Family Letter - January 21, 2010

I've got about fifteen minutes to write, so this will probably be a bit short. I'm sure you are all very busy with wedding preparations and life as it moves on. I'm sad that I will miss such an important part of Jordan's life, but I feel that I am where I need to be.

So much has happened this week, I don't even know where to start. The MTC has been a wild experience, and a bit of an adjustment from being an independent adult to being dependent on one's companion. I think this is good for me, only because I do not enjoy it yet. My Porininkes (Companion's) name is Sesuo Jansen, from Rexberg Idaho. She's probably the most lovable person I know. Yet, I still find myself adjusting to always being with someone.

I feel that I have been taught and edified constantly while being here. Our teachers are excellent, really challenging us to give discussions led by the spirit rather than memorized discussions. Our district is 8 people large, and I am glad to serve with all seven of them. They are great people. I am seeing miracles everyday as I strive to refine my ability to connect with and serve others. I have had the opportunity to find more strength in my testimony. I hope that I can be more ready to open my mouth, to bring up the gospel to strangers. This has made me nervous in the past, but I find, that with the help of the spirit, and my teachers, that I can take this courage out with me into the field.

We are seeing miracles in our language studies as well. We are at the point where we can read, and speak simple sentences in a gospel context. Of course, we've still have a long, long, way to go, but I am so grateful that the Lord has helped me feel confident in my studies. I don't feel discouragement here. That itself is a miracle. Lietuviska geras!

I feel that the scripture that describes the loyalty that the mission is asking of me is, 1 Cor 6: 17, or thereabouts. I am not my own here, and that's ok, because I know that the Savior has bought me with His atonement.

Myliu Jus,

Sesuo Paul