April 30, 2012

Hey fam,

How’s it going? I hope all is well.

Armenia is sweet, I can't believe it's already been another week. We've been doing a lot of teaching and talking to people on the streets. We had a crazy amount of meetings fall through this week, which was sometimes discouraging. I think one day we had 7 fall through. We have a few progressing investigators still though, so it's good. This week at church we had almost 100 people at church, which is crazy for Armenia. I'm lucky enough to be serving in one of the strongest branches in the country. We have one investigator that's ridiculously close to being ready for baptism, but he just keeps relapsing into smoking. I'm really praying for him, he's a great guy. A little forgetful sometimes, but a great guy. It's crazy that in just the short amount of time here I'm feeling love for the people.  Yesterday we had a cool experience. We were street contacting and we talked to this guy. At first he was okay, but then he started freaking out and telling us that we had no right to say anything about Christ. Because they're the first Christian nation and all. It was more funny than anything, and he wouldn't even really let us talk. It's amazing how ignorant some people can be. I feel pretty bad for them. At one point he told me that my Armenian was terrible and that for 50 bucks he would teach me how to REALLY speak Armenian. Funny. I didn't take him up on his offer, just so you know.

That's really sad news about the family; I hope everyone is doing ok. I'll be praying for their family.
The LDS church building in Vanadzor is actually the exact same building that we live in, so you should be able to see what we live around. We're planning on going to see some sights next week when hopefully it gets a little warmer.

Well, it's awesome to hear from you, I hope everyone is doing well. I'll try to send some pictures in the next few weeks.

With love,
Elder Pack

April 23, 2012 - Vanadzor!

Hey Fam,

It's been a pretty crazy week. First was the crazy amount of traveling that we did. I didn't really like that part. But now I'm finally in Armenia, and it's a party. The country is awesome, I love it here. The people get along with so little, and a lot of them are still so happy. The language is still kind of blowing me away, but I'm getting better. My first day I got totally wiped out, but now I'm getting in the swing of things. My companion is Elder Gerber, and he's been great. Luckily he's been patient with me, no matter how slow I am. He's also been pushing me really hard, but I guess that's the only way to learn. He actually called our house a few months ago and mom freaked out at him. He even made me German pancakes this morning, for which I am eternally grateful. We're serving in Vanadzor, a small city in the northern part of Armenia. Very cool place, and luckily it won't get as hot here in the summer. Yerevan is supposed to get pretty bad. The branch here is awesome; all of the people are way nice. I had to go up and bear my testimony in sacrament meeting yesterday, which consisted of about 20 people, and this old lady was just yelling at me the entire time. It was pretty funny. It'll be a while before I'm pro at the language though. I've had some Armenian food, but not a ton. My first day we had some Georgian food, which was basically a small chicken cut in half with some bread. The bread here is amazing by the way. We basically eat it for every meal. I had this thing called a lamajo which is basically a meet paste spread out on some lavash. It was way good. Lavash is kind of like a tortilla, just thin bread. Last night we ate at a member’s house and we had some boiled greens with some matsoon. Matsoon is basically a mix of cottage cheese and sour cream in texture, but a really strong taste. It was actually pretty good, but I've heard that a lot of missionaries don't like it. So far the food has been good, and today we're going to get some Armenian pizza. That should be exciting.

It's awesome to hear about everybody at home, I hope everyone is doing well. I hope the play is good for Mom and Jenna, and that sports are good and all that stuff. Tell Jenna she's awesome for making you dinner, I never did that ha. I hope Alycia had a good time at prom, and I'm glad Robbie beat up her date. He probably deserved it. I hope work is going well for you Dad.

Great to hear from you,

Love,

Elder Pack

April 20, 2012 - New Companion!

Elder Gerber & Elder Pack

April 18, 2012

Hey Fam!

