The MTC

Ronnie was in the MTC (Missionary Training Center) from Jan. 21, 2009 to Feb. 9, 2009. His companion was Elder Brett Parkinson from Lehi, UT. They got along great and became good friends.

Here is part of the second letter we got from Ronnie while in the MTC.

"Ok so I'm hoping you got my first letter in the mail telling how my first day was! that was the only time I could write without it being P day. well today is P day...tuesdays, and so much has happened!! Like I said, my companion is Elder Brett Parkinson, from Lehi, UT. Ah! he is so awesome!! We make quite the team that's for sure! He and I get along so well! and we have so much fun together!! I'm glad we get along, it makes things so much easier! Not only that, we're sure getting the Knoweledge of the teaching down! in fact, last night, we taught the whole first lesson! About Joseph Smith and the restoration. We only had to look at notes a couple times but other than that we nailed it!! It felt so good being able to do that right from knowledge, instead of having to use preach my gospel right in front of us. We're spiritually on fire and it's awesome having him as a companion! Now, here's the news for the week...you ready?? After preisthood meeting, president Rolfe, our branch president said "everyone can leave, except I need to see Elder Hurst, and Elder Parkinson." I was so confused, and we were afraid we had done something wrong. Well things are good, he asked if we would be willing to be the new Zone Leaders!! :):) so guess what?? Elder Parkinson and I are Zone Leaders!! :) The Zone Leaders that are here now, ship off to chekelslovokia a week from today so we'll be shadowing them for a week and leadership classes start tonight. We were kind of confused though because we're brand new missionaries, and our zone is kind of big, and there's missionaries who have been here longer than us, but we're excited!! :) it's going to be a fun new expirience! A few missionaries came up to us and said, "we new you 2 would be the new Zone Leaders," and that made us feel pretty good."

One of Ronnie's favorite things to do while in the MTC was taking phone calls in the Referral Center. He and Elder Parkinson would spend their free time in there. He loved talking to people and sharing the message of Jesus Christ.

Ronnie loved the MTC. He had a great district. He enjoyed being a Zone Leader. He loved his companion and his roomates, Elder Larsen and Elder Hala'ufia. He learned a lot, studied hard, played on p-days, went to the Provo Temple on p-days, and most of all strengthened his testimony of the gospel.

Feb. 9, 2009, Ronnie left the MTC and headed for New Hampshire. He was nervous and excited. He called us from the airport and it was great to talk to him. He sounded happy and ready to be a missionary out in the field. We were so proud of him and and so grateful the MTC was such a great experience for him. Now he was headed to the New Hampshire Manchester Mission!