Week 6 - Christmas

Good day to you all!

First I wish you all a happy holidays! The holidays definitely aren't the same as I am away from home, but nonetheless they are a good experience. But first, I'll tell you about what has been happening lately or anything like that! We have been mostly going through our former investigators, well not ours but former investigators from the area, I call them mine now though! That is mostly where we have found success. It's hard this time of year because everyone is always gone and busy with all sorts of different things, or sick. Basically all of our investigators we haven't been able to meet with in what seems like forever now. But we have been able to find a few of the formers who actually want to be taught again! One thing we do is we will shovel their walks and then go and talk to them. Simple acts of service can truly open doors for people. But a lot of it goes back to missionaries not staying diligent in the work and how important that is. I was actually studying that attribute this morning and it hit me. Diligence and obedience are two things on a mission that are so crucial to your success. To always keep pressing forward, no matter how tough the situation may seem. And then as you do that, you must stay obedient to remain worthy to have the spirit with you. The spirit truly is the converter-easily the greatest tool we are given as a missionary. Another cool experience we had was at dinner one night in a restaurant. We were sitting there with a member. (Brother Bill, who is one of the greatest guys ever) and anyways, an older couple overheard us and just jumped right into our conversation. Family history was the main topic at first, but then they of course get onto the topic of "why on earth are two young men dressed up and up here in Canada" which we get quite frequently still. But we had the amazing opportunity of teaching them of our purpose and why we love the gospel so much. It was powerful, which is funny cause we were in the middle of a restaurant! ha but I remember the lady actually said, "well I think I really like your church!" She doesn't live in our area but we gave her a pass a long and told her to contact the missionaries where she lives, hopefully she does do that! Something else that happened this last week was that we had a guy who seemed fairly open to meeting, but upon meeting he actually just wanted to refer us to his brother, but at the same time we kept talking and eventually he asked us basically what is the greatest thing your parents have done for you? My response was something that I hadn't really thought of before. To put it into one word, I explained it as, 'opportunity'. Not everyone gets the opportunity to grow up in a loving home, where the home and family is centered in the gospel. And with that, no matter what decision I made, I always had parents who stuck by me and continually would invite me to make the decisions according to the teachings of the gospel. They did this through their example. An example that comes by living the gospel. What a blessing that is!! 

Christmas was definitely a different experience this year! Christmas Eve we basically spent with a family and my companion and I were taught to crotchet, were I did make a tie! It's pretty cool! the things you learn in Canada right?! hah then Christmas came along and it was good, just not really what I had expected. Christmas is supposed to be spent with family. At the end of the day that is all I was longing for. We spent time with members and they warmly welcomed us into their homes, which was fantastic! We even got presents! I would easily say though the highlight of my day was being able to Skype home, and talking with my loved ones. I wish I could have talked to em forever! There is something special about actually hearing someone's voice. I truly can feel the love from everyone back at home, and it is greatly appreciated. I can't tell you how many times I get down onto my knees during the day and ask for strength to keep pushing forward, to give me the feeling that I can do this. I have always been a positive person, and I believe that is helping me immensely out on the mission. Things are tough, but I know this is where I need to be! Without a doubt I do know that. I am grateful for the family and loved ones that I do have back at home, you all mean the world to me. I hope you continually strengthen your testimony; you never know when someone is going to call upon you and want to know more. This gospel blesses lives more than I can explain, and that is starting with my own. Thank you everyone for getting me to this point in my life, hopefully now I can strengthen you as much as you have me. 

A few things about Canada. I miss good bbq food, I like can't get it up here and it kills me! Mark Goodwood down as a must go in two years!! Haha. Under Armor is a life saver! I love it so much. Seriously though, I think yesterday I had on like 6 layers? haha I hate the cold... You know that though. Nobody really runs dogsleds up here, which is lame. They might in parts, but none that I know of yet! It's definitely different up here, but very great nonetheless!

Have a happy holiday and a very happy new year! Make goals that aren't just temporal this year, make goals of spirituality. I have found great joy in the scriptures. Read them, study them, love them. They are truly a roadmap of how to live your life. I'll talk to you all very soon! You all remain in my prayers daily. 

