Hola Corbeil Clan!
Alright, so I've just now realized this past week that I haven't been the best of missionaries. Do I work hard? Yes. Do I help people? Yes. I do all the missionary things. And do it wonderfully. but there is one thing that we missionaires talk about on a day to day basis. And that is the importance of families. I'm not too sure why this week, I've been thinking a lot about my family.
It all atarted about a month and a 1/2 ago when I got some hate mail from one of you online. This person was upset that I wrote everyone else but the fmaily. I was a little down about the whole thing. I felt like I was trying my best to keep you all updated. I mean, I had just finished a letter for her that morning. Anyway, there were a few weeks that went by. Than I got an email from Rochelle that said..." I was a little sad that Alex got a letter from you on my b-day" which made me feel horrible because I did send her one that I don't think she got. So, I've been thinking a lot about, "I need to write home more often." So this is my deal with you. *"I'm gonna make sure I write home at least every other week. that was you can know what's goijg on with me. I hope that will make everyone happy.
So I told Alyssa today that in my letter home I would share with her a story about what happened yesterday at church. It was in priesthood meeting at the deaf branch and I was intupretting for the teacher but he was pretty old. maybe 70's and we were talking about fmailies. he showed the only video he had of him and his little sister. I guess "He was walking down the street with his friends (He was about 4 and she was 4) and his little sister was following him and his friends. So when they got to the corner of the streer they booked it and hid in one of the friend's house. When his little sister got to the corner she started to look for her older brother. She looked so lost. Then she looked sad. Then she started to tear up. As I was translating his story I also began to tear up. I felt like I haven't done my part as a big brother. That little girl only wanted to play with her older brother. I feel like we've all grown up so fast and are just beginning to realize how truely precious the value of family is. We all need to step up and understand how lucky we are to have each other. Honestly, I've seen too many broken families out here. These families that the daughters sleep-around with the neighborhood. And where the sons (8-16) are already drinking and smoking. Where the mothers dress inappropriate. Where the father's full time job is selling ?. This is a fmaily we've been working with. I've seen this Gospel change their lives. And it hurts me to hear my own fmaily argue because of super random things.
I hear things back home have been a little better. I hear Dad still gets frustrated when he's hungry. I hear that marriage life of Robert and Jessica is wonderful. I hear Alyssa's not playing softball so she stay and help Dad fix the car. I hear Tom and Chole are happy. I hear Caleb is getting bigger. I hear Jenae and Rochelle are planing on going out to UVU. I also hear I wont be getting any welcome home kisses from Baby Blue. I want you all to know that I love you all, no one more, no one less, no favorites. You're all important in the sight of my eyes. This Gospel is true. The Priesthood is real. We have a living Prophet. And as we hear on to his words we heed on to word directly from God. And we will be blessed and strengthen as children of our Heavenly Father.
Love,
Elder Corbeil
P.S. Mom, Thank you for your letter. I love hearing from you!
P.S.S. Please read this as a family! It's for everyone.
P.S.S.S. So, I literally haven't seen the most of you for almost a year. Can we make a family album that updates me on what's been going on at home? That's what I want for Christmas.
P.S.S.S.S. I don't have any holes in my socks. I bought a ton of socks from the dollar store
P.S.S.S.S.S. What's going on with Dad?
Saturday, July 3, 2010
June 15, 2009
First off, I just want to thank Chole for sending me a package for Easter. That was very nice of her. And secondly I would like to tell everyone that I love them! It's been so long since I have written the family. I guess I've been so busy with things out here. That I kinda forgot. I had a friend write me to tell me that she was keeping up with my blog but nothing has been happening since Feburary. And I figured that's prolly because I haven't written. I'm thinking I'm gonna send my memory cardin this letter so you can have all of the pictures you want.
Okay, but I really want to write this letter to kind of update you on what's been going on out here in Cali.
1. I have a baptism coming up on the 27th of June. Her name is _____. we had extended the baptismal invitation with a date on the 1st visit. She is rock solid awesome! It was actually the first time we had seen her.
2. We're working on a family of about 9 who are preparing themselves to be baptised. The _____ family. She makes stellar Mexican food.
