Denied!

Elder Young & Elder Oakey

This week I feel like I've been singing the stalker song by Police that goes " I'll be watching you". I have never been so attentive to my phone before, but I checked my email so many times that it is certainly a record! "Every beep you make, every pic you take, I'll be watching you!"  Seriously! I have other children to take care of, so just send me your letter Will, and I can get on with my day! 

But no. I was DENIED! 

Since I had nothing to read this week, I sent Will a package and a letter describing life without him here. It was tough to write, but I felt he should know. 

Yes, this is my original artwork! I'm quite proud of my mad skills maintained from my kindergarten days! (FYI  Strangely the last line of each page cut off)

Along with the above letter I sent these two gems! I know they'll enjoy the flight! I wonder if the border will let them cross. I listed them as novelty toys! Ha Ha! This was actually Matt's idea! They were delicious, just in case you were wondering!

Here is what I do know, in absence of his email. On June 18th Will moved out of the MTC and into his mission! I am certain it was a busy day and there was just -NO -TIME-TO-WRITE!  I actually have a thought lingering in the back of my mind that wonders if I'm being taught a lesson for sending TOO MANY emails. Time to cut those proverbial apron-strings! 

I lieu of Will's letter we received the following excerpt quoted below.

18 June 2014

Dear Parents,

Your son has arrived in the England Manchester Mission (EMM) safely and is ready to go to work as a missionary.  We held a training session Wednesday morning at Mission Home where we covered many things including their mission finances, their first three month training schedule, becoming a “Christ-like Missionary” and the EMM vision and guiding principles.  We concluded with a testimony meeting, and afterwards we had lunch.  Then they were introduced to their first companion and trainer. 

The happiest and most effective missionaries are those who limit thoughts of their pre-mission life, put the world behind them, and get completely lost in the work of serving the Lord.  Your encouragement and support of this principle will help your son grow personally, gain a greater depth of spiritually and more easily affect for good the lives of others. 

Attached you will find a picture of your son with Sister Preston and me and also a picture of his first companion and trainer.  Sister Preston and I have three sons who have served missions, so we fully understand the emotions and joys that you are going through right now.  Please know that we love the missionaries in the England Manchester Mission, and we watch over them with great care.  May the Lord bless you during this time of sacrifice in the lives of both you and your son.

With warm regards,

President Preston

England Manchester Mission