Missouri Sweet Missouri

MTC check out was at 4:30 am on Wednesday, January 10th. Elder Ogden told us that the Elders had an impossible time sleeping the night before, so they were exhausted, but so excited. When they reached the Salt Lake airport, each missionary was able to call home for about 10 minutes from a pay phone (you should have heard our son try to explain to us what calling cards and pay phones were…we were laughing so hard). We had an awful connection, so we didn’t get to communicate much, but it was so good for our hearts to hear his voice. We all piled on the bean bag around my cell phone to listen to him…it was a beautiful sight.

From there, he flew to Missouri. We got word from a sweet older sister that the new Sisters and Elders had arrived! She then posted the following pictures of the new missionaries meeting President and Sister Love at the Independence, Missouri Visitor’s Center. The mission president and his wife look like the nicest people! Elder Ogden is top and center and just beaming with excitement and happiness! 

The next day there was an ice storm, so the missionaries had to stay in the area and transfers were delayed. The new missionaries were able to go to Liberty Jail and receive some training, meet some neat people, and eat lunch. We hear that it is really cold there due to the current humidity! Brrr! 

We didn’t hear anything again until Friday when we received a call from President and Sister Love. They were on the call together and had the sweetest, kindest voices. They made me feel very at ease when they let me know that our son was in the hospital due to a violent stomach virus. He must have picked it up at the visitor’s center or the jail, but Thursday night he got sick and by 3 am on Friday, he was in the ER. They kept him for a few days since it made him so sick, but he is out now and doing just fine. Several other missionaries got it as well, but none were as affected as badly as Zachary. It was very odd not being able to comfort and help him after being able to do so for his entire life, but we felt incredibly comforted knowing whose son he really is and that he could not be in better hands. 

Today was Elder Ogden’s first P-Day (preparation day) so he was able to write to us. Even though he just got out of the hospital and isn’t feeling just perfect yet, he is being obedient and getting to work. Here is his report from his first transfer from the MTC:

"My new area is called the Fishing River Ward and it is apparently the best ward in the mission. The ward consists of 2-3 towns: Kearny, Holt, and Excelsior Springs. It is English speaking. The people here are awesome and they love the missionaries. It's extremely cold because of the humidity.The people are awesome and they are pretty good cooks. Most of them I can't understand cause of the whole accent thing. ;) My trainers name is Elder Richins and he's a really chill guy who's been in the area for like 6 months so he knows everybody really well. We drive a 2017 blue Nissan rogue. It's legit. 

The other day we were driving back from a check-in with our only Spanish speaking investigator, Miguel. I had a feeling that we needed to turn around, and so I told my trainer this a ways down the street. The Spirit even told me what doors to knock on. We got in (to two homes) twice, which apparently never happens. My trainer who has been here for about 6 months, says he's gotten in 4 times total, including those 2 (homes). We taught the 1st lesson to a guy named Roger. Then we discussed the need of a church with a man named Jan. Even though I wasn't speaking Spanish, the Gift of Tongues was with me. I'm not very good with my words, but the Spirit allowed me to convey and share my ideas. It was pretty cool. I know the Lord sent me here for a reason.

I love you guys,

Elder Ogden 

January 6th, 2018

I got to go to the temple this morning and I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. Sadly, we don't teach Rolando our last weeks. (He is set to be baptized on January 20th.) 

I had a lot of fun this week though, but it was very sad. District C left. One of my best friends, named Elder Dale, left for his mission to Yakima, Washington along with his companion Elder Zenn. Then our Zone leaders, Elders Despain and Allred went to Kennewick, Washington!! It was really sad, but I know they are doing the Lord's work. Elder Dale also gave me a CTR ring in Russian. Pretty sweet. It's really sad leaving everybody, especially Elder Lazenby. Him and I get along so well. It was an awesome week and I can't express enough how much I love my zone and mission. Seriously though.

Speaking of getting ready for the field, I'M SO PUMPED. STOKED. I met a sister who served in my mission this week. This happened when I went with Elder Prince to his doctor's appointments. The lady driving the shuttle for us was talking to us and she told us she served where I was going and there was quite a bit of Spanish Speakers. This was a HUGE relief because I was scared I wasn't going to get to use my Spanish. 

I have this desire to get out there and serve unlike I've ever had before. I'm so pumped I think I'm turning into a Jon Gruden/Dick Vitale hybrid. I'm so excited. Today my companion and I had a great experience. We are done with TRC investigators (like Rolando) and so now we have Skype members that we share a message with. My companion and I were praying about what to share and didn't know. Then we went walking around because Elder Fenton was feeling stressed. Then tons and tons of promptings later we came across a mural. 

There are multiple murals on every floor of the MTC with scriptures next to them. Never been a big art guy, but these are amazing. Anyways, this mural wasn't the first we looked at, but when we came here, we were silent and I got the chills and we felt the Spirit so strongly that this mural and scripture were what we needed to share. This mural was of Joseph Smith in liberty jail. Then, the scripture was in Doctrine and Covenants 122:7. Verses 7 through 9 are amazing. Could you all please read this as a family? The whole chapter? It is only 9 verses and it is so Spiritual. 