3. We're working with this 8 year old girl who's Father had left the Mom annd her at an early age. Than about a year ago her Momtaken to a Mexican Prison and can never come back to the states. She is living with her Aunt who is a member of the church. She wants to be like her Aunt, out of trouble and she realizes that through the Gosple she can have a life like hers. Aunt is trying to take custody.
4. As you all probably know...during the beginning of the month my mission call was changed. Even though I'm still studying a little bit of Spanish, the mission President felt that I woulde be better off in the deaf program. So I've officially been a deaf Elder for two weeks now. I love it! I'm picking up the language SO fast. But yeah, I guess I had to pick it up fast. I'm teaching an ASL class every Tuesday night, I teach Sunday School, and I inturpret during meetings which is always a good time. Being a deaf Elder has been amazing, I've met a lot of people and I've been able to visit/.explore the whole mission. Because the mission, is our boundry.
With this new call things are a little different. I can watch Disney movies. So if it is at all possible could you send me my portable DVD player? If you can't that is fine (used strictly for the interpreting. I guess it exercises our minds to be ?)
One more thing. When you send my package with the digital picture frame would it be ok if you could also put all of my pictures that are on my computer onto a flash drive? That way I can have all of my pictures with me here? That would be the best thing ever! If you could do that for me that would be great.
Anyway, I love you all. Chole, if you end up putting this on the blog please do not put the names of the people we are working with. thi is somewhat confidential work.
I hope to hear from all of you soon!
Elder Corbeil
Okay, but I really want to write this letter to kind of update you on what's been going on out here in Cali.
1. I have a baptism coming up on the 27th of June. Her name is _____. we had extended the baptismal invitation with a date on the 1st visit. She is rock solid awesome! It was actually the first time we had seen her.
2. We're working on a family of about 9 who are preparing themselves to be baptised. The _____ family. She makes stellar Mexican food.
3. We're working with this 8 year old girl who's Father had left the Mom annd her at an early age. Than about a year ago her Momtaken to a Mexican Prison and can never come back to the states. She is living with her Aunt who is a member of the church. She wants to be like her Aunt, out of trouble and she realizes that through the Gosple she can have a life like hers. Aunt is trying to take custody.
4. As you all probably know...during the beginning of the month my mission call was changed. Even though I'm still studying a little bit of Spanish, the mission President felt that I woulde be better off in the deaf program. So I've officially been a deaf Elder for two weeks now. I love it! I'm picking up the language SO fast. But yeah, I guess I had to pick it up fast. I'm teaching an ASL class every Tuesday night, I teach Sunday School, and I inturpret during meetings which is always a good time. Being a deaf Elder has been amazing, I've met a lot of people and I've been able to visit/.explore the whole mission. Because the mission, is our boundry.
With this new call things are a little different. I can watch Disney movies. So if it is at all possible could you send me my portable DVD player? If you can't that is fine (used strictly for the interpreting. I guess it exercises our minds to be ?)
One more thing. When you send my package with the digital picture frame would it be ok if you could also put all of my pictures that are on my computer onto a flash drive? That way I can have all of my pictures with me here? That would be the best thing ever! If you could do that for me that would be great.
Anyway, I love you all. Chole, if you end up putting this on the blog please do not put the names of the people we are working with. thi is somewhat confidential work.
I hope to hear from all of you soon!
Elder Corbeil
January 21, 2009
Dear Chole,
Hey Hey Sis. It was nice to finally hear from the kids. Mom and Dad have been writing. I figured the rest of you had forgotten about me.
First, let me start off with your letters make me laugh, everytime you've written me (which has only happened twice). They always seem like inspirational letters and super deep. I know you may worry about me at times maybe. But I know that what I've been called to do is important. I know I need to take advantage of this time. I know that through prayer, God does answer us and he will always be here for me. I'm a BIG boy. I was ready to leave the house. I know that I may face times of discouragement and lonliness. But I doubt it. And I doubt it because I know what I'm sent here to do. I doubt it because I'm having the best time of my life right now. And I'm not even out on the field yet. The field is white Chole, it's ready to harvest. I will be thrusting with every ounce of physical and emotional strength I have. Because there is none greater blessing than bringing lost sheep unto the fold.
