1st letter from the MTC, sent after 1 day there.

Dear Fam,

      My first day at the MTC was kinda weird. I will never forget being dropped off at the curb and just walking into the main building. Missionaries were swarming everywhere! I was thinking, "This is the real thing now! I'm on my own, all by myself." It was so weird and a little scary. But the Brothers and Sister who welcomed us and directed me were so helpful and made me feel at home.

   I feel awesome walking around in my sweet, brand new nametag! But all the new guys get an orange sticker on their nametag and all the other missionaries always yell, "WELCOME, ELDER!" It gets very annoying pretty fast, so I took my sticker off.

    My comp's name is Elder Jolly. He is a good guy. He is also very wierd, but I just have to be nice to him. He was a little homesick the first night. The other companions in my room are super cool guys and are also going to my mission. Elder Jolly is going to the Ogden, Utah Mission. But Elder Garner, a little red-headed guy is awesome! And Elder Hortt is cool too. He's a cowboy kinda guy.

    Well today I spent $45 because I needed to get a tetanus shot. They made me get it because its mission rules or something. Anyway, I'm having fun and need/want that money I spent. That would be awesome if you could send it to me. My P-day is Wednesday in the MTC. Anyway, I'm learning a little and having fun!

Elder Shumway

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Bryce arrived at the airport, looking like a

 missionary!

Uncle Mark & Scott immediately went to work getting Bryce checked in to his flight.

Gramma & Grampa Bear

 

A cousin fan club!

Mitch even snuck away from work at Cropper Medical to see his cousin off.

 He hoped his boss wouldn't notice.

When standing next to Tanner in photos,

Bryce is always stretching as tall as he can manage.

A tender moment for Mom.

Sheralyn dearly loves Bryce.

"Come to me, Minions!"

Being hugged by a lurp is an enveloping experience...

After his goodbyes, Bryce quickly turned his back to the family circle as he fought back a wave of emotion. With eyes brimming and a quivering chin, we watched him take a sharp breath and walk with determination to pass through security.

Elder Shumway has enormous support from his entire family.

We are so pleased at the Young Man he has become, and we will be watching with pride as he serves the Lord with all his might.

We love you, Elder Shumway!

FHE: Farewell to Our Missionary

On the Eve of Bryce beginning his mission, we celebrated with a family gathering.
We played an Oklahoma Trivia game....

Did you know that whaling is illegal in Oklahoma?

It is also illegal to spit on sidewalks or take a bite of another person's hamburger.

But most astonishing....it is illegal to open a soda bottle without a licensed expert on hand.

Oklahoma is also the home of Garth Brooks and Will Rogers.

And did you know it has the greatest number of tornadoes per square mile

than any other state?

Finally, the name Oklahoma means

land of the red people.

Tomorrow Bryce will be set apart as a missionary.

Called to Serve...

Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Mission!