9/26/12 - to Mom

Dear Mom,

So as I was saying, I am only allotted 30 min to write back all of the people who have sent me emails. I wrote a couple of paragraphs to you but, unfortunately, it logged me out in the middle of my letter and didn't save any of it so I will do my best to recreate that letter and remember the things I wrote you.

My companion's name is Elder Austin James Price and he is from South Jordan. He had anxiety problems and so he go the opportunity to serve a three-month mini-mission to try out how he would be able to handle the work and deal with his anxiety. Amazingly, he tells me it has almost cured him. My other two roommates are awesome and I'm sure that we would be friends outside the MTC if I had known them (better). Elder Duncan is my roommate who I already knew from middle school.  It's cool to see him again. We all get along great.

The MTC is tough! I enjoy the happiness and the "rightness" (so to speak) that I feel here.  But that doesn't make things easy.  The food is no good.  It gives me bad gas. The other thing I dislike is the three-hour class sessions.  They are very difficulty to stay awake in, but I enjoy them.  I have learned more than I think I have in an entire year of seminary in just five days here. Best of all, the days are starting to pass by quickly, in comparison with the first two days, which seemed like an eternity.

Tell thanks to everyone on Facebook!  That's awesome to know they are thinking of me. And I am trying to keep up with all your letters, I promise!

Here's my responses to your most recent letters:

• Colby: Thanks! I miss you. I found something cool in the Book of Mormon index the other day.  On page 121, in the G's, it says Galland, Isaac at the top. I thought you'd find that funny. Maybe you could tell him!
• Rorie: I'm getting along great with my roommates! You can send that package any time you want. Make sure you tell Sister Payton thank you!! I love you too and miss you.
• Regan: Your letters and great and make me smile when I read them. If you go to Zurchers you can get a lifesize printout of me on cardboard and plant it in my room if that would help.  Thant would be funny.
• Caitlin: I loved getting your Dear Elder letter! Those are cool because I get them same day. But can I write you back on paper? I don't have access to Dear Elder here at the MTC.
• Mom: You're the best! And you're too nice to me! I have gotten so many treats that I haven't even finished them yet! I appreciate you helping pay the tithing on my last paycheck. I love you lots and I'll talk to you soon. And I'll write Mitch and Clark too.
• Dad: I enjoyed those quotes you sent me in your letter. You're lucky -- you are the only one who got a full, or somewhat full, length letter from me! Today I met Elder Cheney, he told me that I looked exactly like you.  Apparently he was in your ward last semester. It was great to hear from you. You are a great example to me and each day I ponder all the lessons you have taught me by your example. I love you.

Thanks to you all! You're all really great and I love you and miss you already.  Keep it up at home!

Love,
Tab