But let me get back to your letter Mom probably didn't cry because she doesn't love me :( I'm playing. That's good though. I wouldn't want you all to suffer through mom crying. Thanks for the prayer but I think I said it in another letter, don't just pray for me but pray for ALL missionaries. There are tens of thousands more that need the prayers more than me.
Anyway, I love the letters you send. I'm honestly shocked that you didn't say anything about baby KK. So next letter you send, make it personal, not inspirational.
P.S. If you get a chance and don't feel like writing or using stamps check out dearelder.com. Tell the family about it. This way I can get letters faster and it's free white I'm here at the MTC. Talk to dad about it. Also, my b-day is comin up. If you feel inspired to send something specia; I would love that.
I love you Chole. I hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Elder Corbeil
Hey Hey Sis. It was nice to finally hear from the kids. Mom and Dad have been writing. I figured the rest of you had forgotten about me.
First, let me start off with your letters make me laugh, everytime you've written me (which has only happened twice). They always seem like inspirational letters and super deep. I know you may worry about me at times maybe. But I know that what I've been called to do is important. I know I need to take advantage of this time. I know that through prayer, God does answer us and he will always be here for me. I'm a BIG boy. I was ready to leave the house. I know that I may face times of discouragement and lonliness. But I doubt it. And I doubt it because I know what I'm sent here to do. I doubt it because I'm having the best time of my life right now. And I'm not even out on the field yet. The field is white Chole, it's ready to harvest. I will be thrusting with every ounce of physical and emotional strength I have. Because there is none greater blessing than bringing lost sheep unto the fold.
But let me get back to your letter Mom probably didn't cry because she doesn't love me :( I'm playing. That's good though. I wouldn't want you all to suffer through mom crying. Thanks for the prayer but I think I said it in another letter, don't just pray for me but pray for ALL missionaries. There are tens of thousands more that need the prayers more than me.
Anyway, I love the letters you send. I'm honestly shocked that you didn't say anything about baby KK. So next letter you send, make it personal, not inspirational.
P.S. If you get a chance and don't feel like writing or using stamps check out dearelder.com. Tell the family about it. This way I can get letters faster and it's free white I'm here at the MTC. Talk to dad about it. Also, my b-day is comin up. If you feel inspired to send something specia; I would love that.
I love you Chole. I hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Elder Corbeil
Saturday, February 28, 2009
January16, 2009
Hola Familia!
So I didn't know my pictures would print so fast. It would take forever for me to fill up a memory card. So I figure I can just send you just some so you can see what I've been up to.
Yesterday was tuff...it was my first P Day and it threw me off bad. Robert can tell you how P Day isn't an all day thing like I thought it was. So when class time came by I was thrown off guard. Not focused at all. I just wanted to finish writing people. Eight hours really isn't enough time to catch up with everything. And if you add...Temple time (3 hrs), breakfast, lunch, dinner (2 hrs), and time to do laundry (1.5 hrs). We only get a little bit of time to actually prepare I guess. We don't get much alone time as companions. So hopefully next time week I'll be able to adjust to the P Days. I really hope you enjoy the pictures. That's not all of them. But if you think I should send them all totally tell me to. But if not, send me another "sandisk memory stick pro duo." 1 GB would be fine. I love you all and I really miss you.
Elder Corbeil
So I didn't know my pictures would print so fast. It would take forever for me to fill up a memory card. So I figure I can just send you just some so you can see what I've been up to.
Yesterday was tuff...it was my first P Day and it threw me off bad. Robert can tell you how P Day isn't an all day thing like I thought it was. So when class time came by I was thrown off guard. Not focused at all. I just wanted to finish writing people. Eight hours really isn't enough time to catch up with everything. And if you add...Temple time (3 hrs), breakfast, lunch, dinner (2 hrs), and time to do laundry (1.5 hrs). We only get a little bit of time to actually prepare I guess. We don't get much alone time as companions. So hopefully next time week I'll be able to adjust to the P Days. I really hope you enjoy the pictures. That's not all of them. But if you think I should send them all totally tell me to. But if not, send me another "sandisk memory stick pro duo." 1 GB would be fine. I love you all and I really miss you.
