Week 4 @ The MTC (Feasting on the Words of Christ...a la mode!

Regarding the subject line, you'll have to check out the Google Drive. I explained it in the video there, but let's just say that the Gospel is very yummy... just like ice cream.

Now! Let's get started! Me menemme!(yep, that's a real Suomi phrase)

On Friday, we had a birthday party for one of our Elders! His family sent him a cake - yes, in the mail - and we sang happy birthday to him! It's weird to think that I'll turn 19 in the MTC too...

However, we had a little situation during the week. One of our Elders, Vanhin Olsen, was admitted to the hospital Friday night. Nothing serious happened - he had strained his triceps working out, and we thought it was nothing, but then he had his blood checked, and his enzyme count was off the charts, clogging up his bloodstream. He stayed at the regional hospital for a few days to wait for the enzyme count to drop. (CK enzymes, that are released when you exercise, we were told. Regular levels are 300 - he was at 15,000. Yeah, fifteen thousand.) We not-so-patiently waited 6 days for him to get released! It was an interesting week without him here. It made us realize how close we've gotten over the past few weeks.

Speaking of weeks, yesterday marked our fourth! We've only five weeks left! It's been nearly a month in the MTC now, and I'll be honest - we're all itching to get to Finland. Even though we're still amateurs at the language, it's difficult, going to class day after day after day. But we continue to learn, and we'll get there and do a good work!

Now, as to our adventures in the MTC. One of our favorite pastimes, during exercise time, is to play sand volleyball at the field. We've gotten pretty competent at the game, and pretty aggressive! For some reason, the volleyball seems to gravitate naturally towards my face. It's a miracle I haven't yet broken my nose, with how often the ball hits me!

On another note, I found a fun video that strikes a chord with me. While watching Mormon Messages with what little free time we have, I found this video. The MTC's browser restrictions won't let me embed the video, but here's the address:

https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/a-pianos-purpose

I really liked this video - It pulled at my heartstrings a bit. I'd encourage you to play the video, and share it with others!

(Now, let's play a game. How many music-related puns did I fit in that previous paragraph?)

Now, guess what time it is!! It's time for quotes of the week!

"Do you ever get the nervous poops before you teach a lesson?"

-Sisar Brinton

"The what?"

-Vanhin Bolingbroke

"These days are blending together like a smoothie. Today felt like an apple."

-Vanhin Bolingbroke

"If you ever get sick again, Vanhin Olsen, I'm gonna kill you."

-Vanhin Gamett

"Suntämäpäivä fiesta!!"

-Vanhin Moats

"Manner, you know I can't keep up with you!"

-Vanhin Bolingbroke, lamenting the shortness of his legs in comparison to his companion's

"(exasperated groaning)"

-Everyone, whenever Vanhin Payne makes one of his trademark puns

"(Thunk)"

-the sound Vanhin Gamett's head made when he accidentally hit it against the wall

Well, anyway, we've had a fantastic time! As always, if you have any gospel-related questions for me, or even if you just want to talk, feel free to email me during the week! We love hearing from people, and answering emails!

Stay safe, and have the Spirit! I love you all!

-Vanhin Bolingbroke