Life at the MTC (aka CCM)

One of Elder Scott's roommates, Elder Bird
brought this poem with him to the
CCM and Elder Scott loved it.

Here's a copy of the latest letter we received today from Elder Scott 
(Sept. 28th, 2016)

Alright, I honestly don't know where to start. This week has really flown by. P-day couldn't of came any quicker though, haha. I was able to get a lot of personal study in this week. Spanish is also coming along pretty good for the most part. Our District is really bonding good which I am really grateful. We did take a hard hit this week though,one of the Elders, Elder Shepherd, had to go home due to personal issues. He was very loved in the group so this did take a bit of a hard hit. But everyone has really started to find closure and really has come to the conclusion that he is where he needs to be. Elder Shepherd does want to return to the field after his issue is straightened out. It really was amazing to see the district really come together and show so much love and care for him even though we all have only known each other for such a short amount of time. We did receive Elder Mortenson as a replacement though. He is an absolutely amazing Elder with such a powerful spirit and testimony. He is an excellent example to all of us. I know for a fact that he will bring many souls unto the gospel. He actually is the brother of my EFY counselor from Provo two years ago, how crazy is that?! He will be serving in the Lima Norte mission so the only time we really will see each other is here at the CCM. He had been in another district in a tri companionship but he was moved to our district to break up the tri and become Elder Voorheese's companion. He really has fit in even though its only been a day, everyone has really gotten to group around him and make him feel at home. Elder Shepherd did leave a book after he left that I got a hold of. I know that this book was left for me and one of the best I have ever read. It is called, How Do I Know If I by John Bytheway I think. I highly suggest reading it. It's a short read but absolutely amazing. 

 I'm really looking forward to watching General Conference this week! We will be watching all the sessions live and even seeing Music and the Spoken Word. I am so pumped for it. I know it's gonna be amazing. My favorite thing that we do here is watch Devotionals every Sunday and  Tuesday that are given at the Provo MTC and broadcast down here, we watch them on a delay but it still is amazing. 

Elder Weller and a couple
other Elder's I have yet to
learn the names of.

Me and Elder Weller are getting to know each other better which is cool. He is from Canvas, Utah and his family sells like dirt bikes and stuff. I'm ready to go and teach in the field, well in English I should say. In spanish is a different story. It still needs work before Im confidant with that, haha.  I  sent a bunch of pictures in a separate email so I could continue to work while they uploaded.  In those I got a few of my Companion "Elder Sam the Flamingo". He is accompanying me on my mission and I hope to get a few adventures with him. He is originally my Dad's and I snuck him into Peru. He is gonna be fun to have around. 

Elder Scott's constant companion "Sam the Flamingo"
secretly traveled with him to Peru.
Sam is a favorite of Kyler's dad and he will be
shocked when he discovers Sam is there
with him learning Spanish.

Sam has taken his place on the
desk of favrites.

Look at Sam learning,
living and loving
the gospel!

By this time next week we will be referred to as the Avancados since we will officially be the most experienced missionaries at the CCM.  The other missionaries that have been here for the full 6-weeks will be leaving on Tuesday along with the Latinos since they only come for 3 weeks. That means we will be the oldest and receive a new batch of 6-weekers and new Latinos. 

Soccer is going pretty well, I'm still horrible but I slowly get a little better everyday, haha. By the end of my two years I'm sure I might be able to take on some of the latinos and win (they might still be in elementary school but ya know, who cares, hahah) The days in the CCM are starting to go by a lot quicker, it's the same stuff everyday though kinda. The breakfast has been the same everyday haha, a half scoop of cold eggs, water with a kinda oatmeal flavor, a roll, and some yogurt drink things. Yogurt is the best thing for breakfast, that's also the only time that they put out butter so everyone hides packets in the corner of the tables for later in the day. It's quite hilarious really. We plan not to tell the new Principiantes about it when they arrive next week, I'm sure they'll catch on fast though. One of my favorite new foods that I've discovered down here so far is called a granadilla. It has a hard shell that's easily crackable and is chuck full of seeds suspended in little pouches of juice. They are too fragile to ship so they don't get to the US. They taste so great but the look is totally off putting, They are grey and kinda look like brains and jiggle like jello. I suggest googling a picture. You just break the shell, peel back the skin, and slurp out the seeds and juice. It's kinda fun really. For lunch and dinner you can always count on there being potatoes, chicken, and lots of rice haha.  It's kinda funny really although it's getting old really quick.  I can't wait to get out to the field so I can diversify the diet a little by visiting a market, haha. 

