Well, I have officially reached my first P-day, and I am also just short of a week here at the MTC. The experience has been great, but its definitely a lot of work. The first day arriving here was quite hectic, but somehow through the madness I was able to get situated and met the rest of the missionaries in my District. My companion is Elder Brock Lybbert. Dad would probably like him because he's from an area in Washington near Tri-Cities, Moses Lake. We are getting along well as a companionship so far, but its only the first week, and people don't really like to be confrontational early on. I'm sure something will come up that will cause a bit of tension, but I'm confident in our ability as a companionship to effectively sort those issues out.
As you might already know from the letter I sent to you ( I don't know if it's gotten there already ), I am the District Leader for my group of missionaries. So far it hasn't been too much work, besides a bit of organization, some meetings, and picking up everyone's mail each day. However, it might get a bit more difficult starting later this week because I am conducting interviews with the senior companions in order to see how the missionaries are meshing together. If any issues come up with that, I might have a bit more of a job ahead of me. I am excited for the opportunity I have to serve my fellow missionaries, and I know that the Lord is strengthening me as I try to fulfill my leadership duties as well as my regular duties as a missionary.
My teacher for class is Hermano Maughan, who is perhaps the greatest person on this earth. He served his mission in Argentina and he is a wonderful Spanish teacher. However, more important than his ability to speak Spanish is how well he knows how to invite the Spirit. His stories and testimonies are very moving, and the Spirit seems to follow in every lesson that he teaches. Even when he speaks in Spanish, saying things we don't really understand, the confirmation of the Spirit is felt by everyone. He recited the Joseph Smith story in Spanish, and even though I didn't understand every part, I know that what he said was true, and I hope to be able to bear testimony as powerfully as he can.
So far, learning Spanish has been a challenge, but the Lord has helped make me equal to the task. We have learned how to conjugate regular verbs, subject pronouns, and how to pray and testify in Spanish. I seem to be picking it up fairly quickly, and for that I am grateful. I cannot wait for time when I can speak Spanish fluently. It is truly a beautiful language, and I am eager to use it to further the work of the Lord. So far, this is my testimony in Spanish. I'll translate it afterward so that everyone can understand it.
Tango un testimonio de Jesucristo. Testifico que Jesucristo es nuestro Redentor y Salvador. Sé que somos encontrar la vida eterna a través de la expiación de Jesucristo. Testifico que Dios ama a usted y todo las personas de la tierra. Sé que las familias pueden estar juntas para siempre. Sé que podemos por medio del Espiritu Santo que José Smith fue un profeta de Dios. Sé que Thomas S. Monson es un profeta de Dios oy tambien. Sé que El libro de Mormón es un otro testamento de Jesucristo y contiene la palabra de Dios. Testifico que el Libro de Mormón es verdadero y contiene la plentitud de el evangelio de Jesucristo. Sé que esto es verdad al sentir de el Espíritu Santo. En el nombre de Jesucristo, amen.
I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I testify that Christ is our Redeemer and Savior. I know we are able to find eternal life through Jesus Christ. I testify that God loves you and all the people of the Earth. I know families can be together forever. I know through the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God today also. I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and contains the word of God. I testify that the Book of Mormon is true and contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know this is true through the Holy Ghost. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Anyway, now that I've said all that I want to, how is everyone doing? Has Utah been interesting for your visit? And how has the planning for the reunion been going? How is Allison and the rest of the grand kids? You should have a letter that has my address written in it by now or soon. Be sure to post that on the blog and then encourage anybody who wants to write me. I'll send pictures next week. Thanks a lot and write back soon! Oh and dearelder.com is great for writing me letters.
Elder Wood
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