Week 2

Elder Hawkins is learning lots and keeping busy. However, he is still pretty homesick. I am so grateful for his strong desire to serve the Savior because without it, I'm sure he would be home already. He is so strong and we are so proud of him for relying on the Lord and having FAITH that he can do HARD THINGS. He has shared his testimony with us through email and also his appreciation for an AWESOME mom.
In his email this week he gave a shout out to all of you that wrote him last week. The list included Chris Wiggins, Chris Summerhays, The Scott's, Jeri L., Bro. Parry, David, Rob, Bro. Riggs, Tammy and Letty. I know there were more of you who wrote, I'm sure your names will be on the next letter. He recieved these all in one day from Dear Elder and he said that it made his night! He said the letters really help him and he is so thankful for all your encouraging words. Continue to write, he needs the support to make it out of the MTC and into Spokane. Elder Hawkins also wanted to make it clear that he is really busy and doesn't have much time to write, once he gets into Spokane he will be able to respond to more letters.
 This past week he taught investagators who are actors in the MTC and says it is so real. He almost got the investagators to pray with him. Elder Holland also visited the MTC and talked on Thanksgiving and he was grateful for his words of advice.
Today before he e-mailed, he visited the Temple. On his walk over he said it was way to cold outside, the couple of inches of snow on the ground was not appreciated by him at all; he really misses the Tucson weather. These four weeks in Provo will be a nice introduction to cold weather, because once he gets to Spokane there is no turning back.

The First Letter

Elder Hawkins wrote home today and as expected he is very homesick. He is keeping busy with an intense schedule at the MTC however, his mind drifts on and off to his family. He gets 30 minutes to email on his P-day and because he is slow at typing he only managed to get one large paragraph sent. His companion is from Ohio, and he is 'learning to love him' as the days move forward. He isn't a big fan of the MTC food, but he says it will keep him alive until he gets to Spokane. He did have a hamburger (his all-time favorite food) today which he was happy about. Elder Hawkins ends his letter with "...stress, learn, read, talk, preach, talk, pray. I love you all so much."

He has asked for some letters, he would love to hear from you all. Please encourage and pray for him. Again, see the first post from November 17, 2010 for information on how to write him from http://www.dearelder.com/

OR his MTC address is

Elder Hawkins
2005 North 900 East
Provo, UT 84604-1793
MTC Box #252

The First Day / Info

Elder Hawkins was called to serve in the Washington, Spokane mission from November 2010 - November 2012. His departure this morning was bitter sweet as is family will miss him so much. We know he is where he is supposed to be serving the Lord and the people of Spokane and we are so proud of him.

For a short time he will be in the Missionary Training Center (MTC). If you would like to write him please visit http://www.dearelder.com/ where you can use this great resource for free. His mailbox number is box # 252, his mission code is WA-SPO and his estimated departure date is 1213. After you create an account you can write a letter and hit send and the MTC will do the rest. They print, stuff envelopes and deliver to the Elders daily around noon.
For those of you who would like to write him after he leaves the MTC (on December 13, 2010) you may still use the dear elder website or mail directly to his mission address. The address is

Elder Denny Joseph Hawkins

Washington, Spokane Mission

820 S. Pines Road, Ste 101

Spokane Valley, WA 99206-5420

I will leave with a few pictures from this morning...