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07/25/2002
Dear Mom & Dad,
I am currently writing this letter gathered with my District under the emergency lighting. Apparently, there was a pretty intense thunderstorm that must have knocked out the power. Luckily, we have about 4 lights per floor still on. Though this is not a normal occurrence here.
Well, I just got a letter from you today, the one with the jury duty excuse, and I hope you have gotten my first letter by now.
I will say that I am still looking forward to moving on to the field, but at least since I am use to the routine, it is not as bad. I got to go through my second endowment session on Tuesday, in the Provo temple. Would you believe they have a special changing room just for the missionaries? After San Diego, I was a little disappointed with the Celestial Room. But it was still nice and filled with the spirit. However, it did take up most of the P-day time, which is in short supply.
Now to answer some of your questions. First off, yes all our teachers are RM's. Also I briefly met Kim Gardner's nephew the first day I was here. As she said, it didn't appear we have too much in common. Though we didn't have much time to talk. I have seen quite a few guys from my BYU Ward, though companions and tight schedules prevent most conversations from taking place.
And oh yeah, the power turned back on after about 2 hours.
Yes, I have met a few people going to Tulsa, but other than the 2 of my roommates that are going there, I still don't have any major friends. And yes, I have been taking pictures with my companion and my dorm room, I still haven't filled a roll yet. Still have many more MTC pictures to take.
Our teachers are pretty nice, though they make us work hard and frequently give us constructive criticism. Our schedule usually consists of waking up at 6:30 a.m., at 7:00 we study the scriptures individually and as companions inside a classroom. Then 8:00 a.m. breakfast, 8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. class, 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. lunch, 1:45 - 5:00 p.m. class, 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. dinner, 6:45 - 9:00 p.m. class. That shows you how busy we are here. The teachers are nice and have real missionary experience.
Just got your package today (7/26), thank you for the items requested. Also, at least now I know that my mail is getting through. Sorry about sending Marjorie's letter home, but amazingly, I didn't have her address (I do now).
It may be of interest to you that one of my district members received a personal letter from Neal A. Maxwell. Our District member's mother died from cancer and the Apostle was just sending his condolences. Needless to say, that has been the most interesting letter of the District. Dad might find it interesting, we had Elder Gerald Lund of the seventies come and talk to us (author of The Work and the Glory). Apparently he served in the West Central States Mission like Dad.
I just received my travel arrangements. I will be flying United from SLC to Denver, CO and then to Tulsa. I will be leaving the MTC at 6:30 a.m., man that is going to be one early morning! There are 13 of us going there that day, and since my companion is going to Eugene, OR, I assume I will be the one that is not paired up. Oh well, I've got a few people I know going with me.
Now concerning your church questions, missionary work is not the topic every Sunday. Instead, we have a topic assigned for every Sunday and have an hour of District study to come up with a 4 minute talk. Randomly, 2 minutes before sacrament meeting the Branch President picks someone from our District of 12 to give a talk. So you can see, the experience is rather nerve racking. I truly hope that I am not put on the spot for that. I just have 2 more Sundays.
So you know, we are doing all the minor missionary fun things in our District. Such as ugly tie day (I borrowed one), switching our name tags on the teachers (though they are very quick at noticing that), and my personal favorite was that there is a guy in our District that has an identical twin and they went to each others classes for a night. So, we are having the little bit of fun that we can have.
I am sorry to hear about Squirt being sick. I will pray, but do keep me updated. So, what else is going on at home? It's been great to hear from you. I wish you all the best!
Love, Elder Michael Robinson
