June 3 Letter-Our first letter

Hey Mom and Dad-

How are you doing? Today was a big day and it didn't exactly start out how we thought it would did it? I'm really sorry we had to be so rushed saying goodbye, I know mom especially would have liked to have a bit more time. Oh well, the work goes on.

Well after you left, this is a little about how my day went. I was rushed through some lines and got my name badge and my debit card. I was then rushed through some more lines for immunization stuff. I eventually made it down to the bookstore where I got a huge bag of books. Then I went to my room and had about an hour before our meetings started. I met my companion, Elder Guynn (probounced like Gwinn). He's from Connecticut and he seems like an awesome guy. I met my two roommates Elders Player and Johanson. We are all going to Moscow West and are all very excited to get to work.

The meetings we had today were pretty good. The first was an intro to some training. The second was about the referral center. After that was a meeting where the Mission Presidency spoke. Then we ate lunch where I found Elder Potter. He was nervous just like me but also very excited. I found out we aren't even in the same branch, let alone district. There were about 500 missionaries who arrived here today and about 50 are headed to Russia. There is one small group ahead of us, but we are the first real wave of missionaries to be sent to Russia. Now that the visa problem is fixed, the Church is heading back into Russia full force. I'm really excited to be a part of it.

Thanks for the letter Dad. It means so much to me to know I have so much support back home. I'll work my hardest to not let you down, the Lord down, or myself down. I have high hopes and expectations for myself and the work.

We get 30 minutes a week to email and we aren't supposed to write letters except on P-day which is Tuesday. I assume you got the same address card they gave me. Could you give my address to the rest of the family? I'll write them all as soon as I have time. We won't be able to go to the temple for the next two weeks so I should have plenty of time. I love you guys so much and appreciate all that you do for me.

Love, Elder Geddes