Week 1 at the MTC

I was surprised to find out that Elder McNew had included his SD card in my first letter! He says he is learning a lot and that he is particularly enjoying his companion. Elder Bowen is his companion and he says that they have a lot in common and are getting along really well together. He mentioned that he's home sick but is able to stay focused and work too. He is using the scriptures and the advice and wisdom of his Branch President to help get him through those feelings. He's enjoying getting letters from friends and family.

Utah, Provo temple

Elder McNew's district

Elder Hill, Elder Herbert, Elder Bowen, Elder McNew

Angel Moroni

DearElder.com

Elder McNew can recieve letters same-day at the MTC for free at this website: www.dearelder.com He'd love to hear from you. You'll need to know the mission name: CA-RIV, his expected exit date from the MTC: 1214, and his MTC mailbox number: 158.

MTC drop off

On Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Elder McNew entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. He's been looking forward to and preparing for this day for a long, long time. For all of us, the day crept up on us quite quickly. He was to report at 1:15 in the afternoon so we decided to go out to lunch at La Puente in Draper before taking him down.

If you haven't been to the MTC in a few years (for me it had been more than 10!) they've changed things up a bit. You just drive in, unload, and off he goes. There isn't any program, or going in to say goodbye or anything. It's kind of a shock to the system, but the last thing we heard Justin say was, "I'm ready!".

We pulled up and they had many missionary "Hosts" lined up waiting to greet the new missionaries. They grabbed Justin out of the car and welcomed him there. They asked him where he was from and where he was going.

Dad unloaded the bags.

Jess took the pictures.

Then I took one.

Mom only had a second of weakness. Jess and I shed a couple of tears but Bud was ready to go. Off he went, and we headed home!

It was crazy fast and we haven't heard from him yet but it's only been a couple of days.

Farewell

Elder McNew spoke in sacrament meeting in his family's Bluffdale ward on Sunday, November 14th. He did a gave a great talk about Captain Mornoni. There were a lot of friends and family in attendance at church to watch him give his talk. We had close to 100 guests come to our home and share in the Mexican taco bar and lots of yummy deserts. . There were so many visitors there to say farewell to Justin and wish him luck on his mission. He is so thankful to everyone that came and gave him cards and donations for his mission fund. It could not have been better. It was a perfect gathering with so many friends and family. Thanks to all. We love you and appreciate your support.
Justin was set apart as an Elder on Tuesday evening and entered the Missionary Training Center on Wednesday afternoon, posts and pictures to come soon!