I could potentially be referring to the Cuban missile crisis, but I am not. There are only 13 days left here in the MTC!!! WOOHOO!!! I will only have 1 more P-day here! How super amazing! On Friday we should get our flight plans!! I will, of course, let everyone know next Wednesday what the plans will be. Its hard to believe that it is coming up so close! I am so extremely excited, even though I am still terrible at the Language!
I don't have many notes for the email this time, so pretty soon I am going to just start rambling. However, Mum wanted to know what the real name for Albania is. It is Shqiperia, and Albanian is called Shqip. The way that is pronounced is SHCHEEPUREEAH and the language is pronounced SHCHEEP. You may notice that the Q in Albanian is a CH sound, but it sounds different than any ch the American mind would normally produce. I cannot, however, explain that in the email.
Well, that's it for notes... what should I talk about?... Mail is working funny this week, so expect letters to arrive later than usual. That's OK though, at about Monday of next week no one should plan on sending me anymore stuff, its just going to be too close to our leave date, we are actually supposed to start packing on Monday, so no fear Dad, I will get several opportunities to do practice packs and find the most effective way.
On Monday our Hungarians leave.... This is a truly sad day. I have not talked much about the Hungarians, but they have been our closest friends here at the MTC, we have done most everything together. I must admit that they do spend their class time more effective than we do. It has been said that we are behind most other groups that have come through here in our ability to speak the language, but I am not worried. The Lord will provide a way, though sometimes I am afraid I am not doing my best.
At the TRC on Thursday we had an awesome lesson. Sure, these are volunteers, but the Spirit will always testify of truth. In the TRC Elder Hagen is my companion, not Elder Fisher, and we decided that we would center our whole lesson around scriptures, since they contain the true doctrine and can speak Albanian better than we can. We were preparing to teach the Plan of Salvation as a retention lesson, because the week before our investigator (Arron) had committed to be baptised, so we planned accordingly. Must to our surprise, Micheal, another volunteer, walked in as a non-member, out the window went the lesson plan. But elder Hagen and I appealed to the scriptures very often, shared a personal experience and testified often. The Spirit was very strong. Also, Michael, towards the end of the lesson, started speaking Albanian much faster, so it was hard to understand, he apologized and said it was because we had been understanding him so well he forgot that he had to slow down for us. At the end of the lesson, Michael told us that this was the best pseudo lesson her had ever been in, on and after his mission. It was incredible the Spirit that the scriptures brought in. On that same note, we heard from Elder Kenneth Johnson on Tues, who told us that what Elder Hagen and I had been doing needs to be what we do all the time, in English, and in Albanian, even once we are good with the language. I had never realized that teaching everything from the scriptures and simply testifying could be so powerful. It was a great lesson to learn.
I have talked to Jeremy English (the elder Jenni's family knew who is going to Carlsbad Cal. mission) a number of times. He seems to be well. Elder Jordon Smith should have arrived today, but I have not run into him and I may not, it just depends on our schedules.
The Lord is blessing me so much, this is his work! I love you all, God be with you.
Love
Elder Scadden
Elder Scadden
Where's Gregory?
Gregory is now home.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
20 days to go!
So there are only 20 days to go before I am en route to Albania! We will get our flight plans a week from tomorrow WOOHOO!! It is amazing that the day of departure is finally in sight! I am so pumped! Unfortunately some of my fellow elders lack that enthusiasm (while others share it) because they are so afraid about how bad they are at the language. We keep trying to tell them that we all are terrible, me especially (I think I am one of the worst actually, but that causes me no fear). The language is coming along, and I know that once I am in the country my development in the language will really speed up.
Our first day there is going to rock something awesome. While President Neil interviews half of us, the other half will be taken out onto the streets with the Assistants and will do street contacting!! How awesome is that? I cannot wait to be talking to real Albanians even if we will have problems communicating, it will be so extremely exciting! More good news: We get to participate in the Draper Temple dedication! Wow! The assembly hall here will become an extension of the temple! It is going to be exciting, I really do not remember the dedication of our temple, this will be quite enjoyable.
Hahaha MORE good news, last night we were blessed to hear from Elder L.Tom Perry, 2 apostles in my tour here at the MTC! That was really excellent. He spoke about being unified with out companions. Its definitely something I need to work on, but Elder fisher and I get along OK. I am very interested to know what kind of person my trainer will be, I hope he is not someone I have to go Army on to get them to do what they need to do.
Even though some of our distract is intimidated about getting to the country so quickly, there exists a strong fervor to go forth and do the Lords work. We do have a good bunch of Missionaries.
Today I want to talk about somethings that are GOOD about the MTC, since I usually bellyache about it. First and foremost, the Tuesday evening devotionals, wither given by a 70 or by an Apostle, are excellent and always insightful. Here so much spiritual growth occurs, there is so much more that I know now about teaching the gospel than I did before. I think one of the coolest things is being together in a big mass of missionaries singing the Hymns of God, there is such power when 2000 missionaries raise their voices up in praise!
