Week 5!!

"Hello, Sorry for not getting back to you last week. Last P-day was super busy with a trip to the Temple and a couple other things. I wasn't able to send out emails until 5:00 which only gave me an hour to send emails to family members. 

We went to the Doctors Office with Sister Parker for Elder Caliòs injured shoulder. He had to get some medicine from him to make the pain go away. I was told that he had it since November which sucks a lot. 

Thanks for the Valentine's Day Package also. I don't need any more packages coming on my mission because I have no Idea where I will be Transferred to, for the next 6 weeks. They will tell me more about that on Saturday. 

Pretty cool to hear you went to the Stratosphere in Las Vegas last week. You should have rode one of the rides on the top of the tower, it is worth the experience. 

Also I have been taking pictures but I am using a Cell Phone to communicate with you on the emails. I prefer using the Canon Camera to take my pictures.  

Nice to hear that Pierce has a girlfriend. I am sure that will go on for a while until he dates someone else. I guess finding the right companion takes a very long time.

 We met with Elder Cook and Elder Uceda last week at Missionary Conference. It was pretty cool to shake hands with both of them and to hear their talks. Elder Cook said at the end of his talk that he Knows the Saviors face and he knows his voice. It was interesting to hear an apostle who has such a close connection with Jesus Christ. Anyways I hope you all have a great week and I hope to hear from you soon.

P.S. Any information from JAKKS PACIFIC recently? I will often ask in my personal prayers to get some kind of answer in the future along with all the things that went on during the day. I just need to know of they even mass produced it or even have them in storage because of copyright issues."

Week 4 Letter and pictures from Elder Calio! Feb 13,2018

I (Erin) did not hear from Elder McMullan this week.  Tim and my mom did, so not sure why I didn't, but it is what it is!  I did however, hear from his companion! 

From Elder Calio to me: 

"These are just some pictures! 
Elder Mcmullan is doing great and we are having a good time together!
Today we went to the temple together and he liked it!
He is improving a lot every day!
Sorry I am late but
Hope you have a great week!
Hurray for Israel!

The missionaries, the Lord’s missionaries!!"

1st Zone Conference!!  

I can't believe Elder Calio got Elder McMullan to do a selfie!!!!  

So funny!!

1st trip to the Temple as a district!  

I LOVE that there is a ray of sunshine beaming DIRECTLY on Elder McMullan!!  Heavenly Father is very aware of Matt, and has been through this entire process!!  <3

Week 4! February 13, 2018

To Grandma Smith: 

"Hey Grandma, sorry for not talking to you Yesterday.  Today is my P-Day. I am doing pretty well right now and I did get a Haircut a couple of weeks ago. I am working hard and I do the best I can to enjoy life. P-Day is usually the day that I enjoy the most mainly because I can get a break once a week. Last week we went to Golf land to play some Mini-Golf with some other Elders. I got in 3rd place, so I guess I could of done better. Today we went to the Mesa Temple to do Endowments on some names. My person was Joseph George Pieterech who was born in 1894 which was pretty neat. 

I'm Still curious about where I will be Transferred in a couple weeks, maybe Miami or Globe? Taffy (the family dog we live with) doesn't remind me of Comet that much, but yes she does bark every time there is a car in front of the house. We are teaching a lot of people from Geneo Lakes Apartments as well as San Fernando Apartments. Most of the people are nice around this area and they will tell us if they are interested or not. There are a lot of members in the area and I wish I knew about more of them. I am still trying to figure out everyone's name in the 3 wards I am serving in, but I'm not too good at memory right now. Some people driving will honk their horns at us showing that they support what we are doing. Anyways it is always great to hear from you every week and let me know how your new Carpeting works out. I will talk to you in the future."

To Dad:  

"Sorry for not replying yesterday, but our P Day is today and not yesterday. Anyways I am glad to talk to you every week at this time. The last week has been pretty ok  and I hope it continues that way. Last week we went to Golf land to play some mini-golf with some other Elders and I ended up getting 3rd place. My skills need to be improved on in the future, but it was still a lot of fun. I guess the other interesting thing that happened to me this week was when Elder Uceda and Elder Quinton L. Cook came down to our Missionary Conference. Apparently they are going around the mission fields to see how everything is going. While I can't remember everything he said in his talk I do remember one thing in his Testimony. Elder Cook said that he knows the Savior's Voice and his face. I had to ask some other people if they heard the same thing and they told me they had heard it as well. 

