Tate-MTC week 7

 Nyob Zoo Nej!!!! 

This was my last week at the MTC. I leave on Tuesday August 2, 2022 at 3:45 A.M. This week felt so quick. I'm getting tons of mixed feelings about leaving, obviously I am sick of the MTC but I'll be teaching people soon which is so weird to me.

This week:

MONDAY: On Monday I was walking to breakfast and I saw a snail on the sidewalk so I took some pics. That snail was lit. I feel like we were friends in the premortal life. Also I got a new film for Barrel Stigma, it'll premier May 30, 2024. That's all my manager told me I could say. Oh yeah I got a horrible haircut. It's so bad. I look like Eminem or Logic, in a bad way. Lot's of my friends were leaving this week.

TUESDAY: We had this service thing where we cleaned someone's building. In the building I found the most putrid thing. It was a mega stuffed oreo. I'm sorry but if you like mega stuffed oreos you're unearthly. Only single stuffed but I can tolerate double stuffed. Like if you really desire that much oreo cream just do it yourself. There's more oreo cream than cookie in mega-stuffed. It makes me sick to my stomach that people like that. Anyway, I'm still grinding the Hmong and it's pretty good. Nothing compared to actual speakers, but it's ight. After service we did a haka for the tahitian district. In the video I'm the closest one. It was sad to see them go. They've been with us since week 2, so for 5 weeks. One of them can't go on a mission because they had to get surgery. I feel so bad for him because he learned French then Tahitian in french. At the end of the day there was a devotional. It was about being instruments in God's hands. Then he showed us all of these cool book of mormon props.

WEDNESDAY: Tuesday night Elder Plate fell asleep and started snoring so I recorded it. It was so loud, at least 100 decibels. I had some good competition in ping pong but they all left. Shout out to Elder Child, Sister Allen, Mr. Timu, and Sister Smith. Oh yeah don't worry I know why you're really reading this email. You wanna hear about the checkers match me and winitana are having. So it 3-2, me in the lead with 4 stalemates. We were playing a world series so best of seven. Everyone knows that the person who hits three first has a 78% chance of winning the whole thing. But I didn't let that get to my head. So we began. It was pretty even until I made a fatal mistake. I moved my back row corner piece which set up a huge double jump for him and I wouldn't be able to attack back. So I did what any logical person would do-attack the other side. This futile attempt at saving my left side of my board unphased Elder Winitana. He calmly defended and continued attacking. I at least minimized the double jump to a single so that was good. Skip to the end he had four kings and 3 pieces while i only had 3 kings and 1 piece left. It was pretty hopeless but I actually managed to get into a position where he couldn't move his singles. So almost a stalemate. We kept shifting our pieces around for a while then I asked, "wanna call it a draw” and he almost laughed and confidently moved one of his kings towards mine. I then blocked the move then before i knew it I was cornered. Desperately clawing for my life I tried pushing back but I was outnumbered. Then suddenly he moved a piece and I could see light, there was hope. He had made a mistake that I could capitalize on. I double jumped two of his kings. Then I sealed the deal. 4-2 Elder Porter the Checkers Champion. Down 0-2 to 4-2.

During the day I told Elder Plate I recorded him snoring because it was loud and he was, " I don't really ever snore so I am surprised you heard me.” Then that night he hit 120 decibels, I swear. I had to put on noise cancelling headphones and I could still hear him. He was sawing logs fo sho.

THURSDAY: I don't really know what I did thursday. It was pretty boring. But I forgot to mention me and Hannah did the MTC stanky leg before she left. It was pretty lit. 

FRIDAY: Played some ping pong per usual. But also I got a picture with a random elder in our dorm. He's pretty chill. Also at lunch we saw this guy walking weird. Like super weird. It looked like a Jim Carrey act but idk. Also Elder Winitana brought lollies from New Zealand and they are so good. I'm not a gummy boy but their gummies are so good. 

Today: Tried sneaking into breakfast with normal clothes. To eat breakfast you have to be wearing church clothes. And me and Elder Winitana were not so we went to sneak in and this worker started to pursue us. She must of been an olympic speed walker because she was zooming. She was only looking at us and like running over anyone else in her way. I thought quickly and went straight for the food and picked up a donut and quickly scooped some eggs onto my plate. My thought process was if I was already eating she wouldn't be able to tell me to leave. So I shoved tons in my mouth and it actually worked but she caught Elder Winitana. The springs holding the beds in our rooms look like the ladders in Paper Mario. I miss that game.

Quote of the week: "Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind for one will dispel the other" 

Kuv nco nej!!!!!!

Tate-MTC week 6

 Nyob Zoo nej! One more week then i'll be in the field. Kinda scary but exciting. 

This week was so fast but the days were very long. Sunday was pretty usual. I'm always so hungry on sunday for no reason. Then there was a devotional but i don't really remember what is was about. Oh yeah, before the devotional, we went to go play ping pong but on sunday it's closed. Don't worry no one stops me from playing ping pong. So we were waiting there for a bit and then we saw a security guard walking out. He opened the door to exit and we both exchanged looks, when my eyes met his i could tell his exact thoughts. That one glance told me everything, "I'm not getting paid enough to stop you." So i caught the door before it shut. Then we played some ping pong. 

Monday: Not too uneventful. Elder Winitana's mum snuck us some Mcdonalds. It felt like elementary school where you would walk in late from a dentists appointment with some chick-fil-a in your hands and you were a celebrity. I have got to see my friend from college, Hannah Geary. Her last name is pronounced Guh-EAR EE. Her companion has a speech impediment. I didn't know this and i thought it was an accent for some reason. And i asked her where you from and she said Utah. I then pushed further because i was curious why she had an "accent" and i then asked Why the accent. And she said oh i cant say my Ahs (R's). I felt pretty dumb after that. I hope she doesn't think i was trying to bully her.

