Another Good Week in the MTC

It sounds like Grady had another good week. I am amazed at how positive he always is. I’ve heard how difficult the MTC is and how some people hate it and can’t wait to get out of there, but I never suspect any hint of this with Grady. Even when he does have some disappointments, like he did this week, he seems to be able to get through them and learn from them. I loved how he prayed and received comfort this week when he was feeling like he just hadn’t done enough to help that elder. I love his positive attitude and the way he sees opportunities to learn and improve himself. I’m sure he’ll have many more days that are difficult and even times when he doesn’t think he can do it. I just pray that he will continue turn to his Heavenly Father for comfort and help in these times. I’m so thankful for his ability to look at the bright side and see the positive. This will make those difficult times so much easier for him.

July 7, 2009 Hey family! It was good to get your letters. We didn’t receive any letters over the weekend because of the holiday. Everyone in the district was going a little crazy but yesterday the mail came. This week has been really good. I get my flight plans on Friday and leave in under two weeks. This is way exciting. I am pretty sure I sent a letter to grandma and grandpa but I’ll check again. I feel like it is crunch time now. These last two weeks I can either not work or work. I have decided to work. You mentioned the firework show that you guys had sounds pretty sweet. I got to watch some of the stadium of fire. It was pretty sweet but just not the same as being with family and friends. The language is going really well. I try to speak all Japanese everyday except for the class room and stuff and it is going pretty well. Today I am only speaking Japanese because I don’t really have to speak to anyone in English so it is easier. Last Tuesday I only spoke 8 English words the whole day! My goal today is 0. I hope I can get it. This week I did get pretty disappointed. The elder in my zone didn’t get sent home but his call was changed and now he is going to Columbus, Ohio English speaking. I felt awful because I felt that I didn’t do enough. That night was pretty rough, but I was really comforted and I know it is for the better. It felt like High school again. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much you try because the person still has free agency. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t do all we can first though. This Sunday another elder in my zone was struggling also. We have talked since and really have become close. He is 21 and has been through a lot in his life. He really knows the importance of the atonement. The older missionaries are usually so powerful like he is. The MTC has been great! The spirit is so strong and I love all the speakers we get to hear. This Sunday was fast Sunday so we got to listen to many speakers. One told a story about one of his mission companions that changed his life. He served in England and it was his first day there. His first companion was named Elder Richardson. Elder Richardson was always so happy and energetic. Richardson would stay up till midnight every night to study. He would wake up at 5 to study more. He only had 5 hours of sleep every night but was never gloomy or had a bad attitude. When Richardson got back he went to Vietnam and was killed. Elder Richardson was always serving others till the day he died. Elder Richardson really changed peoples lives and I want to be like him. O and before I forget I want the Teddy Roosevelt quote that Rudy always says. The one on the Fastest Indian. Thanks. Well time is running out but this experience has been amazing. I got another investigator in the RC this week and I know the gospel will bless her life. This work is real and it is my responsibility to serve others my whole life but especially these two years. I love you all and I hope to hear from you soon.

I have a feeling that Grady will be like Elder Richardson that he mentions in today's letter. He has always been very determined and when he sets his mind to something, he doesn’t ever quit until he’s accomplished it. I’ve always known that this quality would serve him well in his life,but now that he’s on a mission, I can really see how much it is going to help him.