Love, Elder McFall

Week 5

Hello everyone and all!

It was a good week up North! Definitely getting in the swing of things while up here. Already halfway through my first transfer, which is weird! The days are slow, but weeks are gettin faster and faster! which is weird to say that already. Some days I am convinced that my mission won't end! haha It seems like such a long ways away, but I am enjoying it for sure!

This week we had Christmas Conference! It was awesome, basically it was a morning full of "trainings". President Campbell talked about a few different things but one that really stuck out to me was he talked about how we always pray to know have the spirit with us, but are we doing everything we can to actually allow the spirit into our lives? Basically are we qualifying ourselves? I thought that was a very interesting point! Then we had a nice turkey dinner, and then a talent show! My district performed a little song, basically a jingle bells parody, it was pretty good! I've definitely learned how to have a good time while on the mission, I couldn't really help it though! It's just my personality, but at the same time we work hard! It's weird cause some days it feels like maybe I am the trainer? Ha my comp has days where he is super "burnt" which basically means he doesn't wanna do anything! In the mornings he doesn't like to study, I've learned how to be a good example though and just study away and try and do everything I can! I don't waste any time while on the mission, because I have so much more to learn, and the times to study are never enough!

Another good thing this week was we had Blitzes. Basically the other missionaries in our District come up and we work in our area for the day. While doing that I taught with Elder Gold (He is from Centerville) and during that I actually invited my first person to be baptized! It wasn't like a "woah!" moment, basically just felt like a missionary! ha But it's pretty good to see how I am really learning how to teach so much better! Well really I am learning more doctrine and everything so really I just know  more stuff to teach now! One thing that has been useful though is that I realized that although I may not know a ton, or may not have known a ton coming into this, that allowed me to really jump into everything wanting to learn. Also with that it made me realize how important those things are that I am learning. With all that in mind though, I have come to know how powerful testimony is. I may not know everything, and probably never will, but I have a testimony of the things I do know to be true. And because of the things I have gone through I am able to teach from the heart, and that is more powerful than remembered words!

It was too weird this week though, I'm tellin you Canada is getting more weird as the days go on. I saw a Zamboni driving down the street. It blew my mind. There are seriously hockey rinks everywhere, which is weird too! I am still getting used to this whole kilometers and celcius thing, I am stubborn though. I kinda just ball park it and call it good. It just gets cold, and who cares what the temperature is, right!?

The work is going pretty good though. We found a new investigator this last week which was awesome! Most we find are formers and haven't been taught forever, so it works out for us! Tracting really is not successful up here, we still do it though! We got one Less active family back to church, and an investigator family of kids( her mom is a less active, and due to legal causes can't be baptized yet), so we had 12 new people at Church this last week! Speaking of church though, being such a small town, we had a potluck after church on sunday! it was awesome! haha people just love getting together up here!

I am having fun, sometimes probably too much fun for a missionary! I can't help it though! haha and the time is going by faster and faster already! I feel good about what is happening, but continue to keep me in your prayers! They are felt, and when the times are hard, I can feel the love from everyone back at home! Have a wonderful Christmas season! I love you all very much! Remember to always give all that you can to the others that are less fortunate! We are all very blessed!

Love,

Elder McFall

Additional excerpts from family letter

It's true about the family stuff (Proclamation to the Family), and yea it has been nice to be able to have all the resources we do have! The things we have are definitely for our time on the earth right now! Modern day revelation is the best! I will share more but I will have like my first baptism sorta! Basically the girl is gonna wait til March for her cousin, but yea so that will be awesome! This same family we have basically reactivated and between our investigators last Sunday we had 12 more people back at church that are either less actives or investigators! I won't lie, it's been tough some days. I really do miss home, but it's a good type of miss. I can feel your prayers. I read my patriarchal blessing quite frequently, and what a blessing that is. The scriptures are something I have found a lot of joy in thus far, I will probably finish the Book of Mormon again later this week, and I have found that this time as I have really studied it and wanted to know more, I have retained so much  more than before! It's cool to see how things start to jump out to you and principles are repeated just like telling you in your face how important they are! The teaching has been pretty good. Our numbers are pretty good also. We found one new investigator last week, which was really cool. We don't have a lot of times where it feels like we just teach lessons, definitely a lot of finding! But the biggest thing I've found is to be myself as I teach. It's nice because of how I love to talk to people, it helps tremendously. And as I have seen my knowledge continue to grow, I can teach people in a much different way than I am used to! 

