October 9, 2017: Almost Two Weeks in the MTC

Week 2:

Hello Everyone!!

In front of the Provo, Temple

Quick thanks to everyone that sent me emails / pictures this week. It means alot to me, even when I completely forgot who you are and it takes me a while to remember. Haha. There are so many emails to read and reply to. It would really help me out if you sent me emails from www.dearelder.com. (Unit number 147). That way the emails are printed and mailed to me. It would give me more time to respond to all your great messages.

I’ve survived my second week at the MTC, and I’ve already learned so many new things: Eating cereal for every meal is better than eating whatever deep fried dish they have, 8 hours of sleep is not enough, being “glued” to my companion exercises my patience, and most importantly, how important personal and companion study is. I’m not even able to explain how much my chinese has improved from. I’m now able to say my own personal prayers while understanding other people's prayers and testify in chinese. I still feel overwhelmed, but can definitely feel the gift of tongues working in me.

A couple days ago, one if the mandarin speaking missionaries did a backflip on flat ground, in our dorm. After, Elder Airoso, a 280lb elder who always had to one up everyone, tried to do a backflip and landed straight on his knees. He ended up cracking his knee cap. We thought he would have to be sent home. I’m not sure what his current condition is right now.

I feel like I wouldn’t be able to recognize myself from 3 weeks ago. If someone asked me what brought me happiness, I’d say Taco bell, Friends, and ghetto cars. Now I know that teaching (or in this case, getting prepared to teach) is what really brings me happiness. I wish I could write more, But I'm running out of time. I have to do my laundry now.

Keep the emails coming because they comfort me when I feel overwhelmed. Learning Chinese feels like getting kicked in the balls 24/7.

Elder Andersen

耶穌基督後期聖徒教會