Mission President Anderson and Sister Anderson

First Gators

We've been teaching about 3 investigators a day average now. I was talking to one of my investigators, Barbara, about how you're an author and she totally went and bought all your books on her kindle! She's so sweet! She's been reading the Book of Mormon and she finally prayed with us!! :) She's also going to church with her neighbor Linda tomorrow! It's sad that it's our last time teaching today but I'm so glad I got to meet her and Theo. Theo's a really chill guy! He DJ's in Las Vegas but stays here in Provo to take care of his Grandma. He also started reading the Book of Mormon and finally prayed with us as well! We also had a chance to teach our teachers today which was so cool! Like normally they act and pretend to be someone they met on their missions but this time we just taught our teacher as themselves. I loved that so much because I already loved them sooo much! Elder Oaks came and talked to us this Tuesday so I can now say I've seen 2 apostles in the time frame of 3 days. Pretty legit!

The Book of Mormon is like my favorite book ever now. It's so powerful! Like holy smokes!!! We've had 5 just amazing lessons with our investigators back to back! The spirit is so important and helps out so much! I'm so glad I've been able to experience what I have so far with these investigators here! I can't wait for the next 2 years to come!! 

I've been craving a home cooked meal like all week. I mean I like the food an all but it's just not nice on the body...

I just got your letter today! Thanks for sending it! I was so excited when I saw my name taking it out of the mailbox!! That's pretty sweet you found those people on Dad's side!

I miss you guys! I love you so much and pray for you every night!!

Elder Autrey :)

Pics are my companions in the MTC Elder Hunt and Elder Johnson; and my district in the MTC.

Follow up

Oh there's this thing called "Dear Elder" which is basically writing an email but they print it out and put it in my mailbox immediately. So if theres ever anything urgent for this week, that would be the way to go. Or if you just want to say hi! It's just us 3 Elders and 4 Sisters. We're all going to SD except Elder Johnson who is going to Vancouver, Canada! Our Branch President and his wife served in London, England and were excited to hear Dad did as well. Their last name is Briscoe. So idk. I believe we can call home at the airport so if you get a call around 9am on Monday it's probably me.

And that's awesome about the blog! I'll try and figure out the picture situation soon. I look adorable ;)

Talk to you next week! Love you all so much!

Elder Autrey

Oh and my companions and I are totally about to teach our first lesson with an investigator we found ourself that isn't a teacher acting or anything. She is apart of the TRC program so she may still be acting or possible a recent convert or could possibly be an actual investigator. But it's just cool that we found her ourselves and set up our own appointment to meet with her and it's just so exciting!!

Elder Autrey

First few days in the MTC

The MTC is amazing!! The first 2 days here I was absolutely loving it! The third day was a little rough for just about my whole district just with fatigue and exhaustion but that night my companions and I talked about everything about what's going on and we all felt so relived afterwords. Such a bro bonding moment. My companions are the best! I'm in a threesome companionship because Elder Hunt's companion never showed up like, at all.

I've learned so much and realized I know A LOT more than I realized I did. Like my brain feels like it's about to explode sometimes but everything that's getting shoved into it is so amazing and so true. I can feel the spirit pretty much all the time which is just fabulous! The MTC grounds are really sacred grounds just like the temple. Speaking of the Temple, we just got back from going with our district. It was so relaxing and such an awesome way to just unwind from all the learning in classes. 

Sucks for Sam about his foot. Hope he doesn't get tetanus. (Note: Sam stepped on a nail. His tetanus shot is up to date however.)

The food is actually pretty good. It doesn't bother me much except it gives me and Elder Johnson really bad gas so we're just farting all day long. No be deal though, we enjoy it. :) I play volleyball everyday with my district which is sooooooo much fun!

President Uchtdorf came yesterday for Easter and gave a devotional. Seeing him enter the room was incredible. It's indescribable being in the same room as an apostle. After he spoke he walked around and shook hands with a lot of missionaries. He shook hands with the Sister right in front of me. SO CLOSE! hahaha. 

I'm the district leader for my district as of thursday (day 2). Once again, my district is the best! We all get along and joke around and have fun but we all follow the rules and really have a strong desire to learn all we can about this gospel. 

I leave for S.D. next monday 6am. We have to leave campus at 2:30am which I'm not looking forward too. OH so remember how I was always tired just for no reason at home?? Well I wish I could go back to that because I am now ALWAYS tired. It's unreal how exhausted we all are. But it's so admirable to see everyone fight through the exhaustion to learn as much as they can while they are here. 

Tell everyone I love them and miss you all a lot! I think about you guys every night and pray for you. Thank you for everything you have taught me and for keeping me in the church. I love you!

Elder Autrey

Arrived at the Mission Training Center

Farewell Invite

Yeah, that's us...super fancy