July 29, 2011

Dear Family,

I am finally an MTC veteran. The new Elders came in on Wednesday, thus completing our week as the new kids on the block. The whole day I was hoping I would run into Brett and Colten, and while we walking back to our classroom to conclude the day I was feeling a little bummed out that I hadn't seen them. But right then I heard a voice calling, "Elder Facer!" and I looked over and saw Brett standing there with his companion, with a big smile on his face. We had a tender embrace, and both shared how excited we were to be here. We said goodbye and went our separate ways. I continued to my classroom, and it wasn't 30 seconds later that I ran into Colten. We also gave each a big hug and expressed how happy we were to be here. So that was pretty cool. Today was our first official P-Day. We had a temple session this morning and it was sweet. The Provo temple really does a great job with all the missionaries that come in for their P-Day. There is a designated missionary locker room and the place is just packed with Elders y Hermanas. Luckily they give us a time to come in, so they don't have to deal with groups that are larger than expected. Basketball wise, the level of play has really gone up a notch. We play with quite a few kids who have college basketball experience. Its still super fun though, even if I'm not the superstar I build myself up to be. The food is sometimes good and always gassy. I haven't found a scale yet, but I bet I'm probably at my heaviest weight ever now. Anyways, I still love this place. This last week went by so fast. They have a saying here that the days go slow, but the weeks go fast. How true that is. Keep the thoughtful letters and awesome packages coming. (Mom, I am going to need that laundry soap.) There is nothing better than getting something in the mail here.

Much love,

Elder Facer

July 23, 2011

July 23, 2011

Hola! Greetings from the MTC. Today is our first P-Day. After this first week, we switch to Fridays, so that's when you should be expecting my next email. Anyways, this first few days has actually been pretty good. My companion is Elder T. from Mesa, Arizona. He is a nice enough guy and we get along fairly well. He is a little guy, probably about 5'5", so I really enjoy walking and standing beside him because it makes me look/feel much taller. He is also going to Anaheim, and we're learning Spanish together. I warned him that if we ended up being companions in the field that I would force him to go to Disneyland him me at some point. Of course, he said he would abide. But anyways, the Spanish has been coming along pretty decently. They don't waste anytime here, our very first classroom session was probably 75% in Spanish. Our teacher, Brother Pitcher, is a good teacher and a pretty nice guy. He just got off his mission to Concepcion, Chile two months. But the MTC dragged him back to help us out. Its amazing what we've learned already. I feel like I've learned more Spanish in 3 days at the MTC than I did in two years of Jr. High Spanish class. I suspect a little divine assistance could be in play. Yesterday, we had to teach an 'investigator' a lesson in Spanish with nothing to read off of or anything else to assist us. I don't think they would actually put us in that position with an actual investigator at this point, so I think the 'investigator', Cristian, was actually a BYU student volunteering or something. I think they told us that he was a real investigator in an attempt to motivate us further. Anyways, me and Elder T's lesson was extremely basic, just a very brief introduction to our core beliefs and to El Libro de Mormon. I felt like I could understand what Cristian was saying, but it was frustrating to not have a very wide vocabulary and not be able to express my thoughts and formulate a semi-intelligent response. But I'm confident that I'll be able to do that in no time. I think I'm actually enjoying my time at the MTC. The last few days have flown by. My sleep has been alright. I usually fall asleep around 11:15, after about 45 minutes of struggling to get comfortable. I've been waking up at 6:25, and I haven't required more than 2 naps of no more than 20 minutes while I've been here. But anyways, my time is short. I love you guys, I miss you guys, but I'm having a great time, and I know this is where I'm supposed to be. I'll be sending some nice handwritten letters as well. Send my love to everyone.

Love,
Elder Facer

Called to Serve

On July 19th, Bishop Tullis, Brother Carlson, and President Hollingshead came over to the house to set Austin apart as a full-time missionary.  What a spiritual experience to listen to the promises and blessings given to him.  Anaheim, California is very lucky to have Elder Facer serving and teaching the people
about the restored gospel.
July 20th was the big day!  MTC Day!  Sammy was training at Lagoon so everyone went and picked her up and then headed down to Provo.  Kirsten was well prepared with an entire box of tissues, just in case.  After lunch at Applebee's, a quick stop was made to the Provo Temple for pictures.  One last trip around the block and then the drop off zone.  Kirsten gave Austin one last chance to stay home but he declined.  (He will never be given that opportunity again).  Another elder, from Anaheim, came out to the curb and picked up Elder Facer.  He was on his way!

Goodbyes

Saying goodbye is kind of a rough thing to do.  Especially when you really love that person.  Sending a missionary away for 2 years is also a rough thing to do but when there are guarantees of growth, experience, blessings, and the rewards of hard work, it makes it just a LITTLE bit easier. 

On July 12th, the whole Scharffs' family was able to gather together at Robintino's in Bountiful for a final family dinner.  After filling up on pizza, pasta, and bread everyone had the chance to share thoughts and feelings about Austin.  Can we say emotional?  It was great, lots of laughs and even more tears.

Austin sending Grandma and Grandpa off to Europe

Grandma and Grandpa Scharffs had scheduled a trip to Europe and were leaving on the 14th of July, 6 days before Austin was scheduled to arrive at the MTC.  Of course, this made Grandma very nervous but when there's nothing that can be done about a travel itinerary, everyone has to adjust.  So, on the afternoon of the 14th, Austin went with Kirsten to take Grandma and Grandpa to the airport.

Austin is really loved, everyone got together one last time on July 17th to say goodbye and just hang out with one another. 

What a great example for all the other grandchildren

Facer's Farewell

July 10th, 2011 was the big day.  The big day to speak in church, show off the new suit, eat lots of food, and say a few final goodbyes, at least for the next 2 years.  It was a wonderful event.  Austin gave an amazing talk on the impact that The Book of Mormon has had on him over the past few months.  Tears were shed, laughs were giggled, and everyone had a great time seeing the man that he has become.  What a wonderful missionary he is going to be.  Bishop Tullis even mentioned that he wished he could go and be Austin's companion in California.  They would change the world.

Our family knows how to do a missionary farewell and once again, no one went away hungry.  Between friends, neighbors, family, and many others we all left with very full stomachs.  

I hope they call me on a mission

June 1st.....

THE letter

Austin received a phone call at 6:26 am from the Centerville Post Office.  The day had finally arrived, THE letter had finally arrived.  Sammy called Grandma and Grandpa Scharffs and Austin called Bishop Tullis.  Everyone else would have to wait for a phone call.  Anxiously, Austin, Dirk and Sammy rushed down to the post office to pick up the goods.

Reading his assignment

"You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  You are assigned to labor in the California Anaheim Mission.  It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.
You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday July 20. 2011.  You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language.  Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president. "

Showing off the call

And the calling tree started.....everyone was so excited to hear this wonderful news!  Austin was going to Disneyland, Austin would be neighbors to Mickey Mouse, Austin gets to learn Spanish.  What an exciting day.  Now the preparation begins.