Farewell Elder Simmons! 1.24.16

7:55 PM

So long to another dear friend, Matt Simmons. He will be going to St. Petersburg, Russia and reports to the MTC this Wednesday, Jan. 27. Crazy to think that we have only been friends since summer term.. it feels like forever! It's even crazier to think that our whole summer term group is splitting off as we all go our separate directions for our missions. The Lord has truly blessed me with one of a kind friends, which I firmly believe is one of the sole reasons as to why we were all meant to go to summer term. I would have never thought we would all become so close and here we are, left with the best memories and awaiting our magnificent reunion in 2018. Matt, I am so thankful for your example and for the friendship we share. Godspeed!

Students by day, models by night

Elder Simmons mannequin. Classic.

Ben & Matt

"Russians don't smile"

Abz and Matt

Laughing as Matt takes a picture with his "house maid"

Background story: As I was casually walking around his house looking for a cup of water, his racist grandma makes eye contact with me. ( hint: racist. I am brown. That should already say a lot.) She is holding a plate with scraps on it and hands it to me, as she says: "I have a plate for you to take.. OH WAIT, are you a guest??".. My jaw dropped because she literally mistook me as their HOUSE MAID because I am BROWN!! Hahahahahah, I was laughing so hard.. to the point where tears were falling down. After I replied with, "Yes, I am a guest.. but I'll take it from you anyways!" She gladly gave me her plate and responded with, "Oh, yes that would be awesome!" and happily walked away.. Hahahaha. No worries, feelings were not hurt. Definitely made my night. Matt and his sister could not stop apologizing, but it really wasn't a big deal. I thought it was so freaking funny and it makes a hilarious story to tell.