Week One!

We FINALLY (I know, it's only been a week....) heard from Drew! He has been in a "tripanionship" with two other elders, and has been loving it. Today, he wrote and said that he just got switched to a regular companionship, with an Elder Campbell. (Drew said that we are related to him, small world, right?) He's loving the work and is really happy. He says he is eating a lot of food, but it's okay because out in the field he will live off of yogurt and cereal. :) Here is a little section from his email:

"Hey Lexipoo! Yes.. it's been great! I have been in a tripanionship. Us three have been having the time of our lives. We just changed to a companionship. My companion is Elder Campbell... and yes, we are related. He lived in Michigan, California, and New York. I'm sorry I don't have very much time to write you this week, but just know that I love you. Tell Ryan hi. I love this gospel so much. I have had the most spiritual experiences of my life so far... ALREADY! Love you Lex. "

"Mom, I love being here. It is the best

experience of my life! I was in a tripanionship, but now I am back to two.
We study a lot, and I have felt the spirit every day here.Tell everyone at home that I miss them, and that I love all of them.

My letters will get increasingly longer... I just don't have very much
time, as I have to go do laundry by myself.(DREW WAS LUCKY IN THAT HIS MAMA DID MOST OF HIS LAUNDRY HERE AT HOME.) Love you! -Drew"

It's so wonderful hearing from our Elder. We are so proud of him and all that he is doing at the MTC. If you would like to write him a letter while he is still in the MTC, here is the address, I'm sure he would be thrilled!

Elder Drew Michael Hatch

MTC Mailbox #367
OH-COL 0213
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604

He's Alive!

Well, my mom called us tonight with some good news to share! She received her first letter from the one and only Elder Hatch. (They sit the Elder's down at the MTC their first night and basically force them to write home to their parents to make sure they know they are alive.) I think that's an amazing rule! :) Otherwise, we might never hear from him for 2 years. Anyway, I just wanted to update everyone and let them know that he is doing amazingly well! In fact, he said in his letter that he is doing even better than he thought he would be. He's been placed in a trifecta companionship! He had some witty name for it, of course, but I can't remember what he said exactly. He said they both are awesome and they all get along really well. He also said the Spirit in the MTC is off the hook ridiculous! He loves it so much and also let us know he forgot to bring hangars. Eh, whatevs. :) Stay tuned for more updates!

MTC Drop-off

Well, today was Drew's big day! He entered the MTC at 1 pm, full of smiles, joy, and excitement. We kept asking him if he was getting nervous, but he said only a little bit. This kid is READY to be on his mission! We stuffed the car as full as we could (one car drop-off limit per family). Literally, I was sitting on Ryan's lap, he was squishing Aunt Missy, who was probably squishing grandpa, too. :) My family is the best in the entire world. I am so thankful for the support they show us constantly! I know Drew feels it as well. When we pulled up, we all scrambled out of the car as fast as we could because we knew we would only have a few seconds with Drew. My mom and I took up most of the hugs, but that's okay I think. ;) I think I hugged Drew 4 times before Ryan finally peeled my arms from around his gigantic self. As he walked away, all I kept thinking was, "Wow. There goes one of Heaven's finest, off to fight a valiant battle." He looked so amazing. He turned around only once, and then was off on his merry little way. I still can't believe he's gone. It's exciting and surreal all at the same time. Sure, I've had plenty of breakdowns today (and even in my sleep apparently), but one thing is for certain; I KNOW that Drew is going to the perfect mission for him, a mission that will allow him to fully bloom and grow in the way he was intended to. I know that he is going to use that genuine kindness of his to meet wonderful people to teach and love. Who know's if we'll ever get him back from Ohio! I have a feeling they are going to love him too much to send him back. :) Here's to your best 2 years, bud!

And so it begins...

By request of quite a few people, we have decided to start a missionary blog on behalf of Elder Hatch. This way, more people can keep updated on how he is doing out in the field. So, check back here probably once a week for updates, pictures, stories, and letters from Drew. We are so proud of him and can't wait to hear all of the many wonderful things he will be doing in Ohio! Drew was set apart by his Stake President tonight at 6:30 and is now officially a missionary! It was a beautiful experience, one that will not soon be forgotten. The feeling definitely changed once he was set apart. Isn't that amazing how in a matter of minutes, the spirit of missionary work is alive and well? We will drop him off at the MTC tomorrow at 1 pm. Wish us luck! :) (Here is a picture of Drew to get things started.)

                                       Photo props go to Savannah Skinner. :)