I am getting the hang of this mission thing for sure! I can't believe I have been in Canada 3 weeks already! What a trip!  It's nice though, I am enjoying it! I have a lot of fun too, which helps! I make my companion laugh, and the members laugh all the time! Hopefully not to the point where they think I am ridiculous, I think that is just kinda my tool to win people over haha it's good because that really is who I am! I am serious when I teach, but the serious me is not the serious of other people! I feel good about it though! Trust is such a big thing with 'gators that you really do have to be yourself! 

Something else as I have grown so much with my testimony and everything is how I look forward to eternal families, and with that I mean being sealed to my future wife and family.  I don't even know how to explain how much that brings joy to my life. It's incredible! Something I was thinking about is how I have come such a far way along. Looking back at where I was a year ago almost blows my mind. The atonement is easily the most incredible gift that we could ever receive. And during this Christmas season I was thinking about that. How I always wanted the nice things, how I always seemed to have those nice things. But yet the thing that has brought me the most joy is the Atonement. I have seen already on my mission how I have begun to more fully utilize the atonement. I have seen how my mission already has blessed my life more than I could put into words. Already to feel the way I do about this gospel, to want to share this with everyone I meet; and really to let other people see the joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives is something I never have wanted before. It is truly amazing. I find myself sometimes dumbfounded at the Love our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for each and every one of us. Cherish that. 

Elder McFall and Elder Johnson

 Elder Johnson (companion)

 Zamboni in the street - "There are hocky rinks everywhere!"

 The District

 Yea, it's cold!

 2012 Ward Christmas party

 Elder McFall and Elder Groskreutz (friend from home)

Week 4

Hi Everyone!

This week was overall pretty successful. Number wise we didn't kill it, but we have seen a lot of good things happening. This week we were able to get two less active families back to church, which was awesome! But also we had a ward Christmas party where we got even more less actives to show up for! One of the families we are teaching had two of their nieces move in, and one is 9 and we have begun to teach her the lessons! So fingers crossed that should be a baptism very soon! We have almost ran through our ward list and area book, there is not much to come from because the missionaries before us didn't really do all too much. They lost the trust of the members and the bishop pretty badly. So the first thing I did when I got here was to try and mend those relationships. We have already had people begging us practically to come over for dinner (supper) and the bishop gave me a great compliment after my talk on Sunday! Slowly but surely we are making our way back in! I even had one member invite me to come back up after the mission and get me on a whitetail hunt, and moose hunt! He has a guide license, and said he would love to take me out, all I have to do is buy a special tag through him and its super cheap!

Some more strange things about Canada though. First it's always frozen. Boo on that. Two, everyone thinks I am a hick cause I have a funny accent to them...they all think I am so southern. It's funny though! I mean lets be serious, I really am in a giant redneck town, yet I am the hick? haha oh well. Oh, we use the backdoors to like all the houses!! Well like 90% of houses use the back door! It’s too weird. So be aware when I am back in the U.S. and you hear a knocking at your back door! Oh we go to the old folks home and talk to some older members right, they have walker parking! It’s hilarious! The ward is split; it's either really old people, or young families. But they are all nice and enjoy the missionaries; now they do at least! So that's been good. The biggest struggle for people up here seems to be Word of Wisdom. And inactivity is usually because we have them as members but they haven't gone to church in years. Also because nobody seems to care if they are married to live together in Canada, so that is a big problem too.