Tuesday: Me and Elder Winitana began a checkers battle. I'm not the biggest fan of checkers because i prefer chess but i agreed anyway. First game i could tell he knew what he was doing. When he double jumped me, i was like ok play time is over. I doubled jumped him right back twice. In the end i was up 3 kings. He came back and won still. He's skilled but i wasn't about to give up but we didn't have time to play another game. 0-1 Elder Winitana. Then we had a devotional that night. It was about looking for a miracle everyday and writing it down. Then thank God and acknowledge him. So now i've been trying to do that but i'm not very good at it. Hopefully i can get better at it.

Wednesday: Back to the checker grind. I was thinking about it all the previous night. Anyone who knows me knows that once i'm obsessed with something you can't stop me. So we played again right after lunch. This time he completely crushed me, but not my spirit. In fact, when i lose it pumps me up. Since we had time for another I insisted and he gladly accepted. This time i was meticulous about every move. Then all the sudden i got a perfect plan to sacrifice a piece to break up his structure. Elder Winitana's Defense is impecable so i need to break it to make progress even if that means sacrificing a piece. After i did that it was like taking candy from a baby. Double jumps even a triple jump. Easy dub. Elder W, 2-1. Then we went to class. Also when i try speaking french now, only Hmong comes out so i'm losing the French. It's ok i'll just relearn french when i get back.

Thursday: Played some ping pong. I was playing with Elder Loughmiller and then someone was like play me now! This Elder was particular cocky so i was excited to humble him. We rallied for a bit then he was like, "alright lets start." I let him have the serve first and his serves weren't bad. As i scored points he always had a different excuse. He was like it's the paddle. Then he said, " The balls here are so light, and then was like lets switch sides" I offered if he wanted to use my paddle. He was like yeah. I still beat him 11-4 so def wasn't his paddle. He was honestly even less humble after so i guess i failed. Then other people who were watching were like, "were you raised by Monks???" It was funny.

Friday: I woke up late but also got to bed on time so idk why i was so tired. Maybe from playing ping pong. Today was the day i was gonna beat Elder Winitana in checkers. After lunch we went straight to the chess/checkers room and began. It was a really intense battle but i came out on top. Were pretty even. 2-2 with 3 draws. Then we played one more and I won again. 3-2 me now with 4 draws. Were not done playing and i can't let my guard down so lets see if i can keep the lead. Also I played people in ping pong using my phone as my  the paddle. I lost to Elder Winitana 7-11. Then i rematched him to 21 and it was really close. I won 21-19. 

That's pretty much it for this week. I'm really excited to leave to the field and start talking to Hmong people gospel stuff. Kuv nco txhua leej txhua tus.

Quote of the week: "Choose your Love, Love your choice"

Love this quote, it helps me to not doubt myself as much. I always tend to second guess myself.

Kuv hlub nej!!!

Tub Txib Porter

Pics: My companion falling asleep per usual in class

Tate-MTC week 5

 Nyob Zoo!!!

This week was lit. On Sunday i gave a talk and me and elder winitana performed love at home. The talk topic was how i've seen God's love for us. I pretty much said i've seen God's love through other people like my family. Since God loves all of us and we are his children then we should love each other. 

Anyway iv'e been grinding hard in Hmong. I've been trying to learn coupletes. They're pretty much phrases that repeat a word twice to enhance the meaning. The title is an example of a couplet. A very common one is txuas leej txuas tus which means every single person. 

The devotional tuesday was cool, it was about to put your whole heart into everything you do. And a theme of loving others even your ideals are different. It was funny because my friend from the tahitian district had to give the prayer and he looked nervous and a got a picture. He looks like a roblox character.

I also played a good amount of piano that was fun. It's always nice to be able to have a break on the piano. All the days blend together now honestly. 

Dont worry, I'm still a beast at ping pong and have humbling lots of elders and sisters that thought they were the best. Maybe they were good in their family but their in the real world now. 

I miss watching movies so bad. The sound track, the character development, and the picture. I miss it all. One of my favourite kind of movies is slice of life movies. One of my favourite movies is, "Still Walking" everyone reading this that is not a missionary should watch it right now. Listen to the acoustic guitar score. It's too good. I wish i lived in this movie. I wanna go to japan. 

Quote of the week: "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." I've been working trying to think outwards more versus inwards for myself and it's hard at times but it makes me feel so much better when i help others before myself. It seems like your problems almost get solved on their own when you put others first.

I miss all of you, Kuv cia siab koj zoo tshaj plaws

Tub Txib Porter

 

Tate-MTC Week 4

 Nyob Zoo kuv tsev neeg.

I hope you guys are all doing OP-ly. This week was pretty fun. We learned a lot of hmong per usual, but this week we have definitely worked harder at Hmong specifically. I could maybe have a convo with someone if they were nice and slowed down for me.

I've gotta couple stories.

1. The elevator 

2. Never washing my hand part 2

3. July 4th

4. Tones suck

So me my companion Elder Loughmiller and Elder Bulpitt, who is gone:(  we were going to schedule a haircut for Elder Loughmiller, and we took the elevator. Going up was fine we pressed the floor and arrived at the the barbershop. Coming back we were going to the elevator again and I was like "what if someone actually needs to use the elevator and were taking it from them?” We laughed and then pressed the down button. Right after we pressed the down button a very old couple who had a cane and were hunched over asked us if it was going up. Then we were like oh no it's going down but you can come. And then they were nah we'll use the stairs. So three 19 year-olds are using elevators and two 90 year-olds are taking the stairs. Oops.

Next was the 4th of july which was fun because we got to watch freworks from the top floor of our building. Not much of a story but still fun.

We had a devotional on Tuesday and Elder Bulpit had to say the prayer which meant he had to sit up with whoever was speaking and it was a quorum of the seventy dude. And he needed a companion so I sat with him. The only thing was I stuck out like a soar thumb because I forgot to wear my suit. So every guy was wearing a suit except me with a short sleeve button shirt. After the devotional, the quorum of the seventy dude shook my hand and asked where I was going on my mission. I said Wisconsin, then he quickly replied, "Where’s  your suit?" I told him I spilled milk on it which idk why but that was the first that came to my head. Then he smiled and said we'll just pretend your going on a foreign mission. 

