Happy Friday (Provo week 1)

 Friday, January 16, 2015
 

Hello!

Happy Friday! Today will be my MTC P-Day, at least for the next few weeks.

 

I'll be at the MTC for 6 weeks, however, my first 2 weeks are with the group of international elders. Everything will be in English, preach my gospel and lessons for the next two weeks, faster paced English. In two weeks I transfer to the group of German speaking missionaries and I'll be there for 4 weeks.

 

I really like the MTC, my companions (I'm in a group of three) are awesome. Both from the Philippians originally but live in Canada. Elder Cayabyab and Elder Dapat. Elders Ahola (from Finland but recently lived in Florida) and Elder Prom (originally from Cambodia) also share a room with me. Such a fun group. We are all dedicated to obey and learn as much as we can during our time in the MTC. I was called as the district leader last night so I can help to lead the group in preparing and accomplishing those goals. I also get to pick up mail, fun stuff.

 

The MTC is tiring and a lot of work. Tight hours of study, class, meals, meetings and talks. The first night I didn't sleep much, adjusting to the new schedule. Last night though, I slept like a baby :) answered prayers. It's not simply busy busy hours. We study the beautiful and simple truths of the gospel and how to teach them clearly. We share testimonies and pray together.

 

Something I really liked from class yesterday when we were talking about the restoration yesterday, we spoke about how the restoration is centered around revelation. Thinking about the scriptures that talk about how God is the same "yesterday, today, and forever" I realized how much revelation- more light and truth, God's word, given through prophets- is such an expression of God's love. As we receive more revelation and more truth, God isn't changing, he is simply using the same pattern of loving His people and blessing them with His word to help His people progress.

 

In summary, the MTC is great. I love to feel the Spirit. I love the gospel, and God loves us.

Elder Blanchard

 

Additional info added by Brian:  

MTC - Missionary Training Center by the way there are others around the world not just Provo.

P-Day is the one day of the week the Missionaries have to do their preparations like laundry, shopping, email, sports etc.

districts, a group typically of 2-5 pairs of missionaries, male (Elders) and/or female (Sisters) companionships. In the MTC the grouping is done various ways such as language or location going to.