Letter #2 (Finally came)

Elder Bednar gave a devotional on Thanksgiving that was broadcast to the MTC here and I thought it was really quite good. Some thoughts I had while listening: Write down what the Spirit is telling you instead of the speaker. Your testimony is what you believe/know/feel, and conversion is how you act. When you need to overcome a trial don't ask for it to disappear, but rather ask for strength to be an agent in overcoming it. 

This week has brought forward an interesting opportunity. My district has been reaching past expectations and so the Presidency here has extended an offer to our district to be the first entire district to break apart and join the districts of the native Spanish speakers. We said yes. They're trying to figure out the logistics and finalize the
details, but I'll give you a rough sketch. We will have companions who speak Spanish and only Spanish. We will be in meetings where they speak Spanish and only Spanish. We will not be given any specific time to study Spanish. Essentially they will be trying to push us into a Spanish only setting before we hit the field. I believe this has been done before with individuals, but the district is excited about being the first entire district.

I was called to speak in Sacrament this week on the Atonement and boy was I surprised. I didn't even kind of expect to be called up so when my name was announced I wasn't thinking straight and forgot to bring my scriptures to the stand. It was alright though because the Spirit helped me figure things out.

Last thing: My favorite part of the week was when Elder Mardo and I taught a lesson about the First Vision and the Book of Mormon. We got out of the way of the Spirit and let Him do the work. I'll tell you what, that's what you need to do. Even if you think you can come up with a powerful phrase or you think you need to figure out your wording before making a statement... don't. Listen to your companion and investigator and it will be given you "in the very moment, what ye shall say". One thing I like about Elder Mardo is that when we prepare to teach we always go to different resources and prepare different parts of the lesson without even needing to talk about it in advance so when we come together it works well. 

-Elder Finlinson

I have a little more to say now, but that's plenty to read so I'll
just wait to update you all until next pday (which should be Wednesday
of next week, but who knows).