Week 1: I made it to my first P-Day

8-10-18

Hello family and friends!!

I made it to my first P-Day, woo hoo! Although it has only been two days, we call it a success here at the MTC. I didn't really know what to expect coming into the MTC honestly, everyone tells you certain things. The first night, I was pretty overwhelmed. I just had to say goodbye to my family and girlfriend Ellie and it was really hard but as soon as I couldn't see them anymore I was immediately doing stuff. I went to this table and got my name tag, then they sent me to the next table for my room key and then about 6 other tables after that for more stuff. I felt like a little sheep in a big herd of sheep following the brand new Elder in front of me that also had no idea what they are doing. After I got my important stuff, I was directed to my dorm room. I was the first one there which was nice because I got first choice of which bunk bed to take so I chose the bottom bunk by the window. It seemed like my best option out of the 4. 

Yesterday, my first full day in the MTC was jam packed with all sorts of stuff and my companion Elder Williams and I were totally on top of our schedule and was everywhere we needed to be. So, by about dinner time, we both kind of started feeling a little bit more comfortable with the environment and decided that we could get used to this. Right after dinner, we went with our district and met our Branch President and his counselors and their wives. This is where we found out who the district leader is going to be. After he interviewed all of us, he came back into the room and told everyone that he has called a district leader and it was going to be Elder Brady, who is totally a stud. I felt a little relieved because I had just barely tonight started to feel more comfortable. President then went on to say that he is calling Elder Baker and Elder Williams to be Zone Leaders! Woo hoo! Moral of the story is, don't ever get too comfortable here at the MTC or you'll be the zone leader after 24 hours here. 

I really have enjoyed the spirit here at the MTC. I can see the light of Christ in all the Elders and Sisters around me, It's truly amazing feeling the spirit here. In one of my classes I was really starting to worry about my family and worry about what they will be doing while I am gone for two years. I started to worry about things like their safety and just about everything else. I started to miss them a lot and right as I started having these thoughts, my branch president shared with us D&C 100:1 and D&C 118:3 where the Lord says "your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power." I felt peace that my family will be blessed while I am away doing the Lord's work.

Love, Elder Baker

This is my companion Elder Williams

Elder Smith and I

This last picture is my district and we are the only ones here going to India.

From left to right: Elder Brady, Elder Jue(pronounced "jew"), Me, Elder Williams, Elder Allred, Elder Wolcott, Elder Hakanson, and Elder Hugie(pronounced "hyoogy")