Handwritten Letter from August 28

Dear Family,

Thus passes another week without a visa here in Provo. I'm not worried though. I plan to be caught working when the PA calls my name and sends me to the travel office. My zone leader insists that I'm working overtime here, and I always reply that I'm earning time and a half in the blessings. I hear that the earthquake is slowing things down for Peru visas, but I haven't confirmed the rumor from a reliable source.

We ate breakfast at the Temple this morning after our session. I had an omelette and an enormous Belgian waffle topped with strawberries and whipped cream. It was delightful.

Starting this week, we teach only in Spanish for the rest of our MTC stay. Hopefully, we can get our district, which is now the senior district in our zone to speak only Spanish all the time. We still need some work in the language department, though. And just when I was getting good at teaching in English. I have to start all over again! It should be a fun experience, learning how to teach that effectively in Spanish.

I got over my cold pretty well by last week. Did I tell about my half a grapefruit daily breakfast habit. I'm not a big fan of those things but they help me stay healthy, sometimes. But on Sunday I had a sore throat after singing in the fireside and I woke up yesterday feeling like I got hit by a train. I'm feeling a bit better today. Hopefully, it'll go away soon. Perhaps I'll learn some patience while I'm battling it though. You never know, as C. S. Lewis said you don't quite know you're growing up until after the fact. People don't say, �Hello, I'm growing up" in the thick of it :-).

I've had some wonderful experiences with prayer lately. I was challenged in a lesson to repent of my sins, one of the commitments associated with lesson two and I took it to heart and devoted my bedtime prayers to that purpose. It was a profound experience, though I didn't feel exactly what I was hoping for when I endeavored to do the same thing the next night. After a few more nights my prayers have been more full of gratitude and humility, and the Lord has blessed me with his love over and over again. The gift of prayer is amazing, and the gift of repentance is possibly even better.

Well, I better go. Things are as good and hard here as they usually are. I love you all and hope to hear from you this week. :-).

Love,

Elder Withers

Update

Well, I've received no news about my visa. I don't feel like going back to the travel office quite as frequently - every time they remind me that they'll give me a call when they've got anything new.

I'm sick again. I guess I've got to have some kind of trials in order to grow. There isn't enough time in the day for the work to be difficult on its own. I can work my hardest every minute and I still run out of time for all the things I need to do. Planning helps with that a lot - but mostly it just lets me see how little time there is in one day.

I'm in the middle of my letter home, so I think I'll just go finish writing that now. Wish Tia luck as she starts High School - looking at her schedule, I think Seminary with Bro. Davis might be her hardest class. I had it easy. If she can somehow get Mr. Hartenstein's address for me, that would be cool - I think Emily and I were his favorite students senior year. Tia will enjoy his class, I'm sure. She may have to endure some Mitch-talk in a couple of her classes, but all her teachers will realize how she's unique soon enough.

Love,
Elder Withers

Handwritten Letter from August 21

August 21, 2007.

Dear Family,

I was quite bummed last week about not being able to go to Peru, but my feelings changed overnight. As great as it would have been to feel the aftershocks with the rest of my travel company (which, as a matter of fact, made it safely to Lima with no delays), I'm content to stay. The Lord has work for me to do here -- though I'm not aware how long that will be. I stopped by the travel office yesterday, and the best I got was that somebody is in communication with somebody else who is currently "working on it." Not that I'm skeptical of those facts or anything, but my branch president thinks somebody dropped the ball. But alas, I'm grateful for that ball dropper, whoever it may be: it keeps me working hard to get the most out of this MTC before it's over, I think the Lord wants me here a little bit more, and from the things I've learned in the last week, it isn't hard to see why.

In the bookstore the other day, a sister approached me and asked (in Spanish) if I spoke Spanish. I replied (in Spanish) that I did a little, and I got the visible and audible implication that she didn't speak English. She needed help operating the computer that creates hard copies of digital photos. It was comforting to talk to someone in Spanish, and actually be understood. Turns out she and her companion were both from Peru. We chatted for a little bit, then ran back to class, because we were late. I'm glad I got at least one native speaker moment here.