In Hmong we learned a sentence that is the same word but different tone. It's Pog pom Pov pov pob. It means, “The grandma sees Pov throw the ball.”  Pov is a common name. The last letter of every word is a tone. So it's G tone, M tone, V tone, then B tone.

I'm excited to go to Milwaukee, but I don’t know enough Hmong yet so that makes me nervous. I miss being able to listen to music, although it's being to play the piano here all the time since theres a lot of them. I have played a moderate amount of ping pong this week but not as much as I would like. 

Quote of da week: At the devotional Elder Robbins was talking about how we need to balance all of our virtues. If we are patient we need to balance it with it's complementary virtue, dilligence. Here's some more that balance each other. Justice and Mercy, Science and religion, Uniformity and flexability, submissiveness and braveness, dependence and independence, faith and works, asking and working it out in our minds. He specifically was saying that Justice is not the opposite of mercy it's complementary. He also said all these traits act as checks ands balances for each other. It reminds of traditional Chinese medicine I learned about in my medicinal plant class. The way they treat people was if someone had a stomach ache they would give something to balance it. It's all about balance in T.C.M. Just like Yin and Yang.

I have learned a lot being here and I know I have a lot more to go and I’m excited. I wanna hear from you guys so please lemme know how your doing.

Tub Txib Porter

Tate Week 3 MTC

 Nyob Zoo tag rhno cov phooj ywg. Kuv kawm lus hmoob ntxiv thaib kuv nyiam lub MTC.

Ok so this week was super quick. Monday we played ping pong per usual, then we said bye to our friend group from our zone. It was kinda sad. Then Tuesday, we played volleyball, basketball in the morning. There was also a devotional with one of the quorum of the seventy. He pretty much was saying the importance of building relationships with others, and if people don't accept the gospel, still keep the relationship you have with them.

Also we shook Elder Gong’s  hand, I haven't washed my right hand since. Dag xwb. 

Hmong grind has been getting better. I have been studying with Elder Winitana the Hmong vocab. The way we study is by playing heads up.  Also we learned about the Hmong clans. There are 18 different clans/last names. If one of them likes you they can adopt you in the clan. I hope I get Thor clan. Except it's pretty rare. 

Also on Tuesday I accompanied Elder Winitana and Elder Te kira and Elder I, in a Tongan version of love at home. Don't worry I snuck a couple jazz chords in. I've got to play lots of volleyball and I blocked Elder Rodriguez Lucero so I’m pretty much a pro! 

And I’ve played a lot more jazz piano. I was playing and these two elders were like teach us! So i was like sure, then as I was showing some stuff more people gathered and it was like a master class lol. 

Elder Winitana: Still OP at Bball, he's also gained 40 lbs since the beginning of the mish. But don't worry he's letting me hold him accountable. I make sure he doesn't eat 8 plates anymore. He also has done 3 haka's this week. New Zealand culture is lit. 

Elder Loughmiller: He's district leader, and still writes a lot. We also found someone who looks like him if he came from the multiverse. He is the version of Loughmiller who chose a different path in life.

Elder Plate: He's definitely settling in and is adjusting now. If your ever bored just ask him any question it doesnt matter what, you will go through every topic ever.

Quote of the week: The past is behind learn from it. The future is ahead so prepare for it and the Present is here, live it. -President Monson

That's it for this week sorry it's a little mundane. 

Sib Tham dua!!!!!!!!

Tate Week 2 in the MTC

 Nyob Zoo kuv neeg!

This week was up and down fo sho. The way I will lay out the email from now on is going through the week then talk about companions and friends. So I met some people that all speak french and it's fun to talk to them and refresh my vocab. They are all going to Tahitia.  When I get back I will learn more french and I will learn chinese. It's nice because French people all know somewhat how to play chess. The chess tables are in the same area as ping pong. Also Hmong is coming along, but I haven't been working on vocab as much I should be. I keep losing my key to my dorm and my card for the buildings. I'm on my third key now. So i'm down 6 bucks. Also all the apostles have been here so that's lit. Elder Bednar gave an OP talk about obedience. He said Intelligence is applying the knowledge we have towards obedience. Then he explained the difference between transactional obedience and transformational obedience. 

Also DO NOT EAT THE MEATBALLS! Elder Winitana and I ate them and our stomachs hurt for like 3-5 hours. Then we played basketball. But seriously, I hadn't felt that much pain in a while. My stomach was on fire and the pain was also stabbing.

Update on Elder Winitana: He eats a lot, I bet him 2 dollars that he couldn't eat more than 8 plates of food. I lost 2 dollars. Elder Plate the big guy got a little jealous. Me and Winitana have been working on a song to perform too. He's pretty good at singing. Elder Plate said me and Winitana couldn't break his stress ball. We broke it and it blew up everywhere with a purple slim shot out onto the walls. Hey, we were stressed! Also we had to do a service project and clean some bathrooms.

Update on my companion Elder Loughmiller: He's writes in his journal for hours. Idk if i said this but he has diabetes so his pancreas sucks. Whenever we play ping pong and he starts losing he says his blood sugar is low and he is losing his fine motor skills. I don't not believe him it's just funny to me. 

Elder Plate update: He's funny to other people, just not to me. He's been making more friends and putting himself out there so that's cool. He has a lot of knowledge about stuff but I think most of it is pseudo-knowledge. He has a girlfriend he texts a lot, and that's why he came on a mission. I think it was because her mom wants her to date a return missionary. Kind of a frail reason to go but you do you. He's definitely grown a lot since last week.

I hope everyones weeks were OP and lemme know how your guys' weeks were.

Signing off,

Tub txib Porter

Also smells bad in Hmong is Tsw Phem which means evil smell.

