I’ve learned so much in these last two weeks. It’s really been amazing. I’ve had some great experiences too. Last week I talked about the Referral Center, which is basically a call center where missionaries go to make and recieve calls for the Church. I was there this past Saturday with my friend Elder Bench (from Jerome, Idaho) when I recieved an incoming call from what I thought was (at first) a young woman. But later realized it was in fact a 10 year old boy! We talked for nearly 40 minutes about the Church, about how it was restored through the prophet Jospeh Smith, how that happened, about the Book of Mormon, and how he could know if this was all true (Moroni 10:3-5).

Despite talking so long, I never really got to know about his parents, or family. Or even where he lived. But overall it was amazing to see how mature he was, and the questions that he asked. He was the last call I had that day, and I had to get back to class. So I said goodbye, and that was that.

That’s just one of the many cool experiences I’ve had in the RC. It’s probably one of my favorite places here. It’s doing “real” missionary work, and it’s a great feeling when someone listens and is interested in what you have to say. And there’s that experience of rejection as well — which I’ll certainly need to be prepared for.

As follows from being District Leader last week, me and my companion Elder Spendlove are now the Zone Leaders. Among other things we have to prepare the program for sacrament meeting, and also give the new missionaries a tour of the campus tonight.

Last Sunday’s Fireside was great. The Administrative director here at the MTC, Richard I. Heaton spoke, and it was a wonderful talk. He’s in charge of basically all staff here at the MTC, so he has quite the responsibilty. He served his mission in Japan, so he’s had some pretty cool experiences.

Oh and for what it’s worth. I just had my hair cut *very* short by the MTC hairdressers. I think this is the shortest I’ve had my hair cut in years. The only question they ask when you go in is “How short do you want it?” Ha ha…

The weather here is… much cooler now. We’ve even had a couple snowfalls, but they usually melt when the sun comes out, which helps to keep you warm too, so I can’t complain.

Well, again let me thank everyone for the letters and DearElders! They are tender mercies here at the MTC — and really, it’s just great to hear from you all.

I’m excited to be here, but at this point, I’m even more excited to leave. I know that this Gospel will change people’s lives. That’s why I’m serving this mission. As the saying goes here “My purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ…” — and that’s what I’m going to do.

Thanks for reading!I love you all.

Sincerely,
Elder Macpherson

The MTC is an amazing place. Almost all our time here is spent learning. Learning scriptures and the lessons that we will teach, and of course HOW to teach. Sometimes we go to a building on the campus called the Referral Center, where we make calls to people all over the world, usually because they’ve requested a free DVD or Book of Mormon from the church (see mormon.org ) — It’s a great opportunity to do some real teaching. For all my Radialpoint coworkers (You guys are awesome!), this reminded me of the call center work almost everyone did two Christmases ago! Except it’s more like tech support for the soul.

I want to thank all the people that have sent me letters so far — Especially a big thanks to my cousin Sydney for that beautiful picture you colored for me, it’s on the wall in my dorm room! As for the rest of you, you know who you are, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite as awesome as seeing mail in that post box! It’s my job to check mail for my district (since I’m the district leader). My district has 8 missionaries, including me. All of them are going to serve in Louisville Kentucky, except for me and my companion. He’s going to Anchorage Alaska, and I’m of course going to Sacramento.

The weather here in Provo has been just gorgeous this last week. Sunny, and nearly always hovering around a nice 20 or so degrees Celsius.

Right now it’s my P-day (Preparation day) — it’s basically a “break” day where we do Laundry (I’ve got a load in right now), send emails, study, and rest.

I guess that’s about it. I miss you all, but I know what I’m doing here is the right thing. I’m taking these two years to teach others because I know what I have to teach is true. I know it will change lives. It’s changed mine.

The Book of Mormon is true. If you don’t believe me, read it yourself (Especially check out Moroni 10:3-5) — It’s best book I’ve ever read. And if you know me, that’s quite a statement. :)

Take care everyone, remember to check my contact page on which you can find and use the link to dearelder.com and my MTC box number (#210) to send letters to the Provo MTC (it’s free). I’m here at the MTC until March 17th, and then it’s off to Sacramento I go!

Love,
Elder Macpherson

Stephen (Hamish’s dad)