MTC Life

Aug 24, 2013

Mom! Dad! Ben! Sam!

Have you guys still not gotten my letter yet? I sent a hand written letter on Friday August 16th, over a week ago and you still haven't received it. I think the MTC has some mail problems. But I have gotten all your letters! I guess the problem is only with outgoing mail. So, expect a letter I hope! If you don't get it by like Wednesday or so, tell me and I'll write another. The Dear Elder works great  though, so continue with that.

But hey fam! I'm going to reply to Dad's email in this one too, so its probably gonna be a long one. And yes, my P-day is on Saturdays!

MTC life is rigorous and initially overwhelming, but I've gotten into the swing of things I think. I room with two other companionships besides my own. My companions name is Elder Shelley and he's from SIlver City, New Mexico! The other companionships are Elder Egan and Elder Johnson from Layton, Utah and Ranchocucomunga (spelling? that place is Southern CA) respectively, and Elder Hunsaker and Elder Sagario from Heber, Utah and somewhere in Hawai'i respectively. They are awesome guys and we all get along like we've been friends since birth. I'll send pictures of all of them and some others in separate emails. They are all going to the Philippines Luoag Mission.

 

Elder Egan:  memorizing

 Elder Hunsaker:  happy!

 Elder Sagario:  "Hawaiin Punch"

My companion, Elder Shelley:  Paparazzi

My District also includes 3 Sister companionships, and they are all awesome too. Sister Staker and Sister Anderson from Idaho and Utah, Sister Sims and Sister Andersen from Las Vegas and Utah, and Sister Briggs and Sister Teeter both from Idaho. 2 of the companionships are going to Luoag and the other one is going to Quezan City. I'm the only one in my district going to Cavite!

Learning Tagalog is the hardest thing I've ever had to do probably, but its coming along great. 

Kumusta po kayo? Ako po si Elder Lasley. Ako po ang misyonero para sa Simbahan ni Jesucristo ng mga Banal sa mga Huling-Araw. Alam ko po na tatoo ang Simbahan at alam ko po na salita ng Diyos ang Aklat ni Mormon.

That means:

How are you? I am Elder Lasley. I am a missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know the the Church is true and I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.

Crazy, huh? Its a weird language. There were probably several grammar mistakes in that phrase too, that was just off the top of my head. Conjugating verbs is probably the hardest part. My favorite word is probably pananampalataya which means faith! I also like biyaya which means blessing or grace, and paniniwala which means belief. Ahahaha such wild words. 

My Tagalog teacher's name is Brother Mansfield. He's 26 and got back from his mission almost 6 years ago where he served in the Philippines Manila mission. He served much of his time in Cavite though, which is awesome! He says I have the best mission and hes going to give me some names of people to ask if they remember Elder Mansfield. I love him though! He's a great teacher. 

I only have an hour on my email and its almost up, so I'll finish this letter in written form and mail it today, hopefully it'll get to you. 

But I love you guys and miss you very much! 

Love,

Elder Lasley

Elder Johnson, Me, and Elder Egan

 My name tag:  Elder Lasley

Oh! I forgot to ask for a few things that would be very helpful! If you guys could send some stamps and some laundry detergent packs, that would be awesome. Also, it would be awesome if you could send me those cool old brown slippers from the coat closet. Only for the MTC, I'll send them back before I leave. Also, I am allowed to make phone calls from the airport when I leave during layovers and stuff, so if you could send me some kind of prepaid phone with like 1-3 hours of calling time (atleast thats what I've heard) or a phone card with the same amount, I'll be able to talk to you guys from the airport!

I love you guys!

Love,

Elder Lasley