My companion and I do get along quite well! He is into computers and enjoys that stuff. He comes from a small town in Washington. Not really an outdoors guy, but I am slowly corrupting him! Haa. I am my usual positive self and that is really seeming to help. I know I am notorious for being the positive person all the time and I like to sugarcoat things. Our district only has four of us in it, two companionships. Our area just has Elder Johnson and me. His first name is Ace. ha it's a good time! Okay here it is. The work is tough. The finding is very difficult. Not a lot of people seem to want to hear the gospel. There is so much negative propaganda on the internet that even though I pass out mormon.org pass-along cards, they seem to find all the wrong sites...People have such a wrong idea about the LDS Church still! It's been really awesome though to see the Spirit in our lives as we teach. Basically everything we do we feel is guided by the spirit! Last week we were on blitzes down in Spruce Grove, and we decided to just randomly go talk to this Elderly Woman. We got talking and she told us her conversion story, it was so powerful. But at the end she broke down into tears and just said I know you were sent here today for a reason. "I have been struggling heavily with my testimony, and you coming here was a blessing!" How cool is that? And that seems to happen all the time! I really can't even explain to you how wonderful it is to see others, like less active families, come back to church and see the blessings of the gospel in their families. It’s tough being up here and seeing so many broken homes. There are so many single mothers. The things we teach are centered around Jesus Christ first and foremost, but the family is central to God's plan. We see that with a strong belief in the church people can build their families and strengthen those relationships within families. I just want to yell at people and tell them to not be stupid and listen to us! We know how to help! AH! The blessings of the gospel reach far beyond that. So many people struggle with things, and seem so lost. Yet they don't see that the church could help them...it's so tough. I definitely have times where I do miss the family, but I always remember how the gospel has blessed our family immensely over the years. What a blessing we have had to have grown up in the gospel and be able to experience homes that were uplifting and the gospel was a priority. Don't ever forget that. The gospel is an opportunity to find happiness we have never known. Conversion is a never ending process. Always strive to align your will with God's and I can promise you that you will see blessings and happiness in your life you did not know possible...Okay enough missionary mumbo jumbo. :)

I think my accent has gotten stronger since I’ve been up here? uhm...I work out every morning, I think I've continued to lose weight even though the members feed us every night! I am keeping warm, I bought a real nice jacket up here, which helps a whole lot! And my companion gave me a pair of nice mittens that don't fit him. I came highly prepared! My beanie is great! or as they say here my "touque"...yea I refuse to say that! I have some confessions though. 1. I love the markings we sewed into my clothes (to tell my clothes apart from my companions).. haha 2. the high shoes were the greatest idea ever. 3. the electric shaver is the best, I use it every day and stay away from the blade haha.  Oh also I already used the wooden Plan of Salvation teaching aide thing, it was awesome!!

Anyways wish me luck this week! You are all in my prayers every single day! I look back to the letters I have received and at times they are like personal scripture in themselves. I read things that I didn't think would help as much in the moment, but when I read them now I see how I look to those things for so much inspiration. Keep the letters and emails coming. You never know how much they can help! Have a great week everyone!!!

Love, Elder McFall

Week 3 - first week in Canada

Hello Everyone!

Okay where to begin, first Canada is freezing. It's like -15 Celsius every day, which really isn't bad, but it's always cold and it’s gonna just get colder, like -15 Celsius every day. Today its -20.... You can't get away from it! I use the thermals like crazy. We only tract like an hour or two maybe per day, but you get so cold in that amount of time! I am in an area called Barrhead and Westlock! It's north of Edmonton, and it is definitely a small town feel, well cause it is a small town. There are about 4,500 people in Barrhead and about 4,800 in Westlock and they are about 30 minutes apart. Mostly nobody wants to hear about the gospel. The people for the most part are really great, well the members. Canada is a huge mixing pot with people coming from all over the world. I serve in a ward, but there are probably only about 50 people at most at church on Sunday. We do a ton of reactivating, or at least trying to reactivate so the work can be tough at times!  Mail has to be sent basically to the mission office. Where I am is like an hour and a half from there so getting mail here is every few weeks, which sucks, but that is okay! So keep sending stuff there and I will get it whenever.

