October 3, 2013

Dear Brother and Sister Ballantyne

Sister Baker and I were delighted to welcome Elder Ballantyne to the Virginia Chesapeake mission on Wednesday of last week.  He arrived in good spirits and has now been assigned to his first proselyting area.  He is assigned to labor in the Norfolk 2nd Ward of the Virginia Beach Stake, and his trainer is Elder Jordan Romney.  I have attached two photos of Elder Ballantyne taken on Thursday shortly after our transfer meeting: one with his trainer, and one with Sister Baker and me.

Elder Ballantyne's address is:

6411 Crescent Way #203

Norfolk, VA   23513

Thank you for sending us such a fine missionary.

President Baker

Michael with his mission president, President Baker and Sister Baker

Elder Ballantyne and Elder Romney, his trainer

September 18, 2013

I was set apart for my mission by President Douglas with my family present and our new bishop, Bishop McKay on Sept. 15th.

Just before I went to the MTC, Mom & Dad & I had lunch with Sister Brenneke, who lives across the street from the Provo Temple.

We had our pictures and then drove down the hill -- literally -- to the MTC.

Here's their last look at their son for 2 years...