Heyyyoooo Week 1 (MTC)

Hello! 

'Tis me! The last week has been super packed so I'll try and remember all of every waking second of every day. I'll just put it in list form

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step

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oh look a badge

what language is that

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hey

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Nah I'm kidding. The last week has been really good! I have learned a lot; mostly what I've learned, is that I don't know anything about teaching the gospel. My companion is Elder Espada-Hernandez, but I just call him Elder Rivera for short. He was born in Puerto Rico but he has lived in Wisconsin for the last 5 years. He is really humble and the first missionary in his whole line (his mom is a convert and his step dad isn't a member) He is pretty hilarious. My district is 4 companionships. Me and Elder EH, Elder Myers(Indiana, Convert) and Elder Smith(Michigan), Sister Sommers(Ohio) and Sister Liebelt(South Jordan), Sister Brown(Cedar City) and Sister Sanders(South Jordan, or west, I don't remember.) We laugh a lot, maybe too a lot.

 I've really bonded with Elder Smith from my district. We have absolutely nothing in common but we have a good time together. He likes fishing and bow hunting and country. I like music and downtown and nice clothes. I love that about the mission. Everyone is so different but we are all here for one purpose.We laugh so so so so hard. He went to BYUI and is 20 years old. We are already talking about hanging out when we get back and we have known each for a WEEK. There are no coincidences in the Lord's work. 

 Switching to a lifestyle of talking about Jesus all the time really wasn't as weird as I thought it would be. It's great and uplifting. Probably because Jesus is so great and uplifting. 

I have learned mostly about how God loves us, and supports us as we try to grow and do what is right. I've had a hard time getting into the mindset of teaching "investigators", like when my teacher Brother Henderson acts like Joseph from LA with two kids. It was tough for me to adjust for that mindset. Alas, I need to be here and this is what they want us to do. My roommate Kevin taught me that I can just think about it like I am working on specific skills that I will need when I am actually in the field. That mindset is easier than praying for fake investigators, which I struggled with. Although I love how much we pray. We legitimately pray 15 times a day, so great. 

Perry and Mindy sent me a package! So nice! If you want me to write you a letter or an email or you want to talk to me ever, please email me, I would love that. I'm really excited to get out of Provo. I want you all to know that God loves you, and that is why he has orchestrated this grand plan. I don't know how many of you have read this lot of nonsense all the way to this point, but thank you for reading, and keep your chins up! I'm really starting to get much more of an eternal perspective. Two years already seems short. (Sorry Mom) Next time you hear from me I'll be in California, reppin' the badge. 

Love,

Elder Lear Burton