That being said, it has been really hard up until this sunday even with the spirit being as strong as it is. I miss you all but my wonderful companion, Elder Evans is extremely homesick, to the point he wanted to go home. I knew I had to be strong for him but I have had my fair amount of stuggles too. However, I testify that the Lord knows everything because I had the strength to be strong for Elder Evans and keep him here and he too had the strength to help me with my struggles.
Flying on Tuesday was rough, it was about 12 hours of either flying, waiting in line, finding luggage, or riding on the bus. I would say that night was the hardest for me, I missed my bed, my dog, the familiarity of my room, and of course my friends and family. I remembered the promises I made to Lance Drollinger to stay strong for the first three weeks so I tried to shut that all out and focus on being the best missionary I possibly can.
Wednesday was the longest week of my life, and yes I said week because I honestly thought it was! There isnt any easing into the language or teaching here in the MTC. Its literally just hope for the best and just get thrown right in. All day we were in classes that were all spanish and that night we had to teach our first lesson, IN SPANISH. I thought my spanish was alright before I left but I think I just stared at the 'Investigators' face for about a full minute as I tried to say my name is Elder Brown.
Thursday was a lot better, it only felt like five days. One of the guys in our district, Elder Richmond went home thursday night, he missed his girlfriend too much. Seeing him go home destroyed my companion, Elder Evans. That night he told me he wanted to leave but I bore my testimony that the lord needed him here and I am here to help him however I can. I must have said something right because he is still here today and is doing a lot better.
Friday was good. I looked at my journal and that night I wrote about the gift of tongues and how much progress I had made. I still feel like I know nothing but I am actually teaching whole lessons now without needing notes so I guess I really have grown a lot. We also had gym time friday which makes the day seem to go by so much faster, even though we only get an hour.
Saturday was very good. Elder Evans and I are doing a lot better at teaching and both our spanish has improved tremedously. I would write more about saturday but its nothing compared to sunday so Im moving on
Sunday was the most spiritual day of my life. We had worthiness interviews with our Zone President. As I read my scripures I felt the impression that I should confess some past sins I stuggled with even though I knew I was forgiven. I really didnt want to confess so I thought I would be fine but I immediately felt the holy ghost withdraw from me. I continued reading where I was at which was 2 Nephi chapter 2. The chapter is meant for Jacob, the son of Lehi but for fun I put my name in for Jacob. Throughout the entire chapter I noticed things that are spoken of in my patriartical blessing and things that my Stake President said at my setting apart as a missionary. The chaper ended talking about repentance. I knew God wanted me to confess but I still didnt want to. I promised God that I was going to open my scriptures to a random page and if it said anything about confession I would go and obey. I opened to somewhere in proverbs or maybe it was revations I cant remember but It said by truth are all things purged and talked about fearing God not man. I immediately fell on my knees and cried before telling my companion I needed to take care of something. I went in to President Call and told him everything I had struggled with and even then I didn{t know why I had to. When I was done President Call thanked me for listening to the lord and told me I was forgiven. Afterwards the spirit returned even stonger and has been with me ever since. That night I figured out why I needed to confess because that night I felt the need to talk to one of the elders in my room and tell him everything I had just told President Call. I would have never had the strength to do that if the spirit weren{t begging me and if I hadent witnessed the miracles I saw in the scriptures that day. I knew I had to confess to President Call to have the stregth to tell that missionary afterwards. The next day that missionary went in and confessed what he was struggling with. He was sent home on Wednesday, I dont know exactly why but I know that he was struggling with something serious. I realize that I was a tool in the lords hands because I recieved the strenth I needed to do what I could have never done before. The lord needed me to tell my story to that missionary, Elder L, because the lord knew he was unworthy. Later Elder L told me that if it wasn{t for me he would have never had the ability to confess his sins. I thank the Lord for allowing me to help Elder L because I know it was him that spoke to Elder L not me, even if it was my voice.
Guys I gotta go but I leave you my testimony. I know this church is true and I know without a doubt that I am meant to be here. The language is a real struggle for me but I have faith it will come. I miss you all so much but I already never want to leave my mission. I love it here, the food is gross but its bearable because I know the lord blesses me every hour of every day.
Yo Testifico Jesucristo amor nosotros. Jesucristo dar su vida porque Dios querin nosotros arregresar a El. El Libro de Mormon es Verdadero. Yo leer y orar porque yo quero si el Libro De Mormon es verdadaro. Yo reciben el espiritu santo y yo sé es verdadero. Mi Salvador es mi vida. Yo es muy agrecido por el opportunidad servir Dios. En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amen.
P.s. OH AND I COMPLETLY FORGOT, today we get to go to the temple which is why I dont have any time to talk. Also it took forever to type this email because of the stupid spanish keyboards and we only have an hour to chat in the MTC but next week I will spend more time replying to emails. I just needed to share with you guys how amazing this week has been. It truly is the best week of my life.
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