Ola :)
Wow, this week has gone by really fast and that, of course, is a good thing. We finished up with all of our classes and had something called Infield Orientation and that's why I wasn't able to write on Friday. Anyway, I am being completely honest when I say a can't remember anything from this past week, save for the past few days. Let's see, we have been finishing up with all of our investigators or the ones we had taught until that point. I think the highlight out of all those classes was the one were we had a substitute. His name was Brother Groesbeck and he was amazing. I think if we had him for our whole MTC time it would have been a really good thing. Not taking away from our other teachers, but I seemed to be able to connect with him on the way he taught... like the words he said were some how familiar to me and like I was remembering things I had forgotten going in here. So needless to say, I really enjoyed that final class and that was on Thursday. Friday we all went to Infield Orientation. This is like a big kind of conference thing were they talk to you for 13 hours about missionary field work. So that was long, boring and not very productive. I think others got stuff out of it. It was like they were telling us it's not about the numbers, but they sure do help. A lot of stress was put on member support as being one of the most effective ways to reach new people, like by using the ward mission leaders and knowing members who have attributes which can help. It's not enough to help the sheep, but you must know them individually. They also stressed to not be a burden, but a blessing for the ward you are going to help. That is so important and also how your reputation as a missionary precedes you. Members usually won't give you referrals if A: you don't act like a missionary and B: they're worried that you will blow it because the investigator is a close friend. Well, we just actually got out of the temple this morning after sending off an elder to Portugal early for some reason. I can't remember why, but anyway, we are all running on low sleep since he had to leave at 5 am and no one wants to get up before 6:30. That's all going to change in a week.
Mom and Dad, I just wanted to write a little note of thanks before I go. I thought I should thank you for all the wonderful things you have taught me, both about how to be clean and tidy and also about how important the Gospel is and I can see from your example that the Gospel is very important. I am beginning to understand why. Just a few scriptures for you to read....they are both in D&C. The first is section 11. It's pretty good all the way around and I like it. The other is section 84: 88. These are two, I think about often, but if that's not enough I also read Alma chapter 31 a lot. They all say some pretty good things, especially about missionary work.
I am glad that Reid is going to have a chance to work there. I just know he will, so congrats! lol Send my best wishes to the York's. They are such a nice family and they deserve all the love and support they will be getting in the coming weeks. It's good to hear about Linda again. She brings a smile to my face every time I hear about her...and please let her know I don't have a thing against anyone with a few extra pounds. I just can't afford to gain much weight while on my mission because my clothes won't fit and it will be difficult to buy new ones where I'm going. Please also tell her, her work isn't done yet she still has stuff to do on this earth and a lot of that will be in the temple! Oh, and thanks for getting that plaque up. lol I wasn't really worried about it, but I guess it kind of makes me official now. ha ha ha. It's kind of hard to think that in a few days I will be in Africa. One of my friends here at the MTC has a CD with the "Invictus" sound track on it and it gets me way too excited for Africa and I have to limit the times I listen to it ;). Oh, and on the subject of music, I have listened to my music since I have been here and everything works fine, so that's all good. About the SIM card, I haven't really taken any pictures (I know I am bad at that. I am sorry) but I wanted to take more when I get to Africa. I am not really worried about sending any SD cards until I know I can get it home or I will just wait. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for the package and all the trail mix. I am really trying hard not to eat it all, but I think I'm about half way through it :). The LDS cartoons were hilarious. I especially liked the Book of Mormonone with "The Rock". The shoes are perfect. They fit really good and I love them and also thanks for the laces. They are just what I needed. Anyway, I am super excited to go. I will be packing today and getting everything ready for myridiculously long flight. I hope everything with the flight plans helps. I know I will be in good hands. There are three other elders traveling with me, so we will be just fine.
The next time I write I will be in Africa, so I'll write to you then.
Love your elder
Elder Proksch
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