Elder Ian Rich: October 13 - Ian's first few days at the MTC

Hola mis amigos

I have been at the MTC for almost 3 days now and it is fabulous. I love it here. My companion's name is Elder Flake, and believe it or not, he is from Snowflake Arizona. So it is pretty easy, it seems, for people to learn who he is, including the President of the MTC so let's hope I don't have to speak in Sacrament meeting. When I first arrived at the MTC, my good buddy, Elder Mearian was waiting there in front of a huge line of elders hosting newly arrived Elders to their Dorm. He waited for almost 20 minutes worth of people in front of him just so he could host me. It was awesome! When you first enter the MTC for the first time as a brand new Elder, they give you a name badge that has a red circle taped to it so other people know it's your first day here. I swear, everybody, and I mean everybody, that you walk past says "Welcome to the MTC" and at first it was nice to be welcomed by others but they don't say it to be nice. They only say it because they think it is funny. You're supposed to keep the sticker on for the first week at the MTC, but Elder Flake and I pulled it off during the first day haha. To make ourselves feel better, whenever we would see somebody wearing a red sticker on their name badge, we would make sure to welcome them to the MTC.

Everybody here is so generous. It is rare that I actually open the door for myself because everybody is always trying to be the first person to do so. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by so many faithful and worthy representatives of the Lord. The spirit is so strong here. I feel like I am always hungry even after I eat a meal because the spirit is so strong. It is truly a confirmation from the spirit to me knowing this is the right decision. I actually have a lot more free time here than I expected. Our meals are supposed to last an hour, and it takes Elder Flake and me maybe 10 minutes so the remaining time we try and study Spanish as best as we can. We also have a large portion of time - maybe 3 hours to either do personal study, companionship study, or language study. It really is crazy how much Spanish they expect you to learn. Our second day here we had language class for almost 5 hours. I have already memorized our missionary purpose, how to pray, Moroni 10:5, and about 40 new words and phrases. In English, Moroni 10:5 says

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

The gift of tongues is real. I have had a difficult time memorizing all these things, but after consistent prayer and dedication, I can say the Lord is here helping me. My companion is seriously the smartest person I have ever met. He got a literal 35 on his ACT score and has a photographic memory so he can practically memorize something in less than a minute. He has the strongest testimony and is always encouraging me to be a better person. It was recently announced that he will be our district leader so he is the man in charge of about 15 elders and sisters, which of course means I'm his companion which makes me cool!

The time here goes by so slow. These first couple days have been some of the longest days of my life. These days feel like weeks. This adventure is also one of the hardest ones that I have ever had to experience, but I am so grateful to grow closer to Christ and become a better person. Tonight I teach an interested person a discussion in Spanish which should be interesting. I am working my hardest! This has been such a fun mission already. I love you all.

Please send me pictures and or email me ;)

Encantado de hablar con ustedes ( It was a pleasure to speak to you)

Love Elder Rich