Today was an alright day. We had a great AM class. The gospel study review went very well. Hermano Shadle is good to bring the spirit and and he knows a lot and will discuss important things. We discussed the post-mortal life. I did really well on HSI (Habla Su Idioma) [Speak your Language]. My roommates are good at reminding me to speak Spanish. I like Hermano Shadle a lot as a teacher. We also had a large group meeting this morning about “the balanced effort.” They are stressing conversion, retention and activation and doing them SIMULTANEOUSLY. We shouted that word on command many times this morning. Personal study time was great. I'm in Alma 10-16 and I love Alma and Amulek. The stories of faith really inspire me. Afternoon class was good as well. Hermano Rushing is an awesome teacher. He commands respect and gets it. He loves us and his job and it shows. He speaks Spanish ALL THE TIME and gives me “the look” if I forget and speak English. I love it.

The referral center was not fun today. Everyone either: wasn't home, hung up on me, spoke so quiet I couldn't hear them, or didn't care to hear the most important message on Earth! I love this gospel and Jesus Christ and I know it's blessed my life. I am much more confident and full of peace knowing I have a Father in Heaven who loves me and a Savior who died for me and my sins. Even if I'm grumpy and make my companion irritated and my district annoyed Etc. I KNOW I have a loving Father in Heaven who is mindful of me and granting me courage to stay here even when I'm not living a perfect life. I feel happy and blessed to be in the MTC. I know I need to be here, but sometimes I feel very scared and insecure to teach the gospel in Spanish on a dinky island in the middle of the Atlantic. We have the same schedule as a district where 7 of the 12 Elders are going to Las Palmas. We have become friends with them and have nicknames for most of them (Elders: Big Guy, Small Guy (they’re comps), Sweater Guy, Slim (he’s not), David, Drago). Having them here makes it easy to go to Spain -- easier, I should say.

Yesterday we received our “travel plans” - NOT. --> Visa delay notices. BUT I feel good about it. I have heard of a lot of people getting their visas 3 or 4 days before their departure date and they leave on time. ¡Ojalá! [hopefully] I'm excited because I heard a rumor that Spain-bound missionaries get to go to Los Angeles to pick up their visas and they get to go to the temple and In and Out Burger. Fun.

 

I was in the MTC with Dale Rogers, a friend of Dallan's from Holbrook.