February 11, 2015
Mom and Dad,
YAY!!! That's awesome to hear about more friends getting mission
calls, so exciting. I also see a lot of BYU friends at the MTC, both
missionaries and people who work here. - one of cousin Mariah's old room mates.
Sorrell Dumas, a BYU friend from German class, people from my singles ward, saw
Travis Clark when I was walking back from the temple 2 weeks or so ago. Ashley
Elliott and I are in the cafeteria at the same time, and many more. Fun
encounters :)
I get my travel itinerary tomorrow and will definitely pick up a
calling card, expect details in a coming email :)
The family is staying really busy, keep up the good work, go for a
run together of something good like that too. So much busy-ness, doing good
things over there.
Yep, so much change! I have a very unique situation, 5 companions,
3 districts and 2 languages. Elder Garcia speaks some Spanish too (didn't grow
up speaking but learned in the last two years from his parents and the sister
missionaries) so I'm learning a bit of Spanish as well as I help him with his
German. It's sweet. He is so awesome, such a strong testimony and great love
for the gospel, baptized October 28, 2013. He's a champion. We work hard, teach
with the spirit, and have a lot of fun (yes, Austin, I'm having fun).
Elder Prom from my old district was also a pretty recent convert,
sister Helmick was about a year ago too. We have a strong group with lots of
young, burning testimonies.
"So many questions and you
have so little time to answer. District leader, now Zone Leader, food,
exercise, sleep, pictures. Have you tried to upload pictures wifi or other. Did
you get the memory stick of stuff from Taylor? Gaining weight or losing? People
you know...have you run into Ashley Elliott (Portugal)." [list of
questions from Dad]
District leader and zone leader have been good. On the onset of my
mission, my attitude about leadership positions was: I hope I don't get called
to do those, I'd rather teach/train. If I do though I'll do my best and do so
willingly and happily. My attitude now is more: I'll do whatever I'm asked to
do, trusting. Striving to be a tool in the Lord's hands and doing whatever I'm
asked. The food isn't bad, it actually tastes pretty good. It sticks to the
teeth though, so Listerine was an important purchase.
I sleep great! I'm used to the schedule now and it's really good.
7.5-8 hours is more that I got during a lot of high school, just a more packed
schedule in the day to go with it. I tried to upload pictures today but
struggled, maybe next week. I got to the cannon web site, got onto the account
but couldn't figure out the rest. I got the memory stick from Taylor, my weight
is the same as when I left (lost at first, gained it back, now maintaining).
I love Christ so much and how the Gospel is centered on him, the
Rock and foundation. We have awesome scriptures study personally and as a
class, the other day we read 3 Nephi 11, so
powerful. Quick part of that:
14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye
may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye
may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye
may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth,
and have been slain for the sins of the world.
15 And
it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his
side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his
feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone
forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know
of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the
prophets, that should come.
Imagining that scene is so touching. Christ invites people to feel him physically and feel of his spirit. He invites us all to come unto Him and partake in the peace and happiness that His Gospel offers.
Also, have you read 2 Nephi 31 yet?
This is the follow up on that commitment :) Also, I invited Austin to read 1 Nephi 8, draw
a picture of Lehi's vision, and send me his picture, maybe a good FHE activity
:)
Thank you for the
email and love! Keep up the good work,
Love,
Elder Blanchard
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