Sunday, July 27, 2014

Week 1 - First Letter MTC

Hi! Today's Saturday, so I can finally check E-mail. So far, the most notable thing thats happened is just me being tired, after arriving on Wednesday, they give you this orange sticker to let everyone know you're 'new'. Whenever other Elders and Sisters saw you they would say 'Welcome to the MTC!'. At first, it was kind of sweet, but after a while, it became a tad obnoxius (I quickly took off my sticker). 

I've had a lot of cool experiences teaching and role-playing discussions. Even though I know that they aren't 'real', it's just so easy to get into character. I've learned so many things about teaching and helping people come unto Christ, and I'm somewhat beating myself up over things I could have taught/explained better in my past.
I'm tired because I'm always being rushed somewhere, there's never a moment of time to rest. Bed at 11:00 and rise at 6:00 is not enough sleep for me, especially with all the running around we do. But, in my personal study I've fallen in love with the book of Revelation, and D&C, and I could spend all day reading them and understanding them. I've prayed to have understanding pertaining to them.
The whole idea of a 'companion' makes perfect sense to me; I mean, what other way to know for sure if someone will do what they're supposed to than if they're accountable for someone. But sometimes it's just so hard to do. For instance, I can't go work out alone, if my companion doesn't want to study I can't, if my companion doesn't want to sleep I can't... I just wish I could be my own companion.
The thing I miss the most is having a question, and not being able to look it up. It absolutely kills me. For instance, I want to know the year Adam was kicked out of the Garden, but instead of looking at what someone else found out, I have to try and figure it out on my own. I suppose it makes it more special, but still, it can be hard to work with.
All in all however, I've loved my time here, it's getting better and better. Make sure to let my friends know about DearElder and forward this letter to them, I thrive on letters so much. Have fun on your trip and I hope to hear from you soon. I love you.
- Gunner Martineau

Note from Tami
It's best, at least for now, to write to Gunner through dearelder.com.  They print and deliver the letter, if before noon, the same day for free.  Once he is in his area you can still do mail this way.  It would just cost .44, the same as a stamp to mail it from here.  If you want to use this service, you will need the following info:
Select:  Provo MTC
Name:  Elder Gunner Martineau
Unit code: 146
Mission code:  UT-SLC-E
MTC Departure Date:  August 5, 2014
Email address:  gunner.martineau@myldsmail.net

Any packages being sent to Gunner while in the MTC (leaving August 5th) should be sent to:
Elder Gunner Vohn Martineau
Provo Missionary Training Center
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT  84604

After the MTC, until he gets us the address where he is assigned, packages will have to be sent to the mission home:
Elder Gunner Vohn Martineau
Utah Salt Lake City East Mission
3487 S 1300 E West Entrance
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
(801) 487-6098 - the phone number in case it is needed for the carrier you are using

Or you can always just send him an email at gunner.martineau@myldsmail.net.  Just keep in mind that he gets very limited computer time so, if he can have already read your letter, he can spend what time he has sending out letters, instead of just reading them.

Thanks for supporting our boy!  xoxo