First Week in the MTC Done!

Hey everyone! 

My first week in the MTC is in the books! It's crazy that a week ago I was one of the wide-eyed Elders walking around campus overwhelmed and wondering what I got myself into! First I want to say that I'm doing great. I feel more and more like a missionary each day and I love the feeling of being on a schedule and being busy all day! I'm kinda bummed that you'll only get a single update from me while in the MTC but the next time you'll hear from me I'll be in Uganda! The MTC is an interesting experience because though I'm on my mission and I'm teaching lessons, being somewhere in Africa teaching real people is going to be a whole new ballgame and a whole new adjustment. I'm getting stir crazy and I'm ready to just get into the field. I can only imagine what people like Elder Burraston are feeling being stuck here for weeks are feeling because a week and a half is enough for me!

My first day in the MTC was a little bit of a shock and it was weird being on a strict schedule. We just went through a bunch of orientation stuff and got to meet our district, teachers, and zone.Our first devotional was given by the MTC president. Let me tell you... the first time singing Called to Serve after being set apart as a missionary with a bunch of other kids from around the world with my same calling was one of the coolest things I've ever done.We finished up the night by being taken on a tour by our zone leaders around campus and we unpacked our stuff at our residence hall. Crazy that I'll be the one giving tours to new missionaries tonight! In our room there are 3 set of companionships so 6 kids to a room. The other elders have been here for 3 weeks and are learning Russian. I believe all of them are going to the Ukraine. Really nice guys!  Being stuck in classes was hard at first but i'm beginning to understand the importance of learning the fundamentals before being thrown out into the real game...kinda like baseball;) I feel like I'm improving as a teacher and making sure my investigators understand our purpose as missionaries to invite all to come unto Christ by faith in Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. My companion's name is Elder Packer, and he's from Kaysville Utah. He went to Davis High and is a trombone player. (I'm not sure if you all got my first letter update from my mom telling you about him) He and I work really well together teaching and I enjoy being around him a lot. Our district is so much fun. I'm currently laughing and joking with them as I'm writing this email. Elder Packer, Elder Hatch, and I are the only ones from our district going to Uganda. The rest are going to Irvine California and Federal Way Washington. 

I currently have two investigators I'm teaching lessons everyday. One is a role play, where a teacher poses as a real investigator they had on their mission and you have to teach them like a real person, and another, we believe, is a real investigator. Her name is Carolina and she is from Mexico and moved here to Provo to learn English to study medecine. She's really sweet. I've seen so many friends it's crazy! It's really nice to see familiar faces around. I've seen Elder Burraston, both Elder Goeckeritzes, Elder Clark, Elder Savage, Elder McDonald, Elder Hall, Elder Smith, Elder Searle, Elder Ingersoll, and so many others.

The food is alright, I try to eat a ton and I think I'm actually putting on weight which is nice:) I play volleyball with my district every day so I can't wait to destroy every one when I get home because I can actually pull off a jump serve now;)

I love you all and I appreciate all of your support as I embark on this crazy two year adventure. The church is true and there is no way I'd rather devote my life these next two years.

Love, Elder Hazen

Pictures From the Provo Missionary Training Center

RJ Sightings

   We've had some great "RJ Sightings" the last couple of days!  So grateful to friends who take the time to send us updates about our boy when they see him in the MTC.  We have been waiting in such anticipation to hear anything from RJ after we dropped him off at the MTC.  The first sighting was by Elder Stephen Burraston, he said he saw RJ the day he reported to the MTC.  He said in his letter, "I saw RJ yesterday and talkded to him for a while.  He seemed kind of overwhelmed.  I just told him to get to Sunday and then it will fly by."  I emailed him to say thank you for the RJ mention in his letter and to give RJ a big hug from his mama when he sees him again.  This was the first news I had heard about him since dropping him off.  He emailed me back, "Will do Mama Hazen! He looks like a champion! He'll convert all of the Ugandites!"  My mama heart was filled with love for both those boys.

