November 13th, 2018
Dear Benjamin,
It’s the night of your setting apart, the night before we drop you off at the MTC. I’m in bed writing this and can still hear the deep muffled tones of you and Jacob chatting. I love that sound, it soothes me to know you guys are so close.
I’m not sure when you’ll get this letter, even though I’ll email these I’ll still call them letters. I intend to file these, along with your replies back. I’ll also try to send a few photos now and again, but not over do it.
I’m not sure where you’ll be when you read this...well, I know you’ll be at the MTC, but even where and how I’m curious about. I remember reading a lot of my letters while doing laundry.
I’m not sure what you’re state of mind will be like. My guess is it will be mixed, some excitement, some of feeling overwhelmed, maybe a little fear or homesickness. Maybe like you’re up against a big challenge. Go headlong into the challenge, don’t fear. Always go through the fear, that’s where faith is.
I’m not sure what things will be like here. I guess mostly the same. I’ll try to do those things I admonish of you. I’ll try to be patient with your little brothers, but I’m expecting there to be some acclimation to you being away.
I’ll keep you up on sports, but not over do that either.
I think I’ve already given you all the advice I have, but I’ll repeat just a little. Obedience and hard work comes naturally to you, so I can’t add much there. You are naturally pretty happy, so keep that up, but don’t keep it to yourself. When you feel otherwise, that’s normal too, so don’t compound those bad feelings by thinking of them too much. But mainly Ben, give of yourself, connect with people, try to understand and listen to them. That’s how you’ll begin to love them.
I’m so dang excited for you Ben, the Lord has so much in store for you. He has so much use for you.
Ben, I have faith in you. I don’t doubt for a second that you will be a successful missionary.
Ben, I have a testimony of Christ, He’s our brother, he loves us. Get to know Him. Keep Him close. Trust Him.
Love
Dad
P.S. Reason to be glad that you’re not here #1: So you don’t have to pick up all that trash downstairs!
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