Best Two Years - Week 1

Hey Guys,

Today I arrived at the MTC and met my first companion. His name is Elder Manti James Thomas Bailey lll. He is half Cherokee Indian and is very versed in his culture. (At times during the day he will stop and rub his hands on a pine tree in the area.) He is 21 and for a living back home he makes knives and other weapons that were used by his people back home.  We are both going to the same mission but we have 2 Elders in our district going to the Dominican Republic in 2 weeks, 1 Elder and 1 Sister going to California and 1 Sister to Kentucky. Elder Bailey is the last "warrior" in his blood line and desirers to try to save his dying people.... Yeah I thought it was super weird too, and sometimes it is. But to be honest, I’m just happy I have a companion that is versed in scripture and can teach with the spirit.

I started a new saying in our district that really caught on. Its "como un jefe" (I think that’s how you write it) but anyway it means "like a boss" I bet you can imagine how much we use it. In my dorm, my companions are well versed in their Nacho Libre, Blades of Glory, Napoleon Dynamite and Hot Rod quotes which make life here so much fun.

Today was the longest day ever! First full day and the amount of info we have to comprehend is enormous. We spend all day learning the language, reading scriptures, and preparing to teach our first investigator. On the first Friday at the MTC you are required to teach your first investigator in your mission language on the 3rd day. I have never been more nervous in my life. Even though I’m learning the language faster than anyone in class I feel so helpless when it comes to speaking. I can understand, not speak. I hate going into meetings or gives talks where I am as prepared as possible. But I know I’ll be fine with God's help. We bore testimonies today to our Branch President and I don’t like to brag but I think I really surprised him with the spirit I seem to unknowingly be able to use. He told me many times how impressed he was.

Today I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Elder Bailey and I taught our first discussion with Carla. All day it felt like I had forgotten everything I had learned. The last few hours before we met her, everyone in the district was at the point where they decided that they would just take it lightly. It wasn’t until we were about to knock on the door that I turned to Elder Bailey and said "Elder we need to treat her as if she was a real investigator." after a quick prayer we went in and to be honest I don’t remember much of anything I said. I was blessed with the gift of tongues and everything I had learned just flowed out of me. At the end she committed to reading the Book of Mormon and praying to know that it is true and that Joseph Smith is a true Profeta. (we did so amazing that everyone else in the district was congratulating us for doing the best job" I feel the spirit nonstop here and I love it. I never knew I could feel this good.

- Love, Elder Stewart

Dad:  Of course let me know about my good ole Utes. I'm praying for a win for sure. Hopefully your "devils" will have luck up until the game with Utah.

Everyone:  Just looking at my first experience with email. It would be much better to have people use www.dearelder.com/ElderDStew.  Its day delivery and all my companions get a truck load of letters a day so hopefully you guys can step it up ;) send my email to my friends on Facebook as well. I would love to hear from everyone during the week.


Address:
Elder Daniel Stewart
MTC Mailbox #249
NM-ALB 1107
2005 N 900E
Provo, UT  84604-1793