I'm sorry I haven't been able to email sooner, I just got to my P-day, Tuesdays are my P-day in the MTC, it is kind of weird because I always thought they were on monday. :P I'll start with some stories from the first day. From the moment I stepped out of the car and heard the car start to roll away I instantly thought, "What have I just gotten myself into." I'm not going to lie, I wanted to run back and just hop in the car and go home with you guys. I moved on to talk with my Host missionary, he was very kind but I didn't get to know him all that well so I don't remember his name. I was freaking out all day and wondering what my life was going to be like for the next two years. Did i really want to spend TWO whole years of my life just talking about church and why we believe it is important? I got to my room, set down my bags and just for a split second I thought, "This was a mistake." Then we went to orientation, I saw the same face on every other Elder as I had on my own. The first speakers talked about how hard it was going to be and how much we gave up. They then talked about how we are doing the lords work and we are so blessed for this opportunity to be with the spirit and walk side by side with our savior Jesus Christ who we are striving so hard to become like. We sang a few songs and it was so wonderful and the spirit was so strong in that room. Then we left and I was super scared again. After that day was over we met up with our zone. I love them so much. My zone leaders were such strong examples of missionaries that each and every one of us strive to be. It was so hard to feel the spirit the first day because I was so scared and worried that everything would be so hard. (I've been trying to write in my journal every night). The second day was sooooooo long. I cannot explain how it felt... by the time it was noon, I felt like I had been in the MTC for AT LEAST two weeks... I couldn't believe it was going by so slow. Later we realized that it was because we didn't have any gym time. By this time I began to learn all of the Elders name's in my district. Elder: Smith, Heese, Sanford(my companion), Marchant, Cook, Overson, and Thibault(pronounced Tee-Boe). These elders are such a blessing to be with, sometimes it is hard with a few of them but I can really connect with everyone at times and I feel exactly as they do. The Third day we were able to meet all of our teachers. I love my morning and afternoon teacher. My morning teacher is Sister Rasmussan, and my afternoon teacher is Brother Ahlstrom. I love them both so much, they helped strengthen my testimony so much. We learned to teach the restoration and began teaching investigators then. It was very scary and so it was hard to teach by the spirit. We got through the lesson, barely. I couldn't believe that we made it through. It was so hard to understand what we taught. The next lesson was much smoother and we answered a lot of our investigators questions and were able to strengthen her faith. It was incredible how intensely you can feel the spirit here. It is like you are in a fire that helps you and makes you cry out of joy! Saturday was also fun, we received our newer investigators and we now have three investigators total. I love them all so much and I want what is best for them.
A little back round knowledge for this little story, we were at lunch and its not fair!!! the sisters here are so beautiful! And they want us to lock our hearts for two years!?! Sisters shouldn't be allowed to do their hair or have make-up on because they look absolutely beautiful in the MTC. Its a trap (that's how they get most of the elders to keep from going home). So I saw this beautiful girl at dinner and I sort of dazed out for a bit. Then she left before I knew it and I was still in a daze. So another elder says to me, "Elder Salter look right behind you! Shes there!" and I turn around and im searching for her. Little did I know, this elder starts absolutely dumping this salt into my chocolate milk. Now when I say dump, I mean like Niagra Falls. It was like the Niagra falls was filled with just salt pouring into my milk. So I decided to keep drinking because I was thirsty. The MTC chocolate milk is to die for, anyway I get to the bottom and I taste something extremely bitter, at this point im starting to figure things out, this was so salty and i dumped it all into my mouth! All of the elders had a good laugh and we all grew a lot closer with that experience even though i was a bit "salty" afterwards haha! I don't have much more time but I just thought that I'd share a devotional that you all should watch. this was something that I needed to hear coming out on my mission. Look up "Christmas devotional: Characters of Christ by David A. Bednar" This was the most brilliant and superb talk that I had ever heard! it was the most incredible experience and I want to bear my testimony before I end this Email. I know that this is the true restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. That Christ truly Atoned for our sins, and that Joseph Smith is a true prophet called by God to restore his plan for this earth that we might live with him again in the celestial kingdom. My love for the scriptures has grown and the knowledge I have from reading them has grown immensely. I testify that what I teach is true and I testify that the power of prayer is amazing and that through prayer having a true desire and real intent, having faith in Christ we can know the truth of all things. I leave these with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
I love you all so very much and i thank you for your support in what I have chosen to do. I hope to hear from all of you again soon, letters have been really comforting and I've saved them all. Also have Grandpa Wells Email me and tell him how much I appreciate the Men of Covenant book that he sent me, its message is so powerful. I love you so much and have a great day!
