Snail Mail and the SD Card

Friday I received a letter in the mail from Ben.  It had his first SD card in it.  It was so fun to look at his pictures from the MTC and a few from Indiana.  For Mothers Day he also included two videos he took.  He gave us a tour of his apartment and introduced us to his companions.  It was great!

Dear Family,
Alma 7:22-25

Sorry I didn't write much in my email, but there are two videos on the camera and pictures.  Make sure you watch them in order.

All My Love, Your Son and Stud, Elder Paxman

P.S.  Everyone in the zone calls me Pacman. 
(We laugh because this is the nickname his dad was called by while serving his mission.)

Here are just a few pictures....

MTC Room

 Elder Paxman and Elder Johnston Teaching

 Temple Walk

 

 The Red Monkey

 Poser...I love this photo.

 Elder Paxman and His MTC companion Elder Johnston pointing to where they will be going.

He just loved Elder Johnston.

 

 After arriving so late...this is how they spent their first night.  At the mission home on the floor.

 His Bedroom

 The Kitchen, looks pretty clean.

 His companions and the car.

Indiana Here I Come!!

Here are a few pictures of my District and our two teachers.

 Love these missionaries and friends.

 One day during free time we had a huge Nerf gun war.  It was so fun.

Dear Mom, 

I guess I will start with the questions although the screen is blurry because I was crying... (our little family dog passed away and we had told him about it) 

The airline I am flying with is US Airways.  It is a direct flight and I have to leave for the travel office at 4 A.M.  I don’t arrive in Indiana till 4 P.M!!!! 12 hours of transit total.  I am a little nervous, I fly with 19 people to Indiana, but they say most will either be a layover or be English speaking... When I get to the airport in Indiana I have no idea what will be happening, they never told us...  So I hope someone will be there to help us.  I have a travel companion but I have no idea who it is.  

Yes the SD card is sent and there are about 220 pictures on it. I hope it doesn’t break in the mail.  The scripture thing is driving me insane, I have too many I love... It is hard to pick which one of God's passages of wisdom is my favorite. :/  Well since they need it, put Matthew 11: 28-30 on there.  That is a really good one, or the entire section of D&C 6, 11, 33, or the entire Chapter of Luke 15. There are just too many!!!! 

Packing is going well.  We have dropped some weight so it shouldn't be a problem with weight. I am so excited to leave, but we are all really sad to see our district go... They keep saying that they will never see anyone from the District for 2 years, but most all of them have at least 2 people from the district in there Zone... EXCEPT ME!!!!!! (From his MTC district all of the other missionaries are going out into the field in pairs or more.  He is the only one going to a mission completely different from the rest)

Today, seeing as it is our last day we are having a fiesta with a piñata and everything. Also tell Bai that Spanish people still laugh like hahahah not jajajajaja whatever the heck that means.  

I forgot to tell you, RICHARD G SCOTT came and talked to us on prayer, and it was amazing.  Me and my companion were like 20 feet from him and sang Nearer My God to Thee with the choir, it was awesome. Overall the CCM is going great still and we are having way too much fun.  Although if Lauren or one of our older cousins needs to be set up, my teacher is available...:)  (he did not tell me to say that) His name is Ammon Halstead. We were also his last district in the CCM.  It was sad because he was my favorite, but we have a last class with him tonight.  I have gotten all of their email contacts so we can hopefully stay in touch.  

Well I have to go change over my last load of laundry in the CCM. Funny story of the day from the CCM, my companion (Elder Johnston) doesn’t know how to shave.  I had to teach him.... it was really funny because he stuck his razor up his nose to get his nose hair.  I could not stop laughing. A very similar experience happened with shoe shining.  I told him if you want to get a really good shine on the second coat you get it a little wet (which is true) so my ingenious companion looks at his shoe for a minute then he bends down and gives it a big long lick. It was way funny though, because he then proceeded to be disgusted because he had shoe polish on his tongue, Well I love you all so much and I hope it is going well there. Most of what is in the hand written letter is for Bai and Brooklyn, because I forgot their emails... so yea love you all

Love, your son, Elder Paxman. 

