Feb 5, 2008

Starsi Nowland writes:
He got our package with stamps, mailing labels, etc. He was excited to hear I made him a Blogsite. He loves getting letters and thanked the Harringtons for their letter and "huge" bottle of cologne. He says he gets sweaty before the end of the day and this help keep him smelling good. He also got a letter from a few others including the Johnson's. He has seen a few of his friends from home that are in the MTC such as Tyler Ward & BK Batchelor. He hopes to send a picture home of his District of 12 other missionaries. He said he taught the first lesson to a "mock" investigator (a guy who was from Sweden who served his mission in Czech Rep) and he did it in Czech. He said it was a really spiritual experience, probably the best lesson he has taught since he has been at the MTC. He said he went outside at the front entrance of the building the other day and he saw people and cars!!!!. In his words... "It was so crazy, I had almost forgotten that there was still a world outside of the MTC...it was really funny actuall. I can't imagine what I'll be like when I get back in 2 years, but I'll have the Lord at my side so that will help. I'm so excited to learn the language and begin teaching in the Czech Republic. Our teachers have been telling us so many stories about their missions over there...Oh and one thing they all agree on is that the food is AMAZING! I'm so excited. I love you all sooooo much and hope to hear from you soon."

I had asked him a few questions and here are the responsed to my questions.
1. How is the food? He likes the food, but he is not very picky
2. How were you selected to be the District Leader? He said each young man was called in and interviewed and then the leaders prayed about who should be the DL and then they were all called back into the room and he was told he would be the DL.
3. When did you start learning the language? The very day he arrived.
4. How is learning the language? It is a very difficult language, but he LOVES the language and the Lord has really blessed him in learning to speak Czech.