Things are still going well here at the MTC! Although, I have to be honest, all the days are beginning to run together. It's a good thing that my watch tells me what day of the week it is, otherwise I would be lost!
This last week I was able to hear some wonderful talks given by Bishop Gerald Causse, the first counselor in the presiding bishopric and his wife, Valerie Causse. They both were such humble people who talked about their experience leaving France and moving to Germany and later the United States so that he could perform the callings assigned to him by the Lord. They talked about how hard it was to learn English, and what a challenge it was to give talks in front of many people in spite of their lack of ability to speak in English. One cool thing he told us was about the training he received from President Packer when he was called to the seventy. Causse recounted a story in an airplane with President Packer, Elder Cook, and Elder Anderson. After about ten minutes of silence on the flight, President Packer began to talk and in response, Elder Anderson and Elder Cook pulled out paper and pens in order to take notes on the words he would say. Causse was surprised to see this as was I to hear this. How remarkable it is that even apostles of God, who have great knowledge and skill, take notes on what the other says! How much more we should be cognoscente of their words, as they are words from God! The main message of Causse's talk however, was about being a "bold missionary." In his words, "a bold missionary is a humble missionary." I think this applies to us all though. As we are more humble in our church callings, professions, roles within our family, etc., we can have a more profound and positive impact on those around us. After the talk, Bishop Causse said he would lead by example, and be "bold" by playing a beautiful arrangement of "Come, Come, ye Saints" to end the meeting. His music was as profound as his words, and I left in awe at the Spirit and ability of God's choice servants.
Tagalog is going pretty well, although if I think about how much more I need to learn, it is slightly overwhelming. On Tuesday night, my companion and I made it a goal to only speak in Tagalog on Wednesday, and I am happy to report that we did so for the most part. Let's just say there wasn't much talking amongst ourselves though! Haha...I can already sense that my ability to grasp words in my English vocabulary is beginning to diminish; I wonder what I'll be like in a couple of years!
Oh, and by the way, I got to see Elder Goold this last Tuesday! It was kind of funny, because when he saw me, he automatically referred to me as "Brandon" and I responded by calling him "Danny." I am still not quite used to this whole Elder thing yet. Lol...Anyway, I hope to take a dorky picture at the world map with him like Bishop Sheppard and Brother Goold did when they were together in the MTC. Hopefully, I'll have a picture for you all next week!
I hope all is going well at home, and want you all to know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I feel the support of your thoughts and prayers as well, and I appreciate it very much.
Love,
Elder Pulley
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