Dear Dad,

I actually really like the short stories and quotes you sent me, especially the 5 important lessons one. I really enjoyed that one it was great. The dog one is great, I love it.  Although, it was kind of blurry, I was tearin’ up when I read about Caesar passing away. 

I really hope that we have the opportunity to talk as well.  When I get to call, I might end up calling shortly first with a few quarters just to see if you will pick up then use the card thing.  

I hope the garden does well too, that is one thing I miss a lot here in the CCM, is not being able to just go outside and lay in the grass or enjoy a nice day, but that’s ok. Oh and you are more than welcome to give Dan and Aaron or anyone else that wants my email, we can email everyone now and they are increasing our time. Our branch pres. also said that he would not be surprised if they start having missionaries use facebook, which was a very weird.  He said the church has been testing it out and seeing how it runs. When you get my SD card if you or the family see any pictures and are confused you can always let me know afterwards, and I can tell you how or why I took them. Do Not delete any of them though.  

It has been interesting talking with the other missionaries, most of them think I am some outdoor nut because of all the stories I share, but I don't really see it.  It  is way fun here, we got all of the mattresses and played dominoes with like 20 missionaries and the spare mattresses it was really fun. (this was in our free time of course)  

If you have any more of those quotes or stories or anything I would love them... Even if you just get them off of the Internet. I love the creed that you sent me like a year ago, I still have it and carry it with me wherever I go. Spanish is going good I guess.  I can generally get across ideas that I have but there are times when I definitely struggle.  The teachers have told us to not worry about the language because we will not be fluent for another 5 months!!  

The Hermanas are really sad, as we all are, that we have to break up the district.   But, I'm ok with it... They are amazing people and I would gladly spend more time with them, but it is on to greener pastures. The Gospel knowledge is way intense, there is so much, I have a hard time keeping it straight.  In fact if you get the chance I suggest you read the last chapter in 1st Peter it is really great. 

In gym we have been playing volleyball which everyone says I am very good at for my size and stature, but compared to the Polynesians,  it is terrifying they are HUGE, it is really fun though. We had our last gym 4 days ago and now I get real stir crazy by having to be in a class for 14 hours a day.  But it is still awesome even when that does happen. We have a piñata for our last day and a bunch of candy.  It has been really nice having P day as our last day.  We all took a nap because the first of us have to be gone by 3 a.m. and we are all so anxious we are having a hard time sleeping. 

I showed some of the pictures of me from when we were hiking and they think that I am a wildman, but it is way fun sharing stories and being able to talk with everyone before we leave. I am getting all of their contact info before we leave so we can stay in touch. (I wouldn't mind dating some of the Hermanas when I get back in 2 years if they are still single, which won’t happen. hahah) Well I should probably go so I can Iron the remainder of my non packed clothes, then pack them and weigh my bags... before I head off though I would highly suggest reading the scripture I put earlier and Luke 15, the entire chapter it has 2 of my favorite parables in the entire scriptures in it. You will have to let me know how you like the pictures I took.  Tell everyone I love them and I hope your trip is going really well, good luck and I hope to hear from you tomorrow at like 6 in the morning. 

Love, your son, Elder Paxman

Eight more days in the MTC

This is the first picture we have of Elder Paxman since we dropped him off at the MTC nearly five weeks ago.  And it came via my niece Sister Rachel Merritt.  I am so glad she had this taken.

 

 

Mom, 

The remainder of my week was great.   I am feeling tons better.  

(I sent him a package with a desert he really likes and asked if the package arrived intact) The PB frosts made it ok, a little damaged but still tasting the same, and they loved them.  I only got like 2 because it was like a swarm of vultures. But, I saved the candy for myself.  

(Our bishopric asked me to get his favorite scripture from him for his plaque) My favorite scripture!!!! There are simply too many, I will try and get you one in my hand written letter with the SD card in it.  

