April 20 Letter

Hey,

I did get the exercise equipment. Thanks. I've already been using it a lot because they just recently closed the gym temporarily for repairs, and it won't be open again until after I'm gone. So, it was like perfect timing. I don't how I'm going to get it to Mexico, though. It's too heavy to pack. I'll probably have to ship it or something.

Elder Glenn L. pace gave an amazing talk at last week's devotional. I really felt like it was at least a partial answer to my prayers. It was so personal and sacred that he actually requested the MTC not record it. It was about the love of God, nothing I haven't heard about before, but he spoke so sincerely and shared some very personal experiences. I'm still not feeling super comfortable with sharing the Gospel with everybody, but I think I'm getting closer. It's hard for me to deny the feelings and experiences I've had.

Learning the language and the doctrine has been the least difficult part, by far, of this whole MTC experience. The emotional and spiritual things have been far more challenging. I just keep pressing forward with as much faith as I can. I have learned so much here at the MTC.

I just sent you guys some pictures today. So, you should get them by Friday or next Monday. I think it takes about 5 business days for regular mail. I feel like I never have much time to write very much to you guys. If you want me to write a more detailed letter, let me know.

Oh, actually, mom, I can't call on Mother's Day. They don't let you do that while you're in the MTC because there are just too many missionaries. I'll get to call you like a week later though, from the airport.

Tell me more what's going on with the family. How was Jamaica? Is Sean excited for FSU? How is everyone doing in school? What sports is everybody playing? What are you guys planning on doing this summer?

P.S. Tell Dad he better not mess up the Honda before I get back. I want to drive it so bad!

Love you all,

Elder Graham

April 13 Letter

I couldn't believe you called the MTC. Haha. I've been gone for like three weeks, and I didn't write to you one week. That's ok. At least I know my mommy loves me. Im actually feeling much better now, although still trying to figure some things out. Thanks for recommending D&C 6. Those verses, 22 and 23 are some of my favorite scriptures.

My new companion, Elder Garcia, is great. He's also my district leader. Well, at least until Friday, I think. Im getting to know him a lot better now that we're companions, and he's really cool. He's just a down to earth, cool guy, and he's always so full of energy. It's hard not to laugh and be in a good mood around him. It's amazing how close you can get to someone when you spend every minute of every day with him. I miss my friend from Mexico (Elder Banuelos), though. He already left and is serving in California. He told me I have to come to Mexico with him after our missions. He's hillarious. I miss my old companion too, but hey I'm going to have lots of companions. I'm glad the ones I have had so far have been good.

Everyone who's served a mission and has written to me seems surprised that we can't ever leave the MTC anymore, but I guess its not that big a deal to me just because I never had the opportunity to. We actually can walk around the temple on Sundays if we want. I am starting to feel a little isolated, but its not too bad. I've got pretty much everything I need here. The days are long and pass slowly as we pretty much sit around studying all day, but the weeks fly by. I can't believe I'm into my fourth week, or fifth Hmm... Im not even sure. See what I mean?

Please apologize for me to anyone that has written to me and hasn't received a letter back from me yet. P-days seem to just fly by so fast.

I did get your beef jerkey and your cookies and your easter goodies. I wish I was hungrier, and the MTC didn't stuff me so much. I actually gave a whole bag of beef jerky to my old companion that he took with him to Peru because he liked it so much. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for all the yummies.

Shoot! They really don't give us enough email time. Can you plese have Marc write something to me. I really want to talk to him, but I'm not sure what to ask him about. Just tell him I miss him so much, and I think about him every day.

Love, Brett

Brett's 2nd Letter, April 6

Sorry for not writing to you last week. In all honesty, I've just had a lot of things on my mind lately.I still dont feel ready to go out and preach the gospel. Good thing I am in here for another 5 or 6 weeks. Everything else is going great though. I love my companion and my district. We have way more fun together than I would have expected. I'll try to send some pictures home within the next couple weeks. My companion is leaving tomorrow for the MTC in Lima, Peru, which really stinks becasue he's so much fun and we teach really well together. Plus, noone else speaks Spanish as well as him in the district, and all the native Spanish speakers that were only here for three weeks are leaving too. So, I"m not going to be able to practice as well. They definitely keep you busy here at the MTC, and they feed you so much! I definitely see how a lot of missionaries gain weight while there at the MTC. Tell Kenny to not worry though, I work out almost everyday with one of my roomates. He's really into fitness and health. But speaking of staying in shape, I would really like it if you could send me one of the resistance band things with the handles on the ends and my pull up bar (I forgot it at home). Everyone tells me Puebla is nice. One of my friends, Elder Banuelos, is from Mexico and he says he loves Puebla. I"m not sure I"ll get to go there as soon as scheduled (May 10) though because they've been having a lot of problems lately getting Visas for Mexico. All the Elders assigned to Mexican missions in my branch that were only here for threee weeks and are leaving tomorrow are all going to different places in Utah for now because they haven't gotten their Mexican Visas yet. My time's almost up. Se y later!

Love, Brett