Week One

Dear family and friends,

Hey there! Or should I say ni hao! Oh wow it's weird knowing I've been here for pretty much a week already. Time seemed to slow down so much, but now that it's my P-Day, it shocks me how fast it's really going! The first day was really great. After getting all my new books and learning material (which is quite a chunk of paper), we dove right into zhong wen (chinese). The teacher hardly speaks any english, or rather he's not supposed to. So learning this blasted language is a difficult task! My teachers name is Brother Knightengale, or Ge Laoshi. He's from Australia I believe and has a pretty intense accent. But it only comes out when he does speak english. He's such a great teacher. It's amazing how much chinese I know already.

I have been blessed with a great first companion! His name is Elder Plate. He's from Washington. He has such a strong spirit. After the first two days, we learned that we are pretty much nothing alike! Uh-oh... But I think that is what makes us get along as great as we do. I learn so much from him. He knows a bit of chinese as well and we practice together. The other Elders in my district are Elder Burdick and Elder Terry. They are both from the Utah valley, so we can relate quite a lot. We noticed something kind of funny about our companionships though. I relate and have the same personality as Elder Terry (we also kinda look the same), and Elder Plate and Elder Burdick can relate and have the same personality (also have similar physical appearance). It's so weird. But we all get along so well and have a great time learning and teaching all the gospel principals.

We also have a trio of sisters in our district. Sister Tiu, Sister Walbrecht, Sister Busaith. They are so great! We all get along and learn well together. Also, I'm not entirely sure if my grammar is correct. I think it's starting to go downhill since constantly speaking chinese. Our district is the trial district. For those of you who don't know, my time in the MTC has been cut by a few weeks to see if people can learn the language faster. Everyone in my district has had prior knowledge of chinese. There are I think 3 other districts that haven't had any prior knowledge and learn it at a slower pace. I guess we're the comparison district. They want to see if prior knowledge of the language makes a significant difference at the MTC. And the sisters in our district are totally wiping the floor with us. They're so smart and skilled.

The missionaries in the older generation are so nice. We have the BEST zone leaders ever. I feel a great unity throughout the Branch. On the first night, a lot of the older elders would come into our room and introduce themselves. Upon seeing my last name, they would all say "so you're Buckwalter. Elder Walter has been talking about you non stop. He wants to meet you." There's an Elder Walter! I met him and he's such a great guy. I guess in a way I have an in with the older generation guys because he loves me so much. It's kinda funny.

The spirit is so strong here! Everyone is smiling and loves being here. The teachers and leaders are so amazing and kind to all the missionaries. We've had a couple firesides so far. Everything I hear here is such a blessing for my mission and my life. The MTC presidency has such a vast knowledge of the gospel and helpful principals for missionaries. I love hearing them speak. My branch presidency is so nice and willing to help in any way. I'm so thankful for the loving welcome they show to all the new missionaries. I can't wait for the weeks to come. It's weird knowing I only have 8 left here. I hope I can learn as much as possible!

I miss everyone back at home and around the world. It's weird not talking to all of you everyday. I'm constantly begging for a letter in the mail or something. Please write me! I would love to hear about everything that's happening in everyone's lives. I'm doing my best to get letters out to all of you.

I love you all! I can't wait to write you next week and tell about all my new experiences. I have such a short amount of time on the computer!

 Love, Elder Buckwalter