Two Week Mark in the MTC

Email 8/30/13

Things are going very well here at the MTC! I really want to send everyone back some pictures, but the system isn't working right now and no one's camera will connect, which is a bummer. But the work is going well! I keep busy studying for 16 hours every day, and sleeping the as much of the other 8 as possible! Unfortunately, I've been having trouble sleeping, and the doctor didn't know what was up. The Melatonin he gave me didn't work, I just can't get to sleep and then I wake up 2 or 3 hours early every morning! Whatever. It happens. And it gives me extra time to study. Beyond that though, I'm working hard and having lots of fun! My district has become pretty close and we love eating together and playing at gym together, as well as sharing in spiritual experiences.

Speaking of which, last Tuesday we had Elder Neil L. Andersen come and talk to the missionaries about love and sacrifice and how they go hand in hand! He gave some excellent stories and the spirit was just so present. We were singing opening prelude hymns and all of a sudden the singing got a lot more resonant and beautiful. There had to have been angels helping out as soon as that apostle walked in, because 18 to 21 year old kids can't sing that well. It was just so cool. We got rained in for a little while, and got to sing even more while we were waiting for the lightning to pass and it was truly wonderful. We ran out of the Marriott Center through the rain and back to our classrooms sopping wet! I have photo cred, I promise. WE then held a district meeting and shared wonderful thoughts, testimonies, and experiences about that night and things in our lives that we thought could help someone. It was so amazing that a 11 po-dunk kids could have such a spiritual experience unaided. I loved it so much.

Elder Matthew Claridge

Elder Darian Larsen

I got to see my friends Elder Matthew Claridge and Elder Darian Larsen and take pictures right before they left for their missions last Monday. I'm still waiting on my visa. If I get it this week I may get to go finish my training in the MTC in Brazil, otherwise the next four weeks will be spent in Provo. Which is fine! I love it here, though the weather could definitely be more Texan. There's room for improvement. I know that my Heavenly Father has a plan for me though, and I'll go where I'm needed! I'm so excited to go out and serve. It's crazy, because I think the MTC is seriously awesome, but I never hear any missionaries talk about it. Only their time spent in the field. Which makes me even more excited to see what awaits me in São Paulo! The language is coming remarkably fast and it's fantastic! We carry lots of our conversation in Portuguese, and we've only been learning it for two weeks!!! I think the Portuguese is affecting my English, however, because I keep spelling things wrong in English. Still not sure whether this is good or bad.

Elder Youd

My companion left this past Tuesda for Brazil. He got his visa and is now learning over there, which is super exciting! His name is Elder Michael Youd (rhymes with "loud") and his family raises sheep dogs in Missouri on top of their normal jobs! He played trombone in high school like me. Having him as a companion was a super big learning experience for me. We thought completely opposite, and our minds worked in different ways, but we worked things out and got work done!

I think that's all I have, so stay well and have fun everyone! I know that what I'm doing is important and that I am a representative of Christ to help other people for the next two years. I love this work and know it's true with all my heart. Keep searching and working!

Sincerely,

Elder Michael Ashford