Trinidad!

SLC Airport - On Our Way!

Aaron’s district had to leave for the airport early Tuesday morning at 3:00 am.  He called us at about 6 am and we talked briefly before they boarded for their 4-hour flight to Houston.  It was so good to hear his voice!  He had a long lay-over in Houston and was able to talk to brothers and sisters, then a 5-hour flight to Trinidad, landing in Port of Spain at 10 pm their time.  It was fun to watch the flight throughout the day on flightaware.com.  We knew the moment he landed!

   "Hey Everyone!  I'M IN TRINIDAD!  The flight was really long.  When we landed in Port of Spain, it was like hitting a brick wall of moisture and heat.  The pilot told us it was 85° and 90% humidity...I instantly started to sweat, it was so freaking hot!  President Mehr picked us up at the airport with his 2 a.p.'s. (assistants to the president). It was about a 30 min drive to where we're staying because the mission home didn't have enough room for 20 missionaries. Five other missionaries came from the DR  MTC. We got up early Thursday and the owners made us eggs and pancakes.  It was really good.  We then went to the mission office for orientation where we received our second call...I am assigned to the area of Chaguanas (ch pronounced sh), Trinidad.  I hung out at the mission home for about 4 hours waiting for my comp, Elder Gibson, who was flying in from St. Martin.


   “When it rains here, it POURS!  It rained all day Saturday.  My comp and I are blanking the area so we have no idea where to go and who to teach.  Trini’s talk really really really fast!!!  I can’t understand a word.  I’m starting to catch a few things but I usually ask E. Gibson what they said (Best Two Years style ha ha). Last night we were teaching a guy named Josiah at a member’s house.  Sister Cummings made some food called dashin leaves, rice, fish, and pepper mango.  The rice and dashin and fish were really good, but pepper mango…uh no :)               
   Money here is TT (Trinidad and Tobago dollars) so if I buy something for 30TT then it’s 5 dollars USA.  It’s 10TT per hour here at the internet café. 
   I’m doing good.  I love you guys and hope to hear from everyone on Mother’s Day! 

 I love you,  

        Elder Hill

Two Weeks at the MTC

Missionaries spend most of their time at the MTC going to classes, meetings, and devotionals to help them be prepared to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people around the world.  It is hard to be away from home and loved ones, but it is such a faith and testimony building experience.  They really learn to rely on the Lord for help and comfort.        

Walker and Aaron

Elder Hill has felt the Spirit teaching him about faith.     "I have prayed for a way that I can express my faith to God.  A sister came into our class and asked me to give her a blessing.  As I gave her the blessing, I felt so warm; I can't remember what I said besides that the Lord knows what is best for her at this time.  Funny how the Lord works when we're least expecting it!  It was a real testimony builder to me."

One of the two districts going to the WIM

He especially drew strength from the devotionals. They were privileged to have Elder Richard G. Scott come.    "He gave us a blessing of peace and comfort and said that we are here for a reason...the Lord is hastening his work.  He talked about prayer and how we don't always receive answers immediately.  We need to have patience and trust that He will answer them in some way. Wow!  That's what I needed to hear.  When the sister giving the prayer started to walk to the pulpit, Elder Scott jumped up again and said, "I haven't finished!"  He then went on for another 5 minutes saying that our calls were inspired from the Lord and that He wouldn't give us something we couldn't do.  He then stated that God gives us things to succeed in...not to fail at. Powerful!"

Farewell!

After a busy week of last minute details, the day finally arrived to go to the MTC.  There were many mixed emotions as we said our quick goodbyes and squeezed in one more hug. We know the Lord protects and blesses his missionaries and their families. We love you,   Elder Hill!  We look forward to hearing all about your experiences and adventures!

Since President Monson's missionary age change announcement, the number of missionaries arriving at the MTC each week has more than doubled. Close to 700 arrived on the same day as Aaron...about 100 every 15 minutes.  I have been asked why we send our youth away for 18 months to 2 years.  As a mother, this is one of the most heart-wrenching and hardest things I've ever done.  But it is also one of the most wonderful.  There is no other time in their life when they can go and totally concentrate all of their efforts on being a disciple of Jesus Christ -Matthew 28:19. As they share the good news of the restored gospel with all who will listen, their own faith and testimony is being strengthened and refined.  When you have something in your life that brings you so much joy and happiness, you want to share it with everyone!  Even though it's hard, it is so worth it!

Waiting And Preparing

Five months to prepare and have fun with friends.  Yes, there was plenty of studying too!

Practicing those cooking skills :)

Last minute fun with friends at the Color Fest

Costa Vida one more time!