December 18, 2010 #2

Im assuming you all read my email written to everyone, so you should know all my companions and district. They are all wonderful Elders. Class time is held with just us twelve in our district, and we have around 4-5 hours of total class time a day, with 2-3 of companionship and personal study. During class we spend a lot of time doing MDT which stands for Missionary Directed Time. We spend this time either as a district or as a companionship or two companionships. We literally role play practicing teaching investigators in various situations. I have felt a special spirit during this time, and the words really just flow from my mouth. It's really amazing. I'm continuing to feel the spirit as i follow the rules and work hard.

I am scheduled to leave january 3rd, so it might be later. I have heard of some other Australia-bound Elders in other Districts, but the ones im sure that i will travel with to Brisbane are Elders' Dahl and Pond. I have a good feeling when i am around them, and i hope that at some point in the field i can be both of their companions. Elder Judkins (roomie), myself and Elder Neeley get along with very well, and usually are constantly talking with him. He is kind of a jock, but he is very dedicated to the work and very friendly to everyone. His companion Elder Terry is very quiet, and involved in Drama, so we kinda have to encourage him to socialize. My companion Elder Neeley is a Choir and video game nerd, but i love him anyway. he kinda argues like me, but mainly with the rest of the district that will argue with him, and i let him go off. ;) kinda funny, but we love him and everyone else.

I miss all of you, and try to think of you very often. I dont have tons of time to write and reply, but i fill it up, so dont be offended if you are missed one time or another. The schedule is very intense here, and i have the feeling it will loosen up a bit in the field. but until then, i love you all so much! Please write, im so excited when i get mail! keep me updated :)
Love to all family and friends!
Merry Christmas.

December 18, 2010

hello everyone!
wow. busy, busy. lots of class time, study, and tons of spirit! it is awesome :) I have a wonderful companion Elder Neeley, from Idaho Falls, Idaho and headed to Minneapolis Minnesota. Our roommates; Elder Terry from Nephi, UT and Elder Judkins from South Weber, UT both also going to Minneapolis. My district consists of myself, my companion and our roommates, as well as Elder Paniagua from Cali going to Tacoma, WA, Elder Lopez from AZ, going to Tacoma as well, Elder Findlay from Indiana going to Tacoma, his companion Elder Wenger from Texas also going to Tacoma, Elder Dahl and Elder Pond are going to Brisbane as well, but thats why i'm alone in my companionship, because there is just three of us. Elder Pond is our District Leader and an awesome guy! Elder Snyder from Alpine, UT and Elder Williams from CA are both going to Tacoma. i think thats everyone ;) We have two teachers; Sister Maxfield and Brother Shumway, they alternate class times evening and morning.
Every day we have a 50 minute gym period, and i love playing volleyball there. A lot of the sisters play volleyball for obvious reasons, and its so good to get to know them. Most districts i have seen have at least one companionship of Sisters, but ours doesn't. Im surprised to see how many they are, they bring a great spirit.
Our Branch President, President Newsome as couseled us to work hard, and stay strictly obedient. The schedule's and rules are grueling, but they definitly invite the spirit. Thats it for now, i only have 30 min a week to write, so i'll talk to you next week!
Love to all Family and Friends :)
Elder Stringfellow

MTC

Elder Stringfellow entered the Provo MTC today. He is very excited and determined to start his work, although he will miss and be missed dearly. He will be in only 3 weeks because he isn't learning a language. More to come when we hear from him!