MTC Letter #1

September 11, 2010

Hola mi familia!

I'm doing awesome! Being here is such a great experience. I know this is where I'm supposed to be at this time in my life.The other Elders are such good people to be around as they help me grow in the gospel.

The first few days have been intense. Lots of class, and definiantely a lot of Spanish. I know more than I would ever think I have in only 3 days. I have learned how to pray in Spanish, say the days of the week, and how to say some gospel doctrines. Let me tell you, I know that the gift of tongues is a true blessing, as I have definately recieved it here.

My companion, Elder Mace, is an awesome Elder! He's from Orem, and worked at the MTC during college, so he knows his way around. This is very helpful because I still don't know where most of the buildings are. He took 10 years of Spanish, so we work a lot of our Spanish during companion study, and he helps me out a lot. We have this goal now, only to speak Spanish from 6:30 am, till lunch at noon. This helps me with spanish a lot! He is also very in tune with the spirit. He always brings it into the lessons and studies, a huge help to help us learn. I am truly grateful for having such a wonderful companion her at the MTC!

A really cool experience that I had is that, on the first dinner, we sat across from an Elder who was from France! I talked with him, in French, and when he talked to my companion, I was able to translate for him. It was awesome!

My two teachers, Hermano Koons and Hermana Bailey are really good teachers. They teach Spanish, Preach My Gospel, and the missionary work to us in their own unique way. Hermano Koons got back from serving in Mexico 4 weeks ago, and Hermana Bailey served in Chile a few years ago. They have helped me learn a lot, both spiritually and with the language.

The food here is like dining hall food, but it's food! And its a huge dining hall. There were 507 new elders on Wednesday, and about 2500 total missionaries.

I hope Nicole and Mom are feeling better! I'm feeling great, just tired! Make sure to tell everyone about DearElder, its awesome!

I wake up at 6:00 in the morning, then get ready and have personal study. Then breakfast, and back to personal study. Then either class or companion study. Then lunch, and back to the classroom. Every now and then there's large group meetings, or other orientations (right now at least). Then dinner, and gym afterwards. Gym after dinner is bad for my stomache, but still fun! We played soccer last night, I scored a goal! Then it's back to the classroom, then planning, and back to the room till 10:30, when its lights out! That's what my schedule has been so far at least. Next week we'll have the same schedule till week 8 (yes, here for 8, not 6) so the next email, i'll send you that schedule!

I love you guys and hope all is well! I pray for you every night and morning, and I hope you know that I know that this Church is true and I am so excited to share it with the people of Chile when I go there in 2 months. I know this work is what needs to be done to bring the happiness of the gospel to the other nations, as it says in the scriptures.

Love,
Elder Whittle

P.S. Jarred- I found the surprise in the journal and it made me laugh for like 5 minutes! In the next DearElder, send me your guys' address to I can send a letter there!