Year 1, Week 6:Its Going to be Hard to Leave our District

Dear Mom,

Not much happened this week. 

Sunday: On Sunday, we woke up, started our fast, went to Sacrament meeting, then district meeting (Elder Gibby and I taught the lesson), then priesthood, then a Mission Conference, then a Mission Conference review, then ponder time, then choir, then dinner, then Sunday Night devotional, then a MTC Talk given called Consecrated Missionary, then to bed. Sundays are full, full days at the MTC. No time for visiting Pan & Emit:) Sunday Night Devotional was given by President and Sister Weidman, Second Counselor in the MTC presidency. Here are some of my notes:

- Love God most. Always put God first.

- If the whole church is Gods army, then the missionaries are Gods special forces.

- Live the Higher Standards

- Make your love for the Lord your greatest Motivation. 

Monday: For service, Elder Gibby and I were assigned to empty garbage cans. I thought of how easy it was at home and just assumed it would be similar. Oh no...(Imagine Brian Reagans voice). I didn't know how disgusting people could be. In the trash there was open jars of Queso, Salsa, Fungal Paste, donuts on the floor, etc. Like this was probably the grossest thing I have ever done. But, I had the opportunity to serve so I am grateful for the experience. Not much else happened on Monday. We had class later that day and then went to bed... Nothing exciting.

Tuesday: All the days are starting to just be the same. We had class in the morning and then had Tuesday night Devotional. Elder Oaks came and spoke to us. Here are some of the notes from him.

- Desire what is right and pray for help. 

- If we do not understand the vital principles of the Resurrection, then our preaching is in vain.

- The fundamental principles of our church are based on Jesus Christ and everything else is an appendage to him.

- The Book of Mormon needs to be the main book we teach from. 

- Never take your missionary setting apart for granted. 

Wednesday: Again, not much happened. Class and Study time.

Thursday: It was Infield-Orientation which basically means you sit in class from 8 AM. until 5:30 PM. with two 30 minute breaks. We learned all about the Doctrine of Christ, how to apply the Doctrine of Christ in our lives and lessons, how to continue to make goals and continue to plan, how to find people, and how to effectively work with members. It was a good experience, just super, super long.... Then we had dinner, exercise, and personal study time.

Friday: Again... A very normal day of class and study time. I like these type of days but they're not to exciting to talk about. 

And here we are. Back at PDAY. Today, I plan on getting to the Temple, sleeping, folding laundry, exercising, and then going to class.

Our teachers, Brother Cook and Brother Truman are great guys. Brother Truman is more of the lets buckle down from the start and gets things done, which is great, but makes it hard to build a relationship with. Brother Cook will get to class and tell us all about the girl he is dating and how he finally kissed her. He is kinda like an older brother who tells you everything and then gets down to business. I love both of them and will miss them. We saw Brother Truman for the last time yesterday. 

Its going to be hard to leave our district. Over the 6 weeks we have become extremely close and I will most likely not see any of them again and its going to be hard to say goodbye. I never realized how fast you can come to love people. It will even be harder in the mission field because I will be seeing people turn there lives around and watch them progress in the gospel. To leave that will be super hard.

Anyway, I love you all.

Love,

Elder Bushman

"The Lord has a plan for us in this life. He knows us. He knows what is best for us. Just because things are going well does not mean that we should not from time to time consider whether there might be something better. If we continue to live as we are living, will the promised blessings be fulfilled?"

—Carlos A. Godoy, "The Lord Has a Plan for Us!"

Year 1, Week 5: We Got our Travel Plans!!!!

How is it going mom? Once again, the Elders in our district woke up and 4:15 in the morning to do laundry. It's hard right at first but then feels great to be up and productive this early.

This week I have seen tons of new people. I have seen Sarah Curzon, Ben Mcmillian (However that is spelled), Shawn Young (Friend from TAMS), and Callie Rogers (I actually haven't talked to her, but I've seen her.) I continue to see and talk with Brooklyn Holmes, David Cowley, Ethan Peterson, Isaac Yamada, Harrison James, Taylor Anderson, and Brantley Johnson.

