Week 2: It's flying by so fast already

This week has flown by! It's starting to feel like my mission is flying by but then I think about it and its only been 12 days out of 730. I'm ready to be out of the MTC but I know how much this time here has helped me and have seen how much I've grown.

Last week I finally had that culture shock. Half of us here at the MTC had the opportunity to go to the temple. The drive there was crazy and a bit scary/nerve racking. Driving here is crazy! It feels as if there aren't any traffic laws. There are so many beggars here. If you thought the states were bad you should see here. There are multiple beggars on every corner and at every light and they literally walk in the middle between cars and go up to your windows. It's crazy. On our way there, I saw one of the saddest things. As we turned a corner we saw a lady sitting on the curb/median, right next to her playing on the curb and street, about 2 feet away from moving cars, was about a 1 year old baby boy.  He was literally a crawl away from moving cars. On our way back we stopped at a light right next to them. I just wanted to jump out and hold him in my arms and play with him and make him happy. I wanted to take him back to the MTC with me and give him food and clothes. I love the people here already. Especially the kids. Although I've only seen a few they already have a special place in my heart.

I love this gospel with all my heart and can't wait to bring it to the people of South Africa. I love and miss you all.

Elder Rash

 P.S. I won't be able to email for 2 weeks because we leave the MTC on Tuesday (our P-day) and will have to wait till the next Monday (our P-day in the field) to email.

 

*  note from mom....This will be longest two weeks EVER!!!!

Week 1: First Week Down in the Books!

Well everyone I've made it through the first week of the mission/MTC. It has been absolutely wonderful but exhausting. The flight here wasn't too bad and didn't seem that long. We met up with about 20 other elders in Atlanta. There are a total of 39 of us and the max capacity is 40. I absolutely LOVE how close all of us missionaries have gotten.

The MTC food tastes alright but doesn't settle very well. The first 3 nights I was waking up every hour and couldn't sleep at all. I'm finally sleeping really well but am still exhausted every day from not only the physical demands of our schedule but the spiritual. I've honestly never felt so tired so often in my life. I feel like taking a nap everyday but push through it.

We only get 30 minutes of computer time in the MTC so this won't be too long and we aren't able to send any pictures until we're out of the MTC when we get more time to email. We get on during our p-day (Preparation Day) about between 1:15-2:30 our time.

At first our progressing investigator appointments were a little difficult. Ishmael had a ton of questions and wanted to bible bash. It was just hard for us to get past the restoration and Joseph Smith.

Our other appointment was with Savannah and it was amazing! The spirit was so strong and words just seemed to flow out of my mouth that I didn't even think to say. Her parents were divorced so I told her about Dad and how his parents got divorced and he was lost and wondering if there was a God. I got choked up and the spirit was so strong. She said she would get baptized when she comes to know that the gospel is true and that was our first visit ever with her. After the lesson our investigator/teacher told us we did an amazing job.

My companions name is Elder Datshai from Botswana. I absolutely love the native missionaries. We have 2 in our district and one is going to Joburg with me.

I love this gospel with all my heart and am so ready to bring this happiness to the people of South Africa. I know it won't be easy but I'm ready to do it because I know as long as I rely on the Lord that he will provide a way and touch the hearts of the people.

I love you all so much! See you Tuesday.

 

Kea gor Rata (I love you)

Elder Rash

Another African Adventure Awaits

Family and Friends,

We want to thank each and every one of you for the love and support you have shown Devon not only at this time as he has entered the mission field but for how each of you has contributed to his entire life. Using some creative expression "It takes a village to raise a missionary". Devon survived the 20+ hour adventure of getting to South Africa. We got a short little email simply stating he arrived safely, loved us all, loved it there already, and would write more on his P-day which will be Tuesday. We will post his letters to this blog which you can subscribe to in order to receive his weekly letters. Thank you again and we hope you enjoy reading his missionary adventures for the next two years as much as we will.

Chris and Mistie

Elder Devon Bruce Rash

Saying good-bye for 2 years

27 missionaries flying from Atlanta Georgia to the Johannesburg MTC