Elder Matthew Andersen: February 2009

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Second letter home

We received the second letter from Matt. He and his companion had given the first discussion. He said that it wasn't perfect but the Spirit was there. He also said that he is the only Elder in their district that isn't going to Austrailia or New Zealand. I guess that means that he will be the only greenie for a bit in New York! Thanks to everyone for sending the letters and packages. They mean a lot to him.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

First letter home

We received our first letter from Matt. He did get to see Randy. Elder Anderson is in the same dorm building just a floor down. His first companion is Elder Gale. His family is in Janna and Aaron's ward. He is a little overwhelmed and missing home a bit. I can hardly wait to get his next letter. I know we will see a change in Matt.

Elder Andersen's address

If you would like to write to Elder Andersen his address is:
MTC Mailbox #121
NY-NYCN 0303
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604-1793

He will be in the MTC until March 3. After that you can send mail and packages to:
New York New York North Mission
700 White Plains Rd. Ste. 315
Scarsdale, NY 10583

When he has the address of his first assignment he will notify us.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Provo MTC

This is it.....The end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It is such a bitter sweet time. A time for another child to grow up. The MTC was filled with other missionaries. Matt's luggage was left for later pickup along with hundreds of other bags. Elder Spencer Hadley was waiting to greet him. His big smile and comforting words made it easier for me to let go. Elder Andersen entered the MTC through one door and we entered through another. Thank goodness Becky, Eric, Alli and Madi were able to come with us. I got to put his name tag on his jacket for him. I suppose that made it official. We had a short meeting in the chapel. Then it was time for Matt to go one way and for us to go another. The great adventure begins for Elder Andersen.

On our way out of the parking lot we saw an Elder waving his arms and coming our way. It was Elder Randy Anderson, Matt's great friend. He was going to find Matt. The two of them are together again. Things won't be the same in the MTC for several weeks.

Ready? Oh yeah!

Byron, Allison, Matt and Becky bringing in the luggage.

Elder Hadley came and found Matt before he went in to the MTC. It's always nice to see friendly, familiar faces.

Mom putting his nametag on for the first time.

One last hug before leaving.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Family Ties

Monday, February 9, 2009
Today I got to spend time with Matty...I mean Elder Andersen. I was glad to be with him. When we finished his errands I handed him off to Josh..I know that Elder Andersen was relieved. It must be a guy thing. Thanks Josh for taking him to Grandma and Grandpa's and all the other places that you visited so he could say goodbye.
We held a family home evening/going away party for Matt that evening. So many of his friends and family came. After pizza and cake we played "put the tie on the missionary". Each member of his family purchased a tie for him and also had come up with a page for a book we put together called "Family Ties"." Thanks Kristin for coming up with the poem. Thanks Bensons for being part of our extended family. I love each of you so much for the great support you are to Matt.

Elder Andersen with his buddies.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Elder Andersen

Sunday, February 8, 2009 President Ross Montierth set Matt apart as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Steven, Josh, Bryant and Beth, some of Matt's siblings, were able to be there. Lauren and Hannah (Steven's girls) Byron and I, Doug and Rosanne were also in attendance. I told Matt that I would try not to cry...but of course I did. Where did the time go....seems like yesterday when Matt was riding that stick horse all around the house.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Family and Friends

On Sunday, January 25, 2009 Matt and Randy Anderson spoke in Sacrament meeting. They both did an awesome job. We had a dinner after for both families. Thank you to all who attended. Your support means so much to him.

Lauren, Bethany, McKay and Chelsea