I haven't met any missionaries going to my mission, but I did receive my travel plans and I am the Travel Leader. Basically, I hold the hands of the other missionaries and make sure they aren't dumb. Entonces, there are several missionaries in my group that are traveling. There is one Elder named Jonah Peterson that I met on Instagram who is going to Boston English Speaking. I'm excited to meet him for the first time. I will send pictures of my travel plans so you know everything that I know. 

As stated up above, I have seen Sister Curzon. I haven't had a real opportunity to talk with her, but we did take pictures and chat for a couple minutes. I'm looking forward to a  time when we have dinner at the same time and can really talk.

Yes, I did get the package. Will you please send me all the family member emails? Uncle John, Aunt Karla, Stephen, etc.. I would love to write them a thank you note for their kind words.

Ethan Peterson is going on his mission to Houston South speaking English. He was supposed to fly out on Monday but has been delayed and still doesn't know when he'll go. The Elders and Sisters in my district who are going to Houston North haven't heard anything about being delayed. Especially because we got travel plans with flights. It is possible they could still get delayed, but from my knowledge they're good to go. I have heard and seen some pictures of the devastation in Houston. I heard about the temple flooding and water hitting roof tops. Not much else. If you so desire, I would love to get a news update because I can't check KSL like I used to;)

That is super exciting for Josh Newman. I'll keep him in my prayers. I'm sorry you aren't feeling well. Haha, when you said that Spencer is eating corn dogs I had a vision. Spencer is in his blue basketball shorts, with a white undershirt, having one foot up on the barstool or the kitchen table bench dipping his corndog in BBQ sauce:)

Sunday: 

First, Elder Bird was released from DL and Elder Broschart was called as new DL. During Sacrament meeting I was awake the whole time. The rest of church was good. Elder Gibby and I taught a lesson on the Book of Mormon. We basically just thought of questions to ask the group of missionaries and led a discussion on why the Book of Mormon is important. 

Funny and kinda taco story.... I walked into the Cafeteria for dinner and a guy at the cash register looks at me and says:

Guy: "you have a very soft face."

Me: "um... thanks..."

Guy: "I really like it."

Me: "um... thanks..."

Guy: "where did you get it?

Me: "um... my parents..."

Guy: "do you know anything about traits and genetics?"

Me: "um... no..."

Guy: "yeah, most people don't really know where they got there traits from, so I was wondering if you did."

Me: "ha...ha....um... no... I don't..."

Me: *run away*

After that awkward experience, we had Sunday night devotional. The Managing Director of the Missionary Department came and talked to us about our missions. To bring others to Christ. After the devotional we went to see Tad Callister's talk. He talked about becoming a consecrated missionary. It was a great experience and I really learned a lot.

Monday: 

Monday was an exciting day!! During exercise time a few of us Elders were playing basketball. Elder Bird, old DL, got the ball in the post, and jumped in the air to make his lay up. On his way into the air, Elder Birds elbow hit Elder Gibbys jaw and Elder Gibby bit completely through his lip. When we took him to the BYU health clinic across from the MTC , the doctor had him wash out his mouth, and water dropped out of the hole in his face. Kinda crazy. The only nice thing about this experience was... I got to ride in a car for the first time in 28 days!!!:) pretty exciting.

Tuesday:

Tuesday was great. Nothing crazy exciting. When we taught our investigator Constanza, who I personally think is a real investigator, the lesson was pretty good. We tried to teach the Plan of Salvation, but she just asked more questions on the Book of Mormon and then started asking questions about where our prophets come from... it was tough. 

Tuesday Night Devotional was great. Here are some of my notes.

• We are called to gather the elect. That is our purpose.
• It is important to have a testimony of our Savior. The testimonies of others can only take us so far.
• If I don't have a strong light and conversion about Jesus Christ. Get one.
• Teach Repentance and Baptize Converts.

