June 30, 2009

I love this place! It is going so well. So far the language isn't too bad, its mainly a review of Spanish classes that I had in Timpview, and the missionaries that have been here about two and a half weeks say that I speak well. My companions are awesome! They are just what I had wished for in a first companion. I actually have two companions, so nosotros tres espanoles compartir a room of four beds. So its nice that we have a little extra space in our room for comfort.

My companions have a desire to work hard and improve and progress each day. I can tell that all of us were the most disciplined people before we came here but we have all said to each other that we have a desire to change and become more Christlike. We have been waking up at 6:00 in the morning so that we can have enough time to get ready and not be rushed for breakfast at 7:00. Normally the time is 6:30. I'm glad that I am not the only one trying to magnify my calling because that would be very difficult. We have a companionship inventory meeting every night and that goes really well. We talk about the good and bad things that happened that day and we set goals as to how we can be better the next day. A couple nights ago my companion Elder Adams, from Smithfield, Utah, said that he wanted to make sure after we had been here for a while, that we don't get lax with the rules like many other missionaries are. Its sad to see that not all the missionaries are doing exactly what they should do. Obviously no one is perfect, but I think that a lot of them could try harder.

Every one is very nice in our zone and district! The older missionaries, I say older but I mean that they have been here longer, are very accepting and kind. My district is awesome. We all get along very well and we are trying to stay focused on the work, learning the language and teaching the doctrines of Salvation.

I can already pray and testify in Espanol, so that is cool. Our companionship is really progressing. Elder Scott and I knew Spanish at a similar level but Elder Adams took a year of German in high school, which doesn't help. He is very honest and open, when he doesn't understand and I really appreciate it.

I went to choir practice on Sunday and that was good. I sat by Elder Lake from California, the one we would bowl with Mom, Stuart lake. I see people I know all of the time. I have probably seen 8 people from my BYU ward and tons of people from Timpview. It really makes it easier and I don't feel homesick at all...yet. It hasn't hit me yet, I guess. Sorry if that offends you. I still love you but, this place is so spiritual. The only thing that I can compare it too is a huge EFY, a long Youth Conference, or an extended General Conference; because we go to these meetings with all of the new missionaries and we get so excited to work hard and live and teach by the Spirit, it's so cool. I love singing the hymns because they are so powerful. That's where most of my spiritual experiences have come from.

We were so privileged to have the Mission Presidents Seminar last week starting Wednesday going to Sunday because we had all of the 15 prophets, seers, and revelators here over the course of those 4 days. I only saw 7 of the Apostles when they gave a Friday night devotional. Unfortunately, I didn't get to sit int he gym because there wasn't any room so our district had to go to the overflow in the cafeteria. It was awesome. They have a special spirit that everyone can feel.

I really love this place and everyone says that the first couple of days are very hard, but I haven't really felt that yet. I love this place! It's so cool to put that name tag on every morning and to try and do the will of the Father every day as best as you can. I truly am on the Lords errand.

Love,

Elder Driggs