The First Transfer!

Today was JT's first transfer- Missionary Training Center to Washington DC!  We were able to speak with him on the phone for a little bit.  He sounded wonderful!!  It is interesting how a couple of weeks of immersion and focus can refine someone.  JT mentioned how the spirit was very recognizable to him- his words- 'It was SWEET!'.  I asked him what his favorite scripture he studied in the MTC - Jacob 6- He has found this chapter helps him understand that he is on a mission to help those he meets understand they can repent, and follow Christ.  Even though sometimes the path is narrow- we all can make it.  Certainly his perspective has been re-aligned, he has his mind focused and is ready to serve.

We had a nice call from the mission president tonight.  The message said- 'Elder Ekberg made it
safe, he ate a BIG meal, had a great testimony meeting and he is doing magnificently!

Love this missionary!

Sunday Surprise!

We were surprised to get a quick note from our missionary today.  His note had some pictures of him and his companion Elder Ellis.  I asked JT some specific questions to give us an idea of what it is like in the field... an idea I got from our friends the Brey's - their son AJ is serving in Peru and played ball with JT at Hillcrest!  Here are the questions, his answers, and a few pics he sent.  Enjoy!

1- What do you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

USUALLY CEREAL AND MUFFINS, LUNCH AND DINNER USUALLY DEPENDS ON IF WHAT THEY HAVE SOUNDS/LOOKS GOOD OR NOT LOL

2- What is your daily schedule like?

WEEKDAYS: PERSONAL STUDY BREAKFAST, CLASS FOR LIKE 3-4 HOURS THEN LUNCH, COMPANIONSHIP STUDY THEN CLASS AGAIN, DINNER,MORE STUDY TIME AND SOMETIMES WE WILL GIVE BLESSINGS TO THE SISTERS

3- When is your p day and what do you do?

PDAY FOR US IS THURSDAY AND WE WILL DO THINGS LIKE LAUNDRY AND CLEAN AND HANGOUT WITH THE OTHER ELDERS I GUESS HAHAHA

4- How much scripture study are you doing- and do you have a favorite one?

THERE IS SO MUCH!! AND PERSONALLY I LIKED 1NEPHI 10:18 (PLEASE READ!!!!!!!)

5- Tell us about your zone leader job!  what do you have to do??

ZONE LEADER IS FAIRLY EASY! WE HAVE TO KEEP THE DISTRICT LEADER INLINE IS BASICALLY IT! WE WILL MAKE AN AGENDA FOR PRIESTHOOD NEXT SUNDAY BEFORE WE LEAVE AND GET THAT ORGANIZED.

On the 3rd day- we got a letter!

Hey y'all!!

Just wanted to let you all know about my 3 days of the mtc experience so far!

So the first day was very emotional at some parts of the day. When we got situated, we went to the classroom to meet the other elders in our mission and our companions for the MTC stay. My companion is from arizona and is pretty awesome! He played football in high school and is pretty big! We have two other elders in our room and their names are Elder Paul (from Las Vegas) and Elder Humphrey! Elder Humphrey and I went to Hillcrest together! All 4 of us will be flying out on the same day on the same flight!!! I have never been so excited about a plane ride before!

The second went by slow but good and the food here, ya it is pretty good not gonna lie!

The third day we had gym time and I played basketball with the other elders there and it probably wasn't the best idea. I got a blessing from the elders in my room and the next day it was feeling a little better!

Hope you all are doing great!!

"When we receive revelation of any kind, we receive faith and confidence not only in our self, but also in the Lord and this will lead to a change of heart and conversion."

With Love,

Elder Ekberg 

And He is OFF!!

The day has finally arrived!  JT entered the MTC today!  The family went to breakfast together- He chose Denny's for some reason??!!  It was the first time I witnessed him not finishing a meal!!  He may have been nervous, excited and anxious to get this first leap over with!  After breakfast we went and got his bags, received a father's blessing and we made our way to the MTC.   We were able to spend some time as a family at the Provo temple grounds.  JT was able to meet a few Elders and Sisters - everyone was super friendly.  We were able to spend some last moments with him at the temple- lots of hugs, tears, laughter and fun!
We dropped him off at 12:45; station #23.  His host was Elder Shulemberg from Germany who is going to Japan, Nagayo- Imagine that!!  The 2 and half minutes to say good bye were precious and powerful.  He gave us all great big JT hugs, said good bye and went forth boldly and with great faith.  We love our missionary- and are excited for this adventure!