MTC Feb. 23, 2009

Querido Madre y padre,

Estoy buy bien! gracias! eprendando espanol es muy dificil, pero, estamos haciendo muy bien! lol so yeah, the spanish is coming slowly but surely, but some areas I think we're doing well in. For example just today for companion study me and Elders Hale and Lockhart practiced doing door knocking and trying to teach the first lesson in under 10 minutes (we have a tough time with time regulation, we all expound and can talk a lot). and the first time me and Elder Hale did it and Elder Lockhart was the investigator. He began talking to us in english and it completely threw me and Elder Hale off, lol. It almost felt awkward trying to think of things to say in english at a door knocking, we were so used to saying "hola! somos misioneros de la iglesia de Jesucristo de los santos de los ulti=mos dias. Como misioneros, tenemos un mensaje de Jesucristo, cree en Jesucristo? . . ." and so on, lol. so the fact that we were less comfortable talking in english definitely says something, :)

By the way, I actually saw Neil the day he came in. Just in the main building I happen to run into him. It was really kool! I haven't seen him since though. I don't think we have meals at the same time so hopefully i'll see him around then I'll be able to ask him about his schedule. and yeah that could be kool setting up a blog. If you want to just put in things that I say that'd be great. or I could try and think of things I'd like to say (i'm not sure if i'll have time, but we'll see). it'd be nice for ppl who see my facebook to know what I'd be up to though. It's up to you if you wanna do all that, though. The dinosaur cookies were great! oh man they tasted fresh and everything! thanks! I'd better go, got 20 seconds.

Love you!

David

MTC Feb. 16, 2009

This week has definitely been crazy. The spanish is coming slowly like last week, though I'm pretty sure we've completely covered the material that I learned in 2 years of high school and we're well ahead, lol. Its fun though.

We have such a great district. I'm not sure if I told you much about them, but we now have 5 elders and 4 sisters. The rest of the elders are going to the Argentina Salta mission (is that close to where you served, Dad?) as well as two of the sisters (Sister Petersen and Sister Waters). The other companionship of sisters were going to go to Ecuador but Sister Wright actually had her mission changed to Guatemala because she was going as a part time nurse as well and I guess that closed in Ecuador. Sister Brown is going to Ecuador still, though. I'm not sure how it'll work now since only me and Sister Brown are going to the Ecuador Guayaquil Mission when it comes time to leave but I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

MTC Feb. 16th (E-mail from Elder Hale)

Hey! This is Elder Hale, someone from Elder Frome's district

He wanted to tell Neil Crook that we eat lunch at the very far right of the cafeteria (away from the windows, complete opposite side). He also loves you very much! I do too, though I don't even know you. You have a wonderful son, who has a strong testimony and is a good example for us all. He's in my new companionship group for now since his companion left. Anyways, keep us in your prayers! The Church is true! Adios.

Con much amor,

Elder Austin Hale

MTC Feb 9, 2009

Hola, como estan? How do you like my spanish? Dad, was that the correct form of estar? Well anyways, I guess we can write emails on preparation day which is really nice. Though it is funny because I only have 30 minutes to write them and it has the count down in the top right of the screen. I currently have 23 minutes left. . . :) Things here are going great! Well most things.. The spanish is coming along slowly. The first few days the thought struck me "why in the world I wanted to learn another language" But I quickly remembered how great a blessing it will be. I wish english would've been my best subject because they said people who are good at english are the best at learning a language. But ah well, I know I can do it if I put in the work. I'm becoming more confident in being District leader. That first night I felt so young and inadequate to be called to that but now I'm beginning to realize that it won't be that bad. It's definitley true what they say "he whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies." Plus I quickly learned that I have one of the best Districts in the MTC, I mean everyone is awesome! I don't know how it could get any better! Everyone has a great attitude and is enthusiastic. Elder Lockhart and Elder Hale are two companions who really set the bar with enthusiasm. Elder Lockhart is hilarious and Elder Hale has the best attitude I've ever seen, he always has a smile on his face and is also funny.

In fact, Friday was our first gym day and Elder Hale was playing volleyball and dislocated his shoulder! I came out from gym, got back to the room and wondered, "Where's Elder Hale??" fortunately he was back from the ER that night with that same smile on his face. I'm sure he'll be fine.

Entering the Missionary Training Center - February 4, 2009

Saying Goodbye to Family and Friends in Utah