May 4, 2021

 I don't know if Ethan will write a letter today or not.  His entire mission is going to Martin's Cove for p-day today.  He and his companions had to leave their apartment at 6 am this morning to drive the 4 hours and 11-minutes to get there on time.  They are spending the day, as a mission, doing service at Martin's Cove and then exploring the site.  It is going to be such a cool experience for them.  There are over 200 missionaries in his mission, so it's going to be a party.

Because of this, Ethan called Monday morning to chat with us and then sent a quick email with some pictures.  He is doing really well and really enjoys his companions.  They all have May birthdays so that has been a good connection.  They probably will only be together, all three of them, for the next week because transfers are on May 11th, but they have enjoyed the time they have been together.

The YSA ward covers two zones so they are really busy.  Things are progressing and they have a man who is from Utah and working in the oil fields that has been a great help to them.  They are teaching people, serving, and doing good.  They also cover the Centennial ward so Sundays are a bit hectic getting from one ward to another.  Ethan experienced his first fast and testimony meeting in a YSA ward.  It is an eye-opening experience.  They never get out on time because everyone wants to bear their testimony. He hadn't seen anything like it before. The elders were 30 minutes late to the family ward.  Luckily, there are sisters serving in the Centennial Ward also so they covered for them.

When we went to Colorado to go through the Fort Collins Temple with Ethan, we took his camera to him.  He has been using it a lot and I love getting pictures from him.  These are the ones he sent this week:

There is a grassy area behind their apartment and they saw a hawk swoop down to kill a snake.  They grabbed the camera and went outside to take pictures.  Ethan said the hawk was "really chill" so they were able to get close.  This is a picture of the hawk eating a snake like it's spaghetti.  Ugh!

I'll update you if Ethan sends an email today.

Thanks for always supporting and praying for him.  I know he appreciates it!