The First Area

A week ago, Spencer got on a plane in Salt Lake and headed to Colorado. While he was at the airport, he was able to call home. I was sad that Maddie was already at school and Jeff was out of town for work, but I sure did love to hear his voice. I was really proud of myself for holding back the tears until the call ended.  I know it had only been 3 weeks, but  I sure missed that boy. It was amazing to have a great conversation with him.

His mission president's wife posted this picture on Facebook from the airport:

Spencer was assigned to Parker, Colorado for his first area. His companion is Elder Burt and they are living with a sweet family who has texted me a few pictures this past weekend.

 Yard work and Chipotle - what a great Saturday with service and yummy food

His first Sunday - On Monday, we got a message from a friend who used to be in our ward. She said her brother and sister-in-law are in the ward Spencer is assigned too. They said he bore a great testimony in sacrament meeting.

Here was his first email from Parker:

Hello! 6 days into the mission field... It already feels like it's been so long. I am emailing today because yesterday was a holiday and the library was closed so I am emailing today. The traveling was rough to the mission field but it is really nice here. Everyone is so nice! The first day I was here, some non-member gave Elder Burt, my companion, and I $20. It was so cool! I am currently in the Parker area serving in the parker south stake. I really enjoy it here. My companion is really funny. We are going to ask this week to this investigator, Becca, to be baptized. She believes everything we tell her so I think it will be good. I am looking forward to it. 

     Three days ago, we were visiting this one investigator and on our way back to the car, this lady was looking for her dog. We asked to help her find it and we started looking. I said a pray in my mind asking that we will find the dog. A minute later, not only did we find the dog but the dog came to us! Prayers do work if we truly ask for help in that which is good. So that small miracle already happened.

     I am doing great here. Some non-member said that she would buy me groceries if I ever needed it. They also took my companion and I to California Pizza Kitchen Saturday night. I love it here and can't wait to find more people to teach. I will email you all next week and hoping to here from you!

   -Elder Toomer

While he was at the library emailing us, he met the son of a girl Jeff grew up with. Elder Reynolds has been in Colorado for a year. We are so excited they met. What a small world!

Today in the mail, we received a card from Spencer. He started it by, "Dear Toomer Family." Apparently we are not Mom and Dad anymore. Haha! He included a picture of him and his Mission President and Wife, The Mendenhall's. We know he is well taken care of.