Week 3 in the MTC

Thanks for the Dear Elders.  I love hearing about you guys.  So you say I am quite the letter writer, hug?  You guys have never seen this side of me because you were always a phone call away, but whenever I get into the mood, I just write and write and write.  Not all of it is worth reading, but it's all from my heart so at least you know it's sincere.    Two things I wo uld like.  All of the plyrics, plus the writer, to "Come Thou Fount."  That song gives me strength and I love it.  I also heard about a speech given by C.S. Lewis about faith.  I don't know who he gave it to, or when or where, just that it is about faith.  I would like a copy of that.  Good luck finding that.  So the Giants won, eh?  Never been much of a sports fanatic, but good news none the less.  I bet Curtis is happy.  I now give you permission to send treats mother.  I am finished with the ones you sent before.  Good news!  I have lost a good 6 pounds.  I made a deal with the Lord that it he would help me lose weight, I would learn his doctrine.  I guess this means I'm doing my part correctly.  Once again mother., happy birthday!  I hope you got my present.  I poured my soul into it.

So I hear there is alot going on out there in the world.  I am jealous that all of you get to be out there instead of being cooped up here and being herded like cattle from meals to gym to class time.  We are very sheltered here.  Our only communication is through letters which we all love.  Everytime I go the the temple I look at the cars going by, wondering if I know anyone driving by.  I am excited to get out of here and become one of the real warriors fighting to bring the name of jesus Christ unto the people.  I would invite you to read Orson F. Whitney's vision of the Savior.  I won't quote it cause I want you to read it and learn for yourself.  If can be found in Orson F. Whitney, :Through Memories Halls," pg. 82 and I am sure it's on the LDS Site.  It deeply moved me, and I hope it will move you.  I have found that I'm not a very good journal writer, so I hope you are saving my letters because I'm pretty much pouring out my soul here.  Mi Alma. 

I ripped one of my long sleeved shirts on a chair when I got up.  It ripped all the way up to like the collor.  I don't need another one right away, but eventually I will need a new longsleeved shirt.  I have something cool to share.  This has been my favorite poem for a long time.  It's from Charles Dickens.  "These things can never die."  The very last stanza states this:

"Let nothing pass, for every hand must find some work to do.  Lose not a chance to waken love; be firm and just and true.  So shall a light that cannot fade beam on thee from on high, and angel voices say to thee, These things can never die."

That has always deeply moved me.  I hope to one day achieve this.  "So shall a light that cannot fade beam on me from on high."  I hope that one day my countenance can beam with the light of Christ.  I have a long way to go, but this is my hope.  I have been studying a lot about Joseph Smith, and one day, I hope I can gain the incredible testimony of the Prophet Joseph.  He had such courage to do everything in the name of the Savior.  I hope I can achieve such faith.  I'm still working on it. 

Good luck with everything!  I love you all so much!  !Buenos Suertes: :Mucho Amor!
Elder Zachary McEntire