The First Three Weeks

Elder Harrison has not only survived his first three weeks at the MTC but he has THRIVED!

We dropped him off on the afternoon of September 21, 2011. We first went to lunch at an Indian restaurant in Provo. Joining us and Parry were Reid and Cyndi, plus Ellie and Hans. We then drove to the park across the street from the MTC, took some photos, and then all hopped in our mini-van and drove through the MTC gates to drop off our beloved James Parry. Trish, in her usual devil-may-care style, waved to all the groups of missionaries lining the drive: "Hello, Elders! Thank you, missionaries!" It was great!!

We arrived at the appointed spot and stopped the car. A swarm of Elders stormed the van, opening our doors and pulling Parry's luggage out. After one last hug from everyone, he was gone, escorted into the bowels of the MTC.

Since then he has written us at least three e-mails, the first of which were lists of things he had forgotten or otherwise needed. To remedy the situation, Trish has already mailed three packages to him, since you are NOT allowed to hand deliver anything down there.

Trish has a written him almost every day through a service called "Dearelder.com." You simply "e-mail" a note, they make a hard copy of it, and deliver it by hand to the MTC. It is even same day service, so Parry gets a note/letter from one of us virtually every day. Pretty cool.

So far, Parry has done very well. He has a great companion from Alaska named Elder West. He also knew him in passing at Utah State. He was a bit overwhelmed at first with the 24/7 Spanish but seems to have hit his stride now.

He has sent some photos (some will be/are posted here on this blog) and even two short videos. He says the food is tolerable but "messes with your bowels." He loves his classes, especially the role playing with "investigators."

That's it for our first blog entries. More to come!

Trish and Robin