First email from the MTC!

Hello all,

I am alive and well here at the MTC in Provo. Today is our first p-day which means that we get a couple hours to relax. Training started immediately with an hour of full immersion Cantonese training. then two whole days of orientation and training. We spend about four to six hours a day in a small cramped room learning or at least attempting to learn Cantonese. We have learned enough to begin teaching an investigator (A simulated one) but she is really from Mainland. We had some real trouble the first lesson but Saturdays lesson went much better.

My companions name is Elder McGowan. He is from Virginia and really cool we are getting along great. There are 27 of us Learning Cantonese and heading for for Hong Kong. Which is a lot Our district is getting along really well. One of them is Elder Munsey or as we call him Elder Army or Sgt. Army. We call him this because he has spent two years as a west point Cadette. We love every time he starts a story with "Back at the Academy". I told everyone I am from Portland because that is easier than trying to describe where Newberg is. So they all make portlandia jokes to me which I tell them are pretty much accurate haha. My district also tells me every time that they quote Shakespeare... I then correct them haha.

The food here is really good but the cafeteria crowded. The days are also super long. Nearly every minute is scheduled and we are up late and to bed by 9 o'clock. Everyone is realy nice and welcoming. The biggest advice we got was make it to Sunday and you will be fine. We did and they were right it all seems a lot brighter and like we will be able to last here for 9 weeks. It still hasn't set in completely it still feels like I am at camp and will be coming home soon. Though I know that I'm not. On Sunday we watched a video from elder Ballard which was amazing it is called the character of Christ if you can find it I definitely recommend it.

I have seen Elder Masse a few times and we have eaten together but that is pretty much the only time we see each other.

Also if you want to this is my Mailing address:

Elder Gordon Conrad Walker
OCT20 CHN-HK
2005 N 900 E Unit 178

Provo UT 84602

Though if you want to contact me same day there is a thing Called "Dear Elder" it's online somewhere I don't know how to get there but you essentially write an email and then print it out and give it to us. Then I will respond wither my next p-day or write you personally.

OK I think that's it for this week sorry I didn't send pictures I forgot my card reader in my residence so that will have to happen next week.

Love you all!!!

Elder Walker