Gym is actually quiet excellent (btw to all incoming missionaries who read this, USE YOUR GYM TIME! You will be totally exhausted if you do not do things at gym. I've seen it reflected in a number of missionaries). In gym we run 2 out of the 5 days, do just upper body 2 other days, and run a circuit the other day, which is an awesome everything work out. I believe I have gotten in better shape here than I have been in almost a year, even with the Army.
OH one of the very best things here at the MTC is the movie time after the Sunday evening Fireside, every other week they show Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration, which is SUCH a powerful and moving movie, I have yet to see it without being moved to tears. They also show the Testaments and Legacy, they alternate. They also show powerful talks by apostles and 70. I have gone to 2 of these and have been extremely well instructed. So when it comes down to it, the MTC is really an excellent and amazing place. Last week I had had my worst week at the MTC and it seems that it is the same week for most 12 weekers. Well now the end is in sight, and now that I can see the light, I realize just all the wonderful things I have experienced here and how much I have grown. I am also stunned by how fast it has gone by. Before it had felt like I had been here an eternity, but now it feels like I've barely been here at all. I am so super pumped to get there!
I know that this work is real, that this is the work of God. Jesus Christ is our savior, and today the Heavens are open, God speaks to mankind, revelation is a now and present thing. I know it to be true.
Until next week!
God be with you.
Elder Scadden
Our first day there is going to rock something awesome. While President Neil interviews half of us, the other half will be taken out onto the streets with the Assistants and will do street contacting!! How awesome is that? I cannot wait to be talking to real Albanians even if we will have problems communicating, it will be so extremely exciting! More good news: We get to participate in the Draper Temple dedication! Wow! The assembly hall here will become an extension of the temple! It is going to be exciting, I really do not remember the dedication of our temple, this will be quite enjoyable.
Hahaha MORE good news, last night we were blessed to hear from Elder L.Tom Perry, 2 apostles in my tour here at the MTC! That was really excellent. He spoke about being unified with out companions. Its definitely something I need to work on, but Elder fisher and I get along OK. I am very interested to know what kind of person my trainer will be, I hope he is not someone I have to go Army on to get them to do what they need to do.
Even though some of our distract is intimidated about getting to the country so quickly, there exists a strong fervor to go forth and do the Lords work. We do have a good bunch of Missionaries.
Today I want to talk about somethings that are GOOD about the MTC, since I usually bellyache about it. First and foremost, the Tuesday evening devotionals, wither given by a 70 or by an Apostle, are excellent and always insightful. Here so much spiritual growth occurs, there is so much more that I know now about teaching the gospel than I did before. I think one of the coolest things is being together in a big mass of missionaries singing the Hymns of God, there is such power when 2000 missionaries raise their voices up in praise!
Gym is actually quiet excellent (btw to all incoming missionaries who read this, USE YOUR GYM TIME! You will be totally exhausted if you do not do things at gym. I've seen it reflected in a number of missionaries). In gym we run 2 out of the 5 days, do just upper body 2 other days, and run a circuit the other day, which is an awesome everything work out. I believe I have gotten in better shape here than I have been in almost a year, even with the Army.
OH one of the very best things here at the MTC is the movie time after the Sunday evening Fireside, every other week they show Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration, which is SUCH a powerful and moving movie, I have yet to see it without being moved to tears. They also show the Testaments and Legacy, they alternate. They also show powerful talks by apostles and 70. I have gone to 2 of these and have been extremely well instructed. So when it comes down to it, the MTC is really an excellent and amazing place. Last week I had had my worst week at the MTC and it seems that it is the same week for most 12 weekers. Well now the end is in sight, and now that I can see the light, I realize just all the wonderful things I have experienced here and how much I have grown. I am also stunned by how fast it has gone by. Before it had felt like I had been here an eternity, but now it feels like I've barely been here at all. I am so super pumped to get there!
I know that this work is real, that this is the work of God. Jesus Christ is our savior, and today the Heavens are open, God speaks to mankind, revelation is a now and present thing. I know it to be true.
Until next week!
God be with you.
Elder Scadden
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
27 days left!
Not a long way off before I am out of the MTC and in the country of Albania! You all should start making bets about where I will be first: Tirana, Shkoder, Durres, Vlore, Lushnia, Elbasan, or Fier. I'll tell you that most of the missionaries are in Tirana.
Anyway, not much to report this week. It was the same as the other weeks I've been here, with exception to the things that were different that I can't remember because they have all blurred into one continuous stream of events that do not exist in time or chronological order. I believe the field will be much more interesting. I continue to be bad at the language, and my knowledge of PMG is poor, but fortunately the Lord qualifies those who he calls. I know that I am helped far beyond my own capacity here by his hand. I want to thank everyone for the Dearelders, the packages, the letters and the prayers, they are such a comfort and a strength. I realize I will get many less in the field, but the days will also be much more exciting and empowering. I hope everyone is well.
