Don't Cry For Me Argentina: Two Days In!

Family!

What a blessing it is to be where I am! There is such a joy that comes from serving in this Missionary Training Centre. The constant spirit that resides here is so important, and so incredible. As I walk the halls, I feel a constant joy and spirit in my heart and soul that I hope remains forever. I'm saying joy a lot, but I can really only stress the joy that comes simply from preparing to share our wonderful Saviour's gospel. And how I love my Saviour Jesus Christ!

My companion, Elder Mattinson, is a great guy. Super passionate and super loving. When I walked in to my first class and met him, I thought he'd some how been here for weeks already. I dunno who his bishop is, but her had him doing splits with the Spanish missionaries and give his entire farewell talk in Spanish. So he's definitely on the ball. He's definitely helping me to work harder every day. Our Spanish classes are great. The teacher speaks zero English, and it's wonderful. I'm working hard, and i'm confident that the Lord will bless me to learn as I do so. After our first classes. we all gathered in one of the chapels and the MTC president and his wife spoke to us on the holiness of this place and the importance of just following the mission rules. It is just a blessing to be here, and to have such a spirit. As soon as I rounded that corner and entered the training centre, my fears and trepidation were calmed, and a spirit of joy and excitement overcame me. After our mass meeting, we split up in to smaller groups and went to different rooms with mock investigators. After geting an introduction from the investigators, microphones were passed around, and all were encouraged to listen to the Spirit and share what we thought would best help them come closer to Christ and His gospel. We were told to keep thoughts of charity and love in our answers. These first lessons created a perfect lesson in being sure we not only let the Spirit guide our answers, but to let It guide our answers to the needs of our investigators.

Yesterday was absolutely incredible. We met President and Sister Price near the end of the day, but I'm going to talk about it first because it was easily the highlight. What an absolute spirit they have around them. Both of them are just incredible people. President Price is so enthusiastic about his missionaries and this Gospel. Also, he is exclusively a hugger, which is wonderful. No handshakes, just an enormous hug as soon as he sees you. What a Christ-like example that sets! I could never believe that upon my first meeting with the Saviour He would walk up to me and shake my hand. No, I am fully confident a massive bear hug full of love would await me upon our first interaction.

Sister Price is just incredible. Her spirit and enthusiasm easily matches President Price's. As soon as she stood to introduce her self, there was a tangible joy that filled my heart. Her introduction and thoughts moved me to tears on more than one occasion throughout. Compounded by the spirit already present at the MTC, she created an unstoppable force of joy and love. God bless the sisters of this church! What Christ-like love and peace they bring that some times our brothers cannot. President Price and his wife told us they are here to be our MTC parents, and not a thing could make me doubt that. I love them already.

Again the MTC is incredible! It has been a whirlwind, but there is no place like it. Being here has only helped my testimony of Jesus Christ grow. And what a testimony of him I have! Jesus is the Christ. He is our absolute Saviour, and I love Him with all of my heart. This church is true! Christ's Gospel is real. I love and miss you guys, and can not wait to continue my service.

Adios,

Elder McDonald