First of all, everything has been a crazy blur. The MTC has been an eye-opening and really good experience so far, but it's definitely a lot harder than I expected. Every second of the day there's something scheduled, you get a lot of (really good) goals and challenges from a multiple, uncoorrdinated sources, we're in class for about 16 hours every day, and we already taught our first lesson in Spanish. It's amazing here though. On the first day they had three big rooms, and they took all the new missionaries in to watch a simulated discussion in each one. Long story short, it really displayed to me the power in this work and the difference we can we can make as representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ. While the intense schedule and demands are already leaving me a little bit stretched, every day I'm seeing little miracles, and there's always at least one or two really powerful moments when the Spirit hits home and gives me a broader perspective and gets me really, really excited for the work.
My companion's name is Elder Wood. He's from Lehi, Utah, and he's a great young man. He wants to be as obedient as possible, and he's always sharing great spiritual insights with me, which has been great. I can't tell you how grateful I am the Lord gave me a companion that's looking to be his absolute best. We have our disagreements and things about each other that don't click, but we've really been able to help each other be better missionaries. I know the Lord had a purpose in mind when he made us companions. Haha funny story about that though. When I went to class and met my district for the first time, my companion didn't show up. We sat around, had a little orientation, then went to the new missionary devotional with all the elders and sister that reported this week. My comp still hadn't showed up, so I just sat between the other two elder companionships in my district. The main speaker, a member of the MTC presidency, kept saying things like "Well here you are, presumably with your new companion," and "we have a little exercise for you and your companion" and "here's some advise about how to make the best out of your companionship," so my district got a kick out of that. But we were unpacking in our rooms a little later and Elder Wood finally showed up, and we all celebrated.
This gospel is true, and this work really is the most important and glorious on the earth. It's hard, really the most demanding thing I've ever done; but there's no where else I'd rather be. I wish I had time to tell you about the first lesson we taught--I've never experienced anything like that. The spanish is coming along well, but I know I can push myself to use it more.
Love you!
Elder Gaughan
P.S. I was called as District Leader yesterday. To me, it's just another testimony that Heavenly Father knows what His children need. I feel like at least in part this was given as an opportunity for me to focus on loving, helping, and lifting those around me. It means a few more responsibilities and meetings, but I'm grateful for the opportunity. Would you mind keeping the district in your prayers? We have a great group of missionaries, but I know we all need the help.
