Dear Family,

Thank you so much for the letters and the package! Those shorts will work great! The cookies were good, too, Ashley! I've had a great stay in the MTC, even though I've been busy.

My first companion left for NY this morning, so I had to move last night, but it all worked out. My new companion is great. By the time you get this, I'll probably be packed and ready for the field. I miss you already! I'm reporting to the airport on March 6, and I found out I'm allowed to call you from the Salt Lake airport. However, it will be at about 4 or 5 a.m. If the kids can wake up that early, it would be great to talk to you all.

I've had a really great experience here. One day in particular, last Thursday, I was working in the referral center answering phone calls from people with questions about the church. One woman called and right when I picked up, she said, "I'm confused. There's so many churches out there, and they are all different. How do you know the truth?" I turned to see if the teacher was monitoring my call. She was and she told me, "Let her have it". We talked for a while and she wanted me to send the missionaries over with a Book of Mormon. I'm really starting to see the joy of missionary work, especially when I heard how excited she was to receive the gospel. Things are going so well, it's almost hard to believe! Tell all of the kids I said hi.

Tell everyone that asks that I'm doing great, and even though it is hard, I'm having the time of my life! I love you all and miss you like crazy, but don't worry. I'm doing fine!

Love,
Elder Wallentine

Dear Family,

Today is p-day, so I have a few minutes to write you all. Life is good here. I'm in meetings for a lot of the time, but I've never been so excited in my life!

Elder Uchtdorf sat in the cafeteria for lunch yesterday. That was pretty exciting, and we got to go down to the Provo Temple today. I'm having a great time here, and I found out I may be staying more than the three weeks. I don't know yet, though, so we'll see how it works out.

By the way, thanks for coming down to drop me off here. I know I wasn't the nicest big brother you have, but thanks anyway. I love you guys, and to tell you the truth, I kind of miss all the "he bit me", "she hit me!" things I'd always get so annoyed at.

Love,
Elder Wallentine

Dear Family,

I'm done with my first day in the MTC, and I love it! I've found a few surprises, though. I talked with my branch president and he wants to try to get me on a plane in three weeks. It's not set in stone yet, but I'll keep you posted.

I found out I did forget some stuff, though, and if you haven't mailed that box yet, it would be great if you'd send me another set of p-day clothes, preferably shorts, if that's okay.

Thanks again for everything. I'm a little homesick, but I'm doing alright. Miss you guys like crazy, but don't worry about me.

Love,
Elder Wallentine (still trying to get used to that)

We made a quick visit to Aunt Mindy's house before taking Jason to the MTC.

At the MTC.