An Elder in my district, Elder Pollard, played volleyball in high school, and he avidly solicits me to come play with him on gym days. But mostly I only play when the field is wet and we can't play soccer. But I enjoy volleyball, and it's nice to have some limited association with the sisters every now and then. There are one or two elders who clearly played volleyball in college, and they always set each other. They hog the ball a bit. I jump serve against them whenever I can.

One thing that makes me happy to be here was the fireside on Sunday. It was about as good as it gets with music: our prelude hymns were "Onward Christian Soldiers", "Nephi's Courage", and "We'll Bring the World His Truth." I'm sure I wrote it last time, but when you actually have 2000 people singing about being "as the army of Helaman", the numbers make it all 10 times more true. It was way powerful.

I gave myself a haircut last week. The line is backed up four days for real haircuts at the barber shop at the MTC. My roommate said it looked pretty good.

We've been having problems on our floor with people still making noise after quiet time, Elder Olson (my district leader who sleeps in the bunk below me) kept leaping out of bed to tell them off on Sunday night. He had gone to bed early that night, mainly because he's sick, and normally he stays up until 11 or so writing in his journal. He got back into his bed, coughing, as I finished my prayers, and I felt that I should ask if he wanted a blessing. I spoke down to the mattress, asking him in Spanish if he would like a blessing, and he nearly leapt out of bed in responding yes. He asked me to anoint and Elder Rossell to give the blessing. While Elder Rosell looked over the format, Elder Olson went out to tell off the noisy people again. When he got back, we gave him a blessing. I don't remember what the words were that were said, but he was blessed with health. I never heard a quieter Elder Olson in my four weeks here than that night. As I laid awake thinking about it, I coughed more than he did. He was out like a lamp. It's amazing what power the spirit has when you faithfully act on its promptings. The priesthood is so real. It is the power to do what the Savior would do if he were here.

Well, I better wrap this up. I love you all. And thank you for your letters and your prayers. They keep me going. Enjoy your time together before school starts again: I will likely still be here when you get here (Drew and Justin), but we'll see. Hurrah for Israel!

Love,
Elder Withers

Still in Provo

I've already finished my letter home, but since I'm in the e-mail room, I thought I might drop a quick line. I'll try to think of anything that I haven't written in the letter.

I'll definitely be here in time to receive that package with my charger. Who knows when I'll leave here, but I'm fine with staying. The food is meritable, the weather is tolerable, and the people are wonderful. I'm sure the Peruvians top two, if not all three categories, but I'm content. There's still plenty to learn here, and I'm finally (FINALLY) figuring out how to organize my schedule to the point where it seems like I'm getting 25 hours of work out of each day.

I suggested that my district commit to only speaking spanish in the cafeteria. We debated it for a while, then we all agreed to do it. But some of us are struggling. I made sure that when I committed, I even promised that I'd talk to the Hermanas in spanish (if I had to talk to them at all). It's not too extraordinarily hard, but it definitely helps the others - especially those in other districts who haven't made the same commitment. It keeps my own spanish from stagnating as well. (My language study plan involves the most difficult things I can find: mostly listening to conference talks in Spanish, which is the easiest place to listen to native speakers.) I've come to notice that the biggest challenge with being obedient - after making the decision to be obedient in the first place and after actually doing the right things all the time - is finding time to do all the things I'm supposed to. There's so much expected of us, it seems appropriate to devote 15 minutes to one subject and move on to another without looking back, only to change to another subject 15 minutes later. It recalls to the mind something about efficiency/effectiveness by Covey, but I don't remember exactly how that applies. I sure would appreciate an excel spreadsheet to plan out my day. The planner I've got just isn't big enough.

I hope Elder Shiffler is doing alright. Elder Rosell's twin flew to Peru on Wednesday/Thursday and made it just fine - no hold up in Miami. He reported some aftershocks. I'm a little jealous.

