Jonathan's First Series of Letters!

It turns out that everyone (except me! oh no!) emailed Jonathan this week, so he had to rush to respond to each family member. Don't worry, I have a hand-written letter and cake for him. I'm not shirking in my duty too much! 

I don't have what they wrote him, but here is what he responded:

To my parents: 

Mom & Dad

I am having a fantastic time in the M.T.C.!  I have been feeling the spirit more then I ever expected and its only a few days in.  I look forward to continue in my learning and hope I can teach by the spirit.  I have a great companion named Elder Watkins who will help me come closer to the lord.  I have already taken a few pictures and am sorry there is no M.T.C. sign out front anymore.  The food here is really amazing so me and my roommates; Elders Watkins, OBA (from Japan), SUING (Korean I think) are trying to work out and stay fit.  Its amazing the atmosphere this place has since everyone is so in tune with the spirit.  Hope you are having a good time and Kevin is still working on his Mission papers.

Love,

Elder Ranquist

(on back side of letter) As soon as I finished my letter I was asked to be our elders quorum pianist since no one else knew how to play the piano.  By the way I am eating health.  I have been trying to eat a banana or something nutritious each meal.  I am going to stay in the M.T.C. for 3 weeks instead of 2 weeks.

To my mom:

I'm doing great sorry i have 5 minutes left cuz i was answering dads and drakes email so i dont have alot of time to aswer this message and i only saw the first sentance but my companion is elder Watkins and he is also goin to my same mission ill be here for 3 weeks and im having a BLAST! i have felt the spirit so much these last few days. a member of the 70 came on tuesday and gave a talk on missionary work and making sure the recent converts stay in the church. ctr ring fits great and have had some of the most powerful spiritual experiences here im just so happy. ok i read through it all and i will pray for you all back home hope you start feeling better and can relax ill try writing you a letter soon which will explan some spiritual experiences ive had and please wish grandma a happy birthday it wont let me onto her email for some reason. i have already sent 1 letter dont remember what i said but i hope you received it and hope kevin is working twords hims mission as well. well 10 seconds left so good by i love you love Elder Ranquist

To my brother:

Truthfully my first week was SO over whelming I was amazed. Recently I have gotten a hold of all of and and learning every day. today is my first pday at the mtc havent had one at all so that is why im typing to you now. I love the devotionals but go there 35 minutes early and there still isnt any seats so we have to go to the overflow. I actually dont play that much 4 square i went to 2m to do weights the first time i had gym time and 2 days ago i played basketball with some elders. My companion is Elder Watkins and i think hes awesome, hes deffinantly a better teacher then i am but im learning as best as i can. Its weird to have him around me all the time but Kevin was around me 24/7 while he was living at our house so i think that kindof prepared me for it. I have felt the spirit soo strong these last few days its been overwhelming. My testimony has strengthend soo much and Im so glad i dont have to learn a language. My week was the last week that the missionaries stay at the mtc for 3 weeks so the people this week (yesturday) only stay here 2 weeks so wee will be leaving at the same time. My companion will be going on the same mission as me the san francisco mission aswell. hope you guys are having a great time and wish you well i have to go soon i think you know how that is. the food here isnt the best but im not complaining that much. have tried the orange juice out of curiosity lol.

           Love, your brother

                    Elder Ranquist

 It sounds like he is having a wonderful life-changing experience already!