Week 7 - Full Week in Uruguay

Sun Nov 17- Today was the last full day at the MTC. I have loved it. I would say this is one of the most sacred places on earth. Last night we made our last visits to the apartments. We also sang today in Sacrament. We sang Army of Helaman. We are all packed and ready! 

Mon-Wed Nov 18-20 Today we left for a two year adventure to another country. Crazy. Both my bags I checked weighed 52 pounds. It is the max they allow with no extra charge. I called my family at the SLC airport. That was so nice. I sat by Elder Thacker on the first flight to Atlanta. He had never flown before. He liked it a lot. When we got there, we went to the next gate to Santiago Chile. I rode that longggg flight next to Elder Baggett and Elder Woodcock. It was actually a nice flight believe it or not. Then we flew to Montevideo. We exchanged 30 USD for pesos. I think it was like 500ish pesos. Our mission president and four other missionaries were waiting for us there. We took a bunch of pics, grabbed a bus, and left to the mission home. My first impressions of Uruguay was how beautiful it was. Everything is so green and natural. There aren´t very many paved roads at all. We had an amazing dinner at the mission home of briscut mashed potatoes, etc. We had a push up contest when we got up the next morning. The record was 104 push ups. I thought for sure that Elder Baggett would destroy that record. I ended up winning it and getting a new record of 114. WE had interviews with President Smith too. I told him that I would work hard, be obedient, and that he wouldn´t have to worry about me. He said that he has high expectations because all the missionaries from Texas are great. I told him I want to be as effective as possible, so if that requires having a latino companion, so be it. I received that latino companion that hopefully will make me very effective. His name is Elder Chalí. He is from Guatemala. He only speaks Spanish and it is really hard to communicate. They introduced us to our companions by taking us to the temple, and then having us close our eyes. Then our new companions stood behind us and sang Called to Serve in Spanish. It was pretty sweet. We are serving in Colonia, which is in the South West part of the country. Our area is called Florencio Sánchez. We have a tiny little apartment. We are right across from two Elders who are from Chile and Peru. I am the only English speaker. Just my luck. Elder Baggett is in my zone (Colonia). When I had to say goodbye to him, Elder Sanderson, and Elder Brown, I was tearing up. Uruguay is beautiful but I feel really lost. I prayed a ton today. I am scared, excited, lost, happy, freaked out, and ready. 

Thurs Nov 21- Today we woke up, studied, and went to a zone meeting. The only two people I knew there were Elder Baggett and Hermana Sorenson. It was so nice to see them and share our experiences in English after I had only heard Spanish for the last day. When we got back, we visited the Villegas and Susana Rey. They were all really nice. They said my Spanish was pretty good for only one day here. That was hard to believe because I hardly understood anything. We had movie night with the branch. We watched the Bee Movie with the branch in Spanish. I didin´t understand that either. When we were going home, there was a giant party going on. Apparently it was a graduation ceremony. I had to duck going through a door today. I am one of the tallest people here, which is hard imagine. I felt much better today despite the fact that I only had pizza and popcorn all day. I was already asked which Uruguayan futbol team I like: Peñarol or Nacional. I chose Peñarol. It seems to be a good choice. 

Fri Nov 22- WE woke up today and went on a run. It was nice especially because Elder Chalí isn´t in good shape. We studied for 4 hours after, and then we made some food. Rice and hot dogs. WE visited a ton of people today and then we had game night at the church. Uruguayans talk so fast. I can´t understand much of anything. They are super nice though. I had a rough night though because I kept thinking about home. 

Sat Nov 23- Today we went to Matia´s house to print pictures for a party for Marisel. Marisel is a convert who is leaving on her mission to Chile on Dec 4. We spent most of the day prepping for the party. The party was pretty fun. We played games and ate some kind of sausage. 

