So a big surprise popped up on my computer screen at work...an e-mail from Jaren Nelson at the MTC. We were all pretty excited to get our first letter on Monday...let alone one the following day. Tuesday is Jaren's "P-Day" or Preparation day. It's their day during the week to take care of personal things ie. writting letters, laundry, grocery shopping (when he gets to Chile) etc. We're so excited to share his very first e-mail letter.
Hey friends and family! So I have nearly completed my first week here in the MTC. I have learned so much already it is amazing. We have been taught how to pray and bear our testimonies in Spanish as well as introducing ourselves as missionaries and stating our purpose. My Branch Presiden'ts name is Pres. Johanson. He is a really cool guy. I was called to be a District Leader for my district. I was overwhelmed at the thought of leading this great group of 11 of us. It took me a few nights to finally get a good night's sleep. I just couldn't slow my mind down enought to fall asleep or stay asleep. I am adjusting to the schedule now though so I am not so tired in class anymore which is nice. The food here is great but is kind of a trap. If not careful...gaining 2 lbs. a week can add up. Today is my "P-Day" so I had the opportunity to go to the Provo Temple. My companion and I ate at the cafeteria afterwards. It was so good! They were serving Pork chops and mashed potoatoes. The rest of my day will be study time and laundry. This evening there is a devotional for the whole MTC. There is a rumor going around it might be an Apostle...we'll just have to see! Mom, a lot of missionaries are getting same day email from a place online called
dearelder.com. You might try it and pass it on to others. Well please tell everyone THANK-YOU to everyone for supporting me whether it has been by writing or attending my farewell last week. Love, Elder Nelson.
Jaren's first companian - Elder Bastian & Elder Nelson
The District Group. Jaren is the new District Leader.
They go to the Provo temple every Tuesday. Jaren loves the food at the Cafeteria there.
Jaren in class....learning Spanish!
Spanish is hard work! 
Jaren's study desk in his room. 
That night we ate at "TUCANOS" a Brazilian restaurant in Provo. The food was amazing. They had a huge salad bar and a huge pasta/hot food bar. The waiters brought 15 different types of meat on skewers. They sliced the meat off at the table. They also brought grilled pineapple around. You had a wooden piece that was red, yellow and green. You put the green side up if you wanted more meat and red when you needed a break. We had a great time. Thanks for the referral Brett & Barb!
Well, after waiting 4 long months, August 13th, 12:30pm has finally arrived. Time to go in and get started learning how to be a missionary and how to speak Spanish!
He got his name tag, meal card and new address. All missionary moms get the privledge of putting on their missionary's badge. Surprise! The pocket was sewn shut...but they were prepared with a whole basket of seam rippers!
See the orange "Dork Dot". That means he's new. It'll come off soon.
It's official and it's in Spanish!
Well, this is it. We went into a chapel for a new missionary welcome and short devotional. We sang "Called to Serve". They assured us they would take very good care of our missionaries. The time was coming to say goodbye for 2 years. After a short video they asked the families to say goodbye and exit to the left and the missionaries to exit to the right. They say it's like ripping off a bandaid. Just do it fast and it won't hurt as much.
