04/12/2012 - First Letter from the MTC

April 12, 2012

Home,

So far things are pretty quiet. There are four other Elders in my class. I have two companions. Giles (hearing) & Burwell (deaf). Both of them know sign language just fine. The other two I don't know so well. But compared to them, I know nothing. I can understand a lot more than I can sign, but I never did say much anyway. Right now everyone is unpacking . . . the schedule says to wait until 8:00 or later. There are four cabinets in our room. Five people . . . four cabinets. I guess I'll just pack my stuff under the bunk if there's room.

People have tried playing tricks on us already. I just pretend like I'm deaf and smile and nod. The food is good. I didn't eat much, but I never eat anyway. I forgot to write my name on everything, but that way I'll know mine are the ones with no name. And hopefully others will get the hint.

My teacher at Salem was here interpreting during a meeting. I said hi. There is a pretty nice baby grand some old lady was playing. I want to play it. I feel like everyone should be deaf now. But sometimes it's a little too quiet. And boring . . ugh.

Now I am unpacked and dressed for bed. It's still quiet. My name tag says “American Sign Language” under “Elder Peck”. I'm on a top bunk next to a window. My room is downstairs, by the way. We practiced being missionaries on some weirdos today (as a huge group). I always felt like saying something, but I never did. Plus, everyone's answers were really bad.

The beds are very comfortable. I had a dream about a really funny elephant. I was an elephant, too. I stuck out my hairy gut and said “You know what I mean!” – raised eyebrows. And after that I couldn't stop laughing. The showers are decent. Dinner is at 4:50 everyday. Sunday it's at 4:30. Kinda like how old people eat. I plan to gain 20+ pounds while I'm here. I wanna be huge. You know what I mean? Lots of personal study today. I'm looking forward to gym on Friday and Saturday. Anyway, the only thing that's bothering me at all is the ASL. I know it's only the beginning, but everyone is so fast and they expect you to know what's going on. For the first time, I am the dumbest kid in class. Woo hoo!

K Bye.

• Elder Peck

P.S. I'm a Zone Leader.