Nyob Zoo kuv neeg

This week was up and down fo sho. The way i will lay out the email from now on is going through the week then talk about companions and friends. So i met some people that all speak french and it's fun to talk to them and refresh my vocab. They are all going to Tahitia.  When i get back i will learn more french and ill learn chinese. It's nice because French people all know somewhat how to play chess. The chess tables are in the same area as ping pong. Also Hmong is coming along, but i haven't been working on vocab as much I should be. I keep losing my key to my dorm and my card for the buildings. I'm on my third key now. So i'm down 6 bucks. Also all the apostles have been here so that's lit. Elder Bednar gave an OP talk about obedience. He said Intelligence is applying the knowledge we have towards obedience. Then he explained the difference between transactional obedience and transformational obedience. Also DO NOT EAT THE MEATBALLS. Elder Winitana and I ate them and our stomachs hurt for like 3-5 hours. Then we played basketball. But seriously, I hadn't felt that much pain in a while. My stomach was on fire and the pain was also stabbing.

Update on Elder Winitana: He eats a lot, I bet him 2 dollars that he couldn't eat more than 8 plates of food. I lost 2 dollars. Elder Plate the big guy got a little jealous. Me and Winitana have been working on a song to perform too. He's pretty good at singing. Elder Plate said me and winitana couldn't break his stress ball. We broke it and it blew up everywhere with a purple slim shot out onto the walls. Hey, we were stressed! Also we had to do a service project and clean some bathrooms.

Update on my companion Elder Loughmiller: He's writes in his journal for hours. Idk if i said this but he has diabetes so his pancreas sucks. Whenever we play ping pong and he starts losing he says his blood sugar is low and he is losing his fine motor skills. I don't not believe him it's just funny to me. 

Elder Plate update: He's funny to other people, just not to me. He's been making more friends and putting himself out there so that's cool. He has a lot of knowledge about stuff but i think most of it is pseudo-knowledge. He has a girlfriend he texts a lot, and that's why he came on a mission. I think it was because her mom wants her to date a return missionary. Kind of a frail reason to go but you do you. He's definitely grown a lot since last week.

I hope everyones weeks were OP and lemme know how your guys' weeks were.

Signing off,

Tub txib porter

Also smells bad in Hmong is Tsw Phem which means evil smell.

Nyob Zoo kuv neeg

This week was up and down fo sho. The way i will lay out the email from now on is going through the week then talk about companions and friends. So i met some people that all speak french and it's fun to talk to them and refresh my vocab. They are all going to Tahitia.  When i get back i will learn more french and ill learn chinese. It's nice because French people all know somewhat how to play chess. The chess tables are in the same area as ping pong. Also Hmong is coming along, but i haven't been working on vocab as much I should be. I keep losing my key to my dorm and my card for the buildings. I'm on my third key now. So i'm down 6 bucks. Also all the apostles have been here so that's lit. Elder Bednar gave an OP talk about obedience. He said Intelligence is applying the knowledge we have towards obedience. Then he explained the difference between transactional obedience and transformational obedience. Also DO NOT EAT THE MEATBALLS. Elder Winitana and I ate them and our stomachs hurt for like 3-5 hours. Then we played basketball. But seriously, I hadn't felt that much pain in a while. My stomach was on fire and the pain was also stabbing.

Update on Elder Winitana: He eats a lot, I bet him 2 dollars that he couldn't eat more than 8 plates of food. I lost 2 dollars. Elder Plate the big guy got a little jealous. Me and Winitana have been working on a song to perform too. He's pretty good at singing. Elder Plate said me and winitana couldn't break his stress ball. We broke it and it blew up everywhere with a purple slim shot out onto the walls. Hey, we were stressed! Also we had to do a service project and clean some bathrooms.

Update on my companion Elder Loughmiller: He's writes in his journal for hours. Idk if i said this but he has diabetes so his pancreas sucks. Whenever we play ping pong and he starts losing he says his blood sugar is low and he is losing his fine motor skills. I don't not believe him it's just funny to me. 

Elder Plate update: He's funny to other people, just not to me. He's been making more friends and putting himself out there so that's cool. He has a lot of knowledge about stuff but i think most of it is pseudo-knowledge. He has a girlfriend he texts a lot, and that's why he came on a mission. I think it was because her mom wants her to date a return missionary. Kind of a frail reason to go but you do you. He's definitely grown a lot since last week.

I hope everyones weeks were OP and lemme know how your guys' weeks were.

Signing off,

Tub txib porter

Also smells bad in Hmong is Tsw Phem which means evil smell.

Tate Enters the MTC in Provo

 Nyob zoo Everybody,

This week has been a bit crazy because now it's in person MTC. So now our district (Elder Winitana, Elder Loughmiller and Elder Plate) are all sleeping in the same room. It's bunk beds. I am on bottom and Elder Winitana is top then the other two are on the other bunks. Elder Plate is very energetic and a little childish. He's starting to get on all of our nerves so were gonna have to talk to him. 

So we have a fridge in our room, because Elder Loughmiller has diabetes, and Elder Plate was complaining that it was hot. I was like maybe it is because we have a fridge and it pumps out hot air (that is how a fridge works). He was like "Dude, I worked in construction all my life fridges do not produce heat." So yeah that's him. Plus he's a little stinky.

Elder Winitana and I have been playing some early morning b-ball. That's been fun even though he's actually good and I Sam trash. He played on the BYU team so he's ‘Aight.” Also he's taught me some Maori, He taught me paru, which is stinky. You can prolly guess why we use it. We have been also practicing Hmong a lot. Oh yeah we played knockout and Winitana came in last and I came in second to last which means I can make it on the BYU bball team.

We had to teach our first lesson all in Hmong. It was awful. Plus Elder Winitana was laughing the whole time while Elder Loughmiller and I were trying to teach. So we were laughing too. So the title of this email means to regret. But we thought it meant sorry, so we kept saying that to the person we were teaching in Hmong.

 Elder Loughmiller is like super smart. He brought his 2nd place debate champion trophey. So he can argue pretty well. Good thing he's my companion. He usually tests out his argue skills on Elder Plate. 

Quote of the week: "Before you try to persuade someone,  you have to be genuine friends." 

