There are a couple of ways to get letters to Justin.  The easiest right now while Justin is at the MTC is to use a free service from www.dearelder.com.  Just go to the website www.dearelder.com and choose the link at the top "Write A Letter".  Then, about half way down you'll see a drop down box with Provo MTC.  Below that choose "Write A Missionary".  Fill in Elder Justin Gajewsky in the address boxes.  The MTC box # is 323.  Don't worry about the Mission Code.  Estimated departure date is 3/12/12.  Then below that write your letter.  They will print the letter, put it in an envelope and drop it at the MTC.  Pretty much same day service.  They include instructions on the web site as well. 

If you prefer to mail him a letter, his current address is:

Elder Justin Gajewsky
Provo Missionary Training Center
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604

This address will change once he heads out to New Jersey.  We can already tell Justin wants as many letters as we can write him.  His way of staying in touch. 

Thanks,
Ken and Teresa

Dear Family and Friends,

     I'm starting to really enjoy the MTC. I still kinda hate the mornings when I have to wake up at 6:30 and wait in line to take a shower then go get dressed in a small room with five other guys. Other than that, I'm doing pretty good. I think my spanish is getting better. We've been constantly having to teach 'investigators' in spanish, and I struggle to express myself in spanish a lot. The teachers keep reminding us that it has only been two weeks. We have seven more weeks to go to learn how to teach in spanish. There's not really a whole lot to talk about. We've basically been learning spanish, the lessons, and how to teach. One of my teachers is Hermano Frost (or Brother Frost). His really cool, and we all love him. He's somewhat laid back, but still serious about us learning spanish and how to teach. He has a cool story about his mission. He was called to the Everett, WA mission, english speaking. About half way through his mission, his mission president called him and told him that he needs to learn spanish. So he got some spanish books from his mission president and started to learn spanish. I though that was really interesting. It seems like he's been speaking spanish forever though. All the teachers are amazing at spanish.

     My schedule is pretty busy. Most of the days, it's just a mix up of the same things we do every day. We have what's called Classroom Instruction. In that class, we will learn spanish grammar, or learn how to teach a lesson, or get help with whatever we feel we need help with from the teachers. That's also the time we use to go teach the 'investigators'. Our Sunday's are not too busy. Everyone misses their Sunday naps, including me. Most of the day is kind of boring, but at night, we have a fireside. Usually someone from the high ranks of the MTC speaks to us then. Afterwards, we have the opportunity to watch some LDS films like Joseph Smith: The Resturation, or The Testaments. So we're not completely deprived of media here. Tuesdays are the longest days in my opinion. They're packed full of everything. First of all, every day we have gym so we can release any built up energy and get exercise. On Tuesdays, since they're so packed, gym starts at 6:05. It's so hard to wake up that early. 6:30 is already hard enough, but to have to get up that early and try to be active is a challenge. The other reason is because we have devotionals Tuesday nights. The difference between a Sunday fireside and a Tuesday devotional is the people who speak. On Tuesdays, someone from the Quorum of the Seventy comes and talks to us. That's really cool. Just this past Tuesday it was Elder Alfonso. I remember him talking in last General Conference. Next Tuesday is an extra special Tuesday; apparently last December was the 50th anniversary of the MTC, so the First Presidency wanted to visit with the missionaries at the MTC and talk to them. They haven't had time until January 31st. At first, I heard the Prophet and the First Presidency were going to come. But then I heard a few days ago that the First Presidency were too busy to come, so a few members of the Quorum of the Twelve are going to visit. I'll let you know what happens next week.

     Here are the answers to the three questions. I like that idea, so let's keep doing it.

     1. I get the most excited when I see Brandon Walker. I've seen him quite a few times so far and have gotten a couple pictures with him. Kyle Byington came in yesterday (on Wednesday), but I haven't seen him yet. I'm looking for him really hard though. So it's probably those two, just because I've been friends with them for a while.

     2. The best thing about the MTC is probably the love here. It sounds kind of wierd, but the Love of God is big here. It's more common to give other Elders that you know well a hug instead of a hand shake. I think it's to build love and friendship between all of us missionaries and to practice loving everyone out in the field; even though the only people you hug are other elders.

     3. I haven't really thought that much about Chubs to be honest. I do miss him when I think about him, but I have important things to do here and I have more things to miss at home. (Sorry Chubs...)

     Well, until next week..

