It's been a few weeks since I have entered the MTC! Today is 21 days since I left home! It has been busy, busy busy! My companion's name is CecTpa Perry from Provo Utah. She is going to Ukraine. Our missions are right next door to each other. She is awesome! We are constantly planning lessons together and learning new Russian vocab.
The first few days in the MTC were a little bit overwhelming. I barely knew Russian, and couldn't understand most of the things the teachers were saying. But now that I am 3 weeks in, I feel a little bit more confident. We have taught several lessons solely in Russian and I can share my testimony, Joseph Smith's First Vision, and several scriptures all in Russian!
I am the only one in the MTC going to my mission in Rostov Russia. There was one elder here going to my mission, but he left last week. Since there aren't very many missionaries in Russia, and more specifically my mission, I probably will be the only one here during my stay. With me being the only one going to my mission, that means I will get to fly from SLC to Rostov Russia all by myself in 6 weeks.
The rest of the people in my zone are going to other places in Russia (Russian speaking), Ukraine (mostly Russian speaking, but 1 Ukrainian speaker), The Baltic Mission (Russian speaking, Estonian speaking, Lithuanian speaking, Latvian speaking, Georgian speaking, Armenian speaking)
I feel a little bit boxed in here at the MTC, but at least we get to go outside a lot! We can study outside and go play in the field for exercise times. Often my zone either plays volleyball or basketball in the gym. This past week we started going outside and playing spikeball. I always run around the field or run around on the track in the gym, then join in the sport that everyone is playing for the day. It gives me a good break from the two 3-hour classes we have every single day.
During one of my lessons, my teacher told me that I have a very heavy American accent, and the people in Russia might have a rough time understanding me. So that is one thing that I do have to work on! During study time in the afternoons, there is usually a quick afternoon storm. It rains for like 10 minutes then goes away. Back to warm weather. It is probably because we are right by the lake and mountains. They come out of nowhere. But I love summer rain storms! The other day when we were studying, we had a little extra time. So after my studies I took a 10 minute nap in the limited sun time that we get. My companion took a picture of me that I'll attach. It's quite funny. I look dead.
A few weeks ago, we had Elder and Sister Gong come and speak to the missionaries! It was super cool! Sister Gong spoke about how we need to be an example of Christ, even if we aren't baptizing or converting people. It is all about service and love. Elder Gong talked about how we should be learning something from each companion, so I have a lot to work on if I want my companion to learn a good trait from me! ;) But he also spoke about how important missionary work is in bringing forth prophecies of old and bringing the gospel to every heart, kindred, tongue, nation, language, etc. Great talk! We have also had a devotional from Elder Corbridge who spoke about having a narrow focus on Christ, and the rest will be taken care of. A few other speakers have come, sharing incredible messages and testimonies. The chairs for the devotionals are really uncomfortable, but the message the speakers share is worth it! I learn so much! I've really been able to figure out how the Spirit speaks to me, and how I can act on the promptings I receive.
Alright. I'll send an email in another few weeks. Most of the MTC is repetition, with a few new funny experiences or laughs. I feel like my sense of humor has seriously declined in here, but what can you do. The other day, we were looking out the window and a boy was rolling across a flat field. Just living life. All by himself. 10/10 funny.
CecTpa Cummings
1-My district and teacher, CecTpa Baugh
2- me and my companion studying
3- the books I study from
4- the girls in my district
5- my district at the temple
6- we got commendable on our cleaning checks! (a hard feet)
7- me asleep (dead) on the grass
8- me and my companion on the map
9-my zone
Just a fun video about a kid rolling in the grass. Having the time of his life.
Just a fun video about a kid rolling in the grass. Having the time of his life.
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