its going good. yeah, you have to be busy here they don't let you have hardly any free time but its been good. the food isn't bad,nothing special. i think my all my w2's are in my top locker somewhere. but im doing better than i thought i would at being able to teach the gospel. me and my companion are pretty good together. but we aren't in the field yet so we will see how it goes. you sent my bike Right? well i look forward to getting down to louisiana to teach.
love elder ritchie
oh ps i did see elder cox he looked like he was doing good and i ship out on the 15th
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
He wrote us a letter!
Dear family and whoever reads this:
First day here has been crazy, but all in all it was good. It is really fast paced - there is alot to take in. But I definitely learned alot even from the first day. My compnions name is Elder Gustofson from West Jordan and we get along really good, so, no worries theer.
Sincerely,
Elder Samuel Alan Ritchie
First day here has been crazy, but all in all it was good. It is really fast paced - there is alot to take in. But I definitely learned alot even from the first day. My compnions name is Elder Gustofson from West Jordan and we get along really good, so, no worries theer.
Sincerely,
Elder Samuel Alan Ritchie
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Goodbye Family, Hello MTC
We spent the night of the 23rd in Pleasant Grove with Dena and Kim. In the morning, Sam finished packing his bags.
We went to the Timpanogus Temple with Dena, Kim, and Erica to do sealings. It was fun to see these two close cousins together before they go on missions. Erica is leaving in May for Sweden.
Doesn't this almost look like an engagement photo?
We stopped by Brenda's house to say goodbye.
We parked by the Provo Temple and planned to walk down to the MTC.
Sam was anxious to be on time, amazing considering the fact that he was never concerned about being on time to church.
Erica really wanted to be there to say goodbye one more time, she ran up just in time.
Before we crossed the street to the MTC, we were informed that we had to drive in, no walking in. So Brad ran back, drove the car down and we loaded six of us into a Camry and drove across the street to the MTC.
The Host Elders helped us unload the suitcases, asking multiple times if had remembered to leave his cell phone and keys behind. We hugged good-bye and drove away.
Conflicting emotions.
And so it begins.
We went to the Timpanogus Temple with Dena, Kim, and Erica to do sealings. It was fun to see these two close cousins together before they go on missions. Erica is leaving in May for Sweden.
Doesn't this almost look like an engagement photo?
We stopped by Brenda's house to say goodbye.
We parked by the Provo Temple and planned to walk down to the MTC.
Sam was anxious to be on time, amazing considering the fact that he was never concerned about being on time to church.
Erica really wanted to be there to say goodbye one more time, she ran up just in time.
Before we crossed the street to the MTC, we were informed that we had to drive in, no walking in. So Brad ran back, drove the car down and we loaded six of us into a Camry and drove across the street to the MTC.
The Host Elders helped us unload the suitcases, asking multiple times if had remembered to leave his cell phone and keys behind. We hugged good-bye and drove away.
Conflicting emotions.
And so it begins.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Setting Apart
Sam spent the day packing his suitcases while his brothers enjoyed a perfect powder day at Targhee. In the afternoon, he said good bye to Chelsea, clipped off the wrist bands that he had been wearing for months, handed his cell phone to his brother, changed into a suit and was ready to go when the Stake President came over at 5:30.
Grandma Ritchie was there along with the brothers and Rebecca. Nolan, Collin, and Dylan had stopped by to say good bye, we invited them to stay since they will all be going through the same thing soon.
It was a touching evening.
Grandma Ritchie was there along with the brothers and Rebecca. Nolan, Collin, and Dylan had stopped by to say good bye, we invited them to stay since they will all be going through the same thing soon.
It was a touching evening.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Mormon Mardi Gras
After the farewell, we invited everyone over for our version of a Mormon Mardi Gras. We had Jambalaya, hoagies, salads, and King Cake that was really just carrot cake because Sam liked it.
We had over 50 people in the house, beads of course, noise, and fun.
We had over 50 people in the house, beads of course, noise, and fun.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Farewell: Suit Up
Sam's farewell was on Sunday, February 21st. His talk was on holding to iron rod. He told me he didn't want to give too good of a talk because everyone expected him to give a better one when he came home.
His old scout leader John Baird also spoke. John spoke mostly about Sam. Both he and Bishop Cox referred to something about "the wrath of Marie", I don't know what they were talking about. We have crossed the line back to the old fashioned mission farewells.
Kolton spent the previous night at our home so he and Josh could "suit up" before church. This is what it must be similar to to be the mother of girls.
The talk was great. He bore his testimony. It was sincere and heartwarming.
His old scout leader John Baird also spoke. John spoke mostly about Sam. Both he and Bishop Cox referred to something about "the wrath of Marie", I don't know what they were talking about. We have crossed the line back to the old fashioned mission farewells.
Kolton spent the previous night at our home so he and Josh could "suit up" before church. This is what it must be similar to to be the mother of girls.
The talk was great. He bore his testimony. It was sincere and heartwarming.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Getting ready
January and February were filled with shopping for suits, sensible shoes, and many white shirts. Mostly Sam worked as a lift operator and snowboarded while I shopped. I think I returned socks three times before we got the perfect kind. He bought a fantastic bike and, home and wrapped it in saran wrap and then duct tape to give it the perfect distressed look to deter anyone who would want to steal a new bike.
Getting ready: lots of work, stressful, worth it.
Getting ready: lots of work, stressful, worth it.
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