The first letter Ben wrote was hand written and sent July 19 just two days after entering the MTC.
Dear Family,
The Elder who met me today was Elder Billings and he gave me a little run down and helped me to get my stuff. He will be serving in the same mission as Blake, Spanish speaking (Blake Smith is one of Ben’s best friends). My companion is Elder McKean from Salt Lake City and he is super cool. I really like my district, which consists of 6 sisters and 4 elders. The other two elders are Elder Tyler (Salt Lake City) and Elder Roberts (Nephi, Utah). Elder Tyler is very confident, outgoing and active, Elder Roberts is pretty quiet but I sense a strong spirit about him. We are all 18 and trying very hard. One hermana (sister) is from Yuma, AZ and one from Tahiti and the rest are all from various parts of Utah. This is crazy and I feel like I’m going through the temple for the first time because they are throwing so much at me and I’m trying to glean as much as I can. It’s like I asked for a drink and they turned a fire hose on me! I love it though, and just get the feeling that I need to come back every day with renewed vigor trying to learn more. It’s hard to say everything that has happened and I’m writing this in little pieces of time I can find but I’ll try to be more detailed in my e-mails on P-day. Tjis is the end of my second day and I’m learning so much about myself and others. As if all they’re throwing at me wasn’t enough tonight we met with the branch presidency and they asked me to be a senior companion and the district leader. I am humbled and am going to need the Lord’s help muy mucho. My district is awesome and I am blessed by their sweet testimonies and commitment to the work. Brother Price from my branch presidency said he knew Mom from serving in Honduras. I know that my Redeemer Lives. What Joy and POWER this sweet sentence gives!
Mucho amor,
Elder Benjamin An drew
