JULY 6, 2011 - MTC The journey begins...
Cody was determined to have this day start missionary style. He said he was going to wake up early and study his scriptures and pray just like he'll be doing the next two years!!! He did wake up early...TO GO TO THE BATHROOM! LOL We all slept in a little. Nobody was in a real big hurry to leave. We left at 10 am to drive to the big city. The drive was cheerful, upbeat and laughing and joking the whole way. When we got to Provo we decided to eat lunch at Tucano's. It was so funny because there were 3 or 4 other little families there where all the members of the family were in street clothes and one teenaged boy in a suit!!! The waitors and waitresses all asked us if it was a special occasion. Then they all wanted to know where he was going. It was so fun. When Kent got the bill he noticed that on the receipt, Cody's $15 portion had been taken off the bill by the manager and next to it was written, "mission." How cool is that?! After lunch we had some extra time to go to the beautiful Provo temple grounds for some pictures. It was starting to become a reality now. We went to the temple for a few last minute pictures with about ten other new missionary families. LOL Everyone had the same idea. When we pulled into the MTC, it was an amazing sight. Hundreds of smiling and waving Elders lining the sidewalks to welcome the new missionaries. Each little area along the sidewalk had a number assigned to it. Wouldn't you know it, we were led right up to number 15!!!! That number has always been Makayla and Brandon's jersey number. Coincidence? I think not! The goodbyes at the curb were short and sweet. The Elder took Cody's luggage and he was gone. I held it all inside until we were leaving the parking lot then I had a small missionary mother moment which will be referred to as an MMM from now on. We went to the movie and saw Something Borrowed. That worked to keep our minds occupied. Everything was pretty good and stable until we got home. None of us were prepared for the emotion that would hit when we walked into his bedroom. We know he is doing the right thing but that doesn't mean it's easy for us. We anxiously await his first correspondence. One thing we've learned is that we are so thankful for dear family and friends who are supporting us along the way. We love you all!
PICTURES FROM THE MTC
July 12, 2011 - HIS FIRST LETTER!!!!! WOO HOO
Dear Family,
All of the other Elders are so jealous of how many letters I have! I am truly blessed to have such a powerful group of support at home!
First, getting to the MTC is a bit hectic and all of the buildings look the same at first but I tried not to worry about those things and to concentrate on teaching and I've found everything else has come pretty easy. Oh, and the food is good. (of course he would say that! lol) My MTC companion is Elder Bott. Before his mission, he was attending BYU and studying math and math teaching. He grew up in the San Francisco Bay area in California before moving to St. George, UT at 14 years of age. He attended Tuacahn High School which is a performing arts school in St. George. He is 5'8" and weighs 112 pounds with short brown hair. He is very upbeat and is kind of an odd duck (he'll even admit it) but I've grown to love him very much. We have a program called "progressive investigators" where we teach our teachers as they pose as an investigator. Today we taught Cam (Brother Hopper) for the first time and it was amazing! We invited him to read the Book of Mormon and to find out if it and the restoratioin through Joseph Smith was true. The Spirit was so strong and we really helped each other as companions. MOM: As I mentioned before, the food has been great. I've had lasagne, chicken salad, clam chowder and a lot of good stuff. I did not sleep much at all the first night, but only because it was crazy hot. It cooled off a bit the past couple nights though so I've slept pretty well. I've found it helpful to wake up 20 or so minutes early to beat everyone to the showers. Don't you worry about my mailbox being empty because I don't think it has been since I've been here. IT IS APPRECIATED!!!! I will be leaving on or before the 27th. I'll let you know exact details when I do. Thank you so much for the goldfish crackers. I love you so much! Thank you for supporting me all that you do. I know your thoughts and prayers will have a great impact on my mission. Thank you! BRANDON: How are you doing? You're welcome for the reeses! My companion, Elder Bott, does like nintendo and I know he was playing Twilight Princess shortly before he left but I haven't asked if he likes pokemon yet. I'll let you know! Bud, I hope that you know that what I'm doing is the right thing and I would encourage you more than I could ever express to prepare to serve a mission yourself. I love you so much and I'm jealous that I missed tree and house jumping (inside joke) MAKAYLA: You haven't written me yet but I'm still going to write to you even though I don't have specific questions to answer. (she really had written he just hadn't gotten it yet) I heard you hit a pretty sweet double for me! Congrats! I played softball at gym time yesterday because an Elder in my district played baseball for Dixie State and it's what he wanted to play. I was pretty much terrible but it doesn't matter. ha ha Thank you for being such a spiritual giant and a real example in my life. I'll never forget your testimony of the Book of Mormon. That really inspired me to truly gain one for myself. I love you so much sis! DAD: Thanks for your letter and I'll definitely take your advice and focus on the spirit and not worldly things. I know the MTC is probably way different as far as how we are taught now but I know you understand when I say how much I love it here. I know that me going on a mission will bless you back home and I'll glad you can feel that Spirit. I love you so much! PS. I need more hangers, about 10 just to be safe. Sorry about the lack of pictures. I promise to get more diligent now that I have more of an idea when I can do so.
