Weeks 3-6: Mexico MTC

Here's a photo dump from the past 4 weeks when Elder Larson was at the Mexico MTC.  It was a roller coaster ride for him, trying to learn the language from a firehose, wearing masks indoors and outdoors, all the time (restrictions lifted a bit the last week or so while he was there), and not doing what he truly desired to do, get outside of the MTC walls and interact with the people of Mexico City.  The pictures are in random order with his district, 3 of them headed to Bahia Blanca Argentina as well. He was able to go through the Mexico City Temple twice as well which he enjoyed. He loved his teachers, Hermana Minory Chiu and Elder Alan Santiago Lugo. He left for Argentina on Tuesday, March 22nd and we are looking forward to hearing from him next week. 

Week 2: Home MTC

 A bit of a roller coaster ride with home MTC this week. Camden ended up getting a cold halfway through the week which definitely made sitting at a computer on Zoom meetings even more challenging.  He also had 2 new afternoon Spanish teachers which really challenged him.  He got really discouraged on Thursday, feeling he would never get the language down.  He was doubting himself quite a bit and Becky, like she always does, prayed fervently for the Lord's help. Literally 2 minutes after she prayed someone rang the doorbell- it was the Sister Missionaries, The Spanish speaking Sister Missionaries! (Our stake added a Spanish Ward just a week ago!) She invited them in and they chatted for a while, discussing Alma 37:6-7 "Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass: and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. And the Lord God doth bing about his great and eternal principles." At the end the sisters wanted to pray so Becky told them if you're more comfortable praying in Spanish then that's ok you should pray in Spanish. She prayed and Becky could feel the spirit so much.  As they were leaving they asked if they could say hi to the Elder.  So just at that time, Camden had finished his online MTC class.  They peaked their heads in the office and said Hola to him! One sister explained, "I need to tell you two things Elder!" Then she explained, "Number 1, work on your relationship with your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  work on your testimony. That is the first thing you need to do.  then Number 2 will fall into place.  Number 2 is the language. Work on number 1 and then number 2.  it will happen naturally that way." They went on to tell him that he is so lucky he gets to go to Mexico MTC next too, they both only had online MTC! It was such a blessing and answer to prayer having them in our home.  Then later that night Camden's companion (Elder Cooper Jones, from Herriman as well) came by to say hi and give him some Argentine treats from his birthday that they had celebrated online together as a district.  It was another answer to prayer for Camden to know he is not the only one feeling that way and that he can do it! Heavenly Father is aware of us and answers prayers! In fact, the blessings kept going. On Monday we went to the Missionary Mall to grab a bag for Camden. We parked and started to walk into the store and saw some people getting out of their car, headed into the same store at the exact same time. It was Becky's Cousins! Sharonda, Megan, Amy, and Ambri (Who is headed to Mexico soon for her mission too!) It was definitely divine! There was no other explanation (Amy and Ambri live in California! and were about to go to a different store first but came to that one!) Sharonda and Amy both served Spanish speaking missions and explained to Camden that he will get the language. it's hard at first but it will come.  Through small and simple things, great things are definitely brought to pass.  

Well, Elder Larson officially departed the USA Tuesday morning, 2/22/22, for the Mexico MTC.  A Lot of excitement and a lot of tears.  Excited for the adventure that is before him.

1. Studying on Zoom with District 9C

2. Studying aftermath

3. Tent fort with Aubree

4. Uncoincidental meeting family from Bakersfield in Orem, UT

5. Visit from Elder Cooper, Camden's companion

6. & 7. Final goodbyes at the airport

Week 1: Home MTC

 First week of home MTC.  Some highlights from the week with some pictures below

Elder Larson was set apart as a full time missionary on Sunday, February 6th by President Scott Eliason.  It was an exciting yet emotional time of course.  He started online MTC on Monday morning, bright an early at 7:00 AM.  Excitement grew throughout the week with each meeting and experience.  He has 8 in his district, 4 will be serving in Bahia Blanca, Argentina.  By Friday afternoon, he was "exhausted from feeling the Spirit so much!"  That is exactly what P-days are for which came on Saturday.  Soccer game Friday night and Zoo on Saturday was an exciting time.

Some amazing spiritual experiences all week for sure.  Since his mission start was postponed 1 week, he had a free week to travel with dad to San Antonio for work.  Some small unknown miracles as his return home flight was cancelled due to weather.  He ended up finding the much sought after Lego Daily Bugle set.  He had to buy it but then we came across the issue of getting it back home.  Purchased a large suitcase to transport it home and then dad had to sell it on Facebook Marketplace of course.  Well, the 2 that came to buy it were both from Argentina with one of them returning home there and needing an additional suitcase.  Time well spent with them as well as we discussed the culture, food, life in Argentina.

1. Set apart by President Eliason

2. Argentine flag outside our home 

3. Home MTC set up...ready to go

4. & 5.  Zoom & study...all day

6. MTC District

7. The set up, 5 days later

8. Soccer game Friday night

9. & 10. P-Day trip to the Zoo

11. Pre-MTC dinner at Asado's with his companion, Elder Cooper Jones