HERE WE GO!

Ni Hao!

I have three more hours until I leave for the airport!! This is crazy!!! I've been up since three because I had to say goodbye to Elder Redding and a few other elders this morning...I can't believe I've already been in the MTC for nine weeks. I have loved the MTC, and I've never grown this much spiritually in such a short amount of time before, but I am so excited to go to Singapore!

Last Monday was an awesome last P-Day because I got to play ball with Elder A and a few others one last time, and I don't think I missed a shot. We were all happy the whole day, so when we had the opportunity to skype a man in Taiwan and teach, our lesson went really well. I never realized how important attitude and faith were until I came to the MTC. If we expect to have the Spirit with us and are worthy, 99% of the time we will have a more effective lesson. 

Tuesday was great because....We heard from an APOSTLE!!! Hooray! Elder Richard G. Scott spoke to us Tuesday night about prayer. I was amazed that he was able to take such a simple topic and delve so deeply into what prayer really is. Isn't it amazing that God commands us to talk to Him? There are so many powerful people in the world that don't have time for anybody but themselves...even we get that way sometimes, but our Heavenly Father WANTS to help us and wants us to pour out our souls to Him. I know that I need to do better at praying earnestly and sincerely. Prayer is a sacred privilege, and it shouldn't be something we only turn to in times of desperation. I also learned that I need to allow time during my prayers for Heavenly Father to answer my questions and speak back to me through the Holy Ghost. D and C 6,8, and 9 are all awesome sections about how to obtain an answer to prayer and what it should feel like. One thing that hit me is how important it is to make sure we're praying to follow God's will and not our own desires. Sometimes I think Heavenly Father isn't answering my prayers because He's not giving me what I want. This is something I need to fix! I know that the Lord has called me to succeed, not to fail. I know that in order to achieve things never before achieved, I need to do things I've never done before. I committed to serve with all that I have from this point on. 

Wednesday...Happy Birthday Elder Redding!!!!!! I love Elder Redding, and I'm so grateful we've been able to support each other in the MTC. He's my hero and best friend! I learned a lot from the Book of Mormon Wednesday morning, especially while reading in 1 Nephi. 16:23 talks about how even Lehi and the rest of Nephi's family were murmuring...I think that sometimes I murmur instead of acting in faith like Nephi. Murmuring=doubt=no faith. I need to do better at taking responsibility for what happens to me and trust that the Lord will take care of me. During companionship study we role played a little bit by trying to give one minute street-contacting lessons....it was so hard!!! It was very humbling, and taught me a lot about what I need to work on. This is what life is about! Doing hard things in order to learn your weaknesses and know what you need to improve...I've got a long way to go as far as Chinese haha. 

One thing that the MTC has helped me do is set goals. Without specific goals, it can be hard to stay motivated and reach your long term visions. I would invite all of you back home to set some specific spiritual, physical, social, intellectual, etc. goals in order to be motivated and hold yourself accountable. I promise you'll see improvement! Wednesday night I got to teach a native Chinese speaker about the Word of Wisdom all on my own....she told me she understood everything I said after the lesson (whew), but she told me I looked and felt so nervous that there was no way I was going to be able to invite the Spirit. This was very humbling, but also very helpful. I need to focus more on the doctrine and the Spirit, and less about what I'm saying. Luckily, to wrap up the night and cheer everyone up, we somehow started talking about veggie tales, and it brought back some good memories!

Thursday was super busy! We started off with basketball, and then moved mattresses out of a building for 2 hours! It was super tiring, but definitely a nice change of pace! One scripture that was my theme for the day is Alma 12:1-it talks about having unity in teaching and supporting your companion-I know this can apply to missionaries, friends, family...anyone! 2 by 2 is the way we do! When we are working together, the Spirit can be shared in a stronger way that is very unique and powerful. I also spent some time going through my scriptures and marking things with tabs that I could quickly share in lessons with investigators. This has been very helpful and convenient, and I would invite you to do this as well before you come on a mission! Just choose a few of your favorites!

