June 2, 2011

Today is finally P-Day! One one hand it feels like it's been a whole year just waiting until i could write to people, and on the other hand it feels like i just got dropped yesterday! I seriously love it here! I love the spirit that is felt by every young man and woman who is here to serve the Lord. We are all here together for that common purpose, no matter what country we came from or what language we are learning. As i learned from Preach my Gospel yesterday, "the spirit is the only language everyone can speak". That is so true!

I've seen so many people i know here! i just saw kenzie rose yesterday after devotional, and i also talked to president and sister brown at dinner two days ago. They were so happy to see me and hear that i know Brother Bench. I told them how much of an amazing home teacher he was to our family. And I've also seen half of my BYU-I mission prep class up here.

I just picked up another package! So thanks for sending those mom :) I love getting mail more than anything. It brings a smile to everyone who sees how happy you are.

Everyone here at the MTC is sooooo competitive with sports. It's ridiculous.  It seems like half of the population is either on crutches or has a cast on their arm. So as of yesterday I've decided no more soccer for two reasons. One, natives to Brazil, Spain, and Mexico WILL ALWAYS make you look dumb when you try to defend them. And two, i won't ever risk my $15,000 repaired knee ever again.

My Spanish is coming along way good! I'm already fluent is saying my prayers and giving a testimony. It's crazy how they just come in and throw you directly into the language. Like i had to memorize the first vision and missionary purpose THE FIRST DAY. But i feel really confident in Spanish as i continue to study it each day along with the Lord's help. That is the key to learning the language.

So this morning my district and i went to the temple for a session. It was a great experience. When we came out of the temple there were three or four couples with some kids and EVERY one of them were saying to their kids, "hey look! it's the missionaries!". I haven't felt like more of a superhero in my life. :) It made my day.

He IS a superhero!

My teachers, Hermano Koller, and Hermana Smith are amazing! Hermano Koller is getting married to Miss Utah tomorrow and is seriously the coolest guy ever! And Hermana Smith is so much fun. She just got home from her mission to Peru. And Koller went to Cuernavaca. I am in the process of "Kollerizing" my scriptures. You'll see the picture that i mailed today. I have about 50 pictures for you.

We have devotionals every tuesday here. Just two days ago Elder and Sister Packer of the seventy came and talked to us. That is Boyd K. Packer's son. He taught us how important it is to have good missionary character. And i just wanted to thank you mom and dad for truly being "goodly parents" to me and teaching me the fulness of the gospel so i can be ready to serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind and strength. Also, thank you for teaching me how to WORK. That is hands down the most important thing to learn before you serve a mission. Missionary work is hard and if you don't know how to set and achieve goals, then it will not be effective.

I know how important it is to serve a mission. I know without a doubt in my mind that THIS is where i need to be in my life and that it is the best place for ANY missionary-age man to be. Listening to everyone's mission calls here, i am soooo glad I'm going to Fresno. I wouldn't trade my mission for any other one. I know that this gospel is true and that the spirit will tell you EVERYTHING you need to do in your life if you are worthy and in-tune. Thanks for steering me straight mom, dad, bros, leaders, and friends. I love you all! Keep sending mail :)

-Elder Gygi