In the Field

Elder Whitby arrived in Oregon on November 20th at about 10 am with the other greeny elders, 19 total. They had basic orientations and lunch, and by 2 were on their way with their trainer companions. Christian is in a town called Gresham, living in the extra room in the home of an older member couple. It's a bicycle mission, so Christian hopes he will be able to burn of the extra pounds he ate in the MTC, but maybe not since he reports the members feed them very well!

Christian says, "The ward we are in is very helpful with the missionaries, and we spend so much time teaching and contacting potential investigators that we've only had time for a couple hours of tracting this whole week."

His first holiday away from home didn't involve too much suffering, it seems. "[Thanksgiving] was a complete day off, meaning that we even got to sleep in. Because Elder Haynes gets us up at 5.15 to go to the gym in the mornings, even waking up at 6.30 is sleeping in, so I was thrilled to be able to sleep till almost 9. We went to the gym after that, and then watched Saints and Soldiers with our zone leaders, who came over for a bit.For dinner we ate with the stake patriarch and his family. It was a great meal (though of course not as good as the Thanksgiving feasts Mom makes), and we ate ourselves full. After that we went back to the house and just hung out there for the rest of the evening."

*Edit* As would any Elder missing friends and family for 2 years, Christian loves letters, mail, packages, and hellos. His mailing address is Oregon Portland Mission, 1400 Compton Road, Suite 205, Beaverton OR 97006. His email is christian.l.whitby.OPM @ myldsmail.net

Missonary Training Center

It has now been a little over a month since Elder Whitby first reported to the Missionary Training Center. It was a neat experience to see how effectively and efficiently the whole shabang was run. Christian seemed more than prepared and definitely ready to go.

Some highlights from Christian's 3 weeks in the Provo, Utah MTC . . . in his own words.

• Because I sleep on the top bunk, its much easier to make my bed while Im still in it. What this means is that, for the first time in my life, my bed was made before I first left it this morning. If thats not proof of God making a mighty change in me, I dont know what is.
• With the way things are going, I'm certain that as long as I remain obedient and do all that I can, the Lord will guide me and help me overcome any of the challenges I face.
• [After a his first "humbling" experience] I was reminded how much progress was left for me to make.
• Ive been keeping busy with classes, studying, meetings, and devotionals, all the while trying not to fall asleep at all. Its crazy how fast time is going by...it feels like I just got here.
• Its crazy how fast everything has flown by. Its amazing how much Ive been able to learn already, but theres still soo much more. We fly out of SLC tomorrow morning around 8, and its a two hour flight to Portland. Im excited to be out doing my own thing soon (to the extent I can as a missionary), but Im certainly going to miss having all my meals prepared for me.

Called to Serve

Christian will enter the Provo Missionary Training Center on October 29th for his 2 year mission serving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Portland, Oregon.

Farewell open houses are being held for Christian in Ridgway Colorado on October 19 at 7:00 and also in Salt Lake City Utah on October 27 at 7:00.

Check back often for regular updates about Elder Whitby!