A note from Elder Carter

Hola mi familia!!!

So, "P" day is on wednesday incase you hadn't guessed yet. I have half an hour on the computer so let's see how fast i can type. I love you guys so so so so much!!! Thanks for all the letters and for the journal. I'll fill that up pretty quick i'm sure...
The MTC is so wonderful!! You can feel the spirit so strong every day. It is incredible to see all those my age ready and willing to serve their Lord and God. You don't have to force people to study, they just naturally do because they want to be prepared when the time comes.
I hope that you got my first letter, saying that I was here safe and sound. If not, I am! so don't worry (though i have been craving some fudge and some better than bronwyn brownies... if you feel so inclined) But, to get back to the point, I missed some very important information in that letter. Right after I got back from the mailbox and mailing it to you guys, the branch president came to my dorm and called me as the district leader for my district. It was a humbling experience, and continues to do so. I have found so many blessings because of it though. I get the opportunity of interviewing all the senior companions each week, and it has been a blessing the revelation I've recieved to help with their concerns and problems. I've also been able to hear their wonderful testimonies. It is an incredible group of individuals.
In my district there are 11 people, 4 hermanas and 7 elders
Elder Nielson and Elder Wardell are serving in spain so they will only be here for two more weeks. Elder Wardell reminds me of James so much haha. It will be sad to see them go... they are my roomies :)
hermana Vasquez and Hermana Hunt are also in my district. They are serving in Texas. Hermana Vasquez is partly navajo and she has shared some very interesting parts of their culture that confirm their lamanite ancestry. It is special and sacred to her though so I will not share it over the internet.
Hermana Cosgrove and Hermana Anderson are also going to Tucson! They are amazing sisters with brilliant testimonies. Funny thing, Hermana Cosgrove is from Orem and her dad works at the MTC in the gym. . . you aren't supposed to have visitors, but she can't help that she sees her dad every day!!
Elders Callaway, Jenne, and Allen are all going to Tucson as well! Roxy would like elder Jenne. He would be a regular at the courts... ;) He has over 17 tickets!! YIKES!! He'll be riding a bike that's for sure. Elder Callaway is just plain hillarious. He has had some struggles while he has been here though. Sadly, they aren't caused by him, but are from his girlfriend. She wants him to come home. But, he is going to stick to it.. He wants to serve so bad and will be a great missionary.
Last but certainly not least is Elder Palmer. he's my companion and basically rocks my socks off!! He's from Fruita Colorado and is one of the most amazing people i have met. He was shy at first, but he has come out of his shell so much this past week. he's a funny kid. With a clear head. I couldn't have asked for a better companion. I have learned so much from him!
So that's my district. They are so great!!
As district leader, i am the junior companion. This has been a great lesson for me. Naturally I am a leader and take control of situations. My companion, who is very submissive and humble, would allow me to do that and i would be in charge. I kept recieving the feeling that I should back off, talk to him and let him be the leader. So, I did it! And the blessings have been incredible because of it!! He took charge and came out of his shell. i learned to listen and to teach. That's what I love about here is I am a teacher! I absolutely love it!!
Today we got to go to the temple. The provo temple is actually pretty cool for it being in provo. It is all circular so it seems as if you are progressing and moving in an eternal sense.
Speaking of temples, they ARE building a temple in my mission! In the hela valley (i think... ) They've already done the groundbreaking for it. It will be such a great tool in helping those come to the lord!!
I keep running into missionaries who are going to Tucson as well. there seems to be a need for missionaries down there, I've met 4 sisters and 3 elders (not including those in my district) who are going spanish speakinig there as well. I'm so excited!!! (now if i can only get the language part down...)
I ran into elder Roderick my first day here. That was fun! The next day i ran into Elder pauni. I love that kid! He looks so happy and that he is doing so well! And a couple days ago I got another suprise. Elder Yeates!! Yep! I ran into Brad. his time here is dwindling down and he's almost ready to depart. he's hoping his visa comes in soon...
Anyway, i only have five more minutes so if i stop mid sentence or else I will lose everything. I love the spirit and the gospel. Being here is such a blessing
L. Tom Perry came and spoke to us yesterday! We are lucky we got an apostle our first week. he talked of companionships and companion unity. I think that me and my companion are doing well at that (except he just has to sit and wait while I write this...) He's such a stud. I love Elder Palmer. The spirit testified of L. Tom Perry's call as an apostle of the Lord, and I know that he is!
I hope everything is allright at home. I can check my letters daily, but only email on wed. Thanks for everything you guys do! You are so amazing and I am so so blessed to have such a supportive family.
I can testify and pray in spanish too! Praying in spanish has been so humbling, and makes me really think what I'm saying. ONe minute left... Love you so so so much!!!

Love,
Elder Carter

PS. Go aggies!! I would love updates..