The next two paragraphs are from my first two weeks in the online MTC.

First few days in OMTC are going well. It is definitely strange still being at home and tuning in through zoom for my MTC experience  but hey, at least I can flex by saying that my entire MTC experience was completed while sitting on a wakeboard bench  It has been great getting to know more in-depth teaching methods and applying what I know. I'm SUUUUPER excited to go to California here in a few weeks especially since I met my mission President yesterday! We did a zoom call with new missionaries that will be going to Newport Beach so it was cool to meet some possible future companions! Classes are going well and consist of both learning and practicing teaching skills. A scripture that has come to my mind as I have begun this great work is Ether 12:27 which states, "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." To add to the powerful message found in this scripture, I know that as we apply ourselves to the work that God has prepared for us and follow the example of Jesus Christ, that we will draw closer to our savior and that the peace found in our lives will increase

 it has been a pretty good week, not too much to report on though. I have been getting to know my district a little better and that has been fun. There is an elder in my district with the last name White, so I think of Brother White and the example and spirit he set being our seminary teacher anytime I read his name. A couple activities that we have done are called Book of Mormon reads and shares. During Book of Mormon reads we choose a chapter and slowly read through it as a district. Everyone shares spiritual insights or asks questions every verse or two so it is more of a discussion than anything else. One chapter that we read from was Alma 18 which is where the scripture on my missionary plaque is from. (Alma 18:34-35) Book of Mormon shares are just that, an opportunity to share meaningful verses. One thing I shared was Mosiah 4:9-12 which describes faith in verses 9 and 10 and the importance of remembrance, faith, and prayer in verse 11, followed by a remarkable promise in verse 12. I invite you to read these verses and identify the parts of the verses I have laid out here. I know that the lord blesses those who come to him with "full purpose of heart" (2 Nephi 31:13) and with all their "mind, might, and strength." (Alma 39:13)

 - Elder Lawrence (Tanner)