Second Week in the MTC

We got our second letter from Ryan and of course he didn't answer one of the questions I asked in my last letter to him. Maybe next week!?!

Hey Fam!

Thanks for all the letters, it was great to here from you all. I'm just doing some laundry now which is always a hassle (Basically way too many missionaries fighting over way too few washing machines) Me, Elder Hayes, and Elder Christenson sat next to 5 machines that were done for 25 minutes before the elders came to get their clothes! I had to really try hard to exercise the Christ-like attribute of patience/love because I wanted to punch the elder in the face. Other than laundry things are going pretty well.
On P-days we don't have much to do, and any time you get a bunch of guys in a dorm type setting some really stupid stuff happens. Oh well, at least were creating memories. Some of these activities include turning our elastic exercise bands into slingshots, mattress surfing, and trash can basketball. I don't want to make it sound like were not working hard, but you go crazy in here after a while.
On a more spiritual note, today I am happy to say that we will be able to go to the temple! Our whole district is going as a group and we are all really excited. I've learned so much in the short amount of time I've been here and look forward to learning more. As each day goes by I feel more and more in tune with the spirit, especially as I am exactly obedient. Its amazing how you can wake up at 6:40 and be wasted all day, but when you wake up at 6:30 like your supposed to, you have all the energy you need.
Learning and teaching by the spirit is something that I am learning. Sometimes I get worked up about what to say to "investigators" but when I just trust in the spirit to guide me, everything works out. I am beginning to really love missionary work and know that if I give myself completely to the Lord, he will shape me into the tool he needs, and then use me appropriately.
This is such an important work and am honored to be a part of it. The Lord has offered us so much and it's important that people know that. I feel similar to Lehi when he partook of the fruit. It is delicious to me and I want to share it with everyone.


Love, Elder Tilley

Finally!!

Ryan has been in the MTC a week now and we finally heard from him last night. It sounds like he is adjusting and enjoying himself. It has been much quieter around here since he left, but we miss him like crazy.


Dear Mom and Dad,
How are things going? Things here at the MTC are going very well. I've learned so much in the past week, most importantly that I don't know anything at all. We have great teachers and other resources to help us become great missionaries. My companion is Elder Allen, a 26 year old kid from Jacksonville, Florida. Elder Allen and I have very different personality types and very different ways of approaching things. It's a daily struggle to figure out how to work together, because we don't have anything in common. Learning to love your companion regardless of who they are can be difficult however it's a lesson that must be learned. As far as the rest of our district, the elders are great. Our district leader, Elder Christianson and I get along very well and our district as a whole is pretty close. Our Zone leaders Elder Pelfrey and Elder Forrester (only 2 of 10 Laos speaking missionaries in the world) are really cool guys also. I met a return missionary here who just got back from the New Jersey, Morristown mission and said our Mission President was a great guy. It was nice talking to someone who had just gotten back from there, and it really got me pumped to go out there. In a Large Group Meeting we had the other day, we learned the importance of always believing you can commit others to baptism. It's the small things that make the difference; working longer and better. Being exactly obedient is crucial. If you're doing everything you are supposed to, even following the insignificant rules, everything falls into place and the Lord will bless you. I appreciate the prayers and the support

Love Elder Tilley

And He's Off

Ryan entered the MTC Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 1:15 PM. He will be spending several weeks there before heading to Morristown, New Jersey, where he will spend the next two years. He was very excited, and a little nervous, to go. I think he was ready for all the preparation and shopping to be done.

We spent hours trying to find all the right clothing. He is tall and skinny so it makes it a little hard to find his size, but we finally found everything he needed (I just hope I don't forget to have his bedding shipped to the mission home!)

The weekend before he left was a very busy and emotional one! On Friday night we attended the Temple. My sister Meleah and her family arrived Saturday evening. Ryan gave his farewell talk on Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon Austin was Baptised. Sunday night President Dorius came by to set Ryan apart as a missionary and on Monday afternoon we put Ryan on an airplane to Utah. I am so very grateful to those who were there to share in our special moments.

We are very proud of Ryan and his decision to serve the Lord. We are looking forward to hearing from him and hope to keep this blog updated. Thanks again for all your love and support.