The MTC

The MTC stands for Missionary Training Center. Trevon entered the MTC in Provo, Utah on Wednesday, May 29, 2013. The previous night he was set apart as a missionary for the church. The Stake Presidency gave Trevon words of encouragement and then with Mike, Bishop Yardley and Brother Clayton, laid their hands on his head and set him apart as a missionary, to preach the gospel. We decided we wanted to drive "Elder Beutler" to the MTC and drop him off. We wanted to spend as much time with him as possible before he left. It was a special day for our family. We took Trevon to SLAB PIZZA so that he could say "good-bye" to his Uncle Eric Beutler, and Andy Gartz whom he worked for during the past year. He loved working at SLAB and all those he worked with. Then we ate at Subway for lunch, savoring every minute with Trevon and hoping he wouldn't spill anything on his suit or tie! We stopped by the Beutler's and said our good-byes there, each giving him a hug and telling him how much we love him. Just before 12:30pm we drove to the MTC where countless missionaries (elders/sisters/couples) lined the sidewalk to greet those being dropped off. It was a spectacular sight to see so many missionaries who are giving of their time to share the glorious message of the gospel. We pulled up to the curb and Trevon got out with his luggage and then I (his mom) gave him one more quick hug before taking his picture.

 It was such an emotional time for all of us. Trevon was holding back tears and we were too. As we drove away Mike and I both started crying. Tears of joy AND sorrow! We won't be seeing Trevon for two years! The mission rules are strict and our only contact will be through letters or a weekly e-mail. He may write once a week on his preparation day (p-day). We can write as often as we want. He can call home for Christmas and Mother's Day. The hardest day for me was Thursday. I wanted to know how he was doing. Luckily for our family, Elder Beutler's p-day was Friday, so we didn't have to wait long to hear from him.

Friday, May 31, 2013

Dear Family,

 

Today is my p-day so I will be emailig you guys over the next week on friday. Everything in the MTC is wonderful. As soon as I was dropped off I was greated by countless elders and sisters who said welcome elder in numerous different languages. I was then greeted by my friend elder degraw (shawn) who took the time out of his p-day to come and see me. Nothing made me more welcome than to see one of my good friends right away. Wednesday was full of a lot of orientation and I finally met my companion a couple of hours into it. his name is Elder Silvester and I am truly blessed to have him as my comp. Together we lift each other up. He is fairly quiet but is very kind to me and together we make a great team. there are only 2 other elders in my room, they are also great. every night we do a nightly thought/devotional. I am really privledged, like I always have been, with whom I am surrounded by. Oh, by the way they made me a district leader, which means I pick up all the mail for everone in my district, conduct meetings, and approve of splits. I also have a ton of meetings on sundays. If you want there is a website which allows you to email me every day. The MTC will print a hard copy of the letter and I should get it withing 24 hours when I pick up the mail every day. The down side is I can't get a hold of you until next friday.

 

So today in the temple I got my first battle scar from the mission. I was in the locker room and there are these hooks on the door to my stall. I was looking for my companion and caught my nose on the hook which ripped through my nose, leaving a nice slash. It is hard to explains so bear with me. Overall we missed our scheduled endowment session, finally got it to stop bleeding with the help of temple first aid, and made it to the following endowment session. I will probably have a small scar where it tore through my nose. It is actually quite funny now that I think of it.

 

Well there isn't much other than that. It truly is an awe inspiring site to see so many missionaries dropping everthing they were involved in and coming to serve their God. There are many times where I am truly humbled because I see how they teach and I feel that I am so far behind. But I have desires to serve God and so I am called to the work. I know that I have been called to a specific mission where I can do my very best for those people. I can't wait to hear from you soon. I miss you and love you all.

 

your son,

Elder Beutler

Of course, we wrote Trevon too. I thought about including our letters in this blog but didn't want to fill it with our words, just mostly his. On the Monday after Trevon entered the MTC, his Grandma and Grandpa Ferrin entered the MTC too! They are serving a mission and were called to the South Dakota Rapid City Mission. They will spend their time serving in Wyoming at the Martin's Cove Visitor's Center. Grandma texted me (when she saw Trevon) which was so appreciated. The mission rules for couples are not as restrictive. Margene Johnson (Julie Beutler's mom) works at the MTC and she also became somewhat of an informant. I have decided to include the texts and e-mails they sent us too, so that Elder Beutler's MTC experience can be well documented!

Monday, June 3, 2013 

 (8:42am)

Text From Susan Ferrin: Saw Trevon at breakfast this morning.:) His nose injury is just a little dot - barely noticable. He looks good and happy.

 

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

(12:10pm)

 

Text From Julie Beutler: Shelly we want to make Trevon some cookies and treats this week to send with my mom what r his favorite cookies or treats. I want a few ideas if you have some. I was thinking Jean's cookies and wondered what his favorite chips or kinds were and does he like nuts? Thanks!

(2:27pm)

E-mail from Margene Johnson: Will you please forward this to Trevon's family.  (It was super busy when he came into the clinic and I was alone so didn't take the time to get an e-mail address). He came in so quickly that the cookies were probably still hot........so they were definitely fresh!
Trevon looks great and says the MTC is awesome.  I wish I had had more time to visit with him!   He said his P-Day is on Friday so he won't be able to write until then but  "all is well"!!!

