Letters from the MTC

Wes has his 2-week anniversary at the MTC tomorrow. We've received a couple of letters and here are the highlights:

• First couple of days were difficult adjusting to the food, but all seems okay now.
• His companion is Elder Salas from Layton, Utah. Elder Salas was also an "ice-monkey" this summer, earning mission money by working at an ice plant.
• Another elder in Wes's district is from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Wes says they talk about the "Land of Enchantment".
• Wes was made District Leader. This is basically a leadership role. For all who know Wes, he's a natural leader.
• All the food seems to give him gas, but this is not something new. There is a reason his nickname is GasMan. Apparently, apple juice is deadly.
• Was able to attend the Provo Temple. It was awesome!
• Got "checked out" by a group of young women at the Provo Temple.
• So far, most of the devotional speakers have talked about being bold. Good messages for new missionaries.
• He sorta feels bad that he left his room in such a mess.
• He's looking forward to getting to Washington next Tuesday.

Departure Day

The trip to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah required an early start. Here is Elder Whipple checking in at the Farmington airport at 5:15 am.

One last goodbye with Mom and Dad.


Security took about 5 minutes.



Loading the plane, Elder Whipple was the only passenger with luggage. Departure time: 6 am. From Farmington to Denver, on to Salt Lake City, and then a shuttle bus from Salt Lake to the MTC in Provo. Elder Whipple is on his way!