First Email From Tacoma

Here is Daniel's first email, unedited.

Yes, I am, in fact, on a mission. Cool huh. I'm in Tacoma proper so sorry, no vampires yet. I'm in a four-some with my zone leaders and another newish dude. They are so freakin awesome! Apparently Tacoma is the highest baptizing mission in North America. I didn't believe that at first but I guess we're doing one this weekend. Yeah, so awesome. It's hot here and it has yet to rain, what the heck. Oh, I got my bike and its awesome, though I don't think I'll ever get to ride it in this area cause we have a car. We talked to these two black girls yesterday and gave them a tour of a chapel and they were diggin' it for sure. Speaking of which....is Emily back yet? you gots to post this e-mail mom, because I gots to tell Char CONGRATULATIONS!!!! on getting married that is. I have a bunch of Samoans, asians, and black people in my area, it's rad. I feel so....diverse? Anyhoo, my mailing address is 5801 Orchard St. SW apt 76 Tacoma, WA 98467. So get everyone to send me goodies, and like a letter or something. So yeah, I'm loving this whole missionary thing, I'm really excited right now. I hope I don't lose the fire I'm feeling for along time. Tell Andrew to get a job, tell Nathan/Chad they need to writes me, and give Simon something to chew on that resembles Barrack Obama. Well, I love you all and I hope your already gettin blessed.

LOVE
Elder Uppencamp

A Surprise Phone Call...

We got an early call from Daniel today! He bought a calling card at the airport and chatted with us all while waiting for his flight. He says the MTC is "Da Bomb" and that he loved it and gained 6 lbs. I asked him if the food was good or what, he said "No, there's just lots of it."
Daniel, 17 other elders and one sister all flew out to Tacoma bright and early. He will report to the mission office and then get assigned a trainer and area.
He says his MTC companions where amazing and that they didn't fight at all. (Except for the occasional wrestling match in the hall. Daniel is undefeated.)
He sounded happy and excited. He kept saying, "Guess what? I'm a missionary!" and "I don't know what else to say. The Church is true." etc. He is still Daniel, just more so.
We'll put his current address up when he writes his first letter. He begs everyone to write! He doesn't understand why everyone didn't instantly drop everything and write to him every day. ;) I know he would love the occasional letter from anyone who has the time.
He sends his love and thanks for everyone's prayers and support!

Busy, busy, busy...

We survived summer! Getting Daneil off, the weeklong for Boy Scouts, Girls Camp, and Youth Conference. We had so much fun! Now we all need a month to sleep it off. :)

Youth Conference was at Utah State in Logan. We had a lot of workshops, games, swim and gym activities and a dance. John Bytheway spoke to us and that was great but I really loved our Stake leaders speaking to us. They are all amazing people and great examples.

There are a few photos in the slide show from Camp and Youth Conference. Daniel promises MTC photos soon!