January 5, 2021

This is Michelle.  Ethan wrote to me to tell me that he isn't going to have time to write to everyone but that he loves you all. ;)

Ethan is being transferred to Riverton, Wyoming.  He said he will be in the Mountain View District.  He didn't know a whole lot but he said the sisters are in the Pavillion area and his area is below that area.  On the map we have, it shows that the Mountain View Ward is the area below the sister's area, but I'm sure he will have more details when he calls next week.  This is his first transfer in the mission. 

Ethan is sad to leave Wellington, CO, because he and his trainer worked so hard in the area.  And the 2 Wellington areas are going to be combined back into 1 area, so he is sad about that.  But he said he didn't sleep the night he found out he was going to Wyoming because he was so excited.

The twist to the story is that he is being transferred with his greenie, Elder Blackham.  So they are going to continue as companions but in Wyoming.  Ethan said it doesn't happen like that very often.

He said he was going to spend his day doing laundry and packing.  He didn't have information this morning about how the transfer was going to work.  He didn't know if they had to clean out the apartment, or what was expected since no one will be moving into their apartment after them.  He doesn't even know how he is going to get the 4 1/2 hours from Wellington to Riverton.  Usually, when they had groups going up to Wyoming from Colorado, they would rent a bus.  But they can't do that with Covid so Ethan doesn't know how it's going to work.  I'm sure that is adding to some stress because this is his first transfer so he doesn't know what to expect and he is responsible for his greenie during it all too.  Plus, he has gathered a lot of STUFF so I'm praying it will all fit in his suitcases.  He said he has a box and a tote he has acquired. So, prayers would be really appreciated.

I'm excited to hear how things are in his new area.

Here are some things Ethan told us or that I saw on the parent's Facebook page for his mission:

The restrictions are loosening in Wellington (where he is leaving from) so they can now enter people's homes again.  That isn't helpful to him but he mentioned it when he called.

They found a new person to teach on Sunday and Ethan was really excited about it.  The man had been taught before by missionaries and was open to learning more.  He had questions and they were able to teach him a lesson, so that was great!  

Last week, one of the districts in Riverton went fishing.  So Ethan may get to go fishing while he is there! He will be extremely excited about that one.

Ethan will be in the Wind River Range. 

I'll let Ethan give you more details next week in his letter but we are excited for him.