Dearest Family,
I love you all so very much. I can't even begin to tell you how hard that moment was on the curb when we said our goodbyes. That was tough. I'm not sure if I should even tell you this, but those curbside drop-off tears only lasted about 10 seconds. After that, I took a deep breath, dried the eyes, and have been struggling to catch the hang of MTC life ever since. How did you do Mom? ;)
I will just quickly tell you everything I possible can in my 30 minute alloted time. Our P-day is Friday! We didn't get a pday today since we just got here, but we are given special permission to write home since we wouldn't be able to write home for 10 days.
The first sweet moment I had here at the MTC was when I got my nametag. As they put it on, the responsibility of my calling to serve as a missionary hit me really strong... I really don't know what else to say about that. It was just such a sweet and big moment.
After that, I was taken to my class. Immediately after entering the class, I was ushered out by one of the teachers and asked to perform some activity on the computer. My directions were given to me in spanish. I was definitly not expecting to be emersed in the spanish language so immediately. I struggled through my tasks on the computer with a spanish teacher standing next to me trying to coach me through the process. But all help was offered in spanish. I was lost and confused, but I had a smile on my face. After finishing the tasks required to sign in, a video came up on the screen giving me the basic rules that I would need to live by while in the MTC. Halfway through that video, i realized I extremely grateful I was it was in ENGLISH!
Once completing the video, I went back to the classroom. There, I met my companion. Elder M is fresh out of High School! He is from Dallas TX! Sound like a familiar place Daniel?!? Anyways, Elder M was a football player at his 5A school and was appearantly a super amazing WR and Safety. He had a full ride offer to play for Colorado. The coach there started out telling him that he could serve a mission, but then a month or so later told Elder M that he would need to choose between the mission and playing football. Elder M chose the mission. He is an impressive kid. I'm lucky to have him as my companion.
We actually received another companion at the end of our first day. His name is Elder R. Elder R's companion didn't show up. So that is the story how we got him. But Elder R actually played football his freshman year of college at a small Christian school. He is also a great guy.
My whole district is great. I love them all. I am still working on remembering everyones name, but that will come shortly I'm sure.
We had a testimony meeting and personal interviews with the Branch president last night. During our testimonies, we had to introduce ourselves, talk about our families and interests ext. Anyways, every one of the members of my District has a strong testimony. I love it. They all know why they are here and they all have a desire to succeed as missionaries. Out of the 9 of us in the district, only 3 of us attended any college before coming to the MTC. The rest of them are fresh out of HS. During that testimony meeting, right when I started talking about my wonderful family, I got something in my eye I think cuz all of a sudden there were water works... I was only the second to bear my testimony and the first to cry. So that was slightly embarrassing until other Elders joined me in my tears. I love you family so much and I know we are on this mission together because I can feel your prayers helping me press onward.
After the personal interviews were over, we all waited in the class room. One of the memebers of the Branch presidency came into the room and asked "Elder Ostler, would you please come join us for a moment?" Obviously I went. They took me to an office and explained to me that our District was loaded with well qualified Elders. They said they have never seen a more qualified group ever. I believe it. Each missionary in our group is spectacular. Then he asked me if I would feel comfortable serving as District Leader and asked me to accept that assignment. I accepted, but I in no way feel comfortable.
Oh no! I only have a few minutes left!
I have not fully learned my responsibilities as a DL yet, but I will recieve further training on this on Sunday.
Oh shoot. I'm out of time. A few Elders interrupted my email time to ask some questions.
Please know that I love and pray for you daily
Elder Ostler
