We heard from Aldrich today on his P-Day. Here's a bullet list of the highlights until his e-mail is sent out.

* He is currently the youngest missionary in the Manila MTC.

* His companion is a Tongan born New Zealander.

* There are presently 15 nationalities of missionaries in the MTC.

* He was already called to be a district leader in the MTC, a calling that he is taking very seriously. (Those who know Aldrich, I am sure, know this is the case.)

* We met his companion and a sister trio in his district. They are all so beautiful and happy.

* He has a stunning view of the City of Manila from his window. His room is at the end of the hallway so when he walks out his door the window next to him faces the Manila Temple and he has a stunning view of the temple.

* Renovation started on the temple the day after he arrived, and since he had already gone through the temple before he arrived, he did not get to attend that day. He said whatever is being renovated is supposed to be fast, and he anticipates getting to attend before he leaves the MTC.

* Upon arrival at the MTC he was one of very few "white" missionaries, and he received a lot of "looks" from people unfamiliar with seeing "white men."

*His Tagalog is coming along nicely. He was already speaking sentences to us and slipping in words he knew. I knew he would learn fast, and am very proud of him.

*He was already given the opportunity to call a convert he knew as part of his missionary lessons. He was so happy to call GB Overton and I am happy he had such a wonderful friend who was able to participate in his learning. Thank you, GB!

*The heat is coming, he said, but it feels like living in Texas for now, so he is on cloud 9. We've been missing our Texas weather. But in the next 1 to 3 months, the temperatures could reach as high as 120 degrees F.

*Aldrich and the other missionaries were able to participate in an area broadcast by Elder and Sister Bednar.

NOW FOR THE SCARY TO THE MAMA STUFF!

* We are not supposed to tag him in posts or tell where he is in the mission. It is not always safe ... I was given more details, but let me assure you, you don't want them.

* The water is unsafe to drink, even in the MTC, unless it comes from a special filter/tap installed by the MTC. In the field, the restrictions are even more strict. Don't even consider opening your mouth in the shower. The water has worms in it. I am very happy we went the extra mile when packing and bought him a special Lifestraw filtration water bottle with replacements for the entire 2 years.

*Mostly, he will shower with a bucket and ladle in his mission. Let me assure you that will be the biggest hurdle for my germaphobe son. LOL!

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF!

* Today, he gets to do three fun things. The first is a service project. Although he is still determining what it is, there is a rumor that they get to help in a rice field. Then, he gets to go to the MTC store and then visit the tunnel that crosses under the (very busy) street to the Manila Temple. The tunnel has the history of the church in the Philippines recorded on the walls of the tunnel.

It was so wonderful to talk to Elder Hoffmeister and hear about everything he is learning and experiencing in the Philippines. The picture shows how happy he was showing us the stack of learning materials he was given.

My mom heart is full today. My missionary is so happy and doing so well. He said he had one little bout of homesickness, but he read his patriarchal blessing and knew he was where he needed to be.

We wanted to tell you all how he loves everyone who supported his decision to serve, those who supported him as he prepared to serve, and those who support him now that he is in the field.

"I'm going to be the best missionary ever," he said.