I think to get up to Trujillo we will be flying but I'm not exactly sure. Elder Garcia this week broke out the Disney music and it's absolutely amazing. Our entire floor rocks out which is really funny to see. Especially to the song from Mulan about making a man out of you. People spin brooms and stuff. It's awesome. I wish I was allowed to bring a little iPod and a speaker but sadly that wasn't allowed. I'm definitely gonna miss the Disney music once I get out to the field. Elder Garcia is going to Lima Norte I believe but I could be wrong on that. 

We will get to go on a proselyting activity soon too, I wanna say next week or the week after. We all go out on splits with missionaries from Lima East which I'm looking forward too. I think everyone is starting to kinda feel stuck like its a prison with the same four walls surrounding us constantly. And the one door for cars to come and go has a really loud alarm go off anytime its opened, haha. 

I'm out of time for today but I want to let you all know that I care for you and miss you all very much. I sent mom and dad pictures of my journal since I knew I wouldnt have time to put it all in an email so be on the lookout for some of the things they share from it. I cant wait to talk to you all again next week. Chao!

Love, 

Elder Scott

Real life role-play.
The missionaries get to go tracting to these houses
on the grounds of the CCM. Some of the teachers
play the role of investigator and the missionaries
teach them the lessons.

75 journal entries. Oh my! And a blossoming testimony to boot.

Wednesday has quickly become my favorite day of the week since that is the day Elder Scott gets a chance to write home. Best hour of my life I tell you! His time on a computer is quite limited so he's doing his best to make sure I get as many details as possible in those 60 minutes of allotted time. He accomplished that this week by taking around 75 pictures of his journal entries! What a kid...Man, I love him for that. I was able to read how he's thriving, how his testimony has grown so much, how the food is pretty lackluster so far ( it's a lot of chicken and rice on repeat), how homesickness tries to creep in but then little miracles give him courage to push those thoughts aside and stay strong. How he was already called as a District Leader and the nerves that accompanied that calling since he felt others were more worthy and more prepared, yet knowing Heavenly Father would give him the skills needed to be successful. I also read of the heartbreak he felt when an Elder from his district had to go home for some personal issues and the sadness his leaving created in all of them. I learned he's playing soccer every day (shocking), that he misses real cereal, that he desperately misses his family, but more than anything I learned he has a strong testimony that is continuing to grow and he knows he's where he needs to be as evidenced by the following journal entry.

"Up until now I truly didn't know if I had actually been called to serve in Trujillo South, but after hearing Elder and Sister Rasband's talk, I know without a doubt in my mind that this is where my Heavenly Father wants me to go. I know this because the Spirit of God confirmed this to me with more power than I have ever felt before. It shared with me the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ has for me. It touches my soul so much that they trust me enough to bring my fellow brothers and sisters into his restored gospel."

And in a later entry he had this to say, "This is why I came on mission. To get closer to my Heavenly Father and grow in His gospel. I understand my purpose now, I understand my mission now. I know why I was called to Trujillo. Why I was sent to the Lima CCM. Why I was assigned to the Eter district, and why my companion is Elder Weller. This is my father's plan and I am his servant. My purpose is to bring souls to his restored gospel and bring this joy into their life. I was called as a district leader because this is how my Lord wants me to serve and help my fellow Elders and Sisters. I know that as long as I follow His plan and have him at my side there is nothing that I can't accomplish if He wants me to complete it. I know that the prophet Joseph Smith was called of God. I know that Christ walked the earth. I know the people in Peru are waiting for me. I know that my Father in Heaven and Jesus loves me. I know that they will always be there for me. I know this is the one and only true church. This is Christ's church."

 As you can see he is thriving. Each week his words bring added levels of comfort to my heart and I am thrilled to see the disciple he is becoming. Homesickness is still prevalent though, so please keep him in your prayers. Some moments are tougher than others, and that's when little doubts can start to creep in. That's when our support across the miles is most important. Thank you to all who are praying for him, who are writing to him and who continue to motivate him to be the best he can be. He is very appreciative.

Elder Scott said he ran out of time to respond through email to a lot of people this week so if you're one of the missed ones, he apologizes and sends his love. 

Week One is Complete.

Elder Scott at the Centro De Capacitacion Misional De Lima

Great news! Elder Scott loves the idea of a blog so he's given me the green light to continue with the postings (happy dance time) :

A little background information. Missionaries for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints sacrifice quite a bit. Did you know they don't get paid to do this, in fact they pay for all of their own expenses for the 2 years they are serving? Not only that, they put their careers and education on hold and give up most of their worldly possessions including their phones, computers, music and television, and instead strive to devote their time and energy to their mission, the people they are serving, and doing the Lord's work, often times in a land foreign to them with people they've never met and with very limited communication with loved ones back home. They stay very busy and the time they have to communicate with friends and family at home can be quite limited. It might seem odd to some, giving up so much at such a young age, but missionaries will undoubtedly tell you they feel it a privilege to be able to serve and they'll come home from their mission enthusiastically saying it was the best 2 years of their life! 