Church is pretty good and we have to cover three different wards but two of them meet at the same time on Sundays, so we have to rotate every single week. We did get a baptismal date for one person but she lives in Gold Canyon so we can't really count it as a convert in our area. It will be interesting to see if we can get any other people baptized in the apartment areas we have. Some of them have been doing pretty well in the lessons while some haven't been doing the commitments we asked them to partake in. 

Going on a Mission is not that hard but getting people to go to Church is. I wish people would be more open minded to the idea and just see why we are here with them. 

Today we did go to the Temple for some Endowments which are done once every transfer. It was a different video this time around so I just have 1 more that I haven't seen yet but hopefully I will be able to in the future. We also ate some Pasta Prima Spinach Ravioli from Costco today as a District lunch and played a card game called Bang! I recommend picking it up if you can find it. I know I'll be Transferred in 2 weeks but I have no Idea where I will be at this time. That will happen at the end of the month so if I get sent out to Miami or Globe it is probably not a good idea to send any packages to the mission home as it will take around 1 hr and 30 minutes to get there. Anyways I hope to talk to you soon in the future."

Week 3 Feb 5, 2018

Email to Tim: 

"Hi dad, Week 3 has been pretty good so far and I am ready for more. The only thing that bothers me a bit is answering the questions to members in the Church about where I am from. While I will say that I was born in San Diego I will say I am from Surprise, Arizona. They ask me why I am here and I explain the Missionary Process that I had to go through. Even though they are happy about me being here and so am I, it still gives me a feeling of depression. If I was told that I will be serving the rest of my 2 year Mission in Salt Lake I would deny it because I don't want to be a viewed as a person with a "Disability". It would give me the impression that I am a Defunct human being. 

Anyways Glad to hear about the Super Bowl even though I asked some members about it. Anyways I hope to talk to you soon either later today or next week."

To Mom:  

"My week has been pretty ok so far and I am curious to see what happens next. Sometimes I wish I could ask Anti-Mormons who are in different religions,  how their beliefs are holding up. The Bible states what the True church would have and I am pretty sure Catholics accepting Gay Marriage is something God isn't happy about. We did teach someone from Gold Canyon who was friends with a couple in the ward.  We asked if she wanted to be baptized. She said yes, but it is out of our area so we won't be the missionaries doing it. Hopefully I can watch it! March 10th. Also we had our first exchange which went pretty well. Most of the investigators that warm up to the idea of joining the Church are those who have some kind of Disability. They are all great people that I hope join the church in the future. However if the Church asks me to serve the rest of my 21 months in Salt Lake I will still deny it. I guess it's because I have to answer questions from members in the Church Wards I serve them such as where I am from. When I tell them Surprise, Arizona they question why I was sent to Mesa. I explain to them about the Missionary Process that I went through to get here and while they are happy that I am here as well as me, I don't want to go through a 2 year mission as someone who was sent to that location because of a "Disability" that I have. I don't need any packages sent to me during Valentines Day. The members that I stay with are very nice though so I may have to get something for them. Glad to hear about the Eagles winning the Super Bowl. I asked about the score at a members house last night when we ate Dinner. By that time it was after halftime and it looked like they were going to win at that point. I was also told that the Philadelphia police put some kind of liquid on the light poles to make sure that If the Eagles had lost that the Rioters wouldn't climb the light poles. Glad to hear that you are all having. A great time at home and I hope to talk to you soon.

P.S. Any Emails or Direct Messages from Jakks Pacific at this time? I have to get an answer from them one way or another. If you did reply to them recently please tell me you used the Direct Messages in Twitter an you didn't put up any personal information on my timeline."

Week 2 January 29, 2018

Elder McMullan is doing well!  He's still a little consumed with what's going on at home.  (his email accounts, etc) 

Between Mom and Elder McMullan"

"Do you live in an apartment or a members home? 

We live in a members home. They are the Kjar family who don't go to the wards we work in but rather a different one.

Is it just you and Elder Calio, or do you live with other Elders as well?

It's just me and Elder Caliò who are living in the house. It's a small room and it has a bathroom.

What's your MIssion Pres like?  

I can't really say much about him since I don't see him that much. All missions are super strict on every single thing going on.

WHere do you do laundry?  

We use the family we live with Laundry Machine and Dryer Machine.

Do you have any investigators?  Are you finding people to teach

There are some apartments that have a lot of potential investigators but they usually just like to be with the missionaries and nothing more.

