Elder Brigham Blackhurst: Chinese hasn't killed me yet

Week two from the MTC! Still going strong. Second week has been an adventure. Lots of work, lots of language study, all good. To all of you who asked about the Chinese in my last letter, Hé Zhang Lao is my Chinese name. It roughly translates to "He who speaks poor Chinese" or something like that. I actually wouldn't know, because all my teachers only speak Chinese. Kidding aside, I love the language. Five lessons in and my vocab improves every day. It's not easy, but we're getting there. One day at a time.

So, memorable events from this week. Last Thursday we had an "english fast". Our entire zone spoke zero English from the moment we woke up until after dinner. That was an adventure. We also all sing a lot, Chinese and English. We go flat on every song or switch into minor on songs that should be major without fail. Also, the elders in the room next door bought a triple combination, tore it out of the cover, and are putting it back together in chronological order using a hot iron, a bottle of tide, two tie stays, a quarter and three binder rings. Needless to say, it's a fun bunch of guys.

I'm grateful every day for the beautiful buildings we have. The rooms for language open up to the mountains and the sun peeks in during early morning lessons. And the murals...every floor has this huge mural depicting a scripture story. They're incredible. If any of you are in Provo during the next six weeks, the MTC is giving tours of the facility. I highly recommend coming and taking a look if you get the chance. No, I can't give you the tour, and no, I can't come say hi. Still, worthwhile to come visit.

A sweet experience this week. We were reading out of 1 Nephi 1 as a district. We had just started when I had the most distinct impression that, if we were looking for revelation from God, we should begin with prayer. I asked if we could, we knelt, we prayed and asked for His guidance. I really don't want to be one of the missionaries who preaches in his emails...but my dear friends and family, I cannot express how powerful the witness of the Holy Ghost can be. The feeling I had and the hightened ability I had to understand a learn from the scriptures... God testified to me. This is where I am meant to be. There's a work I have to do and I am so very grateful to go and serve.

Thank you so much to all of you who have sent me emails and packages and letters. It's such a treat to get something during the week, so thank you so much. Also, my roommates appreciate the treats. So, xiexie.

Have a fantastic week, friends. Miss you all lots.