Elder Justin's first e-mails from the MTC

March 9th 

First two days are a bit rough, but they truly are great. We are jammed packed with stuff to do so, I'll make this quick.

I got two companions I am rooming with. Great guys. Elder Forsey and Winsborrow. Great to already be adjusted. Food is interesting, yet not half bad. Been eating healthy. Mom should be proud... ha! Language is rough, but it is only day 2. I just entered my language class to a guy speaking German. Didn't understand anything he said! Good times. He absolutely refused to speak English. Experience that counts I guess. We have been working hard and constantly. I am glad I made this decision to come, and to finish off... I met Sister Banks! Matthew Banks' sister! We entered the same time.  I couldn't write much, but will get to you guys next week.

March 22

Everything has kind of settled down but so much has gone on. Truly helping me become who I am supposed to be.

First of all... I got to sing with Lexi Walker! That was pretty cool! Her abilities obviously blew us out of the water but we enjoyed it anyways. Every Tuesday night and Sunday night is like our own little conference talks with the same power. I enjoy them every time and I feel the spirit as I progress and listen to the messages they have for me. We are builders of men, and we are representatives of Jesus Christ, and every time they talk to us they hit us with a ton of bricks saying; this is who you need to be and this is who the Lord needs you to be. Elder Bednar and Elder Holland are pretty great.

We have already had an elder return home unfortunately, and he said it was due to health problems. He did have a history with a few medical problems, but in the end it truly was his decision. He may have been a little sick but his companion asked him..."have you ever made a decision that you will regret for the rest of your life?" He did not know what to say, and he went home the next day. He was nice to have around and had a great sense of humor, but I don't think this was the place for him, and I think he knew that as well.

But that's about it! I already know about 500 German words, can pray in German and bare testimony in German! I work hard everyday to become the missionary God wants me to be!  Tchuss Geliebter Familie und Freundes!