Well, it seems like forever ago that I was in Provo at the MTC. Exactly a week ago, I landed in Houston. What a crazy thought!
So, there were 10 of us leaving the MTC and coming into our
mission. All of the travel went well. We got to Houston and made our way
down to get our bags and meet the mission president. Without any real
idea of what to expect, we met President and Sister Saylin. We all
talked as we waited for our bags to surface. Eventually they did and we
were on our way... to somewhere. We had no idea where. It turns out that
we went to a church building and had a short meeting to introduce what
we were about to go do. That being going out and contacting. We were
given a temporary conpanion, 5 minutes worth of role play, and then we
were off. Me and Elder Pham traveled together to a small Vietnamese
complex. Oh boy. Then we went out. I dont even know what was going
through my head at that time, but soon enough, we were talking to
people. We only had a few minutes to talk with people before we were
supposed to be back at the meetinghouse. We ended up talking to 3
people.
After that excursion, we went back to the church then moved on and
traveled to the mission home. We had some workshops, an interview with
President Saylin, and had dinner. Then we had a testimony meeting. It
was all really great. We then got sent to nearby missionary's
appartments to sleep that night. The night went fast and then it was
morning. Time for the first full day in Houston.
We were again driven to a church building. We had a small
breakfast, and then were given some more training. Then it came time to
be given our trainers. My companion is Elder Wilkinson. We had lunch
there and then was the mission's transfer meeting where everyone being
transferred finds out where they are going and who they will be serving
with. I am in the Broadway area which basically covers everywhere east
and north of the city. Because we are the Viet missionaries, our area is
massive. Also being in the east, I'm not in the Vietnamese branch.
Church is in English and "we" sit in the back translating for the people
who need it in Viet. I guess I should say person as its only one, and
he speaks some English anyways. I say "we" because I really can't do too
much of anything right now. I did one of the sacrament prayers and
attempted the closing prayer, but there's PLENTY of room for improvement.
Not that I expect to be good at it yet. Improvement comes with time. I
think.
Whenever we talk to people or teach in Vietnamese, I am just
entirely lost. But I guess its ok, because we actually do most of our
teaching in English. You see, the second generation here all know
English. Its really only the first generation that need the Vietnamese.
But despite that, I'm working hard to get my language ability at least
to a point right now where I can kind of follow whats going on, even if I
still cant participate in whats happening.
Well, theres I'm sure a ton of questions that you have and a lot of
things that I probably should mention that I havent thought of. Right
now, my mind is kinda a mess as I am trying to adjust to life here as a
missionary. So make sure you ask questions if you have any and that will
help me know what to say.
The address that you can send letters to is:
Elder Matt Manhardt
Texas Houston South Mission
5700 Brookglen #558
Houston, TX 77017
Alright I gotta go.
Elder Phong Manhardt
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