Seventh Week in the MTC

February 27, 2012

Por minha familia,

I am so very excited to hear from you as always. The Lord has taught me many things about being a missionary and about life in general. His tender mercies are plentiful. His love, infinate. Yesterday on my temple walk, I found the videos on the SD card that you had sent me. I listened to them, and I felt your love very deeply. The Lord´s love was upon me as well. You all look different! I miss you very much. However, when I watched your videos, they did not make me homesick. Although I miss you very much and want to be with you, the experience I had outside of the Lord´s house taught me this: All of His people on the earth deserve this great happiness that comes from His gospel. I saw a definition of a missionary in the health clinic that stuck out to me, and should help mom as well:

 

                  Missionary: someone who leaves their family for a short time so that others can be with their families for time and all eternity.

I love this gospel. I am thankful to God for His tender mercies, great miracles, and all else he has bestowed upon me. I am also very grateful for His Son, Jesus Christ, for walking along the long, bitter path so that we do not have to. He has taken upon Him all of our short-comings and weaknesses so that, if we but have faith in Him, and follow Him, He will make us into what we are needed to be. God is real. He does live, and He manifests Himself to us everyday by extending His merciful hand to us. He has done these many things, and asks us: "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." This is what I am doing. I am endowed with His power and protection about me. It has been promised that "[my] days are known, and they shall not be numbered less," and that if I have trials and adversities or "if the very jaws of hell shall gape open after [me], that all these things shall be for thy good." This is true for all of us. I am going to be a tool in His hands so that He may teach this truth to all of His children.

    I am so happy for all of you: Weston recieving the office of preist, Owen learning new things and enjoying church and His office of deacon, Luxana as she obtains as much education as possible, Mom for learning how to use technology to bless her life and the lives of her family. P.S. Mom, I'm sorry for bringing you down like I did. Keep it as a lesson that though man and the hurtful words of Satan rage, God has given all of us power to learn, and do all things which are good for us. You've helped me learn to only edify others. Thank you for all that you have taught me. Dad, for having great joy in me. Dad, you have taught me many things. I look at my companions, and I see that it is they who will really have the "not in Kansas anymore" experience. I have one who always complains that he hates rice. I laugh, and tell him: "good luck in Africa." One, who is going to Florida says that he will be able to teach in Disney land, "The happiest place on Earth," to which I snort and say to myself: "far from it my friend."

   I am very excited to get to Angola soon. I have my flight plans! I will leave on the 8 of March, fly from Salt Lake to Fort Worth, where I will have a 4h 45m layover. Then, I get to fly to Heathrow airport in London, where I get to ponder and preach about the gospel for 11hs, while I wait for my final flight to Luanda, Angola, where I will arrive at about 4:00 in the a.m. on March 10. I will be tired. I don't know if there are showers in the airport terminals, so I will probably be stinky. But I can not wait for it. I've bought some BOMs to try to give to people if it be according to the Lord's will.

    I did recieve Aunt Taunia's package! it is awesome, and I love the ties. I'll be writing her soon, so you don't have to forward that message. :)

    I'm also going to send you all a package soon. It will have my gloves (thank you for sending them, they were fun, but probably aren't Africa mission appropriate), as well as an SD card with pictures and videos, and another surprise that you'll have to wait for. :D

   

I love you all so much. As does God His children. I am very excited for Angola, and to see Him work many miracles among His people. I love you guys!

   -Elder Alex Hobbs

Sixth Week in the MTC

Minha familia favourito!

Estes semanas passadas have been great! We got our malaria pills a few days ago. All of us are very excited to leave for Angola in 2 weeks. Time has gone very very fast. I have learned so much about being a missionary. . I've  learned more about focus, whether it be on studying, or just keeping my mind on the work. I hope you're all having lots of fun.

