So far, I've put on almost 6 pounds. Three of those have been gained in a single week here, eating this European food. It's not that bad! The second day, there was this disk that looked, felt, smelled and tasted like a manta ray. But I ate it all up, and even talked about how it looked like something fresh out of the aquarium just so I could bother the sister missionaries. The first day, I ate shrimp. Whole shrimp, with the little black, beady eyes staring at me and everything. It wasn't as bad as you'd think!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Gotta Love that Spanish Food - excerpt from letter dated April 28
So far, I've put on almost 6 pounds. Three of those have been gained in a single week here, eating this European food. It's not that bad! The second day, there was this disk that looked, felt, smelled and tasted like a manta ray. But I ate it all up, and even talked about how it looked like something fresh out of the aquarium just so I could bother the sister missionaries. The first day, I ate shrimp. Whole shrimp, with the little black, beady eyes staring at me and everything. It wasn't as bad as you'd think!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Elder Knorr's First Email from the Madrid MTC
EL MENSAJE [the message]:
I made it! After however many hours of flying, I made it! The jet lag is pretty bad right now, but I'll try to stay awake and focused enough to finish and send this email.
I suppose the biggest news is that I made it here to the Madrid CCM safely and on time. We left at 5 in the morning (Provo time) and went by bus straight to Salt Lake City, the drive was a good time for me to bid a final two-year adieu to the valley and people that I loved. While cruising down the freeway, I saw Venus rise right by the crescent moon over the silhouette of Mt. Timpanogos, and I guess that was kind of like the valley saying goodbye back.
The flight from SLC to the NY airport was uneventful and comfortable. I sat by a couple of great guys and had a nice conversation getting to know them. I've noticed that people are staring at me A LOT. I guess it's this black name tag I'm wearing... :) After a brief layover in NYC, we boarded Air France and headed out across Irreantum, which being interpreted is 'Super Crazy long Plane Flight over the Atlantic.' I was able to get a couple hours of restless sleep. I thought the food they served was delicious and I ate every bite, though some of my traveling companions found it too diverse for their tastes. After the Lord brought me across the great waters, we landed in Paris and had another brief layover before boarding the last flight to Madrid. 
When I landed in Madrid, it was just all so beautiful! The sun is so bright and the air is so clear. It's just what you'd expect from a storybook or something. And yes, they DO use the theta and the vosotros form!!! I'm still loving every instance of it. It's just plain awesome! We took another bus to the CCM "Centro por el Capacitacion de los Misioneros." First thing I noticed: all the buildings are built of the same or similar color of red brick, except for the Temple, of course, which is very beautiful and bright. They told us we'd get to go inside tomorrow! I can't wait. Then we had lunch in the cafeteria, which consisted of some halibut, lentil beans, crème brulée and some shrimp. All this time, I never knew that I'd been missing out on half of the shrimp! ;) After popping down a couple of those, I had this melon-like fruit that tasted really good and then a couple of seeded grapes. After a brief meeting, I started in on my unpacking and laundry (which really needs to be done, seeing as I didn't get a chance to do it before I left). After another brief meeting, they gave us our keys and 32 euro to start us off, and I added it to the euro money that Aunt Heather and Uncle Richard gave to me.
Well, that's what's going on right now! I'm just about of of time so I'll just sign this off by saying that I love you all and thank you for your prayers and your well-wishes! Can't wait to get some mail, and I'll let you all know when/if I see Elder Ogden! Hasta ver!
-Elder Knorr
I made it! After however many hours of flying, I made it! The jet lag is pretty bad right now, but I'll try to stay awake and focused enough to finish and send this email.
I suppose the biggest news is that I made it here to the Madrid CCM safely and on time. We left at 5 in the morning (Provo time) and went by bus straight to Salt Lake City, the drive was a good time for me to bid a final two-year adieu to the valley and people that I loved. While cruising down the freeway, I saw Venus rise right by the crescent moon over the silhouette of Mt. Timpanogos, and I guess that was kind of like the valley saying goodbye back.
The flight from SLC to the NY airport was uneventful and comfortable. I sat by a couple of great guys and had a nice conversation getting to know them. I've noticed that people are staring at me A LOT. I guess it's this black name tag I'm wearing... :) After a brief layover in NYC, we boarded Air France and headed out across Irreantum, which being interpreted is 'Super Crazy long Plane Flight over the Atlantic.' I was able to get a couple hours of restless sleep. I thought the food they served was delicious and I ate every bite, though some of my traveling companions found it too diverse for their tastes. After the Lord brought me across the great waters, we landed in Paris and had another brief layover before boarding the last flight to Madrid.
