1st week in umm the "Provo" MTC

So I have almost survived a week here at the MTC. It's been pretty cool so far. I have seen SO MANY people that I know here! At least 10 to 20
people that I know from Provo, and I see Elder Petersen most everyday, and I see Elder Benson quite often. Also I've seen elder Whitby quite a few times.
 My companions are two really awesomeguys (I'm in a triplet companionship) Elder Pole'o: a Tongan from Alaska, and Elder Mathieu, who is from Seattle area.

Almost all of the guys in my district are from Alaska or Washington, and they are all super cool and hardworking guys (even though we see our fair
share of slacking off). From the first day here I have been able to understand almost everything that my teachers tell me in Portugese,
but I'm still incredibly terrible at speaking it. No matter, I'll get it down eventually (at least a few days before I finish my mission).

I'll be here in Provo until October 24th, or until I get my VISA, whichever comes first. If I don't get my VISA then I will be going somewhere in
the states (A scary thought, I know). But I don't mind, because either way I am doing the lords work.

I haven't quite gotten used to not being able to listen to music (even church music in the MTC), but I can survive until I get out into the
mission field. The food here is ALMOST as bad as everyone says it is, but I think it gets too bad of a rap. Either way I have good days
and bad days when it comes to the food. But so does everyone else.

The other night I dreamt a little bit in Portugese which was cool. It was only phrases and words, but that doesn't stop me from obsessing
over myself. Haha. Another odd thing is being here in Provo but not being able to see anyone, or to go to the places I'm so used to
going around Provo. It almost does feel like a little prison. The only differences are the presence of the spirit and higher morale. I don't think
I've been here long enough to try to make a break for it anyway.

My district has been teaching this investigator in Portugese, which has gone fairly well. It is difficult because of the whole language barrier thing, but either
way we still "committed him to baptism". I put that in quotes because I am fairly sure that he is not a real investigator. It still is an awesome experience though!
Anyway I'm getting pretty close to running out of my 30 min time limit, so I'll wrap things up. I'm having a really great time here at the MTC,
and I really am lucky and blessed to be able to have guys in my district who are really great guys. Actually I'm having a marginally terrific time here. It won't
get truly awesome until I am out in the field.

I miss you all!

-Elder Dane Eskildsen

P.S. I'm pretty sure I forgot a lot of stuff, so If you want to get a more personal letter then handwrite something or send something
through dearelder.com. Either way you will probably get to hear about how my mission is going. Do what you want, either way I'm content.

Chiao