Elder Corbeil
Thursday, February 26, 2009
January 14, 2009
Come on family! Are you still alive? I hope you got my last letter I sent. Did you forget about me? Oh, but thankz mom for the letters it made me smile way big.
It's been a week! I'm happy I've made it. Although it seemed kinda long. Especially since you haven't written. but it's all good I've been relying on other peeps. I''ve been recieving letters and packages this past week. It really does feel nice to hear from friends. My district leader picks up all the mail and I feel horribly bad because he hasn't received mail from anyone. His family or friends. So after I write this, i'm actually oing to start a letter for him, pass it around the district, and put it in the mailbox for him. That would make him happy I think.
Let me tell you what has been going on this past week with different types of experiences, spiritual, and everything else. Then I want to end with my testimony in Espanol. The one that I've had in my head for six days. I wrote it the day after I got here. So it's nice.
Sunday my district went to visit the Provo Temple. It was so perty! It looks A LOT better in person that pictures. We were there for maybe 45 min. It's awesome (cheuray) because behind the Temple there are two huge oval walls maybe 100 ft long, 250 ft apart. And if you have one person on both ends facing the walls, you can whisper into the wall and you can hear that person who is 250 ft away. As if they were right next to you. Than we had a fireside. Pres. Boone spoke who is the MTC President. It was way cool. Because he was released last night by Jeffery R. Holland after our missionary devotional. So let me tell you about that experience. Everyone around the MTC was talking about "how we need to leave early to get good seats." So we left from dinner straight to the gym, We got really close to the front of the gym. So as we were singing one of the hymns, everyone (2,200 people) shot up to their feet because Jeffery R. Holland walked in. you could feel the spirit just jump up so powerful.
So I just want to share one more story before I take off. Mom Dad...don't get upset. So remember when I went to that conference in Pittsburgh...? HAHA Yeah. So I met this girl, right? Way cute. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I made out with her. Anyways I saw her two days ago at dinner. it was way funny. Don't get me wrong or anything. I'm extremely focused on the work, but every now and again missionaries yes, wonder. So I was walking through the cafeteria and was kinda checkig this girl out. Haha, my companions made fun of me and told me I could never have a chance of being with someone like that. I looked down in disappointment thinking, "If I wasn't an Elder I would totally show these guys up!" Anyway I finally look up at her face and stopped. I couldn't believe who it was. I yelled, "Sister Prince!" She looked and had the biggest smile on her face. The first thing she said was, "i want to give you a huge hug right now." I looked at her and shook her hand. It's amazing how God works in fun ways. I've seen her once since then. Oh one more thing. I think you would all be proud of me and my flirting ways with the ladies. There is this sister who started playing volleyball when i did, she would work out when I did, run when I did, basketball when I did, I'm sure she farted when I did. I mean, everywhere I go she is there. Everywhere I look, there she is and her companion. I'll give it to her. She is gorgeous. And she has been very flirty and tries to hook up with me. And it's tempting at times, but I told her this wasn't the right time, Heck no! So I gave her my mission address. It's just a fun time. I'm learning tons! i think you all would be proud of me. P.S. Mom or anyone...what are you doing the 11th of march? I love each and everyone of you. You all are on my mind and in my prayers constantly I do miss you. But this will fly by.
With Mucho Love, your Elder,
Elder Corbeil
(I will try my best to type what I think he wrote on this paper)
Se que dios tiene un plan para nosotros. Y dios ha restaurdo el evangelzo verdadero de Jesus Cristo. Se que tenemos un profeta hoy que nos direge y. Nos guia. Y recibe revelation directo de dios. Yo tango testimonio que la oracion nos permite hablar con nuestro padre celestiaal. Le estoy aeradecido a mi padre celestrial por el evangelio. En numbre de Jesus Cristo. Amen.
P.S. I really want to hear from each and every one of you. Give Blue a big hug and kiss for me. And when you pray, don't pray for me. but pray for all of us missionaries in the MTC or in the field.
And Robert, please don't read like the inboxes for my facebook. This way when I get home, I can start where i left. This is strictly, stairs and picture business. And if you have a chance, if people write in my wall could you maybe keep a list of those and after a period of time send them to me?