Friday was In-Field-Orientation, and it was another awesome experience! I really do love the MTC! Haha I even forgot it was my birthday...but that's a good sign of hard work! The biggest things I learned during the orientation was how important goals are, and how important attitude is. We went over a lot of things, but basically, without belief there will be no action and no results. If we have a bad attitude about anything, we will never find a good thing as a result. I need to be optimistic at all times and trust the Lord that he'll take care of me at all times. 

Saturday was super good but also sad because we had to say goodbye to all of our teachers. I love them so much, and Im so grateful for the patience they've had with me. They have taught me so much more than Chinese, and I can't wait to see them again after I get home from singapore. We also started packing a little bit Saturday night....booooo!!! I have grown so close to my district, and I don't wanna say goodbye! We were able to all spend some time together and share testimonies. I love every single one of them, and I'm grateful for their examples.

Sunday was one of the best days ever! How often do you see 2500 missionaries participating in a temple dedication ceremony? It was absolutely incredible, and the Spirit was so strong. I am so grateful to live so close to the temple, and I am so happy that I have been able to be sealed to my family forever. I can't wait to share this with the people of Singapore! My district was also able to sing Nearer My God to Thee and I'll Go Where You want me to Go I'll Go in Sacrament meeting with a cello accompaniment, and it was so powerful! I love music!!!!! Sunday was just awesome...please watch You Never Know Mormon Message...Mom, it fits perfectly for you! Sometimes we just don't know how many people we impact. I know that my teachers and district don't know how much they've helped me, but I've tried to show that I love them and let them know. 

I can honestly say that I've felt the Spirit stronger here than anywhere else on Earth. I love the MTC so much, and I've kinda grown used to it! I'll be in Sinapore soon, and that's a very scary thought, but I know the Lord loves me and is already teaching the people there. I hope that I can be a tool in his hands, and I hope I can be the missionary He wants me to be. I love you all so much, and I'm so grateful for the support, letters, prayers, dear elders, and emails I've received while in the MTC. Thank you with all of my heart! Here we go!!!!

PS-the Civility Experiment Mormon Message is also an awesome video clip that'll just make you smile and give you tingles haha. Feel free to watch that too! Civility Experiment

Zai Jian!!

Last Week at MTC!

Man oh man, I can't believe it's my last week in the MTC!! 9 weeks seemed so long to begin with, but it has flown by! I can honestly say that I am so grateful for every minute I have had in the MTC. I have felt the Spirit more strongly here than anywhere else, and I have also grown a lot in a very short amount of time. The devotionals and friendships I have made are priceless and I wouldn't trade them for anything! It is so cool to have all of the teachers and missionaries around you as examples and support...I will miss that in the field! Next week will be a major change that is a little scary, but also exciting!!

So last Monday night was awesome! We got to skype again and we taught a new convert from Taiwan named Charles or Wei Lin. He was super proud of his English skills, so it was hard to remind him to speak Chinese to us haha. We taught him about prayer and how that can help him learn more and more. He didn't know any of the scriptures we shared, so it was cool because I felt like we were actually helping him! He was nice and spoke slowly when he did use Chinese, so it was a blessing that we could understand him as well. It was such and awesome experience...I just love sharing and hearing other people's testimonies!!! Please try and share your testimony in all that you do-words and actions!

Tuesday was awesome too!!! First of all, what is with all of this rain we've been having?? I'm convinced it's to prepare me for Singapore! Tuesday morning, while studying my scriptures, I read through Mormon 8 and 9. They are two of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon, and I'd invite you all to read through them this week-it only takes a few minutes! It is so humbling to read Mormon and Moroni's words, especially in 8:35 when he says that he is speaking directly to us. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon, and the testimony it has given me. I know my Savior lives, and I know the Gospel is the greatest gift on the Earth. If we read the Book of Mormon with an open heart and a sincere desire to know of it's truth, we will never be disappointed! Be bold when you share it with others. I also had the chance to hear from one of my friends, and he shared D and C 122: 7 and 9 with me. The Lord tells Joseph that all the trials are for our good and to just hold on. I know that this is true, and without challenges and things to stretch us, we will never grow. There is no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone.

