MTC Week Two: Ayeeeeee

Meine Familie und Freunde,

This week was hard, but it’s going faster and faster and the language is getting better! German is such a pretty language if you speak it correctly. Being the Zone Leader is fun, but at times hard. We have an elder who is sooooo hard to get along with and it came to a point where I had to take him into another room for 2 hours and talk to him about how to interact and have positive relationships. He seems to be getting better but here are my favorite quotes from our conversation:

"I’m like a chameleon, Elder Rhondeau. One minute you see me, one minute you don’t. But I am always there."

"I am like Spock. I don’t feel love or have never said I love you to anyone. I only respect or not.”

"I’ve always gotten what I want and this won’t be any different."

I was praying so hard the whole time about what to say, because this kid is just so difficult. His final quote after I had impression after impression of what to say was, "You are right Elder Rhondeau. I need to be humble and grow up." I was stunned — it was like talking to a brick wall for 2 hours straight, then all of the sudden BAM he is alive. He is still difficult but getting better.

My zone is so funny; everyone is way different which cracks me up. Elder Stacy is from Texas and could be speaking German and still say "y'all" to the investigator. It’s the funniest thing. Cam still snores and yes I am in the process of making little rubber balls to throw at him. Elder Smartt is fun and chill — we get along really well. We are learning the language and it has been fun to learn. The food is still whack, but the wraps never ever fail especially when Elder Burch comes in clutch with the chik-fil-a sauce. I get about 4 hours of sleep or 5 a night cause of snoring, but it's okay.

Elder Zwick of the Seventy came and spoke to us on Tuesday and it was awesome. He talked about the Light of Christ and he is such a good speaker. He also talked about a runner who, in the 2004 Olympics, was in first place and got almost tackled and ended up getting 3rd place. He could’ve been sad or discouraged. Instead he looked as happy as could be and did not seem as if anything bothered him. He talked about roadblocks that will come but that we have to get over them and keep on going; that Jesus Christ had those all throughout His life yet His light never failed Him. If something comes your way, don't let that hold you back. Take it like a fire and keep going. Is it hard? Oh my goodness you do not even understand. But with the Lord’s guidance we can make it through anything. I got a letter recently and someone gave me advice to "leap into the arms of our Savior and He will give you strength and hope to carry on". That’s my weekly advice to everyone. Also, the Piano Guys came and the cellist gave the most amazing talk about faith and when Christ was walking on the water to Peter. Peter started sinking as he walked to the Savior because his faith failed him. Christ lifted Peter out of the water and [the speaker] related this to missionary work, but also life. The Savior will always be there to give us a hand if we need it. Our faith should never fail us, even if it seems impossible.

I love you all and hope the best and "wish y'all a merry day" as Elder Stacy says. Til next week ;)


Elder Rhondeau