November 21, 2014
Re: Letter 1 of 3
Hey Riley!
Well, life did go on. I watched as you walked away after we dropped you off at the MTC. You were faced forward and never looked back. That’s a great way to approach your mission and I just know you’ll distinguish yourself in every place you serve, including the MTC.
Your Mother is still weepy and started to cry last night as we sat around the dinner table as six with a place for everyone. We’ve talked about these emotions and she’s coming to terms with her feelings. She’s now focused on the joy of having a son worthy and desirous to serve in this capacity and not mourning how much she’ll be missing you 12 months in the future. Josie is missing you and needs a lot more snuggle time. Parker seems to be finding himself and rising above expectations, since he no longer lives in such close proximity to the suffocating burden of pure awesomeness. Gus? Well, he’s adopted a morbid hobby of pulling the legs off of spiders. We’re all coping with your absence in our own ways, but getting along pretty well...
We started tithing settlement last night and so many of the members I met with are impressed by your comments last Sunday, and the caliber of young man you have become. Bro H mentioned he had seen you in the Book Store the day you arrived, and the Gs are keeping an eye out for you. Bro. P is particularly tender towards you. You have a lot of people behind you and praying for your safety and success. Over 10,000 prayers will be offered in your behalf over a 2 year period from your immediate family alone. Just imagine how many prayers will be offered in your behalf from Ward, and Church members throughout the world.
I’ve enjoyed reliving my first days in the MTC and imagining how your experience is playing out. The excitement and newness, the missionary powerhouses whom you look up to who will be leaving for their assignments in a short while, the bonds you form as a district, the love you develop for your MTC President and Branch President, sitting through your first branch meeting while another missionary translates what is being said, sitting in the auditorium while thousands of missionaries sing Called to Serve, and the Spirit! What a wonderful place! I can’t think of a better setting to catch on fire with faith, testimony, and missionary zeal. I pray for your experience over the next two months to far exceed your highest expectations.
Well, I only have a few minutes to get this to the UPS store if you’re to get this today. Sure do love you. Tear it up!
Dad
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