Hey guys!

Today’s super busy with General Conference and all, so I’m gonna keep this email brief.

Every day at the MTC is so busy! For better or for worse. Some days I sincerely wish I could just lay in bed all day! But even on my P-day, my schedule is fully packed. I’d honestly describe myself as a type A/B person, because I wanna switch from being type A to type B so quickly every second. X_X

I’m still learning Japanese well. I am extremely grateful for my gift to grasp complicated topics quickly and effectively.

I know that God has called me on a mission. I have many faults. I am quick to stand in pride, compare, and to worry. It’s always been hard for me to move forward when I can’t see the outcome of something exactly. I know the language is difficult, and the thought of door-knocking is paralyzing! I am far from perfect. But I have already seen His hand in my movement towards Him. I know the Savior has always provided a way forward. Last Sunday, I heard a beautiful talk that I wish I could recite perfectly off the top of my head now. I remember a line relatively well that stuck out to me, however. “The power of Christ allows us to move mountains. Even though I’ve never seen my faith move an entire mountain, I’ve seen Jesus Christ change the focus of my heart.” When I think of how far I’ve come from only a mere month of being at the MTC, the thought is humbling. It is also humbling how I have the agency to worry and doubt! I know that it is part of God’s plan to make us faithful, independent individuals. I know that the Savior has suffered through more pain and affliction than I could ever imagine because of the Atonement. Even just a simple hope for the gospel has fundamentally helped me center my thoughts on other people and their problems. The Atonement has helped me feel compassion for myself and my imperfections. It has already begun to impact who I am, beyond just being a kind and hopeful person. It allows me to know that I am a beloved son of God. The atonement has taught me to rejoice with my soul in coming to Christ!

I would like to share a few excerpts from Chapter 3 of Jesus the Christ.

““For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” said Paul of old, and John the apostle added his testimony in these words: “If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

Who shall question the justice of God, which denies salvation to all who will not comply with the prescribed conditions on which alone it is declared obtainable? Christ is “the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him,” and God “will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil.”

So, for the advancement of man from his present fallen and relatively degenerate state to the higher condition of spiritual life, a power above his own must cooperate. Through the operation of the laws obtaining in the higher kingdom man may be reached and lifted; himself he cannot save by his own unaided effort. A Redeemer and Savior of mankind is beyond all question essential to the realization of the plan of the Eternal Father, “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”; and that Redeemer and Savior is Jesus the Christ, beside whom there is and can be none other.” (Jesus the Christ, Talmage).

I don’t have a perfect knowledge, nor a perfect faith, but if the blessings of eternity are true then it is worth every cell of my body and every struggle, because it will give me every joy, every delight, and an eternity of happiness. I rejoice in the fact that Christ only asks of us two things: a broken heart and a contrite spirit, thus being willing to follow Christ and join in His ranks above. I will press forward until all is done and all is known. I will learn line upon line precept upon precept until I have met the potential I have in Christ. I have seen immaculate growth in people through their missions. Why would it not be the same for me?

Please tune into General Conference this weekend. The messages are beautiful! I am saddened by the loss of President Nelson and the recent events in the news. I am grateful to be able to look at these hard things with an eternal perspective.

I will try to come prepared with a more in depth email next week. Until then:
Take care, be safe, mata ne, etc.
Elder Son

P.s. thank you all for sending me food + stuff!!! i also always love hearing from you guys in your emails so please keep me updated 😀 tho I miss y’all so much T_T

Google photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/6PuTqiB3mvJD9Qex8