MTC- Week 2!

Dear Friends and Family,

Whats up?! Wow. I've almost been here at the MTC for two weeks now and the time has literally flown by! Every day is a new day here and it all starts with the hardest part, waking up at 6:30 AM haha. It sucks having to wake up so early every day and get on my knees to pray while half asleep, but it is worth it because obedience brings blessings. Being a missionary isn't very easy because you study for over 12 hrs every day, but at the end of the day you are exhausted but grateful you are here as a missionary. I am so glad that I am a part of the Lord's army to accomplish his work here on earth. I know that if I work my hardest, I will be able to strengthen others. So far throughout my mission I have learned how much love our Heavenly Father has for us. He has SO many blessings in store for us as long as we follow Christ. We need to have faith in his plan and hope for his grace and mercy. I have realized that no matter how Christ was treated, he always turned out to serve and help others when the natural man would have turn in for himself. I am striving to love others as Jesus Christ loves me. Today I am a little bit sick with a sore throat and a cold, but I'll be okay. An elder in my room went to the doctor and found out he has strep throat so hopefully I don't get that lol. Every Sunday we have the opportunity to watch a movie from a couple selected videos the MTC has for us missionaries. This Sunday we watched "Meet the Mormons". This movie really hit me because there is a part where a young man is preparing to serve a mission and it shows him leaving his family. I felt homesick for the first time as I walked back to our room that night and couldn't help but think of my family and friends. I started to tear up as I thought about not being able to be home to help my family move, not being able to be there to comfort my siblings, not being able to go on hunts with my boys (Dad and Kyle), and not being able to do things with my best friends. But I remembered that this mission is only two years! I'll be home in no time to do everything. I miss everybody because I love them and that's how its supposed to be! I realized that I have been called to serve by a Prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ. This work is real! It is not just a waste of time. There are families out there just like mine that need our message. I am putting all my trust in the lord and I rely on him. He is my advocate with Heavenly Father and he is ultimately my Savior and Redeemer. I know that this work I am doing will bring blessings to others and my family. I know with all my heart that this church is true. Missionaries are representatives of Jesus Christ. We can receive comfort knowing that Christ lives, and because he lives, so will we. I love you all and hope you have had and will have a great week. Keep up the letters even if I don't write you back because I am really busy... sorry! But you are my motivation when you do.

Com Muito amor,

Elder Brandon Haroldsen