Hollaaaa

Hola Familia y Amigos

Just had another great week in the MTC! Not much is really different from week to week so it's tough for me to think of stuff to write about, but I promise a lot is going on. I just sit down at this computer and the timer is going and my mind goes blank. But I realized this week that I haven't really given anyone an idea of what our schedule is like in here so I'm gonna do that, even though it's a few weeks late

6:30 am wake up, get ready, all that

7:00 personal study in the classroom

7:40 breakfast

8:10 more studying

9:00 class for 3 hours

Noon: lunch

1:00 Gym

3:00-5:00 language study

5:00 dinner

6:00 3 more hours of class

then planning and in bed by 10:30

That's a pretty standard schedule and it varies day to day but we essentially accomplish all of that every day. We end up spending about 10 hours a day in some kind of classroom studying. But we love it. Nothing better than learning how to help people find Christ. During Gym Elder Neff and I continue to throw down mucho.. I might be jumping the highest right now since senior year volley. Anyways, we get devotionals from General Authorities every Sunday night and Tuesday night, and today is preparation day where we go to the temple and write home and do laundry.

Anyways, thats the MTC life, I do love learning but I am very excited to get to the field.

The thing with the visas to Mexico is that essentially nobody is getting them and everyone ahead of us is getting reassigned state side for a little bit, so in the next couple weeks I could recieve a reassignment to Tennessee, Michigan, Idaho, or other various places. hopefully not Idaho. Straight up I don't think I could handle that much challenge in life. (kidding, mostly)

As for Spanish, things are plugging along pretty well. Puedo hablar en Espanol casi todo el tiempo y mas o menos puedo decir cualquier cosa necesito. Me encanta Espanol y mi latino amigos. Padre, por freakin favor no correje mi Espanol. Cuando yo regreso, voy a hablar mejor Espanol de tu. Entonces.....

That wasn't too difficult to type surprisingly. I'm starting to think about half the time in Spanish and half the time in English. There is no way I could have progressed as far as I have without the Lord's help. Thank you so much to all those praying for me. There are countless times during the day where I start to feel down and then out of nowhere a feeling just lifts me up and motivates me and I know that is the prayers of those at home. Being a missionary is the best. Seriously. To all my buddies out there who are prepping (shout out to CHASE LEAVITT for his call to London btw, I'm jealous haha) to serve or who are thinking about whether to or not, DO IT. It is the right decision for everyone. Even if you're not sure on your testimony (I sure wasn't) just do yourself a favor and take a leap of faith. You will be blessed, your family will be blessed, and most importantly you will hlep bless the lives of others. Look at everything you have been blessed with in your life. What if someone else could have those blessings too. You owe it to them to get out here. You'll figure yourself out along the way but SERVE A MISSION. I saw Elder Joseph Kelsey walking by me the other day in the MTC. He's 22 years old I believe, and he is out here serving. It's never too late. Ever.

Anyways, that's my rant. But seriously this work is so exciting that you gotta do it. It makes me tear up thinking about all of you preparing. We're a freakin army united in Christ going out to spread a message of hope and love and repentance. SO SIIIIICCCKKKKK.

I'm trying really hard not to lose my personality out here. Believe me I'm far more reverent and I know the time and place, but I still throw down mad Arrested Development quotes and I will still do the DARREN SHARPER MOST HARDEST HITTIN SAFETY IN THA LEAGUE on command.. So yeah, I'm still me. Just with better goals and a better sense of purpose.

If anybody is looking for some great reading material go read Alma 36. I'm sure many of you have read it a ton of times but just pay attention to his repentance process. Alma was further back on that road than any of us will ever be. He was literally fighting against Christ and those who lived his teachings. And he repented. Christ's atonement makes infinite second chances possible. We just need to accept him and try. Try try try and he will fill in the gaps. I know that is true. I testify that Jesus is our Savior and without him we are nothing, but through him we can accomplish anything. I testify that Christ has a church on this earth today that teaches the fulness of his gospel to man, and that is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know there is a God and that he loves us, I know that there are second third fourth and infinite chances for everyone. I love you all and I love my Savior Jesus Christ.