P.S. "Dearelder.com" is free! Take advantage of this write me stuff while I'm here at the MTC.
I love you!
It's been a week! I'm happy I've made it. Although it seemed kinda long. Especially since you haven't written. but it's all good I've been relying on other peeps. I''ve been recieving letters and packages this past week. It really does feel nice to hear from friends. My district leader picks up all the mail and I feel horribly bad because he hasn't received mail from anyone. His family or friends. So after I write this, i'm actually oing to start a letter for him, pass it around the district, and put it in the mailbox for him. That would make him happy I think.
Let me tell you what has been going on this past week with different types of experiences, spiritual, and everything else. Then I want to end with my testimony in Espanol. The one that I've had in my head for six days. I wrote it the day after I got here. So it's nice.
Sunday my district went to visit the Provo Temple. It was so perty! It looks A LOT better in person that pictures. We were there for maybe 45 min. It's awesome (cheuray) because behind the Temple there are two huge oval walls maybe 100 ft long, 250 ft apart. And if you have one person on both ends facing the walls, you can whisper into the wall and you can hear that person who is 250 ft away. As if they were right next to you. Than we had a fireside. Pres. Boone spoke who is the MTC President. It was way cool. Because he was released last night by Jeffery R. Holland after our missionary devotional. So let me tell you about that experience. Everyone around the MTC was talking about "how we need to leave early to get good seats." So we left from dinner straight to the gym, We got really close to the front of the gym. So as we were singing one of the hymns, everyone (2,200 people) shot up to their feet because Jeffery R. Holland walked in. you could feel the spirit just jump up so powerful.
So I just want to share one more story before I take off. Mom Dad...don't get upset. So remember when I went to that conference in Pittsburgh...? HAHA Yeah. So I met this girl, right? Way cute. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I made out with her. Anyways I saw her two days ago at dinner. it was way funny. Don't get me wrong or anything. I'm extremely focused on the work, but every now and again missionaries yes, wonder. So I was walking through the cafeteria and was kinda checkig this girl out. Haha, my companions made fun of me and told me I could never have a chance of being with someone like that. I looked down in disappointment thinking, "If I wasn't an Elder I would totally show these guys up!" Anyway I finally look up at her face and stopped. I couldn't believe who it was. I yelled, "Sister Prince!" She looked and had the biggest smile on her face. The first thing she said was, "i want to give you a huge hug right now." I looked at her and shook her hand. It's amazing how God works in fun ways. I've seen her once since then. Oh one more thing. I think you would all be proud of me and my flirting ways with the ladies. There is this sister who started playing volleyball when i did, she would work out when I did, run when I did, basketball when I did, I'm sure she farted when I did. I mean, everywhere I go she is there. Everywhere I look, there she is and her companion. I'll give it to her. She is gorgeous. And she has been very flirty and tries to hook up with me. And it's tempting at times, but I told her this wasn't the right time, Heck no! So I gave her my mission address. It's just a fun time. I'm learning tons! i think you all would be proud of me. P.S. Mom or anyone...what are you doing the 11th of march? I love each and everyone of you. You all are on my mind and in my prayers constantly I do miss you. But this will fly by.
With Mucho Love, your Elder,
Elder Corbeil
(I will try my best to type what I think he wrote on this paper)
Se que dios tiene un plan para nosotros. Y dios ha restaurdo el evangelzo verdadero de Jesus Cristo. Se que tenemos un profeta hoy que nos direge y. Nos guia. Y recibe revelation directo de dios. Yo tango testimonio que la oracion nos permite hablar con nuestro padre celestiaal. Le estoy aeradecido a mi padre celestrial por el evangelio. En numbre de Jesus Cristo. Amen.
P.S. I really want to hear from each and every one of you. Give Blue a big hug and kiss for me. And when you pray, don't pray for me. but pray for all of us missionaries in the MTC or in the field.
And Robert, please don't read like the inboxes for my facebook. This way when I get home, I can start where i left. This is strictly, stairs and picture business. And if you have a chance, if people write in my wall could you maybe keep a list of those and after a period of time send them to me?
P.S. "Dearelder.com" is free! Take advantage of this write me stuff while I'm here at the MTC.