Sun Nov 24- Today we woke up and went to church. I passed the sacrament and then I was asked to share my testimony. I was freaking out and I didn´t say much. There were 17 people that came to church. It is a small little building. It isn´t a chapel really. It is just on a corner of a street. Elder Robles, the Elder from Chile, told someone I can play the piano, so I will probably end up doing that next week. We don´t have one at the church now though. When we left church, there were fire works going off. I didn´t know why until later. There was a futbol game going on. We visited the Mesa family. They want me to share something with them tomorrow because I didn´t say much today. We went to the Villegas house after. They had the futbol game on. Peñarol and Nacional were playing. They are die hard Peñarol fans. Hermana Villegas fed us well, with a bunch of bread with dulche de leche. (AMAZING STUFF) We went to Susana Rey´s house for lunch. We had pasta with spaghetti sauce. It was pretty good but I eat pasta everyday. I am already tired of it. We went to Lorena´s house after that. We came in the middle of a lesson with the other Elders. It seemed to be a pretty good lesson. We snacked and played games for a while after that. 

Week 6 IN URUGUAY, November 20, 2013

Dear Cordy Family,

We would like to inform you of the arrival of your son to the Uruguay Montevideo West Mission. He arrived here safe and sound yesterday morning and met President and Sister Smith. He will receive some training in the mission home to help him get to know the mission and feel comfortable in Uruguay. The missionaries will have lunch with the Smith Family and, afterwards, he will meet his trainer and leave for his new area. It is such an exciting time for him, and we wanted to share it with you. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to get in contact with us. Our email is x. We thank you for all you have done as parents to help your son reach this point in his life.  We have attached a photo of your son with President and Hermana Smith and his Trainer. Elder Cordy will be serving with Elder Chali in the Zone of Colonia.  Thank you so much for your support.

 Elder Staffieri

Executive Secretary

Uruguay Montevideo West Mission

Final Week In the MTC - November 13, 2013

Five More Days Until Departure

Travel Plans! I leave the MTC Monday Nov 18 at 8:30. Flight is at 1:55pm to Santiago Chile via Delta Airlines. We arrive at 9:25 the next day (19th.) We fly from Chile to Montevideo on Lan Chile airlines from 2:05-5:20 on the 19th. I can't wait! We have 16 people in our traveling group and I know 14 of them. All of which are going to Uruguay Montevideo West Mission!

Wed Nov 6- Today it hit me we get our travel plans on Friday! That is an insane thought! Every P-day is so nice and relaxing. We wrote letters, did laundry, and went to the temple. Today Elder Brown and Baggett stole a golf cart from on of the maintenance workers. It was hilarious. I took a bunch of pics. We went to Burger supreme after the temple and we all felt sick but it was worth it. We also met the two new districts. We gave them a tour and got to know them. I taught the new district with Hermana Williams, who is from SLC. Elder Baggett taught the other new district with Hermana Smith from Gilbert Arizona. They are the sister training leaders. They are awesome.

Thur Nov 7- Today was super long but really good. We started cleaning toilets and lights for service. Gym was and is always the best hour of the day. Elder Sanderson decided to shave his legs because he was 'bored'. The funniest thing is he didn't have time to do both so he ended up just shaving one leg. It is hilarious. We had a class with Hermano Mead. He told us a couple stories. First, he told us about his mission and the earthquake in Chile. He literally was a miracle in Chile. Crazy story and really touching. The other was funny. He approached a door while tracting. The man that answered said, "Hi I have prostate cancer. How can I help you" (In Spanish of course.) That was probably a crazy lesson to endure when he had that attitude. Another story he told us, it was his companions first door. The man that opened the door, was about 400 lbs. He said he was super nice but his companion didn't understand anything the man was saying. Elder Mead told his companion that the man wanted to kill them, when in reality, he said he would love to have them in. Our class with Hermana Steward was awesome too. We talked about the hymn, Brightly Beams our Fathers Mercy. It is about missionaries and it has an amazing message. Our lesson with Marysol went very well. We taught lesson three and committed her to attending another baptism from another investigator. We had a crazy experience at dinner too. Elder Findlay, from another district, started chocking. Elder Richardson, also from another district, jumped up, took off his jacket and watch and them proceeded to help him out. It was a scary experience but it was amazing how everyone reacted and tried to help.