Devotionals are the best. Before the mission though, I HATED Devotionals. Now, Devotionals are fantastic.

Wednesday:

Wednesday was Awesome!!! When we taught our investigator Constanza, we walked in and asked if she has read the Book of Mormon and prayed since last time we met. She started crying and said that she knows the Book of Mormon is true and she sees how it applies to her life. We then went on to teach the Plan of Salvation and how because Christ suffered for her, He knows her problems and she can rely on Him. One of the greatest things Christ did for us is being baptized. We then extended the baptism invitation to her and asked if she would be baptized on a specific date. She said she wants to know more. We explained that getting baptized is an act of faith and she will be blessed for following the example of Christ. We asked her again and she said she will pray about it. We will know more on Friday. That is our next discussion with her.

Thursday:

Thursday started out CRAZY!!! I was talking with Elder Bird and I learned that he grew up in Camarillo, California. I told him that is where dad grew up and asked if he knew Burl and Char Bushman. He said no, so I left it alone. Later in the day he was telling me about one of his best friends who is coming to the MTC. JP Arbon. When I heard the name, i paused for a second and then it hit me. I know the Arbon family. I asked if he had a sister named Beth. I don't know how I remember that but... i did. Anyway, Elder Bird knows all the Arbons, he knows some Beifuss's and he knows John Troxell. Crazy right? Elder Birds mom is super good friends with Paul Arbon. Elder Birds moms name is Michelle Barlow. Supposedly, there are tons of Barlows all over Camarillo and they are all the family of Elder Bird. Anyway, super small world.

After that whole thing happened, we headed to exercise where Elder Gibby, hurt himself once again. We were playing basketball and Elder Gibby ran into some bleachers and bruised his arm super bad. He popped a blood vessel in his arm. I'll send a pic.

In our halls of our residence, the Elders hang flags of there mission. Elder Broschart hung a Texas Flag. The whole MTC was notified that it is a fire hazard and all flags had to be taken down. When Elder Broschart brought it back in, Elder Byington said, "oh dang... there is a hole in the flag"

I started singing immediately the following:

"There's a hole in my bucket dear Liza, dear Liza, there's a hole in my bucket dear Liza a hole.

Then fix it dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, then fix it dear Henry, dear Henry fix it.

with what shall I fix it dear Liza, dear Liza, with what shall I fix it dear Liza with what?

with a stick dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, with a stick dear Henry, dear Henry a stick.

but the stick is too long dear Liza, dear Liza, but the stick is too long, dear Liza too long.

Then cut it dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, then cut it dear Henry, dear Henry cut it.

With what shall I cut it dear Liza, dear Liza, with what shall I cut It, dear Liza with what?

With an ax dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, with an ax dear Henry, dear Henry an ax.

But the ax is to dull, dear Liza, dear Liza, but the ax is to dull, dear Liza to dull.

Then sharpen it, dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, then sharpen it dear Henry, dear Henry sharpen it.

With what shall I sharpen it, dear Liza, dear Liza, with what shall I sharpen it, dear Liza with what?

With a rock, dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, with a rock dear Henry, dear Henry a rock.

But the rock is to dry, dear Liza, dear Liza, but the rock is to dry, dear Liza to dry.

Then wet it, dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, then wet it dear Henry, dear Henry wet it.

With what shall I wet it, dear Liza, dear Liza, with what shall I wet it, dear Liza with what?

With water dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, with water dear Henry, dear Henry, WATER.

But I don't have any water, dear Liza, dear Liza, I don't have any water, dear liza, water...

Then fetch it dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, then fetch it dear Henry, dear Henry fetch it.

With what shall I fetch it, dear Liza, dear Liza, with what shall I fetch it, dear Liza with what?

With a bucket dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry, with a bucket dear Henry, dear Henry, a bucket.

But there is a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza, there is a hole in my bucket, dear Liza a hole."