Wednesday was another amazing day! Something I found in Ether while reading the scriptures was just how humble the Brother of Jared and his people were. We don't even know his name!!!  In Ether 6:9-12 it talks about how they were on the boats for 344 days, and they didn't even fight or doubt. They immediately thanked the Lord as soon as they reached land. How amazing is that?? I need to be more humble and faithful...There is so much we can learn from the examples in the Book of Mormon! During class, we talked more about how we can teach to people's needs, and also how every single person can learn something from each part of the gospel. I shared how I didn't know how to help people very well in Chinese, and we did an amazing activity as a result. We watched a People of New York video without the sound on and tried to guess and feel what this girl's needs were (from the video). It was so cool to see how important observing body language and listening to the Spirit is compared to simply listening to language. It helped me know that I don't need to perfect at Chinese to teach! I also realized that if we can understand the whole system of the Gospel and how it all fits together, we can know where to begin teaching each person. Everybody has the roots of the truth in their heart; if we can be observant and in tune with the Spirit we will be able to reach everyone effectively.

Thursday was awesome cause it was Llama's Birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIL BRO!!!! (who's actually bigger than me...darn). I love you, Cheeto!!! Thursday afternoon, while praying I realized that it's not about teaching all of the doctrine to each investigator. It is so easy to get caught up in checking principles off that you've taught, but think back to when you were younger and were baptized...I certainly didn't know as much as I know now, and I can't expect my investigators to be perfect either! It's important that we learn the gospel little by little so that we can gain a testimony of each part and see how it can bless our lives. I love this gospel and am grateful for the experiences I've had to know it's true.

Friday was a long but satisfying day! I was able to read through the Book of Mormon again and finished it Friday morning....what an amazing book it is....it is so much more than a book. No matter how many times you read it, you can always learn more and more. I would ask all of you to do Moroni's promise if you havent, and if you already have, do it again. By asking the Lord if the Book of Mormon is true, we can only strengthen our testimony. Moroni 7:13 tells us to invite people to do good in order to help them gain a testimony, and I know this is true. Look for opportunities to serve each and every day! In a lesson Friday night, an investigator talked about how he doesn't feel comfortable at church because he smells like smoke and I froze;...I didn't know what to say. Nephi 3:5 and 31 tell us that what the Lord commands us to do can be hard, but it's through practice and exercising faith that we learn how to respond. I want to try and do better at always having the Spirit with me so that I can help everyone in every situation, even if I haven't experienced it and have empathy....because I know the Savior does. 

Saturday was amazing too! We taught another missionary acting as an investigator, and it hit me how important it is to teach the Gospel simply. We can't rob others of finding the truths for themselves. Simply invite them to learn and share experiences about how it has helped you, and more often than not, that is plenty of teaching. I need to do better at simplifying the gospel so that others don't become overwhelmed and confused.In Nephi 4:3 and 6 it tells me that I have been called by the Lord and that He will lead my step by step...how can I doubt? I am so grateful for all of the good influences on me like my family, friends, companions, teachers, and other missionaries. They have all been answers to my prayers and have lead me to where I need to go. I love the MTC!

Sundays are always the best days of the week!! I was reading about baptism in D and C 20:37 and Mosiah 18:8-11, and I was considering if I was still keeping those covenants I made. We should always remember the promises and covenants we've made if we expect to have the Lord's guidance and blessings. Please read through those and gauge your own progress!! The best part of Sunday was going to choir practice for the last time. We sang Be Still My Soul, and what an amazing experience that was. I've been worrying about Singapore and Chinese, and this was a perfect answer to my prayers. The director shared some stories and facts about the creation and the universe....we are so small and insignificant. There are trillions of galaxies with trillions of stars in each one...most of them bigger than our Sun....God created them all....yet we still feel fear from small things on this Earth. He is all powerful. I also know that as great as He is, He is equally personal and intimate. He loves me, and He loves each one of us...I can't even fathom it, but I know it's true. I hope to be able to share this love and powerful message with the people of Singapore soon...I am so grateful for the gospel and the joy it has brought me in my life.

