My first full week at the MTC was interesting...I was able to go to the temple last P-Day, which was a great experience! We also learned so much this week; we generally have 7 hours of class time each day, and then 3 hours of study time total, and then we have time to practice teaching people. It has been super busy. The days feel SO long, but the weeks go by really fast, if that makes any sense. We have been teaching two people (both of whom are definitely endowed members but they pretend to be people interested in the gospel), so we generally teach a couple lessons a day. It has been so nice to be able practice teaching!
I also got to be part of the MTC Choir, which was really fun. We sang an arrangement of Battle Hymn of the Republic that had a really cool bass part, which made me really happy. Also, I found out that I think I will be leaving for Singapore on the 16th rather than the 18th, so I am about half way done with my time at the MTC...isn't that crazy?
Yesterday, our district got a new elder from Tonga. He plays on the BYU rugby team, and he is serving in California San Jose, Tongan speaking. Now, he is my companion, and Elder Calabuig and Elder Curley are a companionship. I also got assigned to be zone leader (with Elder Tu'atonga), so that is exciting!
This week was definitely full of ups and downs. There were times when I felt so excited about being a missionary and I felt the Spirit stronger than I ever have before, and I was just so grateful to be here at the MTC. But, there were also times when I felt SUPER homesick and just felt really down. However, it is already getting a lot better...I think I just need time to adjust. Thank you so much for all of your emails throughout the week, they really help me with my homesickness a lot. I love reading your cute emails at night before I go to bed!
Well, I'm sorry I just threw all of my emotions from an entire week into a short email. I love you all so much, and I am so grateful for you in my life. I am so grateful to have the chance to serve a mission, and I am so grateful for all of your guys' prayers and thoughts for me. I love you more than words can describe!
Best,
Elder Joshua Weatherford
One day, the MTC flew a Singapore flag! I look really awkward in this picture because I was so happy.
This is on top of our classroom, and it is one of my favorite places to study!
This is me and my old companions in front of the temple! Below is my new companion with my old companions eating the Chips Ahoy that mom sent me for the Fourth of July! Thank you so much mom!
Here is the travel itinerary for Elder Weatherford --
Mail Box 15 Mission Singapore
President Paul S. Rowley Office +65 6735-6723 Home
Missionary E Weatherford, Joshua Charles
MTC Arrival 27 JUN 2018
MTC Departure 16 JUL 2018
Travel Leader S Dayley, Molly McBride
Total in Travel Group 8
8:45 AM 16 JUL 2018
AMERICAN AIRLINES 2963 Dep: Salt Lake City, UT Arr: Los Angeles, CA 2:48 PM 3:48 PM 16 JUL 2018 16 JUL 2018
CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS LTD. 883 Dep: Los Angeles, CA Arr: Hong Kong, Hong Kong 12:25 AM 5:45 AM 17 JUL 2018 18 JUL 2018
CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS LTD. 691 Dep: Hong Kong, Hong Kong Arr: Singapore. Singapore 8:10 AM 11:55 AM 18 JUL 2018 18 JUL 2018
Travel Notes Printed: 06JUL18 13:16 TRAVEL NOTES MAILBOX 15
Departure Information Please report to the Travel Office (S2-119) to depart the MTC on the date listed above. There you will meet your driver and receive your airline ticket and other travel documents. Bring your MTC ID card, padlock, and room key to turn in. Bring suitcases to the loading area east of S2. Please make sure you can either access this itinerary electronically at the airport or print a copy to take with you. If you have an iPad issued by the MTC, please return it to the IT Service Desk in S1-B150 before your last lunch at the MTC.
Airport Information Upon arrival at the SLC airport, check-in at the kiosks provided near the airline counters, once you have checked in at the kiosks you can proceed to the counter where you will be required to present a government-issued photo identification (e.g., driver's license, ID card, green card, valid passport); if you do not have one of these, come to the Travel Office immediately. After checking in, immediately go through airport security to your departure gate; board your plane as soon as you are asked to.
*Family and Friends may not see you off at the SLC airport.
**It is a federal crime to make jokes or remarks about hijacking, bombs, knives, or guns. Travel Information The travel leader for your group, will have emergency travel information, and contact Church Travel if problems occur (801-240-5111 or 1-800-537-3537 or after hours 801-240-1000). Never leave the airport unless directed to do so by Church travel agents. If you have connecting flights, check in immediately when you arrive for your next flight and report to that departure gate as quickly as possible. Upon arrival, go immediately to the baggage claim area to retrieve your luggage and then to public areas of the airport, where a representative of the Church or your mission will meet you. International Missions Bring $150 with you, as fees for checked luggage will be $0-$150, depending on your destination. Airline fees often change, but $150 is the maximum amount you will ever need to pay. If your itinerary shows a final flight segment exiting your mission country a few weeks after your arrival, please disregard. This flight is called an 'open-return' and is for visa purposes only.
Baggage Information In addition to your 2 checked bags, you are allowed 1 carry-on (40 pounds unless otherwise specified) and 1 personal item (small purse, missionary bag, computer bag, etc.).
• If your travel begins on one airline and ends on another, please follow the weight limit guidelines for the airline with the lowest weight restriction.
• You can pay for your luggage fees with any cash, debit, or credit card.
• Keep receipts as your mission president will reimburse you when you arrive in your mission.
• If your luggage is overweight, you are responsible for the additional fees and will NOT be reimbursed. The fees for overweight luggage may be up to $300.00 extra.
• If you do NOT have the ability to pay luggage fees, please come to the Travel Office in S2-119 the Thursday before you leave BEFORE 4:00 pm, and we will provide you with the funds. Airline(s) Weight Limit: Checked Bags (2) Weight Limit: Carry-On (1) American Airlines 50 lb. 40 lb. Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd.
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