Week 8 in the MTC

This was Grady's eighth week in the MTC. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I miss him often and so many things make me think of him. Even when I'm really missing him, I'm not really sad, but just so happy he was worthy to serve a mission. I am so excited for the growth we are already seeing in him and I especially love seeing the positive attitude he has, even when things are difficult. This week is no exception. Here is an excerpt from this weeks' letter-

June 30, 2009 Hey family! How is it going? The wedding sounded pretty fun and I wish I was there? The MTC has been great this week. All the new mission presidents were getting trained so the first presidency and the apostles were here everyday. I never got to see any of them till Friday. Friday was the devotional for the week and Elder Holland spoke. It was awesome! He spoke on the importance of having the spirit when we teach. I have already realized that without the spirit and God's help I am nothing. It is kinda harsh, but true. The way I look at it is that the spirit is all I got. I could have the best teaching skills on the planet and still not help anyone get baptised. We had an LGM (I'm not sure what that is!) the other day and the speaker talked on what makes a great missionary. He had a missionary that baptised 400 something people! This was incredible! This elder had to be like Nephi or something. But he wasn't. He was a regular missionary that set higher goals than everyone else. He also worked harder and accomplished those goals. Some missionaries just don't have the vision. At first I set some lofty goals that no one thought I could do. Everyone told me to lower my goals because they were unreachable. I finally gave in and instead of reaching the lower goals I just got worse. Now I am back on track and really trying to reach my goals. I know with faith anything is possible. Class sometimes can be funny. Ill ask the teacher a question about a gospel topic and it seems really elementary to everyone else. After I ask it everyone all tries to explain it to me like I am a little child. Its funny more than frustrating. For example we were talking about prayer and fasting and I told them about when I was fasting for Kyle and he still died. I told everyone that I felt bad because I could've done more. I was just asking the teacher how I could explain that prayers and fasts don't always get answered(in the way we want). Everyone tried to encourage me and said, " o its alright don't feel bad-- it was God's will." I am kind of sick of this line in our church because it can be understood incorrectly. I think that it is God's will after all we can do. This would be going against everything about our church. Faith without works is dead. We are judged on our works, after all we can do, and a lot of time it isn't enough. That is where the atonement comes in. I know that I don't know a lot about the gospel but I do know that we are instructed to do all we can. I am not bitter about Kyles death or anything. I know God has a plan for everyone, but it is our responsibility to do all we can do. Also this week there is an elder in my zone that is struggling a lot. I really like him and have been doing everything to help. He might have to go home but I pray that he doesn't. Time is short sorry. I love you all. I am so happy that you were my parents. I can't imagine what I would be like if I had different parents. You really taught me everything that is important in life. Thank you. Love you all and I hope to hear from you soon.