Today is the day!

January 23, 2019

Hey Ben!

Wow, what a day it is for you. It will be a really long day that goes by really fast. I imagine that as I write this, you are about ready to go, maybe just waiting for your meet-up time. I was lucky enough to go out with a whole district. I wonder if you are going out with anyone, maybe English speaking missionaries going to your mission, maybe missionaries going to neighboring missions? I also imagine there will be people in the airport that gravitate and want to talk to you guys.

I had a lot of dreams last night about going to the field. They were like hybrid dreams where it was both you and I combined into one elder. It seemed like it was both our first time and yet we were also experienced. Our mission President gave some very specific, yet strange instructions to us that pleased me, though those instruction have faded into the mist of dreams. I had this dream seemingly all night. The impression that is left was a very positive one, as I’m sure your experience will be.

As you can see, I am pretty preoccupied with you right now. That is my right as a dad you know. I can tell your brothers are thinking of you a lot as well. Monday was the first time I’ve been home when your letter came. They got so excited when I announced that you letter had arrived. They loved your football dreams. They take it all in Ben. You’ve been such an amazing influence and example for them. Your mom and I are so grateful for that.

Today is your mom and my anniversary…20 YEARS!!!! Of the many amazing things that happened that day, one stands out. I’ve told you guys this story but it comes to me now to tell it again. When we were waiting to be married, they have you wait in the Celestial room while all the guests are gathering in the sealing room. While were were there, I had the strongest feeling that you guys were there with us. It was powerfully spiritual, a pillar of my testimony that I can never forget. I get emotional just at the thought (hard to believe, I know). The funny thing was, I couldn’t identify you then as individuals, but the perception was real. I often think of that when we are all together, it a quiet place as it’s a similar feeling. It brings comfort when we are separated, like now with you. Or because of death like my mom and dad and brother. I know they are there even though I can’t perceive them right now. That’s the message that is so great that you will be sharing. A lot of people in the asian culture have no beliefs regarding eternal life. I've talked about it a little with my friend John. He says they just don’t think along those lines in his culture. 

Well kid, this has been a rambling letter. Just know that I am with you as much as I can be. You have a lot of people pulling for you and praying for you here on this end. 

Love,

Pops