Dear Mother and Father

Dear Mother and Father,

The MTC has been an incredible experience. Our district is piloting a new teaching program that focuses on the missionaries teaching more. We have been teaching our teachers, who have been taking on roles as investigators. There are also classes called TRC's where volunteers or even investigators have us teach them for an hour or so. We spend much less time in the classroom being taught, and more time learning and experiencing teaching.

I have learned so much from these lessons; how to get to know new people, teach lessons to their specific needs, listen to the Spirit for inspiration, and what not to say to piss off an investigator. Elder Harmer and I are getting really good at switching off or covering for another person if one of us is having difficulties.

The first four days were so difficult. Wednesday and Thursday were learning all about learning the ropes and where things are in the MTC. The new teaching program was incredibly difficult at first, and one of the teachers was really hard to teach. But every time I teach, I learn something new. It really is the best way to teach us how a mission will work. They could shove facts after facts about what missionary life is like and how to teach, but we could never know exactly what it's like until we experience it.

Those four days went by so slowly, I thought I would never get off a mission. But now, a whole week has passed and we're already well into another one. The food ranges from terrible to good...it's not great. But yes, I have been eating my vegetables. I get a salad for lunch and dinner, and if they don't make me gag, the veggies they give in the Combo meals. The chocolate milk isn't famous, it's actually Meadow Gold Viva chocolate milk, but is still good.

Gym class is the worst! And it's not because I hate gym, lol. Elder Harmer broke his arm before coming to the MTC (more on that later) and so he literally can't do anything. No sports and no running. It hurts his arm. So, it wasn't until yesterday that I left him with another companion and ran 3 miles. It felt so good, and I beat my record. I ran a six minute mile...woot!

The guys in my district are so amazing. Elder's Last and Dobbins are the jock, goofy type. You know, the ones who would have made fun of me in High School, lol. But they are great guys, and we are best of friends. I even broke my watch and Elder Last gave me his. Elders King and White couldn't be more different. Elder White is very quiet and patient, while Elder King is loud, cocky and a total jock. It's amazing what has changed in their attitudes since becoming companions.

Elder Peterson and White are our zone leaders and are really cool guys. Petersen can get a little annoying, but I look past that and look for the good in him. Elder Harmer is a really great guy, and although we are totally different, we still, somehow, have conversations. He broke his arm skiing, and that is hard. Not only on him; well, mostly on him, but on me, too. It slows everything down, we're always late, and I have to do a lot of things for him. But hey, it's easy to serve him, and I have learned to have a lot of patience.

His face is half fake, after getting kneed in the face in a soccer match. His left side of his face, the bones, was shattered, and all of the bones were replaced. It looks fantastic and he isn't blind in his left eye. It's amazing he can still see. Oh, did I mention that Elder White (Elder Peterson's companion) doesn't have a belly button. Seriously!

I got sick on Monday, and still am, but amazingly, I felt fantastic. The nurse, because when you're sick, you have to go to the clinic, had me gargle salt water. For sore throats, it's the best thing ever!

My towel is terrible. There are these gross little threads, that when wet, get everywhere and look like gross little hairs.

My razor needed a new blade, but of course, I didn't know this and got the WORST razor burn. My neck was red all the way down with little zits everywhere. I changed the blade.

To finish off, I know that I am supposed to be here. I have had one of the most stressful weeks of my life, but, like Alma the Younger, my joy outweighs my sorrows. I love it here. I love my companion, and my district. And I love the Savior. He is my salvation from sorrow and sin, and I believe, that with his help, I can do all things. I love you and your support in this exodus, and before I or you know it, will be back at home.

Love,

Elder Courtney James Casselman

p.s. Sorry about the stove. Can't wait to see the new one!

p.p.s. Don't worry about getting me a new watch.

p.p.p.s. The "DearElder" emails mail is nice, but a hand written letter would be greatly appreciated once in a while.

p.p.s.s. And believe me, I am still alive.