All of the other Elders are so jealous of how many letters I have! I am truly blessed to have such a powerful group of support at home!
First, getting to the MTC is a bit hectic and all of the buildings look the same at first but I tried not to worry about those things and to concentrate on teaching and I've found everything else has come pretty easy. Oh, and the food is good. (of course he would say that! lol) My MTC companion is Elder Bott. Before his mission, he was attending BYU and studying math and math teaching. He grew up in the San Francisco Bay area in California before moving to St. George, UT at 14 years of age. He attended Tuacahn High School which is a performing arts school in St. George. He is 5'8" and weighs 112 pounds with short brown hair. He is very upbeat and is kind of an odd duck (he'll even admit it) but I've grown to love him very much. We have a program called "progressive investigators" where we teach our teachers as they pose as an investigator. Today we taught Cam (Brother Hopper) for the first time and it was amazing! We invited him to read the Book of Mormon and to find out if it and the restoratioin through Joseph Smith was true. The Spirit was so strong and we really helped each other as companions. MOM: As I mentioned before, the food has been great. I've had lasagne, chicken salad, clam chowder and a lot of good stuff. I did not sleep much at all the first night, but only because it was crazy hot. It cooled off a bit the past couple nights though so I've slept pretty well. I've found it helpful to wake up 20 or so minutes early to beat everyone to the showers. Don't you worry about my mailbox being empty because I don't think it has been since I've been here. IT IS APPRECIATED!!!! I will be leaving on or before the 27th. I'll let you know exact details when I do. Thank you so much for the goldfish crackers. I love you so much! Thank you for supporting me all that you do. I know your thoughts and prayers will have a great impact on my mission. Thank you! BRANDON: How are you doing? You're welcome for the reeses! My companion, Elder Bott, does like nintendo and I know he was playing Twilight Princess shortly before he left but I haven't asked if he likes pokemon yet. I'll let you know! Bud, I hope that you know that what I'm doing is the right thing and I would encourage you more than I could ever express to prepare to serve a mission yourself. I love you so much and I'm jealous that I missed tree and house jumping (inside joke) MAKAYLA: You haven't written me yet but I'm still going to write to you even though I don't have specific questions to answer. (she really had written he just hadn't gotten it yet) I heard you hit a pretty sweet double for me! Congrats! I played softball at gym time yesterday because an Elder in my district played baseball for Dixie State and it's what he wanted to play. I was pretty much terrible but it doesn't matter. ha ha Thank you for being such a spiritual giant and a real example in my life. I'll never forget your testimony of the Book of Mormon. That really inspired me to truly gain one for myself. I love you so much sis! DAD: Thanks for your letter and I'll definitely take your advice and focus on the spirit and not worldly things. I know the MTC is probably way different as far as how we are taught now but I know you understand when I say how much I love it here. I know that me going on a mission will bless you back home and I'll glad you can feel that Spirit. I love you so much! PS. I need more hangers, about 10 just to be safe. Sorry about the lack of pictures. I promise to get more diligent now that I have more of an idea when I can do so.