Some stories... All right my first door right? I knock on the door and I'm like, "Hey, my friend and I are missionaries from the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We have been walking around your neighborhood sharing a message about Jesus Christ and his teachings" okay not too bad right? well her response was, " I  Don't need any more messages" SLAMS the door! hahah oh well it was a good time! Definitely not how I imagined it going but that's okay!! let’s see what else...I have handed out my first book or Mormon and stuff! That was pretty cool! The lessons have gone good when we can actually have them. Since I’ve been here we have taught around 16 lessons! Go us right?! We had a really cool experience though this week, while tracting we were about done with a street and walking to the car and a guy is walking down the street. My companion and I (OH! His name is Elder Johnson from Washington!!) kinda look at each other, Elder Johnson says something and just walk towards him. Well it turns out he really enjoys religion and wanted to know more. So we are going back probably this week to talk! it was cool to really feel the Holy Ghost guide us to someone like that!

The ward I serve in is awesome! The members are all so awesome!!! I think we get fed basically every night!! haha and the members up here love to...HUNT! HA I talk to it with just about everyone, and I can talk to just about anyone with the things I have done! Which helps! this small town feel is definitely weird, I mean the town is just bigger than my high school, that's crazy to me. But anyways, yeah all the members love to hunt it seems like so we can usually open with that and I stay pretty entertained because of it.

The work is tough up here; there is no doubt about that! And being this far away from the city is weird! It takes some getting used to, and definitely a humbling experience. However the power of prayer is so necessary and staying positive and diligent in the work is a must. There are a lot of tough moments when you are serving, and sometimes you just feel like there is no point, then you meet someone walking down the street and you realize and remember why it is all worth it. There are some out there that want to hear the gospel, and we have to go through and find all of those that do. I can feel the prayers, and they help immensely. I love hearing form all of you. I hope everything is going great back at home and everything! It's definitely a good time here, but I wouldn't recommend Canada in the winter! haha I'll talk to you all soon.

Love, Elder McFall

Arrival in the field

November 27,  2012

After an early departure from the MTC and arrival at the Salt Lake City airport, a group of 15 elders boarded their final leg to Edmonton Canada in Denver. Unfortunately the flight was delayed for over an hour, but fortunately for us, we had the pleasure of speaking to Elder McFall by telephone during that time. He was very excited to be on his way to the mission field and expressed gratitude for the things that he has learned, his relationship with his Heavenly Father, and for the wonderful support that he has received from family and friends. His MTC companion, Elder Leyerle, was unable to depart the MTC with the group due to a dental emergency and will hopefully be on a flight to Edmonton in the near future. While challenges arise in companionships, it was clear in Elder McFall's voice that he was somewhat disheartened about his companion which reflects on his true character and the caring person  he is. It is unclear when his scheduled preparation day will be once he arrives in Edmonton, but he has heard rumored that it will be on Monday. Until then, please read the letter received from Elder McFall's mission president and his wife, President and sister Campbell.

Dear McFall Family,

Elder McFall arrived in Edmonton on Tuesday, the 27th of November.  He arrived with 14 other missionaries that he worked with closely at the MTC.  They looked a little anxious when they stepped through the doors, but thankful to be here. We were there to greet them at the airport, President and Sister Campbell and the assistants showed up shortly after they arrived with the van and trailer.  

It was a pleasure to finally meet your son, Elder McFall, after studying his picture for the past few weeks.  The assistants helped them load their luggage into the van and we were on our way to the stake center.  Once at the stake center, as the mission office just won't accommodate a group this large, we introduced them to the office staff and had a bite to eat.  They were very tired and hungry and appreciated the lunch we provided for them.  We had the opportunity to sit down and eat with them and enjoyed the time to just visit.  They filled out and signed the necessary forms that would allow them to get right to work.

After the business at the stake center,  we went to the mission home, where the missionaries were able to sit and rest while President Campbell had the privilege of interviewing each one of them.  We welcomed them into our home and saw that they were well cared for.  During interviews they received their first training by the assistants. 

We provided dinner and then had a fireside where they watched a DVD of sights from the mission.  Then we had the privilege to hear testimonies from each of the new missionaries. 

Thank you for raising such an amazing son and preparing him for the work.  We look forward to serving with him and watching him grow in testimony and purpose as he serves the people of the Canada Edmonton Mission.

