Wednesday, June 25 First P-Day Email Home

The last week here has actually been pretty special. The new Mission Presidents for this year have been here for the last 7 days, so lots of the Apostles have been too. I've seen L. Tom Perry, D. Todd Christopherson, Neil L. Anderson, M. Russel Ballard, Russel M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf!! All the Elders and sisters here have been super starstruck over all these amazing visitors we have been having. The power when these men are in the room is amazing, and helps build up the spirit for us all. 

I've managed to only cry once so far...though I'm close again right now. Thank you so much for emailing me. I didn't think I'd be an Elder who craved email this much...But its funny, when the badge goes on, the cravings go up.

I am actually pretty tired, but my room is actually a lot of fun. My Companion, Elder Tyler Peterson, is a 6'3" football player, a starter at TE and DE, from Southern Virginia University, and is a really funny Elder. Hey is pretty homesick, and hates being here so close to his family--who live in Provo--so he is trying to fast-track himself to Germany in 2 weeks, instead of JUL 29th, The other two Elders in my room, Elder Lehmitz and Elder Greaves, are both hilarious, and I'm glad that we get along so incredibly. 

I hope that you keep the spirit in your heart all at times. The Sanctity of this campus is amazing...There is nothing like it, except perhaps the temple. I've never felt so focused or spiritual in my life..

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It is strange putting on this tag everyday. I never expected to feel so...separated from the world. Part of it is probably just being in the MTC, but part is also just...being ein Missionar. Having such a controlled, focused, Heiligen (sanctified) live is amazing. Its everything I hoped it would be and more. I'm learning so much German everyday...and even though my high school German vocabulary isn't helping with the gospel much, just the conjugation and grammar understanding I brought with me has helped immensely. I am so glad I took those classes. 

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Ich Liebe dich, meine Mutter. Ich Möchten zu gesprachte zu Sie dass die Evangelium War ist, und dass ales die Menchen wissen diesen denken wahr ist. Das Buch Mormon ist wahr, und Jesus Christi is unser Sünopher. Das ist meine zuegnis, in der name Jesu Christi, Amen.

(that was all from memory!!)