Elder Schoen's email address is jdschoen@myldsmail.net , he can check it on Wednesdays.

Some things that work for our letter writing sessions: Mormon Tabernacle Choir music, full tummys, lots of paper, and different writing utensils.

Things that DO NOT work: watching TV while writing, Ben hungry, being too close (not enough creative space), or eating.

We got our first hand written letter this past Saturday, it was mailed the day he got there. His plane ride to Brazil was great only 40ish people on the plane, so he got to lay across 3 seats and sleep. Once in Brazil the customs people missed stamping his passport so he spent an hour extra in the airport trying to get it stamped. No one spoke English, but somehow it got sorted out. The MTC is in the Sao Paulo North Mission. The 12 guys in his district in the MTC are all going to the Sao Paulo North Mission and are all American.

We can't believe it's been 3 weeks already. And we miss him greatly, but knowing he is enjoying the adventure helps!