Enclosed is a photo of your son with us on the day he met his new companion.  May God bless you and your family during Elder McFall's service here in Edmonton.

With warm regards,

President and Sister Campbell

Week 2

Hello Everyone!!

First, Happy Thanksgiving to you all! In the very spirit of the day, I want to thank each and every one of you for all that you have done for me to get me to this point. It has been a crazy journey, and some days I still can't believe that I am in the MTC about to leave for Canada for another 23 months! What a trip right?? Today we have some cool things planned, first we just do whatever cause it is still pday, but at 10 we have a devotional with an apostle! That will be crazy cool! We don't know which one yet but the rumor is Elder Holland!! I can't wait for that! Later we have a humanitarian thing! Thanksgiving dinner is at 11:30? That is not okay... haha oh well.

The last week has been really good! still a ton of learning, which I need, but a whole lot of overwhelming sometimes! The advice I received though is not to be too hard on myself, and don't set these crazy goals for my learning! Which as you all know is probably the hardest thing anyone could have ever asked me! I am definitely my hardest critic, but that is all right! another challenge I will face because the Lord knows that is what is best for me! I have learned already that through everything i face, I have to turn to my heavenly father in prayer, or there is no other way I could do this. A mission definitely is not easy, and I can promise you that! some things make it easier, like an awesome district, but at the same time some things are impossible! Yesterday I talked to my teacher and she said when I teach to just be myself, which goes back to what you all said! funny how that works right? But yesterday was definitely one of the harder days, but funny how the Lord works! at that point the dinner was country fried steak(one of my favorite comfort foods), later our investigator wasn't there so I got to just relax and kinda gather my thoughts cause he had car trouble, and then that night I got a package and letters from Baylee and two of her siblings. You don't know how much all of those things mean, and how they can brighten any day!  I know there will be much harder times, but already I have seen kinda of a pattern that I can overcome everything! I just need to relax!!!!!

I love all the letter and packages! Thank you so much for everything! You have no idea the level of happiness things like that bring! Even the small little things and notes mean so much! and definitely make me feel like I am still in the world! haha two weeks and I already feel like i have disappeared! I am telling you, this place is a prison! I see the same 4 places everyday!! and walk in the same 50 yard x 200 yard place! haha i am going crazy! I do not know how anyone could ever handle being here 10+ weeks!! routine is going to breakfast, hour of study maybe, 3 hours of class, lunch, three hours of class, zone teach, dinner, study, teach! everyday! Nothing is different! They are already gearing up for all the newbies rollin in soon though! it's weird how things have already changed for 'em here!

I can't believe that next Tuesday I am going to Canada! I have to be at the travel office at 3 am!! Then my flight leaves at 6, layover in Denver, and I am in Canada around 11:15! Pretty exciting stuff! What's the weather like up there right now? I can't even fathom being in -30 weather! I'll cry. well maybe not! I really can't wait though! It is scary, I mean come on, this is people's eternal salvation!! I just hope my senior companion is one that I can learn from, and someone that will really set the tone for my mission!

I look forward to hearing more from all of you! I hope you are all doing so great! The next email I will send, well besides maybe later today, I will be in Canada! Think, almost a month down already! How crazy is that, okay not really, it has been like half a month, but I am positive! you have to be on  a mission, or you will drive yourself crazy!! Only one more Thanksgiving away from you all, then I will be there again! I love you all so much! I know this email was much shorter, not too much has happened lately! I am still skinny though, that's a relief! I'm telling you, this is THE place to get chubby. haha The MTC is making me crazy. I'll talk to you all very soon! Happy Thanksgiving!

Love, Elder Drake Dennis McFall

Week 1-2 letter excerpts

The following excerpts are from letters and emails received since arriving at the MTC:

Night 2 "I came down with the flu at 2 am. that mad the night rough. I was already struggling and that did not help...I welt to the doctor, got some medicine, and ended up being directed to take a nap! A rare missionary moment! ha!"

