Week 2! October 16, 2015

So, today is day 10 of my Mission, and I'm honestly getting a little tired of the MTC. Don't get me wrong, I'm loving feeling the spirit and learning how to teach, but this place is kind of like a prison. A good prison where they feed you pretty good food and let you go to the temple and stuff, but a place of incarceration nonetheless.

Enough of my fancy speech. We've been teaching two investigators, one of whom is our teacher pretending, and another who may or may not be a member. But they are both super cool, and by teaching them, we are learning how to rely on the spirit more. It's been really cool, since one of them is progressing really well, and is reading the Book of Mormon and we're encouraging her to pray about it. We have our last lesson with her tonight, so pray for me and my companion!

We have had some cool experiences as well. On Sunday, I was really stressed out, and I was kind of overwhelmed. So, the Elders in my room gave me a blessing of comfort, and that helped a lot. We also had a devotional later that night, where we watched a recorded talk by David A. Bednar (My favorite!) and it was all about the character of Christ, and was mainly about focusing on others, and not on ourselves. It was really, really powerful, and exactly what I needed to hear. Too bad that the talk is only available for viewing in the MTC, so I won't be able to see it again.

We went to the temple and did a session today, and I enjoyed it a lot. It was nice to be in such a peaceful place after a week plus of a slightly overwhelming environment.

If there's one of the rules that is the most difficult to follow, it's going to bed on time. I'm still not used to trying to go to bed at 10:30, and it usually takes me like an hour to get to bed. Waking up usually isn't a problem, but if anyone has some techniques for falling asleep quickly, they would be greatly appreciated.

So, I report to Denver this Monday, and I get to get up at 3:30 in the morning for it. (Yaaaaaaay...)

Oh! And the scripture I forgot the reference for last time. It was Alma 38:15. It's awesome, and is one of my new favorite scriptures!

I know the Church is true, and even though I have days where I'm stressed out, I know I'm supposed to be here, and I know there are people in Denver who have been prepared to hear my message. I'm scared, but excited to go out and teach. Thank you all so much for your support! I really couldn't do any of this without it.

I love you all!
-Elder Hanley

P.S.: I've been recording video logs, but they are apparently too big. So, I'll try to figure out a way to send those home.

My District. They are pretty much the coolest ever. It feels like I've known them for a lot longer than 10 days, and it's gonna be sad to say goodbye to them. Granted, four of us are headed to Denver, so that'll be good.

Me enjoying a cookie back on Day 1. The Elders who arrived the week before us just gave us a bunch of food. I was very pleased.