I wrote about my visa in my letter, but here's a little update: it's still not here. But I'm still here. And pretty soon half the people I know will be right down the road. Eh.. at least the letters will get here faster.

Alright, looks like my companions are ready to go.

Love,
Elder Withers

Handwritten Letter from August 14

August 14, 2007.

Dear Family,

I'm still waiting on my visa so that I can leave the MTC tomorrow morning. If it doesn't come, I'm not exactly sure how it works, but I imagine I'll be here a little longer.

This week brought a lot of changes. We watched Elder Holland's devotional "The Miracle of A Mission" after Elder Calder drilled us on keeping commitments and keeping ourselves clean from worldly thoughts. After that, I completely reworked my study habits so that when I study the Scriptures, I do so with the aim of changing and improving my self, rather than just reading because I'm supposed to. I specifically studied faith this week, and I tried my hardest to apply what I learned.

The night before last, Elder Chucay requested a blessing from me. He hadn't been sick or anything, neither had he expressed any difficulty in particular. But I've never felt more inspired in a blessing than I did that night. I said what I felt prompted to say, and it felt right. Elder Chucay said he felt much better afterwards, so I hope the spirit told me what he needed to hear.

In light of that, Elder Roselle asked for a blessing when he got back from the Temple today. It was humbling to be asked again within two days. I thank my Heavenly Father to be counted worthy to pronounce his blessings and serve my companions. Were it not for the atonement, I think I would have no hope at all. But through Christ, I can do anything. I don't know what Elder Rosell had in mind when he asked a blessing, either. I trust the spirit knows and that he spoke through me. It was a great leap of faith to rely on the Lord in those moments. I'm glad I studied the principle this week.

I'm jealous of the weather you're getting at home. It's hot here all the time. I'm anxious to get to Peru where it's not only winter, but also on average, some 20° cooler than Utah. I'm also anxious to go there so I can learn Spanish. It's coming along here, albeit slowly. I spend more time helping everyone else than studying on my own. But that's what I'm here to do you - give of myself, not receive. If I'm stuck here a few weeks longer, however, only to study so that they don't all pass me up. I love serving the Lord, and I love his gospel. This truly is a marvelous work and I wonder.

Love,

Elder Withers

Flying to Peru?

August 14, 2007
Well, the sky is falling over here in Utah. And not in the rainy way. The Travel Office - in addition to being closed today for President Faust's funeral - hasn't received my visa in the mail yet. Luckily, there are 1 or 2 people hanging around Church Headquarters who will be there to receive my visa if it comes today. The woman at the MTC travel office said she would call them later today to see if it has arrived; their mail usually comes at 2 or so. She said I could check back after that time.

All the missionaries are required to attend a broadcast of President Faust's funeral at 3pm. It kinda cuts in on my P-day activities: namely laundry, letter-writing, and packing. But that'll be okay. They announced that it supercedes all other activities. I'm sure the prophet will speak.

The woman at the travel office said she would give me a phone pass to call home if my visa doesn't come today. If it doesn't come, it looks like I'll be hanging around here a little while longer. That idea is a real bummer. Pray my visa comes in the next hour! I've psychologically prepared myself to leave this place; it will be difficult if I have to stay any longer. I love my district and my companions, but my Spanish isn't being stretched at all. All the native speakers that came in the same day as me left this week. And we didn't even get to associate much, since they were an entirely different district. My district leader told our district (while I was in a departure zone meeting with our branch president) that they needed to step up because I'm leaving: like Shaq leaving the Lakers. That was a nice compliment.

Anyways, I'll write home like usual today and get that letter put in the mail. Pray that you don't hear from me later this afternoon: if you do, I'll let you know that I'm staying in America for a little while longer (and unpacking all over again). If not, I'm heading out of the MTC at 11:30am tomorrow morning and will be in Peru by 6am Thursday. (Peru is the same longitude as Florida, so I assume that the time zone is the same as the East Coast.)
Alright, time's running out and I've got real letters to write. Hope all is well, and you'll hear from me sometime soon. Perhaps sooner than later.

