Elder Bussell's first email home!

hey y'all!!!
oh my gosh where do i begin!?!? the mtc is so crazy awesome i love it!!! the first day i got here i got to walk next to and see a general authority!!! president uchtdorf.. oh my gosh such a crazy experience. as i was walking next to him, i just felt something so special, i knew that he was truly a representative of the lord. then maybe 10 minutes later he came in to our group meeting where all the new missionaries were and expressed his love and gratitude for our sacrifice and work. and for our love for our heavenly father. it was sooo cool. two days later i was called as district leader. so theres been some pretty exciting things happening. im so happy to be here, i know what i am doing is right and my testimony is just growing so much. this place is just underneath the temple and just above a chapel when it comes to the sacredness and the spirit that dwells here. its so awesome. so ive met some pretty cool elders here who have been here for a while. theyre going to hong kong and theyve been here since december. haha i cant imagine being here that long even though i love it here but it can get old sometimes. haha. theyre here till march too! yikes!!! haha, we have a blast though in the residence halls. we trying to obedient as possible with rules but theres nothing wrong with being ourselves and having a little fun. one missionary, elder jones, hes in another district but both our class and dorm rooms are right next to each other and this kid is practically my twin when it comes to attitude. were loud and scream like girls. but most importantly we beat box together and have free styles. haha oh my gosh its so fun. i also met another missionary from maine, elder stanley.. and get this, he is the son of one of my boss's from sun tan city!!! haha sooo crazy. (suzi its ron's son!) also i met a missionary from maryland who is way good friends with rachel braithwaite whos is my ward back home. i think his name is elder gadberry...? haha such a small world!!!

im learning so much here and im so greatful for everyones support. i know im going to come out of here a better man. the schedule is a little gruling but its so worth it cause the spirit is so strong here and i know what i am doing is right. my testimony is just out of this world and its only growing. sometimes when i am praying or bearing my testimony, i just catch my self spilling words without even thinking, and theyre coming straight from the heart, because the spirit is just practically punching me! haha. this gospel is so true, i hope everyone has a chance to pray about and to ask our father in heaven if it is. ive learned so many things that i just want to shout to everyone and scream in their face but i guess thats not very missionary like. haha. i know theres so much more to life. that through our savior, we can be comforted in times of need, that our lives can be happier and more fulfilling, that we can draw closer to our families and friends, and have such an undeniable love for all. im so greatful for this oppurtunity, and for all of my blessings, especially all of you, family and friends.



Enjoy!!