Here I am, finally in Armenia! It's pretty crazy, and I'm super pumped. We landed about 3:30 in the morning local time here, so something like 4:30 in the afternoon at home. It's weird to be on such a different clock. So far everything is going great. We've met our Mission President, his wife, and the assistants. Everyone is way nice, I can tell that I'm really going to like it here. We just ate a fantastic meal, which was an awesome change of pace from airport food. That 14 hours in the Austrian Airport almost killed me. Seriously. It's all good now though, and I'm already way pumped to go out and do some stuff. Today we're going to the Armenian Genocide memorial and a Georgian restaurant, so that should be exciting. Well, this is just a little quick email, just to let you know that I'm doing ok. I'll write again soon! I hope everything is going well back at home. Sorry i couldn't talk on the phone very long with all of you.

Peace,

Elder Pack

April 17, 2012 - Elder Pack Arrives in Armenia!!!

April 11, 2012

Hey fam,

What's up? Everything is good here, and we're definitely excited to leave. Only five more days. Today was the last temple day that we are going to have for quite some time, which was sad. It's going to be weird not being here. I feel like this is all I know. The General Authority we had last Sunday was President Packer. It was a really cool experience. We've been crazy blessed while we've been here at the MTC.

I sounds like you had fun in St. George. I remember all those trips. We don't really get to experience the good weather here, since we're in our classrooms all day, but I can always stare out the window. It's good to hear that Grandma and Grandpa are doing well. And thank them for helping to pay for my mission. i'll send them a letter as soon as I can.

This Easter was really good, especially here in the MTC. Like I said, we had President Packer speak, and it was a really good talk. Mostly about remembering the Savior and what he did for us. But he said it like only an apostle can. We also watched a great video on the end of the Saviors life and his resurrection. You can find it on LDS.org, and I would recommend it. My companion actually caught the flu last week and was in quarantine for 2 days. He missed the Easter Devotional, it was kinda sad. We also had an amazing spiritual experience last night with a member of our branch presidency. I'm going to miss them.

I actually was able to buy a calling card at the MTC, so I can call you no problem. I'm going to be at the airport pretty early, probably around 6:30 or 7 and my flight leaves around 8:30. The flight to New York is like 5 hours or so, so I could try to call you again there. We're going to be there for like 3 hours. Then we fly to Austria and then we have a 14 hour layover before we fly to Armenia. Long couple of days. I was about to send my temple clothes today, so you'll see them soon. I put a few other things for you in the bag as well.

I haven't really heard from any of my friends lately. Those Jerks. haha I'm kidding. I know how easy it is to put stuff of while out there in the world, so it's ok. It's just here that it can feel like forever.
I miss you all, and I'm sure I'll have tons more to write about next week.

Peace,

Elder Pack

April 9, 2012

Hey fam,

Thanks for coming to see me on Saturday. It was a really cool experience. Even though the camera did keep on switching right when it got to me ha. It's ok though, I actually even messed up in praise to the man at one point, so I'm kind of glad it didn't show me there ha. Something I probably remember for the rest of my life. Very funny.

Ya it's crazy how fast it's coming up. We're supposed to get our travel plans this Friday, so I can let you know when I can call.

I think we all feel that we're all not quite ready to leave just yet, even though it feels like we've been here forever ha. There's always new words to learn, scriptures to memorize, or just concepts to understand. But ya, ready or not...

This week we have a special sacrament meeting for the entire MTC. We're supposed to get 3 well known General Authorities for it. I'm hoping it's the First Presidency. Just sayin. I'll tell you how it goes next week.

So Robbie is playing football huh? Sounds like I'm in trouble! He's going to be some kind of 7 foot tall 300 pound muscle man when I get back. Now that is scary to think about. Go easy on me. That's cool about the Jazz and the Aggies. It's always nice to have the teams we like to actually win! That doesn't happen very often.