(I asked about the Kenzei he referred to in his last letter, wondering if it was the one I knew, also if he had seen his cousin Rachel who arrived in the MTC on Wednesday) No it was not Kenzie Belnap, it was a different one that I saw here.  Yes I saw Rachel and my companion was there, and he thinks she is amazingly attractive... The Goober. 

 

The Spanish is going pretty good I can convey most things I want in the lesson so that is good.  I can speak all Spanish in a day and get what I want across at least most of the time anyways.  

(I told him that Bailee, Kyle and I had a Pride and Prejudice marathon on Saturday and watched the BBC six hour version)  Ok that movie.... I could go for a movie right now, and I still wouldn't watch that movie.  

(I also asked him if he has been able to be a host to a new incoming missionary yet, or if he will)  I haven't taken part in being a host yet, if I do it will be sometime this week.  

8 days left till I leave the MTC and if you want me to call it will be at like 530 in the morning... So it is up to you, but you need to let me know before Thursday. (Like I care what time it is, silly boy)  

(He requested Bouncy Balls a few letters ago, we asked him what they have been doing with them?) The bouncy balls, we haven’t done too much... Broke a Light, that wasn't me though.... ummmm lots of stuff, mostly just goof off with them though.  

(I asked if the empty two bunks in his room had been filled, and also if he was given Spanish Scriptures and Preach My Gospel)No I have not received any more roommates yet, and we won't either. Yes, they did give me Spanish Scriptures and PMG.   I use them both, mostly the scriptures though I am trying to memorize D&C 121 7,8 in Spanish, as well as the first vision.  It is difficult!! 

In my last package I want a bunch of candy, mostly PEZ and Hi-Chews, also lots and lots of quotes, good ones too. I also need more note cards for studying, the work ones not the fancy ones.  

Other than that things are going amazingly here. I am way excited to leave to Indiana.  We finally got our travel plans and it makes me so excited just simply looking at them. Although, I will be sad so see everyone leave when we all leave from the MTC. Well I have to go change over my laundry so I will let you go, but I will hand write a letter this week so I can get you the S.D. card. 

With much love

Your Son, Elder Benjamin Paxman  

Dad, 

Life here is going good.  I am feeling a lot better since last week.  Not much has changed here... Except I did get my travel plans!!!!!!!!! I have to be at the travel office at 4 A.M.!!!!!!! I am so excited. We spent the last forever jumping up and down like small children.  It was kind of awesome.  My flight leaves at 7:15 a.m. so it is going to be around 5:30a.m.  if you want to hear from me on the phone.  Let me know if you do because I have to buy a pre-paid card.   I also will have to pay 70$ in baggage and then 200$ in emergency funds just in case.  

The peanut squares made it semi-intact, all my roommates loved them. The hi-chews were awesome, especially the grape ones,  it was great.  I need only really one thing and that is quotes, really good ones preferably presidents, great men, creeds, anything pretty much.  Some funny ones would be goo too.  There is one by Theodore Roosevelt, that Kennedy gave in his Inaugural speech and it was amazing.  I want it.  

I am dying to get to Indiana.  I am so excited, although I am still the only Missionary I have met going to Indiana Spanish Speaking!!! So that is going to be very very interesting. The spring weather is great here.... well when it is here anyway. How are all the Fireman, I was thinking about them the other day. Thank you for the letter in the package I loved it. Oh and the PEZ I have been the envy of everyone with those things, so you should send more of those.  I also need my mission address.  I don't have it to give to other people so I will need that. Other than that things are going amazing. 

Everyone is a little sad thinking about leaving because we all have gotten really really close to one another, and only a few of them live in Utah.  We all want to at least try and get together when we all come back.  

Well I will let you go, have fun on your trip and I can't wait to hear from you afterwards.   8 days left till I leave. I am freaking out.  I will leave you with one of my favorite sections of scripture, it is D&C 11. Read it and I hope you love it as I do. 

