Last week at the MTC

So week 2 and 3 have been pretty smooth so far! I've been learning a ton and I'm amazed at how much I've grown from the first lesson I've taught to the 30th. Yes, 30th. I really recommend everybody read or watch Elder Hollands talk "Miracle in a Mission"; it changed my life, really. In there he says "the first thing you will be when someone tells you they didn't read the Book of Mormon or they didn't pray is be devastated! Their eternal salvation is at stake; you aren't trying to get them to the font, you're trying to get them to the temple. I hadn't ever really thought of missionary work that way, and doing so has opened so many doors as far as lessons and inspiration goes. Oh, real quick, I just remembered: as far as departure goes, I leave the MTC on August 6th. I believe (not sure) that we get to call home in the airport. I keep hearing different things, so it's not certain, but my plane leaves at 8:35 MST so expect a call maybe kinda maybe a couple hours before that. Maybe. It'd be cool, right?

Mom had asked some questions in her latest DearElder, so I'll answer a couple: I get up at 6:30, and it's easy. Easier than anything. The first thing I do is roll off of my bed and on to my Iron Gym. I study more than I ever had in my entire life; school will be a breeze after this. I study for maybe 5 or 6 hours a day, in everything: Preach My Gospel, The Bible, the Book of Mormon, D&C, PoGP, etc, etc. But I'm seriously learning an incredible amount; my teachers are all recently returned missionaries that know their stuff. Grandma wanted to know how laundry is going, so let her know it's going great; did two loads this morning. I also got to do a session in the Provo temple with my district today, and that was pretty much awesome. It was what everybody needed; everyone is mellow and happy now. It's amazing how being in the Lords house can make such a difference in just about every aspect.

I heard about Katies talk and I'm so jealous I didn't get to hear it personally! She sent me her rough draft and from what I read, it sounded absolutely phenomenal. I usually get up there and dance around for ten minutes; she had some rock hard doctrine in there from a prophet of God. Seriously, incredible talk and incredible testimony, I wish I could have been there.

How is everyone? It's great you guys are getting to work out and stuff; I have gym time five days a week and have been spending most of it playing basketball or volleyball, honestly. Life is too short to not waste it on team sports. Speaking of team sports, I sincerely appreciate your sports update on the Utes; keep that stuff coming. Reading about it is pretty much better than watching it, because I can imagine it so much better than it probably really is. Such is the life of a football deprived Utah fan.

I'm not able to download my photos to a flash drive in the MTC, so I toyed with sending the memory card in the mail. Then I thought: they probably want some pictures of the airport and leaving the MTC too, so I'll just wait until I get to the mission home/first area to send the flash drive. That way you'll have pictures AND a return address. Win/Win situation.

I absolutely love you guys and can't wait to maybe talk to you on Monday. If I don't, I will be missing an email day due to travel so the following Monday (I think) will be the next time I can communicate. Don't be shy with sending emails though!

Love,

Jesse.