Into the MTC - a week early

Matt went into the MTC a week early - it was that or a month or more later, due to visas and travel plans, etc. So he went in on August 27, 2008. Mom and Dad and Becky went with him to the MTC to say goodbye, and Erick, Megan and Lily, and Kenny met them before they left CA. Shannon and Matt had travel plans all ready to see Matty for his original date - over Labor Day weekend, but weren't able to change plans with such short notice so they missed his departure. The recent family reunion in Idaho would have to be enough for the next 2 years.
Here are some pics of the day at the MTC:

August 27 - first letter from the MTC

Mom! Dad!

Thank you so much for all your help! Mom, thanks to you I feel so very prepared for everything that has come my way.

Thus far the MTC has been great. The elders I am with are Elder Austin and Campbell. They are both great guys and I am enjoying their companionship a lot. Our branch presidency is full of wonderful men that have so much wisdom to impart to me. Thus far even though the first day has been mostly instructive on rules and what not, I can still feel the spirit so strong. These young men are the Disciples of Christ.

It was so sad to see you go but I am truly happy to be here. I was informed that we will be only in the MTC for 4 weeks. I know it’s crazy but I am trusting in the Lord that he will help me. I love you guys and hope you are all doing well because I am doing fantastic! Well, I better go. Big first day of Indonesian tomorrow! Yee ha! (Seriously, I am really excited). All right, love you and will write you soon.

Love,
Matt

So, we just found out...

... that Matthew now has to learn Amasa/Indonesia! Which I guess means the language of Indonesia. Yikes!! The mission now is only Singapore and Malasyia. Apparently it was split back in 2007. No more Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh in the mission. They need to update the booklets that they send out.... we thought he would be moving between all of those countries.

He will be in the MTC now for about 10 weeks. Funny how things change in a week or 2. He already has his passport and he is getting ready for his temple recommend soon too - lots of changes in the next few weeks!

Getting The Call

On 5 phones at once to get the news out to the fam!

The letter - leaving Sept 3 to the MTC

Reading the Call - Singapore? Where the heck is that?!

Singapore!

Matt got his mission call today - he is headed to the Singapore Mission on September 3, 2008. He is speaking English, which got me curious. What do they speak in Singapore? A visit to Wikipedia later, here is what we know:

Singapore is in Malasia, which is located South of Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia.

Singapore is a multi-religious country. According to statistics, around 51 percent of resident Singaporeans (excluding significant numbers of visitors and migrant workers) practice Buddhism and Taoism. About 15 percent, mostly Chinese , Eurasians, and Indians, practice Christianity - a broad classification including Catholicism, Protestantism and other denominations. Muslims constitute 14 percent, of whom Malays account for the majority with a substantial number of Indian Muslims and Chinese Muslims. Smaller minorities practice Sikhism, Hinduism, the Bahá'í Faith and others, according to the 2000 census.[66]
Some religious materials and practices are banned in Singapore. The Jehovah Witnesses, for example, are prohibited from distributing religious materials[67] and are sometimes jailed for their pacifist refusals to serve in the Singaporean military.[68]
About 15 percent of the population declared no religious affiliation.

English is the first language learned by half the children by the time they reach preschool age and is the primary medium of instruction in primary school; however mother tongues are taught in the respective languages.

I hope they call me on a mission!

Matt Johnson is waiting for his mission call! He sent his papers in and now it's just a matter of time. We expect he will get his mission papers on Friday - this Friday, June 20, 2008.

So, this gives us time to do a little family contest. Where will Matt be called? Send in your guesses by commenting on this post - we will see who was the closest, and if anyone guesses his exact mission call, we will send you a package of goodies for winning!

My guess is he will go to a Scandinavian country and put those Swedish good looks to use! I am going to guess Norway though, not the motherland.

Ok - send me your guesses! And I will use this blog to keep everyone updated on Matty's mission and post his letters, pics, etc. Stay tuned!