I'm having a blast out here and can't wait to hear from my fans. 

Kuv hlub nej, 

Elder Porter

Week 2 Home MTC

 Nyob zoo!!!!

So I have been doing a lot more Hmong and I have started reading The Book of Mormon in Hmong but honestly have no idea what is says. 

Quote of the week: “Inch by inch, life is a cinch, yard by yard life is hard” 

Another week ✅

So this week was fun because one of my missionary friends (not from my district) played pickle ball with me. We also played badminton and we played card games in our free times and breaks. We only live 5 minutes away from each other. He is going to Philippines. His name is Soren and he has very defined eyebrows. He was in a barrel stigma movie so if you wanna check out “you toe pee ya” then yeah u know what to do.

This week for class our district is becoming really close. Its me, Winamitana, Loughmiller, and Plate. Me and Elder Winitana are really good friends and we want to room together when we get back from mission at BYU. I guess you could say I am popular because he is on the BYU bball team. I think this week since were all getting closer and with that we’ve been a little more naughty. For instance, during a meeting with our branch president we were all texting each other because we saw a kid’s face on zoom who looked like he was crying. It was funny bc it looked like he had the crying filter on. Then the Branch President was like, “Elder Winitana, Elder Porter! Something funny?” And I was like, “yeah I thought of a joke” 

And the President was like “share it with the class”

And I said, “ knock knock” and he was like nvm lol.

But I am getting a little sick of zoom. I kinda have Adhd when it comes to paying attention in zoom. 

Also I went on a hike and it was liiiit. My teacher Tate Seely has my name. That is pretty cool idk if i said that last time but yeah.

I’m having a blast tho and am soooo excited to meet my friends from my district. I go in the MTC on Wednesday. If you have any questions lmk.

Your Friend, 

Elder Porter

Tate Begins Home MTC May 30

 Nyob Zoo (Hello in Hmong).

It’s pronounced Nyaw Zhong btw. First week of being at the MTC, and for those of you who are noobs MTC=mission training center. Its online for two weeks then we go in person which im really excited for because then I will get to meet all the guys in my district. First we got Elder Winitana who is from New Zealand and has an accent so that’s cool. He likes basketball and played on the Byu team. He used to play rugby so i talked to him about that. He said he could beat me in ping pong… he must be from the loony bin. I wish I had all you guys to back me up that I am good at ping pong. It’s ok I’ll beat him for you guys. 

Next up is my companion Elder Houghmiller from Minnesota. He’s really smart and uses big words. Like indefinitely and “In lamens terms,” so yeah he’s a little bit of a 🤓. But he’s actually pretty cool tho.

Last but not least we have Elder Plate. Yeah you heard me plate. Like 🍽. He kinda talks too much but always says he does before speaking. He is like, “guys I know I talk a lot so stop me if I am going to much hahahaha” and were all like :|. But he’s nice tho so i can’t be too mean.

I’m having a good time, eating well, playing piano on my free time, and learning hmong. They havent started teaching us hmong yet, I’m just using an app right now.

Quote of the week:

“Our happiness is not dependent on out situation, it is the focus if our lives.” -Russel M Nelson

Ok bye

Tender Mercy

Can you see it?  Look closely.  Right there, in the middle of the flowing water, positioned along side hundreds of  immersed shapeless stones, lies a simple heart.  I pass this stream often on my daily runs.  Sometimes, I stop along the bridge that crosses the creek and ponder.  Today was a day for pondering.  It was time for prayer.  I felt alone and unloved, almost forgotten…and then I saw the simple rock skimming barely above the water to remind me of His love.

It was yet another tender mercy.  And I know I am loved…always.

Leap of Faith

A few weeks ago, I trained as a C.O.P.E. course instructor for the Boy Scout of America.  COPE is an acronym for, “Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience.” 
 

There are various challenging elements each person in the group is invited to participate in but are never forced to perform.  It is truly something that challenges each individual in a personal way if he/she choses to engage in the experience. After each task is completed, the instructors are encouraged to seek  discussion with regard to the  exercise that inspires deeper meaning and growth from each participate.

Now, instead of a bunch of boy scouts, I was delighted to work with groups of young women, ages 12-17, ready to take on the course!  Starting with simpler elements that encouraged trust within the group, we stood together solving problems that required team work and communication.  Moving through each element, we progressed from floating logs just above the ground, only requiring good balance and attentive spotters, to a web of rope demanding all members of the team to lift and support one another to get through.  This was only the beginning. Within a few hours we had reached our final element, “The Leap of Faith.”

This element not only required two harnesses, a helmet, spotters, a belayer and anchor, but the ability to climb 25 feet up a small pole.  Climbing the pole for some might have been challenging enough, giving the participant the liberation of scaling “new heights.” But that was only the first obstacle. After making way, one small rung at a time, the person was then required to position themselves standing on a small “dinner-plate” sized disk…THAT ROTATED!  Finally, positioned atop, heart pounding, the participant was asked to now take a “leap of faith,” by jumping forward in an attempt to grab hold a trapeze swing some 8 feet in front of the pole.

That’s it.

Now, how many of you are asked to take your “leap(s) of faith?”  Most likely, you begin by simply looking up at a tall pole. You think, “I can’t do that!” After wobbling your way to the top (you did it because we all have to go through challenging situations), you assume you have completed the task. Whew!  Just as you climb up to your secure little perch, you come to the realization that this…assignment, burden, trial, expectation, calling, duty…ISN’T OVER!

The hardest part is yet to come.  It is time to perform the ultimate challenge, a “leap of faith.” You are required to do something you deem impossible.  Although you are secure with harnesses, anchors, belayers, spotters…you are still full of fear. When you climbed the pole, you could see the handholds, you could hold on!  You also were well aware of the height of the pole.  You could also see the top.

But leaping…that requires serious faith, for true faith is “hope for things which are not seen, which are true.”  And if you are expected to leap forward and grab a small trapeze bar that leaves little comfort, that becomes a truly challenging personal experience. Everything in life, be it 20 ft poles or real, everyday challenges, can seem daunting and truly impossible. But when we find ourselves at the top and overcoming those challenges full of faith, we can achieve personal fulfillment and blessings previously unknown. So take that “leap of faith”!