I just want to quickly thank you all for sending so many Dear Elders, emails, packages, and letters...I am going to miss all the support in Singapore! I am grateful for your prayers and your love, and I wouldn't be here without all of you! Thank you all!!!

Love - Elder Lloyd

God's Army!

TWO MORE WEEKS!

Hi Family and Friends!

I can't believe another week has passed!! The truest saying has gotta be that the days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days! I realized that I need to buckle down with my language study, because in a few weeks, I won't be able to say sorry and use a couple english words or anything! This is a scary thought!

First of all, I am so grateful for all of you. It was so cool to get the "Mighty Six" letter this week and hear how some of my friends are doing. The Dear Elders, emails, letters, and packages help so much, and I really appreciate all of the prayers. When all of you share cool stories or your testimony with me, it helps strengthen mine. Thank you all so much!!!!!

A few notes ...

So last Monday was awesome, but also kind of sad because it was Labor Day. Labor Day = no temple. Monday night was really cool because we got to skype a lady in Taiwan and teach her a lesson. It was sooooo hard to understand her, and I'm pretty sure she couldn't understand us half of the time too. Even though the lesson didn't go well, I learned a lot about what I need to work on as far as language and lessons go. It was an awesome learning experience. It was also weird because it seems as if everyone had left the MTC. A bunch of my friends have gone by now, so working out was a little lonely Monday afternoon haha. 

Some bad news is that Taiwan has changed their visa application process, and Elder Redding and a bunch of people in my zone will probably get reassigned. The people who came in on July 9th are staying here until Sep 16. I feel bad that they've had to go through this time of unsurety! I know the Lord is taking care of all of us though, and that serving in the states for a little bit will be a huge blessing!

Off to Melbourne!

Tuesday was wonderful as well!! Basically every single day is wonderful...the MTC truly is my favorite place. I could live here forever if I could be with my family too! Tuesday afternoon one of my new teachers helped me a bunch with the tones and pronunciation. The teachers are starting to speak faster to prepare us for the field, and it has gotten a lot harder to understand all of them. I have sooo much work to do!!!! I'm grateful for their patience and kindness. The teachers here are so loving and helpful...I'd say it's my dream job to work here after the mission! 

At the devotional, the thought hit me that I should fear no man. The Lord has been preparing the people of Singapore for a long time, and I don't need to be afraid of anyone. The Lord has given me so, so, so much, and this mission is a wonderful opportunity to share what I have with others. I am so grateful for the peace the scriptures and prayer has brought me. Isn't it amazing that our Heavenly Father asks us to speak to him? Every time I consider this I immediately feel so humbled. I know that I already chose to come to this Earth because I love God, and I also know that I chose to come on a mission because I love Him and want to serve Him. 

From Sister Lloyd in Oz

Wednesday afternoon, we had another new teacher come teach us for the first time. She is from France, and she has the most incredible testimony. She shared a few stories with us, and really helped me relax and forget some of my worries. She reminded me so much of my sister Ali, and I can only hope to be like both of them someday. I realized that the best teachers might know the answers, but they don't always give the answers. I need to remember to let my investigators discover the gospel for themselves and learn how to receive personal revelation. I also realized that it's not about sharing a bunch of information, it's about helping someone feel something. The feeling is the thing that will help them have faith and desire. I know my Chinese isn't going to help anyone, so this was an awesome thing for me to realize! We finished the day by welcoming a new district in our zone, and it was awesome to see Katie Kitchen here!!

Thursday was awesome, I was able to read through 3 Nephi during personal study. I found a million amazing scriptures, but one of my favorites was 3 Nephi 12:14-16. I know that we are a light and that so many people are watching us. I need to always to my best to be an example of Christ because I never know who or what will be impacted at anytime throughout the day. I also read in chapter 13:33-34 that if I focus on the Lord, I don't need to worry about tomorrow. I am a bad worrier, so this promise helped me feel comfort and peace. I am going to do my best to try and focus on the present and on the work of the Lord.

So Long Elder Porter!

