Unexpected Meetings

When we actually got to Provo, we pulled up to have brunch at IHOP. What a fun place to have our last meal together. We made Matthew pose outside for a picture but it wasn't long before we realized we weren't the only ones doing it....lots of other missionaries had the exact same idea.

We went inside and was immediately greeted by another missionary who was headed to the MTC for a mission to Mexico. We were led back by the hostess to the back corner of the restaurant where there were 3 other missionaries and families eating as well. One excited young Elder told us he was headed to Ecuador Guayaquil South too! Interestingly enough, his mother grew up there, right where her son was going! He was going to be among his own family. How fun would that be? His mother shared a lot of neat information about the city of Guayaquil and Matthew got SO excited. Apparently he will likely live in a house he will share with 6-8 missionaries and they will have a maid. There will be no bikes or cars, just their own two feet. She said that at one time Ecuador had more members than the state of Utah. There are many many members and they will take very good care of our brother. She said there are a lot of very poor yet very humble people there. Matthew will do so good there. I have no doubt he is going exactly where Heavenly Father wants him to be.
Elder Barton- I'm sure these two will bump into each other again real soon!