With all my Love, Your Son

Elder Benjamin Paxman.

Conference

Dear Mom, 

Ok yes I have been getting all of your packages!!  You saw us on the Conference thing!!! That’s awesome! Yeah that was probably him wearing his goofy fake glasses, he is such a dork, he thinks it makes him look more like Clark Kent.... (this was his reply to me asking him if the Elder next to him in the footage we saw was his companion)  

Spanish is coming ok definitely hard but fun. We speak some Spanish to each other, but most of the time it is English except when we are in class. What really stinks is the last 4 days or so I have been way sick.  My companions finally forced me to go to the doctor.... :( and he said I have a pretty bad upper respiratory infection.  He is making me take like 6 different meds... it bites.  When I first saw him I was running a fever of 102 so that wasn’t that good, but I’m slowly... very slowly getting better. 

Someone said that you should call my blog "Onward to Indiana" because of the song and well it sounds catchy.  Yeah no friends have written me. I have ran into probably 20 plus people I know.  I saw Drew, Kenzie, Cameron, Christina, Chalene, Jevin and Kenny Marse!!! Which was awesome.  Cameron’s class is like 5 doors down so I see him every once in a while. 

 

I might send more than one e-mail to you because I have to go pick up more prescription meds. In the other I will include stuff to everyone else, but otherwise everything is going really good. I had several favorite talks and moments during conference.  One of my absolute favorite talks was in Priesthood session and it was by Robert D Hales, and then one on Saturday by a guy named Cardon. They were both really really good I also liked all of the Presidencies talks. We had a really cool devotional yesterday after Conference... Vocal Point came and sang a bunch of songs and talked.  It was really neat. I am also DL (District Leader) now which is kind of cool. It has been fun here (besides being sick). Conference in the MTC was pretty much the same as it is at home. Sit and watch and sneak in snacks ha ha. Other than that it is the exact same.  

Our investigators our going well except it seems they are all drinkers which really really bites ha ha. Well I will probably send you another e-mail, but I have to go get the Meds. 

Love,

Elder Paxman (Ben)

Mission life in the MTC

This is a long one because he wrote to all of us individually this week and I thought I would share each letter.

Dear Mom, 

Easter here was awesome, we had a massive sacrament meeting and it was way cool, over 3000 missionaries getting the sacrament at once. 

Overall the food has started to repeat so it is kind of not tasting as good anymore...  I have gained a total of 6 pounds :/, although my companion has gained 20!! Things are fun here, Spanish is going well, and so far I have taught about 11 lessons to investigators.  It is really hard but easy at the same time, the spirit is great here. 

 

I mostly play volleyball at gym time and am rockin it!!! Oh yea.  

I fell asleep in a devotional the other day because my companion had to get up and use the bathroom twice in the night... now I know how dad feels hahaha. 

 

I wish I could see the fox it must be so cool.  

I have received four nicknames, they are as follows. 1 The Bard: they call me this because I tell really good stories I guess.  It has gotten to the point where it is like telling bedtime stories to 5 year olds, half the time they give me a topic and I make up a story, it is funny. 2 Maverick: I was singing danger zone and they said that since I am like a cowboy to them it sounds cowboyish, it is kind of ridiculous... 3. Pacman: this is simply for my last name... 4. The Boy Scout: they call me this because I got my Eagle at such a young age and I am like the biggest outdoor nut to them... They are all just city slickers. Anyway, it is fun here.  

Sister Romans in my district, she is the one I talked about. (She is the one whose father is a fireman). The reason I brought her up is because she and I have a lot in common, except she is chicken over some weird stuff... for example she is afraid of birds... weird. Anyway life here is good... loads of fun. Well Love you Mom and read Matt 11: 28, I think is what it is.

Love Elder Paxman

-------------

Bailee!!!!!

How are things?? It is cool here and I mix drinks together.  