Ya Richard Pack left this week. Sad day. We represented to Packs well though. And the camera loved him ha. I haven't actually talked to David Archuleta, but I'm around him a lot. He's in the same building as me, and he was in the choir (he only got to the MTC 3 days before conference, but they let him in anyways). It looked like a bit of an attempt to get some attention, considering that was the last thing you saw of the choir was him front and center with his nametag for all to see. Being famous gives you some perks.

A few days ago we actually had a real Armenian come and visit us. He was an investigator all the way from California that drove here to watch conference. And then he just decided he wanted to see the missionaries. The MTC actually let him in, which was pretty surprising. I could actually understand a bunch of what he was saying, which was way cool. The visit was really short though. bummer. I'll see if I can send you a picture.

Last night we had a Fireside that was pretty good. For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the guy, but ya it was good. He talked about how we need to stop focusing on what we gave up to be here. Whatever we give up to serve the Lord, The Lord will give you so much back in return. We need to keep our lives in perspective. Proverbs 3:4-5

I don't know where I can print off that USU paper, so maybe you emailing it to me would be easier. If you can. I haven't gotten that other sheet yet, but I haven't checked my mail yet today.

Jenna, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to write you back. I'm sending you a letter today, so expect it soon. And please tell Grandma and Grandpa thank you for that email they sent me. Tell them that I'm praying for them.

I miss you all, I'll talk to you soon

Elder Pack

March 29, 2012

My week has been good, no complaints. I know you don't think it's a big deal, but I feel bad how whiney my letter was last week ha. Oh well. We actually got to walk down onto BYU campus today as well, because Elder Chojnacki wanted to get a suit tailored. It was kinda weird being in civilization.

That's cool that Emily is going to Alaska, I'm excited for her. I bet she'll have an awesome time up there, give her my best. Tell Alycia and Jenna congrats from me for their awesome performances. We aren't aloud to dance or play music while we're in hear, so it's good to hear that someone can still do it. It's kinda driving me crazy how little music there is here, considering that's almost all I did back at home. oh well.

I didn't know Grandma broke her hip! That’s terrible, I'm sorry to hear it. Tell her I'm praying for her and I hope she heals quickly.
That's crazy about Rob threatening Terri Miles (that's his name) I Hope she's doing ok. Too bad I'm not there so I can't set him straight.

Ya we have 2 Lithuanian speaking Elders and 1 Elder and 1 Sister speaking Latvian. They’re all way cool, and we spend a lot of our free time with them. And their classrooms are right next to ours which is cool.

One of our teachers said he got beat up by a priest of another church while he was there, so at least I'll hopefully have that to look forward to.

well, i G2G. Peace

Elder Pack

March 28, 2012

Hey fam,

Everything is good here, And time is definitely starting to go fast. I feel like I just wrote you. Thank you for the package, now I am the king of ties. If i wore a different one every day it would take me something like 2 1/2 weeks to wear them all. I'm pretty pumped. Considering that ties are the only way we can change our wardrobe, it's pretty cool. They make us wear our suits every day all day, So I haven't been able to even wear the other slacks I have. Oh well, I'll be in Armenia soon! only like 2 1/2 weeks. I have some stuff that I want to send to you, along with my temple clothes, so just let me know the day you can come by and I will just leave them at the front desk.

It's awesome to hear what everyone is up to. Tell Alycia congrats for cheer and prom, that's way cool. Now it's up to her to turn the squad around. Good luck with your opera and your play Mom and Jenna. I remember my opera too, it was about a dead chipmunk that came back to life, so I think you're will be better. I hope everything is going well at work Dad, I wish I could help you out. And good luck with the upstairs bathroom, it better be gorgeous when I get back. Tell Robbie he's a beast, and I'm pretty sure he could beat me up. Show those other basketball players who's boss. That's awesome about Grandma's hip, I hope she continues to improve. Tell Grandma and Grandpa that I'm praying for them.

Conference is coming up, watch for me. Richard Pack is in the choir too, so the Packs are represented.

Well I wish I could write more, but my time's up. I'll write you next week.

