From Salt Lake City, UT to Thompson, MB!

Hey Everyone,

So I left the MTC at 2:30 am on Wednesday (July 22) and headed to the airport with 16 other missionaries who are also all headed to the PEG. We flew out at like 5:00 or something and I slept the whole way to Minneapolis. In Minneapolis we got breakfast quickly then got onto a really small plane and were on our way to the PEG. When we arrived in the PEG, me and the other two Canadians (one from northern BC and one from northern AB) were able to pretty much just go but all of the Americans had to go through customs which took forever. The Craigs and the AP's met us at the airport and they all seem great! We then went over to one of the churches and had a small meeting as well as our interviews with President Craig. They also fed us taco in a bag. After that we went over to the mission home which is SUPER nice! We relaxed and then ate another amazing meal of ham and baked potatoes. After dinner we had a testimony meeting and then went to bed. Sleeping at the mission home was much better than at the MTC. So was the food, I think if I could live there for two years I would! In the morning we woke up and had a fantastic breakfast of eggs, pancakes and bacon. It will be a while until I have that kind of breakfast again! We then went over to a different church and had initiation and stuff. That is where I saw Elder Binning and was assigned to get on a 10 hour bus ride to Thompson, Manitoba. They fed us pizza there. After that I had to wait until my bus left at 10:30 so I went and taught a lesson to a recent convert with Elder Carroll. After the lesson I went street contacting with another elder named Elder Timms from Vancouver. I then got on the bus and woke up in Thompson the next day. I was met at the greyhound station by Elder Birchall who has been out since April. He is from Utah and is a sweet guy and great missionary.     

I also met the Burkmans from Alaska. He is the Branch pres up here. Since being here I have mostly just been meeting people. On saturday, we drove 3 hours to a place called Leaf Rapids to build a deck for a lady in the branch. It was super fun actually. Yesterday I gave a talk in church on the Holy Ghost and I had to talk for 15 minutes!! There were 12 people there I believe so it wasnt too nerve racking, although people skype in as well. After church we went street contacting and taught a lesson to a guy who lives in our apartment. I will buy a coat if I need! There is a Mark's here so I can get boots here too.  I told the raft story in my talk so my pool of stories to tell in talks is much shorter.  Feel free to remind me of some! 

love you all! 

Elder Stewart

Safely Arrived in Winnipeg!

We received a 4:30 am call on Wednesday morning from Elder Stewart from the Salt Lake Airport. It was very short, but so good to hear his voice! From there, their group flew to Minneapolis, MN and then to Winnipeg. They were warmly welcomed and served the traditional Canada Winnipeg welcome meal of Taco in a Bag. They had some training, an interview with Pres Craig and then a lovely meal in the mission home.

Elder Stewart was able to see Elder Clarke Binning yesterday before Elder Binning came home and Elder Stewart headed out to his first area. Clarke told us today that Elder Stewart left late last night by himself on a Greyhound headed to Flin Flon, Manitoba where his trainer would meet him and take him to his area in Thompson, Manitoba...735km north of Winnipeg. He should have arrived there this morning...presumably excited and tired! We can't wait for his letter on Monday. Do they have internet there???? :)

Week One! Surviving So Far!

Hey guys we got on late but i'm here. The first week at the MTC has been wild but it has also been fun. when I first got here I was about 3 hours late but they welcomed me and two missionaries that got there a couple hours before me helped me out. Funny enough they ended up being in my zone. My comp, Elder Moore, is 6'8 and going to play basketball at UVU after so that's interesting. In my district are 5 elders and four sisters. The elders are really cool. Their names are Elder Moore from Gilbert Az, Elder Grant from Idaho somewhere and they are both coming to the Peg with me. Elder Grant's comp had to return home but we hope to see him in 6 months so now Elder Grant is in our trio. The other two missionaries are going to Tallahassee Florida and their names are Elder Beutler and Elder Radmall. I have met one other Canadian missionary who ironically is coming to the Peg! She is from northern BC. Other than that there is no sign of Canada!

The MTC itself is probably the busiest thing I have ever done. We have no down time except for about 30 minutes this morning. Our teachers are great and very knowledgeable. All of them have returned from missions in the last 3 years so they are still in  missionary mode. we have practiced teaching a lot and currently have 3 "investigators". It is much more difficult to teach in a trio than a companionship because its hard to know when to talk.

 The food here is great on the way in and everything after that is bad haha. We get gym time everyday and they have a workout facility here so that's where we go everyday. 

Hannah, camp sounded awesome, those slug fights are legendary. Sara, have a great time at AFY. No talking to boys allowed. Sorry rules are rules. Dad and mom I'm glad to hear your heart is doing better. The Kayaking looked really fun! It's great that you can bike now dad.

 I miss Lucas (Editor's Note: Lucas is a deacon in our ward that Matt baptized in November, Scarlett is his younger sister.) and I kind of worry about him. Make sure you take good care of him and make him go to church! Same goes with Scarlett! The spirit here is strong and Lucas better come on a mission one day to feel of this spirit. On Sunday night we listened to a talk Elder Bednar gave at the MTC on Christmas in like 2010. It was the best talk I have ever heard hands down. I don't think you can find it outside of the MTC but if you can then do its worth all 45 minutes of it. Its called "The Character of Christ". I don't have too much time because I have to go switch my laundry. (Editor's Note: Yeah!) Thank you for the packages. My district loves the junk food haha. I think I'll email you on Monday but I don't know for sure. If not, I fly out Wednesday morning at like 5 so I'll call you at some point Wednesday morning but it might be 4:00 am so be ready. Love you guys!! 

Elder Stewart

He's Off! Look Out Winnipeg!

Ram Pride luggage!

A VERY early morning in airport. The girls are still in their PJ's!

Very exciting moment just before security... He looks great we think!

On Friday morning we were thrilled to get a short but fantastic e-mail. We were so grateful!

Hey guys these first two days have been great. As you know my plane was delayed and so was my next one and because of this I arrived at 5:00 just in time for dinner. But now that I am into the swing of things all is well her at the MTC. we have had such great teachers and last night we met the branch presidency. i was assigned to teach priesthood next Sunday so we will see how that goes. My companion is the tall guy from Arizona. His name is Elder Moore and he is a legit 6'8. together we make an average height companionship. Our apartment has 6 elders in it. two elders are going to Tallahasse Florida and four of us are off to Winterpeg Manisnowba. Anyways my P-day is on Wednesday so ill talk to you then. 

love Elder Stewart