6/2/21 Greetings from the Caldwell MTC

 


Hello family and friends


First week down at the MTC and 5 more to go. Even though it's all online, it sure is a workout. From 9 am to 7 at night we have class and study through zoom. Honestly didn't know there was this many hours to fill in a day, but I've been enjoying every part of it.

My distract is amazing and full of very spiritually strong, capable and fun Elder and Hermanas. My two teachers are phenomenal too. Hermana Martinez and Hermano Figaroa really push us to learn both in teaching and language. 

Could not have asked for a better companion, Elder Ballard is truly the best companion for me in every way. We work together really well and have very similar intentions for serving the Lord. He truly can highlight my strengths and fill in for my weaknesses, and likewise I can do the same for him. Companionship study is probably my favorite part of the day, we have amazing discussions about the gospel and our service even if its in choppy grammatically flawed Spanish. THe best  Also my companions when I'm not online have been equally phenomenal. Being with Grammy and Buddy is a constant encouragement to me in my growth as a missionary. And Aunt Rhonda has correctly named herself the greatest companion I will ever have. It's fun to go out with them occasionally to visit Grandpa Putnam or walk the cemetary. It's a great environment as I prepare to serve for the next two years. 

The Lord truly blesses those dedicated to serving him. Especially those serving and seeking the gift of tougues. I see it with my distract, my companion and myself. In all three years of high school Spanish I've never come close to speaking and learning the language as much as in the last week. Everyone is learning so fast and I know the Lord is blessing all of us in our learnings. As our MTC leader said "ingles es la idioma de los profetas, pero espanol es la idioma de los Angeles." In trying to read el Libro de Mormon I have found this to be true. I feel the spirit in each verse as I work to understand every word and phrase with a new degree of concentration. We also work on trying to speak Spanish is every opportunity and moment. My dad told me about when he was first learning to speak Italian for his mission his mouth would be tired and sore, this is certainly true for me now!

Great start to the MTC so far and as well a great start to the mission 

Talk to you all again soon

Elder Allen



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