This week was a lot to take in! It already feels like I've been here for months studying and growing, and our district already feels like a family of bros. Honestly there is already way too much to tell in one email so I'll just tell you some highlights of each day. ahem...
Tuesday
We flew to mexico city (probably the most nerve wracking part of this week because we hit some massive turbulence) and the clouds were so pretty. We arrived and went to a devotional that im sure was super spiritual but i was so exhausted that i fell into like stage 3 deep sleep. Then we were assigned companions and mine is Elder Remy *pronounced Raimie!* Lots of people would speak a bunch of spanish at me and look at me expectantly and i kinda just stand there awkwardly and say "uhhh hola?" haha
Today was the intro day where we were introduced to the rules. I dont like some of them especially the whole no cameras allowed except designated places and times :( We had a really cool lesson where we were taught the importance of meeting and connecting with people before ever talking about the church. Quote of the day: "Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care"
Thursday
More rules I found out about: no floral ties, no gum, and no bracelets. welp..... moving on, Spanish classes are pretty much all day and boy it it tiring. But it is still super fun and Im getting more excited about it. Our goal right now is 50 words a day and 7 phrases a day. Also, I think Im getting Elder remy to come out of his shell by making him laugh with funny wierd ways to remember stuff. He keeps apologizing because he feels like hes holding me back and ive had to tell him that "hey, its OK! Im leaning too Bru!" Elder Remy is so nice.
Friday
Today was lots of memorizing! Ive already got the first vision, missionary purpose and moroni 10 5 down in spanish! Its the best feeling when you say it 100 % right for the first time! During class Hermana Christensen asked why a certain phrase didnt translate the way she wanted it to, and Hermano Castillo (the teacher) said the quote of the day: "Porque Espanol y Ingles no es amigos"Saturday
More studying and class! Tomorrow is sunday and I may or may not have to give a talk (the Branch President chooses people at random so we all have to have a 5 minute talk prepared in all spanish.)
Sunday
I didnt give a talk but my buddy Elder Parkinson did, haha. Later we had a devotional that was broadcasted from provo and we all started cheering when the surprise speaker was badumbadumbadumbadumbadumbadum Elder Holland!!! It was so awesome and spiritual because he speak so powerfully (and cuz I was actually awake)Monday
Lots more studying and practice! We tried to do an english fast but were such noobs that we would just be quiet until someone started to smile and next thing you know we're busting up laughing. Oh and I made friends with the best cook in the MTC! Esteban is so funny ill show a picture of him. He said he would make me cinnamon rolls before I leave :)
Tuesday
Today we spoke to real latino volunteers who dont know english or the church very well. It was pretty rough. My problem is that i dont want to say anything unless its grammatically right and mi companeros problema is that he talks on and on in totally incoherent spanish. we were meant for each other. *sarcastic cough* But I know it will get better with time! Today was the devotional and it was fantastic! It was all about Joseph Smith and the restoration. The spirit was so strong that my eyes welled up like ten times, but i held back tears. I love how the elders stand up and hum as the sisters leave first.At the casa Elder Platt decided we should do a little district meeting in the living room so we did and it was super spiritual. We all bore our testimonies and I teared up when Elder shinkle (a big ol dude who barely ever smiled) shared about the hard times he had socially with moving and his anxiety and how he came to realize the lord was preparing him for a mission. I shared my pump-up scripture in 2 Nephi 7 and bore my testimony of faith and our capacity to be great missionaries.
Today!
I GOT TO PLAY THE PIANO!!!! and of course talk to my family and take pictures of stuff and it was great.
P.s. Mckay's mission companion's sister Hermana Christofferson is in the MTC too!
