Week 2

These are photos of all the elders in my zone that we took on Sunday!

This week has been so slow, and yet so fast at the same time.  Funny how that works.  The days here are just going by faster and faster each day as I get used to the schedule of things. Although, that's not to say that things aren't still changing and ramping up.  The first 2 weeks here we taught an "interested person" about the gospel in English, but tomorrow we are teaching a lesson to 2 members of the church in Portuguese, so wish my companion and I luck! Seriously though, it is incredible how quickly I am learning the language here.  Sometimes I still feel inadequate when comparing myself to others and how much of the language they know, but when I take on an outside perspective, I realize just how amazing it is how far I have come.  

On Tuesday December 10th we had a huge special devotional in which President Dallen H. Oaks and M. Russel Ballard attended, and spoke. (For those who don't know, these two men are members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who guide and protect the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.) Their talks were amazing, and now I get to say that I have been in the same room as two apostles of God.  Pretty awesome, huh?

I also discovered this week that four square at the MTC is no joke.  For our daily exercise time we can either go workout in the small workout room at the main S1 building, or we can play sports at the gym including basketball, volleyball and four square.  The elders in my zone play super hard in four square, and gosh is it fun.  I only ever remember playing four square in elementary school, but I guess it's a hit here.  This just proves that we are all still kids deep down.  

Back home my parents always referred to me as their personal "Human Garbage Disposal" because I would eat up all the leftovers and such lickety split.  Although I still eat a lot here at the MTC, I'm constantly shocked just how much and how fast the other elders eat their food.  It's crazy!! I mean Elder Paulson, one of my roommates is skinnier and lighter than me, yet he almost always gets seconds for every meal.  The MTC offers really good food, and as much as you want, but my goodness, these elders are gonna put on some weight here, I'm calling it.  

Earlier this week, we discovered rather abruptly that an elder from our Zone who was called to serve in Cape Verde would be going home that day.  At first I didn't know why, but upon asking around, I discovered that the elder, Elder Sutre's mother was diagnosed with some form of cancer, that could be potentially life threatening.  Just like that Elder Sutre, one of the goofiest and nicest missionaries, had left. Our hearts went out to Elder Sutre this week, with many fervent prayers, and even a day of fasting between all the elders of my District.  

Another profound spiritual  experience I had this week was giving my first priesthood blessing.  Upon admitting to my companion that I hadn't given a blessing before since I was only recently ordained an elder, he insisted that I find someone to give my first blessing, as it could be essential out on my mission.  Although most of us are struggling, one particular elder in my district has had a really hard time learning Portuguese.  I asked him if he would like me to give him a blessing of comfort, and he agreed.  We gathered all the elders in my district, and we gave Elder Sanchez-Blackwell a powerful blessing by the laying on of hands.  I can tell you that I could feel the power of that blessing.  Without a doubt it was real, and meaningful, and has assured me that the priesthood is truly power and authority from God. 

That's gonna be it for this week's blog, but I just want to thank everyone back home for all they did for me.  For my parents and their great love and care, for my friends and their endless support, and for the members of my church ward and stake, for their great examples and kindness. Have a wonderful week everyone, and I'll report back in a week!