          -Elder Gajewsky

Dear Kyle,

     I'm glad to hear you're doing well in school. School is very important. I'm also glad to hear you're enjoying my room and keeping it nice. Going on a mission has helped me to understand more about the importance of education. Don't worry, when I come back I'll be getting an IPhone. I really started to dislike my phone a lot. But a phone's a phone, so be happy you have one. If you want, you can rearrange my room however you want. So yeah, keep it up. Also, read! Read lots. Find a book you think you would like and just start to read. Love you!

Dear Mom,

     I got grandma's letters. I really enjoy hearing from her! However, I don't remember her email, so I'll just put her letter in this one and then you can just copy and paste into another email. Let me know of her email, so I can email her. I really hope your surgery went well. I remembered the day you went into surgery and I fasted for you. I hope if helped! I've been praying to like the food more and more, and I think my prayers are being answered. I'm enjoying the food a little more. Interestingly enough, I heard a story from the choir teacher about how his daughter wanted her scriptures for primary during Sacrament meeting one day, but her scriputres were lost at home. So he raced home with his daughter and they prayed to know where they were. Heavenly Father answered their prayers and led them to find her scriptures. So if He cares about a little girl's scriptures, and that I like my food, I know he cares about your hair growing back fast, so don't worry! I think they still could use some Robert Irvine help. I miss that show.. I'm glad to hear about Kaylee's birthday. I knew it was the 19th! I hope she enjoyed it a lot. I'll be sure to send those pictures back safetly in a package. Also, if you could. The MTC Bookstore doesn't have any spanish hymn books. I kind of need one, because our leaders and teachers want us to sing more and more in spanish. So could you buy me a small spanish hymn book (called himnos) like the one I got in my stocking for Christmas. Just a small compact one. With it, could you send me a couple of my pens? They are the Pilot G-2 pens. Probably in the cups on my desk or in the big drawer in the desk. Just a couple black ones and blue ones. They have them at the Bookstore here for like a buck, but I figured you guys could just send me them for cheaper. That would be a big help. Have dad send them I guess, since you're still recovering. Thank you! I love you!

Dear Dad,

     I'm trying hard to not think too much about the amount of time. I had a leader by the name of Brother Monson tell me to never think about two years. It's just incomprehensible to think about being gone for two years. I've been doing good at that. I was talkiing with another missionary in my district and we both found out that we're on a countdown. It's not good to be on a countdown here. It distracts us from what's important. I'm doing my best to stay focused on the work and just enjoy the Spirit here. I've seen Brandon Walker a lot here and it's always refreshing to see him. I can't wait to see Kyle Byington. Both of these guys are some of the only things that remind me of home (in a good way). Another big release is going to the Temple every P-Day. So later on today (Thursday) we'll be dropping by the temple and doing a session. I really like it. The Spirit in there is amazing. I asked mom to send me a couple small things, but then I realized that she probably needs your or Kelsie's help. Thank you! Love you!

Dear Julia,

     I'm happy to hear you're drinking Dr. Pepper for me. I think of you guys everyday. I miss you everyday, but I'm happy that I can serve a mission. Don't think about not seeing me. Always know that I'm helping others to come to Church and know that Heavenly Father loves them. Be happy and don't cry too much, you'll get a headache. I love you and I miss you, and I can't wait to see you; but I have to help people first.

Dear Kelsie,

    I got the package and I'm enjoying it a lot. I fasted for mom the day she went into surgery. I ended my fast with the Dr. Pepper and some ice. It was amazing. Send me those Swedish Fish if you don't want them. I'd love to snack on them. I'm glad to hear of your stories. I don't have much time to email, so I'm sorry I can't send a big email back. I love to hear from you though. I told mom a story from my choir teacher (yes, I'm in the MTC choir. We only practice like twice a week though, so it's not huge). You should read that story though. Love you! Keep sending me stories! They're the only connection I have to the outside world. (Dumb hamster cage). Also, send me letters as often as you want. Twice a week is great!

Dear Kaylee,

     I hope you had a gread birthday! I can't wait to her from you about it. I hope you liked your birthday card I sent you. I'm sorry I didn't get you a present. There's not many toys in the Bookstore here. Just books in a lot of different languages. I didn't think you would like any books like that though. Love you lots!

Dear Grandma,

     I'm so glad I could get an email from you! It's great you guys finally got snow. We finally got snow here in Provo. I think it's like 4'', so not much, but it definately should have snowed like this for Christmas. It's good that mom's surgery went well. I fasted for her the day she went into surgery. I hope Heavenly Father answered my prayers and helped mom out. She definately deserves to be fixed. That's so sad about Linda and Mark's kitchen sink. That's not good at all. They're in my prayers. The spanish is hard! We definately have a lot expected of us with the spanish, but I know we can do it. I know I can do it. I love you hear from you! Keep writing. Love you!