As for the whole Jakks Pacific thing I am not giving up hope. I have been looking for this product for nearly a year and I was searching Ebay everyday at that time. I won't stop until I get an answer. I guess I need to tell them that my replies will only be on Mondays, but the phones we have are restricted on everything. I haven't been sleeping well over the Last 2 weeks because I don't have an answer at this time."

To Dad:  

"Week two has been ok and I am sure it will be good overtime. I guess this mission is alright and yes I clean my clothes every week. I also forgot to ask about this, but I have heard members talking about a  Supermoon coming on January 31st, any details on what that is all about?"

Jan 22 2018 Letter from Elder Calio!!

I wrote Elder McMullan's companion a quick email and he emailed me the sweetest email!!  As you can imagine, I cried like a baby!! 


From Elder Calio: 

"Good afternoon Sister McMullan!

Sorry if I am sending this to you right now but I did not have the connection this afternoon and so my emails did get sent out!

Thanks for your email, I really appreciated it! 

It is really a pleasure to serve with your son! He has a great spirit with him and his desire to serve the Lord is incredible!

I wanted to share with you that when I saw you, your husband, and Elder McMullan coming in the Mission Office I had a strong feeling that I was going to be his companion and that the Lord bounded us for this special period of time!

I am not a perfect missionary but I know that the atonement of Jesus Christ is infinite and that it can change us! I know that this process has already begun in your son and he is changing, he is becoming like the scripture and the missionary handbook say, an effective advocate of the Lord!

I was training another missionary last transfer and I know I am not supposed to compare but I just wanted to tell you that I was impressed by your son preparation and knowledge! He did not go to the MTC but he is still strong and powerful as all the others that came in the mission field with him!

He shared his goal with me, 24 months! No 6 weeks, no 3 months and then we see how it goes but a full 24 months mission at the service of the Lord!

I told him that we would have tried to be best friend here on the mission field and probably even after and he has been a great man! He opened up and he talks with me a lot! I love him to death!

He works hard, he is obedient, he is consecrated, he wants to learn, he wants to improve, he wants to do all he can to serve the Lord now and to stay on the mission field!

Thanks for raising such a great young man!

You and your husband and your family are fantastic!

It has been a pleasure to meet you!

Have a great week and say hello to your family!

Sincerely,

Elder Gioele Caliò "

Elder McMullan's 1st week!!!! January 22,2018

We found out that his companion is ELDER CALIO!!!  (the Elder we met from Italy!!)  We had NO idea..., neither did Elder Calio!)  What a HUGE answer to our prayers!!!  Couldn't have asked for better!!  

Here are some excerpts from Elder McMullan's emails to various people:  

To Mom:  

"As far as your questions go, here are my answers.

1. I am in Mesa, AZ.

2. My companion is Elder Caliò and he is from Milano, Italy.

3. I get along with my companion very well and his personality is usually very happy.

4. I would say that love is a strong word when it comes to this mission. I like the members and the people who are here, but I can't exactly say that I love it yet.

5. Most of the time we get fed by members on nights unless we are unable to schedule a meeting with them. We also don't have dinner with members on Mondays.

6. We ride a bike on this mission.

7. No I don't need a jacket.

8. I am only doing Toast and Peanut Butter and jelly Sandwiches at this time. I will probably start eating Ramen in the next couple of weeks.

Contact me soon,

Matthew"

Back and forth with Tim:  

"We ride a bike to and from places. We do ask rides from time to time to go to the store or chuch but that is about it.

 "Tim McMullan"  wrote:  "Now your talking,  I'm glad you're eating well and the members are hooking you up with some good food.  Are you in a car, do you have to walk? "
"Matthew McMullan" wrote:
 "The food is good. I went to a place called Senor Tacos which has some of the best Mexican Food from a Fast Food Restaurant. It is good in Quality and Quantity. Also there is a place called Jalapenos Bucks which has really good Beef Brisket Sandwiches. Other than that the Members make some pretty good food here and I am always excited to see what kind of food we are served almost every night.
Yes, Elder Calio does play the piano and he does it very well."

The New Missionaries arrived in Mesa Arizona!!!  (I got this off the Mesa Mission FB page)

Elders McMullan and Calio

Elders with a member?? These are Elder Calio's pics

Jan 16, 2018! The journey begins!!

