A New Daily Schedule and an Ankle Sprain

Dear Family,
The MTC has been a pretty cool experience. I hope you got my letter. I sent it a week ago. This is the hardest I have ever studied in my life. We wake up at around six in the morning, and shower and shave. Then we get dressed and are in class at 7 where we do a personal study of the Book of Mormon for 30 minutes and then head to breakfast. After that we return back to class usually until lunch, depending on what our companionship, or our teacher has planned for us. We then go and do the same thing until dinner, and after dinner the same thing until 9 when we spend 30 minutes planning for the next day. After that we return to the residence where we prepare for bed, write in our journals, pray and then go to sleep. It's pretty rigorous, but it doesn't leave time for being bored and getting into trouble.
Most days, probably 4-5 days a week we are able to have a 55 min gym time to break up the monotony. It is really fun. You have the choice of basketball, volleyball, four square, or an indoor track and weights. I have spent most of my time playing basketball and volleyball. I probably won't be doing gym for the rest of my time in the MTC however. Yesterday at gym I was playing basketball and came down on my ankle really hard. I had it checked out and they think it is just a sprain. Whatever it is it hurts pretty bad and I'm walking on crutches.
So how was your third thanksgiving in a row without me? Our week has been pretty good. Elder Oakes came and spoke on Monday, and Elder Holland came and spoke this morning. They both gave great talks and the spirit was strong.
My companion and I have gotten pretty good at teaching about the restoration. We are great at getting to know our investigators and then adjusting to what would best bless them in their lives. I sometimes feel that I do all of the talking, but he says that that is fine. My Companion Elder Sudbury is a really awesome guy. He is very supportive, especially since I have sprained my ankle. We get along very well. Maybe I will be assigned a companion that will try my patience a bit more while I am out in the field.
So I love you guys. I miss you all, especially Rachael. Let her know that I said hi and that I love her. Tell Rich to tear it up at some COD for me. Also it would be great to hear from you guys. Check out Dearelder.com they are printed off daily and sent to us.

Love
Elder Nathan Rindlisbacher

First Communication

So this is the first time I have been given time to write home.

. . .

The MTC has been really good. My district is full of great guys - Elders - We aren't supposed to say "guys" or "dude" anymore. We are a group of ten, mostly from Utah, a couple from California, and one from Washington.

My companion is Elder Sudbury. He is from Magna, Utah. He loves hunting and country music, and says some day I will too. I told him good luck. He has an amazing testimony and is very humble. He is a good comp.

I love you guys. I don't miss home too bad yet.

Love,

Elder Rindlisbacher

This picture is of Nathan with a friend from our stake at home -- Elder Derek Hansen from the Madera 1st Ward who was called to serve in Denver (Spanish Speaking)

Departure Day

Nathan was set apart last evening as a full-time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Jeffrey G. Boswell, President of the Fresno California West Stake. Thus begins Nathan's two years of full-time service to the Lord Jesus Christ.

We enjoyed a nice meal together as a family including Nathan's favorite (Pot Stickers) and then the family went to the stake center to meet with President Boswell and Bishop Jan Perkins.

We are tremendously pleased with the decision Nathan has made to share the message that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, and that He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Last night, Nathan bore testimony of the knowledge that he has gained that Jesus Christ lives and loves all of us. He testified that he has come to know for himself that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was called by God and His son Jesus Christ to restore the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth.

Vivian and Nathan worked together to get Nathan all packed up and then we retired for the evening. The alarm clock went off at 4:45 a.m. this morning and Nathan got himself ready to depart. The rest of the family got up to wish Nathan well and have a family prayer together. I then was privileged to lay hands on Nathan's head and give him a priesthood blessing prior to his departure. Part of the words of that blessing were that Nathan would never be alone. He would be accompanied by angels who would go before him, be at his side, and behind him to help and bless him.

Nathan, his little brother Chase, and I then departed for the airport. Nathan got checked in without any problems and then it was time for our final goodbyes. Nathan's friend Rob Nelson from the Valentine Ward of the church came to the airport to wish Nathan well. Nathan seemed anxious to get going.

Nathan's grandparents (Don and Nadene Tuft) picked Nathan up at the airport in Salt Lake City. His Uncle Matthew Rindlisbacher also came to the Salt Lake Airport to wish Nathan well. Nathan traveled to Provo with his grandparents and they took him to lunch with his cousin, Hope Tuft, who is a freshman at BYU. His grandparents then dropped him off at the MTC at 1:15 p.m. where according to his Grandma Tuft he was greeted by what seemed to be 500 enthusiastic missionaries.

We are excited to share Nathan's experiences with you as part of this blog. Thank you for all who have so generously and kindly helped Nathan prepare for this wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord.