Week 2 at the MTC.....

I think the days are starting to go by a bit faster now that we are in the hang of things here. We are pretty much in class like all day. And if we are not in class we are either eating, sleeping, or playing basketball. Class is super good though, we learn a bunch and I think my Indonesian is getting pretty good now. I am afraid that I am gaining weight here at the MTC, I was hoping this wouldn't happen but it seems that it was inevitable. I weighed myself for first time in like a year and it was not a good experience, that much I'll say. But there is hope! I've heard that most people lose lots of weight on there mission to Indonesia so I'll probably lose like 60 pounds and be super fit when I get back so no worries.

A lot of people in my district get these cool things called letters, almost daily. Now I know that I have gotten some, but a few more wouldn't hurt right? Using the DearElder mailing system is super cool because we get the letter that day, and it would make me so happy. But do you know what would make me happier? If I got some cool hand written letters, especially form my siblings. That would be sweet! Getting letters form friends and family here is like finding gold or something of similar value.

A scripture I read this week was in one of my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon, it is Ammon being awesome. it says,
11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.

 12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will notboast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.

I know that, like Ammon, I am weak without God. But with God, I can do all things and I know that with God, I can teach and serve the people of Indonesia and make a huge impact like Ammon did with the Lamanites.

Love,
- Elder Hymas

Apa kabar? (how are you?) Nice to know you guys are all doing well, I am doing absolutely great here at the MTC. It has only been a week but my testimony for this gospel and my love for the scriptures have grown exponentially! I find so much joy and comfort reading the scriptures every day. It is a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by the Holy Spirit constantly here at the MTC, it makes adjusting to life here and missing family and friends a lot easier. 

My companion is Elder Arthur, he is from Brisbane Australia. He has a cool accent and he is a really nice and fun guy. Him and I have been getting along just fine. Our district has 9 Elders in it, there is myself, Elder Arthur, Elder Chou, Elder Gartz, Elder Thomas, Elder Getter, Elder Willionson, Elder Paskett, and Elder Lieske. We are all becoming very close friends, and pretty much go everywhere together. 
We have learned a lot of Indonesian this first week, I can say prayers, bare my testimony, teach lessons, and get to know people all in Indonesian. The gift of tongues is real! The food is exactly like the Cannon Center back at BYU so I'm used to it, it is pretty good. Some people hate it, some love it. It's weird. We have class like all the time here but we are learning a lot and our teachers are super cool!

During class Elder Paskett shared a "prophecy" with us about the Indonesian food, it is found in Jeremiah 4:19-21, it reads,.
 19 ¶My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.
 20 Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment.
 21 How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?
We all thought it was pretty funny and laughed quite a bit, my teachers here at the MTC informed us that the food in Indonesia is actually really good and we have nothing to worry about, so that's good. 
It is very busy here at the MTC, but that's good because we have a lot to learn and a lot of work to do in only a short amount of time. Today is our first P-day and we went to the temple this morning, itwas awesome! The Provo temple is very beautiful! I am very happy here on my mission and I know there is no where else I would rather be, I love you all!
- Elder Hymas