December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas Eve everybody! Are there any children down there? So I think I've told pretty much every Christmas story our family has to all my buddies, and Black Sea Barricuda has become our whole Zone's new catchphrase. At random times throughout the day, I'll hear someone scream from a completely diffrent classroom: "Black Sea Barricuda!!" It's really catching around the MTC, I think I may have invented some cool new slang. All thanks to you Kev, the mater of the Black Sea Barricuda. I have that video running through my head right now, and in my memory Kev says it so incredibly loud..there's no way it could actually be that loud, right? Oh wait, It was actually even louder than what I think. Thank goodness we live in the time of video cameras, and thank goodness we have those now on DVD's which will be passed down from generation to generation. Just wait tell you see Black Sea Barricuda in 3D 20 years from now. Truly terrifying.

So how is everybody! First of all before I forget, gotta say thanks to Kev & Rach for that awesome Christmas treat they gave me. My seat in my classroom is right next to the window, and since it's freezing outside, I put all of my candy out in my "refridgerator" aka outside the window and enjoy some truly cold and delicious Dr. Pepper and Symphony chocolate everyday. Thanks again guys, it really meant a lot to me. You guys rock!

So what are the details about Christmas 2010? Is Mike going for the underwear, or the jar of peanuts this year? What are the chances Dad gets a book this Christmas, and Mom gets a movie? So incredibly good. So I wish I could write all of you's individually but I don't have the time! So this is coutning as my Christmas Letter for this year, enjoy it foo's. Aw man, there is so much magic going on at Via Madera right now, isn't there? How many trips have you guys made down to the Train and blow up Snowman on our street? Do the Leeav's have Christmas lights? Well, everyone enjoy the magic for me, I wish I was back in Mexico. But no worries, we've had some truly classic moments opening presents here at the MTC. Dudes getting so, so excited for clock radios and scripture cases, literally dancing through the halls. So there's definitely some magic. I haven't opened my present from you yet Mom, just like ya told me. But I'm pumped for tomorrow, probably won't even be able to sleep tonight.

Kinda got some interesting news for all of my followers out there, thank you for supporting my blog by the way. I actually have a Sister Missionary as a companion now too. Isn't that craziest thing? All of the Hermanas in my district (there used to be 6) all left for their places weeks ago to go to different MTC's, but this Hermana for whatever reason didn't get her Visa. So they stuck her with me and my companion, and I am officially in a trio with a girl. Definitely didn't see that coming, but it's actually way cool. I'd be lieing if I said my companion hasn't been a challenge sometimes, he's really a pessimist, but it's awesome having Hermana Williams who I click with a little better. So that's been interesting, right guys? Come on! You guys love reading this.

It's so weird, but I seriously know a lot of Spanish. Last night I taught (I tend to talk the most in lessons) an hour long lesson about the plan of Salvation, completely in Spanish. It feels so cool! And I forget to mention it to you guys, but I've already gotten 2 "baptisms" in the MTC! Sure I'm just teaching missionaries, but still a baptism is a baptism. So I'm officially on my 8th week at the ol' MTC, and I'm pretty sure I could walk around this place blindfolded, but it's been an experience I'm not going to forget anytime soon. I've been playing the best Basketball of my life! But I'm definitely ready and pumped to get to Mexico, so that's kinda replaced the Christmas excitement for this year. Which yes, I do forget it's Christmas time 85% of the day, but that's ok, I've got so many more Christmas's. Everyone has watched Muppet's right? One of my best buddies here, Elder Harris from Colorado loves Muppet's Christmas Carol too, and we've successfully remembered all the words to all the songs (except the terrible Scrooge and Girl Scrooge Love song). There's magic in the air tonight...Tis the season to be jolly and joyous!

As for the Lakers and tomorrows game against the Heat. Apparently Lakes are on a bit of a downside, but no worries. This is the game that will turn us around and start a 20-25 win streak. Is Bynum back yet? What's going on with the Big Baby? We'll beat the Heat by 3 points, with some big plays in the end by Kobe. And we'll be on a serious streak right after this. Here's hoping we avoid another Christmas massacre. If someone could DearElder me the details about the game, that would be awesome!

So thanks everyone else for all your letters, can't tell you enough how much I appreciate them. They can seriously change days completely. I really miss all of you, especially at this time of the year, but no worries I know this is exactly where I'm supposed to be and this is where I want to be. But I love you all of you, and want you to have a Christmas for the ages.