Rocking For Runnin'g Playlist

I have just created myself a new running playlist. It is rather amazing if I say so myself (thanks to Sommer too). I tried it out today and was impressed at my workout which definitely had more pep in each step!

If you are looking to rock it...check out these songs:

Too Many Fish: Karmin
Burn it Down: Awolnation
Anything Could Happen: Ellie Goulding
Next to Me: Emeil Sande'
I Love It: Icona Pop
You Feel Amazing: Radical Something
Say Yes: Radical Something
Try: Pink
Shiver, Shiver: Walk the Moon
Vibe to This: Radical Something

Since my dear Ann moved away, I have been mostly a solo runner and must lean on a fast beat rather than a friend. And although I prefer that friend, music will have to do...

Jen, Linda, Kristi, Vanessa, Erin, Jamie, VDOT, Frank, Pete, Matt, Rob, and EVERY DEAR RUNNING PARTNER I HAVE EVER HAD....why does life have to be so busy?  

If you have any favorites, please share!

Be Still

Yesterday while at the music store, I came across the clearance section.  There I stumbled upon a huge section of Christmas music.  I couldn't resist and ended up purchasing quite a few pieces.  Luckily they were 75% off...even better.

So last night I found myself at the piano.  I opened one book, filled with random Christmas favorites.  It was there, I saw the song, "Still, Still, Still."  I began to play the music, its melody surrounding me, its simple message ringing in my ears..."Still, Still, Still."

How ironic that the birth of our Savior was so still, simple in every way...and yet the world has created so much holiday hoopla that the "still of it all" isn't so quiet anymore.

It's LOUD! It's GREEDY!  It's NOW...sparkly decor raucously placed in parking lots, banners begging for holiday buyers on every corner, the SALES, the STRESS. No still.

The sacred stillness of the season is masked in the craze.  Can we take ourselves away from the hyper activeness that the Christmas season has become and simply, be still?

As Thanksgiving ushers in hearts full of gratitude, may we take moments to be still and remember Him...our Savior who came so humbly into the world to teach us to stop and listen and then follow...HIM.

Not a sparkle needed. No shouting necessary. No purchase required.

Just a willingness to be still, listen and follow.

And as a special treat, here is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing, "Still, Still, Still," as the story of Christ's birth is shown.  As you watch, notice all of the people in the crowded town, consumed with the bustle of life, not knowing what is actually going to transpire that very night.

Pollywog

I am a songwriter. This is because, well, I have written a song. Yes, moi, the sister of Hilary Weeks (singer and song writer extraordinaire) has written a song too.  Duh, I totally would be an obvious candidate for song writing with a sister like that.

So...I wrote a song many years ago.  In fact, it was so many years ago, I can't remember when...or why...or even HOW I did it!

Seriously, how in the heck does one even write a song!  I figure, if by some odd chance one could come up with a melody (odd chance it happened to me many years ago) and some lyrics are created, then BAM!, you are a song writer (or at least a one hit wonder in my case).

The song in which I am referring to is entitled, "Pollywog."  It is absolutely the stupidest song in the world, with its catchy nonsensical (totally dumb) lyrics and simple tune.  And yet, it continually pleases audiences of all ages, cultures and classes.

If you don't believe me, read them yourself (and if you are lucky, I'll throw in the melody in the next few days...I am sure you can't wait):

POLLYWOG

One day I was walking and I saw a dog. Her name was Lucy and she called me Pollywog. I said to her, that is not my name you silly dog. I said to her, "My name is Fred.

And she said,

Chorus

Polly, polly, polly, polly, polly, polly, polly, polly, polly, polly, polly...wog.
Polly, polly, polly, polly, polly, polly, polly, polly, polly, polly, polly...wog.

I went to my house and started to run, saying to Lucy, you ain't much fun.  I have me some legs and breathe in the air, if you don't see it, you really don't care."

And she said,

Chorus

After the teasing from that old dog, I see myself in a puddle and there stands a frog. Oh my, I sigh and realize on the spot, indeed I was a polly and I had been caught.

And we say...

Chorus

Is that not a seriously inspirational song?

Not only was it performed while I was in high school on many occasions, it had a four part harmony while I was a missionary in Denmark (I wish I had that recorded). It was sung at my wedding (thanks dad) and played during an awkward moment last year while waiting for a piano student to arrive (full house too). And today I sang it for the middle schoolers in their chorus class.  Bam...a total success.

Now, if only I could come up with some cool dance moves to go along with it (think Gangnam Style) and I would be set for life.

Because I know it is the one and only song I will ever write.  I am totally content with the success that Pollywog has encountered through the years.  But yet, there are still more ears that need to hear and hearts that need to open as they feel Pollywog's power.  Yep, I think the next step is to bring Pollywog to everyone.  I will be talking to my son (guitar player extraordinaire) and his band to see if we can spice up, dance up and totally spread the message of the Pollywog song (or maybe Hilary or another sibling will help). In case you didn't immediately grasp its message, here lies its meaning:

Not everyone is out to judge you, they are simply loving the you, you have become.

Or maybe the message is about judging (and bullying):

Some know it all dog, named Lucy (with her own self esteem problems), is going around taunting and teasing the new kid in town, Fred.  He just moved to the area, just up from the bog around the corner.  Just trying to fit in, he doesn't understand why this mangy mutt is following him around, chanting some "pollywog" nonsense.

It really is a song that morphs (hence the pollywog title) into any meaning to anyone.

I love you "Pollywog" and always will.

And So We Are Reminded...

I was reading in Luke, chapter 10 the other day, I came across the story of Martha and her sister Mary.  We read that upon Jesus' arrival, Mary immediately sits at His feet to listen to His word.

Later, after Martha has been "cumbered about much serving," she says to the Lord, "Doth thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me."

