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.