Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

1st Letter :)

Hola mi familia! (Hello my family) 

Today is my pday (preparation day- the missionaries get one day a week to write their families, do laundry, etc...) finally and I only get an hour to write so I might get a little sloppy. Also, if I start using spanish, lo siento, (I’m sorry)  it’s because that’s what I am forced to speak 24/7. The MTC (Missionary Training Center) is literally college classes all day. When Donavan said that it was like drinking from a spiritual fire hose I think he was being a little under-dramatic.... There is no other way of explaining the MTC.. It’s work, work, work. My testimony (of the Savior and the truthfulness of the church) has grown so much it’s ridiculous. 

I have felt the spirits presence ever since I got on the plane. I had such a weird experience on the plane to Guatemala. I felt so comfortable and at peace a lot like I do when I’m just chilling with my bros. I fell asleep and woke up later and all I could remember was wondering where the heck I was and for a few muenets (minutes) I was looking around for Emerson. I was so sure he was there with me because I felt so much peace. After I came to my senses it really hit me what I was doing. I cried about the thought of not seeing my familia por dos anos (family for two years) or seeing Em or Marisa or Spencer or Ana and everyone. But the peaceful feeling came over me again and I knew the spirit was telling me everything was going to be fine and would help me every step of the way. 

The MTC is mostly full of Latinos, there are about 20 of us Nortes or that’s what they call us. The food is really good, but it’s all cultural food. My first breakfast we had a fried tortilla covered in beans with a fried egg on top and some salsa and potatoes and corn. Most of the food is just different variations of that. I love the food, but most of the other Nortes are struggling with it. They get really excited when we have an American meal, which is about once a week, but the meal made me super ill. It was pancakes and bacon and I felt like I was going to die. It FEELS LIKE I HAVE BEEN HERE FOR a few semanas pero (a few weeks, but) it’s only been a week haha. I absolutely love mi companero (my companion). We have to teach an investigator every day even though he is really our teacher haha. We struggle through the lessons (that are entirely in Spanish) but eventually get our point across.

Sometimes the stress of the CCM or MTC is so much I just want to crawl into bed and sleep or go pound weights in the gym, which I really can’t do, which throws me into distress. I have learned that it is difficult for the spirit to help you if you are in distress. It takes all my energy to hold strong. I feel like I never have enough time, but I am learning to do every thing I can and leave it all on the matt. (a wrestling analogy)

We took a bus around yesterday from the MTC which is in my mission. The city is a mix of LA jungle and people pooping in the street. It’s unexplainable.

I have so much to say but so little time. I will probably write a letter home if I have time.

A word of advise to Moroni is to learn the lessons! It is easy to just say you'll learn everything in the field, but he will be so happy that he studied and got a head..

It makes me so happy to know that Marisa and Ana are taking the lessons or want to and that they are progressing. I keep them in my prayers. I have the strongest impressions of her doing so many great things. If you could ask Marisa to write me every once and awhile I would really appreciate it. Also, if you guys could send me pics of the family and get pics from Marisa of the whole squad I would really appreciate it, and it would help with my lessons and help me stay sane haha.

One thing that I think is very wise and I recommend for all, especially my friends, is this quote:

Blessings come from obedience,
Miracles come from EXACT obedience.

Oh, by the way, I didn't tell Levi he could borrow my stuff, but it’s fine if he uses everything at the house only if it stays there at the house. 

I love you guys and want to say more, but have no time.

Sincerely,
Elder Dabel