Tell Weston and Owen that I am very excited to hear about the things in their lives and to get their e-mails. Also, please let them know that even though they don't have a black tag or the title of 'Elder', they can be missionaries if they want to. As I've been here, I've thought of many people from back home that could have used something from the gospel. Back then, I didn't think I knew how to help. Looking back, I realize that everything I needed was in Preach My Gospel and the Scriptures. Be bold. This life is very short, and if we look at things with the perspective of eternity, we'll realize that if we but try, all things can be done. You only need two things: 1. The help of the Lord. Pray for it daily and keep His commandments. 2. your will power to focus and do the things that need to be done. I say, especially for my brothers: read the scriptures every day. Also, read from Preach My Gospel. Use it as an answer guide rather than a book. Think of a question in your mind and then use the index to search for your answer. Pray in faith that the Lord will help you (for he will). I am very excited for the both of you. I also know that your missions will be very successful if you are faithful (and, let's face it... you guys will be faithful. I know you. (:)

Anyhow, my time at the MTC is growing small. The gift of tongues is very real for those who actively seek it. I've had opportunities to speak with other elders who know the languages of French, Spanish, and Italian. I understand Spanish completely word for word (although they don't understand one word from us), I can understand most of French if I listen very hard. Last night, I had the opportunity to sit and talk with my friend Elder Calvin Gibbons. I was so happy to see him again. We spoke to eachother about letters from home, and about our missions. I also got to read from his Italian Book of Mormon, and I understood about 40% of it. It is very cool. But, I must admit, Portugues is a beautiful language.

Alright, funny seminary story for Weston: Brother Simmons is the champ at star dartz. He's like Brother Johnson at basketball, but with star dartz. So, one day, I brought in my aviators to class, and we tried for like ten minutes to get a dart to stick... we didn't quite get it, but I believe it can happen some day.

Suggestion for a dog: Owen, you might try getting a husky. Those are much more expensive, but they're dogs who are very friendly, smart, and live for a very long time.

Luxana! I miss you so much! Orange Leaf is going to be very fun in 22 months! I hear that you're having problems in school. Keep doing good, and listen to mommy and your teacher so that you can be big and smart when I get home ok? I miss you lots and love you lots!

 

I love you all so much. I thank mom and dad for preparing me so well for a mission. I feel like I'm much more ready for it than some of my companions are. I've developed some very good friendships with some of them. Elder Wilson says he's going to room with me at BYU-I in two years. Elder Chandler is quickly becoming one of my very best friends in the World. He has so much faith to be out here. He's 21, and things are sometimes hard back at his home, but he chooses to come out here and follow God. He will be a powerful missionary. We all will be.

 

A group of 4 missionaries came last week to our zone. 3 are going to Mozambique, one is going to Angola. I can't wait to be out there, and for it to be July, when Angola becomes its own mission.

 

I love you all so very much. Don't fear for me. Remember that heaven is behind me, and that the Lord will bless you everyday. Eu amo-os.

 

Elder Alex Hobbs

Fifth Week in the MTC

Ola minha familia!

I hope that you're all enjoying life in Idaho! Tell Owen that the only nerds in this world are the ones who bury their talents and don't use the rewards for theirs and other's benefits. That is amazing that Owen one the contest! Tell him that the most money I ever won for scholarships was a 15$ check in middle school. He just out-wrote me by about 985$! Also tell him that because he is very good at athletics, there is no way in the world that people will look at him as a nerd. Plus: BOOM!!! No money fo' the pats!!! NYG's: not my favorite, but better than the pats.

As for Weston, tell him that my fish are unnamed (so you have free reign there) the Suzuki's name is Jess, and that Meg's name is Meg. :)

I'm glad you've all gotten your valentine's gifts. 

 Então, eu vou continuar meu carte,

 Mom, your packages are greatly appreciated. Although there is a lot more food than my district eats, we have been able to eat everything before expiration so far. However, just because there is more than we can eat does not mean that it has not found use. Ive sold one bag of popcorn for a dollar, and I have also used some food (not all or too much. I love your food. plus, i donºt sell your awesome homemade stuff) to obtain ties for the upcoming tie bazaar. I plan to get a bunch of ties and cash them all in for green ones before I leave. Therefore, all your packages have greatly benefited me in one way or another. I LOVE YOU MOM!!! Eu amo vocês com muito amor.

Our branch is losing 19 people tommorrow. We will have no sisters in our branch, and although we are getting 4 new missionaries who are called to the Mozambique Maputo mission (I donºt yet know if their going to Angola), weºll only have a total of 12 in our branch.

Iºm sorry I havenºt sent you guys videos yet. I have some, just not enough to send that you would thoroughly enjoy them. Tell Aunt Joanne thank you for her letters. They are all very awesome!