July 13, 2011 - FIRST EMAIL!!! Wednesday is P-day
(This letter was somewhat of a repeat of his first letter so I'll just highlight some of the other parts)
Hey! If you can't figure it out, today is my preparation day so Wednesday is when I will be able to email you. Ironic I know. ha ha I'm loving the MTC a ton and I can't wait to get out into the field. They are feeding us pretty well as I mentioned in my letter, but I am slowly starting to get tired of it. I really love my district and we get along really well. There are six Elders: Elder Urban, Elder VanWagoner, Elder Denton, Elder Atkin, Elder Bott (my companion), and me. There are also six sisters in our district: Sister Bedard, Sister Hawks, Sister Hanshew, and Sister Flansberg. We are all going to the same mission, the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission or, as it is called in the field, the ONE TRUE MISSION. One of the programs here at the MTC is called Progressive Investigator. It is a wonderful learning experience and it just builds my desire to serve the people in my mission. One of the investigators' name is Cam and he is curious about the church and keeps inviting us back but he is just very apathetic and says he will commit to what we have invited him to do but so far he hasn't read the Book of Mormon. I remember how devestated me and my companion felt when he didn't do so because I know it is so key to knowing that this is the true Gospel and gaining a testimony. The other is Mark who has been left alone struggling to support his son (who has been baptized) after his wife left him. I know that the peace and joy and solace he can feel from Christ's atonement would be SUCH a blessing in his life and I love the progress he is making toward entering into the waters of baptism to allow him to fully partake in that blessing. The previous two were my teachers here at the MTC but the thrid one, Ed, is a volunteer actor and so far teaching him has been my favorite experience. He is a giant African American individual and the first things he asked us were: 1. Why didn't blacks get the priesthood until the '70's? 2. Why can't women have the priesthood? 3. I heard you guys practice polygamy right? I know that it was the guidance of the Holy Ghost that allowed us to address these concerns and my companion and I were able to teach so well that the man playing Ed actually broke character to tell us that in all his time serving here, we are the best he's seen. He said usually it takes Elders four times or so to "get it" but that we nailed it the first visit. I know that it wasn't just us and that the guidance we received from the spirit was key in that lesson. I love you all so much!
Hey! If you can't figure it out, today is my preparation day so Wednesday is when I will be able to email you. Ironic I know. ha ha I'm loving the MTC a ton and I can't wait to get out into the field. They are feeding us pretty well as I mentioned in my letter, but I am slowly starting to get tired of it. I really love my district and we get along really well. There are six Elders: Elder Urban, Elder VanWagoner, Elder Denton, Elder Atkin, Elder Bott (my companion), and me. There are also six sisters in our district: Sister Bedard, Sister Hawks, Sister Hanshew, and Sister Flansberg. We are all going to the same mission, the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission or, as it is called in the field, the ONE TRUE MISSION. One of the programs here at the MTC is called Progressive Investigator. It is a wonderful learning experience and it just builds my desire to serve the people in my mission. One of the investigators' name is Cam and he is curious about the church and keeps inviting us back but he is just very apathetic and says he will commit to what we have invited him to do but so far he hasn't read the Book of Mormon. I remember how devestated me and my companion felt when he didn't do so because I know it is so key to knowing that this is the true Gospel and gaining a testimony. The other is Mark who has been left alone struggling to support his son (who has been baptized) after his wife left him. I know that the peace and joy and solace he can feel from Christ's atonement would be SUCH a blessing in his life and I love the progress he is making toward entering into the waters of baptism to allow him to fully partake in that blessing. The previous two were my teachers here at the MTC but the thrid one, Ed, is a volunteer actor and so far teaching him has been my favorite experience. He is a giant African American individual and the first things he asked us were: 1. Why didn't blacks get the priesthood until the '70's? 2. Why can't women have the priesthood? 3. I heard you guys practice polygamy right? I know that it was the guidance of the Holy Ghost that allowed us to address these concerns and my companion and I were able to teach so well that the man playing Ed actually broke character to tell us that in all his time serving here, we are the best he's seen. He said usually it takes Elders four times or so to "get it" but that we nailed it the first visit. I know that it wasn't just us and that the guidance we received from the spirit was key in that lesson. I love you all so much!
