4 weeks down...103 to go (or something like that)

Today marks four weeks since Lance has been in the MTC.  For me, it has gone by fairly quickly.  Which is a good indication that the next couple years will just fly by.  I've been making an effort to keep him updated on all the stuff we've been up to.  And I'm sure it is all dull as powder to him in comparison to what he's up to!  

It's feast or famine with Lance writing home, it seems.  This week so far has only been a quick email on Monday.  He says he's been very busy...in fact, he hasn't had time to listen to music!  If that's the case, I know he's way busy!  

He shared some of his most recent favorite scriptures:

Alma...well ALL of Alma, he concludes

2 Nephi 1:15, 32:9
Moroni...yeah, ALL of Moroni, too

He also wanted me to tell those who have been supportive of him that he loves and appreciates them all.  Especially his grandparents, brother, and cousin.  He also mentioned a few friends (you know who you are).  He closed with a few lines of Polish and assures me he is happy & is loving it there.

On a personal note, I want to take this opportunity to thank a sweet friend.  Though we've only just exchanged emails through an email group geared toward missionaries, she went out of her way to send me a gift.  So, thank you, Jannicke!  

Today's letters

Received two - count them - two letters in the mail today PLUS an email...it won't be as easy to write to me when he's in Poland, but in the meantime, I'm enjoying the correspondence!

Here are some excerpts:

"The language is coming along very well, I think.  I wish I could be learning it faster but I get way ahead of myself (hahaha)!"
"Thank you for all of those scriptures!  They have truly helped.  Keep sending cool ones you find and I will do the same.  Check these scriptures out.  Moroni 7:43-48, this is like my guide to becoming a better missionary.  Also Alma 37:6-7 & 37."
"I've learned so much while I've been here.  I truly love it.  Every single aspect of my testimony/testimonies have been strengthened."

Then he writes more stuff in Polish but no translation.  Dangit.

Pictures

Lance sent me some pictures via email today!  It really is great to see him, his companion, and the others in his district.

This is his companion, Starszy Smith.  Lance wasn't surprised at all that they were placed as companions...they went to high school together.  Lance says soooo many great things about him!

This is Starszy Lanham from Orem, UT.  He is one of 3 roommates Lance bunks with.  Lance says that he is a spiritual giant & has become a great friend.

This is Starszy Stumpf from Germany.  He is also a roomie of Lance's.  Lance tells me he is incredible...plus he speaks Latin, German, English, and now Polish.

This is everyone in Lance's district.  Starszy Finch, Starszy Stockford, Starszy Saltmarsh, Starszy Smith, Siostra Bown, and Starszy Kotter.  Hopefully I've got their names all correct...trying to read off their name tags.

Letters home on a rainy day

It's been nothing but thunder storms in my area since last night.  The crashing of thunder and pounding of rain woke me several times during the night.  Followed by our power being disrupted for some hours this morning.  I really depend on our electricity with my home business, so needless to say, a night with little sleep and no power was an unfortunate way to start my weekend.

But, I received a letter from Lance this afternoon, so my weekend is much more enjoyable!

He is learning a lot already, he says.  And not just the language but a much deeper understanding of some important Gospel principles.

"I have learned to strip myself of pride and love everyone the same and learn from everyone."
"I feel like I've been given a new heart.  A heart purified and renewed from Christ."
"...to come back to our loving Father in Heaven, knowing true happiness, knowing our Christ and his Atonement, which we're a part of."
"I understand baptism like never before.  It truly makes sense.  I have a testimony of it.  As well as I do of the Book of Mormon & Joseph Smith."

Then he writes, what I believe to be, a partial testimony in Polish.  I will not attempt to type that...it could be disastrous!

He also claims to have converted at least 90% of his district to "his hippie style".  Which, he clarifies, means that they talk natural health.  If you know Lance, you know he doesn't eat junk food, uses essential oils for aches and pains instead of pills, etc.

Yeah, I'm a proud mom.