September 10, 2015-Elder Tristan Stevens

[Mom's note: Well, Tristan did not send a general email to the group so I will update you with the short emails we got from him on Sept. 10, his P Day.

Just started my load of laundry. I wont go to the temple until either later this morning or in the afternoon. The language is okay, still tough but I work hard to keep busy. My companion is Elder Dibble. He is 6'8" and we get along well. Except he doesnt believe that Stockton and Malone are the best duo the NBA has seen. His argument is Pippen and Jordan but I dont think they are close because they werent like a duo they were just two good players on a team together. During gym time he didnt believe I had moves in the post down low and I smoked him with my fake shots. We have similar goals and interests so its good that we get along and work hard together. As district leader I take care of my district. I pray every morning and night for the members of my district and pray for specific needs that they have so my prayers have become much longer. I have leadership training I think twice a week and one district meeting on Sundays where I conduct and assign members of my district to teach a lesson. I have weekly reports to my branch president that include things like companion problems or health problems but yeah its not too much in the mtc, just a load of stress since day 2. I enjoy just food and snacks because the food is so gross compared to the stuff at home. I am pretty sure I have lost weight and thats not good. I had the opportunity to give Elder Dibble a blessing when he got super sick with a cold and the next day he was fine. I have gained a strong testimony of many things but one thing I have come to learn is that a mission isnt what determines if you make it to the celestial kingdom or anything like that, and a testimony isnt enough either. True conversion to this Gospel, His Atonement, and living day by day with that in mind is what allows us to use the atonement to make it back. I will continue to work hard and stay busy. I sent a letter home, you should get it today or tomorrow. The Dear Elders are nice thanks for those. Love you.

He did play ball, but he is 6'8" and super uncoordinated so its not hard to beat him. Parry Choro is from Salem he is athletic and social and a cool guy. Roley Choro is from Virginia he is super quiet and doesnt really talk at all and he does karate during gym. Carr Choro is a linguistics major and a mini uncle michael but a lot more like I am holier than thou mentality and Abarca Choro is just i cant read him he is from texas and all he did before his mission was party and stuff and watch anime for 24/7.  I have seen mckay and colton and they are fine. I played soccer today and it was fun but not that fun cause no one  is even good. My MTC teacher is cool I guess. He tells us stories about Japan. We heard from Bishop Causse and the Provo Temple President and they were both good. I have taken a lot of notes. I am working hard.

 Stevens Choro