Included in her e-mail was this picture:

 

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

(8:00pm)

Text From Susan Ferrin: Saw Trevon at dinner while he was eating. Snuck up on him and hugged him from behind. He's still looking good.:) Loving our MTC experience...

Thursday, June 6, 2013

(3:11pm)

E-mail from Margene Johnson:

Hi Mike and Shelly!
 
 Julie sent cookies yesterday and Mike & Ikes today.  They are still doing well.  Today is what they call In-Field meetings so these poor guys are in a big group meeting from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with one lunch break and apparently a "potty break"..........which is when they picked up the Mike and Ikes.  I made them pose for another picture (for your benefit).  I know how important those pictures and letters are!  His companion seems nice.  He's quiet but they seem to be getting along just fine.
 
I hope all is well down there in sunny southern Utah.  It's getting warm up here also.
 
Have and good weekend and I'll likely see Trevon at least one more time before he leaves.  Eric wants to smuggle some Slab in but Trevon could do serious prison time if caught, so I'm going to discourage that.  I mentioned it to Trevon and he agrees that he'd rather not make the attempt.  What a guy..........he's going to be a GREAT missionary.
 
Keep smiling and I'll get back to you soon.
 
Love 'ya........Margene

 (8:01pm)

Text From Julie Beutler: Didn't know if any of this was new info or not but my mom brought this home and it does have departure day/time if u didn't know that.

 

Friday, June 7, 2013

Hello everyone,

 

Everything has been going great so far in the MTC. It sees like I have been here for a month already but it has only been 9 days or so. There is so much to talk about and I have so little time. Dad, I will send you the information you need within the next day or so.

 

First off, Uncle Eric and Aunt Julie have been taking good care of me. I have recieved 2 care packages from them. One was a plate of cookies and another day I got mike and ikes. both times I have been paged to the health clinic where Julie's mom gives the things to me. I have also recieved all of your DearELder letters and also the letters from the younger kids. I love all of your letters. it is the best part of my day to check the mail. Which reminds me. the other day I lost my pajama pants and one of my America shirts (left it in the shower). So I have been a little short on clothing lately. It would be great if you could send me a pair of pajama pants. they don't really have any at the MTC bookstore and I don't know when I will get the chance to pick some up in the field.

 

So I leave on Wednesday, my plane leaves at around 7 in the morning and there is a Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert in Columbus the day I arrive. All of the missionaries will be attending. I can't wait for that! I honestly can't wait to get into the field. The days here can be long, especially since we spend all day in the classroom. I really enjoy the time I have to study outside since the weather is nice. One of the most teaching experiences we go through here at the MTC is called the progressing investigator. essentiallly we have to knock on a door and teach some random person about the gospel. One of the people we teach is our teacher and it is an amazing experience. I can truly say that the spirit guides our lessons and that he is the one that is teaching. the progressing investigator can also be very intense. I have a new investigator appointment tonight and it is supposed to be an inactive member I believe. Wish me luck.

 

I am truly loving it here. the district I am over consists of 4 elders total. Elder Silvester and I and another companionship. There are also 6 sisters in my district, so 3 companionships. We have really bonded well with each other and all of us our going to Columbus, in fact there is another district which has about 5 elders/sisters whom are coming to columbus as well.

 

My time is very limited but I just want you to know that I love being here and I love the message of the gospel. I have so much to learn but the Lord is teaching me. it is truly amazing to be part of such a great cause. I love you all and miss ya.

 

Elder Beutler

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

(5:21pm) 

 

Text From Susan Ferrin: ...Did not see Trevon these past two days and we could see him at devotionals tonight but chances are VERY slim with so many attending. Maybe I'll go down and catch him before he gets in his ride to the airport.:) Transportation is just outside our building. Did he ever find his clothes?

 

(5:32pm)

Text From Susan Ferrin: I have my alarm set for 4:00. I was up at 6 taking clothes to the laundry this morning and there were a large number of elders and sisters lined up with their luggage waiting to board the busses for their 6:30 departure. I can't think that there will be all that many leaving that early tomorrow, so hopefully he'll be easy to find.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

 (1:15am)

 

We got a phone call from Trevon! He was at the Atlanta GA airport with an hour to go before his next flight would take him to Ohio. It was a nice surprise to hear from him. He was supposed to e-mail us to let us know he would be calling home, but luckily we were home! He sounded GREAT and said he enjoyed his time at the MTC. He was so happy to be going into the field and looking forward to being in Ohio. He mentioned that there were about 24 elders/sisters flying to Ohio together and that they were all an amazing group of missionaries.  He also said that while he was on the bus waiting to head to the airport from the MTC, that someone asked, "Is there an Elder Beutler on the bus?" He came forward and found Grandma and Grandpa outside to say goodbye. Grandma gave him a hug and cried. He was glad that he was able to see them at the MTC and for the care packages from the Provo Beutler's. One of his last comments to us were, "I'll talk to you again on Christmas." That seems so long away!

 (1:20pm)

 

Text From Susan Ferrin: We came out about 4:15 and 1/3 of the bus had kids on it. Trevon being Trevon...I knew he would already be on the bus. I asked the driver to call his name so we could say goodbye. Tender moment.