When Eli naps Isaac and I have lots of time together. Sometimes we read, sometimes we learn about money or letters or numbers, and other times--our favorite times--we sit and look through photos.
Matt has recently scanned in around 100 photos from his mission (only making about 1/3 of the photos). Isaac and I really enjoy looking through them.
Background info: Matt served a LDS mission to the Alabama Birmingham Mission 2003 thru 2004. He served in most of the "major" cities: Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville. Other places included Decatur, Tuskegee, and Columbiana.
LDS missions are typically 2 years, but Matt served 18 months BECAUSE he was called off his mission to do a tour with the Idaho Army National Guard to Iraq for 18 months.
He LOVED his mission, and was very dedicated. How do I know this? Well... um... that's how we met, you see. I'm from Alabama, LDS, and Matt served in our area. Really no shame. I grew up around missionaries, so he was just another guy to befriend. But me and my family took notice of him because of his quite, dedicated, attitude. He was simply very impressive.
Matt worked hard, knew why he was out there, and loved the people.
So enjoy the photos, and enter the world of a 20 year old learning a new culture and preaching the gospel...
Missionary Training Center (MTC) Provo, Utah
Matt and his two close buddies pointing to where they're going.
Tornado Shelter
Matt's first experience with Alabama server weather.
They saw around 5 tornado tunnels form.
Antagonizing a "killer dog"
Road kill: Armadillo
Tuskegee University
I believe this is the first black college. Very cool place. Lots of history here. Learn more here.
The college football rivalry between Alabama and Auburn is insane.
I love this photo.
Matt and his companion out looking for someone to hear the Good Word.
Sign on the interstate highway.
This isn't too far away from my house, actually.
Matt's favorite church marquee message:
An absolutely insane rain storm
A soda pop wall.
Because they could, so they did... 579 cans of pop.
A Cross Garden
Some crazy guy's outlet with his obsession with Jesus, Hell, and Sinners.
Christmas 2003
Matt and his companion spent Christmas morning with us.
Game of RISK commenced.
A friendly game of homemade PIT out of Uno cards
(One needs about 5 decks of Uno cards to make the PIT game. It's easier just to buy the game, believe me.)
Matt biked well over 3,000 miles.
Matt and his two trainees.
Matt flew down a hill, on his bike, at night. And crashed. Twice.
NASA Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL
Flat tire. The nail went completely through the rim too.
Matt and fellow missionary (MTC buddy) holding actual assault rifles. 2nd amendment, baby!
This is the guy that took Matt to Metallica last December. Click here.
One of 44 original 1611 King James Version of the Bible. Pretty amazing.
P-day. Matt seeing if he can still play the drums.
Matt stopping in on one of his district leaders district meetings.
It has been a lot of fun going through all of these photos. It is kinda weird to see Matt with hair! And maybe you got a look into what living in Alabama is like. Maybe that explains ME :)
I am so thankful for Matt's service. All that he learned, did, and gained has been such a blessing for our small little family.
2 comments:
I've been to the Nasa Museum- it was fun. Also, is it a problem if I think KUDZU is beautiful??? I know its a pain but I seriously love driving over bridges in the country and seeing a ravine covered in it- so pretty. Also, a little confused- you called your family small...that's cause 3/5 of it is small in height RIGHT??? hehe. Family of 5 here you come! Matt looks like he had a pretty great mission- of course!, he met you!
He looks so young! I have to say, you still look as young as the Christmas morning picture! I think that your boys will look like Matt. Especially Isaac! Anyway, Tanner talks about Isaac everyday. Whenever he sees our new neighbors walk out of the apartment he just says, "Why did Isaac have to get a new house?" It makes me sad! I miss having you next door so that I can just send Tanner out to play with Isaac when he is driving me crazy! He doesn't have many big friends left! I think we are coming over to Boise in June, so if you guys are around, maybe I could swing by with Tanner! It would be fun to see you again! Anyway, I hope you are well!
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