Week 2 (from Mission President)

AREA: Northwest Zone, Tucson (Catalina, AZ)
COMPANION: Elder Young

Ryan left the MTC on Monday (we previously thought it was Tuesday, but it was actually Monday) and flew to Tucson from Salt Lake. He's officially in the field! No email from Ryan this week (at least not yet), but this is an email that his mission president sent to mom and dad. It's quite obviously scripted and sent to every missionary's parents upon his or her arrival (with specific information filled in the blanks), but we appreciate the sentiment... 

September 2, 2015

Dear Brother and Sister Smith;

It was a very special experience to personally greet your son, Elder Smith, at the airport upon his arrival in Tucson.  We were impressed by his great spirit and desire to serve.  We are grateful to have him serving here with us.

From the airport we took him and the other missionaries to the Mormon Battalion Monument in downtown Tucson, where we talked about commitment, and leaving behind all the cares of the world to focus on the work of the Lord.  After a brief stop at the mission office to meet the office staff, we went to the mission home, where our Elders and Sisters received instruction and training from the Assistants to the President, Sister Passey and myself.  I had the pleasure of interviewing your son and getting to know him personally and to feel his wonderful missionary spirit.  Later that evening we dined together, took photographs and took the opportunity to discuss our purpose as missionaries.

Elder Smith has been assigned to the Northwest Zone, located Tucson, AZ with Elder Young as his companion.  

As you write to your son, please encourage him to continue to serve faithfully, being completely obedient throughout his mission.  We know that he, and the Tucson Mission, will be in your prayers.  We also know that the coming months will bring many blessings into your lives by your son’s faithful service and the sacrifice you are making for him to serve the Lord and his fellow men.  Thank you very much for having prepared your son to withstand the rigors of missionary life and now to be serving with us here.

May the Lord bless you.   We send our love and appreciation.

President David G. Passey                                                                               

Sister Beth Passey

Arizona Tucson Mission

 Thank you for your continued prayers for Elder Smith as he's on his mission! His mission president included this picture:

Ryan with the mission president and his wife. Looking like such a little missionary dork with his tag! So cool...