First Letter!!!

October 10th, 2008 - We got your first letter today!!! And as a bonus, we got another one! One from your first day in the MTC, the other on P-day. We waited with great anticipation the first week you were in the mission home, running to the mailbox as soon as the mailman came. Your first letter was full of exciting new things - great companion and roommates, wonderful Presidency, getting used to the facilities you would be using for the next two months, and a schedule of dawn to dusk (and more) learning how to serve the Lord in your new language - Tagalog. You sounded happy, excited, and a little overwhelmed! You were senior companion the first week - not really knowing at that point what that would entail!

Posted are missionary pictures taken before you left - the top one is the one that will be posted for the next two years in the foyer of our church. Bishop Smith beams with pride each time he looks at those 10 or so young men and two older couples serving the Lord from our ward!

The MTC

On Wednesday, October 1st we traveled to the MTC -Arrival time 11:30 a.m. Volunteers had everything so organized - from parking, to luggage, to pictures, to your lunch ticket, and on and on. We had a few minutes to take pictures, then on into the building while you got your badge and information, then into a short meeting. We sang "Called to Serve" (or at least some did, I couldn't do it through the tears), had some speakers who spoke of your service and what your expereince will be like in the MTC, watched a short video. Then, as one speaker said, make the goodbyes short -it's easier - and after hugs and more hugs, tears from Mom and Dad, and I love you's, off you went. As you looked back through the door you were smiling - excited to start this new experience! Tender moments for sure, but a calm feeling of knowing you were ready and able to serve the Lord!

To Zach from Mom

It seems that only yesterday
You were singing the Primary song
"I hope they call me on a mission" -
How fast the time has gone!

Now it's really happening!
A mission for the next two years.
Your mission call to the Philippines
Was met with hurrahs and cheers!

You've grown into a caring soul,
Gentle giant, an example, a friend,
Caring for those with a little less,
A person whom a friend can depend.

And now you embark on the mission
Your personal blessing said was in reach
To find those souls who are searching
For the gospel of which you will teach.

How very proud we are of you,
How happy you've made this choice
To follow the prophet's commandment
Of lifting up your voice.

Lifting up your voice to share
With the people of the Philippines
The understanding, hope, and joy
The gospel message brings.

"The mission is yours," the Savior says
To each one at their mortal birth,
"To serve, to help, to teach, to touch
All my children here on earth."

So as a favorite scripture says:
He will be on your left and right,
With His angels round about you
As you prayerfully seek His light.

Your family loves you so very much -
You'll be in each daily prayer,
And know that as you go forth to serve
You'll be in His tender care.

I love you!

My FavoriteThings

September we had a month of "My Favorite Things" for you - foods, places, people, etc. You got to make a list and then we tried to do most of them. We ate out a lot . . . Leatherby's (which is a dinner in itself), Golden Corral, Riley's, Ab's, Panda Express, and others. We went to Desert Star, a fun comedy playhouse. You had your favorite cereals, desserts, and dinners. You spent time with friends doing activities, as well as hanging out at home with them gaming or playing board games.

One tradition at Christmas is having a present-finding hunt each Christmas Eve. Mom makes up jingles and you guys have to find where some small gift is located in the house. We had Christmas in September for two years as you had to find eight gifts hidden throughout the house and yard. You can see some of the loot is on your lap in the picture you see. It was a fun month for all of us!

The Farewell

We were so proud as you gave your farewell speech on Sunday, September 21, 2008! You were confident, strong, and gave a wonderful message.

You spoke of Helaman's son, Nephi, and his experiences. Some of the reasons you gave for going on your mission were (1) so I can be an example to others who will go, (2) because if I didn't go, the people who are prepared to hear me teach will miss out on that opportunity, (3) because I want to see the world outside the Utah bubble : ) , (4) because I want everyone else to know what I know and to feel the things I've felt, and (5) because I have seen it positively affecting everyone I've ever seen come back from a mission, (5) because I want my wife to be someone who wants to marry a returned missionary.

You had so many people in attendance, both relatives and friends. People travelled far distances to support you. There were relatives on both sides of the family, as you can see from pictures posted. You had friends from high school, friends from church, and friends from Neumont University.

We had quite a gathering after church at the house - over 80 people - who came to celebrate your day. We had some of your favorite things - ham, baked beans, brownies - and everything in between! A special day with pleasant memories with those who love and support you in your mission call!

Going Through the Temple

On September 13th at 9:30 a.m., you went through the Jordan River Temple for your endowments. It was a wonderful day. You had Mom and Dad, Bishop Brian Smith and his wife, Jodi, there with you, as well as neighbors, Gary and Sarah Higbee. Relatives who joined us were Aunt Shawna and Uncle Larry, as well as Becca and John Western. We were able to go back to the temple one time before you left on your mission. What a sweet and powerful experience!