July 28, 2011

Awesome!

Thanks for getting the blog going. Can you thank Judy for me also? I have taken a couple of pictures already and I can get them developed and send a CD to you. We just got done teaching our investigator and everything went well with that. I thought I was doing a good job on talking to him and laughing about stuff in Spanish, but it all went over my companions head, it was funny. I figured out that I'm good at getting the people comfortable and talking, but my companion often jumps right into lessons and sort of scares them a bit. The pressure is on, i can definitely feel it. I have learned to bear my testimony and brushed up on my Spanish. The week that I came in, the MTC started a new program and completely immersed us in Spanish. The other branches in my zone were impressed by how fast that me and my district had picked up on saying our prayers in Spanish. I really like all the guys in my district, we are having a lot of fun. We are all trying to get the Spanish down. We went to the temple this morning, it was great. It was definitely alot smaller than the Los Angeles one. Everyday I look forward to gym. We often play as a district team in volleyball and soccer against others in our Zone. we're not very good at soccer, but we're excellent at volleyball! I'll also play some intense four-square sometimes. Oh for my mission plaque I want Psalms 23, the whole thing. Thanks Dad. Well I've got to go, its fun. Everyone was right, the days are long but the weeks are short. I cant believe its already been a week.  Love you and miss everyone!

Love,

Cole

 

July 23, 2011

Hola familia! 

I'm doing good, the MTC is definitely a great place. I'm doing some laundry right now con mi companero Elder Folsom y mi districto. My teachers name is Hermana Keleman and she is doing a great job on teaching us Spanish. We have learned to say our prayers in Spanish already and its been 3 days. On Thursday night we all met with the Zone presidency and had interviews that night with the president. I was called back in and asked to be the District Leader! I'm excited for this opportunity. I have learned all of my Elder's names and talking to them all. We have 11 Elders in the district. My companero Elder Folsom is going to Tegucigalpa Honduras with me. My other roommates Elder Stults (from Cedar City) and Elder Ward (Spokane WA) are going to San Pedro Honduras. Elder Tihmmig (San Francisco) and Elder Wride (Salt Lake) are going to Barcelona Spain. Elder Lewis (Provo) and Elder Bookstaber (somewhere in CA) is going to Madrid Spain. Elder Mcluellen is going to Concepion Chile, Then you have Elder Ford and Elder Combe that are also going to Conception Chile also. So we are all somewhat in the same general direction.  Oh I've run into Elder Porter Urmston and Elder Nathan Despain on many occasions. I also see my old roommate Tyler from Somerset every now and then in the cafeteria. On Friday, me and Elder Wride (from my district) were talking and we ended up discovering that we were both friends with my friend Damon. It was crazy because we had heard stories about us both from Damon and finally met. Oh can you ask Jack to look in my texts on my phone and have him send me Damon's address? I forgot it. I'll get it faster if you send it in the mail because I can't check my email. It would be in the last text from him, Thanks! Its hard getting to sleep and waking up in the morning. I feel like I barely close my eyes and all 4 alarm clocks are blaring. The showers are warm now, but crowded. Don't worry I haven't caught Jack's Flu bug like everyone else has, I am doing fine. Also the food is good here too. I can only have one serving before I am full though, so that's good. Well my timer is running out for email so Ive got to go. I love and miss you all. tell Max, Chloe and Jack that i miss and love them. I'll write back next week!

-Love Cole

July 21, 2011

Hola Familia!
I have made it safely to the MTC. The shuttle ride was good. I rode with two other elders and a sister. When I arrived, they quickly bused us through and gave instructions. I missed the introductory class, but met the teacher and district. We then went to a meeting with the other 448 new missionaries. The MTC Presidency and their wives. My set dinner time is 4:30!!! I thought that was crazy. My companions name is Elder Folsom from Montana. I also have run into Elder Despain, Elder Porter Urmston and my old roommate Tyler from Somerset. Everything is good. I'll be sending emails. Talk to you soon!
Love,
Cole
ps: I'm pretty sure they keep the showers cold in the morning on purpose!

July 20, 2011

Elder Cole Harding enters the MTC in Provo, Utah!