first day here

Querida familia,

Well, I got here alright and now I'm enjoying the beautiful city of Bogota! It really is cool to walk around the MTC grounds and see the people and the city.  Last night we got in at 1 AM because our flight got delayed and then it took a while to get baggage and go through customs. There were ads for beer all over the airport, and stands selling cigarettes everywhere.  But I'm running on like 5 hours of sleep today, and I´m fairly certain that I'll be sleeping in class today.

I got assigned to my companion, his name is Elder Lichtenberg. I don't know him very well yet but I´m certain he´ll be a superstar missionary, because so far he seems to be very consciensious about following all the rules, which is great. It feels strange to be a missionary, and it doesn´t seem real yet. We don´t have nametags yet or anything, but I´ve already done some missionary work! When I was in the Atlanta airport, Elder Morris and I got talking to some guy, and since I was trying to get my pass along card out, we asked him about his family. He told me about them, and I asked what it would mean to him if he knew that he could live with them forever, and he told us that he often wondered about that since he´d lost someone special. I gave him the pass along card along with my testimony in the Atonement, the Ressurection, and life after death. I hope he calls or visits Mormon.org.

I am very grateful to have been able to take all the Spanish I have. I can communicate fairly easily with the teachers here, even though they don't speak any English. Our CCM driver who picked us up from the airport last night is an awesome guy. I guess he isn't a member because of some problems with his wife, but he's funny. The driving here is crazy. People just drive wherever since the roads have no lanes. Our driver didn't speak English, but after no one stopped for a red light he said ¨the police are crazy¨and it was super funny.  Also, there are only like 16 missionaries in this MTC right now because like 80 left yesterday, but all the latinos should get in today to replace them.

Sorry, I don't have much to talk about since I've only been here for less than a day. I´ll try to remember to take some pictures this week so that you can see the place, but I'm not allowed to leave the MTC compound so they'll be from the inside. I already love the city, and Heavenly Father has blessed me to already feel a deep love for the ´people. I want to bring them the happiness that comes from repentance because of the Atonement. I know that Heavenly Father loves us, and that he will strengthen all those who turn to Him and to His son Jesus Christ.  I love you guys.

Elder Wilson