Also tell Chris and Summer that since they have RISK in Angola, Iºll have time to practice... therefore, in two years, there will be no mercy for any of you. »:D

 Well, my email time is just about up. Sorry I missed you guys. I'll be back next week on Monday. We usually get out of the temple and start email at about 9 30, but when we do initiatories, its more like 830 or 9. Well, I'll write you all soon. Tell Taylor Whitmill and Colin Mayo to hurry up and pick up the pace! And to Spencer Horman: give him something yummy, and also tell him that some crazy French-speaking elder thinks that he and his friend are good at Super Smash 64 or something. I have chastized him about this since.

 

Eu amo vocês, membros de minha familía. Têm bom experiências. Eu escreverei mais para vocês.

 

Elder Alex Hobbs

Pictures from the MTC

 District 45-E

 District 45-E from left to right:

E. McAllister, E. Curtis, E. Hobbs, E. Wilson, E. Chandler

 Chillin' in the Utard Airport

Fourth Week in the MTC

January 26, 2012
Ola to everyone in good 'ole IF town!
Tell everyone thanks for their support. I got some dear Elders from Aunt Joanne and Aunt Jill, which were very good. Sam will be home soon right? It sounds like he really enjoys his mission, and has had great success.

Things here are great. I got your oreo package, and we're having an oreo party tonight. My district is great.

Well, here's some pictures for y'all. I'll send an SD card once I record some sounds.

Today was the first day I did "SYL", which is "speak your language". In SYL, you only speak your mission language for a certain amount of time.  I was amazed as I was able to speak basic Portugues so well. Gift of tongues...I recommend it!

What year was the pumpkin truck that we used to have? Elder Chandler and Elder McAllister are big into cars and were curious about it.

How are my brothers and sister? Are they all having fun reading their scriptures and coloring and winning COD3SCII? How are you and Mom and Dad? Crosswalk and EIRMC are still good? Let me tell you, I miss the IF temple after going through the one here. It's beautiful of course, but the IF temple is a little more special to me:) Don't take Idaho beauty for granted. The air here in Provo is dry and kind of dirty. My nose clogs up a lot but it's no real problem. I just never fully appreciated how awesome IF is.  So....love it:)

I can't wait to get out and teach real people. Did I tell you about the old lady we met in NY? Let me know in email, and I'll tell it to you if I forgot.

I love you all. You are all so special. Remember Christ's love for you. It is what makes missionary work work. We have two "investigators" (our teachers acting like real people they know). One is Neilton, who has had missionary discussions for 35 years. When we taught him, he accepted baptism. Then he started having "problems" with his wife. He prayed with her in faith, and now we're just explaining the commandments to him. Also, we have Maria. We "found her drunk in the street". The next morning, she took our lesson despite not remembering us. As of now, she's 1 day sober, and is going to try very hard to quit coffee. Though they're our teachers, I really that we're helping them, because it will be real in Angola.

I love you all.  Till the next letter...
Elder Alex Hobbs















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Ola minhe familia,
Thank you for your letters and emails.  I'm doing well, but I feel I need a few things. I think I should get a really cheap watch.

MTC life is still good. My District is fun, and Portugese is just as beautiful as the sisters here:)

I love you with all my heart or as they say in Angola: Eu amo voces com tudo meu coracao.

Elder Alex Hobbs

PS. Let me know if you got my NY postcard... that was all I bought while I was there.
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                                                                                          January 30, 2012

Hi mom! This email is a response to your other email. I'll send my driver's license number with my next letter. I would send it in this email, but I don't have my license with me :0. How are things at home? I hear that my driving record has a new shadow over it.... hahaha just kidding. I loved your package that you sent. I still have 2 1/2 boxes of oreos left. People don't eat them too quickly just because milk in the vending machine gets used up pretty fast. The neurosleeps have been very nice for the days that we have to wake up early. Thank you so much for that. I have pictures currently en route to you guys. I hope you enjoy them. Next time, I might send an SD card with some videos on it. XD. I hope Idaho Falls is great for you all.

