Week Two

This week has gone by very quickly. Everyday we are just studying and that is basically it. But it is good. I have gone to the Provo temple twice and every single time I go to the temple I feel better about it and I think I am actually enjoying it:) I have been studying a lot of french and now I can pray, bare testimony, and recite the missionary purpose in french. French is hard but I know I can get it down if I speak and work hard at it. I bore my testimony this week in French during sacrament and it was really a cool experience. That is one of my goals as a missionary is to bare my testimony every fast and testimony so you guys will have to make sure I do:)

Studying is a challenge at the MTC. It is hard because teenagers and being quiet is a rare combo but as a district we are working on it and trying to make the best out of the situation we have. This week I have been listening to probably 2 to 3 general conference talks every day and my testimony of the Prophet Thomas Monson and of the apostles have really grown. You know what they are saying is true. These last 3 days I have been slightly sick with a cold, so like stuffy nose and sore throat but it is all good. I have learned a lot about my self and other people and it truly amazes me. The gospel is so true. It makes total sense and I feel a thrill and a peace every time I dig in and study. 

Thanks Mom for walking Sadie and isn’t she is so cute? Love you Mom for everything you do and you are truly one of the most Christ-like people I know and I am so lucky to have you as my Mom. 

Hope your having a fun time in Ghana Dad!? Actually my companion lived in Ghana for 3 years so that is cool. I'm not going to lie the MTC is a hard, weird, awesome experience and one that truly is what you put in to it. Another testimony for me to know that the Gospel is true are the missionaries. If you think about it we are just 18 to 25 year old young men and women trying to serve our Heavenly Father. We do not have perfect testimony or knowledge of the Gospel but we do have a hope and I believe everyone here has a testimony even if they don't think they do. 

Time is flying by and I can't believe that two weeks have already passed. I am so blessed. 

Thank you Mom and Dad and everyone for everything you do for me and I will write next week.

Have a fantastic week,

Elder Duffy

Week One

Toute le monde!!! 

How is everyone?! This week has been crazy and really a learning experience. First off last week was amazing.  It was really great to have Dad come home from D.C..  Thanks Mom for helping me get ready and for your love.

Let's start from the beginning. I flew from Dayton to Minneapolis. I sat by a guy named Tim on the plane and he was awesome. From Minneapolis to Salt Lake there were two other missionaries.  One was from Thailand. This was the first time he had been in the U.S. and he is going to Ogden on his mission and an Elder from Cleveland going to Denver North Mission. It was really nice to be with them.  I read the Ensign on the plane.  I read a text from a guy on a plane next to me without him knowing and one of his text read "I'm sitting next to a Mormon". So that was awesome and a first time experience. 

That night I was out of it and I went on a walk with Caden before I settled down in the Prusso's home. Thank you again Aunt Trieste for letting me stay. I basically passed out. The next morning Caden picked me up and we went to Kneaders with the St.Clairs and that was awesome. Thank you again Aunt Bryn. Then Caden and I went to the temple and took some pics then I was off to the MTC.

It was crazy when I arrived.  They kind of shuffle you through, but it is great. My companions name is Elder McKee and he is from England/South Africa/Germany and he is really awesome and outgoing.

There are three Davis High School people in my classroom/ district and they are really cool. Basically all my days I study, eat, sit, study some more, and then work out before bed. It is great but hard.

I have been trying to work my hardest and be exactly obedient but it is hard because no one is perfect but please know I am trying my best.

The food at the MTC is pretty good but I really like the wraps.

So far I have been loving it but it has definately been new and a growing experience. I can definately feel the Spirit when I push beyond more than I think I can and the Gospel just makes sense.    Either it is true or either it is not and I believe it is. I would just like to invite everyone to study the scriptures and live they truths of the gospel that you know and don't worry about the things you don't know.

I have just learned that you need to go forward and don't look back no matter your past. That my mission moment:) I'm also in the MTC choir and it has been really great.

Dad if you would on your next email can you give me a run down of obedience. I have been trying my best it is just so hard to be exactly within the time limits but I am trying.

Love you all and thank you so much Mom for walking Sadie and the letter. Also French is coming slowing and steadily and it is coming well.

We are teaching a fake investigator named Albert and it is definately a growing experience.

Love you everyone and especially my amazing parents, and Sadie of course.

 Till next week,

Elder Duffy

He's Off!

17 days till MTC!!!

It's crazy!!! These last 3 1/2 months have gone by so fast! It has really been fun and exciting preparing for my mission. I have been trying to prepare by studying french and reading the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. I haven't been perfect at preparing but I don't have any regrets. I am really excited about entering the MTC and I know it will be a really fun, hard working experience.  I feel ready for it. I know 3 people that are going to France in the MTC with me from my old high school, Davis High, so it will be great seeing them again and maybe they'll even be in my district:) I am really excited to see how I change over these next two years. I know if I work hard, be obedient, apply the Atonement in my life, and love the people of France, I will change for the better.

My mission scripture is the following.

D:C 68:6
 6 Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.

Well enjoy the blog and my next post will be in the MTC.
Avec l'amour 
Future Missionary 
Elder Duffy