One of the things I wanted to talk about was Sister Wallentine, she knows you from Weber and she knows Kyle.... Her name sounded so familiar. Anyway thought I would mention that I met her. 

Sorry this is going to be short I only have like 5 min left. I am in the choir here at the MTC.  You and the family need to watch the pieces of stuff between conferences... because one has us singing in it and I might be on there so Watch it!!!! Spanish is going well I can now talk to someone a little hahaha, well "it’s all good" here and things are tons of fun. Oh and a guy from West Yellowstone works here, he was the one that sang "How do you like me now." I haven’t had a chance to talk to him, but I see him every once in a while. 

Tell everyone I love them so much and that I am going to start Hand writing messages just to get in the practice, so make sure Brooklyn doesn’t feel left out because I am going to hand write her. My hand writing stinks though. 

Love Elder Benjamin Paxman, brother, and loving servant.

 ---------------- 

Hey Hopper, (Brooklyn) so the CCM (MTC in Spanish) is going pretty great, one thing you will enjoy is this one time me and my companions were going on a temple walk and all of the sudden we look on the grass and there is this bunny!! A bunny, it was like a magical creature, we took a solid ten minutes taking pictures with a freaking bunny, it was sad. Things are going really well here other than us being weird. 

There is an elder in our district that is really good at art he took 15 min in class and drew a tree that was intense. 

We have been having fun and learning a lot of stuff here. I would type in Spanish but my grammar isn’t that great.  The food isn’t tasting so good and it makes all of us gassy... except me!! So it bites.

All around we have been teaching 3 investigators.  A bunch of people want pictures of all sorts of stuff from home, so if you and mom could get pictures of tons of stuff that would be great.  The sisters want one of me when I am like 6, like the one grandma has of me, so find that.  They all really liked the picture you sent me already. With any pics you send me make sure that you have copies.  

One of our teachers named Brother Hollstead is a really really good acapella singer he and his buddies started the UVU group that is equal to vocal point and he helps vocal point when they need it. He has had a lot of fun.  I am desperate for mail so make sure that it is on Facebook that I want mail and put my address on there because everyone here gets like 3 letters a day and I get maybe 3 a week... it is really sad.   You would like some of the sisters in my district you would get along with them. Well my time is running out so make sure to hand write me or dearelder.com  works too.

List for package.

Cologne: either Black or Bleu de Chanelle,

Note cards... A lot of them

Bouncy Balls

Photos lots of them

Addresses of people who want hand written letters.

Tell everyone that I can email anyone now

Good pens

Lead for my pencils they are .7

Quotes, lots of them from people I like and just good ones. Funny and serious have mom and dad assist, that’s about it.

Love Ben
----------------------------

Dear Dad,

Yes the Easter holiday here was great!! We had a special devotional where they passed the sacrament to the entire MTC, it was really cool, over 3000 missionaries getting the sacrament all at once. After which the Presiding Bishop of the Presiding church bishopric talked to us.  It was a really good talk.  He is from France. Overall Easter was great here in the MTC. I got to watch a movie here called the Characters of Christ... I wish you could all watch it, it is a talk that Elder Bednar gives to the MTC about the "Character of Christ".  To everyone’s knowledge you can only see it here and it is one of the most amazing talks I have heard in a long time.  

I am the only missionary I have met so far that is going to Indianapolis, Indiana Spanish speaking, it is really odd, but cool at the same time.   

We now get an hour on the computer so I am trying to include pictures that me and my companion took. I am hoping I can send them in e-mail so we are going to try it out... if not I am still going to send an SD card home here soon, even though it only has about 200 photos on it. I am going to give you an explanation of my companion... 

