Below you will find Gregory's first email from the MTC. I have posted it just as he wrote it. Those of you who know him well will enjoy his unique spelling and grammar. If you would like to email him or send him a note on dearelder.com, contact me at gscadden@gmail.com and I will give you his addresses. He only has email access on Wednesday but dearleder.com notes are delivered hardcopy to him daily.
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I hope that one of the random email addresses I typed in can get to someone who can send it to everyone else and post it on my blog. So this is excellent though that I do indeed have email! I am only allowed to email my immediate family, though I am told that anyone can email me, and I can read their emails, I just can't respond. If that turns out not to be true, I'll let you all know. Fortunately reading emails does not take up more than 2 min of my email time because I get to print off emails. Lastly, before I get into talking about my first week at the MTC, I wanted to tell people to PLEASE use dearelder.com as much as they please, as long as they have a knowledge that there is a slim chance I'll write a letter in response, simply because I get alot of those (which I love to recieve, I am able to find time to read them). If you would like me to write you back, please send me a snail mail letter. As for my immediate family, I can probably reply to any emails you send me, atleast briefly.
OK, The MTC!! This place is crazy. My day starts at 620 and ends at 1030. I am in class for most of that time with exception to Sundays and Wednesdays (wed is my P-day), but even on Sundays I am in a lot of meetings and on my Pday I have class til 930am and class from 6 to 9pm. Oh well, this Pday has been excellent. I avoided taking a nap, thankfully, because thats not a habit I want to get into. I am healthy, despite the serious cold and a number of people in my branch being sick, however I do not sleep well. Thats no suprise, and I am extremely blessed because the Lord gives me awareness and strength that I shouldnt have.
Albania! We've been learning alot about the place. Apparently it is terribly corrupt (controlled by the albanian mofia potentially LOL), but the people are loving and amazing. I've got some weeks ahead of me though before I find that out. The language is hard. I can't really begin to describe it, it doesn't relate well to english at all in grammer or spelling. Though I can say that learning it has been XHAM FARE (jam fareh) which literally means totally glass, or translated for meaning, Awesome! (keep in mind you must say it with the lowest voice possible). I can already bear my testimony and pray in Albania, though it is halting and quite simple.
Currently I have the privilage of serving as District Leader. It is not too tough a job, essencially I am to keep the district (those elders and sister that are learning albania with me) on task, and from doing anything stupid. I also conduct a couple meetings. My district is full of wonderful Elders and a sister, all of whom have unique personalities that sometimes led to interesting conversations, or comments. But they all have a good knowledge of the scriptures, I have already learned quite a bit from their insight, and their they also have a testimony of the gospel. Elder Fisher (my comp) and I get along alright. We are both adjusting to being around someone who is not very similar to eachother, especially since we are discouraged from talking about a number of the things we share in common (We both enjoy call of duty 4!) But we are learning to work well together, and we have not had any heavy clashes. He is a good Elder with a strong testimony, and he is neat and clean, that sure is nice!
Oh, my room. Normally its 4 Elders to a room, but Elder Fisher and I have a room to ourselves, it is very nice. The other 4 Elders in my district live together down the hall from us Everyone, you would be impressed with us, I don't think I've ever lived in a room that I've kept THIS clean hah! The beds arn't that great though. And I am also very cold most of the time. I need to get another blanket, I should get one tomorrow.
So I mentioned we aren't allowed to talk about things like CAllof duty 4. That is because we have something called The Babalonian Wall of Shame in our classroom. Whenever someone mentions something from the outside world aside from family and friends, its considered babylon "all I hear coming out of your mouth is Babylon Babylon Babylon" hahah! We started this rule yesterday, and already everyone but elder Fisher has an infraction at least. I got mine talking about the political barriers to solving world hunger. hahah!
Anyway, the food is tolerable, but not always. I am trying to eat healthy, and am doing a good job. We get gym time 5 times a day, and it is good that we have it!
I haven't shared much spiritual insight in this email, but I have learned so much in the short time I've been here (though this week as felt like forever, the first week is apparently the slowest) All I can say is that the Lord has poured out blessing after blessing upon me. I know he loves us. I know this is His work. It might be tough, but through him we can accomplish this task. I miss you all, please keep writing, or deareldering and praying for us. Take care! God be with you.
