A.J With the Mission President and his wife

Letter from Mission President to Parents

Dear Brother and Sister Briggs,

      You son, Elder Andrew James Briggs, arrived safely in Indiana. It was a pleasure to meet and welcome him to the mission. He has a solid testimony of the gospel and is excited to be doing the Lord's work. Sister Collins and I look forward to serving with your son during this special time in this life.

      I know Elder Briggs will appreciate letters from home, but I discourage phone calls or visits except for emergency situations, and with prior coordination with me. I recommend that you send all mail and packages to your son's apartment address. Due to postal regulations, packages cannot be forwarded unless they are Priority or First class mail.

      Sister Collins and I will love, care for and watch over Elder Briggs as if he were our own son. Thank you for the love and support you have given, and will give him on his mission.

Sincerely,
Kent Collins
Mission President

Last Letter from the MTC

Dear Family,
     
      I have been doing so well here and my investigators are going smooth! My teacher says, "I'm doing a lot better than he was when he got into the mission field. I am feeling the spirit like crazy and I am sleeping so much better than I was at home........Anyway I miss you all and honestly I miss you too Austin even though we had our problems but I still miss you buddy. I will be calling you guys on the 21st (August) cause they say I can call family before I get on the my flight so I am very excited for that. I love you all so much and love getting your letters and packages. Can you also send me a picture of Bear (the dog) I would appreciate it. Can't wait to hear from you all I will send pictures soon.

Letter to Teresa

(Thought I would share this letter)

I am doing good here, sorry if this is short i dont have much time but i love you all and things are going great alot better than before I'm  not homesick anymore and my mind is where its suppose to be, you are in my prayers!

WHAT A DIFFERENCE ONE WEEK MAKES! He sounds great. 

Second Letter A.J doesn't use Dates

Dear Family,

    I miss you all so much and I am looking forward to hearing from you. These first couple of days have been so hard and I am home sick, I have had so many thoughts of coming home but I will be stronger than that. I know it will be so worth it, when I get back. It's just so hard being away from everyone I love and it's even harder I'm out of instant contact with you.  But other then that I have been having a good time and learning so much......... I just can't wait to get passed this part and not be homesick. I love you all so much and can't wait to hear from you.

                                                                                                         Love,
                                                                                                            Your Missionary

First Letter

First Letter to Family:
    I am doing so well here I have already learned so much it's very exciting. I heard this story here from an Elder that was friends with a kid that got shot in the Colorado shooting. He was saying how he(the friend) got shot with a shot gun and had 30 pellets in him than got shot with a glock in the shoulder, leg and ???? his head. This kid was about to turn his papers in for a mission. It is just crazy to think that is why he is alive.
    It is very hard here cause I already miss you guys so much I hope it gets easier soon. I have talked in front of a lot of people and wasn't nervous. This is just a great place to be. I love it here but I love you all so much and please let everyone know my address. I love you all and can't wait to hear from you.