Here I am. The first week here at the MTC, and first week as a missionary. I don't even recognize myself anymore. It has been such an incredible week that its difficult to know where to start. But I think the beginning would be appropriate.

 

The beginning being Tuesday night. One of the things which is most often forgotten but most important about beginning missionary work is the actual setting apart. This is done by the Stake President usually the night before the missionary is to leave, and I must say, it definitely testified to me about the importance of the calling I was receiving. It is one of the only times in my life up to that point that I can say I felt a literal 'burning in the bosom' like is spoken of in the scriptures. However, that feeling has come over and over again over the past week.

 

The 5 mile an hour jump out the car door and run drop off was definitely nice. I don't mean to say I didn't want to say bye to my family or anything. I just think I have been saying bye for long enough. I was ready to go.

 

We hit the ground running by meeting with our district and companions. Mine is a wonderful fellow from Hurricane, Utah named Elder Rowzee' (pronounced Rose-ay). He's a very quiet, shy individual who loves to sing in the shower and draw. He also has a talent for writing, and is right now drafting a book. Despite his quiet nature, he is very sincere and a wonderful companion.

 

To all those missionaries who are coming in, realize: It is harder than you think. You will never be stretched more. You will never have more required of you. You will never have as many changes to your life. But at the same time, you will never have a greater chance to learn what the gospel really means to you and what you can do to share it. In this past week, we have already had the chance to teach many, many lessons to many different people, and with the 3-4+ hours of study which they expect of us, I have learned so much about the scriptures and the Gospel. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to truly know what it means.

 

The food is good. The spirit is strong. I only have 30 minutes to write emails, and I've already gone too long. I pray every day to know what to say. And I will be glad to answer any letters that come my way. To anyone who reads this, I love and miss all of you, but this work is true and means so much to me. This past week was rough, but every day is getting better.

 

Lots of love, and good luck to all of you!

 

Elder Alex Anderson