Day Two

This is the Provo, Utah Missionary Training Center (MTC). Approximately 2,000 missionaries reside here at any given time. There are currently 17 Missionary Training Centers throughout the world. The MTC is a missionary's first stop in his/her mission travels. It's purpose is to give missionaries an opportunity to further learn the doctrines of Jesus Christ and to develop and strengthen Christlike attributes. Missionaries who will be speaking their native language generally remain at the MTC for 3 weeks. Missionaries who will be learning a new language generally reside at the MTC for 9 weeks. There are currently almost 50 languages being taught at the Provo, Utah MTC.

The MTC is a self-contained campus containing everything a missionary needs while there. This is a link to an article regarding the MTC if you are interested in learning more click here:

Austin's first few days in the MTC, as expected, were really hard. He was VERY homesick. He was able to email us on his second day to inform us about some shots he needed. Here's an excerpt of his letter:

Here is my experience so far in the first two days:

1. I miss home a lot - yesterday was incredibly hard.

2. I'm having phone withdrawals.

3. The MTC food doesn't settle well -- please send Tums.
4. Our teacher hasn't spoken a word of English and said he isn't going to. I'm doing better than most with the language, but it is still pretty wild.
5. The MTC is like prison, except in prison you get an hour of recreation and we only get thirty minutes.
6. The temple is closed this whole month and the gym is closed for two weeks. -_- Not cool.

I've had some moments of positivity. Seeing friendly faces from BYU has helped me feel a little better, and I saw Joey Scott today and talked for a minute. The Spirit can be really strong here when you focus on it.

Love,
Elder Claiborne