We got Mail !!!

I'll just share Braxton's letter with you that was post marked May 27, 2008.
Well I guess you're in Lake Powell right now huh? (nope we were home :)) Ya, I know you're all jealous that I'm in the MTC! Don't worry though I'll send pictures. Sundays are definitely the best days here. There is a fireside and movie night on Sundays and you get to study all day! The sacrament and priesthood meetings are also sweet.

The MTC is awesome! There are times when my comp doesn't always want to work very hard, but he's getting better. (I can see Braxton pushing him just a little, or maybe I should say encourage him)

Love you all so much!
Elder Ropelato (I'm still getting use to that)

I'm a real life missionary!

Braxton loves the MTC. He says: "the spirit is so strong everyday, and you learn so much." "This is like the craziest coolness on earth." He says the language is coming along slowly (maybe because he's only been learning it for like a few weeks) but he can pray and bear a simple testimony in spanish. :) There are like 7 elders that he went to school with and so he thinks that is cool. Actually as his mom, that made it easier for me too.

He writes: "I'm like a real life missionary and this is like-crazy awesome!

His PS was that he feels comfortable in front of his companions and district and zone to be himself. :)

So there you have it. Elder Ropelato can speak a little spanish, loves being a real life missionary, and is comfortable with the other missionaries.

First Letter

This letter was post marked on May 16, 2008, so I guess he hadn't been in the MTC long before writing it. This is exactly what he wrote-

Well Family, the MTC first day is a little overwhelming! It is amazing though and I love it! The food is awesome and things are good. There's not a whole lot to write about yet so this one will be short. I love you all and I love being a missionary! Yes a real missionary!
Love, Elder Ropelato

He's Officially "Elder" Now

Well Braxton was set apart last night as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and his first name was officially dropped and replaced by "Elder". It was a spiritual night and I think Elder Ropelato was floating on a cloud. Friends and Family gathered until late to say their good-byes.

Today was great! We left our house about 10:00 and headed to Provo. We went to Einstein Bagels for lunch. That is where Elder Ropelato chose to go knowing that he probably wouldn't feel like eating much. Justin told Jaydan he hopes he chooses some where a bit nicer. :) Anyway it was good and just being together was nice. Our whole family was there except Kevin of course, but I'm sure he was thinking of us.

We made it to the MTC about 45 minutes early. (we're always early) We took quite a few pictures and went into the room where the instruction begins. I could feel how excited Brax was. I promised not to cry and even though my eyes got teary I kept my promise. It was neat seeing everyone hug and also get a little teary. You could feel the love our family shares. I love that! Anyway we went quick and Elder Ropelato went and began his mission. He's there ready to serve and he is really excited. He is such a hard worker that he won't have to adjust much. Maybe on the studying part, but with everyone else studying it won't be that hard either. He is a choice spirit that is for sure. What a great example to our family. We all sure love him alot.

Hey and to all you friends out there-you have been great! We loved having you over to our home. You have been like family and we hope you know we love you. Good Luck to all the missionaries, you'll all be great! We have a boating activity planned with the girls, but don't even think about them. Keep your minds on your missions!

The MTC is what you make it. It can be a really hard thing or a really positive and great thing. It is your choice! That's true with each day, so choose to make them all great!

Count Down to Mission

Braxton recieved his call to The Mexico, Mexico City West Mission 4 long months ago. He was on a cruise with his parents to Meso America when his call came. Braxton had his sister open it for him and just before she did he said "it would be so cool if I got called to Mexico". Braxton was so excited when she said that is where he was going. He has been busy preparing to leave, getting in as much fun as he could. He even managed a sleep over at Kamp Kaboom. (his fort in the field) Braxton and his friends went to the Temples often in preparing for their missions. Braxton had a "Fiesta" on saturday to say good-bye to all his friends. There were a ton of kids here, and it was a huge mess. I think they really had a good time. (Braxton has a lot of great friends) He is so excited that the time to go is finally here. Braxton will leave tomorrow (May 14, 2008) for the MTC in Provo. YaaHoo!!