Love,
Mitch

Second Week in the MTC

8/7/2007
Dear Family,

I read through my Patriarchal Blessing last night and a part of it stuck out to me anew. Of my mission it reads, "May there be a new tongue involved in the matters of your teaching." I always thought that meant I'd be speaking a new language, and since my call, I assumed it meant Spanish was that language. But since last week, I've been waking up at 5:30 A.M. to teach my companion Spanish grammar. Our numbers have increased to five: almost half the district. Perhaps the line in my blessing suggests a little bit of teaching the language, not only necessarily teaching in it. The idea makes me smile, at least.

I got my flight plans this week. I fly out of Utah next Wednesday afternoon, stopping in Atlanta for an hour before flying to Miami. We fly out of Miami at 1:30 A.M. Thursday and arrive in Lima at 6:00 A.M. One of my companions, Elder Rosell, has a twin brother who is going to Peru also. It looks like we might end up being travel companions. That could be weird; he looks exactly the same, but has a much different personality.

We got to watch Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration on Sunday night. It was much more powerful than the last two times I saw it. Plus, it was right after a fireside in which we did little more than sing the most well-known, powerful, spiritual songs in the hymnbook: "How Firm A Foundation," "Praise to the Man," and many others. Put 2000+ missionaries in a room and have them sing together, and you catch a glimpse of the Stripling Warriors' experience.

Sorry about the last letter being only in Spanish, Mom. I worried about that after writing it. I'll be sure to translate if I have to do that again.

I'm still not sure how mail works at the Peru MTC, but I'll try to sent an address as soon as possible. I'm sure that the people in charge have that figured out.

Well, I tried to avoid it, but I've managed to catch some kind of cold. Even three Airborne pixie sticks a day didn't save me from the germ-fest of our classroom (almost half my district sounded stuffy, it seemed.) But I've been praying for humility, so I can't complain. The work goes on and I'm sticking with it.

I appreciate your prayers and your letters. My companions are very jealous. Haha. Although they get packages with candy and cookies, so they can't complain.

Good job Tia at volleyball camp. It was weird to think that Dad, Tia and Drew were all right down the road last week. And Drew is still there about five blocks away.

You're always in my prayers. Hurrah for Israel!

Love,
Elder Withers

English Translation of 'Carta en español'

Translated by: Drew Withers

Dear Family,

My language teacher told us to write you in Spanish this week. Ask Drew if he can translate it.

I learn a lot here each day I almost always feel the Spirit. I also memorize a new scripture - in English and Spanish - every day. Certainly this work is marvelous: all of the words of D&C 4 are fulfilled. I work until I am exhausted and then I rest so I can do it all over again the next day.

My district is very fun and my teachers are so spiritual. I am learning how I can improve my ability to teach and to testify. Yesterday we spent an hour and a half in the 'Referral Center' where we did an orientation and began to make phone calls. The majority of the people I called didn't talk to me more than ten seconds before hanging up the phone. We called people who previously called us to receive a Book of Mormon, a 'Finding Faith in Christ' DVD, or something free like that from us. I spoke with a man named William that wants to get closer to God and had requested a copy of 'Finding Faith in Christ' and when I called him - he had watched it twice. He seemed like he sincerely wanted to know the truth. The missionaries in his city already talked to him and are going to teach him more this week.

I am staying healthy and the exercise time helps me a lot. I play soccer everyday with my companions, perhaps you have seen me while going to the temple or to Volleyball camp at BYU. I know that Dad and Tia are here this week for one of those.

Well, the work continues and I am a part of it. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth it has. Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God and by His power he translated the Book of Mormon. The Holy Ghost testifies to me of that every moment and every time I hear it. I feel clean from my sins and I know that it is because of the Atonement of Christ and faith in His name and power that I have this feeling. I love my Heavenly Father. I am his son and He wants me to be able to return to live with him and obtain Eternal Life. This is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Thank you for the letters. I hang on to all of my letters until preparation day so I can read them without it being a distraction. That helps me a lot.

