Week 16

I wasn't expecting an email until tomorrow, since the library is closed today. Ryan was able to go to a members house and write today. He seriously loves the members there. They would do anything for the missionaries.
Here is what he had to say today...

Yo yo yo! Whats up mommy? How have you been? Dad told me they were busy, that’s awesome!  Everyone here that is in construction is hurting so always be grateful for the work.  Everything is so good here. I  have never been so busy. Everyday its like there’s not enough time in the day  to do everything we have to get done. I have a lot of baptisms coming up, one on the 8th one on the 22th and one on the 29th.  Tomorrow we are going on splits cause we have so many lessons to teach. This never happens here, to be so busy and teaching so many people, but its good it makes time fly. Did Rick really draw out for the Paunsaguant? That’s so awesome, just my luck, you tell him to buck up and shoot a monster! Too bad the 3 best deer scouts aren't going to be there to scout for him. He just won’t shoot one quite as big.  haha   I crashed on my bike this week, too bad I didn't break anything cause then we would have gotten a car to drive. I love it here and I love you. Don’t worry about me, I am having the time of my life. The people here are so awesome.
I love you mom!
Elder Kirton


We have a missionary wall in the kitchen. Ryan's nieces and nephew are in charge of keeping his countdown chart updated. It looks like he has been gone 118 days.

I guess Claire was too short to reach the chart, so she just stuck her jewels on the wall.

Thanks to all of you who continues to pray for and support Ryan. 

a little catchin up

Elder Kirton is having an awesome time in Arizona.

A few weeks ago his companion as well as one of the Spanish Speaking Elders

in his house were transferred. His new companion is from California. 

I don't have a picture of his new companion yet, however, 

I did get to see him (via Skype) on Mother's Day.

It was great to see and talk to Ryan on Mother's Day.

He looks happy! 

In fact, he said he loves his mission so much that he doesn't miss home anymore,

except HUNTING, of course.

Elder Kirton said that he is still the same person, yet he has changed so much.

He has learned so much.

He has said that he opens his mouth to speak and words come out

that he has no idea where it came from.

(actually he knows exactly where the words come from.)

This past Sunday the High Counselor didn't show up so Ryan was asked to

talk in Sacrament meeting just as it was getting started.

He said he isn't even scared anymore. He happily accepted the assignment.

A few weeks ago it was Ryan's sisters birthday. Her name is Kristen.

Kristen passed away almost 3 years ago.

He had some advice for me as her birthday was approaching...

"Mom, I know May 3rd brings mixed feelings, it does for all of us. It brings a lot

of happiness, sadness and lessons. Just more feelings than I can explain. But I know  for myself as I turn to the Atonement and turn to the Lord, those feelings are turned into happiness, 

that's why I am out here. 

This week just focus on her laugh."

Another famous quote from Elder Kirton this past week...

"I'm a free spirit roaming the desert teaching people and I love it!"

These pictures are from a few weeks ago.

an early morning hike on P Day