The Day Before I Leave Massachusetts

Hello Everyone,

As you all may know or may not know, I am leaving Monday, March 31st 2014 to leave on my mission. I could not be more excited! My time in New England has been more than what I expected! When my father first broke the news to us, I had no desire to move here. I had a strong dislike for all the Boston teams of sports. Those of you that know me, know how much sports play in my life. I learned over my time of living here that I do not hate the Boston teams, but I admire them. I admire the love the fans have for the teams, the coaches, and the Military families. In such a short time after arriving to Boston, we got tickets to go see the New England Revolution play soccer. I didn't think much of it until I arrived. I saw that for the military, they PACKED the house!! It was by far the best first experience I had. Over the two years of living here I soon learned that Boston is all about winning, nothing but winning, WINNING IS EVERYTHING!! Boston will always have a special place in my heart. The people, the nature, the sports fans, and yes, yes, the accent. I need the khakis out of my pants!! In my two years of living here I have been through both the good and bad. I have made mistakes most people frown upon, but they have made me who I am today. I will soon be known as Elder Otte. In the times of my struggles I thought I was lost, when in reality, I was found. My best memory of Boston will be the time when my whole family was invited to P-Town for Military Appreciation fishing and Cod. My whole family was able to be there and we had more fun just being out, away from home. We went fishing for hours! After fishing and catching some nice fish, we were treated to lobster, cod, and all sorts of seafood!

The best memory I have of my whole family was our Nauvoo trip. We decided that we, as a family, were going to make the long journey to Nauvoo. It was by far the best trip. Seeing the places of the church that Joseph Smith and others saw and made apart of the church that I love so dearly and will serve for the next two years. From New York to Nauvoo and everywhere in between. My family had never had so much fun! I did not think a drive halfway across the country could be so adventurous. We jammed out, watched movies, and most of all, felt the spirit the whole way. I will never forget the moment when we drove to Carthridge Jail. I was sitting next to my older brother TJ, and I looked over and imagined riding a horse, like Joseph and Hyrum out to know that it would be my last ride. I will remember that forever because of how much I love my older brother and how he has helped me so much in life. TJ from the time we were little, would butt heads with me over everything! From Lego's to Hot wheels to flag running in Japan over who was going to get what flag. TJ is my best friend. I don't know if he will ever see this, or what impact it will make on him, but I just want him to know how much I love him.

My brothers and sisters,
As many of you come across this blog, or my story, or my mission, I would ask you to share it with others. If you are not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, please still share this. If you have questions, write me!! My info is on the side! I love all of you!

Elder Otte
"Kia Kaha"