First official week at the MTC!

Hey all! I am alive and well!!!! It's officially been one week in the MTC, and honestly it's been the best week of my life! From the get-go I was pumped to finally be moving on in life, but I was worried initially after being dropped off at the curb with my two 50-pound suit cases xD

I was happy when I found out my district and companion were all fresh and new like myself, and they are all incredibly awesome. We are a try-hard group, but there's only four elders including me, and four sisters. We have a tiny district and it's really nice. Each of us have a specific reason for being here, so, unlike school, no one is afraid or bored to jump into discussions and to share experiences. 

Elder Crowell is my companion, and he's from Moses Lake, Washington. I'd never heard of that place before, but apparently it's in the desert in Eastern Washington. He's really laid back, 18, and easy-going, but he has a strong testimony. Crowell is the only one in our District not going to Baltimore, and instead leaves to Vanautu. Yeah. I didn't know where that was either lol it's in Fiji. The other two elders are Elder Abraham form St. Louis, Utah, and Elder Willicome from British Columbia, Canada. They're both 20, but are chill and not hard-core letter of the law, which is also chill. We've formed a tight bond together and I feel like I've known them for years!

Aside from the MTC meals of destroying constipation, my experience here has been life-changing. I'm happy I'll only be here for two weeks since the schedule can be ridiculously repetitive, but even so I'll be sad to leave. It's not even the amount of knowledge I've learned so far that astonishes me. 

To be plain, my experience here has been literally magical. For the first time in my life I've felt complete revelation through the spirit that God lives and Christ truly atoned for my sins. God loves each and every one of his children and has given us the gospel of Jesus Christ so that we can live with him again. Before I left I only strongly suspected this to be true. Now I know without a doubt that this is the true restored gospel of Jesus Christ. This week I've broken down in tears from the unmistakable emotions of love, crisp and clear revealed to me that by turning myself outward completely to others and to Christ I will be made whole. It's the clearest thing I have ever felt and known in my entire life.

Next time you hear from me I'll be in Maryland! I love you all!!

xoxo

Elder Burgess

P.S. Unfortunately the mission computers here are restricted, so I cant send any pictures D': But next P-Day I'll do my best!