Dear Lai Zhanglao

Hey Ben,

I’m not sure if it’s healthy, or even interesting for you to have me write to you every day, but tough. I just wanted to write while you’re letter was still fresh. Those letters mean a lot to me personally. Maybe I’m reading too much into them, but to me, you sound happy and confident. That pleases me to no-end Benjamin. I am so grateful for your service to the Lord, for the faith that you demonstrate simply (though hugely difficultly) by obediently answering the call. 

Your brother Jacob started texting me about 2pm wondering if your message came. Both him and Joseph read and reread your letter. They even read the “Righteous Ben” segment, because they knew I would play one of the talks you mentioned for my FHE. The only one I found was Elder Bednar’s the Character of Christ. It was on YouTube, audio only, an hour long. It was powerful. I may have found Elder Holland’s talk too, though not by name. I’ll listen to it and see. Neither of those two brothers mince words, and I do love them for that. Though I feel so far behind in my own progress when the speak, I do yearn to lengthen my stride.

I love that that Sister reminds you of grandma Irene. I fear that you guys didn’t really know her as herself with her dementia and all, but your description of that sister was a pretty accurate description of my mommy. I’m sure she, and grandpa Orlando, my brother Arturo, and my grandparents are not only very close to you, but are there to serve you and those that you will be serving too.

I have that keyboard coming from amazon, I’ll get it to you as soon as I can. It may not be the high-end Logitech that your fancy companion has, but it gets great reviews on Amazon. You know my motto...

I have to tell you that I’m posting your letters to a blog. I’m careful to edit out anything too personal or whatever. But so far, you’re letters haven’t had anything too much like that. There are a lot of people following them. Some of my Facebook friends like them, and I know those people not to be active, or even members of the church (I almost said Mormons). Mom said that a non member from her work reads them regularly. I believe that you are already having a strong missionary influence. That being said, if you ever have anything personal, painful, if you need to whine or complain, feel free to vent. I promise that I’ll be extremely private with those thoughts. I’m not sure if you can look at websites. If you can, the blog is here: https://themightyben.blogspot.com/

We loved the photos of your district, you are looking very healthy and confident. Mom zoomed into the Sisters name tag to see what it looks like.

If the sisters in your district need more names, I have a few more for them that I can send.

Oh, and I have a Skype account ready to go. I’ll make sure to send you my info. That news made me so happy Ben.

Well, I took some cold medicine tonight, I caught that cold from mom, so I’m getting a bit drowsy.

Know that I love you son, and know that you are having a positive influence on me personally as well. And I am grateful.

Pops