To start he is tall like 6 foot 5, he kind of looks like Clark Kent, oh and I had him read all this so he approves.  He is awesome and we already did something stupid of course... I took pictures.  But, pretty much we were given a toddlers bowling set with like 6 pins.  The ball wasn’t working to well so a genius member in our district (he is from the military base on Okinawa), anyway he decided to use an un-opened frosting can to bowl with... Yea... It wasn’t the brightest idea. The first 2 bowls went ok and then after about 5, I went in the room to grab something and all of the sudden I hear this HOLY COW!!!  I come running out and the frosting can had exploded and sprayed chocolate frosting all over the hallway, so far it has gone undiscovered, but it took us at least 2 and a half hours on our p day to clean it up... Morons... Anyway back to my companion, we gave him the nickname of "The Taker" he has a habit of stealing everything,(I’m pretty sure this means taking/hiding in a joking way) like for example one day I couldn't find my nametag anywhere and I asked him if he knew where it was... (We are given two by the way) and all of the sudden I look at his shirt and wouldn't you know he jacked my name tag!!! The bugger.  I had to explain to him what a season was... like summer winter fall kind of a thing. I love him, overall though and he is pretty awesome. He is strong in the spirit too. 

So that’s how life is in the MTC. Well I have to go change over my laundry. I might start writing some hand written letters just to get in the practice of it... Well tell everyone I love them and to have fun. Read D&C Section 6 or 11 both some of my favorites. Oh and sorry my email was way short last time I had like 5 seconds left and had to just end it.

Love, Elder Benjamin Paxman, your son.

 

The bowling with frosting story had me shaking my head.  I guess they are still 18 and 19 year old boys. :) I did wonder who sent them a bowling set?...;)

Red Monkey

Dear Mom,

Ok, yes the dear elders count as hand written.  I am still loving my district. (sorry my grammar and spelling might be terrible I don’t have long)

I will be sure to keep an eye out for Rachel... you wouldn't believe it but a lot of the guys are like vultures here. They don’t do much (I think he is saying they just talk smack) but it is like I’m back in high school with a bunch of freshman.  It’s kind of funny.  Although, I will have to keep my companion away from her.... he is a goofus, I love him though. 

We and the whole district are getting along really well. Laundry is going good.  You might be getting an email of pictures my companion took. I am not sending my SD card home till I get more pics.  I have about 200.

Yes I got both the package and Brooklyn’s hand written letter... the district loved the pictures and they think I have done some really cool things. If you could, could you send more pictures of tons of stuff.  They don’t have to be great they just want to see what I looked like as a child.  Make sure they aren’t the only copy. Also send WAGON WHEEL COOKIES!!!!!!! Oh and some black cologne.

Spanish is coming along ok, we have already taught like 8 lessons in Spanish and we have two investigators!!! I can pray and bear my testimony in Spanish and hold up a conversation sometimes.

My companion has given me a red monkey, it was kind of weird at first. So now we have a teddy bear, red monkey, and a blue rabbit. I named it Lily.

We saw a Bunny on our temple walk this Sunday and it was like we saw a miracle happen.  Everyone wanted pictures of us and the bunny, it was worse than the muddy river instance... well anyway thanks for everything and have fun!!! 

Love your dearest son Elder Paxman 

Dad,

Hey dad this is going to be really short because I only have three minutes left, the computers are really slow. You can send me Dear Elders anytime you want, we check the mail twice a day, most of it is for the Hermanas. Well if the Guys want to write me they are more than welcome, in fact I would love it, they would just have to deal with my bad hand writing. The ice cream is pretty good here I have already gained 5 pounds!!!!!! I gained 7 but then freaked out and lost 2, and hopefully still losing.  I weigh 180. My companion has gained almost 17 pounds, it is really funny... Yea I was unhappy when it snowed but it makes it all better when I remember Isaiah 1: 18, it is really good and read D&C 6, it is probably one of my favorites.

