Thursday, February 9, 2012

Disneyland or the MTC?

On February 10th of 2012 I embarked on the most meaningful 2 years of my life! Although I was only 19 years old, I was ready to take on the title of "ELDER BUCKMAN" This is a title that missionaries get when the are on their missions as full time servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. I had started  a voluntary 2 year journey, I had been called to serve in the "Montana Billings Mission".
Before going to Montana I reported to the "Missionary Training Center" also known as the MTC. Here we learn how to take what we believe and teach it clearly The Spirit there is SO STRONG, you can't help but be happy! When I drove up I saw that everyone had the huge smiles on their faces...I thought to myself "This looks like "The Happiest Place on Earth"...kinda like Disneyland but not quite. I soon found out why everyone was so happy. As I joined in the fun I noticed that all of these people truly had the desire to help others become better teachers! I had a simple testimony of a few aspects of the Gospel. I knew that the Book of Mormon was truly another testament of Jesus Christ, I knew that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, I KNEW that I had felt the cleansing power of the Lord, and of course I KNEW that I wanted to share that with everyone. As I learned how to express what was in my heart I came to a better understanding of what I was teaching!
I was kind of feeling alone but then I got to see one of my very best friends Mike! He was a huge influence on me and my life! He helped me get back active in the church and always stuck with me. It was quite a blessing to be starting my mission and have my best bud to be there with me!
The MTC was not all fun and games. It was constant teaching, reevaluating, correcting, and reteaching! I was there for 3 weeks and everyday the desire to share what I knew increased! I knew there were going to be tough times ahead but that didn't phase me I was at a spiritual high! When March 3 came around it was time to get in the field and apply what i had learned! It was time to teach real people with real questions and concerns! ....GAME TIME BABY!