Craziness at the MTC!!

G'day! How do I begin a letter like this? Well, I guess I'll start off by saying I am doing great!! The MTC is amaaaazing! I have loved every minute of it. My companion, Elder Hammond is awesome, and my district is fantastic, not to mention my zone.

So when I walked away from you guys with my Host, basically what happened next is I went into the main building and got my name tags, room key, MTC books, Preach My Gospel pamphlets etc. in a number of different steps and confusing rooms. My host was a great guy, Elder Wright, from Alaska (Woops! I said "guy"; in the MTC, "guy" and "guys" are taboo words. What I MEANT was "Elder") who is going to serve in Washington DC.

No, Jarrad's not in here.  But this is the crowd he's running with.

Meet Jarrad's Companion and District

Well, there's lots to write so I will skip over details, but eventually we went to my Residence, where I dumped my stuff (and forgot my key). Then we left to meet my district in our district's classroom. My district ROCKS!! First, I mentioned an "Elder Hammond". Well, he's my comp from Birmingham, Alabama. And he is a great guy. Tall, skinny, red-headed, great sense of humor. What more could an Elder ask for?

The rest of my district goes as follows:

-Elders Boswell and Jenkins from Missouri and Arizona respectively

-Sisters Sorenson and Prete from Utah and Canada

-Sisters Faber and Brewer from Utah and Oregon

I have already grown to love each and every one of them already. The sisters are all really spiritual, and have great insights that I have seen. And the other Elders are super brotherly, and just great men all around.

So, since I've arrived here we have had loooootttts of things to do. I feel like I have been here for weeks, even though it has only been 2 days. We have had lots of classroom time with our district, and a couple of activities with the rest of the newbies here. Our teachers are really amazing; funny, friendly, and spiritual. Brother Ried, Sister Poulson, and Brother Morris are our teachers. Sister Poulson apparently taught Zach Kaye too, which is pretty awesome.

(note from Jarrad's dad: at the MTC each missionary is assigned as a "companion" to another missionary, to a "district" comprised of 7 to 9 other missionaries, as well as a larger "zone" which is comprised of missionaries from other districts)

What about the Food?

The food is good, but it definitely does stuff to your stomach.... Oh well! I am being careful on how much I eat, and keeping up on my exercising etc.

Tell us About Your Branch Presidency

Another thing, last night we met our branch presidency, including President B. (really great, and funny guy, who has lots of spiritual knowledge and a firm testimony), Brother L. (Older gentleman who is also a good man, and funny at times), and Brother M. (a good man too). That meeting was great, because it was with our zone. Do you guys remember that Elder McArthur we met at the Provo Temple, going to Sydney South too? Well he is not in my district, but is in my zone. He is a great elder, as I have gotten to know him a bit better. Oh, and I got called as our District Leader. That's kinda cool, but I have more responsibilities, which I actually don't mind. Our zone leaders are Elder McArthur and his comp, Elder Carter. Both of them will do well, I definitely believe they have the best companionship our of all of the Elders in the zone at least. And our Sister Training Leaders are Sister Sorenson and Sister Prete. They rock! They'll do a great job.

(note from Jarrad's dad: a "branch" is a congregation; at the MTC missionary zones are organized for worship and ministering in branches; the branch president serves under the direction of the MTC President)

When Will Jarrad Fly to Australia?

Today in the mail those of our zone who have their visas got them, plus we got other mail. And......................................(drum roll)............................... mine came!!! But my comp and a sister in our district didn't :(, which is sad. They will get their reassignments this Thursday or Friday. So I depart Sunday the 20th. We go to LAX first from Salt Lake, and then from LAX to Hong Kong (cool!), and from there to Sydney! I am soooooo excited!

One thing that I forgot to mention is that I met the same guy I saw at Priesthood Session of General conference who is from the District 1, Jake Riess, from Hawaii. He taught one of the workshops that I went to, and I went up and talked to him a bit afterwards. I am even meeting Celebrities at the MTC! It is awesome.

My shoes came in the mail too, and they are nice. And my DearElder.com letter was very cute. 

Overall Impressions of the MTC

My overall experience is that the MTC has a spirit that I haven't felt anywhere else. Lots of love, and brotherhood/sisterhood. Not to mention the feeling of having the Holy Ghost constantly with me. It has been fantastic.

I am learning tons, and am trying to be completely obedient. I know the Lord blesses His servants and I have felt His love for me, and received answers to prayers. And I know that you all will be blessed too if you are faithful, love the Lord, and obey Heavenly Father.

Stay Strong, all! I know I will.

Love,

Elder Larsen 

P.S. I love saying that; "Elder Larsen". It sounds good. And I love wearing my name tags too:)