Week 2

What an exciting week! 

We had our first helping others appointment which is basically where an actor from the MTC pretends to take lessons. It's so interesting to get in a flow when you teach. Principles synthesize into a cohesive whole. When you take time to think of the blessings and truth of certain doctrine, you just feel happy to share. For so much of high school I was wary of sharing anything related to the gospel, partly because it was close to my heart. But to recognize it's power is instructive, even if it's with a fake investigator on zoom. I'm sure in the field in Spanish will be just as easy right??

Wednesday I woke up bright and early, well not bright, it was still dark RIP, and headed down to Utah. Shoutout to Brother Youd for getting us caramel apples, highly recommend. The MTC is quite an interesting place. It's made up of 18 years-olds from all around the world. In one class today there were people from Australia, Fiji, England, France, Venezuela, C'ote d`Ivore and more. Frankly I'm surpised it's not a big mess. Not only that, but these individuals all attend class, dress nicely, study relentlessly, and worship sincerely. There seems to be something transformative about the MTC. I'm so excited to be surrounded by these kinds of people. I absolutely love my district. Lots of different kinds of people, but they're all hilarious and earnest. For our final zoom class on Monday, we had a substitute teacher that was supposed to teach us Spanish. Due to our strategically placed questions regarding the dating scene in Utah and the best dipping sauces, we finished the class without even an opening prayer. All love to Hermano d'Evegnee he might've been a little lonely. Genuinely haven't laughed that hard in years. 

This week was a special one for me as I received such an outpouring of love. I was able to give my farewell talk and had friends and family watching from all over the world (shoutout KK) as well as my close friends attend the meeting. There were plently of cards, and tears, and even hugs (Don't tell the Mission Prez). That night, someone from the ward (a sweet idea so probably a young women) had planned to have the youth say goodbye. It was wonderful to see everyone before leaving. Not only that, but many more goodbyes took place with many friends and even texts from those I didn't know well. It felt like when at funerals they say it's a celebration of life. I'm so excited to serve, so it wasn't sad, more of a celebration of all the connections I've made. I'm grateful to have wonderful people around me that support me. To add something spiritual, there is a quote by Joseph Smith that states something like, don't quote me but, "We will maintain the society we now have in the life beyond." I have a feeling that truly coming to know others may be one of our most fulfilling and joyous eternal opportunities. Maybe the cherry-on-top of this week was KK being the best sister ever. She collected and created a book of messages from close friends and family and gave it to me before I left. I haven't had the opportunity to read the whole thing, but it made me laugh, and reminisce, and even, don't tell, tear up. I'm so grateful for those in my life that have my back. I have a lot to learn from them. That book will no doubt be a gift throughout my mission.

There is no auto correct on emails so please forgive my spelling mistakes. Just be grateful I'm not writing these in Spanish, I am happy.

Until next week!

Elder Dougall