First Letter from the MTC!

August 27th, 2015

Well it is already 5 minutes until lights out, which just shows how busy the days here are.  There is so much to do and so little time to do it.  I have so much I want to say... And I think a very important thing is that I am happy.  From the second I wake up till the second I go to sleep I feel nothing but the spirit, the love of those in my district, and the love of Christ.  This is possibly the happiest and most peaceful I have felt in a long time with the exception of being in the temple.  But, the feeling is very similar.

Mom, I miss you (and your food.)  The food here is pretty bad... I ate a piece of meat that tasted like rubber.  I did have a few good boiled eggs tho.  And the chocolate milk Rocks.

So far it has been classes all day, but I think tomorrow we (me and Elder Ravsten) get an investigator to teach.  I am super excited (and nervous) for that. After today Elder Ravsten's testimony hit me and now I have more love for him.  Dealing with companions might sometimes be a trial for me but I know if I can realize they are Sons of God, I will love them.

I honestly have so much on my mind that I do not know what to talk about.  I miss you all so much, but oddly enough I am not homesick.  Maybe partially because I do not have enough time to think about home.  The one thing I cannot get off my mind is as I was leaving I did a pretty good job of keeping my tears from rolling down my face.  As I walked thru the gate I heard Matthew start to cry. That was the point I actually cried.  I miss you Matt!

Have you heard of DearElder.com?  It's free while I'm in the MTC... So use it! :)  But hand written letters Rock too...

Please send the info on my address card to everyone on the email list, as well as info about DearElder.com.

Jeez I wish I could just call you guys.  I miss & love you all. Love you Mom.

- Elder Ray

Getting to Provo!

August 26, 2015

Shannon picked Seth up at the Salt Lake City Airport and drove him back down to Provo. They met up with Marcus and the Woodards, who were in Provo dropping Tanner off at the MTC as well. Tanner will be serving in the Yakima Washington Mission. We will soon have four Ray cousins serving missions, including Elder Logan Ray currently in Halifax, Canada.  Nephi Boren has received his mission call to Argentina, and will be entering the MTC in about a month. What awesome young men!

Lunch at Chili's and then Photos near the MTC

Super Missionaries!

Saying our Good-byes

August 26, 2015

One Last Family Portrait

Farewell Talk and Setting Apart

August 25, 2015

Seth was set apart as a full-time missionary last night by President Clynn Christiansen.  Also present were President Bill Guttery and Bishop Jordan Graff.

Proud parents!

Rebecca, Allison, Lauren, Elder Ray, Matthew,
Larry, and Larry (Grand Daddy)

Placing a pin on the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission

August 23, 2015

Seth gave his farewell talk in the Centennial Ward at 8:00 am.  He spoke on Joseph Smith -- the first vision, his endurance through persecution, and the faith he had to have in Jesus Christ to receive revelation throughout his life and restore the Church to the earth. Seth bore his testimony of the prophet Joseph and expressed his desire to follow his example to sacrifice in order to serve the Lord.  It was a wonderful talk!

After sacrament meeting, the day was spent with family and friends. We enjoyed a simple brunch at our home, then attended Tanner Woodard's farewell talk and luncheon.  We ended the evening with a final open house for Seth.

Seth with the Oliver Clan

Seth with the Ray Clan

Grandpa and Grandma with our Family

Mom & Dad with our Soon-to-be Missionary

This little guy is going to miss his big Brother!

Seth & Becca

Seth & Allie

Missing Shannon on this day!

Mission Call

July 13th, 2015

Dear Elder Ray, 

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  You are assigned to labor in the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission.  It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.