Jesus' response surprises many of us (as I am sure most of us have felt this very way), "Martha, Martha (I love how he says her name two times...I feel the love and understanding He must have for her), thou art careful (which means worried) and troubled about many things...but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

I have read this story many times and have honestly been a little frustrated by His response.  While I completely understand his explanation of Mary choosing the "better part," I can't help to have sympathy  for Martha.

I mean, who doesn't start cleaning "madly" upon hearing a friend is stopping by?  We quickly straighten, light a candle and pop in a batch of cookies.  And if we are having really special visitors, we go all out, cleaning the entire house, baking, placing centerpieces perfectly...we do anything and everything to make our guest feel at home.

So here we have Martha, most likely preparing a lovely dinner for their special guest...feeling exhausted, wanting to join Mary at Jesus' feet but knowing the work needed to be done by someone.

But this time as I read these verses, instead of feeling like Martha was getting chastised, I felt she was given a simple reminder.

As we go through this life, there is truly only one thing that is needful...and that is our willingness to follow our Savior.

Too many times we feel we have to have the cleanest house, the skinniest bodies, the nicest cars, the best Sunday School lesson, the perfect children...and we become worried and troubled about many things...and with many people (who should be helping us).

But really, these things aren't important at all...and I think Martha knew that (and Christ gently reminded her).

Each of us are invited to bring all of our worries and troubles and for a moment sit at Jesus' feet. It is here He can comfort. He can heal. He can remind us what is needful...Him.

And then, when are "recharged," we can go about life's responsibilities.

"Boo" Unto Others...

...As you would have others "Boo" unto you!

The Halloween tradition of "booing" a neighbor is simply delightful for all ages.  It is fun to do the booing, and feeling the love of being booed. While I was visiting my parents in Utah, they happened to be "booed" one evening.  Although they were a tad bit confused at first, I quickly explained the entire process, getting them both excited about picking two friends to share goodies of the season with.

Now, it was all fun and games until I was the chosen "runner," to place goodie at doorstep, ring doorbell and RUN!  I think I looked pretty silly running down their street to the safety of their home without being caught. Once inside, we all giggled, excited about their friends receiving their "boo!"

And without even a kid in sight, three adults accomplished not only something "child-like" but kind by serving a neighbor with a little holiday cheer.  Completely simple but really "simply" how it should be done:

"Doing unto others, as you would have them do unto you."

And so upon my return, it was time for our family to do a little "booing."  We LOVE to boo our friends, the Leaps, especially their daughter, Brittany.  One evening, after gathering a little treasure, Ethan and Tate, quietly walked down the street with our treat.

Knowing how great it makes my children feel when our doorbell rings and a mysterious treat is left on our doorstep, they couldn't wait to do it themselves...sharing the happiness.

And so it goes...when you serve others, you not only bring happiness to others, you feel pretty darn good inside too (even the moms, grandmas and grandpas).

Pine Nuts: You Go and You Get What You Love.

My dad is what you call a good old fashioned, go getter...he goes and gets what he wants.  I witnessed my dad in action this past week on my visit to Utah.  Upon my arrival to their home, we sat at my parent's kitchen table, sipping Fresca and cracking open freshly roasted salted pine nuts.  I nibbled the meaty nuts and chucked the shells with ease not long after my father taught me the skill needed to fully master the pine nut eating ritual.

The next morning, I awoke to my dad packing up his car. He explained he was heading to the high country, some 4 hour drive to harvest more pine nuts.  The process was quite demanding, requiring a large tarp to be laid under pine laden tree and secured with rocks. Next, a long pole is heaved into the high branches and with pure muscle strength (and precision), the nuts are knocked from their home above to the tarp below.  My dad then takes the nuts to a water source and sifts out the fallen branches, pine cones and other unwanted items that find themselves on the tarp, mixed in with the beloved pine nuts.

After driving miles back home, the nuts were then washed and sorted, sprinkled with salt and placed in the oven for roasting.

Most people aren't willing to take the time and effort to acquire something as simple as pine nuts.  I mean, one can purchase a bag of pine nuts at the local grocery store (and they are even shelled for you!).  Who wants to drive for hours and expend large amounts of energy and time for a nut!?

My dad. Me. You.

It isn't really about the pine nut at all. It is all about what you LOVE and what you are willing to do for something you love.

Take the conversation I had with a man during the St. George marathon. He appeared next to me around mile 14.  I was feeling fresh and alive...so was he.  This allowed us to talk freely.  We struck up a conversation about our goals for our race. He asked what time I was shooting for.  After my reply, "Under 3:30," he told me he was going to stick with me.  That led to further discussion about this particular race. It was his first.  I told him, although I was from Virginia, I had run the last 16 of this race some 20 years ago with my friends after returning from an L.D.S mission from Denmark. He then replied, "Oh, you are a Virginian Mormon."  Upon hearing his tone, I quickly assessed he probably wasn't a Mormon. I then said, "Oh then you must be a Utah non-Mormon."  He laughed and explained he was a "Jack Mormon," which is a Mormon who isn't active in the church.

He seemed a bit embarrassed by his current state but I assured him not to worry. I said that it is essential we truly want to work for something. Those things we cherish, we work for and thus we hold dear. I explained that like our marathon journey, we wanted more than to simply finish the race, we hoped to finish with a specific time.  Because of such a lofty goal, months of orchestrated training runs, dedication and time would be required. It was important to us.

I continued to explain, "Like our relationship with God, if we want to feel close to Him, we must put our time and efforts on Him." I wanted him to realize that if he wanted a closer relationship to God he would be required to work...just like running.  And just like his ability to run fast and far, he would begin to grow closer to his Heavenly Father.  Similar  to the search for "pine nuts," requiring hours of driving, searching, knocking down, cleaning, sorting, roasting...we must go and get...and then we reap the rewards of what we truly want to reap.

I cherish my father's many adventures throughout his life, doing things he loves with those he loves.

Are you willing to go and get what you love?

