Thursday, February 28, 2013

MTC Temple Day




The missionaries in the MTC went to the Temple on Tuesday.Elders: Monya, Kewuti, and Otieno and Sisters: Nakitende and Twongeirwe recieved their endowment.  It was their first time to see a Temple and they were so thrilled to go inside.  They went early and the rest of the missionaries came later.  We joined up in the Temple for the endowment session.  President and I were there with them.  It was just us and the MTC missionaries.  Wonderful! After the session, those who had baptisms to do for their ancestors, went to the baptistry.  The rest of the group did sealings.As soon as one group was finished, they went back to the MTC....so we were unable to get a group photo. It was a peaceful, inspiring day.  Love, Sister Janet Reber South Africa MTC
 

A letter from the MTC

Last night we had a Fireside with Elder Collin Bricknell and his wife.  Elder Bricknell is in the Area Presidency.  He was the Mission President in Pocatello, Idaho and could really relate to our Elders from Idaho.  I hope you can see how happy your missionary is! 

February 23, 2013. Letter from Jordan.


Okay I don't really have much time to email at the MTC...I'll have way more time in the field so for now everyone is getting the same email. Whitney, I am sorry I didn't send it to you I figured you would look in Mom's email. It's definitely going really good right now. The MTC is pretty nice. My companion is Elder Delabout. Yes I did fly with Elder Dalton but I also flew with like 12 other missionaries. Just imagine Erik Nystul who talks just like Ryan Hancey haha that's what he's like. Ashley...yes of course I brought the Guster pen...well I think I did I haven't found it yet because I've hardly unpacked anything.
 
So I've already had to teach two investigators (teachers who role play as fake investigators). It's so hard but its really fun. I got commitments out of both of them. So I'll be out of the MTC on next Tuesday.
 
So as a group many times we talked about who had girlfriends. Haha it was funny but I felt cool cause I got to tell them how awesome you are Trist! This is my fifth day out its already going by so fast!!
 
It's always busy...there's no time to relax at all. Whenever we have free time we need it to get a lesson ready. You would think that being in the same classroom for 4 hours straight would be hard but its so fun! We get an hour of sports time on most days but the problem is its way too hot!
 
Yes mommy I just waited at the London airport. A couple people went out into the city but most of us decided it wasnt worth the risk. I exchanged some money for some pounds so I can buy stuff in England if I ever go back there. I only spent 4 pounds on a sandwich though.
 
Im happy they finally gave you a calling Dad, secretary wont be too hard!
 
There's so many different languages and accents here is so weird. And Elder Otieno is our very own Mr. Eko. Exact same voice and from Kenya. There's a few more Africans with us here too!
 
So yes I finally got my shower but it took a while because we were busy when we first got here with like interviews and shots. Just for some fun information water does indeed spin down the drain in the opposite direction. Also, the moon is upside down!
 
There's 4 missionaries in my room. I think there's like twenty something missionaries here. The food is usually pretty good but the side is always gross...like eggs or weird rice that has no flavor. Today it was like noodles with fry sauce...so yeah.
 
I can already tell this will go by really fast. I feel like I just got here but its been 5 days since I left. Can't wait to see everyone again.
 
I cant upload pictures at the MTC so you'll have to wait. I myself have taken exactly six pictures. Unfortunately the memory card you guys gave me holds 8 MB.....so in other words I'm out of space...so I'm gonna have to go find a camera card. Oh and one more thing really quick!  The postal service is on strike! Haha
 
I'm down to 30 seconds left so I have to hurry and say bye!!!
 
I Love you everyone!!
 
Elder Lucking

Friday, February 22, 2013

A message from the MTC


Your missionary arrived yesterday in Johannesburg.  They are all adjusting well to the MTC and the rigorous routine.
It is a joy to have them here.  Two more Sisters will arrive tomorrow, then the group will be complete.






                                  If you can't find Jordan, of course he is in the back left corner.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Hello from South Africa!

Well I just got to the MTC here in Johannesburg. I am still wearing the same thing htat you last saw me in. I am desperately seeking a shower right now...anyway there were about 9 missionaries that I flew out of Salt Lake with, then we got more in Chicago, then in London. The flight from London to Johannesburg was the worst thing ever. I was sitting right in the middle with the worst position for 11 hours. Ive gotten about 3 hours of sleep over the last few days. Dad, the first thing I did when I saw President Reber is asked him if he remembers Paul Williams and he does!
So Johannesburg is huge and awesome but the drivers are really scary!
This email is basically to tell you I'm alive and I can email again on Saturday!

Love you all,
Elder Lucking

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Goodbye Elder Lucking!

Today was the day we said our "goodbyes" to Elder Jordan Lucking. He will be serving in the Johannesburg, South Africa Mission for the next 24 months. Elder Lucking will be flying to Chicago then London and arriving in South Africa Thursday, February 21. He is excited and anxious for this journey to begin. We are hoping the next two years will go by quickly!
Elder Lucking made a quick stop to say goodbye to his older brother Justin before heading to the airport. 
Elder Lucking met up with some other missionaries who will also be serving in the Johannesburg Mission. 
 

 Saying goodbye to his best friend, Tristen was far from easy.

 Crew with miss his Uncle, Jordan.