     -Elder Gajewsky

a pretty good family picture...doesn't happen too often.

.......another email from Elder Gajewsky...YAY!

Thanks everyone. I really enjoyed getting mail from you guys. If anyone else wants to write me via dearelder, feel free. I'd love to get mail from anyone. Keep writing me. Even though I can only respond once a week, I wouldn't mind at all getting a few each week. I'm having a great time! I still don't exactly love it here though. I really want to get out to NJ and start teaching. I'm almost tempted to try and transfer to an English mission so I can get out there sooner, but I think I'll stay with the spanish. Everyone here is really cool and easy to get along with and talk to. There's a couple analagies that I've heard relating to the MTC. Some missionaries say "it's like jail, but in jail, you can have visitors." I also heard of a missionary in my residence hall call it a hamster cage. He even rigged his Camelpak to the top of his bunk bed so he can drink out of it like a hamster would. It's wierd, haha! I see the MTC as a line for a fun ride at Disneyland. Depending on what ride (mission), the longer the line (time in MTC). The longer you're in the line, the more interesting things you've seen. Remember the attractions we'd see during the time in line for rides like Indiana Jones or Space Mountain? Here in the MTC, there's things like unofficial authority. The longer you've been here, the more experienced you are, therefore the more authority you have over the newer missionaries. It's not huge though.

I think I told you guys about Jose Luis. My companion and I have given him a few lessons, but they all have kinda felt like just a flop. Just yesterday, we tried really hard to get a good lesson together with help from a teacher, Hermano Cunningham, an RM from Washington - spanish. Both of us thought the lesson went very well! We did forget to invite him to a baptism though. I guess that's why we're here in the MTC.

To Kaylee,

Happy birthday Kaylee! I love you so much. I'm so sorry, but I forgot when exactly what day your birthday is on. I've been trying so hard to remember when your birthday is the last few days, but I just can't remember. I think it's either today (19th), or the 21st, or the 25th. Help me remember when it is. I love you! Can't wait to hear from you.

Dear Mom,

Yes mom, you are my first letter. I actually got them all togther, but yours was the first one listed. It was kind of a highlight for me to get mail. Nothing else is very exciting here. Kind of sad, but yeah, I like getting mail. I can't believe your surgery is so soon. You'll definately be in my prayers and my thoughts throughout those days. Send me another dearelder as soon as you get out of the hospital. It would probably be easier to send dearelder's instead of emails. I get time to read dearelder's instead of reading email. My companions name is Elder Springer. He's from Mapleton, UT. Sorry for not mentioning that earlier. I love you a lot mom. Thanks for everything.

Dear Julia,

I cried too. I miss all of you a lot. But I'm glad I'm here. I can't wait to see how much you grow when I get home. Remember to be good and drink lots of Dr. Pepper for me. Love you lots!

Dear Dad,

Thanks for those stories. I have noticed that I have pretty much no privacy. The only time I'm truely alone is when I'm using the bathroom and showering. I think it'll be a little different out in the field when there's a lot less missionaries in a small confined space. To my surprise, I've never been so excited to hear about a campout you and Kyle went on. Keep me updated on things that go on at home, I think I'll really enjoy them a lot. There's not much going on here that's too exciting. We pretty much read scriptures, practice teaching, and learn spanish. Kind of boring, so all letters I get (preferably through dearelder) are super exciting. Also, keep me updated about mom's surgery. I know it's on the 23rd, but let me know how she's doing and if she feels better. I love you. Thanks for everything.

Dear Kelsie,

Honestly, I do miss your jokes. But, it could just be I miss them because I miss you guys and when I come home I'll start thinking they're dumb jokes again. We'll see. Make sure you eat Costa Vida for me. I won't get it for a while. I'll probably be too busy in NJ to find a Costa. Right now, I'm stuck in this 'hamster cage' with, yes, terrible food. I haven't eaten anything yet because it's good. I eat because I have to. So maybe, if you sent me some Dr. Pepper or some goodies, or something, I'll love you even more;) Well I love you. Keep sending me stories and letters, as they are the only exciting thing here. P-Days are somewhat exciting. I get to relaxe and write to you guys. Love you!

Kyle,

Ok, I guess you can have my room... Just try not to mess things up too bad. Keep it nice and clean. Remember to do your homework and watch TV for me. Try to get into a spanish class next year so we can start communicating in spanish. That would be really cool and I'd love to be able to do that with you. Remember I love you and I tell you to do your homework because I want to to do well in life. Keep it up. I love you.