Love
Elder Scadden
Elder Scadden
Where's Gregory?
Gregory is now home.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The First Epistle of Elder Scadden
We got a short letter from Gregory yesterday. What excitement. Here are excerpts in his own own words. He mentions Jodi Khater. She was his Arabic professor at NC State and she and her husband were the leaders of Gregory's Study Abroad trip to Egypt last summer.
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I have completed my first day here at the MTC and it as been absolutely Amazing!.....6:30 woke up in my temporary housing and attempted to shower but that building does not receive hot water, though I did grit my teeth and washed my hair and face....I have to take a 4 week pill immunization for typhoid. We heard from our MTC Presidency in the afternoon, Obedience, Obedience, Obedience! I believe I am up to the challenge with the Lord's help. There a total of 7 Albania missionaries....Elder Fisher (my companion) and I are getting along well....Our group of Albanians is called a district...I have been called as District Leader....We are not in a Branch by ourselves, but we also have the Hungarian Elders and Sisters...Jodi Khater is a good friend of the first counselor in our Branch presidency....I like the missionaries here very much, they really are wonderful people....today has been exciting, but long.
I am so happy to be here, I'm so excited for the work!...Know that I am in good hands, they take good care of us here. The food is acceptable, the people are great, and the Spirit of God is here....The Church is true, I know it, and these people here have been called by a prophet of God. I love the Lord......I hope you all enjoyed the snow!....
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I have completed my first day here at the MTC and it as been absolutely Amazing!.....6:30 woke up in my temporary housing and attempted to shower but that building does not receive hot water, though I did grit my teeth and washed my hair and face....I have to take a 4 week pill immunization for typhoid. We heard from our MTC Presidency in the afternoon, Obedience, Obedience, Obedience! I believe I am up to the challenge with the Lord's help. There a total of 7 Albania missionaries....Elder Fisher (my companion) and I are getting along well....Our group of Albanians is called a district...I have been called as District Leader....We are not in a Branch by ourselves, but we also have the Hungarian Elders and Sisters...Jodi Khater is a good friend of the first counselor in our Branch presidency....I like the missionaries here very much, they really are wonderful people....today has been exciting, but long.
I am so happy to be here, I'm so excited for the work!...Know that I am in good hands, they take good care of us here. The food is acceptable, the people are great, and the Spirit of God is here....The Church is true, I know it, and these people here have been called by a prophet of God. I love the Lord......I hope you all enjoyed the snow!....
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Lasts and Firsts
Monday night all of the family that was in town got together for Gregory's last supper. We then all went to the stake center where Gregory was set apart as a Missionary by Pres. Harry Maxwell our stake president. It was a wonderful blessing filled with wonderful promises. Next was Gregory's last trip to Goodberry's followed by the last gathering at our house where we got our last hugs. Jenny got her's before he was set apart and got a last handshake instead. Then it was Gregory's last night at home.
We got up early the next morning and had our last family prayer and went to Cracker Barrel for his last meal with us. At the time we were having the worst snow storm in the last 5 years but the trip to the airport was uneventful. Linda and I checked him in and then said our last goodbyes and had our last hugs. It was a tearful time for us but Gregory couldn't stop smiling. We watched him go through security and got a last wave as he went to his gate.
Gregory took his cell phone with him so he could update us on his travels and arrival. He had a prepaid mailer to put his phone in and drop in the mail when he arrived at the MTC. We had cleared this ahead of time to make sure he was not violating the rules. It is Gregory's intent to be as obedient as possible at all times.
It is a good thing he had his phone so he could periodically update us on his status. The flight from RDU to Atlanta was delayed about 2 and a half hours due to the storm causing him to miss his connection to Salt Lake. He was able to get a seat on another flight and got to that gate just as they were boarding. I tracked his progress across the country with Delta's flight status page on the WEB. When he got to SLC he found that his baggage had not made his flight and was following on the next one. He decided to wait for it. The only thing he had eaten since breakfast was an $8 sandwich on the plane and now all of the food vendors were in the other side of the security gate. For some reason the flight with is baggage was diverted to Denver and further delayed. Gregory's baggage finally arrived and he took a shuttle to the MTC where he called us at 1:38 AM EST this morning and we had our last conversation. I could hear the happiness in his voice.
