Hello again, 

That's five weeks down, three and a half to go! It is crazy! 

I don't have as much time this week as I have in the past so I will just highlight the week.

General Conference last weekend was happy, inspired, and just the best! It was so nice to be able to be here at the MTC. Although we had to be in suits and dresses and we couldn't eat and lounge as we watched the strength in numbers was incredible. All the missionaries in the MTC went to the auditorium where we have devotionals and watched it there. I was more excited and prepared than I ever have been before. It was so much more meaningful for me this time. I got something out of every talk and I appreciated the divine call and authority of each of the twelve apostles. I usually have my five or so that I intently listen to but this time I got a lot out of so many and even more from those I usually don't. I really liked the themes I picked out from conference, which I will name a couple. For one, I feel like missionary work was everywhere. Part of it might have been that I was more aware of it than ever because I am a missionary but there was so much about this great work we all get to be a part of. My favorite scripture was also mentioned I think three times: Matthew 11:28-30. There was a lot of talk about trials. I love how this gospel doesn't eliminate trials. In Matthew, Christ doesn't say "burdens will disappear" but they will be made "light." Having trials but then being given the strength to overcome them makes so much more sense because we are able to learn and progress so much more. I am so grateful for the one on one nature of the Atonement and personal progression in this gospel. Likewise, we have each other to look to for support and seek to seek comfort from. When we follow Christ's example we will be blessed. I know that because I have experienced it. Something else I got out of conference was an answer to a question I went in with. I feel like here at the MTC I have developed so many good habits that I either didn't have before or have improved. I wanted to figure out how when we improve we can sustain that change. The answer is great and hard. It's a matter of daily diligence. In some ways it would be great to reach a point and say "yes, I made it" but we are never done. Once we accomplish something we have to maintain it and continue to work at it. However, this is such a blessing. It means we only have to take trials, struggles, life a day at a time. Each day as we set goals and try to improve we will grow and some days we might slip back a little bit but that's okay. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always ready to help us. Conference was great and I can't wait to go back, reread and study it more. Also, shout out to the Hamilton's. When Elder Hamilton first started to speak I thought wait I know him, then I saw his name and realized that was our mission president in Brussels!

On Sunday night we were told that we were going to have a special devotional. Many people thought that meant the prophet or a member of the 12, instead we were all surprised when Vocal Point performed. They are a BYU a cappella group that have won all sorts of awards. They were really good and had good testimonies to share. It was a fun way to end the weekend. 

The other day I realized my knee was a little rough and then I looked at the other and noticed the same thing. I realized it's probably from all the kneeling I've been doing hear as I pray. It was so humbling to see how much more I have been kneeling and see how much more I am relying on the Lord. Prayer is one of the biggest blessings we have and as I learn more about it I love it more and more. I encouarge you all to pray and as you do pour out your heart to Heavenly Father. It is freeing and you will feel so much love! 

I wish I had more time, I have more to say but for now I love you all, you are in my prayers.

Starszy Kimball