Elder Leo Cortes: 2nd & Final Week in the MTC!

Hey everyone!

Wow, what a busy week here at the mtc. There were things I just did not expect while at my stay at the mtc. First off, Tuesday I met my Branch President, President Brady! A very kind man with a great spirit about him. He met with my district and we talked about a number of things, but one thing that will stick with me is that he said just have fun with the mission as well as the gospel. He pointed out missionaries and even members struggle in the church because they just don't treat it as an enjoyable experience. He has seen missionaries treat their mission as only a job, which hurt them in the long run. What's important, is that you love and enjoy what you do, in anything. Bringing others to Christ and seeing people change their lives for the better, that's probably the most joy I can get in my life. I'll never forget not just to work hard, but have fun on my mission, which I was planning to do :)

President Brady & I, the best branch president I could ask for!

It was a rough couple of days though because my companion and a roommate of mine went home. They didn't do anything wrong, they just didn't feel like that's where they needed to be. I have the highest respect for both those Elders, and even though it was difficult to see them go, Elder Maynard (the other Elder who lost his companion) and I have come close together and have bonded as a new companionship. He is so obedient, he does everything by the book and is just absolutely spiritual which I just am impressed by. I'm so grateful we're flying to Philly together tomorrow.

Saturday was probably my best day at the mtc. In class, one of my teachers, Bro. Weekes, practiced with me for a discussion on helping someone go to church if they're busy and can't get around to it. He read 1 Ne 3:7, a scripture that I have known for years, and when he read it the Holy Ghost just came over me. Even though it was a practice, I could feel the spirit so clearly and I was shocked. Later I and Sister Stoker (a sister in my district) practiced with each other. In my discussion I shared Helaman 5:12 and she shared Ether 12:27 in hers. Both scriptures touched both of us and we got to the point of tears. It was awesome! We knew these scriptures for years and they had a profound effect on us.This just goes to show, God can speak to us at any given time in any way, even if it's a way we have known for a long time, like the scriptures. Never take scriptures for granted, they have power in their words if we are attentive to them.

It's funny, because Sunday was my hardest day at the mtc. I was just in a rough spot for no reason and I just was emotional because I wanted to have peace during the Sabbath day but I couldn't find it. But my district, who really is a part of my family, pulled me out of it with love and support. I mean what a blessing it is to have 5 elders and 2 sisters constantly having my back. We have been together since we got here and even though 4 elders are going to Montana, I'll never forget them. Taking the sacrament changed me into a stronger person, a feeling I haven't felt before. I couldn't even remember why Sunday Morning was so hard. It just shows if we call to God for help and constantly use Christ's atonement for emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical support, we will receive it. I promise you that.

I leave tomorrow for Philly! I leave the mtc at 4:30 in the morning, leave for Philly at 9:40, and arrive at 4 in the afternoon. Pretty much just time to pack now! Wish me luck on my flight. Thank you for all the support back home because it helps like none other. I can't wait to tell you how the East Coast is!

Sincerely,

Elder Cortes