Hey Mom,
Not a lot has been happening here. We got a new district in. They're pretty chill. One of them is from Portland. I send you some photos.
I believe the elder second from the right is the one from Portland--Elder Chandler
I am definitely enjoying myself. Elder Cahoon's 5th great-grandfather's name is Reynolds Cahoon (he's in the D&C). The days have been flying by. I've been here two weeks already, yet I feel as if I got here yesterday.
My classes are awesome. I've been learning so much. Just last night I had an amazing faith building experience. We were reading from 3 Nephi 11. My teacher asked us to close our eyes (pretty risky) and visualize what it would be like if we were there. It strengthened my love for the savior and why I decided to come on my mission. The lessons with Sister Wiser (the teacher this happened with) has a reputation to cause one of us to cry, the Spirit's so strong. I normally don't cry at her lessons. That wasn't true this time. I was crying my heart out it was that strong.
I just want to say that, I know He loves me. He wants me to come home. I won't walk to Him when my name's called. I'll run. I want to feel His arms around me and hear his voice say I've done enough. I will try as hard as I can to be worthy of His love. I want to share that love. That's why I'm out serving him.
With much love,
Elder Matthew Blanding
P.S.
I ran into Ben yesterday at dinner. That was pretty cool. We had Chick-Fil-A.(Not sure if spelled right.)
Ben and Elder Matthew Blanding
(Ben is Matt's cousin)
Elder Matthew Blanding and Elder McComber
These two are from the same stake and were Stripling Warriors in the play "Built on the Rock". Elder McComber is going to New Jersey.
Elder Matthew Blanding and Elder Thomas Harper
Thomas is a good friend from the same stake. He is going to Tokyo Japan