Finally got a letter!

Max’s First Letter – 10/19/2011

Note:  The following transcription doesn’t begin to do justice to Max’s quirky (and nearly illegible) handwriting and grammar.  I added a couple of my own comments in square brackets and italics.

Dear Family,

I could not wait to use the computer in a week and I have so much to tell you that I couldn’t wait.  SURPRISE!!  I bet you have been very sad lately.  Well, don’t be because I’m the one supposed to be sad.

After we had said our goodbyes at the front of the MTC, I went with my host missionary to get my ID, name tag, book, etc.  Then we go to my dorm room, and it’s pretty cool because it has all manner of desks on both sides and two bunk beds too.  (The pictures I’ll send will tell all about that).  Then I go to my classroom 8M-105 and met my companion, Elder Beck, who I’ll send pictures of, too.  He’s from Burley, Idaho and going to Virginia, too.  He also plays the guitar, is an artist with watercolors, and has a sense of humor.

So I meet the rest of my district, which is:  Elder Donovan, E. Godfrey, E. Call, E. Myers, Sister Jones, Sister Pribsbey, Sister Crandal, and Sister Huber (who is very funny, Tessa would like her).  After that we have an MTC welcome which is fun and unbearable because of the talks and unbearable because of the HEAT of the suit.  Fast forward, get back to the room with my companion and go to sleep.

DAY  TWO

Woke up early from my alarm clock and did a little workout and got ready for the day.  Weird thing is that the shower rooms are bright yellow.  It is weird showering in flip-flops, but the hair that collects on the floor is disgusting. Well, then I went to breakfast and got what I wanted so I wasn’t starving.  From a lot of missionaries, I have learned that everything gives you gas, especially the ORANGE JUICE!!!  The chocolate milk is so good and I’ve heard that it’s from a special shipment from a dairy farm so it’s especially for us.  Then we went to a class workshop on our “purposes.”  It was one of the better classes of my day.  Then I went to get my immunizations filled out.

I went to the classroom and almost fell asleep because it was tiring to just sit in an oven-baked room for three hours.  Then after, I went to the dorm room and met some new roommates that were suddenly moved into our room so currently it’s 6 to our room.  The new elders names are:  Elder Sampson, Elder Kennedy, Elder Wardberry, and Elder Fasor.  They are hilarious and have fun jokes.  They are leaving Tuesday.

After dinner, we went to see the Branch President and see who our district leader is.  It’s Elder Myers, but that’s cool; he seems very organized.  Then we went back to our dorm and suitcases are everywhere.  Elder Beck and I are pretty organized, though.  After that, I got to sleep okay and kudos to you for the blanket.  [I guess he liked the blanket I bought him.  J]

DAY THREE

Woke up early from my roommates going to do a service project.  Elder Kennedy gave us donuts, so pretty good.  The fun thing is that many missionaries get food and can’t eat most of it at the MTC because there is so much food at the cafeteria or they don’t have enough time to eat it, but they share their candy with others if they leave.  I got a bag lunch and held a conversation with some sisters while in line.  I went to the service assignment, but it was cancelled so I was free for two hours, but it ended too soon.  Had to get ready for a district meeting and then got the suit off for gym time.  Got showered after that and went to 2 classroom instructions both for a separate three hours.  We then went back to the dorm and had fun with the Elders by playing jokes and playing Space Commander, which is two people facing each other saying “Space Commander” until one of them laughs.  I went to bed and dreamed of saving a bus full of children, then woke up.  I talked in my sleep, also, saying “elder. . .ELDER!”  So that’s funny.

DAY FOUR

Having fun so far and found out how to stop myself when nodding off (totally out of focus) – keep my hands away from my head.  It’s a work in progress.  Writing during PST (Personal Study Time) right now.

I couldn’t wait a whole week because it’s so terrible to wait to tell you guys everything that’s happening,  so I prefer to send letters and I’ll email pictures to save money.  I got the stamp for 20 cents instead of 40 cents, so I saved some money there.  Please email and write back!  Tell everyone I love them and to write to me and send me food so I can feel special.  Having a little bit of a rough time planning and studying, but it’ll pass.  Write me back how you’re doing and I love you all.  Mom, I am staying clean compared to the other Elders and will always try to be a good example.  [I had told him to practice excellent hygiene because there are so many people in one place there at the MTC.]  My dormmates like the picture of me and Tessa and now want my address.

I know that I was meant to do this and I hope you get a good example from this.

Your son, brother, step-son, grandson, nephew, cousin, and comedian,

Elder Max McClure