Cool Experience - Meeting Elder Oaks

Thanks to one of Connor's district members for going into a bit more detail of this experience

"So, all of the apostles and First Presidency and everyone was here last week because they were training the new mission presidents. And we were on extra lock-down. We couldn't go in certain buildings because of it which kinda sucked but oh well. Anywho, the door opens. And from my seat I see someone's hand first, then their name tag and all I can think is "No freaking way." then I see his cute little noggin. IT WAS DALLIN H. OAKS. He just walked in and was like "Can I sit here? What are we learning?" So all of us were like "uhh... hang on, I need to get over being starstruck for a second but we're learning Nihongo." And his response? "Oh, that's too important! I can't interrupt that!" He then proceeded to stand up and shake all or our hands while introducing himself as "Brother Oaks".  HOW COOL IS THAT!? The rest of the day our district was just in awe that it happened. And he didn't go to any of the other classrooms. Just ours. What a blessing!"

So, now for the details.

Day 1: This was a rush of business. We got about 15 pounds of books. We jumped right into Nihongo. We have ten in our district: Taylor, Fishburn, Smith, Carpenter Shimaitachi, Greer, Banks, Jenson, Dahl, Schow Choritachi.

Day 2: We met the branch presidency. We felt the Spirit. We teach our first lesson tomorrow to Moeka, our investigator. We were talking like babies today. For dinner we had Aloha Plate, this great Hawaiian food place.

Day 3: Today Elder Dallin H Oaks wandered into our classroom. We were wondering if we should work on our next lesson for Moeka, or to continue Nihongo practice. He told us that learning Nihongo was more important than hearing a quick message from him. Without even knowing what our question was, he answered it. It was really funny how he came in, it was like he was late for class and was sneaking in. We learned inori suru in Nihongo, (to pray) today. The lesson was pretty bad, we are still working on the sentence structure.

Day 4: We met the mission president and his wife today. They were nice and will be a good support system throughout the mission. Bro. Warnick taught Nihongo at BYU. Sis. Warnick is kind of like Sis. Cook, full of love, stories and experience. We had a good lesson with Moeka today, I can hear words and my Doryo, Schow Choro can pronouce words, so we were successful.

Day 5: First Sunday in MTC and we taught elders quorum. The topic of the week as Recognizing and Understanding the Spirit from the Preach My Gospel manual.  It went really well, we were in tune with each other and it was a really good lesson because of all of the spiritual experiences.

Day 6: We played volleyball as a district today. We are getting better, but it was really hot today. My serves were good, but we went in early because we were all tired.

Day 7: Devotional day. We taught Moeka and committed her to read the Book of Mormon. We go back on Thursday. We ended class early because our permanent service assignment is to set up the gym for devotionals on Tuesday and Sunday.

Day 8: First p-day and end of first week in the MTC. We woke up, has a sack breakfast of cheese bagels and went to work out. I don't nomally work out at all, but there was a rowing machine and I went 2 miles in 20 minutes. It was very relaxing. Then we went to do laundry, which took about an hour. I did not ruin anything yet, so yay me! After that, some of us played ninja, which is appropriate mission training because if you hadn't heard yet, we are headed for Japan.  After that, we went to the temple for a walk because it is closed for cleaning for the next week or so.  After that was just relaxing until dinner, which is where we are about to head to.

I hope that I will hear back soon, from everyone and anyone.  We can read emails wheneve we want, but it will be a week max before I can reply. It is also great to get letters in the mail. There is a site called Dear Elder that everyone here seems to be using. I can't look into it because Google is blocked here. It is just the missionary portal and lds.org.  I will write again in a week to ja ne!

                  

Missionary Training Center

Connor has arrived at the MTC after lunch with Grandma and Grandpa Murphy and a possible job interview at In-n-Out Burger.  Grandma's sources report that over 800 missionaries were expected to arrive today between 10:00 and noon to be followed by the new batch of mission presidents.  Busy day in Provo. 

Update from Connor: 

I have arrived safe.  Our p-day is Wednesday. Great time so far, good Hawaiian food today. Companion is Elder Schow. Yay! I am here. I will email next week. We have to go on a tour soon.

--
Elder Connor Murphy
Japan Tokyo South Mission

Houston, the Eagle has landed!

Connor arrived at the airport this morning for his flight to Utah at 7:55.  Several friends from school came to wish him well and see him off.  We are grateful that Connor has such nice friends who have always offered him support and encouragement.  We hope they keep in touch with us and let them know they are welcome to drop by any time.  Grandma and Grandpa Larsen picked Connor up from the airport in Salt Lake City and will take him to see Wade and his family.  They will enjoy eating at La Ferrovia in Odgen before dropping him off at Grandma and Grandpa Murphy's for an evening with more aunts, uncles and cousins.

A boy and his pasta...yummm

Part of the "Herd" seeing Connor off at IAH

Maps and Information

We will keep you all updated on where Connor is currently serving.  You will find different maps and other information about his areas here.

http://elderconnormurphy.blogspot.com/p/maps.html

Some basic information about missionary work.

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/topic/missionary-program

Short video about what Connor will be doing in the MTC

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormon-mtc-life