Merry Christmas

12.25.18

Dear Elder Ben,

MERRY CHRISTMAS! It was really great chatting with you today. You look healthy and confident. It also seemed like you had really good interaction with your companions. You seem happy, which is of great comfort to me. It also seems like maybe you’re in a bit of a routine, that’s a deliberate part of your training. Take the best parts of that routine and incorporate them into you life in the field. Those missionaries that can’t maintain a healthy routine struggle to fill their day, which leaves them open to less than good choices.

Yesterday and today have been all about family. Yesterday we had Christmas Eve dinner at grandmas, of course it was delicious. Uncle David was there. He brought some of his examples of his 3D printed Star Wars helmets. I was super impressed with the way he finished them, they are super cool. You’ll most likely be home before he finishes ours, but they’ll be worth the wait. It’s the first good usage of a hobby level 3D printer I’ve seen.

This morning you’re brothers got us up at 5:45. I’ve been sleeping poorly so I’m awake by 4 or 5 anyway. We tried to make it like old times, but your stocking hanging by itself was a little sad. Jacob got me a Bandai General Grievous in 1/12 scale. Poe got me a vintage NASA T-shirt. Mom got me another glass case for my models from ikea. I wonder how full it will be by the time you’re home.

We went back to grandmas for Christmas breakfast, her pancakes were always your favorite there. Grandpa got an air fryer for Christmas. He made mozzarella cheese sticks. I have to admit that they were as good as deep fried. I figure it’s basically the same as eating baby carrots since they’re not deep fried, right?

Then we were excited to come home and wait for your call. Mom and I practiced Skyping yesterday. We had the iPad on a step ladder to give the best framing. 

Right after the Rivera side of the family came over. Aunt Patti brought over her amazing tamales. Mom might try to send you some. We watched Little Foot tonight with everyone. It was ok, but it was fun being together.

Right now, the Jazz are beating the Trailblazers (I’ve always thought that an inelegant name, by the way). For the second time in a row, but still Trail them in the standings. Ha!

It’s late, I have a check up at the doctors in the morning. 

I’m interested in who your special guest was, and what was said. The Church members here are abuzz with all the changes, both big and small. You’ll always recall those changes in the Church and in your own life.

I noticed a higher number of typos in my communications lately. I realized that while using the little keyboard I put my iPad too far away, so I didn’t pick up on them until after I hit send. So though I’m a poor typist and a worse speller, I’ll try to clean it up. 

Ben, this won’t be the last time I say this, I am proud of you, I am happy for you. You have big trials ahead, they won’t be fun. But you’ll also have extremely joyful experiences ahead of you. You’ll feel God’s direct hand using you for His purpose. It may be in small things, but those experiences will be giant in your life. I’m super excited for you.

Well, enough dad stuff, I need to go to bed.

Pops