Mark and Heather! Wonderful letters, wonderful typing on iPad Marvelous. Mark, how pumped are you for Christmas this year? Chrsitmas's always are the most magical with a video game involved for some reason. Enjoy it for the both of us, bro. Oh yeah! Just remembered tonight is Papa John's night. Score. And how pumped up am I for the delicious Christmas feast tomorrow? A little ham, a little mashed potaters precious, and that's about it. Wonderful.

So by the way Mom & Dad, I'm not sure how it works with needing money for the flight for all my carry on's and stuff. But I might need some money to pay for all that airport garbage, I hate to ask for more but I'm pretty sure my current 17 bucks won't cut it for all my flights and all my stuff and what not. Merry Christmas to me! Love yo guys and am super grateful for everything that you do.

Alright, so everyone love Christmas this year and make it the best. I'll be back for Christmas in no time. Oh! And Brett! Thanks so much for the cd's you sent, so pumped to use those, you know if I get the cd player. And I talked to Elder Kimmy Gubler, and yes his Dad send him a copy of my letter and told him to write more like me. Take that Gubler. Actually I like that kid, even if he writes terrible laters.

Well keep it real, yo's. And Mom & Dad, I'll give you details on my flght stuff as soon as I get them which should be soon. I woudl love it if you guys could meet me at LAX, but if not that's ok. Love each and everyone of you's.

Love,
Elder Abbott

December 17, 2010

Merry Fishmas everybody. Is it seriously almost Christmas already? Man, time is the weirdest thing ever in the MTC. Sometimes I forget it's December, and I'm wondering when Thanksgiving is going to finally roll around. Then again, when the Holidays really aren't that different from any other day, it's easy to forget what day it is and where I am. I guess I'm in Utah, but the MTC is a lot, actually exactly like the Vatican in Italy. A country in itself, with a President, and the most obedient citizens of all time. The MTC is such a well oiled machine, I mean there's way more missionaries than there are teachers and things, yet everything runs so smoothly. Gotta admit, it's pretty amazing seeing so many young people do exactly what there supposed to do without being told. It's kinda like if Communism actually worked.

So anyways, Merry Christmas everybody! How is everything going in the outside world? Hopefully those who are headed down Abby's direction remember the magic of the Dingley Balls, as well as those cool streets in Brea witht he coco Christmas lights. The Dingley Balls are just so great, easily the best kept secret of Southern California. Oh, and Miles Joseph, make SURE you repeatedly sing "Oh Dingley Ball, Oh Dingley Ball, how lovely are you Dingles" several, several times over the Holiday season. Make me proud, boy. Oh, and who is buying for who this year? Pretty much everyone is solid these days, and there's no real down side to picking anybody's name out of the ol' hat. Hmm...although I want to say this year, whoever Kevin & Rach is buying for expect a nice thoughtful card and candy bar. Kev isn't Mr. Lawyer yet. But prove me wrong Bevington. And for whoever out there has Brett, congratulations, he will get you something awesome, for incredibly cheap. Who picked me out of the hat this year? Kev, I expect a great candy bar, milk chocolate Symphony bar would be fantastic.

So life is getting better and better at the ol' MTC, but so is my excitement just to get out to Mexico and start doing the real deal. Can you all believe I've been here 6 weeks? Which means in about two weeks or so, I should be shipped down south to visit my Mehicano hermanos, and man am I excited. Who wants a toncil update? Alright! Totally better, it was kind of a tough week to be honest. I never knew getting toncils out was going to be so terrible afterwards, it was incredibly awesome right afterwards. So many drugs, watched so much SportsCenter with my companion in the hospital. Every time the nurse asked us if we were ready to go, we smiled and said..."not quite yet." She eventually caught on, got some chocolate milk, and watched SportsCenter with us. Truly magical times on the mission. My Spanish has really been coming along lately, and I'm feelin' pretty confident these days. But don't worry, I definitely know it's not me who is good at Spanish, it's absolutely Heavenly Father blessing me to be able to speak it, the minute I start thinking it's me whose good, I lose it. Seriously! If your not spiritually there, Spanish does not come. But when your sincere about teaching somebody and pray for the gift of tongues, Heavenly Father will never leave you hanging, and it's awesome. We taught a really cool family in TRC this week about the Restoration, and it went really well. Me and my companion have our first "baptism" this week! How cool is that?