Love Elder Paxman

*Anything written in Italics are mom's words

Hello from the CCM (MTC)

Thanks mom my P-day is Monday at least in the CCM (MTC).  It is awesome here so far.   I have started learning Spanish and it is really really hard but I like it a lot.  I have a bottom bunk there are six bunks in our room but we only have 4 elders in my room. My companions name is Elder Johnston he is from Pocatello Idaho.  He is really awesome. My district is really cool too, the elders are really really close we are all like brothers, although us and the hermanas are not that close... yet I believe it won’t be too long till we are getting along really well... My favorite food here is probably the drinks, I get grape juice with raspberry lemonade. It is really good, the best actual food I have had so far, is not much the food at all.  It just starts to blend together it is really good but it is just ok as far as long term goes... Exercise wise I have been doing a lot of basketball and volleyball with a little cardio. I went to the Provo temple today for the first time. It was really cool, we met a man who talked with President McKay one on one when the 150th stake building was being built back in 58.  Now we have over 6000 stake buildings, it is really cool. We have had some really fun nights, there is a thing we do in our zone called Buenos Noches hugs, it was a little weird at first but now it is just way fun. The friends I have seen are Drew and Kevin that is about it oh and a kid from college named Alex Gomez. Overall it is going great so far, and we have taught 2 entire 35-45 min lessons in Spanish to an investigator, it was freaky but really cool... Tell everyone I love them and I want some hand written letters.  Lots of them. Oh and also a photo album and some cookies, throw in some pictures with me doing cool things and with girls (we have a bet going on). I really really need a address book  with anyone who wants hand written letters from me…  But if people want to write me put my address on facebook and tell them to put there return addresses and put mine on there as well.  Packages are more than welcome. Well I love you guys so much and I can’t wait to hear from everyone back home. 

My district includes Elders Maughn from Maryland going to Anaheim, Thorne from Georgia also going to Anaheim, Stuart from Japan (military brat) going to Long beach, Nite from Idaho going to Long Beach, my companion from Idaho to Boston Hermanas: Ballard from Utah to Anaheim, Nahh, from Boston, to Anaheim, Miller from Idaho to Boston, Romans from Utah to Boston oh and her father is a fireman so dad should see if he knows a Romans. Noel from Utah to Anaheim, Schaffer from Utah to Anaheim.

Your loving son Elder Paxman, (Ben) 

The Beginning...Entering the Mission Training Center

Today Benjamin entered the Mission Training Center in Provo to begin his service to the Lord as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  We dropped him off at 1:45 p.m.  He will remain in the MTC for 6 weeks where he will begin to learn the Spanish language.

A few pictures before we left for the MTC.  What a handsome missionary!

 Bailee and Kyle weren't able to be here today because of College classes.  We are glad we got some photos yesterday of all of us together.

 Upon arriving at the MTC we were met at the entrance by a gentleman who looked in the car and said "Do you have an Elder in there?"  He then put a purple post it note on the windshield and told me to proceed around the buildings to the number 22 on the curb.  As we made our way to number 22 you could see the curb lined with Missionaries.  There were literally hundreds of them waiting for the new incoming missionaries.  It was an exciting sight to see.  Elder Paxman said, "It's weird to think all these cars have new missionaries in them just like me."

 Some of these photos are grainy because Brooklyn was taking them through the window.

 We pulled up to 22 and were met by 4 elders.  One came immediately forward to greet
Elder Paxman.

"Where are you from?" he asked.

He was from Salt Lake.

We retrieved Elder Paxman's luggage, I gave him a quick hug and an "I Love You".

Dad did the same. (Brooklyn snapping pics from the Van)

And Elder Paxman walked away.

 I wont lie, there were a few tears falling.  Just a few. :)

We really tried to be very quick.  We said our goodbyes at home.  The families that were lingering were having a much more emotional time.
We didn't want to have a huge cry fest and make it hard for Elder Paxman.

An older Sister Missionary told us Thank you as we hurried to get back in the car.

His friend Trenton told him a few days ago, "Promise me after you hug your parents and start to walk away you wont look back.  NO matter what you do don't look back.  It will be easier."

He didn't look back!!

As we drove away the tears started in earnest.

Two years is a long time not to see each other.

But, I know he will serve 100% and love it!

WE couldn't be happier or prouder parents.