Here are a couple of pics from the day we dropped Elder McMullan off.  He was having a bit of a hard day.  It all started to hit him!  Totally normal for ANYONE entering the mission field!  For someone that has Aspergers, multiply that by 10..., or 1000!!  I can't even imagine!  As we were driving to the Mesa Mission home (to drop his off) Elder McMullan wasn't necessarily 2nd guessing his decision, but his anxiety was definitely getting to him.  Tim has always had a gift when it comes to settling Matthew down. He always knows the right thing to say!  Me..., not so much.   Out of NO WHERE he told Matthew that he would most likely meet other missionaries from other countries.  This perked Matt's attention right away.  I immediately looked over at Tim like "where the heck did that come from??"  It was such an out of place comment! I'm sure it was Matthew's love of travel and curiosity that flipped the switch.  I remember thinking..., In Mesa???  Really??  I have YET to meet an Elder from another Country in Arizona!  Oh well..., whatever works, right?

When we arrived at the Mission home we immediately said a prayer before walking inside.  I was hoping to calm his (and mine) fears before leaving him!  The second we walked through those doors the most incredible Spirit hit us!  It was impossible not to feel!  We were immediately greeted by the sweetest, most energetic and powerful Elder.  He seemed SO excited to see Elder McMullan and us and gave us the warmest welcome!  Tim detected an accent and asked Elder Calio where he was from.  He immediately said "Milan, Italy!"  I looked over at Matthew who had a huge smile on his face for the first time all day!!  I KNEW right away that Tim's comment in the car about Elders from other countries, was truly inspired!!!

There were only 3 Elders there, since the rest of the new Elders were on their way from the Airport with the Mission President and others would be there soon.  (by the way..., the other 2 Elders were from Idaho and California!  lol)  We met a sweet senior couple, the mission nurse who assured me that she would look out for Elder McMullan and 1 office senior

missionary.  They gave me his first missionary badge to place on his coat pocket!  It was so surreal!  (It REALLY would have been surreal had his pocket not been sewn shut!  No worries, I was able to do it!)  We did not meet the MP or his wife, but felt at peace when we left.  We knew he was in great hands!

Matthew had just been set apart by President Ellis.  He's feeling some anxiety!

   

Elder McMullan's official Mission Picture.  (Looks a little like a deer in the headlights?)

Elder McMullan gets a blog!

I'm a month late with starting this blog.  I suppose it's because my emotions as a mom are very tender and also...., I'm not sure that Elder McMullan would want one!  BUT, since so many people are asking how he's doing, that this is the easiest way to share information! 

Elder McMullan entered the Mission field on Tues Jan 16, 2018.  This has been a LONG road.  The process started over a year ago.  Since Matthew has Aspergers Syndrome, he was referred to LDS services to be "evaluated."  He met a couple of times with them, and took numerous tests.  They wanted to make sure that Matthew would be as successful as possible.  I think they had their doubts that Matthew could serve a "normal" mission, but the family certainly did not!  (Neither did Matt!)  This was by far the hardest obstacle!  Watching your son be judged with a skewed view was heart wrenching.  The counselor truly did not "get" Matthew at all and the communication from him to our Stake President, then back to us was severely lacking.  HOWEVER, as hard as that was.., I knew this would all make sense in the future.  For some reason, Matthew was being delayed.  It had nothing to do with his worthiness, his desire to serve, or any such thing.  It was the Lord's timing!  I prayed constantly to keep that faith!  It was so hard to see Matthew struggle.  He was hurting and knew he could do it!  He just wanted to be treated like everyone else. 

This whole process was hard, but also humbling for Matthew.  He made it absolutely clear that he DID NOT want to go to the Salt Lake City headquarters Mission.  This is a FABULOUS mission where many Elders who have anxiety, Aspergers, or other mild difficulties can serve a successful mission!  Tim and I thought that this would be a wonderful option, but Matthew felt very differently.  He expressed his desire to be "called" to serve a mission, instead of being "sent" to a mission.  His patriarchal blessing speaks a lot about his mission and it states that "your mission will be the foundation for the rest of your life!"  Matthew took those words to heart (as he should) and KNEW what was best for him!  Fast forward to a couple of months ago...,when he finally received his temporary 2 transfer mission call to Mesa Arizona.  We were all thrilled!!!  FINALLY a chance for Matthew to prove himself!!  We pray for him DAILY!

I will do my best to publish his emails here.  He does not write just one email a week.  He responds to every email, so I try to pull all the emails I can and include them here.., especially when he gives different details to different people! :) 

Here we go!!!!