I Love the MTC!

March 18, 2013

Hello everyone!

I absolutely LOVE the MTC! I honestly have the best district ever. There are 5 elders and 6 sisters.  It is a little crazy that we have more sisters here now.

I got put into a 3 way companionship, which is very hard to do. I know I am with these elders for a reason. Elder Williams is my companion from Orem. He is a gun fanatic. He is funny, smart and knows a lot about politics. My second companion, Elder Ciavardini (She-zer-dini), is from Calgary Alberta. He is the senior comp. and actually has a few weeks of missionary work under his belt. He was sent here late because he was waiting for his visa. He is a scriptorian and knows a lot of doctrine. He is very quiet but when he opens his mouth, you get a little Canadian accent and words of wisdom. He is a genius. I learn so much from both of them.

The second day in, Elder Williams and I were made zone leaders. This was a very humbling experience. It's hard sometimes because we are in a 3 way companionship, and we have to go on splits. We also have to hit our leadership meetings. Today is Tuesday, and we are expecting to receive a sister from Sweden and 20 something new missionaries tomorrow. We are in charge of them. I am very excited about that. It feels like time is slow and long during the day, but I am amazed how this past week has flown by. It's weird to think we are practically veterans here already.

Finally after a week, I get to write to all of you on my P-day. Some have probably thought that I just don't care or have time to write to you, but THAT IS NOT THE CASE!! Thank you all so much for writing and sending some wonderful packages. They are like gold here. It always brings me joy when I get back to my classroom, and there are a few new letters each day. I thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

My departure date is March 19! I have to be on the first flight at 6 am. This means waking up at around 3 am or so. I am sooo not looking forward to that. Time is so short here, and I am loving every minute of it! I can't wait to get to Florida though! I'm already losing my tan from my family trip. I guess that's Utah for you.

The teachers here are all absolutely amazing. Each and every fundamental lesson is packed with information and good habits. The spirit seems to wrap it all up nicely and then put a bow on it! My testimony has grown tremendously and so have my teaching skills. There is still a lot to work on. It is amazing to see how necessary the Holy Spirit is in conversion and how it guides you so you can teach your investigators and meet their specific needs.

I am sorry for being all over the place in this letter, but I had a funny experience that only missionaries would fully understand. The third day in, I was getting my lunch in the cafeteria, and as I started to head over to the tables, I turned back to look for my companions and they weren't there. I'm pretty sure my heart skipped a beat as I started to freak out! I looked all over the place for them, and I remember feeling more alone than ever before. When I eventually found them, they were completely oblivious and didn't think anything of the situation. Let's just say I've really drawn close to my companions.

Anyway, there is just too much to write about as we receive inspiration and miracles each and every day. One example, Elder Perry in my district had a severely twisted ankle playing volleyball this week. It had swollen to the size of an apple on his foot. I had the opportunity to be a part of an amazing blessing for him. Right as we were about to start, our Branch President walks into our room to check things out. Be aware that other elders were playing football and having foot races right outside in the hall. That just shows you how amazing my district is. I say that in the most humble way possible. haha The President stood in on the blessing, and he was later walking on his foot normally within a day and a half. Only one of many miracles that happen here!

I love the MTC, and I love all of you! Thank you so much for caring for me and being a part of my life. Next time I write to you, I will be in Florida!

With Love,
Elder Greenlaw

*Elder Greenlaw told me to tell everyone that he ran out of time to write everyone, so please be patient with him. As he said in an earlier email to his mother, patience is a virtue. :)