Oh and by the way, each and everyone of you rock. I'm pretty sure I got a letter from one of you every single day that I was kinda hatin' life with my throat just hurting way bad. I kinda needed some encouragement over those couple of days, and you guys definitely gave it. So thanks! And by the way, I got my voice back a couple of days ago, and man did I miss it. Mark! How fantastic is the new game? Your such a wise man, when used smartly, video games are a gift that can keep on giving. Keep writing me about it, and give me the details on what's going on! Sounds like you guys are having a magical Christmas, and maybe it's time for a Christmas miracle? Marvelous getting a yob? Stay optimistic Marv, I know for sure that your going to find exactly what your looking for. And thanks for the advice Heather, I'm going to build so many forts for my wife!

Brett! Fantastic Wilbon article, and I called this way before that D. Rose was going to be awesome. And perhaps the next franchise guys for the Lakes? Maybe CP3? Whoever we get, I'm calling it's going to be an awesome PG. Does anyone know when Kobe's massive contract ends? Here's hoping we don't give a 35 year old man a 5 year contract, even if he is the Mamba. Are Lakes pulling out of their skid lately? My Lakers source is a dude who works at the MTC gym, and I think he's been sick, so what's going on? Has Bynum's legs exploded yet? They should just have him on a wheelchair every moment of his life, except when he plays Basketball. That dummy. And Becky! Really appreciated your letter as well, I pray for you guys every night that you will really enjoy your lives. I think it's really cool that you guys are as happy as you are, may not be the most exciting time in your lives, but enjoy it! Life is short. Something I'm figuring out more everyday.

Greg & Family! Write me, ya dang fools. Especially you, you uneducated Shmutz. Love you

Kev & Rach! And of clouse Baby Benjamin. Hope all is well with you foo's and it's a magical Christmas wherever you may be. To quote Kevin: "I hope...you have a good Christmas..and...and...and..I hope ya get what ya want." Also! Go on more dates you two! And have Holly babysit, she's bored these days. Come on Kevin, Rachael is awesome and deserves more dates!

Mom & Dad! Loved getting the chance to talk to you last night and good to hear everything is going good and not too much has changed. Have an awesome Christmas! And thanks so much for all the packages and what not Mom, it's really added a lot to my Christmas. You guys rock. I love both of you so much! You deserve an awesome Christmas.

So all is good with ol' Elder Tyler. Just kinda counting the days tell Mexico, which is not too far away by the way. Oh and apparently Mike is a hero? I always knew he was.

Love,

Elder Abbott

December 10, 2010

Family! Aw man it is so good to be emailing everyone, let alone be communicating with anybody. So apparently when they take your toncils out, they take your voice too because I sound like a 400 year old man. Just straight up whisper all the time, so grumpy. Well, not too grumpy. Just grumpy when I get asked for like the 25th time that day how I'm doing, when they know very well I can't answer them. But that's ok, I'm on the road to recovery. So let me just apolagize in advance for any weird moments in this email, I am absolutely hopped up on goofballs at this very moment. I don't know what they gave me, but it's been pretty entertaining, just ask the guys in my district. So let me just start with the good stuff: my surgery. It was way early in the morning on Tuesday, and they wanted me to dress in my Hospital best once I got there. Which means no clothes, just gown. It took me a good ten minutes to figure out the barn door of that thing, eventually just wearing shorts underneath and not telling anybody. It's just too soon in my life to wander around a hospital with my barn door wide open. They shot an IV into me, I sort of remember having a conversation about the Ocean, and bam! Woke up with zero toncils. What happened before that, I have no idea. But the beauty of it, was I literally woke up eating some delicious yogurt and what was on TV? Sportscenter. That's right family of mine, Sportscenter. I knew in that moment that Heavenly Father knew me personally and loved me. Considering this, I felt no guilt watching rerun adter rerun of Sportscenter while the very nice nurse pumped some serious goofballs into my system. My companion was loving life too. We did everything we could to milk it, and stay as long as possible at the hospital, which totalled like 8 hours or something...I also watched Family Feud. Seriously good times. Eventually they caught on to the fact that I felt fine and was just trying to stick around for round 3 of the Feud, so they kicked us out. We picked up some medicine at the pharmacy right after, and I crashed for hours!

