MTC Pictures!

Through a series of unfortunate events (well, only one unfortunate event) Elder Cloward was without a camera charger when he entered the MTC. Being the accomodating sisters we are, Cara gave him her camera and I gave him my batteries and charger (since Cara and I have the same kind of camera, it was a perfect fit). Mom has since shipped up the right charger, so Elder Cloward mailed the camera, charger and batteries back to me. Why is this important? Because that means we got some pictures from his first week in the MTC!!!

(I have no idea who these other people are, so forgive the lack of captions.)

(I'm guessing Elder Low's ankle)

Typical "Matrix" shot using the ironing board. Too bad Elder Cloward's not in it!

Weekly Email #1

We got our first email from Elder Cloward! He included a tidbit for Bishop Thompson to read to the La Mirada Ward on Sunday, but here are a few other highlights:

-They can already pray and speak in Spanish!

-Yesterday they went to the RC (referral center) and made some phone calls. (The referral center is the place people send their contact information to if they want to know more about the Church. It's great practice for being on a mission.) Elder Cloward said, "I was really scared to talk to real people, but I think it went pretty well."

-They also went to the TRC yesterday (teaching resource center, where volunteers pretend to be investigators and ask the missionaries-in-training questions about the Church). They taught a 30-minute lesson on the restoration of the gospel to a volunteer. Next week they are supposed to be able to give the full lesson in Spanish!

-He's still playing volleyball (of course!) but, sadly, his companion Elder Low sprained his ankle playing volleyball on Tuesday. Two other elders in their district did as well. So now 1/4 of their district is a little crippled. They should be better soon, though!

-Since the Provo temple is closed, they got to go up to the Mount Timpanogos temple today! (That's right next to my/Janessa's/ office, and I'm sad I didn't know what time because I definitely would have tried to meet up with him, even though I know it's against the rules.) Anyway, that temple is gorgeous, don't you think?

Well, that's all for this week! Elder Cloward sends his love and thanks everyone for their love and support.

Hasta luego!

We got a letter!

We got our first letter today! By "we" I mean the family in La Mirada, but Cara was kind enough to read it to me over the phone. Here's what's going on with Elder Cloward:

His companion, Elder Low, is from Canada and likes to say "eh." He's also the district leader, which means he and Elder Cloward get to pick up mail twice a day. Elder Cloward likes that part.

Half of Elder Cloward's district is going to Santiago. He and two others are going to Santiago West, and Elder Low and two others are going to Santiago North. The rest of his district is going to either Spain or Guatemala.

Elder Cloward's three years of LMHS Spanish is coming back to him. He learned how to pray in Spanish and everyone thinks it's cool that he has a sister whose name means "expensive face." (That would be Cara.)

He's seen Elders Justin Bennett, Michael Scott, Eric Gibbs, and a few others I don't remember. Yay for having friends in the MTC!

He can't wear pink ties or his lapel pin. Lame on both counts, I say. That lapel pin is sweet.

He's having a great time though and we're so glad!

Taking Elder Cloward to the MTC

"Last Supper" at Tucano's

Mom doesn't like that phrase, but it's what they call it when missionaries come in for one last (delicious) meal before the MTC. Tucano's is a Brazilian BBQ buffet that is out of this world, and the best part is, missionaries eat free!

MTC Address and Dear Elder Instructions

Elder Cloward is officially a missionary as of 11:30 this morning, and we couldn't be prouder of him! He would love to hear from all of you at his MTC address:

Elder Michael Bradley Cloward
MTC Mailbox 220-0902
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84606

However, what we recommend is DearElder.com. This is a free service (for the MTC and pouch missions like his, anyway) that sends your letters the same day you write them. Here's what you do:

1. Go to DearElder.com.
2. In the top right area, there's a drop box that says "Select Mission." Use that box to select the first option "Provo MTC - FREE." Click "Write Letter."
3. Fill in the appropriate information (your return address, his name, etc.) For "MTC Mailbox #" enter "220" and for "Estimated Depature Date" enter "0902."
4. Type your letter the same way you would an email. When you're done, click "Send Letter."

Easy, right? And we know he'll appreciate it. Gracias!

BYU Friends at the Farewell