Saturday, May 31, 2008

Michael's MTC Address

Elder Michael David King
MTC Mailbox #111
FL-ORL 0728
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604-1793

Michael's P-Day's are on Thursday and he isn't allowed to e-mail while in the MTC (as far as I know.) But I'm sure he would love to hear from anyone!

Michael's First Letter

Dear Mom/Dad/Family,
Well, so far so good, I haven't been kicked out. Well, after I left the chapel this afternoon I remember that I forgot my cool toothpaste. I need it ASAP :) Anyways, they had me walk to some building that I don't know the name of to give them my shot sheet. I waited in line for an hour. NOT FUN, however, I was able to talk to a lot of really cool missionaries. My companions name is Elder Larsen, he is from Blanding, UT. He is a pretty cool cat. Elder (Aaron) Welch is my district leader and his companion is Elder Harris from Kaysville. There are just the 4 of us in the District. I have 3 Preach My Gospel's (The missionary manuals) (English, French, Haitian) and 2 Triple Combinations thet are French and Haitian and just a lot of books from both languages. Today has just gone by so slow, but now its 10:15 and its time for bed.

I need some more athletic shorts, like 3 or 4 pair, as well as t shirts because our P-day (Preparation Day) is on Thursday, but it starts next week and we can wear our shorts. I also need SANDALS!!! But other than that I think I should be fine, unless all my stuff gets stolen by the Tongans that live next to us. Well, the time has run out, but look up these scriptures and read them.

Some cool quotes from orientation:

"Attitude Determines Altitude"

"Plan to Succeed"

"Setting goals are only for those who want ot be teachable."

Well, hope that those mean something to you, as they can be applied to anything you want. McKay, if you wear ANY of my suits I will KILL you, but feel free to wear my goggles. :)

I love you all, send candy:)

Love,

Michael (Elder King)

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Thoughts from Mom

Now that "THE Day" has come & gone, I must say first, I'm so very grateful for Michael & his desire & worthiness to serve a mission, yet right now gratitude is my overriding emotion. Yes, I'm tired from the preparation throughout the last month & the emotional rollercoaster I feel as though I've been on, but again, it's exciting as we look ahead as a family & anticipate his journey. I've felt a tremendous support from family, from our friends & neighbors, as well Michael's friends from school & swimming, which is very comforting as I imagine his two year length of service away from home. Finally, I have full confidence as he's on the Lord's errand that he will be in the best watch-care possible & that at this time in Michael's life there is absolutely no better place for him to be. I know there are those who are thirsting for & being prepared to receive the gospel message & what a privilege for Michael to play a role in bringing such a significant change to other peoples' lives! Michael is a quiet leader yet a leader nonetheless, who will be a great strength & asset to the mission as well. I'm thankful for the chance he has to experience new responsibilities & continue to grow.
Yes, no doubt we will greatly miss him & his unique sense of humor & goofiness but I'm willing to lend him out for a short time in this great cause! Thanks to all who know & love my son, & for your continued example & support.

the pictures promised...

Setting Apart




I have to comment on this picture- Michael likes to appear that he has animal-like arms so he makes whoever is next to him extend their arms to look like they're his. Those hands around Maddie and Morgan are Melynne's and mine.

At the MTC

Some of our cousins were waiting for Michael at the corner with some goodies to take with him


Wednesday, May 28, 2008

...and he's off

Thanks to modern technology friends far and wide will be able to see how Michael is doing. I'll try to keep it updated as we receive word from him.

As of right now we don't know when his P-Day is... hopefully we'll find out soon. And I also don't know his address. I do know that his mailbox # is 111- and he is the Florida Orlando Mission. I;m sure he would love to hear from anyone. I'll post a more updated address once I have it.

Well, the past few days have been a bit surreal as we have said goodbye for a time to our awesome brother, son, and friend. We were all a little emotional as we thought of not seeing his funny expressions or hearing his jokes for two whole years... but as the time came for him to be set apart as a missionary and for us to walk out of the "family doors" at the MTC, we all felt calm and peaceful as we know that he is ready and worthy to be a full-time representative of our Savior Jesus Christ. We couldn't be more excited to see the changes he makes and the person he becomes as he embarks and this new journey. We are proud of him, and we will miss him, but we are all confident that he is doing what he should be, and he is where he wants to be. Anyway, I'll post pictures of his setting apart and of him going to the MTC. Please keep him and other missionaries in your prayers!