"My companion is quite the character...he doesn't contribute much to the companionship and it makes it so hard to plan. It's already testing me! But my district is awesome...."  "Companion has started to talk more but he struggles to talk from the heart...reads a scripture and says 'I think that's wonderful'. This is real progress"

"I need letters so bad. I feel so alone. this is so difficult. I't trying everything I can think of. I'm constantly on my knees..."  "It has been so good to hear from you! Packages and mail are so much fun to get! You actually feel like maybe you are in the real world still!!! haha. But really, it's a prison in here...."

" My district is really awesome! Elders Grandstaff and Ganly are the greatest! they are hilarious and we have a lot of fun which makes this so much more palatable! The MTC kind of blows. I love the learning, I love the friendship, I love my teachers, but it really is overwhelming. I feel like I will never know enough, but I will! The Lord will make sure of it!

"There is a lot going on but you can feel the Spirit so strong, and the experiences already are so cool! I wish you were here to feel all that's gong on!"

"I learned something cool 'Gospel" means good news, but then NEWS is an acronym North, East, West, South. The gospel gives you direction, but also extends to all stretches of the earth!"

"Things have been going great! I can't believe that I only have 6 days left now in the MTC...I definitely have come a long way, I'm starting to feel good abut teaching and everything... It's crazy how much I have learned! Definitely some serious personal revelation!."


"I've lost weight. I'm like one-of-a-kind in the MTC! I should write a book!"

First Pictures from the MTC

Select mission pictures:

View from the classroom at the MTC

Elder Drake McFall and his first companion, Elder Patrick Layerle

Drake's bed - notice that it is made! Showing respect for the quilt that Baylee made him!

Classroom instruction - an all day endeavor

Keeping it organized

Boys will be boys! At least Drake's area of their dorm room is organized!

Elders McFall and Layerle - Canada here we come!

Group photo at the Provo Temple: Elders Layerle, McFall, Carter, Ganley, Bair, Jeppson, Butt, and Silva

Dining Hall

Elders Grandstaff and Ganley

Elders Grandstaff, McFall, Butt, Ganley

Travel itinerary to Edmonton: United Airlines via Denver. The day starts at 3 am

Daily schedule in the MTC

Elder McFall and Elder Layerly



Elders Lee and McFall

Mailing Addresses and Companionships

Email: Drake.mcfall@myldsmail.net  (only receives on p-day which is Monday)

DearElder.com – you need to set up a profile (see below). This service will print and mail your letter for the cost of postage. An easy and convenient way to send letters and care packages.  

Mail:      MTC

Elder Drake McFall

MTC Mailbox # 177

CAN-EDM 1127

2005 N 900 E

Provo, UT 84604-1793

Mission Home: use for all packages and mark contents as “gift” for customs purposes

Elder Drake McFall

Canada Edmonton Mission

8925 51^st Avenue Ste 305

Edmonton, AB T6E5J3

Canada

Residence in field

All mail should be sent to the missioin home address above.

Week 1

Hello Everyone!!

So today was finally P-day! what a relief. it was long overdue. well not really! it's crazy to think i have already been here a week!! with all the new elders yesterday i was able to see how I looked when we came in a week ago! It's crazy to see how I have changed over just the past week! Not in the way that i am some sort of freak now, just the fact that I really rely so much more on the Lord. 

We have been just doing all sorts of learning, we honestly wake up, breakfast, then class for three hours, lunch, class for three hours, zone teach, dinner, teach. And in the class times we teach too, it's such a good opportunity to learn! the first few lessons were really tough because my companion basically refused to talk. i don't think he really has social skills, and so I then prayed, and prayed, and prayed. he knows so much about doctrine, it really is amazing, but he has no idea how to say it. i just pray that he will be able to articulate what he wants. well finally yesterday he started to come out of his shell a little bit and it definitely helped having him there during the lessons. there is so much going on! so much learning, it is definitely overwhelming at times, but you can feel the spirit just comfort you. Last night though we had a serious breakthrough! he finally seemed to open up, and it was the first time that he told me like "i feel like i taught with the spirit there." which was so nice! I would come out of a lesson with a feeling that the spirit was so strong, but he would just say like oh that was an all right lesson. How frustrating!!! how could someone with so much love for the gospel not teach by the spirit? It was just too confusing for me. But i prayed he would come around and we would be able to click while we teach, i wasn't so worried about outside of teaching yet, i just wanted the lessons to go well because they are such great opportunities to feel how it is like to teach. I also gave him a blessing the night before all of that, either way prayers are answered and the faith grows!

