Feb 20, 2013 - First Assignment - Chico 3rd Ward

Once again we are humbled by the kind people who are helping us make this adjustment.  We received a text from the Ward Mission Leader to Michael's new area.  Quinn Felix of the Chico Third Ward sent the following pictures to keep us at ease.

Feb 19, 2013 - First day in CA

Hey, I loved getting to talk to you guys today!  I think I was so excited to be on an airplane again that I was distracted from everything going on.  We landed, and to my joy it was raining all day.  We flew here on a regional jet, holding a total of 65 people, half of which were missionaries.  It was the smoothest flight I've ever had.  After we got here, we ate and then went contacting.  Wow, that is scary.  I don't know that I am spiritually in-tune enough for that yet, I just freeze up.  Luckily I was assigned to go with one of the AP's (Assistant to the President of the mission), so he taught me a lot and stepped in when I froze.  One of the other groups actually committed someone to baptism on their first day!!

Phone call from SLC Airport

A couple days ago, we learned that Michael might have a chance to call home before his 8:30 AM flight.  The kids all got up early so they could be ready for school and still have time to talk.  A couple minutes past 7 the phone rang.  We saw it was our neighbor on the caller ID.  We were shocked when we heard Michael's voice on the other line.  Our neighbor, Blake Wakefield, just happened to be catching a flight and saw "hundreds of missionaries all over the airport."  He saw Michael, took a picture, handed his cell phone over, and then entertained Michael's companion while we caught up.

Feb 13, 2013 - First Email (Only Pday in the MTC)

[Parent comment: After not hearing from Michael for almost 6 days we were thrilled when we got a letter and an email on the same day]

Hi! Well I have replied to a few emails so far, and I still have 24 minutes left so I think I will take my time on this one.

First off our P-Day (in the MTC anyway) is on Wednesday. But then again, this is our only P-Day in the MTC. Also have you been getting my letters?? I'm curious to know if everything is working. I have gotten all yours, so if you could just send me a letter to let me know if or if not you have received them I would love that.

Feb 10, 2013 (Letter)

To whom it may concern... ;)

Thank you all so much for the letters and packages!  It is great to hear from all of you!  So I may have lied in my last letter; I don't know if I am "allowed" to write letters (physical and electronic) except on p-days (Wed).  We were told to write on the first night just to let you know how we were doing.  Right now I am writing because I don't have my scriptures or anything, but I will explain that in a minute.

Michael's first snail mail 2/7/13

Thank you all for the letters.  It seemed like every pocket I opened, something else fell out! (Mom interjection: Aimee did put a note in every white shirt pocket, and Lindsay hid a note in his ties.)  Thank you for the encouragement, it means a lot to me.

So after Day 1, overwhelmed doesn't even begin to describe how I feel.  While the thought of 2 years of this makes me feel a little nauseous, the thought of being at home makes me even more sick. 

Aimee's farewell talk January 27, 2013

 A speaker began his seminar by holding up a twenty dollar bill. He asked everyone at the conference, "Who would like this new twenty dollar bill?" Hands went up all over the room.

He said, "I’m going to give this twenty dollar bill to one of you, but first I need to crumple it." He wadded up the bill and asked, "Who still wants it?"

Hands were quickly raised. The speaker dropped the bill and ground it into the floor with his shoe. He picked up the crumpled, dirty bill.

Michael's last 24 hours at home

Tuesday, Feb. 5th

Aimee wanted one last skateboard trip to the church parking lot.

Michael's farewell talk given on Jan 27, 2013 in the Highland 32nd Ward

In Doctrine and Covenants section 84 verse 85 it says “…Treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in that very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.”  The key to preparing for a mission is stated in this scripture; we must treasure up in our minds continually the words of life.  For example, a student who has earned C’s and D’s for their first three years of high school, does not just decide they want a 4.0 their senior year and pull it off with ease. The key to accomplishing a hard task is to develop good study habits early in the education years, and preparing for a mission is no different. I came up with four areas that I think helped me the most, but I am sure there are many more. They are family home evening, seminary, youth activities, and daily prayer and scripture study.