Fri Nov 8- Today we got our travel plans..... Ten more days in the CCM! I can't wait to go to the field! We also had TRC today. We taught a couple from Monterrey Mexico. They have a son who is serving right now in my mission. They gave me a letter to give to him by hand when I arrive in Uruguay. IT was an awesome lesson. Funny story: Elder Sanderson and I were whistling and trying to whistle louder than each other. A teacher leaned out a window and told us to stop because he was teaching a class. Without realizing it was a teacher, Elder Sanderson yelled, "How about you just close your window!" The man gave us a dirty look and we were all cracking up. It may seem like Elder Sanderson is a trouble maker from what I say about him but I love him to death. He is hilarious and I told him I feel like we would be great friends if we lived by each other.

Sat Nov 9- Today is one month in the mission! The day started out awesome with biscuits and gravy. After that, Elder Baggett and I were able to give Elder Jess, from one of the new districts, a blessing. He hurt his ankle running and it was really swollen. It was a cool experience for me because I got to give the blessing. I studied a lot just off of revelation from the Holy Ghost. It seemed like the trend was the Second coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I learned a lot and it was really interesting. One question I asked all the Elders after our personal study time was, "If Jesus Christ was on the earth, what would you ask Him?" We had a great discussion for a long time and I think it is a great question to think about. We taught a lesson to Marysol with Elder Brown pretending to be a member. It was a great lesson and we asked Marysol bear her testimony. Cool experience.

Sun Nov 10- Today started off really weird. We ate breakfast, and then as soon as we got back, President Claybaugh informed us that a couple Elders were missing from the new district. he sent us off to find them. They were walking out of their room, two hours late, still getting dressed. They had an odd story but I won't tell about that. However, they sure did get the hammer from Brother Cannon. Brother Williams took Elder Baggett and I to the side after we returned. He asked us if we would be able to provide a sacrament meeting for the cafeteria workers and both prepare talks. They weren't too long but I was able to just talk about Joseph Smith and his life for about 10 minutes. After that sacrament, which we prepared, blessed, and passed the sacrament, we interviewed each district leader. It was cool to hear all their views from so many different points in the MTC experience. We also have the opportunity to help a bunch of the Elders and Sisters. Elder Baggett and I were able to sit on the stand for sacrament meeting, because we are the Zone Leaders. It was funny because we could watch all the missionaries. We counted five that were out cold and a bunch others that were on the verge of falling asleep. Elder Sanderson was assigned the talk and he did very well. We had a fireside at the main campus too. I made my MTC television debut and a lot of people let me know.

Mon Nov 11- One of the best days here. We started off by giving Hermana Anderson a blessing. Elder Baggett was able to be the mouthpiece and wow I don't think I have felt like I did at that moment in time. One of the most powerful blessings ever. Elder Baggett is an absolute stud. He is ripped, super nice, and has a ridiculously strong testimony. One of my favorite parts of today was when Elder Naea and I were able to go play piano and sing for about an hour and a half during additional study time. Elder Naea can sing SSSOOOO WELL. We had a killer lesson with Mario about the word of wisdom. He kept stopping us and saying, "no you don't understand, I LOVE tea." Apparently that is the same for all the South Americans. I thought it was an awesome lesson. His feedback for us was that we are doing amazing and we need to keep studying. I also observed our trios lesson, from our district and I learned a lot from it. Four square was super fun at gym but everyone hates our district because we are all really good. We also played a game called destiny with the new district. I bet that if I made the shot, they would all (6 elders) have to give me a tie. I made the shot but luckily they were able to redeem themselves and we all left the same as we entered.

