July 2008 News

Elder James Michael Miller
New York New York North Mission
December 2007 - 2009






Greetings!


This past month has been very eventful. I had a unique experience, my mom came out the beginning of June and she and I drove to New Hampshire for my one year heart check. It was kinda weird to see her but it was good and everything with my heart is perfect! My surgeon was very pleased. I've even put on 23 lbs. since surgery! Then on top of that I went home for a couple days this last week. A few weeks ago my Dad was diagnosed with cancer so I came to see him. He's so awesome. He has such a great attitude and he is determined to beat this. He's such a great example. As for the mission itself things are excellent. Transfers were this week and I'm still in Connecticut but I have a new companion, Elder Eyre. He's pretty cool, he's from Wyoming. I don't know him very well yet because I left two days after we were put together. The day I left we had mission conference and had the honor of having President Uchtdorf speak to us. He talked a lot about the importance of Preach My Gospel and using it to build our testimonies, and the faith of both members and nonmembers. We got to shake hands with him and his wife. Sister Uchtdorf asked me the infamous question - "Do you play basketball?" - I guess I shouldn't be surprised. The work continues to move forward. The ward I'm serving in is doing a 40 day fast for missionary work. There is a lot of excitement about missionary work in the ward so hopefully we'll see some fruits of that this cycle. Well I hope you're all doing well. Keep spreading the good word!


Love, Elder Miller

Elder Mike Kleinman
Hey kids!I hope everyone is enjoying their mission summer (or winter)! Here in Argentina things have been going great! We are seeing a surge in progress here and its a very exciting time. I will let you in on an insight of the Argentine people. Everyone is very specific on what they eat. And I mean everyone.For example: Today I went to go get a couple of burgers and while I was waiting for them a girl of about 14 yrs. came up to me and asked if I could give her something to eat (as in money). Well, I wasn't going to give her money so I gave her two cheeseburgers. I felt pretty gracious (self pride boost!) about giving them. Then she said, "Do these burgers have comdiments on them?" They did. And she was like " Ew! Condiments! I don't want condiments on my burgers!" And I was like, "WHAT KIND OF BEGGAR ARE YOU?!!" She took them still grudgingly. I swear everyone is a complete character down here. Anyway, now that I have my filler story in, I would like to say that I liked Daniel's asian button-up shirt he was wearing in last month's photo. Nice! Well, thats it. Till next month.
Elder Kleinman

Elder Chase Judd
Hola,Well I don't have very much time we are going to the church to eat in 20 minutes a missionary just returned from his mission, and I am so hungry we only eat 1 time during the whole day from 2 to 4. It is really humid holy Hannah, its hot here but I love it. Oh by the way I am in Veracruz as of the 20th of June. It is nice to be out of the MTC. So me and my companion have been teaching a ton of people and we invited 4 kids to be baptized on Saturday and they accepted, so I could be getting my first baptism this week, I am so excited. Well my companion is awesome he works so hard and walks so fast, he is from Mexico City and he never waste time. I am lucky he speaks English pretty well and can answer my questions if I have them, but we still only try to speak in Spanish. I can't really understand when people talk, but I am trying to speak it and read it so yep* So yesterday which was Sunday we went to a members house and ate clams, whole fish with the scales in a soup, and another kind of fish battered in guacamole and flour then fried, it was actually pretty good since I thought I hated fish, but yeah* I am excited I love the people, and the members feed us everyday it is awesome so many coconut trees and juice. They kept me in the city of Veracruz, my apartment is tiny, you could shower and go to the bathroom at the same time, way cool huh!!! NO air-conditioning everyone just has fans besides the church. Today we are teaching lesson 4 to those kids one I have never taught I am excited!! Well until next time*
PeaceElder Chase
P.S. We baptized the 4 kids it was awesome!!!!

Elder Brock Smith
Aloha Ka Kou!
Well once again the month flew by I cant believe how fast it goes. Tommarrow is transfers and I'm gettin transfered which sucks I am pretty bummed Ive had so many areas I can never stay anywhere long enough to really get things movin I really am sick of it I want to stay some where for more that 4 1/2 of three months its flippin crazy but hey I got believe in Revalation and all that and know that its where the lord wants me to go Well thats about it dont really feel like writtin Peace Out! Elder B Smith

Anziano Scott Ball
Yeah, its going great here. Our english class has grown from 2 students to about 10. We had 5 investigators in church last week and we are planning to send out baptismal dates to them this week.Anyways, not much to say this week except that it is amazingly hot here. The humidity is killing me off. I could never live anywhere else than Arizona. I get out of the shower and I dry off and still after that I FEEL WET. I hate this feeling. I hope that it is a short summer. We are today going to go buy better fans for our house and do some things here!Hey, good story, We were up north in the town called Conegliano doing street and just walking along. I noticed that a guy was running after us, so I turned around and he said "Hello!". We started talking in english and he spoke poorly. He said that he met us in the past and wanted to meet us again. So, we got his number and set up an appointment for Wednesday. We arrived at the train station and waited for 5 minutes, finally, we looked over to our right and he is dressed up in a shirt and a tie and is with a friend with the same thing. Also, both carrying bags. My companion said "oh poop, Jevoah's Witness's". So we met with them right there and he started asking us if we had ever seen this book which explains the Bible. We both said yes and then he went on about what they do.. Spreading the word of Christ. So far, I was cool with them, just having a good attitude.. I imagined Jesus against the Pharisees. It kind of reminded me of this. Anyways, They asked us.. "Where do we receive the will of God from"?.. (meanwhile holding a Bible). I don't know what came over me (the spirit), but I felt that I gave them one of the answers that Jesus would have of given them. I said, "Well, we get the will of God through prophets that he has called and they are they who wrote the Bible and also other works." That is all I had to say and their faces looked as though they couldn't say anything. I left it at that and they said they would give our number to some english members that they have to 'talk' about the Bible and they will call us in a little bit. I left that sitituation feeling that Istill had the spirit and that I acted fine.You could say I felt proud, but I knew that it was due to the spirit. Anyways, Ciao! Anziano Ball

