6 Week update

(I would love to say that this was the fasted 6 weeks of my life, but truly, it seems like a lot longer than 6 weeks ago that we took Patch to the MTC.... really 6 weeks?)

We heard from Elder McBride this week and he sounds awesome! He says that he is really really busy - they are teaching members, inactive members and nonmembers - the wards he works with focus on missionary work and it seems like they are very supportive. He says he can't believe he's been in California for 3 weeks already, and has already several spritual experiences already and are hopful for their first babtisim.

He is have a bit of trouble with direction skills, and he is getting (loving) teased all the time about finding places. (Nicole suggested giving directions based on the location of the nearest Chili's...).

He is loving the letters and packagaes (so keep them coming... ;).

A letter from Elder McBride

Hey Friends and Family,

Well I am Finally in Riverside! I'm doing great... a little homesick but i'm sure ill do fine :) haha. So my new companion is Elder Varney, he is a pretty good guy who is from Geogia and has been out here for 17 months so i'm sure I can learn a bunch from him!

It has seriously been raining cats and dogs down here! So those of you who were jeleous of me... There is no reason at the moment to be.

Teaching people is so fun! It is awesome to feel the Spirit strongly every day! hah, but really it does feel great. I taught this one part member family and talked about prayer and committed them to comming to church this Sunday.

I gave my first blessing to this really old lady too (sister Henion) whose husband pasted away and has since been depressed. It was a blessing of comfort and it was cool that I could give here those blessings through Gods power and will!!!Life is good though.

I hope all is well with everyone back at home. Love you all, I pray for you daily and hope the same in return. THANKS a bunch.. and LOVE ya even more!

Love Elder McBride

California: Day 1

Elder McBride has arrived in California and is currently serving in Corona California. I have updated his address on the sidebar.

While in Corona he is living with the Teter family, and they have promised to take good care of him!

We are so grateful!

Pictures from the MTC

Elder McBride sent home some pictures this week and asked me to post them on his blog. He wants everyone to know that he is doing well, learning a lot and can't wait to get out to Riverside.

He warns us that he is the only one who smiles at the MTC.






Elders Green, Stevens, Raymond, McBride and Babcock.



Elders: Green, Raymond, Vincint, Whimpey, McBride, Stevens and Jackson.

Elder McBride and his companion Elder Whimpey. (Patch is 6 feet so Elder Whimpey is huge! Good protection for Patch in the MTC - we know how rough that place can be!)

Also, Patrick is expected to leave the MTC early this week. We pray that he will continue to be happy, healthy and diligent in his service to the Lord!

A simple request

Patch is requsting letters.... He really likes letters.... He would love to here from friends and family..... His address is on the sidebar....

:)

First Letters

We heard from Elder McBride this week. He says he is enjoying the MTC and can not wait until he gets to Riverside to start teaching! His companion is Elder Whimpy. Patrick says he is practically famous at the MTC because his companion is a movie star. He stared in the move Churchball a few years ago.

He also said that it is a bit of an adjustment, being busy every single second, versus the past couple months at home, with no job, and being a little lazy... (We all know Patch watched his nieces and nephews, and helped my mom refinish her kitchen and living room this past summer/fall, so he couldn't be that lazy!)

Elder McBride still has his sense of humor, and says he knows why the MTC goes through 2.5 million tons of cereal each year, but since he doesn't have to cook or clean, he can't complain too much. :)

He sounded really positive and upbeat in his letters. He loves the gospel and learning about the teaching he will do.

MTC

Elder Patrick Grayson McBride entered the MTC Wednesday January 21st.

One thing we know about Patrick is his huge, contagious smile - and as we watched him walking in, and taking in his surroundings that smile was there. He was a bit nervous during lunch, I think he ate three bites, but we had a nice as a family, laughing, joking around and just being together.

If you have never been to the MTC, it is an experience everyone should experience at least once. Everyone is very nice, and as we were walking through the volunteers must have said "Congratulations Elder" 15 times. Which caught me off guard just a little bit. "Congratulations Elder." It was like he had won a prize, a vacation - money, something. Instead he will be serving the Lord for the next two years. He will be learning, growing and teaching the gospel. He will be building testimonies, both his and others. There is no other time in a person's life that they can do so much good in 2 years. Congratulations Elder indeed!

I watched Elder McBride put his missionary name tag on his suit, and his face was beaming, I watched as he sat in the chapel getting more and more anxious, and I watched as he listened to the MTC president. I know that he is going to be the very best missionary -

Saying good bye was difficult - everyone loves Patch, but we all know he is following the commandments. We know our family will be blessed! And we know Elder McBride is going to be a fabulous missionary!