Week One

 


    

Hello everybody!

This first week of home MTC wasn't what I was expecting! I don't know how it's simultaneously gone by so quickly and so slowly at the same time. If nothing else though, it has really made my scripture study the best that it's ever been, so I'm grateful for that. Through this week I've learned a lot of things: navigating the resources I have, how to solve a Rubik's Cube (that one is Omar's fault), and some Spanish. Aside from all that, there is something that I have relearned: that whenever you make the right choice and feel the light of the truth, Satan will try his absolute hardest to dissuade you from what you know to be true, just like how he tried to dissuade Moses right after God showed him the wonders of all creation. Leading up to my setting apart, I had many wonderful experiences where I felt the love and power of God, merely days later I questioned these experiences, and doubts already crept in. I listened to a wonderful devotional from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland titled "Cast Not Therefore Away Your Confidence" which lent me strength I have needed. I would highly recommend giving it a listen whenever you're feeling down. Now with more that happened this week, I got to meet my district, which is pretty cool. My companion and I are the only ones that aren't going to the same mission. An Elder Hansen from Rexburg (maybe his record is there from school?) will be serving in the Reno Nevada Mission, so most of you will most likely see him around. My own companion Elder Black played college basketball for two years before starting to serve, it'll be nice to get to know him more. In my mom's wisdom, she took pictures so that I could attach something to this email that were taken throughout the week starting at the day I was set apart. Believe me when I tell you I didn't feel nearly as dorky as I look, and that Marcos isn't actually that much taller than me.

Tiredly, 
Ruben

My grandparents came over to cheer me on my first day, and they've provided ice cream treats for me (and also my family members) every day to enjoy during breaks.



My parents and I the night I was set apart.

My brothers and me:  Ammon, Omar, me, Marcos

President Spieth was nice enough to take this photo for us after I got set apart.

We stopped by the Elko Temple before I was set apart last Sunday night.



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