Friday was yet again a great day!! First of all, I am so grateful for the scriptures. Please read a little bit each day, and say a prayer after you finish. I know the Lord has blessed me so much, and He will bless you too. We can learn so much from each and every single verse. On Friday, I realized the frustration of wanting to make someone do something because you know it will help them, but you can't...We have been teaching an investigator who won't follow up on commitments...it is so frustrating! I know that the Lord has given me these opportunites to learn patience and discover new ways to help invite people to come unto Christ. I am so excited to teach the people of Singapore and help them know the happiness that I have felt and seen when poeple to follow the Lord and keep the commandments.

Saturday was an awesome turning point for me! We planned the week out in the morning, and I realized that I need much more specific goals. I know that the goals will help motivate me and help me be accountable for my studies. I don't want to waste any time here, and I'm excited to learn a lot this coming week. During companionship inventory, I realized how lucky I was to have awesome companions. I am so grateful that the Lord was blessed me with people that will always be my friend and want to help me! I love being a missionary!

Our Pet Snail Now in Singapore

Sunday was one of the best days yet! I was released as District Leader in the morning, and was able to talk with the branch president after in an interview. He is an awesome man, and helped me realize some things and consider how I could improve. We were able to share our testimonies with each other, and I felt the Spirit so strongly. I want you all to know that I know Heavenly Father loves each one of us. I also know that the love He has for us is so much more than we realize. It allows us to change and become better than we ever thought possible. I have only been serving seven weeks, but I already feel as if my life has been changed immensely. I am so grateful for callings...while being district leader, I realized I need to be more observant and aware of the needs of others. I just want to help everyone-missionaries, members, nonmembers...and the only way to do it is by listening and observing. I know that even more important than inviting is to be inviting. I need to be kind so that others can see the light of Christ in me and trust me. I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve a mission!! IT's AmAZING!!

My Rock - Elder Redding

I am just so humbled that I get the privilege to be a representative of the Lord. I know He loves each one of us and wants to bless us. I know that He gives us commandments to help us grow and become more happy and free than we could've ever realized on our own. I love of all you and hope you know that you make a difference! Thank you for the love and support!!

Love, Elder Lloyd

ROBBY IS BACK! - Week 5 MTC

Ni hao family and friends!!!!

Each week gets better and better! I just want you all to know that I love you so much and I am so grateful for the love, support, and prayers from back home. I can't believe I've been gone a month and a half, but I also can't wait to go to Singapore! Thank you for everything!!

So last Monday night was awesome because I got a couple of packages late in the day. We also had the chance to teach about the Atonement to an investigator. It was really simple explanations, but the Spirit was so strong. I know my purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ - not just “progressing investigators”. I also was reading in Mosiah 4, and I really felt God's love for me. I am so humbled that our Heavenly Father has promised us ALL that He has if we will just be willing to change and have faith. 

Tuesdays are always wonderful because we know that we have a devotional that night to look forward to. In the morning, while I studied my scriptures, I was reading through Alma 42. The Plan of Happiness just makes sense! I am so grateful that we have laws, rules, and commandments in order to achieve complete happiness. I am also grateful that our Savior died for us, so that we could have the opportunity to become like Him. At the devotional, a few things stuck out to me. The speaker mostly shared mission stories that all had deeper meaning and things to learn. I loved when he said, "If it is to be it is up to me." Isn't that so true? I know that I am responsible for my own progression. If I expect or desire something, I need to act first and work my hardest to achieve it. I need to be willing to do the impossible, even if I don't think I can...because I know I can't. 

Everything is possible only through Heavenly Father and Christ. I read Moses 6 every single day and picture myself in Enoch's place. I know that I'm not perfect, my Chinese is terrible, and I'm just a kid, but I know that I'm striving to have the Lord's Spirit with me. I don't want to get discouraged because nobody in Singapore has heard of God...I want to see it as an opportunity to teach everyone that there is a God. My final point of the day is that I know God will judge us based on degree of personal difficulty. We can't compare ourselves to others because there is no comparison. Some things are easy for me that may be hard for someone else. I am so grateful for this Gospel and the truths that bring me peace!

