Joe is doing great

We got our first email from Joe today. He seems to be thriving at the MTC. Here are some of his thoughts as well as a few pictures.

"This week has been so busy. The days seem long, but it doesn't feel like I've been here for 1 1/2 weeks. We have taught the first lesson twice to fake investigators at the Teaching Resource Center, and teach the 2nd there on Tuesday. We've also answered phones and made call backs at the Referral Center. One lady i called back actually told me that she wanted to go to church but wasn't sure which one to go to. I was only able to talk to her for like a minute, so I told her this was the church she was looking for and where the nearest meeting house was. It was such a powerful experience and its so cool testifying to people like that on the phone. Every Sunday night there is a fireside and last night Sister Sheri Dew gave it on our influence and how we can have greater influence for good. It was a really good fireside and afterwards I got to shake her hand and she told me to and I quote, "Go get 'em". So yeah, I'm kinda a big deal. jk. The MTC is amazing. I don't think I've ever learned do much in a week and a half in my life. The spirit is everywhere and its stronger than anywhere I've been outside the Temple. I gave a talk on Sunday, and didn't even read what I wrote. I was able to remember most of it and the spirit gave me things to say that i hadn't wrote. It was a cool experience since I've never been able to do something like that before. My district and branch are amazing. They are so fun and have such awesome testimonies. I've already gotten to the point that I feel weird when Elder Whelchel, that's my companion if you don't remember, isn't right next to me. The others in my district are going to Ft Lauderdale, and Phoenix. The new district that got here Wednesday is all headed to Australia. Its funny, one of them is named Elder Quiggley, so hes Quiggley Down Under."

As you can see Joe is growing spiritually while still keeping his great sense of humor. We miss him but are so proud of his decision to serve a mission. We know the Lord will bless him greatly as he serves.

Joe & his MTC Companion Elder Welchel

MTC District trip to the Provo Temple