Tchau MTC

Well guys today's the day. Not THE day, but the day before the day. Tomorrow is the day that I head out of the MTC, and start the trek to Belém to start off the new life, which makes TODAY the final day of the MTC. Honestly I love this place. Sometimes it gets a bad rep, but overall the MTC accomplishes it's purpose and then some. I really enjoyed all the lessons I learned, testimonies heard and perspectives shared, and 100% feel more prepared for Brazil now than I did when I arrived, which is the whole goal. All of the people here have such a purpose and drive to be successful, I've for sure been inspired in my time here to be a hard worker and to make the most of the time I've already set aside to be a Missionary. I've only got one recommendation for this place though, that I really think could be the cherry on top. You know how at Disney Land they have speakers everywhere playing Disney music, so that you're really immersed in the environment? I think they need those at the MTC. Just playing Tabernacle choir or David Archuleta all the time would be insanely awesome in my opinion. On a real note though I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have come here. There’s so much care put into every aspect of the MTC that like everywhere you look you just feel motivated to do the work. I’m so grateful for all of my teachers, the friends I made, my companion, and the MTC leaders who made this whole experience as great as it was. It’s gonna be weird to leave tomorrow, but it’s gonna be amazing to start the adventure in the South Americas. 


   One of the biggest takeaways I’ve had while I’ve been here has been the power of music. Music speaks to the primal part of your heart and your soul, and I believe that it’s one of the quickest ways to invite the spirit. Twice while being here we were privile







dged to have a Musical Devotional, where visiting musicians came in and bore their testimonies through song and lyric, and they were some of my favorite parts of the MTC. It amazes me how God designed music to have the power to remind you of things, associate with emotions and memories, and how much people unite over it. Even sometimes when me and my district have taken turns playing the piano during free time, it’s super interesting to see how different people express themselves through song. I genuinely think that it’s one of the greatest gifts to The World that Heavenly Father has given us, and I’ll always be very appreciative of the influence music has had in my life. I treasure this gift, and so many other amazing things that God has put on this Earth so that we could be happy here. It’s not hard to find God’s hand in my everyday life if I'd just look, and that’s a goal for myself I definitely want to continue to make throughout both my mission and my life, is to look for God’s hand in the simple things. I know that as I do this, life will never cease to fascinate me. Even through the difficult days ahead of me, and opportunities for experiences both good and bad, appreciating the simple things everyday is how I believe to continuously be happy. 

    This is the departing MTC testimony that I bear. This world is fascinating, and there are so many unique cultures and things to find out about people, and I’m so excited to continue to find the beauty in all aspect of the world throughout the mission. I’m so excited for Brazil, thank you to everyone that’s reading this for hyping me up through different points in my life, each of you mean so much to me. If anyone reading this has some good mission advice they'd want to share, I would more than love go hear it. Thus concludes the season finale of the Elder Hillstead MTC Saga, tune in next time for the field edition of the adventure. Thank you guys so much again, I love everyone a ton and as usual, never be afraid to reach out.

Favorite Hymns: I'm trying to be like Jesus, Did you think to pray, I believe in Christ, I will follow God's plan, His eye is on the Sparrow

1. Me and Elder Schudde 
2. I call this one "The 2 Elders"
3. Drawing of the whole District
4. Ice cream sandwiches are so fire
5. How did he get movie theatre popcorn
6. Elder Hendricks acting like Kim Kardashian for an exercise 
7. District O2C


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