I Can Do This...St. George Marathon Recap

The alarm goes off at 4:00 (am!) and I begin my pre marathon ritual which consists of eating a large bowl of oatmeal, drinking a glass of water, hair styling (long thick hair if left alone will result in a sweaty rat’s nest) and making sure my running outfit is perfect for the upcoming conditions.

I head to the buses that will carry the runners on a 26.2 mile journey away from the finish line, along the race route to the start of the marathon.  It is along this drive, my seat passenger points out various aspects of the race that we will encounter along our run.  She shows me the road that drops us into the town that only leads us to our steep climb along miles 7 and 8.  We see groups of volunteers preparing each water stop that we will soon partake.  After what seems like a journey in itself, we leave the buses and enter phase two of any marathon, the bathroom lines.

It is dark. It is windy and extremely cold.  The lines are tremendously long and I search for the “best” one.  After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, my turn finally comes.

By now, the marathon start time fast approaches. I quickly place my valuables in the designated drop off area and make my way to the start.

I am alone as I stand in line with thousands of runners.  I am okay with being alone.  I truly believe running a race is an individual journey.  Although I know not a soul in my sight, I feel the support of friends and family with me.  I know they have seen my hard work. They know how much this race means to me and will be awaiting to hear from me at the end of my chosen adventure.  This gives me strength as the gun sounds.

I always seem to tear up just a bit as I begin the first miles of a marathon.  The miles of running, the early mornings, late nights, tempo runs, speed workouts…the commitment to a goal and the knowledge that I did everything I had promised to do takes center stage.  I am ready to face the hills, the heat, the muscle pain, muscle fatigue, mental struggles…I am ready to race.

The first few miles whiz by as my body wants to keep up with others running too fast (for we all are fresh), jockeying for positioning and adrenaline pushing me along.

The sun begins to rise above the mountains and its warmth settles on our backs.  Extra clothing quickly starts to fly over head as runners now get serious about settling into their paces.

My mind gravitates quickly to the daunting miles that lie ahead and I wonder if I will be able to keep my pace and succeed with my goal of breaking my personal record of a 3:30 marathon.  It is here, during these early miles, that I remind myself, I am capable of reaching my goal.  But in order to accomplish it, I must try.  I know it will not be easy  but it is possible…if I simply try.

With that I begin my descent into a little town…with a “big” hill.  I hadn’t really expected many uphills along this race but had been warned about it by my friends.  As the road turned, I looked up, and there, in the distance, I see it, the longest uphill road in history.

It is here, the pace group for the 3:25 runners (a pacer leads a group of runners with the goal of 3:25 along, giving advice, encouragement and keeping pace) approaches from behind. I can hear the lead pacer saying, “Okay, runners, gear up for this hill.  Keep a steady pace…we can do this!”

For a moment, as the group of about 20 runners passes along side me, I think I will jump aboard and give this pace a whirl…but seeing how fast they approached and passed me, I decide to forgo that stupid idea and keep my current pace.

Running up that hill was completely insane.  Runners were walking.  Runners were huffing and puffing.  Runners were suffering.  I was suffering.  But I decided to try to keep moving forward and that I did. Before I knew it, mile 7 and 8 were a thing of the past.

Unfortunately, the uphill climbing did not agree with my previously pained hamstrings. I had taken a few Advil before the race and had planned on popping a few during…but alas, I had forgotten them in my bag.  After a few miles of some good pain in my right hammy, I chanced upon a spectator offering tissues and Advil.  I quickly put out my hand, receiving the blessed pills. 

At mile 10, I notice that at the water stops, there is also a med tent. There, two or three people are down on their knees ready to rub “Ben Gay” on any area in need of attention.  I decide to make a quick stop, where a person dabs this much needed cream onto my right hamstring.

Miles pass, with even more hills and I anticipate the promise of a 2000 feet drop in elevation. I can't wait to let my hamstrings take a break and let my quads take over.

It doesn't take long before the downhill portions begin.  I immediately and without much effort, begin making my way, down…down…down into Snow Canyon.  Here the constant red rock is met with white rock making for the most beautiful vistas.

My body is pleased with this new arrangement, letting the quads finally do some work. I begin to pick up my pace and quickly fall into a comfortable groove.

As mile 19 approaches, I look ahead and in the distance, I can see the 3:25 pace group.  I thought to myself at the time, “maybe I can catch them.”  I begin to slowly pass people and begin anticipating the descent into St. George.   It would be here that my friend Amy would be cheering.  I am so relieved I feel so good at this late stage into the race. 

Sure enough, right at mile 23, I see Amy and Reed. Sign in hand, they cheer for me, giving me that final push to keep going.  Newly charged, I notice the balloons carried by the 3:25 pace group only a few blocks ahead.  I quickly gain and by mile 24, I have reached them.  I can't believe I have actually caught them. I know at that moment I will  beat my 3:30 time. But now, I might actually beat it BIG time!  I am surprised I feel as good as I do. Normally in a race, there is a mysterious point of time that “a light switch” goes off and I feel horrible both in body and mind.  But here, at mile 24.5, I feel fine.  Stride in stride with the other runners, I make my way to the final mile.  As I turn the corner, the crowds are cheering, “One more mile!”  But then, it happened, the switch is flipped and my body says, “I have had enough.”

It is strange when this happens.  You wonder why you can’t simply keep running at pace when you only have a half of a mile left.  But you can’t. In fact, you can barely keep running.  Your mind is screaming at you to stop this nonsense…stop!  In fact, other runners around you are already walking.

With the temptation to stop looming, there is comes, the light ahead, the blessed finish line.  Turning the final corner, I see the balloons in the distance…only .2 miles to go. The crowds cheer with words of encouragement, “Only two more blocks!” I can do this!

My mind wanders back to the start of the race.  The place I was only 3 hours ago, with a long and an arduous 26 miles to go, now with only 2 blocks to go. I can do this!

The pace group I have joined finishes.  Countless others have too.

And now it is my turn.  I cross the finish line. Not only can I do this...I just did (and shattered my previous time by over 5 minutes) coming in at 3:25:27.