every night the Zone Leaders go to all the districts and give everyone a hug. So while they were going up to the other districts, (4 districts are on the 1st floor. One is on the 2nd, and we are on the 4th floor. (the top one)) So while they were going and giving everyone hugs, I went down to their floor and hid out in one of the other elder's rooms chatting with them, as to not be suspicious. Then when we thought they left I climbed on top of one of the Zone leader's bunk beds, and I had a screw driver, an alarm clock, and 15 spoons in my pocket. I climbed up and while some of the other elders from the districts on the bottom floor were keeping watch I heard them say Abort! Abort! So I hopped down and ran out, leaving the spoons, clock, and screwdriver on top of the top bunk. One of the 3 Zone Leaders (they are in a trio companionship) didn't realize the other two were going up yet, and were looking for them. I told him I was down there to use the vending machine (since they are only on the 1st floor) and he went upstairs without going into his room. I climbed back on and proceeded to unscrew their air vent, and place the alarm clock, and the 15 spoons in. I screwed it back on but was getting worried, because they were long screws and took forever to get out. I finished and went to the vending machine and got a soda (so I wouldn't be a liar, and to convince them more) and went back upstairs. I saw them at the top of the stairs and gave them the hugs, and they were none the wiser. 

So yesterday morning we woke up about 15 minutes early to go down and witness the prank happening. The alarm clock was set for 6:23, so they wouldn't loose too much sleep. Since I still wanted to be nice in my pranks. We were outside of  their door and heard the alarm go off. But it turned off like 5 seconds later. I was worried. Like what happened? Then close to 20 seconds later I heard it go off again. And then it just kept going. It was perfect. One of the ZL's came out Elder Fernandez, and told us what happened. So it turns out his alarm clock has the exact same noise when it goes off, so he woke up about half a minute before ours went off, and as he was taking his medicine in the dark, he heard it go off again. He was thinking "What The?" He then realized it was coming from the vents, and was hitting the vent and everything. It was too good. They still haven't taken it out. But they know all about it. It was too fun. Now I'm just worried about how they'll get me back. They have a good sense of humor, so they enjoyed it, but we keep 1 upping each other. So I'll wait patiently for when it happens.

Anyways time for some random quotes of the week.

Me "My crazy made me into a pimp. What has it done for you?" In the residence I was telling the new district how the MTC will make them crazy, then Elder Fernandez said "Like wearing leg warmers" Since jokingly I was wearing the outfit I got from the Turks I wrote about last email. And everyone lost it.

 

Elder David A. Bednar "I have seen things you never will." Wow. That is really powerful. And I believe it too.

 

Everyone "I've been spooned"

A spiritual thought for this week.

We are all children of God. We need to treat each other as such. He loves us so much, and we mean so much to him. We need to treat our brothers and sisters the best that we can.

 

Q&A

1. How did you like Conference? which talk "spoke" to you most? Favorite speaker? You know... deets like that!

I loved conference, except for the seating, not too comfy, but it helped keep us awake. I really liked the talk by J. Devn Cornish, it really related to me about missionary work.

2. Spiritual High of the week

I think the whole of conference weekend, and watching a talk by David A Bednar, Characters of Christ was the highlight. The talk was a devotional here at the MTC in 2011 but I think it is the best talk most of the missionaries here have ever heard. Too bad you can't just look it up because it was just an MTC talk.

3. Favorite part of the week?

Like half the floor we are staying on left, so we got to get all of their extra stuff. Mainly food, but one elder had too much stuff so left like 80 pounds of clothing, our whole floor became vultures.

4. Something hilarious that happened

We all just laugh about dumb random things. Usually really dumb, but we all manage to have a good fun time anyways.

5. Anything Sad happen?

No not really. There is no time for sad here. 

6. How can I/we specifically pray for you this week?

I think just continual help with the language would be nice.

7. Lowdown on how the Spanish Language is coming

Muy Dificil. Me espanol es mejora    though.     Very dificult, but my spanish is getting better.

8. I'm assuming the white long sleeved shirt from CTR clothing made it  and the package from Amazon with the shampoo and treats? 

They made it and I love them all. Thanks!!!!!!!

10. Anyone else you've seen there that we'd know (besides Ryker?)

There was a Brendan Tueller from middle school, and a Spencer Topham from middle/highschool and at stake dances. But I don't think you'd know them.

(We were able to "email chat" back a forth for a bit today... he said he had more time for a few more questions so here's what we asked...)

Lexi: How do you like the first parts of my Dear Elders where I say "Helllloooooo Seth/coco?
It's fun and reminds me of you.

Aubrie: Is the internet there at the MTC better than ours?
Yeah way better. No lag at all. We get to listen to hymns and appropriate music on youtube either in class or while writing. 

Aubrie: How is church there?

It's similar to church with you all.

So our zone is also our branch, we meet in a chapel room, and all sit. They do sacrament, and call up one elder and one sister to talk (we all have to prepare a talk before hand and don't know who they'll call up. Then after that we hear from a member of the branch presidency. That's how church is.

Then for priesthood/relief society we meet in classrooms, and my companion and I are actually teaching one of the 4 priesthood lessons this Sunday. Our topic is Obedience.

Later is choir for those who want to. We usually go to Sunday choir, but not Tuesday because of our lesson times. And then the Sunday night devotional and a movie.

August: What is your favorite song to sing there?
Senor te Necicito 
(I Need thee Every Hour in Spanish.)

Mom: when do you typically receive our DearElders
Usually right after dinner. We check the mailbox (our district leader actually does, but we all follow) after lunch and after dinner. Yours usually arrive after dinner.

Dad: Are zone leaders missionaries that have been at the MTC for a longer time? Like would missionaries in your district become zone and district leaders on the last few weeks of their time at the MTC for a district of brand new missionaries?
Zone leaders are just missionaries from the districts. Like 1 other district arrived the same week as us, and the zone leaders became someone from their district. Well it was a tri companionship. So we have 3. When they leave they will probably pick someone who has been here around 3 or so weeks.