I've basically been bed-ridden since, but it hasn't been too bad actually. Gotten a lot of sleep, some great reading in the Book of Mormon, and just some time to myself. It's weird, I thought this would kinda go like my Wisdom Teeth and I would be fine in no time, but this is kinda kicking my butt to tell you the truth. But no worries, I'm definitely getting better and I'm super grateful to have those golfballs out, especially in a week or so. I'll probably be down and out for the next couple of days, but I should be back into action fairly soon. I have no idea how people back in the day were just bed-ridden for like months. My back is killing me! But of course, I still make it to gym time everyday. It would take quite a lot to keep me from gym time. Oh, and I also still made it to the Temple this morning, which is always awesome. Going to the temple is just so refreshing, I promise everytime you go you'll be happy you did. I don't know, everything just becomes easier and happier when looked at from the perspective of being in the temple. We're so lucky we get to go once a week. Man am I pumped to gloriously return to Newport Beach when I get back, I feel a very close connection to that temple.

Thanks so much for all the letters I got this week! I don't think there was a single day I didn't get a letter this week, and I kinda needed it this week. You guys rock. I'm still laughing about that Uncle Ron thing Rach, can't you see why me and him battled so much? You know he did that on purpose just to mess around with you, someone needed to stand up to him, and that someone was me. Brett! Loved the HP review, even though Ebert doesn't know the first thing about Harry Potter. I seriously love those things you send me Brettsky, those Simmons articles are so good! As well as your normal letters, on behalf of all the brothers in this family, we're very lucky to have you. Oh and yes, I met Elder Kimmy Gubler. Kind of an awkward kid, but pretty cool non the less. He's actually in the same district as Holly's cousin, so I'll say hey to those foo's every once in a while.

Mark and Haether! No worries about the yob Marko, I promise something will work out for you, I even got my whole district to pray for you last fast Sunday. And never let the dream of Southern California die! You better believe that's where I want to end up, and the more Abbott's we have down there the better, Randy & Sandy will figure it out eventually. And good work on the splurge, look forward to each and every one of those. Keep writing me and telling me about them! I get seriously pumped when I hear about it. and Heather! How cool was the nativity thing? And have you and Marvelous started my Christmas care package yet?

Kev! Thanks for the letter as well me amigo. I've totally become good buddies with my teachers, it's weird that there like totally my age. A lot of my good friends from back home are older than they are, so that's kinda weird. But still, there great teachers and I can definitely tell I was supposed to get these guys. I can definitely tell there's a lot of teachers in here that I just wouldn't click with, but these two dudes, it's easy. Definitely guys I'll write a letter or two when I'm out in Mehico.

Mom! I got your package, and I can very confidently and easily say you are the best Mom that ever was. Seriously Mom! A bag for each day? I've been loving opening them, and it gives me something to look forward to everyday. Even though I can't eat the goldfish yet, they make me more motivated to get better faster, so I can enjoy that delicious cheddar snack. I really appreciate it. Oh! And expect a call from me when I can talk again, which should be in the next couple of days. And with that I will have officially been able to call home 3 times from the MTC, I'm the man.

So is everyone getting pumped for Christmas time? Everyone promise me right now that they will watch Muppet's at least once this Christmas season. That's one tradition that cannot, and shall not, die. It's just too great. You can't tell me you don't get filled with Christmas Magic everytime you hear "When a cold wind blows, it chills you!" Even you, Gregorious. Also, very pumped to hear about fantasy NBA being alive and well. I have a strong testimony in the power of fantasy Basketball and what it can do to unify this family for years to come. Especially when we all finally jump on the iPhone train. Please tell me we can all do it when I get back, and I'll definitely get into fantasy Foosball as well.

As for the Lakes, that 4 game slide was not even a big deal. We're too good to really care about that season, we know what we've got come post season, And you know Phil knows exactly what he is doing, and if he's not worried, than I'm not. So what are the chances Lamar makes the all-star team this year? Oh, and by the way, Pau is officially in his prime brothers. And he will be on the All-NBA First Team. Also, the Lakers next franchise player: Chris Paul. Tell me it can happen.

So anyways, I hope everyone is doing well. I love each and everyone of you so much, and I love hearing from you guys. Stay strong in the faith, because what is our church all about? Us being able to live together for eternity in total happiness. Now I don't know about you, but that's a church I would want to be a part of. Nothing makes me happier than the knowledge I can be with all of you forever. It's like a very own family camp, where we play a team of Lynn Zaugg's for the Basketball 'ship. So keep on rockin' family, the church is true and all of you know it. Adios!

