Friday, April 1, 2011

First Letter for the MTC

Hey family,
Just so you know everything is going wonderful here in this prison!  Just Kidding.  But it really is good.   They have kept us busy.  Just so you know I am not breaking any rules by writing you right now.  They told us to write you ASAP so that you would know everything is going good.

Thanks for all the yellow slips, I will probably be finding them for a few weeks.

My companion's name is Elder Morrissette from Simi Valley California,  It is about 30 minutes away from LA.  He is a good companion. 

For dinner we had chicken cordon bleu.  It was alright but the rice that came with it was kind of gross because it had hard stuff in it. 

I don't want to tell you everything because then I might not have anything to tell you next week. 

There are two other elders in our room.  All four of us are going to Adelaide, so I will not be making the dreaded flight alone.  We got a paper that said we are expected to leave on the 18th, Derek's birthday.

Well it looks like my room is going to bed so I will talk to you next Wednesday because that will be my P-day.  I love you guys and I am excited to get to work.  I know this is the true church and what I should be doing. 

I love you guys,
Elder Hyde

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Drop Off at the MTC

March 30, 2011

We stayed up visiting with grandma until after midnight, so we slept in a bit on Wednesday.  Breakfast was wonderful with bacon, sausage, eggs and french toast.  Grandma always makes a memorable breakfast.  We could not leave out the tradition of playings games before leaving.  We played a new game as well as the standard, Rack-O, we could not stop until Britney had her chance of winning.

We packed Alden up and went to the Provo Temple grounds.  We took pictures and said our goodbyes.





It was easier saying goodbye as there were missionaries waiting to take Alden's bags and him away.
I love this boy.   He will always be my "baby", and hold a special place in my heart.


May God be with him always, until we meet again.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Being Set Apart as a Missionary

Tuesday evening Alden was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to serve in the Australia Adelaide Mission.  He received a beautiful blessing from President Jensen.

Alden's Friend Ben will be leaving in May for his mission in Armenia.


Brothers


Tyson, Alden and Brielle

Tuesday evening we drove to Provo and spent the night at Grandma Baker's house.  We had a great discussion on the way down.  We even missed the exit because we were so involved in talking.

Alden's Turn to be Supported

Alden takes a turn with his friends holding him up.  They took the picture then quickly had it printed and put it in a frame for him to take with him.  They showered him with gifts of candy bars and a mini basketball game.




It was fun to have these young men in our home.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Our Family Night at Wolf Creek

We spent the evening with Gordon's family, Derek and Jessica, Kristi and Cameron,and Britney's Family at Wolf Mountain.





We had a delicious dinner, watched TV, played racquetball and soaked in the hot tub.  (It was snowing and the hot tub is outside.  We a lot of fun.


Sunday, March 27, 2011

Alden's Farewell

March 27 2011

Our Sacrament meeting starts at 11am.  Our home was buzzing all morning preparing for the day.  Family was getting ready for the lunch and getting ready for church.  Alden was ready to go to the church at 10:30.  He and Shane helped set up extra chairs as we greeted friends and family.  We had around 400 friends, family and ward members in attendance.

Jordan Allred spoke on being a missionary.
Casey Wykstra spoke on happiness.  This was his first time speaking and he did a wonderful job.
Alden finished by speaking on Priesthood and Service.

It was a beautiful meeting. 


We spent the afternoon hosting an open house at our home. 
We enjoyed visiting with many friends and family. 
Morgan even found a seat.

It was most difficult to say goodbye to family that Alden would not see for 2 years.

We send out a huge thank you for everyone that came and help us show Alden how much we love him and support him!