Letter for week 3

Dear Mom,

The answers to your questions, in order, are: (mom's question's are bolded)

Are you staying warm? Do you need a hat or anything?

Mostly. I could use a scarf.

What do you do in data analysis? Will you do that for the whole 2 years? Does your companion go with you, or is he in a different department?

We audit records. In other words, we prepare them for temple work. Most likely. He works in the Church History Library.

What is the greatest thing that has happened since you've been on your mission so far?

Everything is so different, I am still a little shell-shocked.

Hey what did your companions think of the cactus jelly and syrup?

Have not tried it yet (I just got it on Friday).

I know this is a little embarrassing, but... I kinda forgot Dad's email address. There, I said it. Oh, by the way, one of the elders in our apartment moved out! So, in a week we will be getting a new guy in our apartment by the name of Elder McReynolds.

In the next package you send me, could you please send the following items:

• a picture of an ironwood tree;
• a scarf;
• earplugs;
• a pair of non-denim pants for P-days;
• and a street map of Salt Lake City.

I would get the last one myself, but I am not allowed to use computers for non-Church-related purposes. I would get in HUGE trouble if I got caught doing that. Don't worry, I would only use it to find a couple of fast-food places I want to try, and yes, I would buy within my budget.

Please and thank you.

Sincerely,

Elder Huston

February 20, 2010

We added mom’s questions in red so his letter would make sense.

Hey there, Mom!
The answers to your questions, in order, are:

Are you having breakfast and lunch at your apartment, then eating at the COB(Church Office Building) for dinner? Do you need any menu ideas, or treats from home?

1. I have lunch at the COB, and no, I am good for now.

Did you get the other packages we sent? Funny t-shirt huh?! Who is the Elder we didn't meet? Tell us about the Elders in your apartment. Where are they from?

2. Yes; I LOVED the shirt!!!!!!! 3. The "Phantom Elder's" name is Elder Talbot; he's from Colorado Springs. There are 2 other elders you did not get to meet: Elder Ford, and Elder Temple (he's from Indiana). They're pretty cool, but... let's just say these guys make our family look normal by comparison.

Did you get to go to McDonalds with your gift certificates we sent? 4. Not yet.

How is the work going? What is your favorite thing so far—and don’t say the food! 5. Great; finding/researching new names;

Now that you’ve been here two weeks (for your training), are you going to be transferred? I don't think I am leaving this apartment anytime soon. I just got assigned to work at the JSMB, in Data Analysis
Tell everyone I said hi, and I will email you soon.
Sincerely,
Your loving son





McKenzie's Comments: I wished I had counted the number of times mom checked her email today waiting for this, but it was probably 500+!

Hi Mom!
I am checking in to tell you about my mission so far. All of the guys in my apartment are really cool (if a little crazy at times). I have found out a lot about our family's genealogy. I have solved a few problems with our records(finding out who people are, etc.). Please ask Dad if I could do the endowment for Daniel Clare Allison, because he reserved it and never did it. You see, this Friday I am going to the temple to do an endowment, and they recommend I do it for a deceased family member. Also ask him to look at the Church family history site, as well as ask him how it is possible for someone to be sealed to their spouse when they have not received their endowment, because a lot of our ancestors seem to have the same problem. I have a few requests for what to send in the next package you send me: my EFY photos, my high school year book, and some prickly pear jelly/syrup, if possible. I love you, and I will try to send an email every week.
Love,
Elder Huston

McKenzie's Comments: Anyone besides me think the EFY photos, a high school year book, and prickly pear jelly are odd requests? Now the pictures and yearbooks may not be so odd, maybe all the other missionaries are showing their pictures to him, but prickly pear jelly? Really?