Two letters

It's been an exciting two days--yesterday flowers and a phone call and today I received two letters from Ryan. Apparently he wrote two days into reception and then again on Sunday.

In his first (and very short) letter, he just sounded exhausted and tired. They kept him up for 42 hours straight (4:30am to 10:30pm the following day). Ouch. He was "scary tired". It's harder than he thought, but thoughts of home and family help bolster him. He also sings hymns in his head ("I think of you and our wonderful family and sing a hymn to help get by. I still feel the presence of the spirit helping me to get through"). In his second (and equally short) letter he said that he was able to attend church on Sunday (they had "sacrament meeting and a gospel principle type class") where about 50 people attended. It was the "spiritual recharge" that he was in need of. It's hard to be around "the kids" (as he calls them) with their language (or lack thereof--he doesn't think they have a large vocabulary) and stories--but again, the hymns in the head and thoughts of family are strengths for him. And being able to attend church was very rejuvenating.

Lastly, he misses everyone and loves everyone. He will send an address as soon as he knows what his is. We are in his thoughts and prayers every day.

*sigh*

Isn't he wonderful? I can't even imagine being in his situation (nor would I ever want to be!). But so far he is remaining strong and close to the spirit. Prayers on his behalf would be greatly appreciated (especially since he will be receiving his shots on Monday...and we all know how well he does with needles LOL). And thank you to all of you who are already doing that.