MTC Week 5

February 5, 2013

Elder Alexander & Elder Johnson

Spanish is such a weird language.  I tried to read out of a Spanish Hymn Book the other day and it was literally impossible.  It sounds so weird to me and even though I can understand it, I prefer Portuguese.  It sounds prettier.  There's a rift here at the MTC between the Portuguese speakers and the Spanish speakers.  Literally, every Spanish speaker I've talked to looks down on me.  They tend to just look at my name tag and assume it's Spanish.  To be fair, they do look a lot a like.  They then try to talk to me in Spanish.  I respond in Portuguese and they have no idea what I'm saying.  They then realize that I'm speaking Portuguese and not Spanish and they give me this death glare followed by an awkward silence.  They like to say that Portuguese is weird, makes no sense, and Spanish is a lot prettier.  I'm afraid I have to disagree with them.  I like the way Portuguese sounds.  The words don't blend together like Spanish does and I will not be mocked for my language anymore!!!!!!!    #Portuguese4vida!!!!!

Anyway, language ranting aside, this week has been pretty good.  Taught some lessons, prayed a little, felt the spirit, you know.  Honestly there isn't much that stands out this past week that I can really think of.  A guy from another district taught us how to tie this cool tie knot, dubbed, "The Juggerknot."  Elder Connor Townsend arrived this week, which was awesome.  I see him around a lot and we were able to take some pictures together.  Elder George Alexander left for Arizona today.  Needless to say, many tears were shed and I still have yet to get over the emotional trauma.  We get to be a Missionary Host welcoming all the new Elders to the MTC around week seven.  I'm going to try and see if I can be the host when Elder Josh Wood and Elder Kenny Marse arrive.  That would be awesome.

We had mission conference this last Sunday.  It's a lot like General Conference except it's just for the missionaries and the speakers are the MTC Presidency.  President Hacking gave a talk on trials and it reminded me a lot of my farewell talk, so that ruled.  It got me thinking about the Atonement and how much our Heavenly Father loves us and how important we are to Him.  I just want to say I'm so thankful for you, my family, and for all that you've done for me.  I also want to thank you for all the support and love you've given me over the years and know that I love you all very much.  I also want to thank everyone who has ever sent me a letter or communicated with me in anyway.  It means a lot and it makes life here at the MTC so much easier.  I'm so thankful for everything my Father in Heaven has done for me.  He's blessed me so much and even when I'm out here trying to serve Him, He stills blesses me beyond all comprehension.  So thank you for everything and what you have done for me to all those who are reading this letter.

Love,
Tanner


P.S.  Sorry this weeks letter wasn't too long.  Again, nothing really happened.

P.P.S.  I know I should be called Elder Johnson, but do you know how many people here are called Elder Johnson?  I share the last name with half of the MTC.