MTC week 3

      Each day that passes is a little faster than the last one. This Wednesday is my halfway mark, and my Portuguese is much better than when I first got here. Ever since the second day here I have been teaching an investigator almost every day in Portuguese. Right now both of my teachers are acting as investigators for us so we have two people to teach. When I first began to teach them with my companion we used scripted lessons and even read our prayers. One day about two weeks ago we decided to start teaching them without any notes whatsoever. The improvement in our lessons was extraordinary. The spirit was much stronger and we began to learn the language faster. Now all that we go into lessons with is our Portuguese scriptures and a sticky note with words we need but haven't memorized yet. Our teachers/investigators make it realistic by dropping stuff on us like not being legally married to their spouse or acting drunk when we walk in. Those are some interesting discussions. It is still hard to understand people who speak Portuguese fast, especially when they have Brazilian accents. Both of our teachers went to Brazil on their missions which is funny because our class is only people going to Portugal and Cabo Verde. A lot of learning the language is on us. We are expected to put in a lot of time learning verbs and grammar and phrases. Yesterday was fast Sunday and it was nice to give my body a break from the food here. In choir we sung 'Lead Kindly Light' and it was beautiful, the music leader, Brother Aggot, told us some great stories about the person who wrote the song. We practice Sundays and Tuesdays and sing in the devotional on Tuesday nights. A lot of days when we study our district goes to the new buildings because they have amazing study rooms there. There are twelve rooms with pictures and soft music playing. The temple was closed today because of labor day so we had the morning free. This Wednesday our district gets to be hosts for the new missionaries. It should be exciting. Yesterday all of the district leaders were released and new ones were called. So I guess I am now the new district leader, but all that means is I conduct the district meeting and get the mail. Yesterday after the devotional by the mtc presidency I got to see a great video on Joseph Smith, and it was really inspiring to see how the church has grown from a small gathering of people in Kirtland, Ohio to a global church with thousands of missionaries spreading the proclaimed gospel. I memorized the first vision in Portuguese and whenever I bare testimony of it to an investigator I know that what I am saying is true and I know that they are feeling that confirmation as well. I also taught priesthood on Sunday with my companion, it went well. I can't say I love the MTC but I also can't say I hate it. I certainly am grateful for the things I learn here and the teachers and leaders who make everything work. I guess I appreciate my family a lot more out here. I will be very happy to see them in two years.