April 26, 2011

Hello everybody!! There have been some pretty big changes here in the MTC. They totally changed the schedule and what we do for learning and teaching. They used to have a place you could go in order to have workshops on how to teach and do door approaches and what not. Now there is none of that. There are no more large group meetings. There are a lot of changes. They are implementing new things into the curriculum that were implemented in the field before. Its strange but good.

There is still a teaching evaluation center where you go and teach investigators. More often than not they are not real investigators. But this has changed some as well. They are now all professional actors so that the teaching experience is very real. It was real before with recent converts acting the way they did before they joined the church. But this is supposed to be an improvement. I'm excited to teach there. I'll send home the new schedule with the old one so you can see the differences for yourself. Along with all the other things from the MTC, I've had four different teachers. Which is not common. But, I LOVE it here!!! The spirit is so strong. The missionaries are great. There is something to learn from everyone! My companion, other members of my district and zone, the teachers, and especially the fireside and devotional speakers.

We had Elder Stephen B. Allen come on Sunday. He is the Managing Director of the Missionary Department. He helped produce commercials for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was awesome!! We got to watch a bunch of the commercials and he applied them to us! I cried multiple times. It was so powerful. I admit I was a bit disappointed when it wasn't a general authority on Easter Sunday. Especially when Elder Scott came the week before. But I got over that before he even began his devotional. I thought that it would be silly to not have the spirit because I didn't get what I wanted. So I got over it.

My District is awesome!!! But it is interesting to see how people change when you're around them so often. As Alyce said to me in her letter. You may click with some elders until Satan throws a wrench in that relationship. Something to that effect. And it's true. It helps to have a supportive district to help you understand that we're still God's children. He still loves us and wants the best for us. It's vitally important to remember that you are with your companion for a reason. His strengths and your strengths compliment each others weaknesses. His perspectives and your perspectives compliment each other and strengthen your unity if you can get over the little things that Satan wants you to dwell on. Just so you know my companion and I get along well.

I wish I could write more but there is not all the time in the world. Preparation day is actually pretty busy. I love you all and appreciate your prayers and support!

Elder Ben Fagersten

MTC address

Hi Everyone,

Ben leaves the MTC on May 3rd

Elder Benjamin Robert Fagersten
Arizona Phoenix Mission
Provo Missionary Training Center P.O. #148
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604

April 20, 2011

The MTC is fantastic! My companion's name is Elder Burrows. He's from West Virginia. In my district there are eight Elders and no Sisters. Four of them are going to California, Carlsbad Mission and the other four are going to the Arizona, Phoenix. The Carlsbad Elders are in one room and the Phoenix Elders are in another. Elder Neil, Elder Jolley. (Yes related to the Jolley's in Waterloo.)  Elder Creager, Elder Packer are going to Carlsbad. Elder Neil is from Tulsa Oklahoma. and the other three are from Utah.

Then there is Elder Lynn from Canada. Elder Alvis from Texas. and Elder Burrows and myself. No Elders going to Phoenix are from Utah.  I'm in a great District though. Awesome Elders. I'm learning so much.

Elder Richard G. Scott came to the MTC on Tuesday night. He talked about how important Companionship and Personal study is. He learned a lot from effective study on his mission.

I love you all sooooo much.  Thank you for your support and prayers.

Love,
Elder Fagersten

Email Elder Fagersten

For Ben's email address you go to:

http://www.dearelder.com/
MTC Box # 148
Arizona Phoenix Mission
Estimated MTC departure date is May 3rd.

When you use dearelder.com, the email is printed and delivered to him that day.  Then he can read it during the week so when he has his 30 minutes on preparation day, he can spend his time responding to his mail instead of reading it.

This service is completely free, so send as many letters as you want!!

Leaving on a jet plane - April 11, 2011

 Dad and Elder Fagersten

 Elder F and his Momma

 A hug from little brother Jacob

 Grandma and Elder F

 Stocking feet to pass through security

 Two thumbs up!  He made it :)

 "I love you" from the other side of the glass...There's no turning back now!

On the plane and off to Utah!

I also thought you would like a few photos of Ben at the airport, etc.  His flight left at 1 p.m. out of the Waterloo Airport.  Sharon West and Megan West Russell and her twin boys, Liam and Logan came to see Ben off.  Jacob took off of school and came to their airport (yes, yes, it was a great sacrifice for him).  He checked in, both of his bags were under the 50 lb. limit, and he carried on his backpack. 

He said he loved the moving walkways at the Minneapolis airport and that it took him about 20 minutes to walk to his connecting flight.  Uncle Pat and Rusty came and picked him up and he arrived safely in Provo.  Uncle Pat, Rusty and Jane will spend the day with Ben.  Then tomorrow night, Uncle Pat is taking the family out to dinner at a Chinese Restaurant.  Ben will be able to see Jessica and family as well as Phil and Andrea and Ella.  On the way home from the airport, they stopped to see your cousin John and his wife, Helen.

So as you can see, all is well and Ben is being well taken care of.

Tons of love and thanks to all,
(Ben's ) Mom and Dad

Farewell Ben, Hello Elder Fagersten - April 10, 2011

 Elder Fagersten surrounded by most of his family

 Elder Fagersten and nephew Miles

Up to bat one last time in the infamous backyard wiffle ball world series

Here are a few pictures from Ben's last Sunday in Iowa before boarding an airplane (for the first time) and flying to Salt Lake City Utah.  His Uncle Pat picked him up from the airport and will be his "companion" until he brings Elder Fagersten to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.  Elder F will stay there for three weeks where he will take classes, train and learn how to be a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!  We will miss him at home and on facebook but he will be serving our Heavenly Father and the people of Phoenix Arizona!  You will be an amazing missionary Benny!!