But of course that doesn't mean they don't want to hear from us and vice versa so once a week missionaries have a preparation day (P-day for short) where they do their laundry, shopping for the week, possibly play some sports and the ever important task of writing letters home to loved ones. For the remaining 5 weeks that Elder Scott is in the CCM (This stands for the Missionary Training Center in  the Spanish speaking missions, the actual translation is Centro de Capacitacion Misional) his P-day will be on Wednesday's. Can I just say I am SO grateful Wednesday finally rolled around!! 

Today he had about an hour of time where he could access the internet and respond to the emails he had received.  First of all, THANK YOU to all who wrote him. He was so happy and surprised to see there were 21 different e-mails waiting in his inbox. He felt the love guys, please keep it up. As much as the missionaries want to stay focused on their work, knowing they have support back home gives them added strength and the determination they need especially when times get tough, they're feeling a bit lonely, or just want a glimpse of what's happening back home. Those weekly letters keep a missionary focused on what's most important and reassures them that even though they're gone physically, they're far from being forgotten.

I have been so anxious to hear from Elder Scott  these past few days that I literally jumped for joy when I saw I had an email from him this afternoon. Queue the leaky eyes,I couldn't help myself because his words gave me such comfort and strength knowing he is exactly where he needs to be doing what he needs to be doing. His testimony has already grown leaps and bounds in 8 short days. As a mother, there's nothing I desire more than knowing my children have a personal and deep love for our Saviour and our Heavenly Father.

I'm going to attach a copy of the longest letter he sent today so those of you who haven't seen it can get some insight into his life happenings for the past 8 days.  Thanks again for all the love and support you're showing Elder Scott and the other 75,000 missionaries serving throughout the world. If you see a missionary be sure to give them a wave, say hello, and thank them for their service. It will make their day. 

A great group of missionaries heading to the Lima CCM

Elder Scott already has his Inca Kola in hand

Sometimes being a missionary can be exhausting lol

​

Alright, I guess I should start this out by letting you all know that I'm alright. Peru has been amazing! I do need to apologize for the spelling and weirdness though, Peru uses spanish keyboards and spanish autocorrect lol, just bare with me. I want you to all know that I love and miss you dearly. Our P-day is on Wednesdays so that is when I get to check my email. That all being said here is all that's happened so far that I specifically remember.

The flight went really well. I was the only one from Orlando to Atlanta but once I got to the gate in Atlanta I found 13 other missionaries that were on the same flight. Most are from Utah and Idaho. The flight down I also sat by a very nice man who lives in the US. We talked a little. There was basically non stop food on the plane. The meal was amazing. I even tried two shrimp

which as you may know is a big thing for me, haha. It was nice that they gave us a blanket and pillow too. A bit after taking off they gave everyone hot towels, earbuds, (They currently sit unopened in the back of my closet, lol)  an eye mask, and ear plugs<side note; missionaries don't use headphones or earbuds which is why his are tucked away for future use> . I was very impressed. Sleeping a lot of the flight made it go really quick. I also have been trying to keep a really good journal of all of my experiences so I did a lot of that on the plane. We finally landed at about 10:30 and it was about midnight before we left. The CCM (International MTC´s are called CCM, at least here.) is about an hour away and after being assigned to companions and up to bed it was 2 am. My companion is Elder Weller from a small town in Utah outside of Park City I believe. He's a super nice persona. I'm really enjoying getting to know him. Our room has 6 elders in it total and we decided to unpack for a while before finally going to bed at 3am. Luckily we were able to sleep in until 7:30. Normally we have to be up by 6:30 lol. The other Elders in my room are Elder Holt, Elder Bird, Me, Elder Weller, Elder Alvia, and Elder Gibbons. We have really started to bond and grow quite fond of one another. That day was a lot of basic welcome type of stuff and paperwork and haircuts. 

Elder Scott and his companion Elder Weller

We did get to meet our CCM president and his wife for the first time that day, they are both such amazing and kind people. Presidente y Hermana Moore have been serving the church in different callings for the past 12 years but they have a house in Bountiful, UT so that's where they say they're from. Hermana Moore is honestly one of the kindest people I have ever met in my life. The food here has been good so far. It's a ton of rice, potatoes, chicken, and eggs. Specifically rice and potatoes, that being said basically our entire district has been struggling to switch over to digesting the food, but its gotten a lot better thankfully, I'm pretty sure there's a competition going on with who goes the most, hahaha. <side note: TMI Elder, TMI lol)

I love my name tags, it truly shows that I am a representative of the Lord in all that I do and say. 

