New MTC Photos!

We got some photos from Austin at the MTC today!  He looks like he's having a good time with the other missionaries. . .

 

Me and the crew at the map Left to Right: Marc Berbert (Thailand), Tanner Huff (Nicaragua), John Bills (Chile), Bryant Dixon (Chile), Bryan Nance (South Africa), Me (Romania) -- All Davis County area friends that went to Viewmont.

 Me with Bryan Nance and John Bills 

 Me and Edgar Reynoso (Rage soccer team mate)

 Everyone in the MTC going to Romania

 Me and Nance the night before he left

 Romanian speaking missionaries at the map

 This is how I study Romanian grammar--note cards in the bed springs ---that's how you learn! (Who knew
Austin's handwriting could be so good!)

 Me and Sister Petrisor (one of our teachers)

 Our District on Sister Petrisor's last day of teaching

 Our Romanian Flag has sleeves. . .

 So it's fun to wear!

 Me and Elder Koniez (cone-etz).  He's from Frankfurt, Germany.  We play soccer together @ gym time.

Me and Christian Keddington, he's tall! (soccer buddy)

Halfway through Basic Training!

Elder Phelps is doing well at the MTC.  He has been there for 5 1/2 weeks so he's on the downhill slide towards his departure date to Romania, which is scheduled for Sept. 10.  A week ago I went with the youth of our ward to youth conference.  He was asked to send a little note to the youth---the theme of the conference was "Who is on the Lord's side?"  Here is what he had to say. . .

 Anyways, here's what you can read for youth conference, they will need their scriptures:
 So, "Who's on the Lord's side?" Interesting question.  I would hope we are all on His side.  Think about it.  The Savior Jesus Chriset is the central figure in our chruch.  So being on his side would be being like him.  I think the best way we can do that is to serve.  If we remember how the Savior served we can better understand.  Jesus gave sight to the blind, strength to the lame, put words in the mouths of the dumb, and gave life to the dead.  Along with numerous other miracles and healings.  While we may not be able to serve in such a way as he did, we can certainly do our part, by serving our fellow men, just as he did.  In Matt. Chap 16:24-25, Jesus himself explains: "If any man will come after me, let him deny ."himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."  It goes on saying: "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."  When we choose the Lord's side of service, we gain respect and love for our fellow men and God smilies down upon us when we serve.  By serving our fellow men, we are serving God. King Benjamin offered some insight while addressing his people (see Mosiah 2:17) "....when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God."  The Savior also teaches about the subject in Matt. 25:35-40.  "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."  Two people said it, one of them being Jesus Christ himself, so it must be true doctrine.  Our church is and the Gospel are centered around God's love for us.  So if we want to be like him, on the Lord's side, we need to love and serve.  Again the Savior talking, in John 13:34, right after he washes the feet of the 12 apostles (act of service), ".....love one another."   That's what this church is all about.  Loving and serving.  Let us remember what King David asked in the first book of Chronicles, chap. 29:5: "And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day to the Lord?"  The choice is yours.  May we all choose to be on the Lord's side.  Have a fun time at youth conference! I'm having a great time here.  The Church is True! Ne mai vedem! (see you later!)

He is getting a bit tired of being at the MTC and ready to move on--the schedule is physically and mentally exhausting.  He and his companion, Elder Covey, just got called as zone leaders so they will be busy with meetings on Sundays.  He ran into Elder Kevin Martin (the other missionary from our ward who just entered the MTC on the 15th going to Lubbock, TX Spanish Speaking) for a minute coming out of the cafeteria this past week.  In addition, he surprised a friend of his, Elder Konner Frey (called to Singapore), and jumped on his back as he was walking into the MTC with his host after the drop off .  He stated, "Things are good, can't wait to get out here though."

Drop him a line if you get chance---he'd love to hear from anyone and everyone!

3+ Weeks in the MTC

Austin says he's doing well and learning the Romanian language and having some good teaching experiences where the Spirit has been strong.  He has Derk on a extensive search for a dictionary and verb conjugation book written by a native Romanian--it hasn't been an easy find! He said the elders in his room have been sick this past week so they have skipped gym to rest and such.  Hopefully, they are all feeling better.  Austin gets along well with his companion and says he is very driven---studying all of the time (even when they are eating!)  They went to the Provo temple last week and he said it was awesome.
We sent him the Sunday newspaper last week and he was grateful.  He said, "The US president could die and I wouldn't know until I leave this place on Sept. 10!"  I miss having him here to keep me completely updated on the happenings of the Olympics as he has done in past years!  We are anxiously awaiting more news and will update as is it available.