MTC Conspiracy

Talofa Aiga!

I'd just like to start off by saying that I think there is a conspiracy here at the MTC. We can't play even touch rugby, or even keep score during games. I think they are trying to suck out all of our testosterone. Haha just kidding, it's a little strict here, but it's alright. So happy to read your letters and email! Glad that everything sounds good on the homefront. Well, here is the update:

-I have met one of the coolest Elders ever! His name is Elder Fauatea and he is from Auckland, New Zealand. He is hilarious!!! He is constantly talking to us in his "American" accent and he always says he is from "Houstess, Texas." Haha he honestly makes class ten times better. It kinda lame though because he leaves on saturday to Anaheim, CA speaking Samoan. But he has been awesome. The other day he was trying to sweet talk one of the sister teachers into letting us play touch rugby and it was soo funny haha!

-The Pacific games took a little longer than expected to start(because everyone is afraid of Samoa :) ) but we have been in them and we are tearing it up! We beat the Marshall Islands in soccer the other day 9-1. I'm pretty sure volleyball is next on the list, which I'm already counting as a win.

-My companion's dad and Bishop totally were companions haha such a small world!

-Boredom and my district are a bad combination haha. It got pretty bad one night, so we created Hall Ball. We got really desperate so we made a ball out of rolled up toilet paper, paper towels, and plastic cleaning gloves haha.

That's about it. Thank you to everyone who had written me! We are pretty short on time here, so I couldn't write you all back but I do really appreciate it! Well, my Samoan is slowly improving. I'm starting to recognize the words when I hear them. Here is a little sample of something I've memorized:

O le togiola, e mafai ai ona, tatou sa'oloto mai agasala.

You'll just have to look at google translator to figure it out haha. 

Here is some more spiritual:
Uso Anesone gave us a spritual thought last night about his mission in Samoa. I know you wont like hearing this, but he said it is extremely unlikely that I will be able to email. He explained though that it was one of the best things that could have happened to him, because when writing home he really built a stronger relationship with his friends and family, and that the letters were more genuine. I was bummed at first, but after his explanation I felt at peace. After the thought we all sang God Be With You Till We Meet Again in Samoan. It was amazing... I feel so blessed to be here right now with my district. We truly are very close, and they are my family away from home. We all help each other with homesickness, and are very tight.

Well I love you all and I want you to know that in two years you will be getting the very best Gator that you can get :)

Alofa Atu,

Elder Hunter

Elder Hayes

Gator's Caption, "The Truth"

Gator's Words "Best Elders in the MTC"

First Friday- P-day in the MTC

Talofa Aiga!

Here is my first official email sent from the MTC (pretty crazy!). I have P-days on Friday here so I will make sure to write every time I get the chance. Where to begin! Here at the MTC it's no joke, the first day I really hit the ground running. I have already been to multiple language lessons, and am slowly picking up the language. My companion's name is Elder Wallwork. He is from Pasco, Washington. He is half Hawaiin and half Samoan, and he is such a stud! I am so thankful for my district. It is hands down the best in the MTC, and everyone knows when the Samoan Elders are coming across campus! We are a little rowdy, but that's because we are already so close. I do not hesitate to call them my usos. 

So here's a little taste of my life:

-Wake up to the sound of Elders saying, "I'm going to sasa that toilet!!" haha

-go to breakfast (I can now see why so many elders get fat)

-basically classes all day (not a fan, but Samoan language is great)

-Lunch (may need some pepto before I leave haha)

-more classes...(not gonna lie sometimes catch some zzz's haha)

-finally we return back to residents where we prepare for bed by throwing on our ie's

I do miss you all, but I haven't really had a chance to feel homesick...Everything feels like it is moving at the speed of light. Make sue to thank Bishop Tomlinson for me, I really enjoyed his letter. Also, harass my friends a bit haha, I've only gotten mail from Tanner and would love to hear from them.

Now for a bit of Spiritual Goodness :)

Yesterday in class our teacher told us to all buy copies of the Samoan hymn book. We all did, and then together sang "I am a child of God." It was probably the most powerful song I have ever sung...The Spirit was so present and powerful and it really brought our district together. I was struggling earlier that day with my desire to be at the MTC, and it instantly changed it. I knew that I was exactly where I needed to be and am so thankful for it!

Well that's about it haha. Oh one more thing! We have decided to create the Pacific Games! Basically throughout our time in the MTC, we have challenged Tonga, Hawaii, Fiji, and the Marshall Islands to different games. We will be champions!!! I'm feeling like a true Samoan because I can't stand Tonga here haha. Well I love you all and can't wait to get your next email!

Alofa Atu,

Elder Hunter