MTC Life

The MTC is amazing. I got reinforcements later my first day and the next day. I believe there are five total going to London now - four elders and one sister.

I've been learning so much in the MTC, I know that Heavenly Father is giving me strength to learn better, talk to people, and get used to this schedule. One of my favorite things is role play. We teach other missionaries as if they were investigators and even though it isn't the "real thing", the spirit is still very strong. I have gotten much more used to bearing testimony already, and have been participating a lot more than I ever did before.

The food here is usually pretty good. The worst so far was basically a hot pocket with fish in it, but I've eaten everything that is dished out to me. Another nasty thing I tried was a burrito thing with cream cheese and uncooked fish in it, yes, I wasn't even dished it, I got it of my own free will.

I'm so glad that I've been given strength to do things that are hard for me. I know that when I do things that are hard for me the Lord blesses me so much. My companion's name is Elder Hutchings, he looks like Woody from Toy Story, he's great, very outgoing and does lots of great impressions of Newsies and what not. All of the young men and women that are here are a testimony that the church is true. I could not do this if it wasn't.

When I was going to the airport, and on the airplane, I was a bit worried, I'm a shy guy, can I really do this? I thought, I will miss home so much, I can't talk to people, I like home. But when I got to the MTC an overwhelming feeling of peace came over me. This is where I'm supposed to be and any feeling of doubt I have is overshadowed by that. I feel such a strong desire and yearning to spread the gospel. I'm so glad to be here and I don't regret it at all.

Mowing lawns, funny, that feels like it would be relaxing for me right now. (Mom's note: I had told him in our letter that we missed him when we mowed several lawns the other day.)

London (He's actually in Preston so maybe he meant England, not London.) is so green and the MTC is right by the Temple. The landscape is beautiful. We went to the temple today, it was a great experience. You feel a special bond with those you go through for. I'm getting used to the way people speak, it's interesting. Two minutes left! I love the MTC, and the power I can have as a missionary.

I love you all so much,
Elder Larsen