Love always,

Elder Jarman

Robot Dinosaur Invasion

Jessica told me to put a more exciting header to this email so there you go.

Hola Familia y Amigos!

I´m tempted to write this whole email in Spanish because quite frankly I feel like I am capable of it, but it would probably take me too long. But seriously the Spanish is progressing immensely. Mi companeros y yo hablamos solo en Espanol por 3 dias. Que chido no? Anyways I love Spanish, I still love my district (even though it's just the three of us) and I still love my zone as well. We are continuing to hear horror stories of missionaries not recieving their Mexican visas and having to get reassigned to... DUN DUN DUN... Idaho. Straight up I don't think I could handle that much adversity in my life (chiste). But hopefully our visas come and all is well and we don't end up serving in Elder Ashton's home ward like Elder Packard currently is hahaha. Yesterday we got two new districts of Advanced Spanish Elders in our zone and our floor. And for those of you who were at BYU with me and know Jared Montiel, you'll love this because a certain Elder Montiel is now my neighbor hahah. Great great guy. Those of you who sent packages, thank you so much! Valentine's day was so romantic here. Boy pics! Shoutout to Anne Capener for the sweet Valentine's package! I think I may have made a mistake by asking people to send me toys because now I have more than I know what to do with and there really isn't a ton of time to just mess around here. Next to none. But that's how it's supposed to be. We gotta work hard if we're gonna learn the things we need to know in order to help people feel of Christ's eternal love right!? It seriously doesn't even feel like work. The spirit of the Lord is present always and that makes even the most tedious task totally not suck.

P-days are so special because we get to go to the temple. The temple is such a wonderful place and it is so much better because we are doing more missionary work by helping others make the covenants they need. We also get to be freed from this prison! (it really is a great prison though) On Sundays we get to cruise up to the temple and just hang out on the grounds and take pictures and breath that fresh air as well. We love any chance to be free haha.

When I first got here I think I thought more about the idea of completing my mission in 2 years and being home than I did about the actual experience of serving, but believe me that has totally changed. I want to get the heck out of here but not because i don't like it and not because it isn't great but because I want to be in Mexico and talk to every person I see about their Savior and how they can become closer to him. Man... gives me chills.

Shoutout to Grandma Eileen for sending me a package and being such a great example of a Christlike person. Shoutout to Grandma D and Grandpa Chuck as well for serving missions and being such a great guiding influence in my life!

Our companionship/district (same thing now hah) altered our language study habits yesterday in order to study in a manner where we would be teaching each other concepts that we were individually struggling with. It was INCREDIBLE how much more productive and effective it was. We were inspired by a talk given on Tuesday by Elder Don R. Clark (of the Setenta) and a video we watched of Elder Bednar about turning outwards and serving others. I testify that when we serve others and spend time to think of others we are blessed. There is a reason that the happiest people are those who serve others as much as possible. When you think about yourself you get sad, when you think about others you get happy. That is a fact of life that no one can deny. Do yourselves a favor, make yourself happy by helping others. Even in the MTC it is tough to do this because we want to think about our own problems and struggles and think that will solve them. Pondering your own problems and challenges for eternity will not solve them. We absolutely have to put others first.

Help others find Christ. Talk about your faith and how it makes you happy. Everyone needs Christ in their life, they just might not know it yet.

I count my blessing all day every day and the more service I get the opportunity to do the happier I am. So please please just make yourselves happy and serve!

Mother Theresa quote time!

"I see the face of my Savior Jesus Christ in every other person that I see."

Would you serve Jesus Christ? Do you serve Jesus Christ? If you're serving others then the answer to that is duuhhhhhh.

