Ode To Pat

As many of you know my brother Pat (or better known as Elder McPherson to some) is serving a mission. He recently sent some pictures home and I borrowed a few to give you all an update on what he's up to.

(Disclaimer: I have no actual knowledge of the specifics behind each of these pictures. Because of this I am taking great liberties for entertainment value in describing or captioning these pictures. ENJOY!!!)

This is Elder McPherson, himself.
Studly, ain't he?

He was called to serve in the California Fresno Mission.
According to him the most awesome, greatest and the one and only place to serve. (This is a rough quote.)

My bro, his companion (we will call him Elder), and a boy (we will call him John).
Here is how the conversation went:
Elder McPherson (EM): "Hey John?! Want to take a picture with the coolest guys on Earth."
Elder: "Yeah, John! Come 'ere. We really want a picture with you!"
John: (being too young and impressionable to know not to get too close to elders standing near a baptismal font) "Sure, but where are the cool guys? Just Joshin'. [for the older folks- that means just kidding] Where do I stand?
EM: (in a menacing, yet welcoming voice) Right here, between Elder and I."
John: "OK!"...

...Elder: "So kid, how do you feel about our church and getting baptized?"
EM: "Quick, Elder! Grab 'em!"

EM and Elder (in unison): "Must get a baptism! Must get a baptism! Must get a baptism!"

"If we don't get a baptism soon, I think I may go crazy!"

Elder: "EARTHQUAKE!!!!"
EM: (In a sleepy, I just woke up sort of way) "Huh? What?"
Elder: (Laughing hysterically) "That's what you get for sleeping in! Now wake up. It's time for Companion Scripture Study." (Still chuckling to himself as he leaves the room.)

Pat and his companion (not sure if Elder went along or another guy by the same name) spent a P-Day (Preparation Day) at a park. Here are two of many that I thought I'd share because they're pretty and for no other reason.

Waterfall

Precipice
(hmmm, I think you could get a good missionary lesson from that one, bro!)

Pat played the T-bone (trombone) in his High School's marching band. I believe he swore to never play it again once he graduated.

Thinking to himself: "I thought I'd never have to see you again?!?! Stupid talent. I must get Elder back for letting our bishop know I could play. What will I do? Hand in warm water while he sleeps? No. Short sheet his bed? No. Something more sinister. Make him sing with the rest of us tone-deaf Elders in Sacrament. PERFECT! (In a sinister way) He, he, he, he."

EM: "Hey, guys I don't think we should quit our day jobs 'cause we really suck at this!"

Elder #3: "I think the piano just needs to be tuned."
EM: "You keep telling yourself that, Elder. Whatever makes you sleep better at night. As for me, I'll be having nightmares about this for a loooooooong time."

Elder: "So Elder Mac, where should we go tracting today?"
EM: "Hmmm, I feel that we should go......that way. Yeah, that way!"

Once in a while the missionaries get in an area close enough to the temple to go, are invited to come along when one of the people they baptize goes through the temple for the first time, or get to go if their Mission President lets them.

Pat and his companion...and his companion? At the temple.

Dinner time conversation in an Elder's apartment.

EM: "So Elder, what's for dinner? I'm starving!"
Elder: "Hmm, I'm not sure. Let's go look at what we've got."

Elder: "It's not looking so good for us."

EM: (After a 30 minute free for all of the apartment to see if there was anything left to eat) "Hey I found something!" (Thinking to himself that he would have to share) "Uh, er, nevermind. It was just a, um..."

Elder: "What did you find? Ramon! It's mine!"
EM: "No, it's mine! I saw it first!"
Elder: "It was on my half of the room. It's mine!"
EM: "Finder's keepers, losers weepers! It's mine!"
Elder: "We are in some dire straits if we are fighting over Ramon, EM."
EM: "I have an idea. Do you have a ward roster handy?"

EM: "Thank you Brother and Sister Oluah*. (gulp) It looks...well...um...delicious."

Elder: "Yeah, thanks. Lets say a blessing on the food now..." (thinking to himself) "So it wont come alive kill us."

EM: "I am victorious!!!"

Elder: "Wow, EM, you really were hungry!"

Right after Pat got to California his bike was stolen. Fortunately a member had an extra bike he could borrow. Pat was most grateful...until he saw the bike.
EM: "Gee, thanks. You're so generous."

It may have been a little warm that day.

EM: "Hey Elder! You're going home soon and Amanda hasn't written you a 'Dear John' letter. Maybe you should practice proposing."

Elder (standing): "Yeah, I'll be Amanda" (Thinking to himself) "How do I get myself into these situations? If only Callie* hadn't written me three weeks into my mission telling me she was engaged TO MY BROTHER it would be me kneeling and not playing a GIRL!"

Cool sign.

While Pat is loving his mission his heart is still at home in Good Ol' Texas.


Pat-man I hope you enjoyed reading this. Happy hump-day little bro. I love you lots. Keep up the good work.

*All names are ficticious to protect the innocent.