Our time of lasts became a time of firsts. Gregory's first full day as a full time missionary in service to the Lord, the first trip of his mission, his first missionary contact (he gave a pass along card to a fellow passenger) his first night and day in the MTC, ), the first day of our support, prayers and admiration for our Elder Scadden. There will be many more firsts in this wonderful journey Gregory has embarked on. We will try to keep you updated as the adventure continues.
Though we are sad to have him leave we are also joyful that he has chosen to devote himself to the Lords service and bring His gospel to the wonderful people of Albania. Our prayers, hopes and love go with him.
We got up early the next morning and had our last family prayer and went to Cracker Barrel for his last meal with us. At the time we were having the worst snow storm in the last 5 years but the trip to the airport was uneventful. Linda and I checked him in and then said our last goodbyes and had our last hugs. It was a tearful time for us but Gregory couldn't stop smiling. We watched him go through security and got a last wave as he went to his gate.
Gregory took his cell phone with him so he could update us on his travels and arrival. He had a prepaid mailer to put his phone in and drop in the mail when he arrived at the MTC. We had cleared this ahead of time to make sure he was not violating the rules. It is Gregory's intent to be as obedient as possible at all times.
It is a good thing he had his phone so he could periodically update us on his status. The flight from RDU to Atlanta was delayed about 2 and a half hours due to the storm causing him to miss his connection to Salt Lake. He was able to get a seat on another flight and got to that gate just as they were boarding. I tracked his progress across the country with Delta's flight status page on the WEB. When he got to SLC he found that his baggage had not made his flight and was following on the next one. He decided to wait for it. The only thing he had eaten since breakfast was an $8 sandwich on the plane and now all of the food vendors were in the other side of the security gate. For some reason the flight with is baggage was diverted to Denver and further delayed. Gregory's baggage finally arrived and he took a shuttle to the MTC where he called us at 1:38 AM EST this morning and we had our last conversation. I could hear the happiness in his voice.
Our time of lasts became a time of firsts. Gregory's first full day as a full time missionary in service to the Lord, the first trip of his mission, his first missionary contact (he gave a pass along card to a fellow passenger) his first night and day in the MTC, ), the first day of our support, prayers and admiration for our Elder Scadden. There will be many more firsts in this wonderful journey Gregory has embarked on. We will try to keep you updated as the adventure continues.
Though we are sad to have him leave we are also joyful that he has chosen to devote himself to the Lords service and bring His gospel to the wonderful people of Albania. Our prayers, hopes and love go with him.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
I'm Going On A Mission!
On January 20th I will be flying out to the Provo, UT MTC to begin my missionary training. I have been called to serve in the Albania Tirana mission, and I know that is exactly where I need to go! The Lord has a work for me there, and I am eager to do it. I will be in the MTC for 12 weeks learning the language and teaching skills.
I know that the Church is the true and living church on this earth. I know that Christ the Lord is my savior and redeemer, and it is through him that we can become freed from out sins. I know that the prophet Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration, and that we have living prophets today. I know that my call is not a random decision, but chosen personally for me by a prophet of God. The Book of Mormon is indeed another testament of our Lord Jesus Christ, and is translated by the power of God. I am honored and blessed to be embarking on this mission for the Lord.
I will miss you all while I am away, I am looking forward to getting your letters! God be with you.
~Elder Greg Scadden
I know that the Church is the true and living church on this earth. I know that Christ the Lord is my savior and redeemer, and it is through him that we can become freed from out sins. I know that the prophet Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration, and that we have living prophets today. I know that my call is not a random decision, but chosen personally for me by a prophet of God. The Book of Mormon is indeed another testament of our Lord Jesus Christ, and is translated by the power of God. I am honored and blessed to be embarking on this mission for the Lord.
I will miss you all while I am away, I am looking forward to getting your letters! God be with you.
~Elder Greg Scadden
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