I hope everyone is doing well! Hurrah for Israel!

With love,
Elder Withers

Carta en español

Querida Familia,

Mi maestro de lengua nos mandó que les escribamos en español esta semana. Pregúntenle a Drew si pueda traducirla.

Aprendo mucho cada día aquí y casi siempre me siento el Espíritu. Memorizo una escritura nueva - en ingles y español - cada día también. Con certeza esta obra es maravillosa: todas las palabras de DyC 4 están cumplidas. Trabajo hasta el agotamiento y entonces descanso para hacerlo otra vez el próximo día.

Mi distríto es muy divertido y mis maestros son tan espirituales. Estoy aprendiendo como puedo mejorar mis habilidades de enseñar y de testificar. Ayer gastamos una hora y media en el 'Referral Center' donde pasamos la orientación y empezamos a hacer llamamientos por teléfono. La mayoría de personas a quines llamé no me hablaron más que diez segundos antes que colgaran el teléfono. Llamamos a personas que antes nos llamaron para recibir un Libro de Mormón, un DVD de 'Finding Faith in Christ,' o algo así gratis de nosotros. Hablé con un hombre que se llama William que quiere acercarse más a Dios y había pedido una copia de 'Finding Faith in Christ' y cuando lo llamé - la había visto dos veces. Él me paració que sinceramente le quisiera saber la verdad. Los misioneros en su ciudad ya hablaron con él y así van a enseñarle más esta semana.

Estoy manteniendo me salud y las horas de ejercicio me ayudan muchímo. Juego el fútbol todos los días con mis compañeros quizás me hayan visto mientras pasan al templo o a los campos de volibol en BYU. Sé que Papá y Tia están aquí esta semana por aluguno de ellos.

Pues, la obra continua y soy parte de ella. Me encanta el evangelio de Jesucristo y la verdad que tiene. José Smith verdaderamente era profeta de Dios y por Su poder tradujo el Libro de Mormón. El espíritu santo me da testimonio de esto cada momento y cada vez lo oigo. Me siento limpio de mis pacados y sé que es por la expiación de Cristo y la fe en Su nombre y poder que tengo este sentimiento. Amo a mi Padre Celestial. Soy su hijo y Él quiere que regrese a vivir consigo y que obtenga la vida eterna. Este es mi testimonio, en el nombre de Jesucristo. Ámen.

Gracias por las cartas. Guardo todos mis cartas hasta el día de preparación para leerlas sin distracción. Eso me ayuda mucho.

Ojalá que toda esté bien! Viva Israel!

Con amor,
Elder Withers

First Day

Dear Family,

I'm supposed to write to you after my first day at the MTC so here's what I've got. This place is full of the Spirit, but I'm a little overwhelmed by all the things to remember. By the time I know my way around, they'll send me off to Peru.

I have two companions: Elder Rosell and Elder Chucay. They're both here for 9 weeks to learn Spanish, so they won't have to bother with a new companion when I leave.

My Branch President is President Johns, and his two counselors are Brother Estes and Brother Wright (the Associate Dean of Religion as BYU). President Johns is really cool; he speaks Spanish and seems to draw a hard line with mission rules. I'm not too worried about that, though. He's an awesome man.

I haven't had time to feel lonely yet, and I might as well not bother trying. Class instruction starts tomorrow, and I'm excited to start learning and studying. Today has been lots of orientation and unpacking which I find less fun than the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The other Elders in my room are cool; I think we got some of the best in the MTC. It should be great getting to know them these next few weeks.

I'm excited to be here, but I long to get out in the field. Hopefully these weeks will fly by as I lose myself in this great work. It looks like these rooms are outfitted with the same mattresses as Heritage dorms, so expect some of the best nights sleep for the next 3 weeks

I have P-day on Tuesdays, so I will write next this coming Tuesday. I am doing well, but I miss my friends and family. I love you all. I hope all is well on the home front.
Hurrah for Israel.
Love,
Elder Withers