First email from the MTC

Hello Everyone,

First P day! Yes I got the picture and my companions and I laughed at it, by this point we know that feeling of being punched in the face by the spirit. Yes, I said companions. I am in a trio with Elder Wahlquist and Elder Liddiard. I am also the senior companion for the next two weeks. Elder Wahlquist is from King George, Virginia, he's a smart and talented kid, but very quiet when it comes to talking in front of people. My work with him will be getting him to open up and just speak. Elder Liddiard is a lot of fun, we're constantly laughing and enjoying the mtc. He has a little more trouble with the language, but I know that as he studies he'll learn it just as well as any of us. He has absolutely no problem speaking out, and that will be huge blessing for him. We all get along well and I'm excited for the next six weeks. There are seven missionaries in my district, and I'm growing to love all of them, there is one sister companionship, one normal elder companionship, and then the trio that I'm in. I'm not on the fast track for Spanish, but I think that's a good thing. The classes are long and arduous, but I understand about 90% of what comes my way. I'm able to respond fairly well, although it takes me awhile to think it out. I am absolutely astounded by the gift of tongues, every single day (all two of them :P) I know that I should not be doing this well, even after four years of Spanish, it's never been this possible. We are already praying, testifying, and committing to action in Spanish, we really don't spend much time on grammar, like all the things in this amazing church, focus on the Lord, and all good things will follow, I truly believe that. We teach our first investigator this Monday, and I look forward to crashing and burning like most do. We are still learning the ropes of the mtc, and there are times when I feel as though we've been forgotten (like when we're in a classroom with no teacher and no idea what to do so we bear our testimonies painfully in Spanish to fill time) But I've learned to just ask questions instead of wandering around confused.

I've learned some big lessons so far, but perhaps the most important is about investigators. Picture a classroom with about thirty missionaries in it. Enter a investigator (slash mtc employee, shh don't tell), We learn a little about them, some stand in missionaries ask some questions, and then they leave and the floor is opened to all the pre-greenie missionaries to find out about this investigator and how to help them. With so many missionaries it's a bit chaotic, but I think that I understand what the teachers were getting at. Our focus is on the investigator and what they need. Our job is to find they're needs, and help them with that, not to teach them every principle and precept of the gospel. I'm not sure if that came out right, but it makes TOTAL sense in my head. Throughout these discussions I feel like I have so much to say to these investigators, and that I'll be able to communicate well. Even if I don't get the chance to talk much, I'm okay. What worries me is whether I'll be able to do the same in Spanish. I know that with the Lord's help I can accomplish anything, but I also know that I'm going to need a LOT of that help.

I am rooming with the other four elders in my district, it's a bit crowded, but a lot of fun. I have had no trouble sleeping, or getting up, another testament to the power of Our Savior. (wink wink nudge nudge to Bishop). The food is great, the workout room acceptable. I went to the temple today and did sealings, I didn't know that we could do that but it was a great experience. I can't wait for the day I kneel across from the woman I'll spend the rest of my life with. It is a special room. The temple is literally 10 minutes walk away (the temples just keep getting CLOSER) which is pretty nifty, especially since it's so beautiful out. I'm loving the weather, although it is turning pretty chilly, I can't wait for Costa Rican weather. That's all I can think of for now, Love to all of you!!! I met a Mormon on the flight over, he sat next to me, but I'm out of time, Adios!

P.S. Oren, email me, I need your address so that i can send you letters.

P.P.S. Jacqueline, the packing was perfect, I haven't needed the books yet. My camera hasn't come in yet either, so no pictures yet.

P.P.P.S. Love you Jamesons!