Hey yall',
Ok so question for you....What day is the only day that missionaries are allowed to use the bathroom? Answer is simple, P-Day. Yep it's that day of the week again the day in which time seems to actually travel at normal speed. haha. This last week has been so incredible that it has been like a blur. Now here I am writing each of you on my final P-Day at the MTC. Although I am nearing the end of what has been a phenomenal experience thus far, I am very excited for what the future holds in store for me.
So this last week has been spiritually uplifting, testimony building, socially enjoying, but most of all habitually changing. I have felt the Spirit confirm the the truths of the doctrines which we proclaim from on high. I have felt the magnitude of the Atonement and the divinity of Jesus Christ. What merciful love Christ had for me a sinner he suffered, he bled and died. Oh it is beautiful that He should care for me enough to die for me. I have been overwhelmed in the Spirit as I have felt the power of the Holy Ghost and the feelings that make me act with power and authority. I cherish my priesthood power more than I think I ever had before. I know that my Redeemer lives and loves me in ways that I am still continuing to attempt to recognize. My testimony indeed has been building line upon line precept upon precept. I feel like my testimony has been through the refiner's fire and has been polished to be my most owned possession. I know that a testimony is a process and not just the result of a finished product or action. I am developing a charitable love for those whom I am teaching. My investigators are the last thing on my mind when I go to bed and the first thought I think of in the mornings. I have tried so hard to show each of them individual personalized love and service. I have cried to my Father in Heaven to bless them in what they stand in need for.
This week has also been a wonderful bonding moment for me in a social aspect. Elder Gonzalez, my companion, is a stripling warrior. I am convinced he will one day give the opening prayer for a General Conference, as his prayers express so much trust, honesty, willingness and love to our Savior and for our behalf. I am ever so blessed to be his companion. However, my companion is not the only aspect exceeding my expectations here at the MTC. I have a new family here and I love them, they are my district. They are so good to me. I have been uplifted in times of need and edified by their thoughts words and deeds. I love each one of these wonderful servants of the Lord. Also, I need to confess something, and that is that I have given in to a particular rule. I have talked to one of the sister missionaries, Oh dear. I have talked to Sister Jones from our stake. We spend time talking about life, the MTC, spiritual matters and more. We tend to meet up as districts during our meal times. I have a lot of respect for her. We have exchanged each others information and will be writing each other while in the field for advice, spiritual insights, and guidance. In addition, I have run into Blake almost every day at one or more of the meal times. It is so great to have a brother here with me. I can tell Blake is loving it here and from what I have gathered his district seems splendid. Overall the MTC has been such a blessing as I have been able to develop, enhance, practice and perfect habits that will provide happiness in my life and the lives of others. I truly enjoy reading the scriptures every day and praying both night and day. I have so many new characteristics that I feel will be so beneficial in my future experiences. The MTC is the place to be and I'm so glad it's been so good to ME.
In other news, I did get all my materials from Blake. Thank you for sending those to me. Furthermore, thank you for the many letters and family updates. I'm so glad Mom and Dad were able to go get a break and had a wonderful time in Scottsdale. Mom, I'm glad everything is working out for piano and the rearrangement of the house. Thank you for your many letters in my shirt pockets. You are such an amazing mother. Your spirit of love is truly the overriding expression of love and charity in my life. Dad thanks for your inputs, I hope your 10,000 faculty know how lucky they are to have a leader like you at the helm. You're so wonderful. Kevin, glad you had a great time with friends over the summer and good luck on your swimming. Thank you to everyone for your prayers.
I love everyone and am so grateful for this Gospel. I am ready and feel prepared to invite others unto Christ. I know this is what I should be doing.
Love
Elder Cowan