   The MTC is very nice. I'm learning a lot of patience with my companions. They are good people, but they do not understand me and believe in very strange things like: having the alarm go off at 6 in the morning so that they can hit the snooze button until 6 30. Apparently, it helps you appreciate sleep more by recreating the feeling that you get when you wake up in the middle of the night and realize that you don't have to get up. They'll probably learn that they are the only people in the world that believe that once they get into the feild. :/ However, I learn patience and love for them each day as I study the life of Christ in Pregar meu Evangelho e as escrituras e Jesus o Cristo. :) You can probably tell that I LOVE Portugues. The language is very beautiful. I cannot wait to learn the African Accent to it. There is great confusion weather it will be closer to the Brazilian accent or the Continental one. I'm trying to learn continental for now. My teachers are very nice people, and they teach so well! (Even if we can't understand them because they're speaking in Portugues) As for the mail contest, we kind of stopped keeping track of it because our district leader gets a letter everyday from his girlfriend, and a package every other day from her or his family. He pretty much has a cellar in his closet full of food. :O I love you all so much. I pray for you. I promise that in the Book of Mormon, which holds the fullness of the gospel, there is an answer to every need. I've come to learn that for myself by finding answers to our "investigators."

I'm very excited for tommorrow's devotional. They've all been very good lately.

 Tell Weston that I'm 95% sure of this: Monzie is coming tommorrow. He'll know what you mean. ;)

I hope you all are always as happy as I am. There is never a day wasted here, and time seems to speed up. It's very weird. I love you all. Eu vou amo voces sempre. Deus vai abençoar mim, e tambem voces.

Elder Alex Hobbs
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Third Week in the MTC

O MTC e muito ben! Eu sou fazer ben. Eu amo voces muito mais!!!! Eu nao receber sua [letter], so eu sou pouco [confused] sobre [it]. I don't think I can print it, but I have actually filled that form out before, it should be scanned on the computer, and a hard copy somewhere in the drawers. That was the first letter I got from Sister Walton. BY THE WAY: Sister Walton's niece, sister Walton, is here at the MTC with us all. She says that the mission there is very nice from what she's heard from her uncle in Angola. I am so happy that you are all doing well. Your cookies are very good, and I eat waaay to many of them. We have a microwave here, so if you want to save some cash or time with the next package, popcorn or other microwaveables are great! I've come to find that I need a shoehorn to keep my shoes in good repair. Sorry for sounding needy, but I've just been trying to save as much money for Angola as I can. I only use the six dollars a week on my card as well as some other money I have left over from NY that they gave me to spend. My companions are very impulsive buyers, and I'm very thankful that you taught me how to not waste my money on silly things like pens I already have, an unneeded pocket protector, or any of the other cool, yet useless things that the stores try to sell you. I should have pictures on the way soon. I haven't been able to print them yet, but I'm going to the copy center today to print them. If they dont do it in the center, I'll have to wait a few days for a machine to do it. I'm happy that IF is still the same happy place it was when I left.

 

Portugues is a beautiful language. I testify to you that the gift of tongues, along with many other gifts from O Espirtito Santo e O Pai Celestial e Jesus Cristo SEM REAL. The spirit has taught me many things here. I hope to return to you all much wiser than I was before. I miss you all very much, and I hung up Luxana's pictures in our classroom. We had to 'amp up' our room because we were stuck with little folding desk-chairs. We stole tables and chairs from other rooms that weren't being used.... except the chairs. We took those because the Elders speaking Espaniol aren't as cool as us. XD I love you all. Tchao!

 

P.S. My companions say to send my gloves... I say don't ;)

Going to New York

Ola minha familiha,
Como voce esta?  Eu esta muito bem?  I usually only get to write you guys on P-day, but I wanted to let you all know that on Tuesday the 17th, I will be getting on a plane to New York to do some fingerprinting and receive my visa to Angola at the Angolan consulate.  I'll be back in Utah to the MTC on Thursday and I will still leave to Angola on March 5th.

I get to ride an airplane and a subway, all in 24 hours.  I just thought you would want to know.

So how is life at home?  I suppose Weston and Owen still stink at Xbox.  Things here are great Portugese (though I am too lazy to write to you in it) is coming along well.

Anything new in IF town?  I've been talking to some people in my graduating class like Matt Gooch (you don't know him), Calvin Gibbons, and Sam Horman!  We have a gang sign for Idaho Falls and tell everyone that Speedi-Mart is the best gas station ever.  We also are the best at 4-square.

I miss you all.  I got the watch so don't worry about that anymore.  Just make sure to write me, send Dear Elders, and email me.

I love you all,
Alex

PS  Dad, please tell Helen from work that "the answer in Portugese is: 'Estamos a transformar a experiencia do doente'". 
PPS Mom, I am flying with 3 other Elders also going to Angola...so don't worry about me :)
PPPS Mom, Tell Luxana I say: "Voce e belo princesa!"