  The next day Rob was surprised with a text from Bishop and Michelle Stevenson saying they saw RJ, Rob being the sweetheart he is said to send me the text because that would make my year.  So here is what the text said,  "I was so happy to run into RJ.  It was my first time walking through the MTC with Mike.  I was so excited to see my former Seminary Student Elder Hazen eating lunch.  When he recognized us he jumped up and came over to visit.  He looked so happy and just radiating!  He said, "It's so good to see familiar faces!"  I asked to take a picture to send to you.  He said, "My mom is going to LOVE this!!" RJ was right, it put both Rob and I in tears to see our boy in a picture with the biggest smile on his face.  And the cherry on top was Michelle also sent me a recorded message from RJ in his own voice.  It said, "Hi Mom and Dad, I miss you and love you.  Tell everyone I said Hi and I'm doing really well so don't worry about me!"  What a sweet surprise.

  The last sighting was by Jeremy Rios who is a teacher at the MTC.  He's been keeping an eye out for RJ and he finally saw him yesterday.  He sent Rob this picture.  RJ has always looked up to Jeremy he has always been a good example for him to follow ever since hes was young and Jeremy used to baby sit for us.  Jeremy has always been good to RJ and even employed him at his Book Exchange business so he could earn money for his mission.

We Finally Got Our First Letter From the Mission Training Center!

Dear Mom and Dad,

  Holy crap, these have been the longest, yet shortest days of my life. I've only been here for a little over 24 hours, but it feels like I've been here forever. I feel like I'm a pro at this mission thing already. 

  I guess I'll start from the very beginning when you dropped me off. Elder Clark was my missionary host which was such a blessing because the first hour in the MTC was crazy and it was nice to have a familiar face to answer all my questions. 

  After I drop my bags off at my room I was shipped straight off to my classroom and I met my companion. His name is Elder Packer and he is from Kaysville, Utah. He went to Davis Highschool and he's in the band. He played the trombone. He's a nice kid and I think we'll get along well. Dad your description of my first companion couldn't be more accurate. 

  After get to know you games with my class (my district).  We went to the new missionary orientation. Nothing is cooler than standing there with a bunch of Missionaries singing "Called to Serve".  After orientation and hearing from the MTC presidency we went to dinner. 

  I've already seen so many people I know including both Elder Goeckeritz',  ELder Burraston, Elder Norton (who's on my floor in residence hall)  Elder Searle and Elder Ingersoll.  I also saw Elder Spencer Larson and Elder Josh York. 

  I slept surprisingly well for my first night. My district and zone are awesome.  I have moments of missing home. Then I'm reminded,  you'll be OK. 

  Thank you for all your love and support. I loved all your letters. I'm doing great, tell Justy to stop crying. Tell Tyler it's hard to work out and tell everyone in the family I love them. My P- Day is Wednesday so I'll email you all then.  My address is on the letter envelope so please give it out and tell everyone to write me. I'll talk to you guys soon. I'm so glad I'm here and I know this is what I should be doing. 

Love,
Elder RJ Hazen

Saying Goodbye to Our Missionary, RJ Reports to the Provo MTC

Last Thing RJ Wanted to do Before He Reported to the MTC
Was To Throw Ball With His Dad

RJ's Last Meal at Bam Bam's BBQ 

Spending Some time at the Provo Temple before the MTC

Elder Ben Clark was RJ's Host, 

They Are Good Friends From Lone Peak

He's Ready to Report

Last Family Picture All Together for 2 Years

Our Last Goodbye Hug, 

None of Us Want to Let Go!

And There Goes a Piece of My Heart

I know we have been preparing him from the day he was born to serve a Mission but, this is literally the hardest thing Rob and I have had to do.  Letting our boy go.  For a brief time he was entrusted to us, but now he will soon belong to the people of Africa.  We are Humbled to watch this sweet boy begin to go his own way.  It makes us proud and breaks our hearts.  So, I say to my son, "Say Yes to life, just do it, get out there and work hard and make your own memories.  Don't be afraid, don't fear the rejection that can come from putting yourself out there teaching the true Gospel.  This Mission is going to surprise you and will be worth every second, your knowledge and testimony will grow everyday.  This will make you interesting and give you so much to talk about when you return to us.  It will make your mind and heart fulfilled forever."