Love, Elder Menzie: Provo MTC Drop-Off Day

11 July 2018

Provo MTC Drop-Off Day

I said "See you in 2" to family Sunday night. I have some pretty awesome aunts and uncles and cousins! Wednesday morning I was set apart by President Taylor, the Massachusetts Blackstone Valley Stake President. It was great to have family and friends there for support, to share In-n-Out, and for some last pics and hugs before seeing me off to the MTC.

me and some of my awesome cousins

mom hugs and grandpa support

Grandpa T and Grandma Ilene

Photo taken just after I was set apart.
Halversens, Ama, Gpa T & Gma Ilene, Kevin/Brooke and crew, cousin Brayden, mom and sis

Best last lunch ever

Cousins and sis

Just before entering the MTC: Family, Halversens, Jessica and Tavi

mission mom- Day 1
2 year old Tavi, looking at the missionaries walking on the MTC grounds as we drove away:
"Where's Thomas?"
Que mom crocodile tears.

AREAS and COMPANIONS

MTC - Provo, Utah 7/11/18-8/12/18 COMP: Elder Heslop
MTC - Manila, Philippines 8/13/18-8/27/2018 COMP: Elder Heslop
Aurora, Philippines 8/28/18-11/21/18 COMP: Elder Leausa
Aurora, Philippines 11/21/18-1/2/19 COMP: Elder Anderton
Aurora, Philippines 1/2/19-1/3/19 COMP: Elder Guancia
Gosi, Philippines 1/3/19-2/12/19 COMP: Elder Adams
Gosi, Philippines 2/13/19- 6/4/2019 COMP: Elder Pino
Bambang, Philippines 6/5/19- 7/30/19 COMP: Elder Salas
Bambang, Philippines 7/31/19- 9/9/19 COMP: Elder Hererra
Santiago, Philippines 9/10/19-10/4/19 COMP: Elder Walker
Santiago, Philippines 10/4/19-10/6/19 COMP: Elder Adams
Santiago, Philippines 10/6/19-10/14/19 COMP: Elder Powell and Elder Moser
Santiago, Philippines 10/15/19-1/13/20 COMP: Elder Walker
Santiago, Philippines 1/14/20- COMP: Elder Pampliega

ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES

English and Tagalog (also known as Filipino) are the two official languages of the Philippines, though there are several other major regional languages, most notably Cebuano (spoken in the Central Visayas region), Ilokano (spoken in northern Luzon), and Hiligaynon (spoken in the western Visayas and Mindanao).

About 90% of the population in the Philippines is Christian, with the vast majority belonging to the Roman Catholic Church.

Philippine culture is influenced by Malay, Spanish, and American cultures. Events such as barrio fiestas (neighborhood festivals) are common events featuring music, food, and dancing. The use of English as an official language has helped make many American trends popular in the Philippines as well, such as fast food, rock and hip hop music, and films. Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines, though boxing, soccer, and volleyball are also popular. The Philippine martial art style Arnis is considered the national martial art.

Rice is one of the staple foods in the Philippine. Corn, adobo (meat stew using pork or chicken), meat and vegetable rolls, seafood, empanadas, and several varieties of fruit and vegetable are also commonly eaten. Roasted pig is often served as the main course for festivals and special occasions.