I thought mom would appreciate it:)

Friday:

Friday was a good day. When we taught Constanza, we again invited her to be baptized. She accepted our invitation to be baptized on September 30th. She also committed to go to church and work on repenting. I really believe that she is a real investigator. She has been great, but Friday was the last day we taught her. Also, on Friday we got our travel plans!!! Pictures of them will follow so you can have all the info.

Spanish is going well. The reason Spanish is hard is because there isn't a word for every English word. In English, if I was to say, "will you pray?" It would translate in Spanish to, "Orará." That's it. One word for three English words. Anyway, it's pretty fun to speak but hard.

 

During exercise time, Elder Gibby sat out because of his injuries but that didn't stop people from getting hurt. Elder Broschart was biking and then started running laps, he ran hard enough that he threw up, Elder Painter was playing four square and popped his arm out of its socket, Hermana Anderson was playing basketball and passed out because she is hyperglycemic. Elder Bybee has been sick since we got here, Elder Byington hurt his knee and ankle last week, Elder Bird has TBD(Ty Bird Disease). It basically is stomach pain that no doctor has been able to figure out. Anyway, our district is pretty beat up:)

Anyway, There is a small recap of the week. Hopefully not too long:)

Love, Elder Bushman

 

Meme, courtesy of Elder Painter

Fun Reunion with Sister Curzon!!

 

"I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us."

—Thomas S. Monson, "Be of Good Cheer"

Year 1, Week 4: The Prophets in the Book of Mormon are AWESOME

Dear Family,
 

First, shout out to MaKayla. Happy Birthday in 4 days!! Love ya:) 

Today is PDAY!! The Elders in our district woke up at 4:15 to bust out some laundry and get it out of the way for naps later in the day. I actually really enjoy waking up so early. Its ridiculous how much time is in a day when you wake up at 6:30 every day. I didn't believe good ol' paps, but, its easy to wake up at 6:30. Just get up:) Haha, love you all.

This week has been great. The time is starting to really run together and I'm not exactly sure what has happened. Let's start with Sunday.

Sunday was good. It's been hard to stay awake during sacrament meeting. During the Sacrament, I really try to focus on what the Savior has done for me, sometimes though, I fall asleep by accident. So, Branch President Rogers called me out for sleeping and told me I need to stay awake. President Rogers is one of the best men I have ever met in my life. He is Bold, but not overbearing. He will call you out if you aren't obeying rules, but then will tell you of his love for you. He is a great man and I look up to him greatly. During the Sunday night devotional, Kenneth Cope came and performed a musical fireside. It was fantastic. He is a little awkward though:) One of the things he said is very true, but a little weird. He says, "We are children of God. We have the same Papa. I believe God is very affectionate and loves to kiss. You are His boys. You are His girls." Once again, very true, but a little awkward wording... Anyway, we have been joking about that recently. 

Monday was good. We got some service done, exercise is great, and then back to class. I have really started to like the MTC but I am ready to get out into the field. 

Tuesday was great. Same stuff, class, lunch, exercise, but then Devotional. Weatherford T. Clayton and his wife came and spoke. He taught that We, as the Lord's missionaries, partner with the Father and the Son in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. I really have thought of this deeply. We are not assisting the Father and the Son. We are PARTNERING with the Father and the Son. Its a deeper meaning than assist. He also taught that repentance is glorious. So many times in life, we get caught up with the feelings of repentance is hard and painful, which it can be. But, It is glorious. If our investigators can understand this, they will be changed forever. After the Devotional on Tuesday, we meet with our district and a member of the branch presidency to discuss it. One Elder brought up a quote he saw before the mission. "When we are drowning Spiritually, Physically, Mentally, or Emotionally, Remember, our LifeGuard walks on Water."

Wednesday was great. Meeting new missionaries is always fun and great! Nothing else has really happened. Just working on getting deeper into the righteous routines that Zak wisely suggested. 

Thursday was a pretty good day. On Thursdays, we have class from 8:30-11:30, then from 1:30-4:30. Its kinda intense but then, we have the rest of the night to exercise and study and hang out. 

Fridays are kinda the same. Nothing really happened.

