Hey guys! First half week at the MTC is done and I have to
say it's pretty intense here especially for the Hungarian folk!
First day was crazy! In a matter of
seconds I said goodbye to my family for 2 years! I was pretty homesick for the
first couple of hours and then after I met my zone leader and other members in
my district that feeling went away. Okay my zone is awesome!!! We have the
Albanians, the Dutch, the Turks, and of course us the Huns! Each of us speaks
different languages and it's sooooo cool to hear everyone speak their own
language when they practice and stuff! We obviously have the best zone in the
MTC ;) I also found out that Elder Grover, one of my friends from BYU is in my
zone!!!! It was so awesome reuniting with him and catching up! I've seen my
friends from BYU everywhere! It's so cool seeing their growth and their love
for the Lord! Oh also on the first day my teacher spoke just plain Hungarian so
I had no clue what she was saying but fortunately neither did everyone else so
it's all good.
Second day was a little better but I was
still trying to get into the ring of things. I started getting used to how
Hungarian sounded so that was a plus! I'm practically studying whenever I have
time haha I also got to meet my Branch president and presidency! They are so
cool and so loving! I was made District Leader that day so I'm super
excited!
Third day (Friday) I finally got to
exercise!! It felt so heavenly. I'm trying to break the mile record at the
MTC (4:45 minute mile) so I'm back on the training runs with Elder Grover and
another elder from my zone. Everyday feels so long but the weeks go back
super fast! We also had the opportunity to teach our first lesson in Hungarian
that day! We did really well because I think our investigator committed to pray
to see if Heavenly Father is real or not so we will be getting back to her
today! The gift of tongues is real!!!
Saturday we did a bunch of language goal
setting and also some personal and companion goal setting!
Yesterday (Sunday) was really
interesting and super spiritual! Having sacrament meeting and having everyone
sing in their mission language was confusing, fun, and weird at the same time. I know how to pronounce Hungarian words and phrases I just don't know what
they mean half the time but I know the gift of tongues is real and I know that
as long as I give my best effort, the Lord will take care of the rest! If you
haven't seen the Character of Christ from Elder Bednar I REALLY encourage you
to watch it! It's about turning outward from yourself and becoming more
Christlike. This is something I've needed to work on and I just need to
remember that the reason I'm serving a mission is to help and serve others and
bring the light of Christ in their lives. I can't do that if I'm focused on
myself the whole time. I encourage you to turn outward and to find ways to
serve each other!
A little about my comp: His name is
Elder Fisher and he is from Sandy, Utah and did two years at Utah University
(trust me it's hard) before serving and HE IS ONLY 18!!! Intellectually
and spiritually he is a giant but socially I need to teach him some tips and
tricks! He is practically studying whenever I see him so he really helps
me a lot with Hungarian translating! Fortunately the U and BYU rivalry hasn't
got in between of things so that's good. Oh and pretty much the whole
quorum of the twelve apostles and the prophet is coming this week for all the
new mission presidents so I'm super stoked! I miss you all and I hope you have
a fantabulous week!
Love,
Elder Ballard
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| My awesome district! |
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| Going to miss Elder Gerratt as he leaves for the Spain MTC |
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| First day in the MTC |
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| Friends from BYU reunited before they leave (Elder Tracy, Elder Grover, me, Elder Lloyd) |
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| What I saw on the first day class! |
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