Friday, September 9, 2011

Good Byes Are Hard--Farewell Elder Taylor

Well, it's crazy as usual here. First off, Mother, I write back to every person who writes me. So that is the reason Kevin didn't have a letter. If people write, I write back. I keep promises and I said I would do that as long as people responded to me. You can always find time on your p day at least here and I shorten them if I need. Please don't worry about that. I'm responsible and will stay focused on my work as well as care for my friends. I care about their concerns too. I pray for all of them and for my family as well. Don't worry, I am still here for Kevin too. He wrote me this week and I plan on writing him back. Check the mail Monday Kevy! When I write, I simply grab the letter off my stack and write that person back and keep doing it until the pile is gone. Anyway, time for the week update!
Friday: Nothing too special happened after laundry/email time this day. Elder Taylor and Elder Andrew's district were in infield orientation day so I got my first glimpse of when they leave. No bueno.
Saturday: So TRC was another bummer. Nobody wakes up on Saturday mornings to be taught. :( But I got to teach Elder Ostler again with Elder Maner, Elder Finlayson, and my comp. It was great, but short. We talked about the importance of going to church and that it is a way to receive revelation. Later, in class, we started to learn my last grammar subject that I haven't done on my own--subjunctive! I've been scared to attempt it on my own, but it's not all that bad. I just need to memorize some trigger words . . . a lot of them . . .and then be careful when using past subjunctive. . . tough stuff right there! Tonight was my first day back to gym! Yep, I was dumb and went right to the campo de futbol!! But it was awesome! I was all over the place and after the game I was called the tornado because I was running everywhere!  So much fun! I love soccer so much! Don't worry Mom I'm using my brace. Oh and ps, the ankle is fine. Stop worrying about it! :)
Sunday: Second Fast Sunday! We're going to have three because of general conference. My first Sunday in the field will be general conference and completely in Spanish!!! So cool!!! I'm so excited for the immersion of Spanish down in South America! Tonight was the last night with Elder Andrew and Elder Taylor. I will miss them so much. We had a bottle of Martinelli's that we popped off in the bathroom and celebrated their completion of the MTC! So fun! Also, we got to have mission conference today along with our fireside. It's basically like having three devotionals in one day! I love it! Everything was focused on faith, obedience, repentance, and success. It was great! The fireside was by Heaton AGAIN! That's number three from him now! It doesn't matter he's amazing! I love hearing him speak.
Monday: The title in my journal says, "Alone in My Head" (ps I title each day for fast reference later). Anyway, it was so hard saying bye to Elder Taylor this morning. He's seriously one of my closest friends now. He's kind of a mix between Taylor and RJ. I'll miss him so much! But we're going to chill at the Y after the mish. The rest of the day was very emotional. Even Elder Letham teared up in one of our role plays because of the Spirit. I rededicated my time here at the MTC to my work and studies. I will not disappoint or have any regrets through my entire mission. That is the promise I made to Elder Holland and I plan to keep that.
Tuesday: My favorite day of the week! I had a miracle today. Hermana Tartaglia decided that we needed an experience to help us learn and grow and become more focused. So, during class all this week we will have companion exchanges. My new companion during class time is Elder Jace Johnson, one of my AZ boys!! We teach amazingly together! We got a baptismal date! Finally! :) It was awesome. I love being able to teach in unity and have a mutual bond between my companion and me. I try so hard with Elder Letham, but he thinks that he is so superior to everyone else. He thinks that he is so much smarter and when we correct him he won't admit it even if we show him proof. He said we're all immature for just coming out of high school. There are two of us out of high school and Elder Herrell is 24! Everyone is getting a little edgy with him. Anyway, I still try to love him! Thanks for the advice Mom! It's always welcome! Also, I scored in soccer today! We beat the Tagalics! First time we haven't tied in a long time!!! Now for a serious note. Elder Tolton has been having a difficult time. He asked me for a blessing. So after the fireside by Elder Jensen, we went into my room and I gave him a blessing. It was the first time I've had to exercise my priesthood like that. It was an amazing experience. I hope he gets a stronger testimony of his mission soon! I love him and don't want him to go home.
Wednesday: Uh nothing really happened today. I got my slacks back and well . . . I don't really know if they adjusted them at all. They're still huge around the waist. I'll just have the alterations place here do it so I don't have to keep bothering Trevor and wait forever with Mr. Mac's.
Thursday: Holland x 2. We watched a video only available in the MTC of a devotional that Holland gave a few years ago. It's titled the "Miracle of a Mission." Justin, I wish you could see this! It would help you in your situation right now. I am sorry for your back and everything going on. Just know that I love you and I will do anything for you! Just don't forget all the things you learned in the MTC. Is that a deal? I would like to hear from you about all that you're doing. Anyway, I think this talk by Holland helped Elder Tolton. He changed the subject of his talk to help the missionaries who were feeling like they want to go home. It was the perfect answer to my prayers to help Elder Tolton.
Well, I'm out of time. I love you all so much! I will try to write you as much as I can each week! Thank you Mother for everything you do. Dad, I hope your life settles down a bit and remember to work out! Mom show him up and learn Spanish! :) I miss you all, but too bad cause you ain't gunna see this kid for 22 and a half more months!!! PAZ Familia!!

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