Before we even shared this message, I knew that God has had us prepare this message for someone, and I know this someone was a woman. Then we got on the call it was a man. About 5 minutes into the call, his wife walked in, who was from Mexico, I believe. I knew this was who this message was for. I testify that God has prepared people, members and nonmembers, for this message. 

I love and pray for you all every day.

Elder Ogden 

Mural of Joseph Smith unjustly imprisoned in Liberty Jail in Missouri in the dead of winter. He received the revelation you will read in Doctrine and Covenants chapter 122. You can find these scriptures online here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/122.7-9

This is the scripture next to this remarkable mural.

Me and Elder Dale, who gave me the CTR from Russia. He has been one of the best of friends in the MTC.

Me and my awesome friend Elder Lazenby from Cali, who also has become one of my closest friends.

My zone and district are the best. It's hard to say good bye to these elders who have become such good friends for life to me.

Enjoying Christmas breakfast together before transfer day this last week.

Elder Dale (going to Yakima, WA), Elder Allred (going to Kennewick, WA), Elder Ogden (going to Independence, MO, Elder Despain (going to Kennewick, WA), and Elder Zenn (going to Yakima, WA)...we have become very close and it's sad to be parted.

My zone at the Provo, UT temple

December 30th, 2017

I have about a week and a half left in the CCM (that's the Spanish abbreviation for MTC). It's been a really good experience. Over Christmas we got to hear Elder Neil A. Anderson speak. It's amazing to hear and be near an Apostle of the Lord. This week I tried to focus more on reading the Book of Mormon. I read in 2 Nephi 28 through about 2 Nephi 30 one day and that is some powerful stuff. It prophesies of the rejection the Book of Mormon and what the Church will face. The chapter is truly awesome and prophesies with exactness. Also, I encourage everyone to read Mosiah 4. It is about King Benjamin and it is AWESOME. My personal favorite chapter. Our TRC (that man we are teaching in Spanish), Rolando, has accepted the invitation to be baptized on the 20th of January. It was kind of difficult because when we asked him he said he wanted to be more prepared, but I had the prompting to ask again. I asked if he would be ready to be baptized January 20th and he thought about it and accepted. Always follow those promptings. 

My Spanish has improved a ton this week. We get to speak with the native speaking missionaries every once in a while and they help me a ton. This week I've been pretty fired up and motivated to learn. Also I'm still going on the whole cereal thing. Mostly Cap'n Crunch. 

This week I realized that I am on a mission and am possibly fulfilling covenants/promises I have made with people I knew in the life before this. I have been striving to be more obedient and patient this week and with the help of the Lord, I have, I hope, become way more patient and obedient. 

I love you guys and pray for you always. 

Elder Ogden  

Me with my Spanish speaking district on Christmas Eve Day

 Do you see how many fingers we are holding up? Yeah, that is how many bowls of cereal we ate that day. Gotta put on a little weight before we hit the cold of Missouri.

December 25th, 2017

Hello everyone!

Sorry I haven't written anything the past weeks. It's been really busy here in the MTC, but I'm learning a ton and coming closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ. There have been so many experiences where the Spirit has been here so strongly and I cannot doubt that. I have seen miracles. My companion and I, Elder Fenton, have been teaching Rolando, our first investigator. He speaks Spanish, and at times it is hard to express the exact thoughts or feelings I have or he is having. This trial or struggle to communicate is one reason the ability to see miracles is so effortless. There have been many times where I have been able to say my thoughts and express them in understandable and fluent sentences and understand him. I know for a fact that these were not because of me. The Book of Mormon is a fundamental tool in coming closer to our Heavenly Father. It even provides a way so that we can know the truth for ourselves. This is described in Moroni chapter 10, verses 4-5. 

Another great section of the Book of Mormon is Mosiah chapter 4. Please read that, it is my personal favorite. 

I love y'all and hope ya have a great week and to remember your Savior and his Atonement. 

Elder Ogden 

Brother Bushnell and me my first week at the MTC (Missionary Training Center)

Elder Fenton, my companion, and I are leaving on January 10th, 2018 for Independence, Missouri. Sister Franco leaves the same date as is. We like her; she is hilarious.

This picture was taken the first Saturday that I entered the MTC. This is my district. I was able to do my Uncle Michael York's temple work here at the Provo Temple. It was so peaceful and amazing. 

Me and my district having fun on Christmas Day in the MTC.

December 3rd, 2017

Hola! I love you and miss you. The gift of tongues is crazy real. So far, I can pray pretty well in español and I can share my testimony as well. My companion`s name is Elder Fenton (top left) and he is from Ogden, UTAH. My roommates are Elder Prince and Elder Riley. I got to go to the temple for Mikey this morning and it was so peaceful. I have so much to say, but I barely have any time, but it is so Spiritual here. I have been called to be a sacrament coordinator. Last night we had a kind of family home evening thing in a giant fort. My zone leaders are going to Kennewick! I'm sorry I don't have a larger email for everyone this week, the first week is always super busy and we literally have no time. I love you and miss you. Talk to you next week! I miss you a lot.