Week One... Done!

Dang, it's been a whole week! Time seriously flies in the MTC. It's really actually amazing being here, you forget that you are in Provo. it is a much bigger place than I ever thought just looking in at it from the outside. I sometimes will glance up and see Squaw Peak, and it hits me that I'm pretty much still at home, but that doesn't last very long.

Where to begin about the classes. My teacher is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He only ever speaks Japanese to everyone, so it's really hard to follow, but it's amazing what I'm beginning to understand from his classes. I've had a lot harder time learning to communicate in Japanese that I thought I would, like, it's pretty freakin hard so far. However, like my Sensei said in the first day of class, the Gift of Tongues will work miracles if I let the Spirit flow and work my hardest.

Possibly my favorite thing about the MTC is the spiritual aspect. The Spirit is so strong all the time, but there are certain parts of the week that are on a whole new level. For example, on Sunday, we had a devotional that was very funny, but also very serious. Elder Allen came and spoke and he talked about being worthy of the Spirit and letting it guide your life. It was very good, but even better than that was a video that played afterwards in the conference center. It is a talk Elder Bednar gave in the MTC called the Character of Christ, and essentially it talked about turning outwards as the Savior would have, instead of turning inwards and focusing on myself. It was seriously amazing, and it's put my whole mission, and my whole life in perspective. It makes me want to be the best person I can be, and help others on their path to Christ.

Another Spiritual high is the two times my teacher has spoken English. He just understands missionaries so well, and the stress that the MTC brings. It's kinda a very emotional ride through here so far, and his words brought the Spirit so hard. Don't be suprised if one of the new members if the Quorum of the 12 is Panganiban Sensei.

I love you all, and I'm super grateful for your thoughts and letters and packages you sent me! Stay classy everyone!

Elder Nelson

PS The MTC food is way better than everyone says

PPS The MTC is way more fun than everyone says, especially in my district, we're having a party here

PPPS Word of advice, when you get you're call and it's in a foreign language, start freakin learning it. I made that mistake, and it's biting me in the but. Learn that crap before you come here!

PPPPS Joseph Thought of the Week: All urinals are just toilets with the cover removed

My comps name is Elder Burnham, but in Japanese Elder is said Choro. Pretty muchs, we're churros now