I have really grown to love study the scriptures. I never was into it very much, but the prophets in the Book of Mormon are AWESOME! When I got to the MTC, I started the Book of Mormon over again just like the family. Right now, I am in 2nd Nephi 3. One of the things I really have studied is when Nephi is tied to the mast of the ship. 1st Nephi 18:16 say, "Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions." 

When Nephi was in one of his lowest points he says, " I did not murmur and I did praise him all the day long." Wow, what a Man...

Anyway, sorry for the shorter letter. I'll send pics later. Love ya.

Elder Bushman

 

Extra Nuggets:

Spanish, I am learning a lot of Spanish but it is hard. There are 12 different tenses in the spanish language and crazy ways of conjugating them. But Ill get it.

 

Haha!! Spencer and his Heartland. Funny STORY READY!? Its Sunday night DEVOTIONAL TIME, and I'm chillin with my comp. and Elder Broschart and his Comp. Elder Broschart looks at me and says, "Hey Elder Bushman, have you ever heard of HEARTLAND?" I respond, "HECK YEAH!!" Elder Broschart says, "Holy cow, Heartland is the only TV show I've ever watched all the way through. I even got my mom to watch it!!" HAHA, Elder Broschart and I are so similar its so funny.

Grandpas letters are awesome!!! Thank you for those:)

 

 

 

"To know Heavenly Father and to understand our relationship to Him as our Father and our God is to find meaning in this life and hope in the life to come."

—M. Russell Ballard, "Like a Flame Unquenchable"

Year 1, Week 3: I Have Been Called to Boston for a Reason

Time has really disappeared. Stuff happens that I thought was that morning, but was actually 2-3 days prior. I have enjoyed seeing many missionaries I know. Elder Brantley Johnson, Sister Brooklyn Holmes, Elder Harrison Wade, Elder David Cowley, Elder Ethan Peterson, Elder Alex Hill, and Elder James Hillyer. It has been nice to see familiar faces and know that so many people are choosing to obey the commandments. I'm looking forward to be able to see Sister Sarah Curzon in the MTC on August 30th. 

This week... So many things have happened. 

Sunday: Sunday's are always great because 1. Its a day of rest. 2. We don't have Spanish class, hence the day of rest. and 3. SUNDAY NIGHT DEVOTIONAL!!!OH YEAH! Because I have been sick and can't sing well, I haven't been attending the MTC Choir. Except, that will change this Sunday. The Speaker for the devotional on Sunday was M. Russell Ballard. So far, we have listened to Elder Bednar, Jenny Oaks Baker, Elder and Sister Sitati, and now, Elder Ballard. Elder Ballard taught that the Lord has His way of Placing people when and where He wants them. I have realized that I have been called to Boston for a REASON. What that reason is. I still, do not know. He taught that missionaries have a spiritual message of great importance and conversion always begins with what people feel. Elder Ballard was fantastic and was a real answer to my prayers.

Monday: Monday started with service. I was assigned to sweep the stairs, mop the stairs, and then clean toilets in the Men's Bathrooms... Let's say, I would prefer to clean toilets at home;) After service was exercise and class. Mom, when you all came to the MTC for the tour I was in class. As you were walking by all of the flags into the last new building. I was on the 5th floor, east side, studying Spanish. I would have loved to see all of you but it wasn't meant to be. Not much happened on Monday other that receiving a package from Mom that was much appreciated. I'm grateful for everything you all have done for me.

