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Hello family and friends! The much anticipated time is here.

 

I was set-apart (formally blessed) to begin my service on Sunday as a FULL-TIME missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During just my first 3 days of service I have definitely come to understand that my service is work. Even at home, my training consists of 7 hours of zoom classes a day, with another 3 hours of studies each day that comes with being a missionary. You guys know I like schedules, but this is pushing it haha. I do have to give credit to the amazing use of technology that we are part of. The classes are highly interactive with lots of breakouts, annotations on the "whiteboard" and constant engagement through the chat. Unlike High School zoom classes, we all WANT to be there! I can feel that desire even through the screen and it really helps to encourage us to push through.

 

As a missionary, we are put into "districts" which is a group of several of us who are serving at the same time and speaking the same language. When we make it to our assigned area we join that area's "district" of missionaries. The district that I am a part of during my training experience through the online MTC (Missionary Training Center(s)) is incredible. We have all formed such a strong bond as we have shared our personal experiences and our unique skills and background. Two of the Elders (a title given to male missionaries) are particularly impressive to me. One, Elder Christiansen, competes in professional rodeo competitions and has earned 6th place at the NATIONAL rodeo championship! Not to mention that he owns a custom leather work business. The other, Elder Christensen (confusing sometimes, I know) signed to play for BYU football straight out of high school. I admire his decision to put Christ first and serve a mission with that kind of offer. The Sisters ( the title given to female missionaries) in our district also enhance and balance out us rowdy boys too. I just love how quickly strengths and love is realized for each other when we are united in our purpose as missionaries. We all have so much to offer.

 

I also have a companion! (a person who supports and serves with you at all times on a mission) His name is Elder Morgan. The dude is so easy going. We are already meeting for about 2 hours a day virtually to plan for our upcoming lessons and strengthen each other in our goals and scripture study. Elder Morgan has interests in film production, percussion (just like me!) and socializing with friends. I can tell his awareness of others and unconditional friendship will bring so many people love when he departs for service. I can't wait to meet him and the rest of my district in person next week at the Provo Utah MTC. He is from Gilbert Arizona and will be serving in Layton Utah. 

 

Too bad we won't be serving in the same mission. In fact I am the only one in my district assigned to Birmingham England. Two are assigned to London England and another two to Cape Town South Africa The rest are serving stateside. It's becoming more and more apparent that I am in this thing for me. My twin brother, Conner, is doing exactly what I am doing, but with different schedules, teachers, companions, teachers, EVERYTHING really. So we are already separating, but that's ok. It's been good to grow in independence and self-reliance. I'm proud of him. (No one in his district has my mission either in case you were wondering)

 

This email is getting long so I'll close it out quickly. Being a missionary is the most awesome decision I have ever made. I feel Jesus Christ's true fellowship and support because I just want to serve him. I have felt the spirit more consistently and powerfully than I ever have before. I am even more excited to go out and just make a whole bunch of friends and give service to God's children with everything. 

 

Please write back and I promise I will respond to each of you. 

 

-Onward and Upward-  Elder Berry.

 

"...Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin" Mathew 6:28

Pictures

1. Just how STACKED my schedule is

2. My fav. parfaits for breakfast

3. The boys looking fly

4. My companion Elder Morgan

5. 7 hours of this haha

6. Study every morning

7. The ARMY of Christ's missionaries from the big morning devotionals