Second Week at MTC

Thank you for the great email mom! My companion is kind of struggling with the language because of his Chinese experience, but he is doing really well, and I think he will get it comfortably soon. He always goes to the Taiwan room in order to look at the Chinese posters which makes me a little sad, but he really is starting to get Korean. I am working with him a lot so that we can become more successful together.

This week has been really great at the MTC. In sacrament meeting I bore my testimony in Korean (short and sweet) which was a great experience. The MTC is a great place of learning and accomplishment. Days go semi-slow and weeks go fast here. I cannot believe that I have already been here for more than a week. Thank you for the words from Elder Maxwell. I have been trying to remember exactly those words, but here at the MTC we don't really have access to the Conference talks like you do at home. Thank you so much!

One of my good friends from BYU came here this Wednesday and I have also seen quite a few people from my BYU ward here, so there are friends around. I am excited to continue to learn the Gospel and Korean as I try to become the best instrument in the Lord's hands that I can be.

Thanks for the [second] quote as well. So far in the MTC we have had to teach a lesson pretty much every day (except Sunday) in full blown Korean (no English) which has been an amazing opportunity to practice. The Spirit is strong here, and it is a great way to develop our teaching and language skills.

PS. I did have a manifestation of the gift of the interpretation of tongues the other day. I was reading the BOM in Korean at night in Alma 5 and as I was reading a certain sentence I felt the Spirit and then heard in a conscious voice that wasn't mine "Can you feel so now?". I then recognized the verse and again felt the confirmation of what had happened. I have also had a significant personal spiritual confirmation of the promise and protection of the sacred symbols that we take with us from the temple. Honor those symbols with as much respect as you can and they will protect you, not just spiritually, but physically as well, I know that is true. Wonderful experiences here.

Another journey can be found in reading Helaman 10 very carefully and recognizing how Nephi prays to receive power from the Lord to do what he says. Read carefully and listen to the Spirit.

Have a wonderful week, Preach the Gospel, and if necessary use words. (St. Assisi of Francis (spelling)

Love you all, Elder Strahl