Week One: MTC

Hi everyone!!! 

Been one week in the MTC! It's amazing. And tiring. I'm tired a lot of the time. But I feel like I've just got here, and like I've been here a year. It's weird! :) I'm learning a lot, mainly about how to make investigators feel loved and grow their faith. My companion's and my main investigator is progressing really well. We're teaching a few other people too, and have a lesson with one tonight.

I've learned more here in a few days than I have in like 3 weeks at school. I just love it here!!!

Today's my Preparation Day (P-Day). I leave for Arizona next Tuesday at 4:30 a.m, so I won't be able to write until the Monday after. I'm excited!! So close!!!!

My roommates are great. We like to joke and laugh, and do a lot together. The food is good and there's LOTS OF IT :)

I auditioned for a violin piece today to perform at a devotional or something like that. I made it into the YES pool, so I might be picked!

I'll send out my address once I get to Mesa.

Also, I've been called to serve as a district leader here, so I get to serve and watch over 5 sets of missionaries.

Elder Stowell

My Missionary

Today we mustered up all of our courage and bravely dropped Sam off at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. The four months since he received his mission call to serve in the Arizona Mesa Mission flew by and suddenly we find ourselves Samless. This is going to be an adjustment.

It helps to know that Sam is ready for this. He was all smiles as we arrived at the MTC. Knowing that there would be little, if any, time for goodbyes when we dropped him off, we all had our tear-filled hugs before leaving for Provo. Once we arrived, Sam jumped out of the van, grabbed his suitcases, and somehow was able to confidently walk away even though there were five faces looking out the back of the van with tears streaming down them. Talk about heart breaking! I can't even picture it in my mind without crying all over again.

I think today was harder than any of us anticipated. Ironically, this is what we've wanted for Sam ever since he was born and I am so happy that Sam chose to serve. He will be a great missionary, I am sure.

But right now, all we can think about is how much we miss him!

The view from my mirror as we approached the MTC. Such a handsome guy!

Saying goodbye. You can't tell in the picture, but Soren is in tears!

We love you, Sam! See you in two years.


{This post first appeared here.}