Letter #1 MTC (Oct. 21, 2008)

How's it going! life is great. I'm enjoying life in the mtc. I'm learning so much. I feel very close to the spirit. The elders in my district already look up to me. they are great men. I have so much fun with them. I love my companion. He's from brooklyn. I'm trying hard to be patient with these 19 year-olds. But they're great. the teachers here in the mtc are amazing. they're even younger than me. i'm an old man. i think the mission president is younger than me. JK. the fireside we had last sunday was amazing. Sheri Dew spoke to us. She gave us great advice. Every meeting has been uplifting
I get worried sometimes that i wont have the lessons perfected by the time i get to the mission field. But then the spirit reminds me that i've been called to the Lord's work. If i continue to do what i'm doing then i'll fulfill my purpose as a missionary. I feel great. i'm not really homesick. i never lost myself so much in the work in the Lord as i am now. I received a letter from my dad written by becky. it made me cry. I love him so much and i trust in the Lord that he will take care of him. I'm so grateful for your love for me. I love the 8th ward and the ny, ny stake. keep me in your prayers as i know you already have and i'll keep you in mine.

love, Elder Olaya