Week 1: So it Begins...

Hello everyone! 

I made it through my first week here at the MTC (CCM) in Lima. Let me just say that it is a whole different world here in Peru. I dont have that much time to write so I will say what I can.

So after I said my goodbyes from the airport, I went to my terminal only to find one of my best friends, Elder Blake Hansen! We were on the same flight from SLC to Atlanta. We were able to sit and talk about his MTC experience for a little. What a tender mercy that was.

We had about a 3 hour layover in Atlanta where we had our last American meal for two years: Arby`s. I swear it was extra good. After that we had the six hour flight to Lima which felt like a million years. But we finally made it. I'll never forget the experience of driving from the airport to the CCM. It was about an hour drive through the streets of Lima to the CCM. I felt like I was on a different planet. There were rundown buildings just squished together and stacked on top of eachother. So many stores and shops everywhere. Crazy.

We finally got to the CCM and it was about 3:30 AM. We got some sleep and then got to work. That day I found out that my companion was going to be Elder Aaron Webb from Layton! We had the same Calculus class back at ol' Layton High. He is awesome and Im so lucky to have him as my companion (at least one of my companions ;)). The next night a few other Elders that didnt make their flights made it to the CCM. One of which is named Elder McEuen. He was put in a trio with me and Elder Webb. He is a really cool guy as well.

So far I really like the CCM. It feels like a prison at times with the big walls and everything and all the rules, but it is a really spiritual and comforting place. Im really beginning to become brothers with my district. They are all studs. Spanish is coming along, but is pretty tough. I thought that I knew a little bit of Spanish before I left, but boy, was I wrong. It's unbelieveable how fast Peruvians talk. But I know if I trust in the Lord and work hard, he will bless me with an understanding of the language.

I want to share a quick experience that I had with one of my teachers. On my second day, I was getting really frustrated with learning Spanish, and trying to teach a lesson in it. My teacher, Hermano Castillo, noticed I was stressed out and pulled me aside. I explained to him that It would be so much easier if I could just speak and teach in English. He told me something I'll never forget. He said, "Elder Bailey, God remebers your face. He knows you. He has a reason why you are here serving in Peru. You just need to find why." That helped me a ton. I testify that God knows all of us and that he has a plan for everyone. I also though of Proverbs 3:5. "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding."

Sorry they gave us like no time to email. I have so much that I want to say but I can't. I promise these emails will get better when I get to the field! I am doing well.

This is truth, this is salvation, this is it!

Elder Bailey