Michael arrived in Colorado on Wednesday, September 23rd. We got to talk to him from the SLC airport for a few minutes. He sounded excited and had a peaceful confidence that was wonderful to experience. Eric (Dad) called the mission home to verify the arrival of Michael's bike. He got to talk to Sister Christison, the Mission President's wife, for a few minutes. We know that Michael is in Craig and Meeker area; small towns in NW Colorado. It is a high-desert terrain, nationally renowned for big game hunting, has a variety of outdoor sports and cowboys are abundant. Michael's companion is Elder Gealta. He is known to be the #1 baptizing missionary in the mission. Sister Christison told Eric that Michael couldn't ask for a better companion. He will work hard and have much success.

Mama's letter

Hey Mama! Today was pretty fun. We got the opportunity to hear Elder Holland speak. Let me tell you...he was amazing! It was like he was staring at me the whole time! He taught all about; DO NOT REGRET ANY MOMENT OF YOUR MISSION! He told a story of a missionary who came home, got married and fell apart. He said he didn't do anything on his mission and begged to go back to make things right. That really hit home with me because I hear of all these amazing stories about stuff that missionaries do wrong on their missions. It makes me wonder how in the world do they think that is fun. Well, I figured it out...I'm so ready to head out and show people what's going down! Elder Holland said when you leave the MTC and get to your area, hit the ground running and that's my plan. It's crazy what 2 weeks can do to someone. I hope all is well at home. Let me know if you guys have anything going on fun. I am right down the hall from Jon and I see Nate almost everyday. How is your scripture studying doing? Grandma and Grandpa asked me to read Section 110. It's awesome and Section 78...I think. 2 Nephi 2 is one of the main scriptures we use in all of our lessons right now. Well, I have to go clean the clothes. I love you all! Brielle...keep trying your best and remember who you are. Memorize the scripture masteries. I wish I paid more attention in class! Love you all. Have a good week. Talk to you soon.

Tribute to Dad!

Hey Dad! So you guys got my last letter? Don't worry...I am fasting once a week and praying every time I have a chance for you. You WILL get a job soon, I promise! I love you so much papa. You're amazing. I idolize you! I hope you are reading your scriptures everyday and praying. There is no better way to find what direction to look for a job than to pray for what you need to do and what direction you should head. I hope you guys are doing amazing. Is it still hot there? My comp and I are teaching lesson #3 next week. I fly out on the 23rd. I just wanted to say I love you, Pop!

Letter #1

We sent Michael a letter reminding him of our address because we hadn't heard from him. The following was his response.

hahahaha! Yes, I have been getting all of the stuff you have sent me. It was awesome! My comp and I got stuff at the same time so we had a party in our room that night. My schedule is crazy. The first 3 days I was here we did, no joke, 6-7 hours of scripture study and teaching the lessons we learned. I really just wanted to walk out. But now, it's so chill. We pretty much get to do our own thing. It's really nice! Jeremy was not kidding about the food...my insides wanna be on my outsides...:) It's really good though. My comp is pretty cool. He is a short red head that's pretty ripped. We clicked right off. We are so much alike it is scary. I see Nate (Tucker) almost every day. He's so funny! Everytime I see him I give him a huge hug. He makes me crack up. Two days ago, my comp and I went and taught teachers and had an evaluation. Somehow we went in there and said stuff and pulled out scriptures we didn't even know. It was amazing! I think I fly out on the 23rd, so my comp and I will stop and call people. I didn't sleep at night the first couple of nights, but it's getting better. I know the restoration of the gospel is true and through the atonement we can live with our Father in heaven again. Read 3rd Nephi. It's a really good chapter. It covers everything! Brielle...choose the right and smile as much as possible. I love you all so much. Peace out home dogs! Elder Naylor

Final wave good-bye

Michael's Mission Scripture on his plaque

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" Matthew 28:19-20

Michael's hero from the scriptures is Captain Moroni

Entering the MTC

Michael entered the MTC on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. We said our tearful good-byes at the airport. Kaylee picked him up and delivered him (airport style) to the MTC. We are anxiously awaiting the first letter! Elder Naylor will be entering the real Mission world on September 23rd. Look out Colorado Denver South Mission...here he comes full of the Spirit!!!