January 25, 2012

Guess what? Next time I email you I will be in New Mexico! We fly out early Monday morning. We're leaving the MTC at like 5 or something like that. First off mom, I did get your package and the letter! Thanks! We have been enjoying the cookies, candy and playing with that ball you sent me. We can throw it as hard as we want and it doesn't really hurt. Good stuff. Then Brittin, thank you for the package as well! Those cookies were just as amazing. You all might be wondering if I am gaining any weight, the answer is no. I have actually lost quite a bit. I don't know why because I eat like there is no tomorrow during every meal and me and Elder Kemp work out every night. (Don't worry we took pictures) Speaking of pictures Ben thank you for the pictures of Benson, he looks as neat as ever!

This week had its ups and downs, mainly ups though. I absolutely love Sundays here, they are awesome. The Sunday night firesides and Tuesday night devotionals are my absolute favorite. Oh! dad, one of my teachers here is Brother Warner. he served in our mission back home and he remembered you, he said he even has been to our house a couple of times. He said to see if you remembered the elders that wrecked their car into a snow bank? That was him! He is awesome, he has an amazing testimony and amazing stories, he was part of the very first invasion in Iraq, crazy stories. My other teachers are Brother Welsh and Sister Evans. Brother Welsh like David also went to the South Africa MTC but did not serve in the same mission as David. He's my favorite teacher by far though.

The cool thing for this week, the second counselor in our branch presidency knows Navajo! He has been giving those that want it little extra classes to kind of teach us the language. It's legit! I can greet you, say goodbye, ask how you are, and almost sorta kinda bear my testimony, but mainly just say I am a mormon. Testimony is the goal before I leave. I also enjoy tricking the Spanish speaking missionaries into thinking that I am Spanish speaking as well, who knew I would learn so much in high school. ha! It's weird the stuff I can understand and remember in Spanish. Well time is almost up, time to hit the gym I believe, I will miss playing basketball the most out of everything! It's way fun.

Well I love you all and the church is so true! HAGONE'!

Elder Turnbow

January 18, 2012

So quick story. Right after we got here on Wednesday we had a huge meeting with all the new missionaries, there were about 400 of us. The MTC president stood up and starting asking all the missionaries from so and so to stand up. He went all around the world and it was crazy where some of the missionaries were from. He got to the states and started going through all the states. When he asked for all the missionaries from Idaho to stand up myself and about 8 other missionaries stood up. He then asked "Ok now if any of you have milked a cow in the past month please raise your hand." Me and 1 other missionary raised our hand. He then smiled and said "yes! those are the missionaries I want in my mission!!!" It was awesome, I needed to hear that too. I guess word got around that I was the cow milker because the next day they made me the district leader. I was a little overwhelmed at first but our district is pretty awesome so it doesn't take much on my part. Courtney beware, the bar is high! Plus they all love me now because I am in charge of getting all their mail!!!

My comp's name is Elder Eaquinto from California. We get along great. He is so much like Aaron it's crazy. I'm not even kidding. Just like him. Talks like him, acts like him, does the same things as him. So of course we get along great. He doesn't play basketball or any sports at all though. Gym time is awesome! Balling with these elders is so sweet, fun to show off a little too... just a little. ha. Elder Beutler has the same gym time as me!!! He hurt his ankle though so we haven't even got to play ball together. Kinda stinks. But he will be good to go soon. I play with a kid who played for Texas before coming and an elder who played some semi pro ball. It's sickilicious!

The food is great! I would get fat if I were here for a long time. I see Sister Brunsdale, (Aubrie's roommate) Elder Beutler, Elder Harrison (from grace) Elder McClelan (from Malad) And about 5 more that I recognize. It's nice. I see Jordan and Kait the most though. It's nice to have them to talk to!

Well my laundry is done so I gotta go get that. Ya'll have a great week! This place is incredible, I've learned so much this past week and have already begun to find out just what this is all about. My testimony grows daily and I am already itching to share it with the people. Words can't describe how much our savior loves us. Always remember that. Give Gunner some love for me. I love you family!!!!!!!!

Elder Turnbow