Pictures from MTC

November 26, 2012

My thanksgiving was awesome, Elder Holland came and spoke and it was amazing. I tried to go into the foyer and talk to him but the security made me go back to my seat. But thats allright because I sat like 10 feet away from him. Him just being there brought the mosrt amazing spirit into the room. We sang "Come thou Fount" for the opening him and everybody was already crying by the end of that. He spoke on how blessed and favored we are of the Lord to live at this time when missionary work can actually succeed. I know that he really is an Apostle of the Lord, I have never felt such a confirmation of anything in my life. After the devo we did service for most of the day making 72 hour kits for the people in Mali. After that we had some free time and then we watched 17 Miracles that night. They had a bag of popcorn for every missionary. Wasn't quite like I make it though..... Im bummed I wasnt there for thanksgiving but we did get a turkey dinner but I just had a bowl of cereal because the line was backed up to outside the building. Kelly wrote me last week and I started crying when I read it. I was so happy to hear from her and tell her that I love her. None of my other brothers or sisters have written me accept Kristi's family. Im excited for my christmas package but I dont think I really need anything that bad. Im starting to love my district and my companion, most of them are pretty cool guys. The language is comming along really well. My companion and I are trying to talk to eachother mostly in just Hiligaynon now but its hard to teach lessons still because the sentence structure is so different..... I just want you guys to know how amazing my family is and how much I hove and miss you all. I look up to all of my brother and sisters because they have been such great examples to me. I love you, cant wait to here from you this week.

November 19, 2012

I miss you so much, I didn't know how good I had it while I was at home. I love it here though.We started teaching two new investigators this week on top of the returned missionaries that we are already teaching. I enjoy it though, its so nice to walk into a lesson feeling prepared and having the comfort that the spirit is there with you. I can feel the spirit so strong when I teach, I taught the priesthood lesson yesterday on repentance and while I was preparing I thought about how far I've come in my life... I'm so greatful that you are praying for me because I really need it. This language is really hard, the sentance structure is just wierd and I can't even pronounce most of the vocab words, but I know that if I rely on the Lord he will help me through any obstacle thats put in front of me.Im bummed that I'm gonna miss thanksgiving with you guys but mine will probably be better. On thursday we have a service project in the morning and then there is a rumor that Elder Holland is comming. And guess who is ushering... My district. I'm gonna be the one greeting him at the door. But I probably shouldn't  get my hopes up.... It will probably just be like Pres. Monson or something. I love my district though and my companion is awesome. We had a big arm wrestling tournament last night and I came out on top. ...My testimony and my faith in the Lord are growing more than I ever thought they could. I know this gospel is true and I know that this is where I should be...

          Aylong,

              Elder Pulsipher

October 12, 2012

 ...I got to go to the temple this morning and it was awesome.... My companion and I are teaching a new investigator named Bonifacio this week and for the first time we are not going to use any notes. I know that if I rely on the Lord that He will make up the difference and that the spirit will be so much stronger. One of the people that I brought through the veil at home spoke at the Fireside last night. I didnt know that he was the director of the missionary department so that was cool. Class all day is pretty rough especially because I can't work out at all...I have the best family and I miss all of you so much. I cant wait to here from you next week.

First letter...

" I really like it here, the spirit is so strong and there are so many good teachers and people. ... Hiligaynon is pretty hard but Im am learning alot really fast. I am strengthening my relationship with the Lord so much because I kbnow that Im not gonna be able to learn I without him. Its only the 6th day and my companion and I have already taught an investigator twice in Hiligaynon. The first one was crap but we are getting better. This morning was my first temple day and it was awesome. We get to go once a week on our p-days. There are two gyms here with alright equipment but imn bummed because the weights only go up to 75's. I cant wait to learn more Hiligaynon and I cant wait to get these nine weeks over with. The food is really good so ive already gained a few pounds. I love you so much and I know that you and I both will be blessed for my service. Kabalo ako nga, matuod ang ebanhelyo, kag matuod ang Libro ni Mormon. Kabalo ako nga importante gid ang Libro ni Mormon kag ang pagpasag-uli ni Jesucristo. Kabalo ako nga matuod propeta ang Joseph Smith kag Thomas S. Monson adlaw. Kabalo ako nga palnga kita sang dios kag Jesucristo. "

The delivery...

We dropped Tanner off in San Diego at 5:00 the morning of October 31, 2012. Another boy from our ward, Evan Ricks, was also leaving for his mission on the same day and the same flight (not pictured). They were able to travel together and then Evan's Aunt picked them up and delivered them to the MTC. Tanner arrived safely and this is a picture of him being greeting by his host at the MTC with his new missionary tag. (Lis's sister worked at the MTC that morning and was able to see Tanner and get this great picture for me. Thank you Jackie and Lis!) Wow, that is a good looking boy, and tall!