First Week at the Mexico City CCM

Hey everyone!

The MTC is awesome! But WOW soooo much has happened this week... 

CCM Grounds with a Glimpse of Mexico City in the Background

So that first night I didnt even get to bed until at least 1:00 AM, so I was pretty tired that first full day on wednesday. Thankfully, my luggage came the next night, so that was a relief! I was put in a temporary trio with Elder Cutler and Elder Whipperman on Wednesday morning until I got my real companion, Elder Hill. He is a really good tennis player, and is from New Mexico. 

District Photo

My district is super awesome, and so are all of the leaders here. The CCM teachers and leaders are some of the nicest people you would meet. On the first real night, on Wednesday, we met our branch president, and I was made a district leader! So I definitely feel more of a responsibility to be exactly obedient and an example to my district. But now I need to prepare extra lessons and go to extra meetings, which is pretty difficult considering we are so pressed for time here. Anyways, it is a blessing and opportunity that I have to be better. 

The spanish has been absolutely crazy too! On thursday night, our second day we taught our first lesson to a fake investigator. Now we do that nearly every day. It is really hard and frustrating at times when you cant fully express yourself, but hey that's immersion, and that's how you learn. 

The Dorms

Every day we have been learning so much, and I love feeling so productive all of the time. Our first Sunday was incredible. Although it is funny because we all have to prepare five minute talks each week in spanish, and we don't know who will be speaking. So they announce who will speak right in the meeting. We call it the hunger games reaping haha.

But that night, we watched a church movie, called The Testament. I have seen it before, but this time it hit me so hard. The spirit was overwhelming, and I felt a love from the Savior that I have never felt so strongly. After that, our district went back to our classroom, and talked about what we watched. The testimonies and comments that were said about the movie were all so amazing, and most of our district couldn't hold it together. 

Anyways, sorry that I couldn't write on Monday. Our P Day is today, on Thursday, and we didn't get on last week since it was only our second day. And today we also get to go the the Mexico City temple!! I am so excited, but also worried that the session will most likely be conducted in spanish haha. So I can let you know about that next week. Oh and something else big happened this week- One of the missionaries in our district was sent home yesterday because of some issues he had to work out. So his companion, Elder Higley was put into a trio with Elder Hill and I. But we all really get along and I am excited to have him with us. Also, last night we found out from Elder Higley that he is the new Apostle, Gary E Stevenson s nephew!! So that is pretty crazy. 

The food here is super awesome and it is extremely beautiful in Mexico. I am really looking forward to what lies ahead!

Elder Layton