The first couple days weren't too bad besides getting sick. The only time I felt super homesick was when my branch president or whoever just kept talking about families, honestly I wanted to tell him to be quiet. That is whatever though. I can feel all the prayers you all send my way, and i know that is why I am still here with the mindset i do have. The spirit really is crazy strong here and you can just feel the love everyone has. Its crazy to get into firesides and think, "everyone here is going forth and has the same goal" that is honestly too crazy! but its fun to be able to see how once you begin to let the Lord into your life how much you feel the blessings. I heard something i liked, it was like, "do your best, and God will do the rest", and then we talked about how me going on a mission will bring blessings to me, my family now, and my future family. What an amazing promise!! And that helps so much. I just have to give the next two years everything I can and the blessings will come for the rest of my life.

Okay though, what don't i like about the MTC? well always having a comp. isn't easy. especially with one like elder leyerle...I don't really know how to explain him. i'll send a picture.. HA but he is just different. i still think possibly some sort of disability, or maybe just a social disorder. he takes forever to do things and that stresses me out. we are late to practically everything. and that just stresses me out! i can't even handle it. i pray for patience!! he also spends about 10 minutes minimum in the bathroom everytime, we are unsure as to why. he does mysterious things while he is in there. but if you ask him he just gets really upset and seems like he might cry. that's how it is for a lot of things, he is gradually starting to open up, but it is definitely taking time! that's fine though, i just pray it continues. The food isn't all that great, it isn't bad, but it just feels so heavy. every meal i just feel like i get fat, so i watch what i eat a ton! and then i work out like everyday!! i am watching my weight!! its possible i may have lost some weight?? i will let you know!! probably a first! 

My district is so awesome though, and without them i feel like i would have lost my mind! but they bring such a great spirit, and joy!! two elders, elder grandstaff and elder ganley are probably two of the funniest kids ever. they just keep me going! they definitely remind me of my friends back at home, which helps so much! it's weird how those things don't make you miss home though, you just are like, 'i know the lord had a hand in how this developed.' and that is the coolest thing!! I hope those two are ones i keep in touch with!! 

The nice thing though is that the leaders can see how having a companion like i do can be such a struggle, and they are always trying to help. it helps so much! i love it! they are definitely called of god. 

i know there is a lot of things that i am not saying, but i will think about them and hopefully send another email today, i am kinda breakin the rules and i am in here early to do laundry so i will probably get another chance, well hopefully!! just know i love every single one of you, and your prayers are felt. i appreciate it so much! it's weird to think its been 8 days, and time is cruisin by. They still say i leave the 27 but we will see.. i need the time to learn! i have learned so much over the last 8 days its incredible, but i have so long to go! i love getting all the emails and the letters. They are the best!! They are such a source on inspiration. keep em comin!! i love you so much! keep writing those letters, you are all slacking!! you are all in my thoughts and prayers!!

Love, Elder McFall

p.s. sorry for the lack of capital letters and such, the shift key is broken! it bugs me too, and i know my you will lose your mind dad!! Dad, make sure this gets forwarded accordingly. LOVE YOU!

MTC

Elder McFall entered the MTC in Provo Utah on Wednesday, November 7th at 1:00 p.m. He was greeted at stop #25 and quickly whisked away by the Elders to begin his journey. As a family, we spent the prior hour on the grounds of the Provo Utah Temple where we were able to say our goodbye for the next two years. Drake reports that the first day at the MTC was a bit overwhelming and that there is a lot going on. He states "You can feel the Spirit so strong, and the experiences already are so cool! I wish you were here to feel all that is going on!"  He goes on to say "It's a lot of fun...sort of! I'm liking it so far thought!" His p-day at the MTC is on Thursday and he is tentatively scheduled to leave the MTC to Edmonton on the 27th of November but this could change with the shorted MTC times.