Sibling Missionaries

Wednesday was another great day!!! While reading in Alma and the story about Amalickiah, I realized just how smart Satan can be....he is clever! He will attack our weakest points, so do your best to trust in the Lord and turn them into strengths. I also got a letter from Ali in Australia!!!! That made me sooo happy! I am so blessed to have the best missionary in the world for a sister that I can learn from each week. Her letter had so many great thoughts in it, and I am so excited for her to finish strong in her mission these last few months. I hope that I can be a friend to people ...I just can't wait to smile at the people waiting in Singapore!

Thursday was great and I got an early BD present from Mom and Dad! I am so grateful that I have such an incredible family that supports me and loves me. I know I wouldn't be here if I didn't have them and their examples. I know everybody knows the story, but I loved reading Alma 56 today about the Stripling Warriors and how the loved their mothers. I also thought it was interesting that they were completely selfless. It was no coincidence that not one of them died while fighting in battle. I hope to work throughout my mission and humbling myself and becoming more selfless. I need to look for the needs of others before I try and address my own.

Friday was another wonderful day! I received a package of homemade rolls and honey butter and a box of donuts! OORAH!! Our district sure did have a good time snacking down after a long week! I don't know why people are so kind to me, but I am so grateful for the love from home! The letters, packages, and Dear Elders make such a huge difference in helping me have a good attitude and outlook.

A cool part of the day was our lesson with an investigator. We invited a couple members to come with us so that we could invite our investigator to church. The testimonies that were shared were amazing! I know that we all need to go to church to partake of the Sacrament and feel the Spirit, but I also know we need to go to church with the attitude that we want to serve another. If we do that, we will never be bored or disappointed. While reading in Helaman, I was so sad for the Nephites, but I also learned a lot...we cannot live surrounded by evil and expect to withstand the temptation. I am so grateful for the area and friends that I had growing up that made it so easy to choose the right. I love you guys!

Saturday was another wonderful day! During TRC, we invited our investigator to try and prepare for Sunday on Saturday night, and I'd like to invite you all to do the same. The Spiritual opportunities and events that occur on Sunday are more important than any other thing we do throughout the week, so please try and remember that as you partake of the Sacrament. A sad point of the day was losing our teacher Brother G...we love him but his school schedule made it so he can't teach anymore.

Last Meal at Limone

I can't believe that everyone is going back to school and I get to go serve the children of the Lord! I am one lucky guy!! In Alma 24, we read about how the Anti Nephi Lehites were willing to give up their lives in order to repent and keep their covenant with God. After reading that, I asked myself, what more am I willing to give? What more are all of you willing to give? I know that there is a huge difference between 99 and 100%...My goal this week is to stop worrying about the future and to completely immerse myself in the gospel.

Sundays are always incredible because of all of the meetings and opportunities to learn from the Spirit. We started the day with District Council, and it ended up being a testimony. It was so cool to hear and share my testimony with others. I just want to help people, and I know that is what the Lord has called me to do. We also watched a talk by President Uchtdorf that focused on pride and priesthood. He said, "Pride is the thing that switches the Priesthood off, and humility is what turns it back on." Pride and the Priesthood There is no problem with being proud of this gospel, your family, or an event, but it turns into a problem when you start comparing yourself and putting yourself above others. I need to work on this. We will never be happy if we are in constant competition with the people around us! 

A scripture in 2 Nephi 28:24 talks about wo coming to those who are at ease in Zion...we are all in Zion, and it's not supposed to be easy! Don't be content with yourselves. The minute we stop desiring change and repentance is the second that we stop growing closer to our Savior. I am just so grateful for the Atonement, this gospel, and the things I've learned at the MTC.

The MTC is amazing. There is no place like it on Earth! It is an unprecedented feeling for me to feel the Spirit almost all day every single day. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be called to serve people for two whole years. Who else gets to focus simply on changing other people's lives, for two years of their life? I am so blessed. I know the Lord is already "laboring in the vineyard" in Singapore and that someone is waiting for me to share the gospel with them.