this morning, after an eventful trip to costco and cherry on top, my mom checked the mail and alas, i got my first letter from my best friend justin, a missionary who has been called to serve in bolivia. justin left to the mtc two weeks ago, and i hadn't heard from him since. i have been sending him letters online through www.dearelder.com, but unfortunately he can only read the letters, not reply to them via internet. i was so excited to hear from him and very anticipatory about how he was dealing with life in the mtc; for months we discussed how he was not looking forward to the mtc experience and expected to struggle. as i read the letter, my heart absolutely melted. he is doing marvelous. he loves his companion, says he is learning so much, and is actually enjoying his time there. it was so refreshing to hear that the mtc really isn't a concentration camp and although it's supposed to be trying and naturally an adjustment for missionaries, it is a necessary process in their evolution from boy to servant of the Lord. justin said the food really isnt that bad and that he is already praying in spanish. he did not know one bit of spanish when he entered the mtc, but he is so bright and driven that i am not surprised he is learning so fast. he said he has almost mastered his testimony in spanish too. i was glad to see that he is his same old self, writing with sarcasm and wit and charm that is a trademark characteristic of justin. i am so thankful for his example to me of perseverance and determination and blind Faith in God; trusting the Lord enough to give up two years of life in service and moving to a foreign country is something i cannot imagine, but admire beyond description.
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shane and i went out to dinner and saw a movie tonight. he was quite excited that he got to drive my mom's car, and i was a little bit offended that she offered it to him...she isn't very trusting in my driving ability and looks for any opportunity for someone else to drive. at least she values my life and wants me to be in safe conditions i guess. shane is someone i also admire so much, and i admire him because he is everything i am not and so much more. shane is very adventurous, very carefree, very layed back and very patient. he is accepting and tolerant and has more patience than anyone i know. being with shane has taught me so much about myself; i feel that he highlights my best qualities, and balances my weaknesses. he is the calming factor that keeps me from making a scene, overreacting or embarrassing myself. he is the person who reminds me that life is an adventure and the more we push ourselves, the more we grow. and he is the kind of guy who makes me want to be better person for him and for myself.
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i am a very lucky girl, i know.
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