Tacoma Arrival (by Papa Benge)

I received an email from the Washington Tacoma Mission today announcing the arrival of a fine group of missionaries. I wanted to share a couple of the pictures they sent me. The second photo is at Puget Sound:

Thyme OUT!

Sorry I don't have enough time to write much today! I still love the MTC, though. It's better than a side of ham on a steak. Also, I went to the Provo temple today, and I ate at the cafeteria and the food was EXCELLENT!

Currently, I have the opportunity to play piano again. I am accompanying some sisters in my zone on the song "Savior Redeemer of My Soul" (That's right, HARUCH!) and it is a spectacular song! Sorry I don't have much else to say, except that I got pictures with Chad Lewis and Taysom Hill (which will make my papa supremely glad!) The church is true! I'm really sorry about the short letters (We had problems with laundry...) 

God Speed the Right!

--

Elder Benge

Last picture. Yay. You are so excited.

Elder Bringhurst (right) and Elder Struble (left)

--

Elder Benge

Elder Henderson on the right. Elder Moe on the left. Aint dat awesome?

--

Elder Benge

Another picture of the awesome place.

Some people got no reason to live. Just kidding. That is Elder White making a face. You can see Elder Cooper's shoulder, and you can see Elder Moe in the background.

--

Elder Benge

More picsnores.

Sorry. I have to send my pictures one at a time. My district.

--

Elder Benge

More Picsels

The carpet.

--

Elder Benge

Pictures

--

Elder Benge

A Liter of Ozone. More Like a Pint?

The Missionary Training Center is the most amazing place on Earth, with the exception of the temple. My first few days have been incredibly spiritual, amazingly deep, and masterfully, triumphantly crazy. My companion is Elder Taylor. He is pretty dang dandy. He is from Lehi, and he went to Lehi High School for schooling. He does cross country and wrestling. At the same time. Just kidding. Not at the same time. He and I are real close. Conversations go like this. I tell a joke. Pity laugh from Elder Taylor. I tell another joke. Real laugh from Elder Taylor. And so it goes, and so it goes, and you're the only one who knows. Anyway, we met with our branch presidency this week and got callings. I really thought we were going to musical... thingy... coordinators. Nope. Surprise! When the branch president got to Elder Taylor and me (that is correct grammar right there, by the way) he told us we were......... Wait for it....... Zone Leaders (Hence the title)! You might be saying "Oh, fun!" in your head right now, but I am thinking: "WHAT?!?" It is seriously nerve racking to have that kind of responsibility. On your third day here. Oh well. The food here is really good. I wish I knew how to make the chili. What I miss most from home right now are the little kids. I really miss tiny children. I'm not sure if I'll be able to send pictures yet. I left my uploading thingermajaggle at my room, but I'll let you know I took pictures of missionaries, Taylor, carpet, and nothing else. Well, I would just like to emphasize once more the how powerful the spirit is here. It is amazing. I know with surety that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love each one of us individually. I had that witnessed to me within an hour of being here. If you are willing to open your mouth and testify of truth, then the Spirit will confirm your words. It is amazing! I also found a new chapter in the Book of Mormon that causes as much joy in me as Alma 32 does. My new beloved chapter is 2 Nephi 31! I suggest you read both of the chapters that I left you, and consider what they mean to children, men and women who do not know of the Gospel. Make time count! Make those commitments! Make those covenants! The Lord loves you! I know I am in the right place, and I know that if I will trust in God and strive to follow him, he will bless me. I know that the Spirit bears witness of truth and will help you find truth in your life, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!

P.S. I really love it here.

P.P.S. See how many times I wrote a group of words that started with the letters "M-T-C" in my letter (Example: Make Those Commitments). That's my little game for you this week. Farewell, and keep up the good fight of faith!

--

Elder Benge