Ciao Time: First Letter from the MTC (Mission Training Center)

Hey mom and Dad!

As I'm sure you know this is my third day here. It has been absolutely crazy. My flight was pretty good except I couldn't fall asleep so I was exhausted the rest of the day. It was nice to see Grandpa, he took us to this place called Saigon Cafe. It's kinda funny actually because there was this huge oriental fan on the wall as decoration. Nathan and I kept saying "I'm a huge fan of this food" and point to the fan (just like Mom's joke). I had a headache that entire day so it was a little hard.

At times I do feel a little overwhelmed and a little stressed about things like organization, schedules, language, and study habits. It's ok though I just have to get into the fast pace of the MTC. Stress can be a good thing. Getting out of the comfort zone is how I am going to grow.

Italian is surprisingly coming along pretty well. My four years of high school Spanish have prepared me a lot better than I thought they would. However, I wasn't expecting the teacher to speak only in Italian for the whole curriculum. It makes communicating hard especially when we are talking about spiritual things. I guess it's a good thing though because it might be the best way to learn fast.

I'm finding out that my knowledge of the Gospel is very small but I'm trying my best to change that. Studying non-stop every day can be exhausting but it definitely brings many blessings.

I feel the Spirit a lot while I am here. Most of the time it is just before I go to bed while studying the scriptures and writing in my journal. I also feel the Spirit when others testify of the gospel and invite others to come unto Christ. I just wish that I could turn the Spirit on like a switch as some of these people do. I don't really know if that will come as easy to me as it does to them. Let alone the fact that I will someday have to do it in Italian. One of the major topics that has been coming up in discussion and in my own thoughts is to simply open my mouth and let the Lord fill it. To be honest that scares me. I have always been one to plan ahead and know what I am going to say before I say it. I do want the gift of letting the Spirit guide what I say and I hope that I can get better at it.

There's an Anziano (Elder) in my district, his name is Anziano Humble. He's a pretty cool guy. We have the two best last names in the district.

I read your letters that you sneaked in my suitcase like sneaky little sneaky sneaks

. They were really good and I really enjoyed them so thank you. Also thank you so much Mom for doing pretty much everything in preparation for my mission. I could not have done any of it on my own. Thank you guys for being such amazing parents. I love you so much. I'll email you again next week! Ciao!