Well, Brett asked me to create a blog to keep people updated about his mission, so here goes. I know some of you will be surprised to know that a computer geek like me has never created a blog before, but it is true. So bear with me and I will do my best to filter out most of the embarrassing stuff Brett writes.
For those who were not aware, Brett was called to serve in the Honduras Comayaguela Mission. He reported to the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah on Wednesday, June 29, 2011. Since his older brother Jared (who served in the Arizona Phoenix Mission for his first year, and then in the New Mexico Farmington Mission for the second year) was scheduled to fly back home to South Carolina that very same day, meaning they would go over 4 years without seeing each other, we decided to take a little road trip. We got permission to pick up Jared a day early so Brett, Lynne, and I went to Farmington on June 28th and got him. Then we drove to Provo, giving them a day to spend together. The trip included stops at the Monticello Temple, Arches National Park, and the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Brett and Jared thoroughly enjoyed their 27 hours together, as far as we could tell.
Unfortunately, while using an unsecured wireless connection at a cheap hotel in Farmington, my laptop was compromised and rendered unusable until I got home so I was unable to do much emailing - or I guess I should say that the prospect of doing it on my iPod did not appeal to me in the least. So while I got his email on Saturday, it has taken me until today to spread the word. Sorry.
He started off great, putting his mother's mind at ease, with the following: "Hola! How are you guys? Life is pretty sweet here at the MTC. I'm loving it here." His companion, Elder Petersen, is from Salt Lake City, Utah. The other two missionaries in their room are Elder Elzey and Elder Barlow, and they are also both from Utah. I almost feel bad for him, being around so many Utahns (just kidding!), but he says they are great and they all get along very well. After only a few days he has already started praying in Spanish and has learned to bear his testimony in Spanish (although he didn't actually do it in the email, which was a little disappointing to me). He isn't very excited about the food (typical) and says that Gym class is the highlight of the day. He loves playing basketball.
He pointed out that while he is in the MTC (the next 8 weeks) it is really easy for you to send him mail. You can go to DearElder.com and they deliver the same day to the MTC. I will encourage that, as well. Missionaries love to get mail. I fear it will not be so easy once he gets to Honduras.
He closed with the following:
"I am always exhausted at the end of the day, but I love it. The gospel is amazing and Jesus is my best friend. Prayer works, and la iglesia es verdadero. I love being a missionary, and I love being part of the work."
Makes a dad proud.
I am glad you are going to keep a blog! I am also glad he is doing so great! :) Hahaha of course there is a Utah comment though... But to be honest that is probably why all his roommates are so great! They are all from the best state! ;) Haha just kidding. But I hope you are all doing great back in South Carolina!
ReplyDeleteHe also commented that the only package he had received as of Saturday was from you, Erin :)
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