Braden's address

I thought that I had posted this earlier but I guess not.

The easiest way to get letters to Braden right now is through pouch mail.

 Write on one side of plain white paper, fold it into 3rd's and tape it closed-leavig about 1 inch on either side.
Put address and first class stamp on outside of letter -no envelope!!!

Pouch mail to

Elder Braden Michael Erickson
Uganda Kampala Mission
POB 30150
Salt Lake City Ut 84130-0150

I am sure he would love to hear from you.

Squirt gun party

I registered to do a Nurf squirt gun party through a company called House Parties.

And they actually choose me to host a party. They sent me 5 Nurf Squirt guns and 10 bags of Cheetos, lots of coupons and tattoos. We were supposed to have the party Saturday but Loren's work is hosting Lagoon Day-so it is free for us.  We can't pass that up, so we had the water party early.  The boys invited some friends and I bought extra guns and of course used the coupons.  The kids had a blast and got to take Cheetos home with other fun goodies.
We may do this again this summer just because it is so much fun.

He made it to Africa

Yes, he made it. I kind of stressed about it. Because he called and talked to Loren from the airport and said that he had to do the last part of the trip on his own.  I'm guessing it was because they had his travel itinerary wrong the first time around.
The silly kid, I waited around at home knowing that he gets to call home and find out that he called Loren at work.
I'm glad he made it safely.

Here is an email we received from his mission President today.

12 June 2013

 We want you to know that your son, Elder Braden Erickson has arrived in the Uganda Kampala Mission.  I was very pleased to note the preparation, worthiness and commitment of your son to be obedient and to serve the Lord honorably.  He spent his first day at the Mission Home where we had lots of special training and food.

Elder Erikson is a choice young Elder, eager to be an excellent missionary.  His testimony is strong and I am honored to have him serve in our Mission.  Elder Erickson is laboring in Gulu, District with an excellent trainer, Elder Plant.  Sister Jackson and I will see Elder Erikson in a timely manner at Zone Conferences, and I will have an interview with him on those occasions. This is a wonderful Mission and I know that Elder Erickson will be successful.  We pledge to keep our eyes and hearts open to his needs.

Thank you for teaching, nurturing and sending forth this fine young Elder. He will serve the Lord, honor the Erickson Family and other loved ones.  The Missionary Department has authorized e-mail to the family once a week and we are grateful for this added blessing.  May the Lord bless you with peace and assurance that all is in His hands.

Yours Sincerely,

2nd trip to MTC

You would think that one trip to the MTC would be enough. Not if your child's name is Braden.

So it goes like this...
letter and emails from Braden---

Dear Mom and Dad,
I still need my yellow fever card!!!
The MTC is going great.
I got a NEW flight plan. I will be going to SLC, to Washingtion D.C. (yes, Paige, that's right)!Then I will  be going to Belguim Brussels to Entebbe Uganda!
I Leave June 10th.

 If you can I need to have the yellow fever card by Wednesday, Thanks.

oh, I have something I want to share and its...
"Try a little harder to be a little better"

Braden


Uhm, with the emails we sent back and forth, we decided that he didn't get a yellow fever card. So, I went to get one from the health department. They were very sure that he got one. It was a good thing that he had signed a release form for me to get his information, the first time I was there, or they wouldn't have given it to me. So after talking to them and them checking their computer, they finally give me the yellow fever card.
I get home, open Braden's draw in the kitchen and guess what, there is his original yellow fever card!
I write hi a letter and get it ready for the mail.  Loren says he isn't sure it will make it to him beforeMonday. So, this morning I drive back to the MTC.  The security there is very strict. They give me a card at the security window and tell me to park in #1 and call this number. I talk to someone in the MTC whom tells me they will let me drop off the card, but only the card and that a security guard will come to me to get it in a few minutes. I take the card out of the envelope and in a few seconds there is a guard asking me a few questions, takes the card and tell me to have a good day.  Wow, they don't even let you into the parking lot.

By the time I got home, there was an email from Braden saying "thanks" that was it , silly kid. -mom