Tues Nov 12- Today was nice. We had the opportunity to listen to an apostle of the Lord. Elder L Tom Perry spoke to us. He spoke mainly about companionships. It was good to think about how much we learn and build off one another. I told my district how grateful I was for each one of them and how I hope I will be able to get to the celestial kingdom with the rest of them. They are all just amazing. It really hit me today that we are leaving next week. I am scared out of my mind but I hope I can focus on serving the Lord. We only have one more grammar principle to learn before it is all recap and preparation. We have one more gym time, one more P-day, one more endowment session in English, one more American burger, one more time to attend church and only one more mission to serve the Lord full time. (At least for a while). Insanity. I am so proud to wear "Jesucristo" on my name tag every single day. I am striving to become like him. How blessed I am. He loves us so much that he died for us, bled from every pore, performed miracle, and restored his Gospel to the earth today. I am doing exactly what he would be doing if he were on the earth. I have only two short years to serve Him full time. That's what He is asking of me, so that is what I will give to Him. It is really a heck of a deal. During these two years where I serve Him, he blessed me immensely. He blesses me for serving Him when He gave his life for me. Wow.

Travel Plans! I leave the MTC Monday Nov 18 at 8:30. Flight is at 1:55pm to Santiago Chile via Delta Airlines. We arrive at 9:25 the next day (19th.) We fly from Chile to Montevideo on Lan Chile airlines from 2:05-5:20 on the 19th. I can't wait! We have 16 people in our traveling group and I know 14 of them. All of which are going to Uruguay Montevideo West Mission!

Wed Nov 6- Today it hit me we get our travel plans on Friday! That is an insane thought! Every P-day is so nice and relaxing. We wrote letters, did laundry, and went to the temple. Today Elder Brown and Baggett stole a golf cart from on of the maintenance workers. It was hilarious. I took a bunch of pics. We went to Burger supreme after the temple and we all felt sick but it was worth it. We also met the two new districts. We gave them a tour and got to know them. I taught the new district with Hermana Williams, who is from SLC. Elder Baggett taught the other new district with Hermana Smith from Gilbert Arizona. They are the sister training leaders. They are awesome.

Thur Nov 7- Today was super long but really good. We started cleaning toilets and lights for service. Gym was and is always the best hour of the day. Elder Sanderson decided to shave his legs because he was 'bored'. The funniest thing is he didn't have time to do both so he ended up just shaving one leg. It is hilarious. We had a class with Hermano Mead. He told us a couple stories. First, he told us about his mission and the earthquake in Chile. He literally was a miracle in Chile. Crazy story and really touching. The other was funny. He approached a door while tracting. The man that answered said, "Hi I have prostate cancer. How can I help you" (In Spanish of course.) That was probably a crazy lesson to endure when he had that attitude. Another story he told us, it was his companions first door. The man that opened the door, was about 400 lbs. He said he was super nice but his companion didn't understand anything the man was saying. Elder Mead told his companion that the man wanted to kill them, when in reality, he said he would love to have them in. Our class with Hermana Steward was awesome too. We talked about the hymn, Brightly Beams our Fathers Mercy. It is about missionaries and it has an amazing message. Our lesson with Marysol went very well. We taught lesson three and committed her to attending another baptism from another investigator. We had a crazy experience at dinner too. Elder Findlay, from another district, started chocking. Elder Richardson, also from another district, jumped up, took off his jacket and watch and them proceeded to help him out. It was a scary experience but it was amazing how everyone reacted and tried to help.

Fri Nov 8- Today we got our travel plans..... Ten more days in the CCM! I can't wait to go to the field! We also had TRC today. We taught a couple from Monterrey Mexico. They have a son who is serving right now in my mission. They gave me a letter to give to him by hand when I arrive in Uruguay. IT was an awesome lesson. Funny story: Elder Sanderson and I were whistling and trying to whistle louder than each other. A teacher leaned out a window and told us to stop because he was teaching a class. Without realizing it was a teacher, Elder Sanderson yelled, "How about you just close your window!" The man gave us a dirty look and we were all cracking up. It may seem like Elder Sanderson is a trouble maker from what I say about him but I love him to death. He is hilarious and I told him I feel like we would be great friends if we lived by each other.

