Hola Familia y Amigos!
Another exceptional week here in the MTC is in the books. We just received our Travel itinerary and I was thankful to still see Argentina, Rosario as my mission! Yesterday I was asked to come to the travel office where I learned that my FBI clearance report was not going to be processed on time. The paperwork had to be resubmitted so the Church could send it in at a faster pace. Long story short Elder Forsyth and I were able to ride in the back of a police car at the MTC! I'm sure he'll come up with a much better story then just going to the BYU Police station to get my fingerprints taken again, but nonetheless a cool experience.
Last sunday for our Sunday Film our district chose to go and see the Joseph Smith Story. This movie is probably my favorite church film and I again felt a special connection with its powerful message. A quote in the movie especially jumped out to me this time,
Emma asks "Do you ever wonder if he asks to much?"
Josephs responds "I do not let myself."
I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God called to restore the fullness of the gospel in this dispensation. The Book of Mormon is convincing evidence of the restoration of the Gospel through Joseph Smith, almost a 'package deal' in a sense. If you feel the Book of Mormon is true then your testimony of Joseph Smith and his divine calling is true as well. Joseph's incredible work and endless sacrifice will forever be an example for me to look to. God asks a lot of us, and through him we can all fulfill our purpose here on Earth. While studying in Alma 29 I was able to learn more about my purpose as a missionary in the MTC. "I am only a man & therefore are submissive to the work I have been called to do from my Heavenly Father. My work and my glory right now is to become an expert at the spanish language so that I might cry repentance and faith in Jesus Christ to my brothers and sisters in Argentina." I would ask of you think of what your purpose is in life is right now, then go to the scriptures having faith that answers will come. The scriptures are amazing and are the gateway to us receiving personal revelation.
In Preach my Gospel we are challenged to work on developing Christlike attributes, this week I focused on Charity. Without Charity our missionary experience is in vain for Charity is the pure love of Christ and will never faileth. It is the drive to please our Heavenly Father and bring other to the gospel of Jesus Christ with love and service. One way we can all improve Charity in our lives is my smiling and being happy. We all have a brightness within us that will help shine the world as we express our love for others. #behappy :)
From my journal on Wednesday, "Woke up this morning headed to class as usual, our district must've been looking extra tired in our teachers eyes because she immediately led us outside. Next thing we know we were running around the MTC in sunday clothes doing squats, jumping jacks and tricep dips on the benches. All of course while reciting random Spanish vocabulary. My teacher is loco but she's amazing!" (here's a funny story in response to Adysen's request)
I am once again so thankful for the amazing opportunity I've had to come to the MTC, to think this is my last week here is both sad and exciting. Here's my travel itinerary information as far as I know..
8:30 bus to SLC Airport.
1:50 Departure to Atlanta Georgia (Elder Forsyths hometown)
7:40 Arrive in Atlanta
10:00 Departure to Buenos Aires, Argentina!
9:10 am Land in Buenos Aires.
From their it's a mystery on how we get to Rosario.
Thanks for all of your love and support, your prayers are continually felt throughout the day :)
love, Elder Larsen