Stockton's Ghana Mission: November 2015

Monday, November 30, 2015

November 27, 2015 Email

Hey Fam!

This week has been pretty great with everything going on. We did a service project yesterday with making meals for families in Utah; making over 359,000 meals for them.

Link to the Article on the Service Project

It's been crazy with the week and how much I'm learning here. I wish I could have been at Greg's farewell! I joined the MTC choir and it's going pretty well, it's been fun working with a lot of missionaries and doing all these amazing songs.

Not much to talk about really, it's the same most of the days. It's been pretty tough here, always having something to do and never having anytime to take a break. Preparation days are on Friday, so that's a plus. I just want you all to know I'm doing fine and that I'm doing well here. Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving! Love you all!!!

Sincerely,

Elder Smith

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

2nd Email - November 20, 2015 (2:37 p.m.)

Here is the second email we got that day. . .

Dear Family,

The Elders and Sisters in my district are amazing, all high-spirited and having an amazing time. I couldn't think of anything better! We've had a few classes already, being ale to teach each other and role play a few times to learn how it is to walk up to someone and start talking about the gospel. But the best thing is the spirit and joy in my district. Some of the Elders, Elder Lambson, my companion, Elder McFarland, and Elder Bawden all stay in a room with me. The Sisters on the other hand are quite different then Montana girls, ha ha. But it's been amazing working with them and bonding with them. The first full day was rough though, not knowing what to do and knowing it was going to be very hard, I knew it was going to be hard for a couple of days. My second full day here and it's been pretty good, actually. Although I wish I brought an electric shaver instead of using the razor, haven't shave yet, but i'll get there eventually. I hope that I'll get used to my schedule and life style here, it wasn't anything like home, but it's amazing nonetheless.

I can't wait to come home, but I can't wait to head to Ghana. Although we won't have iPads, we will be able to access a computer for looking at emails and such. This entire experience is something truly amazing and something I'll never regret doing. Being companions with Elder Lambson has been a handful, but we're pretty solid. I have to say that I wish things were easier here, but that's the thing, it's not supposed to be. I'm going to do my best to strive in the Lord's work. Also, the food here is pretty good, too. I hope that I'll be able to enjoy that a little longer. Also, tell Greg to be prepared to get slammed at the MTC when he first arrives: bring lots of ties and be prepared to get unpacked quickly. It's been quite the experience here, and though it's hard bonding with all the Sisters and Elders in the MTC, I've learned that I'm not supposed to meet everyone, that it's supposed to be a moment where you don't meet everyone. I'll do my best though to live the best I can. I'd tell you more, but I do have a limit on time and I have laundry to take care of. Just wanted to let you all know that I'm doing pretty descent here, and I hope to hear from you shortly, love you all!

Sincerely,
Elder Smith

1st Email - November 20, 2015 (1:56 p.m.)

We got two emails in one day since we happened to respond when he was still on the computer. Here is the first one.

Well hello fam!

So far it's been amazing here at the MTC! I've made some new Elder friends and my companion Elder Lambson is a pretty cool guy! It's been quite a few days getting used to everything, but know that I'm doing amazing! Wish I could see how you guys are doing and if you made it home safe, but it's been quite the journey so far, and I can't wait for the next 2 years! Well, I've bought a few things that it turns out I needed, from a new journal to a laundry bag, it's been pretty interesting.

I hope to hear from you all soon and please, send me emails from my friends so I can talk to them. I want them to know that his experience is truly amazing and something I wish they could see. I hope they're doing well with school and everything going on. I love you all and hope you are all having an amazing time!

Sincerely, Elder Smith

The Drop-Off - November 18, 2015

Here are the last photos we took with Stockton on the curb at the MTC. We will miss our AMAZING son. But, we know that he will be an awesome missionary!

This is the Place

Here are some photos of the MTC so you can see where he will be staying for the next 2-3 weeks before he heads to Africa.

Final Photos before the Drop - November 18, 2015

There is a place across the street from the MTC where families can take final photos before dropping their missionaries off. Here are the ones we took. . .

Striking a pose-goofball!

The boys

With mom and pops

The Fam

All Packed Up & Ready to Go - November 18, 2015

Stockton had quite a time getting everything into one suitcase and one backpack with everything he had to take for 2 years.

This backpack was used by Stockton's uncle, Cory, on his mission to Russia about 15 years ago. It has been around the world, and will go around again!!

Seeing the Sites of Temple Square in Salt Lake City - November 17, 2015

We were able to spend an afternoon going to the Salt Lake Temple and seeing the sites on Temple Square. What a great time!!

It was awesome for Stockton to be in the Salt Lake Temple and see the beauty of that building.

Sitting on the famous steps to the temple.

The Christus is a great place to contemplate about our Savior.

They were setting up all the lights and the nativity scene-so beautiful!

A great photo at sunset!!!

A great photo of the boys!!!

On our Way - November 16, 2015

We took one final picture of all the boys after the truck was loaded and we were ready to head to Utah.

Stockton took a good look around at the home he won't see for two years. We will miss him!

Farewell Celebration - November 14, 2015

Stockton wanted to have a going away party and bonfire so he could say goodbye to family and friends. Here are some memories of that event. . .

The full spread of cupcakes and goodies.

The flag of Ghana in the shape of Africa.

Cutting the cake.

Friends and family.

The epic bonfire.

Stockton had a great time and loved having everyone over to celebrate with him.

Change of Plans - October 30, 2015

IMPORTANT CHANGE. . .we were informed today that the Ghana Missionary Training Center is full and Stockton will be going to the Provo Missionary Training Center. As if that weren't enough of a change, his report date has been moved up a week-yikes!!! Now back to the crazed frenzy of getting him ready to go in 2 WEEKS!!!!

Billings, MT Temple - October 23, 2015

Stockton went to the Billings, Montana Temple to participate in holy ordinances and received his endowment.

What Happens in Temples
In the temple we are taught, we make covenants, and we are promised blessings. We receive ordinances that enable us to live in the presence of God.

Endowment
One ordinance we receive in the temple is the Endowment. The word endowment means "gift" or "bestowal". As part of this ordinance, we are taught about the purpose of life, the mission and atonement of Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father's plan for his children. We gain a glimpse of what it will be like to live in his presence as we feel the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.

Sealing
Another temple ordinance is the sealing ordinance, in which husbands and wives are sealed to each other and children are sealed to their parents in eternal families. That means that if we are faithful to our covenants, our family relationships will continue for eternity. People sometimes also refer to this ordinance as "temple marriage" or "eternal marriage".

Ordinances for the Deceased
In addition to receiving these ordinances for ourselves, we can receive them for our deceased ancestors. In this way, people who died without receiving essential ordinances such as baptism and confirmation, the endowment, and sealing have the opportunity to accept these ordinances.