Week 1 A Note From the MTC

Hello everyone!!! Wow it's so weird to start sending emails out so everyone can see what I've been doing cause I've never needed to do so before, and I'm going to be writing a novel today I guess...

It's crazy to put this title on myself as Elder Hammond. No one is calling me Jordan, and I may forget that name after two years have gone by. Let me get this straight. First, Elder Hammond and Jordan are and will be 2 very different people,. One loves rock and roll, hanging out with friends, and staying up way late playing video games with my bros. Elder Hammond can't say half the things I just said. As an elder it is not allowed and considered very inappropriate...slang words I think they call them. Elder Hammond is very focused, is always on time in class, never misses a meal cause he's always hungry, and always has someone following him because we're required to have a companion at all times. Do I like it? Yeah, it allows me to always have someone to talk to, and no, because I like being alone sometimes cause it lets me think about life. Jordan always worried about life, Elder Hammond only cares what he's going to learn next or who he will teach next. And I love my job!

Well enough about those two awesome dudes, I mean brethren. Now time to explain my life as Elder Hammond.

Saying Goodbye

I got this!

Wednesday:

I learned so much. I got to understand how the spirit works more, and I got to see how it made a man cry because of the faith I have in the Lord and how my testimony has grown. I started my MTC experience this day and began my mission as well. Even though I hung out with my family that day, I also had a great first day as well. We met investigators and learned what their life was like and why they were searching for the truth. I was so proud of each and every one of them for coming to us to find the truth because we are the true church. I met my companion, and his name is Elder Roch'e. It's French, and he's an awesome Elder, a great companion, and is always there for me when I need him. My teachers are Brother Anderson and Sister Tulleur, like Tooler but not that. They teach with the spirit and are super fun. I wish i could talk about them more, but I don't have enough time.

Elder Roch'e and Elder Hammond

Thursday

Thursday was awesome. I learned so much, and the spirit was definitely felt that day. I gained more of an understanding of what would happen in the mission field. We had class for most of the day, and we roll played with our teacher Sister Tulleur. My companion is an awesome man with the spirit, and we both fit so well that we always bring the spirit into the room. We get along so well as well. I pray for his safety along with mine every night and hope that we can make a difference in someone's life. We got to meet our branch president as well. He's a great man, and for the life of me, I can't say his name, but he loves it when I try to say it. 

Friday

Friday was the day that I realized the week was going so slow. Everyone here was saying wait until Sunday, wait for Sunday, and I hoped that they were all right. I got to exercise in the gym on Friday and had a great time playing basketball and 4 square. I love every second I have with exercise time because it helps me unwind, and relieve stress with our new lives and schedules. The time adjustment and the schedule was really getting to me and testing my faith, but I hoped I could make it to Sunday and that every thing would go great. 

Saturday

We really had the same day as Friday here. Nothing much to say, but I got to play Beach Volleyball and had a blast with the zone leaders in our zone. It was their last exercise time before they left for Kennewick Washington, which is where Justin would have served if his mission didn't get split. I had a great day though, and everything went well.

Sunday!!!!!!!!

Oh my goodness!!!! I wish this was how every Sunday was because I felt the spirit so much, and everything I learned was so great. I wish I could tell you more, but my hour is about up so I've got to end this email.

Monday was great and today so far has been wonderful. I hope the days can go quicker so i can get out to the mission field a lot faster. I am enjoying my time, and I wish you all the best. I love you all so much, and I can't wait to write you again soon! See you all soon!!!!

- Elder Hammond