C.J. is enjoying mission life, although anxious to get to the Philippines. I'm not sure what this picture is all about, he just labelled it "Matrix."
Taylor says CJ has a scripture for everything and continually shares them with us. He wonders if he searches through the topical guide to find ones appropriate to the circumstance at hand. I don't know, but I'm glad that he relies on the scriptures to guide him, and us. His latest is Jacob 1:19 and he reminds us to take advantage of every missionary opportunity that comes our way. He regrets not having done that more.

Week 7

Finally! More pictures. CJ is excited to finally have two of his best friends to share the last few weeks with. CJ and Sheldon share gym time, meal times, and PDay so they see each other quite a bit. He says he gets to see Mark whenever too, cuz they are in the same building only a few floors between them. He says they get together sometimes at night and talk about life in the MTC.
I asked him about some things I thought he might need in the Philippines. These are things some other Philippine Missionary moms had suggested. Such as, a solar shower (they have cold water), a mosquito net (for rodents more than mosquitos), toilet paper, a camel back. He told me no to everything except the mosquito net (I don't think he cares for rodents given the experience that Elder Groberg had in Tonga). He says if the Filipino's can shower in cold water, so can he. Also, if they can live without toilet paper, so can he. He also things a water bottle is good enough. I think he'll find it'll be hotter than he expects, but I can always send it I guess.

Week 6

CJ keeps hearing that when he gets into the field he won't be using Tagolog, which is what he's learning. But, he knows that's what he's supposed to learn right now and is going on faith that it will benefit him. He had a mission conference and the MTC President talked about being completely obedient. This seems to be a subject constantly reiterated to the missionaries. CJ recognizes that strict obedience is necessary in order to have the spirit with him all of the time. I think this is a constant worry for mission presidents. I'm proud of him for taking everything he learns to heart and doing his best to follow all of the rules.
CJ constantly reminds his brothers to tell their mom how much they love her :) I like that.

Week 5

Alam ko na tagapagligtas si Jesucristo. Alam ko na totoong ang aklat ni mormon. Alam ko na totoong and propetang ni Josep Smith at ni Thomas S. Monson. Alam o na nagpakita si Joseph Smith ng Diyos at ni Jesucristo as sagradong kakahuyan.

This is CJ's testimony in Tagalog. I can't understand it. But I know he's happy to be there and he talks a lot of the importance of obedience in having the spirit with him. All I can say is I'm so very very proud