Week 4 - February 19, 2014

This week in the life of Elder VanderMeyden:

I was doing really well this week. Last Wednesday evening I gave my first Blessing and then on Sunday I gave my second. The first one was really rough. So rough that I decided to fast the next day to help me for when I did my next one (i didn't expect it to be so soon). They both went well though and It was cool.

I got to see Elder Holland in person when it was his wife's birthday and his son was talking to us about the life of Joseph Smith on Sunday too.

Today I want to share an experience with you that I had in the temple. I was doing sealings with my companion and I could literally feel the joy that was in the temple. I didn't see any spirits, nor did i hear any voices but I know that the feelings that I had were more than just myself. While I was there I could imagine all the people whose names were being read with the knowledge that they would be able to become an eternal family. I could imagine the hugs and tears that were there and I couldn't hold it in. My companion, Elder Miller, commented that every time he looked over at me he saw a huge grin on my face. I still feel some that happiness with me now and i don't want to lose it. I'm so blessed to be able to visit the temple and I love every minute of being on my mission.

That's about it for this week. Love you all!

This is Costa Rica!

Rainbow juice

Me riding a pretend bike at the MTC

Week 3 - February 12

This week was Pretty awesome. I think it keeps getting better and better. I had a moment this week where I had to trust in the Lord. I was feeling sick and we split into pairs. I was asked to give a short lesson in Spanish to one of the other Elders and I still didn't feel good. I just started talking in Spanish and trusting the Lord to help me. Apparently what I said was really helpful to the other Elder and I felt 100% healthy afterward. I needed to be sick to realize that I could trust more in the Lord than in my understanding. It was a great experience, just like being part of the Choir here at the MTC. We get to sing in the devotionals on Tuesdays and learn when General Authorities come before everyone else (we've only had members of the 70 so far, but i got to shake Elder Zwick's hand). Holland is going to be talking to us on Sunday and I'm going to be part of the choir for it. Don't get too excited yet. It's Brother Holland, Elder Holland's son. It is however Sister Holland's (Elder Holland's wife) birthday so she may be there with "other diginitaries." That's all I have time for this week. Everyone send me an email of your favorite scripture. Thanks

Elder VanderMeyden

Week 2 - February 5th

This week at the MTC I had a wonderful time. We are learning to teach lessons to investigators in full Spanish. We've been trying to teach in Spanish since the beginning but we've know more of what we're doing now. It's difficult but not to bad. The "investigator" we taught last week was actually our homeroom teacher. His name is Elder Thorsen. He served in Costa Rica too and actually served under the same mission president. Another funny thing is that one of the new teacher's name is Brother Avila. If you remember the Avila family from back in Virginia Mom and Dad then you won't be disappointed. This is the same Avila that is 5ish years older than me. It was quite funny because I don't remember him much but he remembered me. The sisters going to Mexico in our District is actually in Vegas right now getting VISAs. Apparently when you're going to Costa Rica you don't need a VISA so I won't be doing that. One last thing then I have to go: The older Elders in our Zone just left so they passed down about 7 boxes full of things that have been passed down, mostly snacks, and almost left us without a zone leader. I say almost because the day before they left Elder Miller and I were called to be the new Zone leaders. It's really cool and not too difficult yet, but I haven't read the handbook yet because I've been so busy.

That's all for now, sorry.

Love all y'all so much

Elder VanderMeyden

P.S. Elder Thorsen is from Texas