Sat Nov 9- Today is one month in the mission! The day started out awesome with biscuits and gravy. After that, Elder Baggett and I were able to give Elder Jess, from one of the new districts, a blessing. He hurt his ankle running and it was really swollen. It was a cool experience for me because I got to give the blessing. I studied a lot just off of revelation from the Holy Ghost. It seemed like the trend was the Second coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I learned a lot and it was really interesting. One question I asked all the Elders after our personal study time was, "If Jesus Christ was on the earth, what would you ask Him?" We had a great discussion for a long time and I think it is a great question to think about. We taught a lesson to Marysol with Elder Brown pretending to be a member. It was a great lesson and we asked Marysol bear her testimony. Cool experience.

Sun Nov 10- Today started off really weird. We ate breakfast, and then as soon as we got back, President Claybaugh informed us that a couple Elders were missing from the new district. he sent us off to find them. They were walking out of their room, two hours late, still getting dressed. They had an odd story but I won't tell about that. However, they sure did get the hammer from Brother Cannon. Brother Williams took Elder Baggett and I to the side after we returned. He asked us if we would be able to provide a sacrament meeting for the cafeteria workers and both prepare talks. They weren't too long but I was able to just talk about Joseph Smith and his life for about 10 minutes. After that sacrament, which we prepared, blessed, and passed the sacrament, we interviewed each district leader. It was cool to hear all their views from so many different points in the MTC experience. We also have the opportunity to help a bunch of the Elders and Sisters. Elder Baggett and I were able to sit on the stand for sacrament meeting, because we are the Zone Leaders. It was funny because we could watch all the missionaries. We counted five that were out cold and a bunch others that were on the verge of falling asleep. Elder Sanderson was assigned the talk and he did very well. We had a fireside at the main campus too. I made my MTC television debut and a lot of people let me know.

Mon Nov 11- One of the best days here. We started off by giving Hermana Anderson a blessing. Elder Baggett was able to be the mouthpiece and wow I don't think I have felt like I did at that moment in time. One of the most powerful blessings ever. Elder Baggett is an absolute stud. He is ripped, super nice, and has a ridiculously strong testimony. One of my favorite parts of today was when Elder Naea and I were able to go play piano and sing for about an hour and a half during additional study time. Elder Naea can sing SSSOOOO WELL. We had a killer lesson with Mario about the word of wisdom. He kept stopping us and saying, "no you don't understand, I LOVE tea." Apparently that is the same for all the South Americans. I thought it was an awesome lesson. His feedback for us was that we are doing amazing and we need to keep studying. I also observed our trios lesson, from our district and I learned a lot from it. Four square was super fun at gym but everyone hates our district because we are all really good. We also played a game called destiny with the new district. I bet that if I made the shot, they would all (6 elders) have to give me a tie. I made the shot but luckily they were able to redeem themselves and we all left the same as we entered.

Tues Nov 12- Today was nice. We had the opportunity to listen to an apostle of the Lord. Elder L Tom Perry spoke to us. He spoke mainly about companionships. It was good to think about how much we learn and build off one another. I told my district how grateful I was for each one of them and how I hope I will be able to get to the celestial kingdom with the rest of them. They are all just amazing. It really hit me today that we are leaving next week. I am scared out of my mind but I hope I can focus on serving the Lord. We only have one more grammar principle to learn before it is all recap and preparation. We have one more gym time, one more P-day, one more endowment session in English, one more American burger, one more time to attend church and only one more mission to serve the Lord full time. (At least for a while). Insanity. I am so proud to wear "Jesucristo" on my name tag every single day. I am striving to become like him. How blessed I am. He loves us so much that he died for us, bled from every pore, performed miracle, and restored his Gospel to the earth today. I am doing exactly what he would be doing if he were on the earth. I have only two short years to serve Him full time. That's what He is asking of me, so that is what I will give to Him. It is really a heck of a deal. During these two years where I serve Him, he blessed me immensely. He blesses me for serving Him when He gave his life for me. Wow.