Peace,

Elder Pack

P.S. I dont' know if you noticed, but you accidentally sent Alycia's letter to Reggie to me. I've only been gone 2 months and you're already forgetting who's who

March 21, 2012

Hey fam,

This week was interesting... A few cool things happened. First, Tyson was able to actually meet with me yesterday, and that was really cool. I didn't even think they let people do that, but I'm really glad that they let us do it.

Yes I am getting your Dear Elder letters, sorry I haven't really told you that. I really like hearing about home, so it's really nice to get something. We're actually going to break out the chips and queso today and have a little shindig (not really, but that's about as close as we're ever going to get). Thank you for everything you have sent me.

Another cool thing that happened is I actually get to sing in Conference in a few weeks. I got really lucky. I think it's going to be the Saturday afternoon session, so watch for me. I'll be the one in a suit.

I ordered some new pictures to send home, but they apparently just completely forgot my order. I reordered them today, so I'll try to send them soon. And I don't know where I'm going to get a box big enough to send my temple clothes home. I'll figure something out though.

Congrats to Mom and Jenna about the play, that is way cool. Break a leg. And good luck to Alycia with cheer tryouts. Make is so the Mountain Crest cheer squad doesn't suck this year! That's way cool that Robbie might get a 4.0 too, keep it up. And kick some butt in basketball, show them who's boss. If they don't listen, just tell them that your bro is a terrorist. Speaking Armenian makes me sound like one.

It's good to hear things are busy at work Dad, sorry I'm not there to help you out with your appendices. If you want you can just leave them all until I get back, it would give me something to do.

The one spiritual thought I have for you this week is that we have to remember how important our prayers are. It's easy to fall into a rut, and just say the same thing over and over, but remember to keep it sincere, and listen to what Heavenly Father is saying to you. I had been praying for the last few weeks that Tyson and Matthew would have some sort of wake up call, and look what happened. Heavenly Father answers our prayers, and I know it. Pray with all your heart

Well, I'm sure I'll talk to you soon, or at least by next week.

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March 14, 2012

Dear Family:

Really good week this week. I wish that they gave us more time to email, but I think that it will get better when I get to the field. Usually in gym I just run, mostly just so I don't get super fat while I'm here. It feels good to get some exercise. Tell Grandma I'm thinking and praying for her, I hope she heals quickly.

Something that's cool that I found out is a bunch of Armenians go to USU for school, so it looks like I'll have some people to talk to when I get back.

I'm not sure if this is the right verse, but Alma 29:9 is really good. If it's the one I'm thinking of then just use that one on my plaque.

Tell Mom and Jenna good luck with their play and tell Alycia good luck with her tryouts. I'm praying for you all.

Ya I don't know how to make the sushi work either. I'm coming back from the temple at like 9 am on wednesdays, and that's a little early for sushi. The only other time I leave campus is on Sundays for temple walk so I dunno. Sad day.

I don't know what else I want in a package... If i think of anything i'll let you know.

Sorry I can't write more.

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March 7, 2012

Family,

I'm sorry, I don't have much time. I'll just write a few notes.

This week was really good. I don’t' know if I told you, but Elder Holland spoke to us last week. We also had Alex Boye speak to us. He's a professional singer, and really funny. Yes I did get the paper, but I haven't had any time to do anything with it yet. Thank you for the packages you have sent me, sorry I haven't thanked you more. If you can when you send that other package, just send a bunch of junky ties that would be sweet. any ties. even those neon ones I had. I feel weird because everyone has like a million ties and I only have five. That's crazy about Dad's companion, what are the odds? Something cool that we had a speaker say recently is that to pray with real intent, then you have to intend to do what God tells you to do. I never thought of it like that, so I thought that was cool.

I'm really excited to get into the field. I'm halfway! so I guess that's good. I'll let you know when I send my temple clothes back. Thanks so much for writing me! I promise to write more next week

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