Mosiah 2:17 Read it, apply it, be happy! Like me!

Me encanta esta Evangelio y le amo mi Salvador Jesucristo. El murio por humanidad y hizo posible por nosotros a regresar y vivir con Dios nuestro Padre. Jesucristo vive y nos ama.

I love you all! But sorry I don't really miss you too much. being a missionary is too important for me to waste time missing people. Love ya!

Elder Jarman (Harman en Mexico)

Week 3 Letter

Hola Familia y Amigos,

That's all I've learned in Spanish so far.... Just kidding. But seriously. I'm practically fluent. I can say please and thank you. And that's all you need right?

This week has been just great. I'm currently trying to think of anything crazy or different happening... Oh yeah. Hermana Lazalde and Elder Anaya left on Wednesday for the MTC in Peru, and Elder Packard and Elder Bahr (my first companion) are in Boise serving in the field waiting for their Mexican visas. Pretty crazy. We're all getting some cabin fever here. Watching people leave makes us want to get to the field and start teaching for real, even though our Spanish and gospel knowledge is still pretty meager. But hey we're doing much better. This past week my whole perspective on the mission has started to change. I've been enjoying nearly every minute, but at the same time still thought of it as mostly a service. Sure it is, but it is starting to not feel like one. We are so lucky to be here. We get to be the hands of Jesus Christ on this earth and help others see how much he can bless them. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. God loves all his children and they all deserve to feel of that love. I also have a new perspective on the Atonement. One of the Elders in our zone was talking about it in his testimony and he said to imagine our literal brother suffering for  our sins. Then I pictured Copper or Riley being hurt for something I'd done and I just started crying uncontrollably. Jesus is our brother and he died to save us. I feel gratitude in my heart constantly for this. I want nothing more than to help others partake of that Atonement and feel clean though baptism. Man... I'm sitting here thinking about my priorities from just a few weeks ago and I'm in awe of how far off the mark I've been. Sure, I've been a good enough kid but I didn't humble myself before God everyday and earnestly thank him for all that has been done for me and then act on that gratitude. I do that daily now and I am so happy. Please, PLEASE thank God for everything you all have. Nothing is possible in this life or the next without God and Jesus Christ.

So as for more worldy things, Elder Neff, Elder Lundberg, and Elder Miller are all avid Arrested Development fans so we basically only speak in quotes now. That's always entertaining. And I feel such a great bond with all the Elders who I interact with. Nothing like the Spirit of the Lord to help make strangers into brothers in 3 short weeks. The hispanic elders on our floor might be the funniest human beings to ever walk the earth. Oh man. The MTC is something else.

Also, I love the scriptures. I can't belive it took me so long to take advantage of having the Word of God at my fingertips. My favorite scriptures this week include Mosiah 28:3 (really emphasizes how important missionary work is) and Moroni 7:45-47 (pure love of Christ baby). The second one is so important. We all need to feel genuine love for everyone around us. Member of the church, crackhead on the street, anybody. If Jesus loves them we must love them. And guess what, Jesus loves errbody. So what I'm trying to say is drop any animosity or ill feelings you might have and love because that's what we are commanded to do by God.

Okay no more preaching, I just want to share this quote that goes in line with what I wrote previously about this not being a service but a privilege. I forget who said it. Livingstone or something. Anyways here it is

"If a commission from an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission from a heavenly king be considered a sacrifice." WOOP WOOP so sweet right?

So yeah, this isn't a sacrifice. This is the best thing anybody could do. Be great, go on a mission, love everyone, all that good stuff.

I also love packages. Anybody who wants to send one is a saint. But the trick is, don't send food. We get treats so often it's impossible to eat them. We like toys and pictures and random fun things, so if you want get creative.

My address (in case you forgot) is:

Elder Price Jarman

MTC Mailbox #239

MEX-VER 0319

2005 N 900 E

Provo, UT 84604

So anyways, the Church is true and life is good. Love everyone you meet and you will be happy. Talk to ya'll next week

Love,

Elder Jarman

Week 2 Letter

Family and Friends!

