New Perspective

This week I have gained a new perspective.  I wasn't sure how to spell perspective so I had to google perspective vs prospective.  It looks like "Prospective" is an adjective meaning (1) likely to happen, or (2) likely to become, whereas "Perspective"  is almost always a noun. It refers to (1) a view, (2) the angle from which something is viewed, and (3) the proper appearance of objects in relation to each other.   So, I have a new PERSPECTIVE.

While I was on my mission I guess I never made the connection that each of the missionaries I came in contact with had concerned parents at home praying for them.  I don't know why I didn't make the connection but NOW, I definitely see a connection.  Why, you might ask?  My oldest son Coby, as many of you already know, has been called to serve a mission in the Tijuana Mexico Mission.  You can read his letters here on this blog that I have created.  Anyway, I have found myself praying that he would have good companions.  I'm haven't just prayed that he would have a good companion in the MTC, but I'm also praying that his first companion in Mexico will be good for him.  Trainers in the mission field are very important.  They help shape how a missionary will obey, teach, learn and grow in the mission.  I am praying that Coby has a good trainer to get him started in the mission field.  Now that I'm praying for this, I think back on the times when I was in the mission field and how I acted and trained missionaries.  Sadly, in some situations, I wished I had had a different perspective.  I wished I would have thought about the concerned parent back home praying for good companions for their son.  I wished I had done a better job as a trainer.  

As Coby goes through the mission experience, I can't help but think about my mission.  Floods of memories come back to me as I think about what Coby is doing and will be doing over the next 2 years.  My kids are probably sick of my pulling out my mission memorabilia and don't was to see that stuff anymore but for me, it brings back fond memories. 

Anyway, I thought I would post this little piece of my life out there for all to see.  All two of you.

Missionary

As I look over what I have blogged about recently and because of a First Presidency Message I read this morning, I have decided to post another blurb about my life on my blog.

It is interesting to note that on this blog, I have not posted anything about my oldest son entering the MTC.  I have posted a little information on my http://www.ldsfamily.net website but nothing here.  So, below, I'm going to post the little video I created of us dropping him off at the MTC.

Coby is a little dazed in this video.  I'm sure he is a little overwhelmed about what is about to happen.  He is probably a little nervous, scared, excited, and anxious all at the same time.  He is also a little tired since we got up really early in the morning to get on the road so we could make it to Provo by 12:00 noon.

Since this video, we have received many emails and one hand written letter.  All of Coby's letters are being posted on yet another blog I have created called http://cobymission.blogspot.com.  So far, all of Coby's letters have been positive, uplifting and exciting.  He is loving the MTC and loves his companion, his district, his Zone Leaders and his classroom instructors.  From his letters it sounds like he is picking up the language fairly quickly.  Coby has always had a knack for memorizing things so we are hoping the he can use this skill to memorize words in spanish.  I know that memorizing words will only get him so far but once he uses a word long enough, the word becomes the meaning and he will start to learn the language.

Our family is so excited to hear from Coby each week.  His P-Day in the MTC is on Thursday so Deanna and I anxiously check our email several times a day to check to see if he has written anything yet.  I usually have my google account open and I click the "refresh" button over an over just hoping that the next time I hit the button, a little bell will go off on my speakers and a new mail cymbol shows up on my screen. Thursdays are very exciting for us.  I must say, that first week was the longest week just waiting to see how Coby was doing, if he liked his comp and how he was doing.  What a HUGE relief to hear that he was loving it.  We couldn't have asked for a better first letter.

So, we have just passed the half way mark for Coby in the MTC.  He has been there 3 weeks and in another 3 weeks he will leave to enter the mission field.  We are a little nervous about his Visa into Mexico.  We have heard many people that are re-assigned to "waiting" missions to wait for their Visa to be approved.  Coby had some problems with his visa so it was submitted late so this could cause Coby to be re-assigned until his Visa is complete.  We have hoping that doesn't happen and he just heads down to Tijuana Mexico on the date planned.  He is scheduled to leave the MTC on August 20th.

Well, that is about it.  I'll post more as we get more information.

Clint