2 Letters and a Survey

1-25-08
Dear Family,

..On Sunday we get to watch church movies like Legacy or Testament. Everyone has all the lines memorized, and says them along with the characters. That is our greatest source of entertainment.

I finished the Book of Mormon. That was good. I think I'll try to read Jesus the Christ, too.


Here at the MTC nobody knows if they're eating dinner or lunch, if it's Monday or if it's Thursday. Everything's just a blur.

Spanish is coming along OK. I can't wait until we're good enough to speak it.

The MTC is fun. You just have to be self-motivated. I do pretty well at that, but it's hard when it seems like you never get a break. Only 7 more weeks until I leave this place.

When you write back remind me what grass looks like, or what it feels like to be warm--I can't remember.


ELDER James Meiners


Fri 1-25-08

Family,

I sent a letter to you but then got your survey about 10 minutes later. Today is my P-day (Preparation Day) so I figured I'd write back. I have p-days on Friday. This is my 3rd one. We go to the temple on P-days so we've gone twice. We didn't get to go the first week.

I'm trying to think of a noteworthy experience that has happened. The way I tell the days apart are whether I taught or not that day. I have had a lot of good lessons. So far we've only taught the first one, and we're teaching the second one tonight. Every time we give the lesson the Spirit is really strong. I usually do the First Vision part and then talk about the Book of Mormon. My testimony is pretty strong, and other people can feel it when I'm teaching. Lessons are my experiences.

One time we were having companion prayer and everyone was there except Elder Rogers who was at his desk. Then I said, "Elder Rogers, Elder Rogers it's time for prayer". Exactly the way it happened in 'Best Two Years'. I thought it was funny. I don't think the others got it.

Some Elders in my zone were jumping and screaming how their flight plans came and they get to leave a day earlier than they thought.

All in all I'm doing really good. Despite what I may say about the MTC--it's work, but it's good for you.

This letter has the attached survey.

--MISSIONARY James





--------------------Survey sent to James by Mom----------------------
THIS SURVEY IS DUE NEXT WEEK IN YOUR LETTER TO THE FAMILIA


1. Where is Elder Rogers from? From Washington State. Used to be a skater.

2. What day is your P-day?What do you do on P-day besides survey forms from the familia? P-day is temple, write letters, take naps, laundry, study optional. No chess, unfortunately.

3. Have you done any laundry yet? Yes, I do it on P-day. It's easy with a designated time.

4. Is it still snowing? Not as much, I think it's getting warmer, but I can't tell. Always snow on the ground.

5. How many Elders are in your room? your district? Where are they going?

My room
Missionary James -CA Riv
Elder Rogers -CA Rive
Elder Cox Seattle, WA
Elder Gardner Detroit, MI

My District
US four
Elder Marlin Veracrux, Mexico
Elder Narcross "
Elder Cope (District Leader) Bolivia Reports to another MTC on the 30th
Elder Riley Mexico

6. When do you go to PE? Everyday but P-day and Sunday, for 50 minutes. Different time every day, always after a meal. I run inside the building on the "track". I also play four-square which everybody is crazy about and loves.

7. What have you learned about in classes? Do you learn a particular lesson, or vocabulary? Have a lot of time to study whatever we want. Also have to learn specific things in Spanish and about lessons. I can do an introduction, get to know you, return appointment, pray, and testify in Spanish. Every week we have a verb game with 50 verbs.

8. Have you had any meetings/devotionals with a General Authority? Who was it? L. Tom Perry came. Talked about the Book of Mormon and Martin Harris. We have devotionals on Sunday and Tuesday. Richard Hinckley came and was referring to his dad.

9. How do you like the food? What is your favorite thing there?
It's good, but it's all the same. My favorite is getting breakfast in the temple cafeteria with real bacon.

10. Have you gone to the temple yet? Twice. I have to wake up and be in my suit at 6:30 on temple day (P-day.)