Email from MTC on 9/28/09

Yes.. I'm still here. haha. the MTC is great. So the first few days have been pretty good overall. I have really great teachers and I'm learning a ton already.

The food here is pretty decent. I don't think i've gained any weight yet, ya'll - my eating habits haven't really changed, but hey I've still got time :0

Uh I only have two more minutes on my time before they boot me and my letter won't send.

So let me end on this happy note. I love you all and am so grateful for your support. I have learned so much already and am excited for this oppportunity. My testimony has strengthened already and it feels great. I've felt the spirit so much and am grateful for it and our gospel.

I love you all and miss you.

Elder Augustus Stoneman

Elder Stoneman in Provo Utah

The day has been long and mostly very sweet with only the occasional familial melt-down. After packing well into the night, Elder Ed arose at 7:00 a.m. to skype with Max and Brooke in Jerusalem. We then met up with all assorted siblings (minus the aforementioned Jerusalem-dwellers) plus four nephews at Market Street Broiler for a completely tasty lovely breakfast. Chatting, laughing, and munching were the order of the day. (Actually the order of the day was more towards omelets, eggs benedict, pancakes, and mug upon mug upon mug of hot chocolate.) Afterwards, much hugging and goodbye-ing ensued outside on the sidewalk. A bit of weeping was then followed by a great deal of wailing (ask Calvin G who is feeling mighty tender about Uncle Aug leaving), with the grand finale provided by baby Graham who threw up all over the entrance to the New Yorker. Allen, Ruth and the Elder then loaded Robert Anne the car with all missionary baggage, etc. and wended our way south, stopping only for soft ice cream in Lehi. Arriving at the MTC, we experienced the infamous 'drop and drive' moment as we bid a quick tender goodbye to our boyo. He took a deep breath, flashed us that wondrous smile, and stepped away with long stride to begin his ministry. Godspeed, dear son. We love you 300.

After Elder Aug's Farewell in Lindsey Gardens - SPA Friends

9.23.09 South Carolina Columbia Mission, Spanish Speaking

Hey everyone! Consider this your official welcome to The Aug Blog. This is the first post... and technically the last post (from me) seeing how my mom will be running/operating the Aug Blog. Rolls of tongue, doesn't it? I just like saying it - Aug Blog. ANYWAY, I want to thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy your stay. :)

I chose to serve an LDS mission and it has already turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made. I know it's the right one... it feels right... and I am very excited. A little nervous... but nervous is good. Right? As my brother said when i opened my mission call... "Well... beats the crap out of Brazil." And boy howdy, does it! No... that's mean... and not entirely true - Ben and Max turned out alright... I guess. Sorry, once again - mean. No... Brazil is great. As for my mission though... I would best describe my feelings as - I am very eager to serve the Lord and the people of South Carolina.

So here at the Aug Blog, one can do many things...

• View pics/read letters/emails from me concerning mission updates.


• And get all of the correct info to send letters/emails to me.

...and that's about it, actually. So... uh... i guess... "one can do two things..." ... which is fine. You're still here, aren't ya?

So I'm quite pumped to go on this mission. I look forward to hearing from you and you from me. Enjoy this free blogging service. Love you all.

-Elder Augustus A. Stoneman