[This first post will be written by me, Doreen Blanding, Matt's mom. The rest of the blog will be his letters home. I might stick in some editorials every now and then, but for the most part, these are Matt's words and pictures home.]
We dropped Matt off at the MTC March 2nd and I cried. We went for ice cream to console my heart. It didn't work. I really miss Matt. I can't wait for my first letter home and it better be soon!
On Friday, March 5, 2016, we got an email from Ron Harper whose son, Elder Thomas Harper is in the MTC right now with this message:
Matt Blanding, one of my friends from Washington, came to the MTC on Wednesday, as well as Nathaniel Nemeth. I've only found Matt so far, but it was still fun. Sadly, he did not bring a Rubix cube like I thought he would, so he couldn't solve one for me again. He is really good at solving those, with his best time under 20 seconds, hence why I wanted to see him solve it again. It's awesome how fast he is at that. I can't solve those things period. He was happy, excited, and "High on life" (1997(c)Matt Blanding). He seems to be taking it well. He thinks that the MTC is really fun, and his companion seems like a great guy.
I'm happy!
Elder Matthew Blanding jumping for joy!
Elder Matthew Blanding and Jason.
Doreen (mom) and Elder Matthew Blanding
Steve (dad) and Elder Matthew Blanding
The cousins!
Elder Matthew Blanding and Doreen (his mom).