Richard on tape

Richard sent us an audio tape from the MTC. It was very cool to hear his voice and the banter between he and his fellow missionaries. The language is coming along. Although he is getting cabin fever and is anxious to get to Florida and talk with "regular" people, his experiences at the MTC have been very uplifting and you can tell he is basking in the warm glow of the spirit. He is loving the firesides and devotionals and usually gets there early to sit in the front row. Only a couple of weeks now and he'll be in FLA.

One month-halfway through the MTC

It has been a month since Richard left for his mission. I am still finding it difficult to cope with. I still find myself reaching for the phone to call him. Late at night I wonder when he's coming home. When I turn onto our street and see his truck, for a split second before reality hits me I think, hey, Richard's home. But he's not and won't be for a long time.

His letters show an ever-increasing maturity and spirituality. He is getting a little claustrophobic being in the MTC and sort of being "locked up'. He is doing well, and is anxious to get about doing the Lord's work.

He is having a hard time learning the language, and yet when asked to teach, he says it just kind of flows out of him. He recognizes the hand of the Lord.

On a lighter note: he is having fun too. His pictures show some time for fun and he has some great Elders to share his down-time with. He has asked us to participate in a "tie-of-the-month" club and hit up thrift stores for something unique or vintage. I'll post them here each month before we send them out.

Obviously we are very proud of Richard. He will be a great missionary. Our family is already being blessed by having a missionary in the field.

Life in the MTC 2

Here we have Richard playing some kind of "miniature bowling" or something. I guess at this point you'll take any kind of entertainment. Is that an all night poker party? Wait, I don't see any cards. I see he keeps his room in the same condition he was used to at home. And it looks like another Elder bites the dust.

Life in the MTC

Here's Richard---going,going,gone!