I love you all!
Elder Scadden
Anyway, not much to report this week. It was the same as the other weeks I've been here, with exception to the things that were different that I can't remember because they have all blurred into one continuous stream of events that do not exist in time or chronological order. I believe the field will be much more interesting. I continue to be bad at the language, and my knowledge of PMG is poor, but fortunately the Lord qualifies those who he calls. I know that I am helped far beyond my own capacity here by his hand. I want to thank everyone for the Dearelders, the packages, the letters and the prayers, they are such a comfort and a strength. I realize I will get many less in the field, but the days will also be much more exciting and empowering. I hope everyone is well.
I love you all!
Elder Scadden
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
2nd Try
Ok, lost my other email, so I have half the normal time to write.
Only 4 more P-days here at the MTC! We are really over the hill now! I am worried about the language, I am terrible at it, though I would be worse if it were not for the strength the Lord is giving me. If I can leave here and really testify from my heart I believe I will be happy. It is easy to get frustrated here, but fortunately prayers help us to keep going. One of my favourite things to say in Albanian is Jam E Po Humb!!! (I am losing it! LOL) also, for those who might care, to say I came, I saw, I conquered in Albanian is Erdha E Pash E Pushtova!! Yes, I am enjoying this language, even though it is slow going.
I do not have an exact departure date yet, though we believe we will be leaving at 5amish on the 6th of April.
For Albania there is no visa here, we go there, we pay for a stamp, and then, because we will be living there for awhile, we go to a police station and fill out some papers.
Wow I really don't have much time.
Time is flying here, things are moving along. I am so incredibly excited to get into the country, you have no idea! I might not be able to speak, but it is the spirit that converts, not my words, and I know this message is true! When I get off that plane, the first thing I'm gonna say to my mission president is when do I get to talk to people! Oh it will be scary, sure, but if I trust in the Lord there is nothing to fear, nothing at all. To be honest I think the TRC is scarier than talking to real Albanians (the TRC is a practice teaching thing that we now do in Albanian and we are not very good at it. The people we are teaching are all return missionaries who know the language.) The reason it is scarier is because you think that you are only going to get negative feedback (which is not true, we are irrationally afraid of the RC) but Albanians Love to talk to Americans that try to learn their language, and they will happily, and nicely, correct you. Of course, I will also get yelled and some people will be rude, but such is the case with the human race, we all have such moods sometimes. I am so excited!!!!
The Lord is still blessing me with health and strength. Everyday I have more energy than I should.
I love you all, I get so much support from home. Thank you so much for your prayers and for your words, please, don't stop! I find a great deal of strength from the home front. God be with you all.
Love, Elder Scadden
Only 4 more P-days here at the MTC! We are really over the hill now! I am worried about the language, I am terrible at it, though I would be worse if it were not for the strength the Lord is giving me. If I can leave here and really testify from my heart I believe I will be happy. It is easy to get frustrated here, but fortunately prayers help us to keep going. One of my favourite things to say in Albanian is Jam E Po Humb!!! (I am losing it! LOL) also, for those who might care, to say I came, I saw, I conquered in Albanian is Erdha E Pash E Pushtova!! Yes, I am enjoying this language, even though it is slow going.
I do not have an exact departure date yet, though we believe we will be leaving at 5amish on the 6th of April.
For Albania there is no visa here, we go there, we pay for a stamp, and then, because we will be living there for awhile, we go to a police station and fill out some papers.
Wow I really don't have much time.
Time is flying here, things are moving along. I am so incredibly excited to get into the country, you have no idea! I might not be able to speak, but it is the spirit that converts, not my words, and I know this message is true! When I get off that plane, the first thing I'm gonna say to my mission president is when do I get to talk to people! Oh it will be scary, sure, but if I trust in the Lord there is nothing to fear, nothing at all. To be honest I think the TRC is scarier than talking to real Albanians (the TRC is a practice teaching thing that we now do in Albanian and we are not very good at it. The people we are teaching are all return missionaries who know the language.) The reason it is scarier is because you think that you are only going to get negative feedback (which is not true, we are irrationally afraid of the RC) but Albanians Love to talk to Americans that try to learn their language, and they will happily, and nicely, correct you. Of course, I will also get yelled and some people will be rude, but such is the case with the human race, we all have such moods sometimes. I am so excited!!!!
The Lord is still blessing me with health and strength. Everyday I have more energy than I should.
I love you all, I get so much support from home. Thank you so much for your prayers and for your words, please, don't stop! I find a great deal of strength from the home front. God be with you all.
Love, Elder Scadden
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