Zach's first letter home, 'One week down, 103 to go'

4/29/10...Hey everyone! This is Zach of course. So the first week of the MTC went really well. I've learned so much already. Usually by the end of the day my brain feels like it can't take any more information...like it's packed too full. So I had a great experience right when I got here. The morning I left I felt really sad, and was having a hard time. I would think about how much I am going to miss everyone, and it took everythin I had to keep from crying...yeah I felt crappy. My stomach was in knots too. So mom and Quintin dropped me off it was really hard. Especially when I hugged mom goodbye. I was crying and just felt like crap. An amazing thing happened though. As soon as I turned around and started walking away I felt comforted and at peace. At that moment I knew this was going to be a truly awesome experience, and that Heavenly Father was watching over me and comforting me with the Holy Ghost. I met my companion a little later, and he's great. He is Elder Wadsworth from Oakley, ID. He's really outgoing and friendly. I've really enjoyed being his companion and I look forward to getting to know him better. There are 8 Elders in my District. 5 of us are going to Jacksonville, Florida while the other 3 are going to Washington D.C. I haven't gotten to know most of them very well, but they seem really great. There are 4 Elders in my room. There is Elder Wadsworth (my comp), myself, Elder McArthur, and Elder Elms. I've gotten to know Elder McArthur and Elder Elms pretty well, and they're pretty cool. We all get along really well. Elder Elms kind of reminds me of Quintin. This first week went by really fast. How are things going with you guys? Kaleb, I heard you went to church last week, and that's AWESOME!!! I'm really happy for you. The people in our ward are great. I'm sure you'll really like them. I hope you went too Elijah...actualy I hope EVERYONE went to church. It'll make you happier and bring so many blessings into your lives. That's about it for now. I love all of you and have been keeping you in my prayers, which is a lot lol. I'll talk to you next week.

Love, Zach

...droppin like flies

Friday, April 23... another rainy and gloomy day. Their dropping like flies! Quintin left for Texas this morning. He took the Greyhound bus, departing early in the morning. He's going to stay with Josh and Sammy. At least I can call and see how he is doing, that helps alot! Emma and Elijah are at youth conference up at Aspen Grove for the weekend. The house feels empty, even Kaleb thinks so. My question is, do I have to make dinner? Who's going to eat!

The Departure

Wednesday, April 21... Today is the day. Zach is due at the MTC at 1:15. I'm glad that Quintin is home to go with us. It's a rainy day, kind of gloomy and so is my mood. I know that Zachery will be a fantastic missionary and is following his heart, it's just hard to see him leave for two years and not be able to call and touch base with him. Saying good-bye is hard. I want to cry.

And the group is gathered

Sunday, April 18th... Today was Zach's farewell. He gave an amazing talk. Family and friends came over after sacrament meeting to enjoy some of Zach's favorite foods and say farewell.Then we headed outside to take one last family picture. And if I do say so myself, what a wonderful group of children we have raised and in turn they have found wonderful companions, and are now raising some wonderful children of thier own. Isn't that wonderful!?!(: Emma thinks that going to Maverik would be funnier than a plethora of wonderfuls.

In the begining...

This blog is so that we stay informed on what's happening in our lives, and share information about Zach's mission. Our hope is that we can keep each other "inspired" and always moving forward in the right direction.