January 26, 1995
Hola! Yo soy muy bien. ^events.^ I went shopping for last-minute stuff for my first two days as a missionary. Yesterday (Wow) I woke up at home. I finally wrote Thank-you notes, having packed + finished Jesus the Christ the night before. The trip here was reeelatively uneventful - my last hours with my family. Then, just like in the video, after a brief orientation meeting (President and Sister Barney spoke followed by some highlights of Called To Serve) we were asked to say goodbye. We went out one door and our families went out another. I popped Melissa's fingers. I saw that Daniel had moisture in his eyes,-though he tried to brush it off. The last couple of days have been a lot of meetings, and probably will continue so the remainder of the time here in the MTC. I have also renewed many acquaintanceships and made many new ones. Besides those from high school and college, I have found *Greg* ^Elder^ Kitchen, *Brent* ^Elder^ Wacaser - roommate from EFY 1993, *Micah* ^Elder^ Monson,-also from EFY, and Elder (Alma) Yates. My companion here is Elder (Wade) Steel from St. George, Utah. He was just called as a district leader, so I am a district leader's companion. First 'calling.' Hooray. I hear that days go slow and weeks go fast. I believe it. Spanish is progressing - I think. I am in a room, besides Elder Steel, with Elders Kilgrow and Thornton. I was given a large packet of materials - many that I already had, and $80.00 cash. I rejoice greatly to have this opportunity to be a minister of the restored gospel in the Bolivia Cochabamba mission. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this gospel, the
Page 2
1-26/1-30
good news of Jesus Christ and his atonement is true. I KNOW that Joseph Smith is a prophet. His instrumentality in restoring this gospel was tremendous. He translated the Book of Mormon-atool to bring man nearer to Christ. I love him for his example and person. I love the BOok of Mormon for what it's taught me. I know it's true. I love the Lord and am so grateful to have this opportunity to serve him, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.