This week was probably the week that has had the most ups and downs that I've had in a really long time. One second I'm super motivated and everything is working out and then the next thing I know it seems like nothing is working out. So this week has indeed been interesting but it's been a learning experience. I have grown quite a bit closer to my companion but that doesn't mean we're not still totally different. Let's just say I can practically hear Dad's voice in my head echoing the words, "No stress. No stress." as my companion is flipping out about how theres not enought time to get everything done. I think it's pretty funny because you've all taught me to do my best, but that you don't need to freak out so much in the process, enjoy it, and that's what I'm trying to do. I think that one of the many traits i've picked up that have subtly helped me here in the MTC.
Starting on monday our district is going 100% spanish all the time. We've been doing a bunch in spanish and I feel like I've learned so much but it's still quite difficult to communicate exactly how i'm feeling or what's going on so this next week could be pretty rough at first. This last week one of the speakers we had that came and talked to us is "Jenny Oaks Baker" who is Dallin H. Oak's daughter and she was Amazing! Seriously. She is like one of the best violinists ever and she came and explained her story and different experiences she's had throughout her life, and mixed in some great spiritual violin songs. It really inspired me so when I get back I'm really going to work on my talent in that field which, right now, I'm thinkin is piano. That means you too Jordan.
I also learned a lot from this guy from the quorem of the 70 who came and talked to us about obedience and understanding the spirit. One thing I drew out of that is that i need to "learn to live in silence" because then the spirit will be able to influence my feelings, and I can really start to understand how it works. I've been trying to do that but the MTC is a busy place and sometimes it's hard to find some quiet.
It is pretty funny. After this talk a guy in our branch presidency came and reviewed it with us and let's just say he's pretty much a boot camp seargent. He is the guy who lays down the law and always is correcting people. His name is Brother Jurgens. We have a great branch presidence and our president is the nicest guy ever. Brother Craig has helped me out so much and really cares about us.
It seems like my daily schedule is a pretty hot topic because it seems like everyone keeps asking me about what goes on here so I'll do my best to describe. So everyday we get up just before 6:30 and prepare and go to class and do personal study from 7:00-7:40 then we go to eat breakfast. After breakfast we do another 45ish mins of personal study then our teacher shows up and class starts. Class is in 3 hour blocks so that means we have 3 hours of class, lunch, and then (usually) 3 more hours of class. We get like 50 mins of personal study time. Have dinner. And then we get to go to gym which is just under an hour. I usually play basketball but the court is closed this week and next week so we have to play soccer or outdoor stuff. We get an hour of language study and then plan for the next day. We also have a computer program that helps us study spanish that we do. Each day is a little different when it comes to the order of how we do things. For instance on tuesday nights we have a devotional. On tuesday mornings we do service at 6 am. And sundays we have church and meetings and devotionals, along with a ton of study time. So that's the basic life of a missionary in the MTC. One of the best things though is on p-day we get to go to the temple and then after we do laundry and write emails and stuff but the temple here is closed down for like a month or something for some reason so we can't do that for the next 4 weeks. \
But for a schedule like that the days really do fly by fast. I can't believe I've already been here for over three weeks. Seems like everything at home is great! It was so weird not going to the Stadium of fire and knowing you were so close. I literally can see the stadium from here (depending on where i stand. haha) but luckily we got to do a few fun things for the holiday. We had a little patriotic fireside and then they let us roam around the campus and then watch the fireworks at night. So yeah. We saw the same fireworks on saturday night... that's kinda a weird thought. You should let Sister Hughes know that I got to see spencer last sunday the day before he left the MTC and gave him a big side hug. hah. We also took a picture but it was nice to see a familiar face right before he left.
One thing I've been thinking about recently and maybe some of you who read this letter have thoughts on is a little something like this. When a person is trying to change the way the behave (for ex. become more patient, more Christlike, more thoughtful, etc.) when do you think that person really has changed into the person they're trying to become? I've thought about it a bit and just thought I'd ask the people I care about most as to what they're thoughts were. Let me know!
Anyways I just wanted to say thank you so much for the letters I love them so much and thanks for all you do for me. I'm praying for you all and I can't wait to get to Colombia. Life is good here and I'm still not sure if it's hit me that I'm going to be gone for two years. But i'm sure that will come with time (once i get in a foreign country). It really made me happy to hear that Dad had the thought that our family is being blessed because I'm serving the Lord. It would be worth it if that was the only thing I got away from it, the great thing is I'm getting so much more too. I don't have too many scriptures to share today but one scripture i've been thinking about that's super simple is something Christ said. I think it's in John 10:27. We're His sheep. We need to listen to His word, and His council in our lives. After that, all we need to do is follow Him. He knows us and this scripture just comforts me knowing that I'm doing my best to follow Him so He will take care of me.
I love you all and I hope you have a great time during this time in your lives because before you know it i'll be back and a few things will be different. I don't think I did my feelings justice in my farewell when I said how much I look up to all of you. You mean the world to me and are what help me when I think that things aren't going so great. Thanks for being the best friends I have ever wished for.
your son,
Elder Jacob Stucki
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