Hola familia!
My zone here at the MTC is fantastic. We have the best teachers, the best branch presidency, and of course the best missionaries. We tried to institute Christmas Song Saturdays, but some of the Sisters are resisting. They'll give in soon enough, though. The district above us left this week, and there won't be any new ones coming in because for some reason they're dissolving our district. We were all really sad, but super excited for them to go out and spread the gospel with the world. You should look up Christian Hobb's band, Live Out Loud. I don't think you'll be dissapointed. And on that note, try to find Porter Smith's Disney XD commercial for something called Sky Runners. Our zone's just full of celebrities. Hopefully next week I'll have some more pictures to send.
Earlier this week we had TRC, which I'm sure stands for something. Instead of teaching a lesson to an investigator who's really just a teacher (don't tell the incoming missionaries; it's a surprise), we got to teach with volunteer members just being themselves. Still in Spanish, of course. We just chatted for a while and had a quick lesson about the Plan of Salvation and how it blesses families. Hermana Rice and Jordan were both great people, and it was nice just chatting in Spanish. Unlike the lessons, they wrote short feedback notes, and it turns out we really managed to touch their lives and help them feel the Spirit. It was awesome.
Today was probably my last time going to the temple for a while, since the Provo temple is closing for a while and there isn't one in the McAllen mission boundaries. It was probably the best session I've had yet. I thought about the lyrics to The Spirit of God, and was really reminded why I'm out here in the first place. Also, my favorite scripture of the week is gonna have to be Psalms 40. It really applies to all missionaries, full time and otherwise.
I got the Dear Elder from Grandma and Grandpa Owens. Have you had any sun yet? Hopefully pretty soon so the lake can warm up. We've had plenty of nice weather down here, and I admit I've been missing the cabin quite a bit. I'm excited to get that book from Ben and LeAnn.
Thanks, Aunt Dee, for the cinnamon bears! Those are my favorite. I hope the Condos were super much fun. Did you have camp cousin?
We got to meet our mission president and his wife, the Maluendas, since they're here for the new mission president training week. The whole main building has been completely closed off because of all the general authorities that are here. I never thought I would miss eating at the MTC cafeteria, but I'm definitely ready to be done eating in the gym. Singing at the worldwide training broadcast was amazing, though. I'm sure you watched the video. We already watched it, too. The sisters in the close up right at the very end of the first song are in our district. I'm in the video too, but only if you pause right in between 3:00 and 3:01. The elder in front of me moves a little, and you can see half of my face. My companion was too short to be seen at all. Seriously though, the devotional was amazing. It's cool how the emphasis was on not the full time missionaries, but the members. It's up to you guys to share the message of love the gospel has with everyone you can.
For anyone reading this who's not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I invite you to at least learn some more about it, as a personal favor. Just head on over to mormon.org for a few minutes, watch a couple videos or read some of the info pages there. If you're feeling ambitious, find yourself a Book of Mormon; any Mormon would gladly get you one; and start reading it. If you already have a strong belief in Christ, that's fantastic. Our message will only add to and enhance your relationship with God. Either way, I know that this gospel is true. I love the feelings of peace and love that my faith has given me. Christ suffered for all of us, paid for all of our mistakes, felt the pains of all our sicknesses as well as our griefs. No matter what you're looking for, no matter what kinds of lonely or confused feelings you may have, this gospel will bless you and your family. Christ has restored his Church on the earth once more, and it means so much to me. I'm giving up two years of my life to share this fact to as many people as I can. I figure I should start with those who mean the most to me. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen
Con mucho amor,
Elder Young
