September 16, 2011

Well this is my final email from the MTC. I can't believe I'm finally getting out of the "Provo Jail". Today we are at Infield Orientation, so our schedule for the rest of the time here is a little irregular. So tomorrow I'll will be doing my laundry and going to the temple and whatnot. But I think we're all getting pretty anxious to get out and about. This last week saw some pretty interesting events. On Sunday, for our fireside, we did something a little different. We didn't have a speaker. Instead we watched the special 9/11 Music and the Spoken Word broadcast. It was pretty good. I was a little disappointed in Tom Brokaw's performance, but what can you do? The clips of the attacks always put a lump in my throat. Especially the clips of the second plane hitting the tower. But the music that the choir did was really nice. On Monday, I snapped at Elder T. I was kinda joking around during study time with the rest of the district, when he told us to be quiet. In my defense, he did say it in kind of a rude way, but my response wasn't justified. I just stood up and yelled almost as loud as I could for him to shut up! I think it really got to him, because he was quiet pretty much all day. I felt bad almost all day as well. I apologized to him back in the residence, and said I would try to do a better job of staying focused. He said he really appreciated the apology. So it all worked out good. On Tuesday, Elder Ballard came and talked with us as an MTC. It was a pretty big surprise. We were just sitting there singing the prelude hymn when suddenly the front of the auditorium stood up. I didn't know what the crap was going on. Eventually I figured it out. So that was a pretty cool way to have our last devotional at the MTC. After the devotional, I bid Jeremy farewell. The last of my friends that I'll see on my mission. I'm pretty excited for when we all get back and share all our stories. And it was really cool to have Jeremy just a couple of floors away. On Wednesday, we were assigned to host the new missionaries again. They assigned me to host an international missionary that had arrived the day before. I hosted a guy named Elder Simon, from Kiribati. He is assigned to work in the Washington Spokane English speaking mission. So he has to learn English here. He spoke it pretty good though. He was pretty funny. I guess this is his first time in America, and he told me that he has never been in weather this cold before. I wonder how he'll react to his first winter. But it was pretty humbling helping him with his luggage. He fit all his possessions for the next 2 years in one little suitcase and one backpack. I'm thinking about giving him a shirt or something. But thats about it for the last week. Pretty excited to head on Tuesday.

Answers to questions: 

I will probably send home a package soon. With my memory card. I don't know if I'll have time to write down what everything is. I think I've taken about 250 pictures. Most of them are probably self explanitory.

I did buy new scriptures. They are small. They will be better for tracting. I am going to use the ones that Sam got me for the personal study and keep the other ones in my backpack.

I got my second shot about a month ago. Didn't I tell you this? That was that big 140 dollar withdrawal

The haircut is ok. I'll send pictures.

They do have dry cleaners here. I have gotten my suit cleaned three times. Too many times, I know.

The new mailroom opened on Wednesday. I got the package. Thank you so much. I can't think of anything else. At this point, maybe start sending the boxes to California. I have to start packing tonight.

I feel ready, I'm not sure how prepared I am. I guess I'm just expecting a little baptism by fire when I get here.

4 of the Elders in my district are leaving on Tuesday. Elder O. has to let his finger heal a little longer, so he will be staying at the MTC for like 2-3 more weeks.

Me and Elder T. fly with 12 other Elders on Tuesday. I haven't met any of them.
Sleep is still good.

I'm not sure when my P-Day will be in CA. I guess I'll find out when I get there.

Love you. I am a little sad that this Friday is a little off. I was looking forward to trading emails back and forth. I can't wait to call you guys on Tuesday. I'll call as soon as I get through security. Love you!

I guess there is a rumor that the departing missionaries might get to go to the game tomorrow. That would be so cool. I kinda doubt it at this point, because I guess kick off is at 7:30. So kinda unlikely, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Love you! Talk to you soon!