I'm Not Throwing Away My Shot

Is that my least favorite song from the show? Possibly. Is that my motto for the MTC? Yep. Am I sad to leave the MTC? Possibly. Am I excited to go out to Colorado? Yep.

This week was interesting to say the least. Pray for all those who reside here for longer than 3 weeks because I am ready to get out. My advice for anyone going into the MTC is to make the most of anything and everything. Sometimes, I did not want to teach J.C. one more thing about repentance, but I have continued to grow by keeping a good attitude. Elder Parker in my district is the best at this. He always smiles at everyone, and it's the best. Smile more!

Since I leave to Colorado this week, I will just share some thoughts on the MTC:

1. My district is the best but also the worst (really the best). The only way to make it through the MTC is to become best friends with the district. The two other districts in our zone are split elders v. sisters, and it's the worst. 

2. Teachers are a mixed bag. We had some awesome ones, but some people just get lucky. All the other teachers who come to our class say we have the best one, so that's cool.

3. Ask good questions. Relationships grow so much quicker if you just ask the real questions. Everyone in my district struggled to get out here in the first place, and by asking questions, we have grown much closer. 

4. Listening is one of the most powerful tools to make someone feel loved. Everyone here just needs a little love. 

5. If anything, I really learned more about people than teaching. People are great but also all different. Love them equally.

6. If your class is only four people make the most of it.

Can't wait to talk again in a week and a half. My pday will be on Tuesday in the field. 

Much love,

Elder Bodine

Still love the district and the temple.

Elder Topham from the zone. He's from Moana, Utah and is headed to Houston. 

Class of four makes for some good memories, and a "dream team".

Shout out to the waterskiing pros for the chip cookies.

Elder Parker really knows how to have a good time. 

Another Week

Week 2 of 3,

The MTC is great. No really it is. If there is one word or phrase, I could use to describe my district it would be: dysfunctional unit. We hit an all time low on Thursday. I won't go into much detail, but we were all hanging on to a short ledge, ready to give up and fall. I really don't know how we have made it through the week, except for the fact that we are all meant to be here. Since it has been a hard week for everyone, I would like to share what has got me through the week:

Gratitude. This principle is so important and more important that I had ever realized. It began during a study session of the Book of Mormon. We were reading Alma 36 (I encourage everyone to read it and look for gratitude, which might seen random but do it) with my teacher Brother Smith. At this point half our district had left to go meet with the new district in our zone, so it was just six of us missionaries reading on the lawn with EFY music blasting in the background wary of the impending crisis of the sprinklers going off at any second. Anyways, here we were discussing the phrase "have mercy". We came to the conclusion that rather than asking for forgiveness and focusing on himself, Alma was accepting Christ and the Atonment, realizing that Christ changes our hearts. The process of change begins with gratitude. Appreciation for the gift we have been given. This week I was lucky enough to have a whole bunch of free time. I was able to relisten to President Monson's talk on the gift of Gratidude. I invite everyone to go to mormon.org and listen/read it. It's great. 

In all honesty this week has not been that hard for me in comparison to the rest of the district. I've been happy. I got a package from the Roddins with coconut clusters and raspberries from the Richards. Everything was going my way. But the negativity of others can be very challenging to deal with. Through gratitude I have found peace. I have been able to increase my patience and understanding. Through gratitude, I have become happier. By commencing everything with thanks and appreciation I know I will be able to get through two hard years. 

Thank you for the support and love. Also big thanks to my father. Happy Father's/Birthday. Thank you for going to the temple with me and being a great example. I love you. 

- Elder Bodine

Food makes me very happy. District sand volleyball. View from my classroom... is that the SWKT?

Hello!

Family and friends,

Hello! Three days at the MTC completed, and I could not be more ready for a nap. They sure work you here in Provo. I feel like my companion and I are going nonstop. Anyway, my companion is Elder Bauer from Washington. He is going to serve in the Washington, Tacoma Mission. He always says, "In the WA-TAC, we baptize." He already served a mini-mission in Tacoma, which is cool. In ny district there are 5 elders (the rest are going to Atlanta), and 7 sisters (4 going to Fort Collins with me). We have a pretty hilarious district. But the main lesson this week for me has been humility. We all come from such different backgrounds. I have had to have a lot of patience and humility, and I realized prayer always helps. 

In the Provo MTC, they move us. The other district in our zone that "showed us the ropes" leaves next week, and then we have to teach a new district. Crazy! I was also made district leader, which means two things: I get mail, and I choose people to pray before every class. 

I love my teachers Brother Smith and Brother Mckenzie. They are awesome, and I have learned to love the Book of Mormon so much more. I challenge everyone to read a chapter of the Book of Mormon outside and then take a moment to think outside (probably in the shade because it is HOT). That is what we do as a district at the end of class, and it is awesome. 

I miss you guys, but I am learning to love the mission. Thank you for all the emails and support. 

Much Love,

Elder Bodine

Picture with the comp

First day of classes

Temple trip in the morning with the district

I made it to the MTC

Hey family!

I have made it to the MTC. Crazy thing happened, I saw a friend from Fiji HEFY two seconds after arriving. So weird. I love you guys so much. I already love the spirit and the joy here. My p-day is on Saturday, so expect to here from me shortly. 

Much Love

-Elder Bodine

Heading to the MTC

I'm checking into the MTC this Wednesday, June 6, 2018. This is how I feel about it: