Week 1 in the Mission Field!

Wow! What a week

Thank you everyone for all the support while I've gone to Philly! It's

been a roller coaster of a week. So where to start.... Probably the

beginning. So I leave the mtc  at 4 in the morning dead tired and flew

out at 9. I got here at 4 in the afternoon and was welcomed by

President Andersen and his wife along with the AP's (assistants). All

of the, treated us very kindly and with so much love. All 29 of us,

two missionaries away from breaking the record of most missionaries

coming into Philly.

Wednesday, unfortunately, I came down with a bad cold. A quarter of

the missionaries were sick and got a few more of us sick when we

stayed over at the mission home. So let's just say driving to the

multi stake center where transfers were happening wasn't exactly easy.

The whole day was tough in a way because of just being sick. But it's

ok! Because I met my companions. That's right, companions! Some of you

thought I had one, but I am in a trio (when does that happen for the

first time right????)

The first is Elder Hendricks, he is from Draper Utah. This is his last

transfer, so he has 6 weeks to go. I'm so grateful to be with a pro

like him but it's weird, I'm his last companion and he's my trainer.

He is also the district leader and really, he is a great teacher. He

is teaching me everything I need to know how to be a missionary with

his almost two year experience.

But I can't forget about THE Elder Froc. Born and raised from

Saskatchewan, Canada. He is also 21. So my first companion is FOREIGN

;) He has been out for 9 months and has killed off 5 missionaries

including Elder Hendricks (that means he was a missionary's last

companion 5 times). He is so intellectual in the gospel and I have

learned so many principles from his insights. But really, he just has

jokes that never end. What a loving companion.

All 3 of us get along perfectly. It's different being in a trio, but

we are working it out just fine. There's never a dull moment and we

just have so many laughs together. I'm so grateful for my companions,

they really are angels sent from God. I love them both so much.

So the work, my first area is the Cherry Hill Zone in New Jersey. The

main towns are Moorestown and Riverside along with Delran, cinamanson,

Mt. Laurel and so many more. For the most part, it's been nothing but

good things. Getting home from transfers, we had a dinner appointment.

But we also ended up teaching the restoration to guests of the members

who had us over for dinner. Apparently that never happens and it's

because I'm working my golden magic according to my companions (golden

means new elder). Thursday we did straight up street contacting. It

was tough to see Elder Hendricks get shot down a lot, but he told me

that's just how missionary work is sometimes. I had a little bit of

that, but for the most part, people were listening to the message I

was bringing. They seemed interested, I was just like whoa! I'm

grateful the Lord is helping me be an instrument in His work.

But the best was Saturday. I invited Bob Jameson to be baptized who

has met with the missionaries for 10 years and loves and feeds the

missionaries all the time. He said our discussion was one of the best

in 10 years and he said if he knew it was true then he would. Talk

about a miracle! I also invited Kevin, a mMuslim and he said the same

thing. Two invitations with no rejections! I know this is the Lord

helping me out. I'm grateful He watches over me.

Sunday I met the ward. It's very small, only 3 active young men and

tiny Sunday schools and priesthood. But the people are so kind and

have fellow shipped me like I have always been in the ward. It's a

tender mercy to have the love of the ward. We get fed every other day

and have the best time with investigators and members. Everyone speaks

their mind, that's for sure. But it's so awesome! I'm still trying to

get over the sickness but I received a blessing and it isn't as bad as

Wednesday.

I love it here, the weather is just so nice and it already feels like

home. I'm grateful to be out here! The spirit is strong always, and I

love it. Best wishes for everyone, let us all be like Christ and serve

each other, never turning anyone away. Because the Lord has been here

for all of us. Thank you all for everything you do for me, it means a

lot.

Elder Cortes

2nd & Final Week in the MTC!

Hey everyone!

Wow, what a busy week here at the mtc. There were things I just did not expect while at my stay at the mtc. First off, Tuesday I met my Branch President, President Brady! A very kind man with a great spirit about him. He met with my district and we talked about a number of things, but one thing that will stick with me is that he said just have fun with the mission as well as the gospel. He pointed out missionaries and even members struggle in the church because they just don't treat it as an enjoyable experience. He has seen missionaries treat their mission as only a job, which hurt them in the long run. What's important, is that you love and enjoy what you do, in anything. Bringing others to Christ and seeing people change their lives for the better, that's probably the most joy I can get in my life. I'll never forget not just to work hard, but have fun on my mission, which I was planning to do :)

President Brady & I, the best branch president I could ask for!

It was a rough couple of days though because my companion and a roommate of mine went home. They didn't do anything wrong, they just didn't feel like that's where they needed to be. I have the highest respect for both those Elders, and even though it was difficult to see them go, Elder Maynard (the other Elder who lost his companion) and I have come close together and have bonded as a new companionship. He is so obedient, he does everything by the book and is just absolutely spiritual which I just am impressed by. I'm so grateful we're flying to Philly together tomorrow.

Saturday was probably my best day at the mtc. In class, one of my teachers, Bro. Weekes, practiced with me for a discussion on helping someone go to church if they're busy and can't get around to it. He read 1 Ne 3:7, a scripture that I have known for years, and when he read it the Holy Ghost just came over me. Even though it was a practice, I could feel the spirit so clearly and I was shocked. Later I and Sister Stoker (a sister in my district) practiced with each other. In my discussion I shared Helaman 5:12 and she shared Ether 12:27 in hers. Both scriptures touched both of us and we got to the point of tears. It was awesome! We knew these scriptures for years and they had a profound effect on us.This just goes to show, God can speak to us at any given time in any way, even if it's a way we have known for a long time, like the scriptures. Never take scriptures for granted, they have power in their words if we are attentive to them.

It's funny, because Sunday was my hardest day at the mtc. I was just in a rough spot for no reason and I just was emotional because I wanted to have peace during the Sabbath day but I couldn't find it. But my district, who really is a part of my family, pulled me out of it with love and support. I mean what a blessing it is to have 5 elders and 2 sisters constantly having my back. We have been together since we got here and even though 4 elders are going to Montana, I'll never forget them. Taking the sacrament changed me into a stronger person, a feeling I haven't felt before. I couldn't even remember why Sunday Morning was so hard. It just shows if we call to God for help and constantly use Christ's atonement for emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical support, we will receive it. I promise you that. 

I leave tomorrow for Philly! I leave the mtc at 4:30 in the morning, leave for Philly at 9:40, and arrive at 4 in the afternoon. Pretty much just time to pack now! Wish me luck on my flight. Thank you for all the support back home because it helps like none other. I can't wait to tell you how the East Coast is!

Sincerely, 

Elder Cortes

 Elder Bird, Me, Elder Loveless, Elder Maynard

 My Companion Elder Maynard and I!

 Elder Miles, a district leader I got to work with as a ZL, such a fun Elder who's always happy

 Left to Right: Elder Hoshouer, Elder Tippets, Elder Potter, Elder Schnider, Sister Blake, Sister Stoker, Me, Elder Maynard

The first four Elders are going to Montana.  I love my MTC family and I'll miss them dearly.

The sisters and my companion Elder Maynard are going to Philadelphia as well!

First Week in the MTC!

Hi everyone! I'm definitely loving the mission so far. The second I got in I was taken to get my name card, supplies, i.d., etc. It really has been a great experience so far just having the whole day just be about the gospel, the world is pretty much shut out and I'm so grateful for that. It of course hasn't been easy trying to find where everything I need to know is the first couple days, but I'm a pro now so it's all good. My companion is Elder Bird, pretty much a Southern Elder from Bear Lake, Utah. He's a stud and pretty laid back like me so we work together sooo well. Oh my gosh, the FOOD here! Burgers, pizza, chicken, ice cream, brownies, doughnuts, anything you can think of, they have it. I'm stuffed every meal and I think by the time I leave the mtc next Tuesday I'll gain 20 pounds. It's just delicious. The  second day I was called, along with Elder Bird, as Zone Leader! Pretty much, I'm in charge of a couple districts, which have 10 people each and I get a cell phone! (Except I don't really use it and it's for emergencies). If you still have no idea, as someone LDS and they can explain it better probably. My room is great, along with my companion, we're bunking with Elder Maynard and Elder Loveless who are also going to Philly! We pretty much call ourselves The Elder Squad and just have a great time together. All of them are just so spiritual and I learn so much about the gospel principles I really didn't look in certain perspectives. I have my own twin set of bunk beds because I was the first one there and there's 3 set of bunks. So the top bunk has all my stuff which is such a blessing. Seriously, the mtc is like college but all talking about the gospel and everyone is so nice. There's never any contention.

