Friday, December 17, 2010

A New update!!!!!!!!!!!

Friends & Family --

So.... here's the DL on the MTC.

Time here is insane. I have been here for at least a month, yet I've only been away from home for a week. If that makes any sense. We spend ~6 hours a day in classes, learning the Tagalog language as well as the Gospel. I've learned more here in the last week than a year's worth of seminary. The speed is tough to keep up with, but Sunday is a nice break and Monday is p day. So if you just make it to Sunday, you're good to go.

We're only supposed to email / write back to friends every Monday. But I loved getting letters this week. Keep it up. It seriously turns the hardest, most discouraging day right around.

The language is coming along really well. I have learned how to pray and bear testimony (simple prayers), and we're learning the sentence structure and conjugations this week. I offered the closing prayer in priesthood and none of the more experienced Elders made fun of me, so I must have said everything correctly. I hope.

It's weird to not be able to hug girls or anything. Especially when you see a cute sister who bears her testimony in another language and you have no clue what they said!! But it'll work out. We watched the Testament last night. All 2000+ missionaries got really excited to see a kiss. Kinda funny.

Speaking of bearing testimony, my companion and I, Elder Glenn, have a goal to share ours with at least 10 people per day, in Tagalog. Every single time that we do, no matter what language the other missionaries understand, they tell us that they feel the Spirit. It's really cool. Some Sisters bore testimony to us in French. I had no clue what they were saying, yet somehow I did. We all speak the international language here.

The MTC is weird and cool in so many ways. I've never gotten 8 hours of sleep on a regular basis, and yet I've never been so tired. It is mentally exhausting. The Spirit is a constant companion here, more so than I've ever felt before. And I'm almost positive we're in some kind of time-warp. It's like the Lord needs to fill our brains with 5 years of experience in two months time, so He just makes it happen. Like I said, I've been here for at least a month already. Or 6 days. Or something. Not sure anymore. Oh, and getting mail is like Christmas. Every single time. Whether it is a package as large as an elephant or a simple DearElder letter, it brings immense joy. Keep writing. Just hit up DearElder.com and write me a sentence. I'll appreciate it (: (PS the postcards and cards I've gotten are awesome. Send more so I can have a little collection.)

Alam ko po na totoong propeta sina Joseph Smith at Thomas S. Monson. Alam ko po na mahalaga at tunay ang pagbabayed-sala ni JesuCristo. Nagpapasalamat po ako para sa pagbabayed-sala ni JesuCristo. Alam ko po na tagapaglitas at manunubos si JesuCristo at buhay siya. Nagpapasalamat po ako para sa pamilya ko. Mahal kayo ang Diyos. Alam ko po na totoo ang simbahan.

Plug that into Google translate for Filipino and let me know if it works. If it doesn't, I'll translate later. No time.

I love you all!!

Elder Brown
eldertrevorbrown.blogspot.com

His e-mail address is (we will confirm tooJtbrown@MyLDSMail.net

You can send him free letters at

MTC Address is

Elder Trevor Brown
Philippines San Pablo Mission
Provo Missionary Training Center
2005 North 900 East
Provo, UT 84604

Trevor Goes to the Philippines on February 8th:

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Day 3 in the MTC!

Trevor reported on Wednesday (December 8) of this week! We haven't gotten an email or a letter yet, but it is sort of expected to be that way for a few more days. However, this brings me a dilemma. In writing this blog, Trevor asked me to take his emails and put them on here, and seeing as we don't have any yet, I am going to share a couple of MTC preparation stories. To start off, I think I'll tell you about his traveling. Trevor departed from John Wayne airport at 6:45 a.m. and flew to Salt Lake City. There he was picked up by our Uncle who lives in Alpine. On Monday and Tuesday he shopped packed and everything else you could expect with his companion, our Nana. Wednesday morning, he got up ate did final packing went to target and checked in.Second, Trevor is the fastest shopper i know. He went into Mr. Mac, bought everything he needed, and left all in a total of 45 minutes. only he could accomplish it :). So, I hope this can hold you over until there is more to write.
-Shelby

Monday, December 6, 2010

hey it's me

Yo. Since I won't be on the internet much in the next two years Shelby will take care of facebook and the blog. SO anything that gets posted is her, not me. It might even be Shane or my parents. But anything embarrassing is definitely not me.

Write me!!! I hear letters are comparable to fresh air after a few hours underwater, liquid gold, or even finding the city of El Dorado. I will appreciate them! Thanks in advance (:

My address is:

Elder Trevor Todd Brown
MTC Mailbox # 238
PHI-SAN 0209
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793


You can write me from www.dearelder.com. Just hit up the SEND STUFF to PROVO MTC for now. Fill it out like this:

You can send mail for free through the website through the pouch once I leave for the Philippines in February. Just select the San Pablo Philippines and throw my name down. I look forward to hearing from you and you can always expect some inspirational words in return!

Thanks for all the support it really is incredible!!!

See you all in two,

Trevor

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Trevor reports in 9 days!

I'll be updating this blog with excerpts from his emails as we get them. Make sure to write him often!!

www.dearelder.com is a fast, cheap (free at the mtc) way to keep in touch. Instructions for that will be posted on the side of the blog and the info tab on his facebook page.

Shelby