Ben's Mission

I received the top 2 photos from members in Idaho before I even received an email.  It was so cool getting both of the pictures.  Here is Elder Trezise's first email from Idaho: I made it.  I am fine.  P days are Mondays for me now, so that's cool.  I live like 2 minutes away from the Idaho Falls Temple, which is gorgeous.  My companion, Elder Nelson is awesome, and is a zone leader so I have keys to the churches and stuff.  He doesn't have driving privileges which is stressful for me because I have to drive everywhere.  But I love it here.  It's nice and cool and everyone is so nice.  The charge on my card should probably be around $20 or so.  I thought it already charged me, because a while ago I ordered a birthday present for Ian, but it didn't come yet.  It's an infinity gauntlet mug, so if that comes in the mail I'd appreciate it if you could give it to the Wanlass fam so they can send it to Ian.  If it charges me...

   The best part of modern technology is getting random texts from people with pictures of Ben.  I got this photo on Sept. 26, 2018 - the day he left the MTC for Idaho on the shuttle bus.  The woman caught the missionaries eating lunch at Cafe Rio.  I had been praying for Elder Trezise because I knew this was a hard, scary day for him.  Seeing his smile in this picture was a tender mercy.   I received this photo of Elder Trezise and his mission president and wife (President and Sister Nelson) that same day with this short email: Hello Brother & Sister Trezise,   I just wanted to let you know that Elder Trezise arrived safely in the Idaho Falls Mission this afternoon.  We are excited to get to know him!  If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please do not hesitate to contact me.   Also, I just need to confirm the correct email address for Brother Trezise; I have two versions and I am not s...

Elder Trezise sent these pictures of his time in the MTC the day before he left for Idaho.  He sent me quite a few short emails that day - just responses to questions I had asked.  He was sad the whole day because quite a few from his district had already left to where they would be serving.  Here is his "long" email: "I love the camera and it works fine.  Thank you for sending it.  And I love Evan's comic.  My friends and I died while reading it.  This is my last day in the MTC and I am honestly so sad.  It would be a lie if I said all of us haven't cried at least once in the last day.  Elder Beus and Elder Brady, two friends who I dearly love left this morning, and it sucks to be here without them.  Elder Meador, Elder Goodman and Elder Garbett are leaving today at 11, and we all woke up and cried this morning.  It's strange that after only three weeks I have a profound and everlasting love for these guys.  I ...

 Note- He had previously asked for a copy of his patriarchal blessing.  I had it copied, shrunk and laminated so he could carry it with his scriptures.  I also sent him a package with other things he'd asked for.  From Elder Trezise: I did get the package and I absolutely love it.  The pictures and blessing make me so happy.  I am still loving it here, but it's harder on some people.  Somebody from my district just went home, and it is so sad because despite the fact that I've only known these guys for 2 weeks, I trust and love them so much.  I know some of them will be lifelong friends of mine.  I miss home, but love the work.  It is so spiritually draining.  My knees have callouses and no longer hurt when I get down to pray.  I feel so happy all of the time, and know it is because this Gospel is true.  I am taking the shuttle to Idaho, and I leave next Wednesday.  It sounds like Big Brother is pretty good, and...

 From Ben (in response to my letter to him): Hey guys!  So just a few things right off the bat, yes, you can send pictures, my departure date is September 26th, and I would love it if you could send that camera, and a laundry bag to hold my dirty clothes in.  Also, I did get the dry cleaning email *.  I love and miss you guys alot, but in all honesty I have never been happier in my entire life.  I study the gospel and feel the spirit roughly 13-14 hours a day.  I get along with and absolutely love all of my district.  I have learned more about the gospel and more about myself in the past week than I have learned before.  You should see my annotations of the first Book of Nephi and of Preach my Gospel.  I have realized how many hidden truths and messages are hidden in the scriptures.  If you search diligently enough you can find truth in literally every verse.  Yes, even 1st Nephi 2:15.  But, despite how much I've changed I'm ...

 I barely slept the night before we took Ben to the airport and I think he slept even less.  He told me that he was so nervous but you'd never know it from how he was acting.  I think he was most sad to say goodbye to his dog.  We took so many selfies together all across Europe but this would be our last selfie together for 2 years.  Ben was nervous about knowing where to go and what to do once he got to the airport in Salt Lake City.  I told him to follow the sister missionaries (there were quite a few at the airport that day).  It all worked out.  Besides me, I think Max had the hardest time with Ben leaving.  They have always had a close relationship.  For weeks after Max would ask me, "Do you miss Ben?" Which was his way of wanting to talk about Ben or to let me know that he was missing his brother.   We got one short email that day.  It said: Hey fam? Wassup?  I just got to the MTC and am reall...

 On Tuesday, Sept 4, 2018 Ben was set apart as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   Kim, Brian, Grandma, Grandpa, Darrel, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola, Max, Evan and I were all there.  This is not the exact blessing he received - but close - Kim took notes: Benjamin David Trezise I set you apart as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.   You are assigned to labor in the Idaho Falls mission.   As you do so with all your heart, might mind and strength you will have great joy.   The Lord will be with you and guide you and direct you. I bless you with the gift of revelation. I bless you to be able to recognize the people the Lord puts in your path and that you will be able to engage them in conversation and invite them to come unto Christ. Seek the Lord in humble prayer and serve him.   As you do this, doubt and darkness will fade away and you will be filled with light. I bles...