All my favorite things on one simple desk

I was assigned to the Manti Branch and the Eter district. We were able to go and meet our branch presidency on the first full night here, they had only ben called the week before. Two are heart surgeons and one is a psychologist so they're pretty amazing people. We got to meet with a member of the presidency individually and had a bit of a get to know you. I was told to stay back with my companion afterwards along with three other members of the Presipiantes (That's the group of new 6-week program people, the group of 6 week that have already been here for 3 weeks are called Avancadoes.) They asked me to serve as district leader for my district, that took me by surprise. I know that I've done a lot of leadership in the past but I couldn't believe that my Heavenly Father thought I would be the best one for the job. There were other Elders in our group of 12 (two are hermanas) that were more prepared than me, knew the scriptures more than me, or knew the language better. It took me until a few days later to really feel comfortable about it all, I read my patriarchal blessing again for the first time in a long time and it specifically says that I have the power to relate to people whether I realize it or not  <side note: a patriarchal blessing is a very personal, individual blessing given to members of our church by a  priesthood holder called a patriarch and includes inspired direction from the Lord>  This brought comfort to my soul. My Heavenly Father choose me to serve his fellow missionaries to grow and strengthen them and lead our district, this is such a blessing. 

The spanish is coming along fairly well, I'm picking up a lot more than I should be so I know that the gift of tongues is true. The teachers are so great, we're suppose to be speaking our language as much as we can all the time which is difficult since we know only the basic but it's getting easier and easier. I know that it will be good for us in the long run. We had a devotional from Elder Rasband that was absolutely amazing. It had such a strong spirit with it, by far the most I have ever felt in my life. The district meeting afterwards was also a life changing experience. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me dearly, I try to pray with him as often as I am able. I deeply regret not doing it more before I left. The natives are absolutely awesome. Its great to hear the language from them and have them help us out. They want to learn English just as much as we want Spanish basically, haha. So we help each other out. 

In 5 more weeks Elder Scott
will be serving in the
orange section.

I really love the CCM. I play soccer everyday. It's been great, I love the smallness of this CCM and being able to truly get to know everyone. I'm out of time but I want you all to know that I deeply love you all. I miss you all dearly but I know I am where I am suppose to be. I wish you all the best of luck and remember to always keep a prayer in your heart. I promise I will write more next week, I just am out of time today. I love and miss you all so much. I wish you all the best of luck. I promise I'll write more about my first few days next week. So much happened that it feels like I've already been here for a month honestly, but I'm loving it. 

I love you all.
-Elder Scott​

The Grounds of the Lima Perú CCM

The grounds of the Lima Perú CCM

The grounds of the Lima Perú CCM

The grounds of the Lima Perú CCM

The grounds of the Lima Perú CCM

Called to Serve

The day had finally arrived. Tuesday, September 13th was here. On one hand, it felt like we had waited forever for this moment to come. On the other, it was as if somehow our days had been robbed and more time was desperately needed. We weren't quite ready for that final goodbye, yet here it was. Ready or not our son was about to embark on a 2 year mission to Peru. And although the goodbye was tough, the joy we all felt knowing he was dedicating his life to the Lord gave us more peace than we could ever imagine. 
Tears were shed, hugs were freely given, laughter abounded, more tears were shed, and then the time came for him to walk away. 

God be with you til' we meet again

It was hard watching as he left us, but in that instant it was as if he went from being an 18 year old kid to a man mighty for his age. The call to serve was given and he had gladly accepted. He had prepared well for this day, and despite our sadness, we knew he was in good hands....the best hands.... the Lord's hands. 

That doesn't mean all our worry goes away, just the peace we feel outweighs it. We were still anxious to hear word that he made it safe and sound and were relieved when we finally heard back from him the following afternoon.

Hola, We finally got in last night around 11 pm Lima time and were able to leave the airport around 1 am. It was interesting to try and figure out how to fill out the immigration forms and the officers weren't all that helpful, haha. Customs luckily went easy and all of my bagsarrived and weren't overly worn. As far as I've noticed nothing is missing either. There wasn't enough room on the bus they chartered so I got to put one bag below and had to have the others up by me in the bus. We finally got to the MTC around. 1:45 am. After being welcomed and such we got assigned our room. Counting myself there is 6 elders in my room. I don't even know how many elders arrived last night. It was a ton. Everything has gone well so far. After unpacking most of the stuff from my suitcase into my closet all of us were finally able to get to bed around 3 am. Luckily, we were able to sleep in until 8:30 today so it was not too hard. The flights were awesome. I sat with a very kind gentlemen on my way down. I am missing you all very much and can't wait to talk more on P-day! Audios!

We're so excited to share his journey with you, grateful for the blessings he's providing others so willingly, and more than anything we're grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ.