Burbank California

Elder Martin has been assigned to the Burbank 3rd Ward.  His companion has been out about 10 months, but he was just transferred to this area.

Elder Martin's email:

His apartment is only 10 miles from Dodger Stadium.  Apparently they are having "Mormon Night' on July 1st.  They announced it in church, but sadly, they cannot go.  He also told us that the mother of the 'ancient' people they had dinner with, kept saying "when my husband died, not long ago" ... her husband died in 1959!?!

Allen asked him how he was doing and if he was a little homesick.  His response was 'there is so much work, it's easy to forget about home, I'm too busy to miss it, until I get home and write in my journal, but not homesick at all.  It's awesome here.'  That's exactly what we wanted to hear.  We are so grateful that he is diving in head first.  It brings comfort and peace to us to know that he is loving what he's doing and where he is.


"My mission belongs to the Lord.  With all my heart I give my energy and my time to the Master because I love him. Therefore, I'm going to look at every day not as mine, but as His.  And I will treat each minute of His time with respect and focus and the dedication it deserves. "  Elder M. Russell Ballard

Welcome to San Fernando

This morning, Elder Martin was able to call from the airport.  He sounded great.  They rode Front Runner to Salt Lake, then took Trax to the airport.  He was very tired, because he did not go to bed last night. But he did have his haircut last night... in the bathroom... by an Elder from Fiji!!? What???   He said it was a great haircut.  Looks good to me.  I just have to smile, I love him!

The pictures were taken when they arrived.  Ironically, today is the longest day of the year.  I'm sure he's feeling it.  Do they get naps?

The Final Countdown

Elder Martin's email June 20, 2016

This was on his birthday.  The sisters made the "Happy Birthday" sign that is hanging on the board.
 Not sure why he couldn't look up.

Elder Martin and Elder Hall

He asked me to please thank everyone for the birthday wishes.  I can't believe it's been 3 weeks and now he's off to San Fernando.  He seems excited and ready to go.  Probably a good idea that he's leaving if this is what they are doing.  

"Trust in God then Go and Do." President Henry B. Eyring

MTC: 2 Down, 1 to Go

Elder Martin's email, June 14, 2016

One thing he forgot to put in his group email, the sisters in his zone had bats, yes bats, in their room!  YIKES!  They were supposed to leave Tuesday, but since they don't know what the bats touched (clothes, beds, etc.) they all have to have a series of rabies shots. They have to stay 2 more weeks at the MTC. Crazy!  

"I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord's timing of his tender mercies help us to both discern and acknowledge them."  David A. Bednar

Waiting for P-Day

We didn't know when his P-Day would be in the MTC, so we just waited...  It wasn't on Monday...but Tuesday we received emails! And he sounded so good! The whole purpose for creating this blog was to have a place for me to post his group email, photos and additional info that he shares with me and Allen.  I might also add a bit here and there about how we are enjoying this experience with him.

Elder Martin's email from June 7, 2017:

Elder Martin and his companion Elder Orchard

Elder Martin and Elder Grader

In the email he sent to me, he asked for a care package.  He said that the food was great, but they ate at 7:30, 11:40, and 4:45, so he was starving at night after class and studying.  He needed chips and other salty snacks.  He also wanted to know if I had any tips on getting pen out of his white shirt.  We are so thrilled that he is having such a positive experience. 

"You've had eternity to prepare for your mission, and you'll have eternity to reflect on it.  But you only have 2 years to live it."

The worst best day

On Tuesday, May 31, Colby was set apart as a missionary by our Stake President.  It was a very emotional experience for all of us.  He had an opportunity to visit for a while and say his goodbyes to everyone.  Wednesday, he had to report to the MTC at 1:15.  We stopped and had lunch on the way down, Mexican food, his choice.

After lunch, we headed down to Provo.  We had a little time to spare, and I was definitely going to keep him with me for every second I could.  We stopped at the Provo City Center Temple and walked  around the grounds until it was time to go.  

It was a very short ride to the MTC.  For me, the experience was every bit as hard as I thought it would be.  Hardest thing I've ever done, watching him walk away.  I love you, Elder Martin.

"We cannot foresee what the Lord has in mind for us.  Our only course of action is to be prepared and 

worthy for whatever he requires." M. Russell Ballard