Friday, January 29, 2010

29 Jan 2010 email

Hey there,

Well it is my second week here and it is really picking up now. The days are going by so much quicker now and the food is still really tasty. I have been having a really fun time here at the MTC. Our zone floor always comes up with these crazy games and ideas to do on our down time. I guess this one game is pretty popular at BYU but it is called Ninja Assassin. You basically start the game in a ninja position and you stay in that position unless your attacked. You take turns trying to slap each others hand quick enough before they pull away. So through out the game you are jumping around like a ninja and striking at each other haha. I am starting to find out the ends and outs about the MTC also, like how to control the shower water that has only two temperature options: scolding hot and ice cold. In our classes we are making contacts in Spanish already and we have to do 4 of them a day as of now. We are learning also how to teach the lessons to the needs of the investigators. It is hard and confusing sometimes but it is getting better. The other day Elder Uchtdorf came to the MTC and greeted the new missionaries. I didn't get to see him but I heard it was really cool. Stephen A. Snow of the Seventy came and spoke to us last Tuesday and it was really awesome. He talked about his experiences while on a mission and different attributes we should take on to be an effective missionary. This next Tuesday Elder Kunz and I are going to try to get a seat in the front on the side so that we can meet the speakers when they enter and leave. We never know if it is going to be an Apostle, Seventy, or even the Prophet so we will be there just in case. Last week we got to sing in the MTC Choir and it was a really cool experience. We sang Joseph Smith's First Prayer. So I have been having a really great time here at the MTC and I can't wait for what is to come. Well thanks again. I Love you and hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for all of the letters already and the quotes from Stake Conference.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

23 Jan 2010 Letter

(Hand Written)

Dear Mom & Dad,

This is Elder Ochs speaking, or actually writing. I felt like writing you some more since I didn't really put everything in my email. Just was going to tell you a few more things I guess. One thing is the plane ride over here. When we boarded the plane, my chair had a headphone jack in it. So I remembered that I accidentally left my head phones in my suit jacket that I was wearing. So I put the head phones on and wanted to see what was playing, like maybe a movie or something. Well when I plugged it in, instantly this blaring music came through and just about made my ears bleed. I yanked them off as fast as possible. I think it was a sign or warning or something. The rest of the way was fine, except me and Rachel barfed. When we got to Salt Lake City it was snowing and it has been snowing in Provo ever since. We also have a crazy thermometer in our room that starts hissing whenever we try to touch it. The other two missionaries in my room are cool too. Me and Elder Kunz actually have a trio right now since one of the other missionaries in our district was moved because he knew Spanish fluently. The third companion's name is Elder Dotson and he is the only one that knows about Dr. Horrible. I am going to try and memorize all of the scripture masterys before I leave the MTC as a goal.

I love you and I'll write to you later.

Love,

Elder Johnny Ochs

23 Jan 2010 email

Well this is me Elder Ochs. Here at the MTC it is crazy. We get up real early and go to bed at like 10:30. These are the longest days ever. I have been here for only 3 days I think but it seems like weeks. It is like school times three or more. I honestly haven't really had time to just think about anything else except... studying. If all of this seems jumbled is because they only gives us half an hour to email and then we are kicked off.

The first few days were confusing but I eventually got into the pattern of things. I got sick on the plane ride over here and so did Rachel. They told us were not allowed to shake hands or really even come in contact with anyone because of how bad the sickness is being passed around, so I haven't been able hug Rachel either.

My companion is Elder Kunz. He is a really great missionary and we get along great. It's too bad we can't be companions for the rest of the mission. I was able to get the top bunk bed. We have two different teachers that come in and teach us both gospel things and Spanish. It's too bad Bruce Colton isn't here or he could have taught our class. I am learning my Spanish really well, I can give a full prayer and my testimony in Spanish already.

I realized that I didn't bring everything necessary for the MTC. Like more than two pairs of gym socks since we have gym everyday and we can wash only once a week and more than one pair of gym shorts. The food is really good here and it is unlimited. Me and Elder Kunz are trying to stock up before we leave for Nicaragua. I weighed myself in the gym and I've already gained 4 pounds!

Make sure Dad puts up my P.O. Box number on Facebook so I can get some letters. And maybe mention on there how you can use www.dearelder.com too. It is great. Well I love you all and I am going to be fine over here.

Love,

Elder Ochs

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Were Finally Off


After what seems like forever to get ready for our missions were are finally heading out. This is Me and Hermana Ochs at the Sacramento Airport on our way to Salt Lake City, Utah.