Day 1: to nervous to be homesick, met my companion (Elder Mackay), met my teacher (brother Armstrong from New Zealand), got settled in.
Day 2: Anxiety, homesick, trying to learn but couldn't focus, best prayer experience ever. I knelt down away form everyone and the noise and told Heavenly Father 2 things. 1. I made a decision to stay in the mtc and see this journey through. I asked Him to confirm that decision to me. 2. I told him I am not strong enough to do this on my own so if He wanted me to do this I was going to need His strength. The next day I felt the Spirit so strong and felt comforted and strengthened the whole day.
Days 3-6 (excluding whichever was Sunday). basketball courts are closed till this Tuesday :( . We have been learning to teach and then actually teach investigators! It is amazing to see how the Spirit works. I am learning so much about the trials I have been through that I didn't even know about.
Sunday!: I took the sacrament and it meant more to me than it ever has because of the things I have learned and I went to choir and sang and it was super fun.
For exercise we are given an hour a day and I have been playing soccer and vball! The food is like high quality cafeteria. It is good but honestly I am glad I am gone in 2 more weeks. I fly out to South Carolina July 26th!!
Advice for Jared and Blake: Study the missionary purpose! It is so meaningful when you really understand it. I love everyone and miss you so much! If you have questions tell me and I will try to answer them!
With love always
Elder Dowell (2)