Week 4 - November 6, 2013

This week was awesome, once again.

Thursday- Today is Halloween. It doesn't even feel like it though. I received a couple care packages and that is the only reason I remembered that it was Halloween. We taught our investigator Marysol today. We really dug in deep into the lesson and tried to apply it to her life. It went really well. Elder Baggett finally felt better today. Elder Johnson, our Zone Leader, had to go to the doctor because he was having trouble getting rid of waste... We also had fun with some pescados (fish) today. Elder Brown knows a girl that works in the cafeteria and she brought us 7 live goldfish at our request. We let 3 go in the pond here and raced them down the water falls. It was hilarious. We also met the 6 new hermanas in our zone. They are all super nice and they are Intermediate Spanish speakers so they are already pretty far ahead.

Friday- Today is the month I have been waiting for my whole life. The month I leave for the mission field. November 2013. We taught a returned Missionary from Argentina and he spoke super fast and mumbled. I have never been able to not understand someone since we first got here. Elder Sanderson and Elder Brown had a towel whipping fight after Elder Sanderson got out of the shower. It was hilarious. I also got the nicest compliment ever today. We had a substitute teacher and he asked me, after our lesson together, if my companion and I were intermediate level speakers. Sadly, we aren't but it was a nice compliment!

Saturday- Nothing too exciting today. I decided to put tabs in all my scriptures according to scriptures in PMG. I have colorful scriptures now. They look sweet and they are really helpful. Tomorrow is fast Sunday. That is going to be rough. We also had one of our fish jump into our kitchen sink today but Elder Bagget saved it. We also dug into the story about David, Bathsheba, and Uriah. I never realized how good of a man Uriah was.

Sunday- Today was awesome. I finished another chapter of the tabs in the bible. Brother Williams from our branch presidency interrupted my study by asking who my companion was. I told him it was Elder Baggett and he asked to speak with us. I was somewhat nervous until he invited us to serve as the new Zone Leaders. That essentially means that I will be in charge of the 39 missionaries in our zone. I am super excited about the opportunity. We visit the Elders every night and it will be hard to fill in the shoes that were left by the last Zone Leaders. I also shared my testimony at church. Apparently it was pretty good because I got a bunch of both Sisters and Elders to cry. I had many people tell me how awesome it was after the meeting. Now I get teased by the other elders in my district on how I make girls cry. It snowed today too. Didn't stick or anything but snow is snow and I am a summer kind of guy.

Monday- Today was the first official day of being a ZL. We made our rounds to each room and talked with all the Elders. It is cool to think that I am the example for them. It snowed again today. I finished doing the tabs in the Bible and Book of Mormon and it looks awesome. The other Elders in my district, during our lesson, told us about a firsthand experience of mother nature with a couple birds and for some reason they decided to tell us and our teacher. We taught Marysol today and we had an awesome lesson. I feel like I have the spirit with me so much more now and it is so cool to recognize that and see how it affects our lessons and our lives.

Tuesday- Today was another cold day with a high of 38 degrees. We had an awesome testimony meeting with just the Elders in our district. After that, I studied and dug deep into my patriarchal blessing and the scriptures that it refers me to. It was cool to see how Heavenly Father has a plan specifically for me and my life and how he will bless me according to my obedience. We had a devotional tonight too. It was by the Zwincks. He serves in the first Quorum of the 70. Elder Baggett and I literally had the best seats in the house available for the missionaries. We had front row and middle. We were literally 12 feet away from the speakers. We had an awesome lesson with our investigator Mario today. I felt like I was speaking so fluidly and that it was just coming to me. Brother Mead, after the lesson told us that he literally didn't have anything to say to us. He said that was the best lesson that he has seen from Beginner Spanish speakers at the MTC. That was quite a compliment. He is an awesome teacher.

I am looking forward to receiving my travel plans down to Uruguay this week. Hopefully by Friday they will be here. I finally got my camera to work so I can send more pictures!