Week 8

Ryan spent a few days last week in bed. He was quite sick with flu symptoms.

His companion called a member and they quickly delivered  some

chicken noodle soup. Ryan is continually saying how great the members are. They would do anything for the Elders. Ryan received a blessing later in the week and he seems to be doing better. 

They are teaching an investigator who loves to play basketball. The elders are trying to put a team together so they can play but he said they are having a hard time finding anyone to play. He is teaching someone else who wanted to go to the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Temple. They were trying to make arrangements to take him there.  Transfer calls were Sunday and neither Ryan or his companion are being transferred.

A quick update...
My sister in law, Traci, just called, her neighbor, Bob Chidester, just called her. He is in Arizona and went to the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Temple. A missionary came up to him and said he recognized him, It was Ryan!!! Bob said that Ryan was happy and looked great! 

Week 7

Ryan is doing GREAT!

A few highlights from his week...

*Ryan and his companion had dinner with a sister. She was so impressed with him that she wanted to call me and tell me how wonderful Ryan is. Ryan is not allowed to give out his home phone number so I didn't get a call, so I guess I will take his word for it.

* Ryan is teaching at least 5 investigators. He also is working with new converts as well as a few less active members. He loves them all!

* A man had Ryan and his companion pull off the road and asked them to give him a blessing.

* There was a shooting in Ryan's neighborhood. He said someone got shot and died. The place was surrounded with helicopters and policemen. Ryan was thankful that he and his companion weren't working out outside that morning. His famous words, 'Don't worry mom, I'm safe."

*Ryan said he might get called on a new mission July 1st. The church announced a new mission in Gilbert, Arizona. Gilbert is currently in Ryan's mission. He said they are expecting his mission to be split and several of the missionaries to be called or transferred to the new mission. He is excited to see what happens.

Week 6

Ryan feels like his talk in church last Sunday went well. He said he talked for 20 minutes and could have talked longer. He said things there have been a little slow but they seem to be picking up a little. This past week he also had the opportunity to go to the temple.

Ryan sent me lots of pictures...

I have no idea what this is...

Ryan looks GREAT!

Week 5

Ryan continues to do amazing! They had a baptism last Saturday. He said that the confirmation the following Sunday in Sacrament Meeting was also great. He also had an opportunity to share his testimony. This coming Sunday Ryan is giving a 20 minute talk in Sacrament Meeting. Every day he reads a conference talk. He has asked that several of us read this talk by President Uchtdorf.

Ryan also told us to have more fun and not to worry so much. He suggested we go camping!  In President Uchtforf's talk he suggests 3 things we can do avoid some of the deepest regrets of life,

~Resolve to spend more time with those we love.

~Resolve to strive more earnestly to become the person God wants us to be.

~Resolve to find happiness. regardless of our circumstances.

A few highlights from his letter...

* I have gotten so sunburned that I am actually sick.

* We ride at least 30 miles on our bikes every day.

* A member brought us pizza! That was really a treat.

* The members here are so nice to us. It's hard for me to accept all they want to do for us and give us. A member cut my hair and would not take money for it.

* I think you and dad should move to here! It is so nice here, I love it! 

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mid week update

Yesterday I received a letter from Ryan as well as a SD card. Most of the pictures were taken at the MTC. He has promised to send pictures from Arizona next week. He said he has already gotten quite sunburned. He said sunscreen is too expensive. Not to worry though, as soon as Kamie heard this she quickly sent him a package with 3 different kinds of sunscreen, so he should be set. Ryan is doing GREAT!

Elder Carroll's mom (from Hawaii) made the missionaries in Ryan's district each a tie.
Elder Kirton & Elder Webb sporting their Aloha ties.

Elder Kirton and Elder Kirton

More Aloha ties...

More ties...

Breaking out of the MTC

Arriving at Salt Lake International

We wondered how Ryan was going to carry all of his luggage, looks like he figured it out.

Last look at the Utah mountains

Ryan's house in Arizona

Ryan's new mode of transportation.

Ryan says, " Thanks so much for everything and Never forget that I love you!"

Week 4

Ryan has spent the past 5 days in Arizona. He has already had some interesting experiences.
Here are a few highlights from his e-mail...

* The members here are so awesome!!  I'm gonna get fat! Everyone is so nice.

* Our area is huge, it's about a 45 minute bike ride to one of our areas, 25 minutes of that is riding through cotton fields. 

* We are over 3 wards, we spent 8 hours at church yesterday! It was ridiculous.

*  I think 50% of the members are hunters! I have already met 5 who are full time guides.

* My first day here...I almost died! A pit bull atacked me!! I was on my bike and it ran out and started chasing me, it went right past Elder Arndt and Elder Atkins and went for me! I peddled my bike so fast. It was nuts.

