News from Aaron May 2011

We have received a letter from Aaron each week since he entered the MTC on May 11th.  It is an interesting experience to wait to get a letter from Aaron to know how things are going, since we are so used to just calling or texting him on the phone.  We can hardly wait until Thursday's mail comes to get the "scoop" on how things are going!

In Aaron's first letter he said that his companion's name was Elder Tolson.  He said, "It's interesting knowing that I'm going to have to be with someone all the time now...Even though it's only been 2 days so far, it's been really spiritual and amazing, I think I'm going to continue to like it a lot."

In his second letter he let us know how good the food was at the MTC and that he feels "full" all of the time because every meal is a buffet INCLUDING dessert!  We also found out that his companion is from Idaho Falls, Idaho.  Their first Devotional was with Elder Richard Hinckley (President Hinckley's son - who by coincidence was the one who married Brett and Jennie in the Salt Lake Temple!)  

In his third letter (the last one we received) he gave us his travel itinerary leaving for Peru.  He will go to the airport at  3 am in the morning on Wednesday, June 1st.  He will arrive first in Miami, Florida, where he has a 3 hour layover and then arriving in Peru around 9:30 pm that evening.  His second Devotional was with Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve.  Friday, May 27th is the first time for them "teaching" a lesson in Spanish.  Aaron says, "I feel like a 3 year old with my vocabulary."  

We are not sure whether or not we'll get a letter from him this week, since he will be traveling, but I hope so!  I told him that I would set my alarm clock on Wednesday morning to 3 am, so he would know that we were thinking about him as he takes off for ANOTHER COUNTRY!!  We're thinking about him all the time anyway!  What a great adventure he is about to begin!!

Aaron's Farewell Photos

Aaron was set apart as a missionary the night before he left for the MTC
This is Brennan, Dad, Grandma Barrett, Aaron, Cara and Jennie.

Aaron was set apart by President McCorquindale, Daybreak Stake President
and his counselor President Ford, Bishop Anderson and his dad.

Aaron and Bishop Marlon Anderson

President Ford, Dad, Aaron, Bishop Anderson, President McCorquindale

Grandma Barrett and Aaron

Packing Aaron's suitcases  (what an experience!!)

Jennie showing Aaron how to maximize the space in his suitcase as
Caralee supervises the effort.

Always the last minute items to be taken care of before you get in the car.

Okay, so this is out of sequence, but I can't figure out how to fix it.
Aaron had to say goodbye to family before we dropped him off at
the curb.  As you can see we were all a "blubbering mess".

This is out of order, also, but anyway, this is Aaron and Jennie hugging
goodbye.  Jennie is expecting another little boy in September.  Sadie will
be 6, Trace 4 and the baby will be almost 2 when Aaron comes home.

At the MTC before dropping Aaron off.  Caralee with Sadie, Jennie
with Trace and Brennan in the background. 

Mom, Brennan, Dad, Elder Barrett, Jennie and Trace, Grandma Barrett
Caralee and Sadie.  You wouldn't know it, but just before we arrived
at the MTC it was raining pretty hard.  A few silent prayers later, we
were able to get a few pictures in the sunshine!  Amazing.

Dropping Elder Barrett off at the "curb".  This nice Elder came to
help unload Aaron's things.

Hugging mom goodbye for the next two years

This Elder helped unload Aaron's things.  Elder Barrett wishing he had some
"cool" sunglasses on too.

Hugging Dad goodbye for the next two years.

Aaron and his proud dad.

Heading into the MTC for the next 3 weeks.