MTC Pictures!

Here they are! The long awaited pictures! Sorry it took so long! Marcus left for California on wednesday. We haven't heard from him. We are waiting for a new address to write him emails and letters. Enjoy these photos!Elder Shepherd and his companion, Elder Grandy.

Drinks that other elders left behind his mirror.

Marcus loves homestar runner. We're assuming he did this in class while he was bored haha

Marcus and Blaine. A great friend from our ward who left a week before him to Texas (Spanish Speaking)

Their impression of Abbey Road (Beatles cover album)

Marcus & Blaine

This elder has his bear praying with him. That bear is 19 years old and he can't sleep without it! Marcus said they did a lot of stuff to the bear to tease the elder!

Apparently they like Cactus Cooler!

Headed to California

Hey everyone. So, this is the last thing I'm writing in the MTC. I leave on Wednesday, and I'm ready to leave. I'm so done with 4+ hours of class daily, a lack of different activities, and BYU hamsters (the chicken cordon-bleu). Also, I am ready for a new companion. I love Elder Grandy, but I'm ready for someone new. As for the last week here, here's how it goes:

Monday: Just a typical P-day. But, we went to the temple for the 6am session. There was NO ONE there, practically. So we got through that quickly.
Tuesday: The devotional was awesome. The speakers gave the great advice of, "No recuerdo!" (Google translate that one, you'll LOL!)
Wednesday: I hosted new elders again. I got one going to Sweden, I believe, and one from Australia. So, I'm not even sure what else new I can say.
Thursday: My final TRC. I thought it was our best. Mainly because we used Starbursts to explain the law of tithing :)
Friday: a typical Friday, but the LGM was nothing new.
Saturday: I realized I was ready to leave. Crazy.
Sunday: Some elders were leaving on Monday. We spent the whole day with each other. It's amazing how much you can bond with someone in just two months.

So, nothing too much is happening ahorita(right now). I'm just packing, and I'll next be writing home from California. Until next time, see ya, and HAZ LO JUSTO (just do it!).

*Side Note: I spoke with Marcus on the phone this morning. It was great to hear from him. He was at the airport, boarding his plane within the hour. He said he was excited to go to California but a little nervous. He said he would just use the words "No Recuerdo!" until he could understand or talk in Spanish. He is a little nervous about the language, but feels that he will be lead by the spirit. I asked him if he was nervous about the food, he said "If it's any better than the food at the MTC, I'm sure I will live!" Haha he did mention that he loved the BYU creamery ice cream every sunday and Wednesday. So he is well. We're proud of him!*

Time in the MTC

Hello everyone!

Just a little heads up. I received word that Marcus will be in the MTC until August 11th, 2010. Since he is learning Spanish he will spend about 8 weeks there!

So until them, all his letters will go there! He loves hearing from people, so write him a little note or something! He'll thank you for it!

After that he will head out to serve the people in San Fernando California!

Hopefully we will have pictures to post soon!!

Till We Meet Again

Hello Everyone,

This is Marcus' sister, or should I say, Elder Shepherd's sister. Wow that is weird. Last night Marcus was set apart as a missionary. We had his favorite dinner, Taco's and his favorite dessert, Crepes. We also had a chance to play some games and spend time together. The stake presidency came over, along with the bishopric from the ward. It was a very spiritual experience to hear the testimonies of my loving parents, and of the people who care and love Marcus. A very special blessing was pronounced upon him when they were setting him apart. We could feel the love and peace just knowing that the choice he is making to serve the Lord is right. We are so proud of Marcus and love him so much.

After the setting apart, we spent the last few hours together just hanging out and playing a board game as a family.

Then came the goodbye's for me and my husband. Of course, I cried. I still get choked up just thinking about it. But it's not that I'm sad. It's the spirit testifying to me that he is going to be ok. Even though it is hard that he will probably miss 2 more babies born into the family while he is gone, Christmas, Thanksgiving and other major events, I know it's ok. He is going to have his own special experiences, and I know he is going to learn so much.

This morning our parents and Marcus got up early and finished up the last of the little things to do. Then they headed out to Provo. I talked to Marcus for a moment on the phone before they left. He said he's doing fine, and the nerves hadn't hit him yet. But he asked "Em, you promise to keep my blog updated?" I said "Yes, I am going to do my best." So this is my promise to him that I will keep this blog updated, with letters, pictures and any other news that comes home.

I called my mom just as they pulled up to the curb at the MTC. She called me back shortly after. She wasn't crying. I was surprised. Until I said "How is he? How are you?" Then she started getting choked up. Then we both lost it. I had done well all day long until I talked to my mom. I know she's strong though, so she'll be ok.

I don't think it has fully sunk in yet. For now it just feels like he is out of town on a trip or something... Until a major holiday or something happens, or until Kyle invades the basement and takes over his room. Then I'm sure it will.

Kyle is the only one at home now. That is weird. But he needs all the attention he can get :) Hehe, I love ya Ky!

Well, hopefully the hardest part is over for us. We know we get to look forward to great things!

Marcus will spend about 8 weeks in the Provo MTC learning the Spanish Language and other gospel teachings. Then he will fly to California. We aren't sure the exact date yet but we will keep you guys posted.

Here's to Marcus...

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!