* We spent Saturday doing service for a lady. She has tons of animals. She has about 50 half llama half camel things, 38 dogs, 20 pigs and 8 ostriches, tons of chickens and at least 3 ponies. We helped her and this coming Saturday she is getting baptized!

He said he would be sending home a sd card today so hopefully in a few days I will have pictures.

a quick update...

I received a letter today!

Dear Mom,                                                                             Wednesday Night (02/20/13)

Hey mom, it's Ryan. I hope everything is going good back home. I made it to Tempe. My Mission President is awesome  He is a way nice guy and very funny too. My first day was so long but at the same time it went fast. I stayed at a members house last night. His name was Brother Jones. He is pretty old but very nice, we talked forever. Today I met my companion, he is from North Carolina. His name is Elder Arndt. We have a lot in common and we get a long very good. We live in an awesome house! We share with the Spanish speaking elders. It has been cold here. It is only 40 degrees and it has been raining.  We don't have a car, just bikes, Oh and my bike is great. We are just east of Queen Creek and about 45 minutes from Tempe. We are kind of in the middle of nowhere and I already love it here. I will write more on Monday. I 'm just writing to let you know that I am safe and good and that I love it here! and I love you too! Don't worry about me.
Love Elder Kirton

He's Arrived!

I just received word from the Mission President...

Ryan's has safely arrived in Arizona.

 The group of new missionaries that arrived in Arizona Tuesday

Elder Kirton in Arizona!

Week 3

I'm anxiously awaiting word from Ryan as to where he will be assigned. It was fabulous talking to him yesterday morning. He sounded really great! I watched his flight status on the internet and shouted for joy when his plane landed in Arizona yesterday morning at 10:01. He should have spent last night with members and returned back to the mission home this morning for meetings and to receive his assignment. He received a comment on this blog and I wanted to make sure and share it, so here it is...

Hello to all, I felt prompted to come on here and just say that Ryan is doing amazing right now. I have had the blessing of teaching him at the MTC. I have seen him grow and become a powerful teacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He impressed me by his humility and his maturity. Tonight we had a very powerful lesson on the Atonement and he shared his experience of what he went through with his sister. It was very touching and deepened my appreciation for the atonement and the Saviors plan for us. He is going to work miracles through the Christlike attributes he has. His family should be so proud and excited for this journey. He is going to bring many unto Christ. 
~ Brady Schvaneveldt

Half of Ryan's district left Monday morning. Most if not all of these elders were going to Texas.
He said they gathered Sunday night to say goodbye. He also said that he cried like a baby. It was very difficult to say goodbye as they have become such great friends. He also said that they sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" and at that point they all started crying.

A few highlights from his letters this past week

*Ryan had some heartfelt prayers answered and miracles happen, his reply,
"I love Heavenly Father!"

*He wants everyone to know that he loves them! He wishes he would have had time to call all of his family and friends Tuesday morning, but there just wasn't enough time so he wanted me to tell of you that he loves you! 

*He is encouraging his sisters and brother to teach their children the stories in the Book of Mormon. He said  to make sure that they are learning one story a week. He cannot stress enough how important it is to learn the doctrines of Christ.

* a final message to Richard and I...
mom! dad! do not worry about me!! go and do! what Jesus needs you to do!!

And now for some pictures...

Impersonating Elder Webb

Week 2

Counting today, Ryan has 4 days left in the MTC. He can't believe how fast time is flying by.
Last weekend, just as Ryan's teeth were starting to feel better, both he and his companion came down with the flu. They spent a day or two in their room recovering. They are both finally feeling better, however, a few of the other Elders in their district are sick now. Ryan said Elder Shepard was very sick a few nights ago. Ryan was asked to give him a blessing. He said he was scared, but the spirit was strong and it went very well. He was grateful for the opportunity. Ryan will leave the MTC very early Tuesday morning. He said  19 elders are traveling with him. Some are staying in Arizona and others are going to Texas. I am excited as he is allowed to call home from the airport. I am so excited to talk to him!

A few highlights from Ryan's letters:

* Ryan has come to love the MTC
* He has made some friends there that he is going to have a hard time saying good bye to.
* He said that a he and a couple of the elders have became good friends, almost like they have known each other all of their lives.
* He met an elder from Arizona who is an avid elk hunter. Ryan plans to meet up with him in about 2 years.
*Ryan is hoping that you can use Clorox 2 on colors, because he just dumped a whole lot in with all of his clothes. ( He said that their was a picture of colored clothing on the box, so it must be alright.)
*Ryan would like Richard to buy a cabin lot in Deer Springs. (that's a funny one, at least we know Ryan is still Ryan)
*He claims that he runs the MTC
* Ryan has learned so much these past 2 weeks. He is becoming more confident in Preaching the Gospel and he looks forward to arriving in Arizona and getting to work.
* He is grateful for all the letters and packages that he has received. He feels loved!

I didn't get any pictures this week, however, these pictures were from last week. At least we know that he is well dressed.