[Week 5] Time Flies When You're Having Fun

            I've come to realize every cliche phrase you hear in the MTC is legit. I won't go into the detail for times sake but it sufficeth to say that all are true. At this time most notably the worldly phrase, "time flies when you''re having fun". I cant believe its week 6 in here. Everytime I look its already sunday again. But at the same time I feel like I've been out here my whole life haha. Time is a weird concept. 

            Well this week started pretty good when we got to hear Elder L. Tom Perry adress us on the 183rd anniversary of the restoration of the Priesthood. His talk was like an upper level college lecture haha it was pretty cool and I really enjoyed it. He's an energetic old guy, when he was walking up to the stage he sprinted up the stairs, it was kinda funny.

            The next day we woke up at 4:30 to fly out to San Fransisco to finish up our visa's. It was a good experience. When we were at the SLC airport several people came up to us and wanted to talk to us and just be nice. Others weren't so happy to see us. This was more common when we touched ground in San Fransisco. Once there I could have sworn we had leprosy. We were scorned by many haha, and anytime we got near someone to sit down by them or stand by them they immediately fled the scene. It was kinda sad, but humorous at the same time. We "ran" into E. Hilburns parents wondering the streets on San Fransisco and they bought us all lunch. Needless to say they were awesome, genuinely nice people. It was really nice to get to meet them. At the consulate we got our eyes scanned, fingers printed, and signed some paper work. One of the security guards there was super interested in us and started asking questions. after talking to him for 20 or so minutes he asked us for brochure. Everyone's head perked up and shot towards his direction haha it was classic. So we gave him a pass along card and invited him to church. Hopefully he'll follow up on that. Other than that the trip was less than pleasant. Our flight to San Fransisco was delayed three hours, and on the way home it was delayed an additional 3 hours. It was really weird driving past the 123rd freeway exit and looking out and seeing the town I call home.

            I was called as District Leader this week. Which doesn't mean a whole lot here in the MTC other than I have lots of leadership meetings. But it'll be a fun experience nonetheless!

            So the quote for the week is from our lovely Brother Wilcox, "You guys have been in the MTC way too long." this was inspired after me and several other Elders quoted every line from several mormon messages he shared with us. This is because our only "worldly entertainment" as we call it is I'm A Mormon ads and Mormon messages. I wish the things we found funny in here were funny to other people haha.

             Elder Fyre, my best friend from college, And Elder Willes came into the MTC this week. It was great to see them. Elder Fyre and I lined up his P-day and one of my Gym times and got a lift in together like old times up in the burg.

           A quick story about the Priesthood, and it's power. A sister in our district had been fighting off an eye problem, her right eye was blood shot and was agitating her, etc. It had been a week or so and it wasnt going anywhere. Well she came to me and E. Call for a blessing. We layed on hands on her head and offered a blessing that her eye may be heal. The next day she shows up to class with a clean, white, healthy eye. Our mighty brother Lepretre is struggling as well with a throat thing and wasn't doing too well yesterday so he asked me for a blessing. I had to the first part in French so it was kinda nerve racking haha. Both were humbling experiences. I'm greatful for the Priesthood and the power it has to bless others. The best thing we can do is serve others, and thats what the Priesthood is all about. It's a big responsibility and I learn this more and more every day.

           Well that's about all that happened this week. I'm sure 30 mins after I send this I'll realize I forgot something I wanted to tell you guys. So much happens here that it's impossible to write it all. I absolutely love the MTC. This place is awesome. I actually kind of missed it while I was in SF. I'm truly grateful for the oppurtunity to be here! Well dad I never thanked you for the beef jerkey you sent me that was great! Also did you ever get the pedigree chart and Priesthood line of authory rounded up?

           Well I'll leave with the words of my good friend Tim Tebow, "Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard." It's true learning a language. Anyways thanks for all the love and support! Oh and Kelly congrats on graduation! Good luck on the exam!

Forever Love

Elder Benjamin Gruber