I love you!
January 8, 2009
Today was a super spiritual day. This experience, in the MTC, has been by far the most I've ever read, prayed, studied, and constantly had my mind on our Savior. And I'm still being taught in nothing but Spanish. I love my companions. I actually printed some pictures today (the 14th) of some of the adventures we've had here at the MTC. They fart a lot. It is hilarious! We have hermanas (sisters) in our district. Which means we can not fart. Whatsoever the circumstances. That would be rude. It's extremely difficult to hold it in all the time. Even though it's the most I've ever read, prayed, studies, etc...It's also the most gassy I've been. I've had to run out of the classroom a few times just to relieve myself of the toxic gasses.
Oh, thank you Robert for giving me that harmonica! I felt so inspired to bring it here with me to the mission. And one of the guys in our district happens to play extremely well. So we've been playing a lot together. he has taught me quite a bit so far. I can bend and drain notes. I can play most of "Come Come Ye Saints" and some other songs now. It's a blast! The harmonica rocks!
Oh, thank you Robert for giving me that harmonica! I felt so inspired to bring it here with me to the mission. And one of the guys in our district happens to play extremely well. So we've been playing a lot together. he has taught me quite a bit so far. I can bend and drain notes. I can play most of "Come Come Ye Saints" and some other songs now. It's a blast! The harmonica rocks!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Dear Corbeil Family
Recieved: January 12, 2009
Haha I'm doing it! Finished with the first day. I have no idea where to start accept I know I need more note paper and stamps. I've met quite a few guys out here on the mission. Jenae, have you ever thought about serving? I was shocked walking into the airport. When I looked back for the last time it put a huge smile on my face. It was a lot harder leaving you all than I though it would be. Oh, Alyssa...thanks so much for the journal. I've already written about 20 pages. It's been a lot of fun. Let me tell you about the first day.
I was way behind schedule when arriving, me and three other missionaries. So I didn't get any packets. Basically everything I will be needing for the MTC. But all is well, I will have them tomorrow morning hopefully. I've learned a lot today. They just lay everything out and put it on our shoulders in the very beginning. I have two companions. Elder Wilcock and Elder Malachwski. They're kinda cool. Fun to talk to. Elder Wilcock looks a lot like Skylar Williams.
Our mission President told our district to write our families. Mainly because we will not have another chance to write for about two weeks. I hope it flies by it's amazing what the MTC does to people. President Taylor said we will be speaking Spanish by the end of the week. Which means this week we all really need to focus and rely completely on the Lord. I can't wait to write Rochelle in Espanol. I just want to tell you all that I love you. I hope to hear all about what is going on in your lives. I know it's only been a day, but it will be amazing to recieve encouragement letters through this super rough week from the ones I love
Lots of Love,
Elder Corbeil
Haha I'm doing it! Finished with the first day. I have no idea where to start accept I know I need more note paper and stamps. I've met quite a few guys out here on the mission. Jenae, have you ever thought about serving? I was shocked walking into the airport. When I looked back for the last time it put a huge smile on my face. It was a lot harder leaving you all than I though it would be. Oh, Alyssa...thanks so much for the journal. I've already written about 20 pages. It's been a lot of fun. Let me tell you about the first day.
I was way behind schedule when arriving, me and three other missionaries. So I didn't get any packets. Basically everything I will be needing for the MTC. But all is well, I will have them tomorrow morning hopefully. I've learned a lot today. They just lay everything out and put it on our shoulders in the very beginning. I have two companions. Elder Wilcock and Elder Malachwski. They're kinda cool. Fun to talk to. Elder Wilcock looks a lot like Skylar Williams.
Our mission President told our district to write our families. Mainly because we will not have another chance to write for about two weeks. I hope it flies by it's amazing what the MTC does to people. President Taylor said we will be speaking Spanish by the end of the week. Which means this week we all really need to focus and rely completely on the Lord. I can't wait to write Rochelle in Espanol. I just want to tell you all that I love you. I hope to hear all about what is going on in your lives. I know it's only been a day, but it will be amazing to recieve encouragement letters through this super rough week from the ones I love
Lots of Love,
Elder Corbeil
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