Missionary Letter #3

 Hello, Elder Peck here. 

Due to public feedback, I have decided to write another installment of my adventures as a missionary. I thought two would be enough, but apparently not. Portuguese is hitting me hard. Having nine other elders in the district that studied Spanish, which is pretty similar, has put me in the rear. But I'm getting there. I will only be in the MTC for two more weeks, so I suppose I should get it down quickly.

Elder Peck and his MTC district

I am wondering how exactly this is going to work, because we have spent so much time studying Portuguese, that we have almost no practice giving lessons. After this entire time in the MTC we gave our third lesson only this morning, despite teaching investigators seven times. I am very grateful for the time I will spend in Texas, as it will no doubt give me practice with the lessons, without worry of the language. I occasionally hear good news about flights to Brazil resuming, and maybe soon I will be moved down there. I have heard news of normal MTC classes resuming by November, or they hope to resume them.

In any case, studying from home has its benefits. Right outside the window where I sit I have a view of Powder Mountain and the pass to Liberty right beside it. P-day I went hiking, something a little difficult to do in the regular MTC. (As far as I know, I haven’t actually tried). Just this morning I was able to hike up through a beautiful forest. It’s activities like those that truly show God's hand in all things.

I feel the spirit in my studies, and it helps and guides me through my studies. One of the greatest and most spiritual pieces of writing to help a new missionary unused to missionary life is, in my opinion, the Ricciardi letters. They detail the spiritual adventures of a new elder, and his experienced, Italian trainer. Traditionally shared at the end of the training at the missionary center, the stories show a side of the missionary life that is not usually seen. I highly recommend them for a read. Speaking of which, if there's something I am missing already, it's a good book. In any case I will be getting plenty of the Good Book. I am still here, if only for another week or so, then a week or two after that before I leave, so.. I will try to think of some more fun things to write. 

I learn and teach the gospel true, 

But still take time to write to you,        

Love, Elder Peck.

(Hey! Kerry here.  We just heard that the Logan Temple will be reopening next week (Aug 17) for phase two work -- endowing in-field missionaries.  Landon may have the chance to attend the temple before he leaves for Texas on Sept 1!)

Family Bike Ride at Wayne's Loop.

Landon at the head of the group--fixing bikes.