 But yeah, definitely too many spiritual experiences to count. So I'll just talk about my favorite ones. First, President Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had his funeral on friday. It was just so powerful because the special message that this life isn't the last and that we can live with our Heavenly Father again and we can be with our families for all of time and eternity. But the best part is that we had a district discussion for an hour and everyone just opened up not only about the funeral, but there testimonies, and why they're here, and what their concerns are. We're all just a big family pretty much, like brothers and sisters. No, we actually are brothers and sisters which is such a blessing to me. I love my district to pieces. 8 elders, 2 sisters, 4 elders and 2 sisters to Philly and 4 elders to Billings, Montana. It'll be hard to say goodbye next tuesday, but that's for another time. Another experience, which it's not it's a person is Brother Ricks. He's in the branch presidency and the pres. was out of town so we have seen him a lot. In my first day interview he shared so many spiritual experiences with me on his mission in Tonga. And we have just clicked. He gave a sacrament talk on sunday and I just cried because his message was so powerful how we need to hold on to the Atonement or Christ's sacrifice when we are drained, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. He's the one who called me as zone leader because he trusts me to do my job taking care of the other Elders which I will do while I'm here, no matter what. Last night we watched a talk by Elder Bednar called the character of Christ which you can only see in the mtc. Such a powerful message which was we need to think of others, not ourselves. It's great to have a testimony, but he said it just isn't enough to get through in life. Only if we believe, follow, and act like Jesus Christ can we make it through our toughest moments. Because we put off the natural man, our own desires and sorrows and focus on others, which is what He did in His life. In the garden, on the cross, and even now with all of us today. He loves you, never forget. I went to the Provo Temple today and I just enjoyed every second, the spirit was just so strong within the walls and I needed that time to relax and ponder how I can be like Him.

Thank you all so much for the support I appreciate it, I will definitely respond to all of you when I can. Love you all

Elder Cortes 

MTC Arrival!

Leo made it to the MTC this afternoon and did great.  It has definitely been a difficult few days for him, saying goodbye and getting ready to leave everything he knows for 2 years; but when we pulled up to the MTC it was like all nerves and anxiousness left him and he was so ready to go.

We wanted to give everyone the details on how to email/write Leo and how to keep up with his pictures and extras that might come in addition to the regular weekly email.

                 1: DearElder.com - We have heard this free service is great for helping missionaries get through their time in the MTC. 

                     When you visit DearElder.com, you'll have to create an account. Then you can click on "Write A Missionary" in the top right corner. 

                     From the "Select Mission" drop down, you'll choose "Provo MTC".

                     Then fill in your information.

                     Leo's information, which you fill in also is as follows:

                          Elder Leopoldo Cortes

                          Unit #146, Mission Code: PA-PHIL, Departure Date: JUL21

                     You can then type your letter below and click "send".

                     Letters are printed and delivered to Leo everyday at noon (Monday-Friday).

                     To have your letter delivered the same day, it needs to be submitted before 11 am!

                  2. Leo's Email Address - Leo will check his email each week on his Preparation Day throughout his entire mission. You can send him emails whenever you'd like at leopoldo.cortes@myldsmail.net.

                  3. MTC Address - If anyone would like to mail him a physical letter or send him a care package before he leaves the MTC on July 21st, you can send it to the following address:

                      Elder Leopoldo Cortes

                      JUL21  PA-PHIL

                      2009 N. 900 E. Unit 146

                      Provo, UT 84602 

We want to thank everyone for the help, support and encouragement you have given to Leo as well as our family over the years as he's prepared for this time in his life. He's wonderful as we all know and we're excited to share his mission experience with you!

  (Click to Enlarge Pictures)