Gym Time and Dana Carvey

Today we had our first day of gym time. It is right after breakfast, which is kind of a bummer because we have to get dressed and then change. But it was good to release some energy. Today in class we learned how to bear our testimonies. It is very neat and more and more things are beginning to make sense to me. It is only my second day of classes and I feel like I have learned two months worth of material.

We had an LGM today where Dana Carvey (not really, but he looks like him) talked about The Plan of Salvation and we watched some very good movies about the Savior. I struggled a little in the middle of the day, but I am doing better now. I think once we get into the swing of things then time will speed up, because I feel like I have been here forever.

Elder Hanson is having a real rough time right now. He seems to be very frustrated with the language. I just hope I can help him with it so he can keep his spirits up. I am very tired again tonite so I hope that I sleep as good as I did last night.

Second Day on the Job

Second day on the job and one of the longest days of my life. However, I learned quite a lot. My brain right now is total mush, though. I have so many new things floating around in it right now. I am extremely tired, which as caused the little bit of homesickness and the tons of overwhelming feeling to come back. It left completely today as I was working hard. It is just the times that I don’t do a whole lot that are hard.

So, about yesterday. My family brought me in and we said goodbye. It was good and somewhat tearless. I came in and got my badge and stuff and then came to my room and met my comp. His name is Elder Hanson. He is from Bountiful and I can tell that we will get along really well. I can see that he may struggle a little with missing his girl, but I will do my best to motivate him. Anywho, then we unpacked then went to a meeting and then another one where we met our branch and our district. We have a great district, although some of the guys still have a lot of growing up to do. We are moving right along with the language, though. Which moves me to today. We got up and date then had class from 7:30-11:30, then ate lunch and had class and then a large group meeting, then ate dinner and then had class from 5:30-9:30. It was long and full of so much. It is so hard to take it all in, but I know that with the help of the Spirit I can do it. Oh yeah, we learned how to pray today. It is cool. The food is just like it was at the Morris Center and I can tell that I am already going to get sick of it.

We have three teachers all with very different teaching styles. Our night teacher, Frere Robins, went to Belgium and has been back just under a year. He has told us a lot about the mission to get us all excited. I anticipate that I will have a good day tomorrow and I know that time will begin to fly once I get into the swing of things.

First Night

I am here in my room on my first night at the MTC. I had a very good, but long day. It reminds me of being in DT living here at the MTC. I am a little homesick, but hopefully that will be gone in the morning. It is time for bed so I will tell about my day more tomorrow.

Set Apart

I just though I would take a moment tonite and write a few of my feelings.  I was set apart tonite as a full time missionary.  I am very honored.  I am going to miss my family and Joni and her family very much, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  When I told Joni goodbye it was wonderful.  We knelt down and then each of us said a prayer.  She had to say a silent one because she couldn’t get it out through the tears.  Then I said one.  We both felt a wonderful peace about me leaving.  We left with no tears (at the door) and smiles on our faces.  

Then tonite, I was set apart with my whole family there (except Heath) and we went around and they told me things that they loved about me and were going to miss.  I love my family very much.  I share something special with everyone of them.  I think this is kinda hard for mom and dad, but I know they love and support me all the way.  It has begun and I am ready!

Record of What Was Said:  I was set apart as a missionary.  I was blessed with the gift of tongues.  He blessed me with an opening of my mind so that I could learn much more than I normally could.  I was blessed with faith and promised with health if I was obedient and kept my body healthy.

Record of Who Was Present:  Both sets of Grandparents; all of my family except for Heath; Brother Jensen; Brother Alder; and Bishop Redd.

Goodbye to Joni

Today I said goodbye to my best friend for two years.  It was such a wonderful goodbye, though.  We dance to “You Are My Home” from Scarlett Pimpernel and then we both knelt in prayer.  She said a silent one because she couldn’t speak through the tears.  Then I gave one out loud and asked for strength for both of us.  And that if it be our Father’s will, that she would be preserved for me so that we could get married when I get home.  Then I had to leave and we left tearless, which made it so much easier for me.  When I got home, however, I did cry on both my mom’s and Karissa’s shoulders about leaving Joni.  But I felt such peace about it that it was so much easier to leave than I though it would be.  I will miss her dearly, along with my family, but I know that I can make it and then our reunion will be marvelous.  I love Joni and I love my family.