Tuesday: Tuesday was a pretty exciting day. Here at the MTC there is a thing called TRC. It stands for Training Resource Center. At the TRC you receive an investigator to teach. Many of the investigators are members, but some are non-members or less active members. Many of these investigators have been baptized because of missionaries in the MTC. Mine and Elder Gibby's investigator is a lady by the name of Ana Galvis. She is from Columbia. Her Grandfather is an Evangelic Priest, or father is also Evangelic, and her mother is Catholic. She is investigating the church because she feels something is missing from those churches. One of the best things to ask all investigators is..."What do you expect from us as Missionaries?" This encourages the investigator to tell us why they listened to us. We can then, base our first lessons off of what they need to hear, for Example. Ana wanted to know what was different about our church then others. Elder Gibby and I taught in the first lesson that 1. God loves her. He knows her. He cares about her. And He wants her to be happy. 2. That because God loves us He sent His son to die for us and that is what sets us apart from other churches. 3. We taught that because God loves us her, He called a man named Joseph Smith to restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ on earth. We also explained how that was done and read her the first vision. 4. We invited her to pray that night about the things we had taught her. In the lesson the spirit was strong and we knew she would keep her commitment to pray. Later that day was Tuesday night Devotional!!! OH YEAH!!! Elder Neil A. Anderson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles Spoke. EVERY DEVOTIONAL HAS HAD A GENERAL AUTHORITY SPEAK!! Elder Anderson taught that the mission field would be hard and tough, but to "Never let anyone or anything extinguish my flame of faith." Elder Anderson also talked about how setting Goals makes us 10 times the missionary than if we don't set any goals. I have really come to love devotionals. 

Wednesday: Wednesday was great because we got to teach Ana again. When we walked into the room I knew that it was going to be a good lesson. We asked her how her day was and all the boring chit chat at the beginning but finally got down into the meat of the lesson. We asked her if she kept her commitment to pray about Joseph Smith and Heavenly Father. She said she DID!!  We then taught her about the importance of the Book of Mormon and how it can really bless her life. Elder Gibby and I both testified of the power of the Book. We gave her a copy of the BOM and committed her to reading it. We also extended the invitation for her to follow the Savior's example to be baptized. She said, "There is still more I want to know about your church, but if I feel the Spirit tell me to be baptized, I will." There is still a lot that has to happen before she could be baptized but at least she committed.

Thursday: Not much happened on Thursday other than class and study.

Friday: Friday we got to teach Ana again!!! WHAT?!?! It went great. We only have a certain period of time to teach her so, its hard to get everything we want to in. We talked for a bit when we walked into the lesson but than asked if she had read the Book of Mormon. She said, "Yes, I have read the Book of Mormon since you gave it to me on Wednesday." Great she read it!!! Then she says,"I have read all of the Book of Mormon since you gave it to me on Wednesday." WHAT??? I couldn't believe what I just heard. She may be a member of the church or she may be an investigator for real, but she said, "I read the Book of Mormon in 2 days." Anyway, she asked a bunch of questions and we answered some of them. She basically said I want to be baptized but needs more faith. When we go to our next lesson we are going to tell her that getting baptized is an act of faith and she needs to act on faith and put in work to receive a witness. Ana has been a great investigator even if she is a member of the church. Nothing else really happened Friday except class. 

Anyway, there is my short recap of the week. Love you all and will continue to pray for you.

Love,

Elder Bushman

The Traditional Map Photo

The Temple Calls

Elder Bushman with Elder Broschart

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!

The Desk and THE TAG

Elder Bushman with Elder Gibby (Companions)

Elder Bushman and Elder Johnson (Friend from AHS)

"One of my best friends at the MTC is Elder Broschart. We like so
many of the same things and are really comfortable around each other.
Because of this I told him that he looks like Elder Calhoun. He gave
me a picture to prove he is not Calhoun."

Beautiful!

Other Tidbits:

I do almost everything with the Elders in our district. We go to the temple, play sports, study, sit together at lunch.. etc. Every once in awhile we'll play kick ball or some other sport with the Hermanas. My Comp. leaves on September 13th. I leave one day before him. We got here on the same day. I did get a blessing because I was feeling sick. It seemed to really help. Also, today is the first time I have woken up not feeling sick since last Wednesday. I think I am now completely over my sickness.

"The Lord has answered that prayer in our day with the greatest number of full-time missionaries in the history of the world. With this new wave of faithful laborers, the Lord has given us another opportunity to assist Him in that great harvest of souls."

—M. Russell Ballard, "Following Up"