When I landed in Madrid, it was just all so beautiful! The sun is so bright and the air is so clear. It's just what you'd expect from a storybook or something. And yes, they DO use the theta and the vosotros form!!! I'm still loving every instance of it. It's just plain awesome! We took another bus to the CCM "Centro por el Capacitacion de los Misioneros." First thing I noticed: all the buildings are built of the same or similar color of red brick, except for the Temple, of course, which is very beautiful and bright. They told us we'd get to go inside tomorrow! I can't wait. Then we had lunch in the cafeteria, which consisted of some halibut, lentil beans, crème brulée and some shrimp. All this time, I never knew that I'd been missing out on half of the shrimp! ;) After popping down a couple of those, I had this melon-like fruit that tasted really good and then a couple of seeded grapes. After a brief meeting, I started in on my unpacking and laundry (which really needs to be done, seeing as I didn't get a chance to do it before I left). After another brief meeting, they gave us our keys and 32 euro to start us off, and I added it to the euro money that Aunt Heather and Uncle Richard gave to me.Well, that's what's going on right now! I'm just about of of time so I'll just sign this off by saying that I love you all and thank you for your prayers and your well-wishes! Can't wait to get some mail, and I'll let you all know when/if I see Elder Ogden! Hasta ver!
-Elder Knorr
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
¡Vamos al España!
Today's the day Elder Knorr flies to Spain. He left at 8:35 this morning and arrives tomorrow in Madrid 12:00 noon their time/4:00 am Utah time. He's going Salt Lake City - New York - Paris - Madrid. He's somewhere over the Atlantic right now!Christopher made a quick call home this morning from the airport and was able to talk with Dad, Emily, Megan and Ethan. Their conversation was short, sweet, and continually interrupted by the operator asking for more quarters...
Audio Journal from Elder Knorr at the MTC
Click above for an entertaining 15 min. message
While listening, you may have a few questions. Here are the answers:
- We have already sent him the President Uchtdorf talk he requested. If you'd like to read Elder Knorr's "newest favorite talk," click here.
- Shortly before he left for the MTC he discovered a small sore on his forearm, which is healing well with antibiotics.
- We will post some more pictures of Elder Knorr at the MTC as soon as they arrive!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
LEAVING FOR SPAIN THIS TUESDAY
We just received a 5 minute phone call from Elder Knorr at the MTC. They allowed him to call because he is flying to Madrid April 21st after all!
Apparently his visa has been in Salt Lake this whole time, but his name somehow didn't get on the list that was sent down to the MTC. Then two days ago he received his travel plans and tickets with the others, so he's good to go.
He is excited and we are relieved. Thank you for your prayers and your support of Christopher on his mission.
I have updated his mailing address to the Madrid MTC.
Apparently his visa has been in Salt Lake this whole time, but his name somehow didn't get on the list that was sent down to the MTC. Then two days ago he received his travel plans and tickets with the others, so he's good to go.
He is excited and we are relieved. Thank you for your prayers and your support of Christopher on his mission.
I have updated his mailing address to the Madrid MTC.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Letters from MTC
Dear Mom,
Hi! I'll start by answering all your questions:
Spanish is coming great. I try to speak as much of it as I can, and it helps.
I got moved up [to the intermediate class] three days in. Elder Arnold is my companion now: he's a lacrosse player from Timpanogos High School, but I didn't know him. He's a really cool guy.
My roommates are Elder Carmona, a short, funny, half Mexican guy from Texas. His companion, Elder Albretson, is a tall redhead from Wisconsin. We all have a lot of fun together.
As for life here at the MTC, it's really good. The missionary's life is the best life there is! I'm hardly ever hungry, and I'm constantly feeling the spirit. Despite the delay in my visa, I know that I'll be fine. I'll just keep working hard around here.
The Church is True! Love You.
______________________
Dear Dad,
...My Pdays are Tuesdays, and that's when I become a letter-writing machine.
Things are going really well for me here in the MTC! The classes are good, the spirit is strong, and the Spanish is getting better. I've recently discovered the Referral Center, where we call people to offer them free copies of the Book of Mormon or sometimes answer Spanish emails asking questions about our church. The spirit there is great. I'm having an awesome time.
¡Iré y Haré! [I will go and I will do!]
Elder Knorr
Hi! I'll start by answering all your questions:
Spanish is coming great. I try to speak as much of it as I can, and it helps.
I got moved up [to the intermediate class] three days in. Elder Arnold is my companion now: he's a lacrosse player from Timpanogos High School, but I didn't know him. He's a really cool guy.
My roommates are Elder Carmona, a short, funny, half Mexican guy from Texas. His companion, Elder Albretson, is a tall redhead from Wisconsin. We all have a lot of fun together.
As for life here at the MTC, it's really good. The missionary's life is the best life there is! I'm hardly ever hungry, and I'm constantly feeling the spirit. Despite the delay in my visa, I know that I'll be fine. I'll just keep working hard around here.
The Church is True! Love You.
______________________
Dear Dad,
...My Pdays are Tuesdays, and that's when I become a letter-writing machine.
Things are going really well for me here in the MTC! The classes are good, the spirit is strong, and the Spanish is getting better. I've recently discovered the Referral Center, where we call people to offer them free copies of the Book of Mormon or sometimes answer Spanish emails asking questions about our church. The spirit there is great. I'm having an awesome time.
¡Iré y Haré! [I will go and I will do!]
Elder Knorr
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