I love you all! Write to me.

-Justin

Justin's first e-mail!!

Hello family and friends! I love everyone. I'm here and it's pretty crazy. I now know what the meaning of missionary work is, I think. We've been non-stop learning and teaching as well. On Friday, the second day here, we had are first investigator. Jose Luis is an Argentinian that moved to Orem and is working in construction. And yes, he only speaks Spanish! Crazy! I have gotten a little bit homesick, but Elder Johansen is right, you are too busy to get homesick. My estimated departure date is March 12. I would like mom and dad to try and finish setting up dearelder.com. Anyone can write to me through it and I get it daily (if people write to me). It's really fun so far. One of the cool things I've noticed is during gym time, there are many different personalities, ethnics, and things that would usually cause a stereotype. But we're all wearing the Missionary Badge which brings everyone together. No one is left out or anything. It's just... an indescribable experience. There are positives and negatives. A couple of the negatives are sharing a room maybe about a little less than twice the size of my room at home with 5 other elders; and sharing 6 showers with maybe 50 other missionaries. The upside is how much time we're given to study the scriptures and the language. Speaking of language, I already know how to say a simple prayer and bear a simple testimony in spanish. The gift of tongues is very true here, and very common.

Here's a couple experiences: I was feeling pretty homesick the other day. Many missionaries here feel the same way. Nine weeks here in the MTC in a new schedule for everyone is a lot to digest, let alone two years away from family and friends and your own time. We had our branch presidency come talk to our district on Friday night. One of the counsilors is Brother Monson. (Yes, he is related to President Monson. I don't know exactly how though. I think maybe a cousin's son or something...) Each of the members of the presidency interviewed us individually. I got Brother Monson. He told me that everyone gets homesick. He said that even he got terribly homesick when he was here at the MTC. He told me though that the Lord is amazing in the challenges that he decides to give us and that there is a reason for this challenge. He promised me something though. He promised that I'll get over it. It may take a day or two, or a week or two. He personally got over it in a few weeks. He said that I'll definately get it as soon as I get out to New Jersey too. He told me to look in the mirror when that happens and tell myself that Brother Monson was right. He said that he knows I'll get over it and I'll be able to focus completely on missionary work. He definately was a blessing in my life. A man sent from the Lord to help me and other missionaries who are struggling. It is a little miserable when I'm homesick, but with Brother Monson and my zone leader, Elder Hawks, I'm getting through it.

Well, my P-Days in the MTC are on Thursday. I'll be able to write on Thursday again. I'm doing great. I thank everyone for their support and prayers.

Mom, Dad, Kelsie, Kyle, Julia, and Kaylee,

I love you guys. I miss you. I'm glad I'm out here. Could you please send me two books? On the bottom shelf in my room with all the language books. I would like the Spanish Grammar book. It's read, yellow, and white. It's also small. Also, the picture dictionary book. It's a square book and instead of just translations, it has pictures of all the translation. I'm almost out of time to write, so sorry for this letter not being longer.

Grandma and Grandpa (Bountiful) Thanks for your support. I love you and thank you. I'll write a letter to you later that's longer.

Grandma and Grandpa (Boise) I love you a lot. I'll write another letter to you later

I'm out of time. Goodbye!!! Love you!!!

And he's gone....

We dropped Justin off at the MTC in Provo on Wednesday January 11th at 12:40.  We first parked in the parking lot across the street so we could have a few more minutes with him.  We got out of our car and started taking pictures.  A nice lady asked if we wanted her to take a family picture.  We said yes.

It wasn't soon after that when we felt like the final goodbyes were here.  Kyle cried.  Kelsie cried.  Julia cried.  Kaylee cried. And of course, I cried.  I've been crying since I woke up that morning.  Then Justin said "well, let's go".  I'm sure he was anxious to get in there.  So we then got back in our car and headed to the entrance of the MTC.  We pulled up on the long side walk with all the cute wonderful missionaries looking at us.  We stopped and got out.  Right away his host missionary was there to greet us.  Justin got his luggage and was ready to go.  We gave him one last hug!  Then we watched him walk away.  It lasted only about 2 minutes.  Justin looked very excited and happy.

We will all miss Justin so much.  We are all so happy and proud of him.  I'm so excited for Justin and the things he will accomplish.  He's going to be a fantastic missionary!  We are so blessed to have such a wonderful example in our family. 

As we drove away, all the missionaries on the curb waved and smiled at us.  The one thing we noticed about all the missionaries there was that they all looked so happy.  That made me feel better.  We love you Justin!



Elder Justin Gajewsky