My First Few Days at the MTC

Family and Friends,

The first few days at the MTC has been great! I have had the opportunity to meet individuals from all over the world who all have the same goal as me, which is to be a successful missionary. In no other place have I met individuals with such a variety of backgrounds, but who are so kind and accepting of one another. Witnessing this has been refreshing to the soul. 

I'm not going to lie, it was very hard to turn my back to my parents as I walked further into the airport. I knew this would be extraordinarily hard for me, and I had prayed and fasted for quite some time that I would be able to accomplish such a feat, and turn my life's direction from focusing my life just from my family and I, to focusing on God's other children who stand in need of the message I will share. God answered my prayer, and coincidentally, I was able to sit next to another Elder from Elk Grove. As I talked to another individual who had just left his family as I had, I was comforted knowing that many other individuals had experienced the hardship I had, but were continuing on nonetheless.

The MTC has consisted of a lot of time in the classroom, but the progress my district has made in learning Tagalog is truly exceptional. The amount of vocabulary we have learned in just three days is probably equivalent to three weeks of  instruction I would receive in the public education system. But, as Brigham Young pointed out, when the spirit is present in learning any material, the learning process can be expedited exponentially.

Today I had the privilege of attending the Provo temple with my district. The temple was able to comfort all of us as we set out to learn Tagalog as quickly as possible, and as we strive to be as ready as possible to preach the gospel to those of the Philippines. 

I have been assigned to be a companion with an Elder Kane from Salt Lake. He and I have gotten along really well thus far. He has a calm demeanor and even likes to run with me, which has been great! I feel that he and I are friends already, and I feel this way for my whole district. In no other place could I have made these friendships.

I also learned this week that I will be leaving Salt Lake on the first of October. However, after I arrive in Manila, I will be staying at the MTC that they have there for about a week.

I appreciate all of the wonderful letters I have received this week. It has been very comforting to be reminded of the support that I have at home. Thank you!

I want my friends who read this who will soon be going to the MTC to know that they have nothing to worry about. Everybody in here is in the same boat as you will be, and there are many leaders and teachers here to guide you along the way. Oh, and don't forget to bring notebooks, pens, and pencils. These items will come in very handy here. Also, if you don't want to have to buy laundry detergent here, bring some.

Love,

Elder Pulley