July 19, 2011 - Letter
The cookies you sent to my district were a HUGE hit with everybody! Thank you so much for all you guys have done for me so far. I really appreciate it. I've mentioned progessive investigator before and I have continued to develop a love for it. Taking it seriously has helped me learn so many things. I've learned that prayer is essential for conversion because it is the best way to build a relationship with God. One of our investigators, Cam, was making little progress. After learning about prayer in class we taught him how to pray and he's progressing! Our other investigator, Mark, has a testimony and now we're teaching him the Word of Wisdom in preparation for baptism. Ed, the big black baptist, we were able to teach the Restoration and answer more of his concerns. This most recent time, however, he had to cancel his appointment with us which was kind of disappointing. I've really grown in my love of the Gospel and for Preach My Gospel which is an incredible book. I'm so excited to go out and share the joy that it brings to my life. Elder Bott and I grow closer and closer everyday and I love how we just get along perfectly. (He says that he loves you too mom. He also thanks you for the cookies.) I have some free time here on Monday so I've written this letter today but I'm waiting to send it in case I want to add something. Oh Hey! I can call you at the airport! So I fly out on the 27th with a layover in Denver. Should I call some time before 5 am or between 7-10 during the layover? Oh and also feel free to send me more ties. Not necessarily ugly ones but having lots of ties is great to add variety to wearin the same thing everyday. Love you all! Elder Cody Holmes
July 20, 2011 -Letter
So I covered most things in my letter but one thing that I didn't mention was that on Tuesday night we have a devotional from a general authority. So far, both of them have been emeritus members of the seventy but they have both been way awesome. After the devotionals we always get together as a district and have a testimony meeting and share our thoughts about the devotional. So far I have cried at it everytime but that's okay because other people have too. haha The first time we talked about the Atonement and when one of the sister's was talking she said Heavenly Father instead of Jesus Christ and even though she corrected herself it made me think of something. I know that physically nothing can compare to what our Savior went through but I know that as God had to watch his only begotten Son go through the suffering he did and not be able to help, it had to have been emotionally just as hard if not more difficult. It really built my testimony of how much my Father in Heaven loves me as well as my Savior. Then, this last time we were spoken to about the power of the Book of Mormon and about love. Really, everything in the Gospel comes down to love. Our
Heavenly Father loves us all so he sent His Son, Christ loves us so he came to earth and suffered for the sins of the world, we need to love both of them as well. I know that as we do, then obeying all other commandments will come easy because we will want to obey. I know obedience is WAY important on my mission and I've really felt my Savior's love here and so I can't wait to go out and share that love with the people of Tulsa. Also, next week I'm saying the opening prayer for the Tuesday devotional and so I get to sit up front! I may be sitting within feet of an Apostle but even at the least it will be a Seventy. I'm so excited and so is Elder Bott. haha What would he do without me? I love all of you very much and I know that you are being watched over while I'm gone, as you've already expressed to me in your letters. Thank you all for your love and support! Elder Cody Holmes
Heavenly Father loves us all so he sent His Son, Christ loves us so he came to earth and suffered for the sins of the world, we need to love both of them as well. I know that as we do, then obeying all other commandments will come easy because we will want to obey. I know obedience is WAY important on my mission and I've really felt my Savior's love here and so I can't wait to go out and share that love with the people of Tulsa. Also, next week I'm saying the opening prayer for the Tuesday devotional and so I get to sit up front! I may be sitting within feet of an Apostle but even at the least it will be a Seventy. I'm so excited and so is Elder Bott. haha What would he do without me? I love all of you very much and I know that you are being watched over while I'm gone, as you've already expressed to me in your letters. Thank you all for your love and support! Elder Cody Holmes