Love,

Elder Abbott

December 3, 2010

Family! This is easily in the top 5 best parts of the week. Oh what's that, you want me to tell you the top 5 best things at the MTC? You got it. I'm just going to go in no particular order, because I feel bad putting P-Day number one. You've got a little Tuesday Devosh, which this week was, ya'll ready for this, Relief Society President Arlen Beck! Her name is something Beck, I'm not sure what, but she was pretty awesome. I play some serious Ball 5 times a week, every Friday we got PaPa John's Pizza, and I have perfected the showers here. The key is to go down two floors, shower where there's nobody around, some nice warm water, so peaceful. Why hasn't everybody figured this out? And to top it all off, you get to go to the temple every week! Not too shabby family, not too shabby.

So I don't know if you've heard the rumors or not, but I'm having sugery this Tuesday. Relax, it's not a big deal. I'm just getting my giant, golf ball like toncils out of my mouth. Which is such a relief. So last week I got diagnosed with Mono and Toncilitus, awesome! Actually it is kinda awesome. I kinda have this free nap pass that I like to use occasionally, no one questions you because you have Mono. Which is think is super contagious by the way, I've easily gotten like 15 people sick of thats the case. No worries, Mono isn't that bad. So I got to go see this specialist in the outside world, or "Babylon" is what we call it here, it was the craziest thing ever! I haven't seen anything beyond the MTC in a month. I felt like I time traveled from the 1700's or something, or I just got back from the Island on LOST. Everything was so weird! But walking around in Provo with a missionary tag instantly makes you a celebrity. Everybody and their Grandma will just freak out everytime they see you and tell you how their grandson just got their call. Good times. It sounds way worse than it is, I'm not doing too bad at all, except the fact I got an MTC haircut today. I look just terrible.

Anyways, how is everyone else doing? Good to hear Abby and Papa are finally back from their "Tyler's Finally Gone" vacation. Hey Mom and Dad, I miss you guys! I really do. Same goes for all of you. How was T-Giving? Sounds like it was pretty awesome from what I've heard from everybody (Brett). Even when your in the MTC though, a loss to the Jazz just hurts deep down. Actually, especially in the MTC. Naturally everyone loves the Jazz here, and naturally everyone loves it when I insist on wearing my Kobe jersey every single night. So how much did Sammy freak out when you came home Mom and Dad? Aw man, wish I could have been there, Sammy probably almost self destructed on pure excitement. Kinda like "Black Sea Barricuda" for a dog.

Life is pretty swell out here for me. We got a new district of kids the last week. My group has been the youngest group for the past 4 weeks, it was definitely time for some new blood. We got a kid from London, which we were all pumped for. He sounds like Wallace from Wallace & Gromit. I love it. The language is definitely still progressing. I've gotten really comfortable teaching about The Restoration and The Plan of Salvation in Spanish if you can believe it. Hey Uncle Bert, Rando, and Mike, brush up on your Spanish, you better believe we'll be talking in it when I get back. I've just really settled here at the MTC. I've gotten to the point where I know the drill, I'm buddies with everybody, I know what to eat and what not to eat, I finally figured out which was the Men stairs and not the Lady's Stairs in the Temple. I've officially been on my mission an entire month!

Thanks again to everyone who has been awesome writting me. Brett, you gotta know how awesome of a brother you are. All of you are the best brothers ever, but Brett is the true keeper of the keys. I loved that Simmons article, even though I kinda hate him. But keep the letters coming! Just when your sitting there, got nothing to do, go on DearElder and write your old Brother/Son/Uncle a letter. It will seriously make his day.

So just wanted to reiterate how much I love all of you. I feel so, so blessed to be a part of this family. I've got the greatest neices and nephews ever, who have helped me become a better person more than they'll ever know. So we've got this system in my class where everyone is a progressive investigator for the other. For one companionship there teaching me as Gregorious. And for another companionship there teaching me as Miles Joseph. It's really fun and interesting to work that out. Special shoutout to Greg and his family, you guys are the bomb. Hope everyone is doing great, and I'm praying for you every night. Keep it on keepin' it real. Play Stump for Wood for me. Copy and paste more Bill Simmons articles for me. Read the Book of Mormon a little more for me. And most imporantly, be happy. You guys rock!

Love,

Elder Abbott