Bryce’s parents maintain this website for him while he is on his mission in Mexico City.

When Bryce sends digital photos home, we add a page to his online photo albums. His photos are in albums—one for each of the areas where he has served. There is also an album of the movies he has made. We have just added more photo albums. The current albums are:

• Mission Prep
• MTC (Mission Training Center)
• Pachuca (first area)
• Chimalhuacán (Ciudad Alegre)
• Mission Office (as financial secretary)
• Movies (last 3 areas)

Bryce will soon be transferred to his final area in Feb. 2010. When that happens, we will add an album for it.

Click here to see Bryce’s latest mission photos albums. You can always get to his photos by clicking on “Mission Photo Albums” on the right sidebar.

When Bryce writes letters or emails, we add a blog post. [Our editorial comments are enclosed in square brackets.]

- Shayne Packer (Bryce’s father)

Bryce called today for a few minutes to tell us his visa is all arranged now! He flies to Mexico City on a direct flight Tues, Aug. 12, 2008 at 9:35 am.

Any mail you sent him at the MTC must be there by Monday or they will return it to you. Please send mail to the Mexico City mission home now. (See the Current Address page for details.)

So…I’m still in Provo. Friday the consulate for Mexico stopped seeing people, because he was mad that parents kept calling him, so he put everything on hold. We just found out yesterday 10 of the 60 delayed Elders are going to Salt Lake tomorrow to get visas, the rest are going to be reassigned to Utah missions for 3 weeks or so. I’m one of the lucky 10, so I will probably be flying out Monday. 7 of the 10 Elders in my district are getting reassigned, but they’re happy just to be getting out of the MTC… so look forward to a call soon everybody [family]!

Well, I finally saw Elder Justin Mann 3 or 4 times now [cousin]. He is looking sharp and was excited to get out to New Jersey. I think he left yesterday. Also, you’ll never guess who I saw yesterday… Elder Gregory Pavone [from N.H.]. Ha ha ha I hardly recognized him. He was actually the one that saw me and stopped me. He is doing really well; just got in last week and says the MTC is a bit of an adjustment. He has been going to a military school in Maryland and is serving a mission in Korea! It was a really big surprise to see him and it made my day, even more than getting my visa. Elder Pavone also said Devin Burns [from N.H.] is serving in Africa.

Oh yea Dad, guess what my [second] cousin [John Reed] from Queen Creek, AZ, who is going my same mission is best friends with Elder Solomon, one of my really good friends in my district who is going to the Mexico City West Mission. He showed me a picture of him, small world. Thanks every one for the letters… Mom I can’t believe you made that stationary it is the sweetest. Kerry hang in there bro while your family is in Peru! Wish I could write more, I’ve got more packing to do. Next week it will be from Mexico!

I Love you all very much!

Elder Bryce Packer

Himno [of the week]: 159 Con valor marchemos (Onward Christian Soldiers)

Quote [of the week]: “Don’t think about what you’re doing, think about what you’re becoming.”
- I really like this quote because it can be applied in many ways. One is to be conscious of the consequences of your actions or who you become as a result of your decisions, and another (the context I heard it in) is to persevere and keep the end result in mind, every day you work towards your goal, you are that much closer to becoming what you desire to be.

Hola familia,

So because I am delayed I got a new schedule which is the same as the field schedule in Mexico. During our proselytizing time, aka whole day, we are in the Referral Center and I have two pretty solid investigators already. Also my preparation day was moved to Wed. which is why you didn’t get an email yesterday. The RC is great I’ve been able to teach quite a few people so far… plus its easier because its mostly in English. This morning we found out we got our permisos [permits/visas], so I should be leaving for Mexico any day… expect a phone call.

Thank you, thank you, thank you all for your wonderful letters and your packages you have been spoiling me. Thanks mom and dad for the food the cupcakes were great! and for the CD dad. I can not believe you made that website. It is incredible. It looks amazing. [Shayne sent Bryce a printed copy of this blog.] All of the other missionaries are jealous and said to tell you, you can make them one too. Also Kristi thanks so so much I just got your package today, I dig the tie and the coin is sweet I’ll carry it everywhere plus the food ¡hay carumba! Thanks also for the last package from Emily and Kristi with all the cool pictures from the kids and the ridiculously amazing food. You guys are over kill. Thanks Heather for your many letters and tell Colby and Miles thanks for there awesome drawings of Wall-E and George of the jungle. I’ll try to write you all soon, but I’ve got little time and a whole lot of packing!

…oh yea please tell the young men and the leaders [in the ward] thanks for the letters and that all is great, I got my visa and that Seth better start preparing for his mission.

Thanks soo soo much, I love you all and you’re in my prayers!

Bryce

All is well with the MTC. They finished cleaning the temple so I get to go again today. I’ve been looking for Elder Mann but have not been able to find him so far. 

Starting today I have no teachers so most of my time will probably he spent in the Media Referral Center, which is an amazing experience. We answer and follow up on the TV ads as well as host the online charts from Mormon.org. I get to make calls in Spanish, too. Its great. I understand about 1/8 of what’s being said, but they are so patient and receptive to the message. We also might start teaching the younger districts, too. That’s always fun.

El himno por este semana es #146, “Tengo gozo en mi alma hoy” [The hymn for this week is #146, "There is Joy in My Soul Today"] y the quote is “obedience simplifies, sin complicates”. Hope your all working on your Spanish, set a small goal of what to learn every day!

I mailed a short letter earlier so you should get it in a few days. I hope things are going great and look forward to hearing from you all.

Love you all very much!

Bryce