Hello!

My second week in the MTC has gone by quite fast.  I have not yet died from the showers here! I forgot to mention last week, I broke my glasses in the first 5 minutes of my gym time. It was no big deal because it was my back-up pair to my back-up pair. I was able to fix them but they break again every once in a while.  I pretend to get emotional when that happens, and it's hilarious to see the Elders' reactions to me. I eventually tell them I'm just kidding and we have a good laugh.  This week I have progressed in learning about missionary work and understanding the doctrines of the gospel. It is still difficult at times to stay focused. We have an African-American missionary, and his name is Elder Bourdeau. He is from Haiti, and has lived in Atlanta, Georgia the past three years. He is hilarious! So, one time I am having some personal study time and trying to find some scriptures to share with a roleplay investigator. Just as I settle down and get focused, Elder Bourdeau comes bursting in with two packets of purple Kool-Aid his roommate sent him, and he would not stop talking about it! I couldn't stop laughing. He was about to make some, but when he realized he needed sugar, he became very sad and depressed. Elder Bourdeau is a funny man. He spices up the MTC. 

I land in Boston next Tuesday, Febuary 5th, ready to preach the gospel! I can not wait -  the MTC does get old after a while! Another funny story was I saw Sister Egbert at lunch one day. I told her she was a beautiful daughter of God, then Sister Jenkins came over and told me that Elders do not talk that way. Sorry Sister Jenkins! Won't happen again! I promise! I love seeing Elder Rich and Elder Bartschi. It is great being able to talk to them and see them doing so well. Elder Bartschi's Spanish is  excellent. Elder Rich's as well, and he is now a District Leader. It is great to see my friends doing so well here at the MTC. They will be excellent missionaries. Speaking of friends, I need to hear from Jacob Sigler, Drew Garner, Jahren Makanoa, Ryan Bybee, Jacob Tingey, Ryan Tingey, and Jake Trost! Those punks need to write me! I want to hear from everyone! I love getting letters! Well, I only have 30 minutes here and I'm getting funny looks, so it's time to close. Oh ya – Drew Garner is going to ROME, ITALY! Drew will be an awesome missionary! My boy Drew making me proud! That little punk better write me! Well, I bid thee all farewell until next week! I love my religion. I love being Mormon!

With love,

Elder Tait

Greetings! Elder Tait's First Letter

Greetings!

I  can not express to you how much fun the MTC has been! I  have had some crazy moments! I mean there are difficult times but I have also laughed a lot and had fun. So you see, anything can happen at the MTC!  So, I'm put in my district the first day, and meet my companion, Elder Rogers,  who's a super guy.  Anyway, then I look to my right and see a 6'5" man, with flulffy blonde hair, who goes by the name of Elder (Xander) Laurent! He is in my district and better yet we are roomies! What are the chances of that happening? It has helped my MTC experience! But get this, Elder Laurent's companion knows my companion from BYU's summer term! So we basically all know each other. It's pretty neat.  Anyway, I wake up my first morning, and go into the bathroom to take a shower, which was a mistake. I can not tell you how LITERALLY AWFUL, the showers are! I get in the shower and turn on the water, and there is no pressure and probably 4 drops of water come out every 10 minutes. The plumbing in our building is old, and basically only 1 shower out of 12 gets consistent water. To make matters worse the water temperature changes from hot to cold, every two seconds. I am either getting 3rd degree burns, or a second later getting frostbite. I am being truthful when I say I get a better shower from the bathroom sink. It does make shower time exciting though. Anyway, I really am having a great time here. I have learned so much this past week. I feel my faith has grown stronger. To anyone preparing for a mission, PRACTICE OBEDIENCE! It will make your time here better!  I leave for Boston the 5th of February! I only have 30 Minutes on the computer, but I can write letters anytime! I would love to hear from everybody, either through the mail or Dear Elder! I will try to write more next Wednesday (which is my P-Day). Thanks to everyone who has looked out for me.  I have a great life and I love being a Mormon!

Elders Laurent, Bartschi, Rich and Tait

With Love,
Elder Tait
(PS. I see Elder Rich and Elder Bartschi and it is sweet! Oh and sister Egbert! It is so much fun to see people you know! Elder Laurent is my district leader and he's amazing!)