1st Email

Date: May 30, 2010

Area: Provo MTC, Utah

Companion: Eldre Hooke

From Ventura, California

We got Bradley's first email yesterday. It was so exciting, We have been waiting for this letter! He only gets 30 minutes to email, which isn't very long to answer all of the questions I've been asking him in my daily letters. He said he studies alot and is very tired. They work about 12 hours a day. His Companion is Elder Hooke from Ventura Calif. They are the only ones in their room so they both took the bottom bunks. They went straight to classes on Wednesday after we dropped him off. He said "If I know one thing it's that they don't mess around." He's physically and mentally exhausted. He's doing ok with Portuguese, He said that he can almost Pray and bear his testimony. They haven't learned colors or numbers yet. The Rosetta Stone helped him. He says he already feels more prepared to teach. The MTC is tough but he's already grown spiritually. He wants to get to Brazil for the sake of the language, but he know's it will work out. He said "I bet I have already gained weight cause I eat too much plus work out alot. My room is on the 5th floor and my classes are on the 4th floor so I climb hundreds of stairs per day. I have a great view of the Temple from my room. I love you all and will write next week. Love you, Elder Ludlow"
 I Can't wait to hear from him next week. I miss him so much!

MTC

Date: May 26, 2010

Area: Provo MTC

May 26, 2010
 

Taking Bradley to the MTC was the hardest thing I've ever had to do! We woke up and went through his bags one last time , Then we got in the car and drove to Provo. We went and had lunch at Magelby's then we headed over to the MTC. We parked the car across the street and walked over to take pictures in front of the MTC sign, Then we took a few more pictures on the lawn, I wanted to wait a few more minutes to get in the car and drive over to the MTC but Bradley said "It's time for me to go." So we said a family prayer and drove over to the MTC, as we drove through the long driveway and seen all the missionaries lined up to escort them in it really hit that he was leaving us for 2 years. When we stopped at the curb the escort was walking toward us so Brad and I got out of the car with Bradley and gave him one more big hug, then Brad took a few pictures, when his escort got to us he looked at Bradley and said "I'll get your bags" Brad took a picture of them together and I hurried and hugged him one last time, then they walked away from us. Bradley looked confident and ready. He didn't look back once, He just talked to the missionary as they walked away. We cried all the way home.

Setting Apart

When Bradley was set apart it was a very spiritual experience for everyone. I have never heard a more powerful blessing. We came home and everyone told what they remembered about the blessing and we wrote it down so he could take it with him, it was awsome! We took a couple of family pictures afterward. Then we all slept on the living room floor together as a family because he had to report to the MTC the next day.

Farewell

May 16th 2010

Bradley's farewell talk was really good! He did such a great job, The spirit was really strong. Brian and Brandon also spoke in Sacrement as youth speakers, I was so proud of my boys that day! We had a nice luncheon after church and he had alot of friends and ward members come to wish him well. I would like to thank everyone for their suport and Love!

Temple

March 6, 2010

It was really neat to be in the Temple with Bradley. We want to thank all of our Dear Friends and Family who were there to support him. We had a nice luncheon after.

Missionary Mall

We went to the missionary mall to pick up Bradley's Suit, pants and shoes that we had ordered. He was highly annoyed by me for bringing the camera along. (some day he will be greatful for all of the pictures I take) While we were there I heard the salesman talking to a Mother and her son about Brazil, So I asked if he was going to Brazil on his mission and he said yes, I said so is my son and so the mother asked Bradley where he was going and he told her Maceio and she got so excited and said that's where her son is going, So I asked when he leaves and he is going to be flying to Brazil on the same flight as Bradley! I think me and the mother were more excited about it than the boys. I think it was pretty awsome to meet someone that he will be going to the MTC with. I wish I would have taken a picture of them together, but Bradley probably would have died if I'd asked.

Opening Mission Call Feb. 3, 2010

The mission call came in the mail on Wed. Feb 3rd. Bradley got the mail at 1:00 in the afternoon and had to wait until 8:30 to open it because Mom had young women's and Brian had training for his job. Bradley was so nervous and excited! It was pretty neat watching him read it, He was very emotional and the spirit was very strong.

 
 Brazil, Maceio Mission! I think we were all shocked and excited! Going to the MTC in Sau Paulo, Brazil, We weren't expecting that!!
 

Lots of family and friends here to share the excitment !

Bradley had some very anxious grandparents waiting by the phone for him to call and give them the news.

The Priesthood

Bradley got ordained to an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood on Sunday June 7th. We are so proud of the choices he has made. He had alot of Family and friends there to support him. It was a very special day for our family.