  

It has been so great getting mail from friends and family! I love it. I was mostly joking in the last letter about the pictures and such, but not really. I am so grateful for everyone’s love and support. I am trying to write everyone back. Also, my favorite is getting real mail. DearElder is great but there’s nothing like a handwritten letter. And if you’re questioning whether I would want to hear from you or not, stop questioning because I want to hear from anyone and everyone!

Anyways, some updates from this last week. I managed to hold on to my companion for an entire week. Elder Hansen and I will be together for the duration of my MTC stay. Our district only has 5 people in it and 2 of them (Elder Anaya and Hermana Lazalde) leave on Wednesday for the MTC in Peru. So I will be in a triple companionship with Elder Ashton and Elder Hansen and that will be our entire district. I can’t remember if I said this in my last letter but we spend a solid 10 hours per day in a classroom. It’s pretty nuts. And you all know me, I’ve never spent more than 5 minutes studying for anything, but I prayed hard for a desire to study and the Lord delivered. I’ve never worked this hard before and I really am enjoying it. The gospel of Jesus Christ is so simple and so beautiful and I can’t wait to share it. We have devotionals every Sunday and Tuesday night and guess what this Tuesday was?! It was the 50th anniversary of the MTC and guess who came and spoke?? Elder Russel M. Nelson and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve. No joke. So cool. They dedicated 5 recently renovated buildings at the MTC, including the one in which I live. It was such a cool experience. While at that meeting, I met an Elder by the name of Elder Jarman. Crazy I know. Guess where he’s serving. Yep, Veracruz Mexico. Such a strange coincidence. He said his family is from Phoenix so maybe he is a relative? I bet our grandpas are cousins. He is supposed to leave for Mexico on Monday but he and everyone else in his district have not yet received their visas. Apparently they are having a lot of trouble with Mexican visas. This is mildly unnerving but I’ve got 7 weeks for them to sort mine out. I don’t want to get reassigned to Idaho. I’d physically die.

Shout out to my best friend Kohl for getting his mission call to Nicaragua, and to Jear bear for getting called to the same place. So crazy. And Also BK for getting his call except I forgot where to. All of you if you read this, write me!

I love the Elders in my zone so much. They are all so fun and spiritual. Elder Neff and I are still doggin everyone in gym and Elder Robinson from Wisconsin is the funniest person who ever lived. Elder West from Sandy told one of his friends to write me and she did. Pretty sweet. Elder West went to Alta. He’s a great guy.

I got a little discouraged yesterday because one of our mock investigators isn’t progressing at all. I can’t imagine what it will be like when I’m teaching real people. The spanish is coming along really well. It’s crazy how fast people learn in here. Well I’m not sure what else to say. Life is good. I love you and all and I miss you but honestly I’d rather be here getting ready to spread the good news that God lives, He loves us, and He sent his Son to atone for our sins so we can live with Him again. Christ’s church is on the earth and he has a prophet to guide us, Thomas S. Monson. If this church wasn’t true, I along with 50,000 other young men wouldn’t be dedicating our time to tell people about it. I love this gospel and I love my Savior. Through Him anything is possible.

Testifico que La Iglesia de Jesucristo de Los Santos De Los Ultimos Dias es la iglesia de Jesucristo en la tierra hoy. A traves arrepentimiento, bautismo, y seguir los mandamientos de Dios, todas las personas pueden volver a vivir con Dios. Tenemos un profeta en la tierra hoy y el habla con Dios. Me encanta el Evangelio y La Iglesia y no puedo esperar el Evangelio con la gente de Mexico. Dios vive y nos ama. Yo digo estas cosas en el nombre de Jesucristo, Amen.

I love you! The Church is true.

Love,

Elder Jarman