Elder Jeff Stoker
Brothers,I am pretty sure that i just wrote the one for June about 2 days ago. Strange. So i just got another transfer, but it is to the same city i am already in, but about an hour bus ride away. I am also serving with Elder Waltman. For those of you who were at the MTC with me, Elder Waltman was my MTC companion. We are tearing it up. It is way fun. We dont even have to take the time and get used to each other, which is a huge advantage. We also found out that we cant go to Estonia to renew Visas any more, so now we get to go to the Czech Republic. I kinda feel like a missionary who just contacts on planes, trains, and buses. it is pretty nuts. The work here is going amazing. It is amazing how if you just be STRICTLY obedient, how much more you will be blessed. (by the way, i still got a while to go before i am 100% obedient, but dont let that suprise you guys, i dont want to ruin the perfect Elder Stoker image in your heads.) So this month has pretty much just flown by. I cant believe that i am already twenty. I can already feel the wrinkles. I love to hear about everyone in these things. It makes me laugh to think of Brock being my district leader, or Mike being my office elder. Whats next Max as a Zone leader. HAHA. (that was a joke). I love this work. It definately beats ANYTHING that we could be doing at home. I mean where else can you learn the things you are learning on your missions. Well just wanted to tell everyone to Keep on Keeping on. The time is flying way to fast to let any opportunity slip. Love you all, sometimes... Have a great Month.
Elder Jeffery Stoker

Elder Daniel Anderson
Hey Everybody! We just got our transfers last week and what do you know I am finally*STAYING IN STOCKTON!! Haha! My mom said I should name my firstborn after it! My new companion*s name is Elder Yang*the other one. He is also Hmong, but was born in North Sacramento. The area here in Stockton has really been picking up. We have been doing a lot of work in the south side of town, so it has been pretty interesting. We have a really big teaching pool right now, I just hope that we can keep it up. We are looking at some potentials right now and in a week or two we should have some baptisms. This one girl we are working with is so tight. Her name is Houa (it means cloud). She is 18 and just loves to learn about the gospel! She always asks questions when we teach her. She came to church last week and felt the spirit and she is going to pray about it. We met a family that knows the Hmong script, it looks like Egyptian, but it*s super hard and the guy that has it won*t teach us how to do it so it*s hard to learn. I have almost cracked the code/pattern and so I*m hoping that when I come home I will be able to write in it. We borrowed his book for a little bit but I don*t understand how it all goes together yet. I am the senior Hmong elder now because I have been in the Hmong program longer than any other Hmong missionary. Elder Lee who was in the MTC with me and came here with me went on one English transfer. It*s super weird that all of my friends in the mission have left*it*s kinda sad but it*s all good, the work will go on. I finished the Book of Mormon again this last week and one of my favorite scriptures is in Alma chapter 7:11-15 ish*I don*t remember off the top of my head, but I can see it on the page. You should all read it, I love it! I miss all of you * have a great month!
Daniel

Elder Gary Chambers
Big shout out to my dawg JIMMY BOY! Mr. Spotlight ;) Hope your mission is kickin' butt! Well, I promised you guys I'd let you know how the area is, so here I go... Once again I'm no longer in Constanza, I'm in Navarrete, and the people are great, as far as I can tell. The problem is I can't tell much from the kitchen window... All I know is the kids in my neighborhood really like to play stick ball (kinda like baseball, but lamer) every day and that the dog on the corner should either have its voice box ripped out or it should at least be shot. That bark really gets annoying. I know that the neighbors Mango tree produces alot of fruit, much of which falls onto their roof where they can't see it... Kinda makes me want to go roof hoping for a lil treat, but I can't find a safe route. I know that in front of the colmado on the other corner is where all the teenagers like to hang out (QT flashbacks), and attempt at making music with their wierd lil instruments... I almost threw a few eggs at them one night from how retarded it sounded... but that was my breakfast, and omlets are just worth too much to me. I know that whenever my comp goes to the bathroom, he takes at least 30 minutes... que se yo... I just try to use it when its open. I feel like I'm the main actor in that one movie where that kid with hair is on house arrest and he like spies on his neighbors... Only difference is I don't have a hot girl with me haha....... dang it. Yeah well, as you might have guessed by now, that means I haven't been leaving the house. OH NO ELDER CHAMBERS HAS JOINED THE DARKSIDE! Hahaha.... no. My comp is super trunkie and does nothing but sleep, eat, poop, and dream about home while chanting "8 more weeks." I hate it... I'm new to the area and he's taught me nothing about it... we leave more often to check his myspace than we do to teach a freakin lesson. Well, sorry, but Navarrete hasn't been a great experience yet... Sometimes I catch myself chanting quietly to myself, "8 more weeks..." Wow, Life is too good to be true. Satan's got me pinned guys... I'm screwed until he loses his grip on my comp... in the meantime, give him the 'ol one two for me and spread the word! My home is a prison... Love, Elder Chambers

Elder Grant Huish
hey everybody.Thiings here in Oregon are going farely well. It has warmed up quite a bit, and hasn't rained in Days now. I still have the opportunity of cruising around on my bicycle, which I thoroughly enjoy. I am now serving in a town called Aloha(pronounced incorrectly as seems to be common in Oregon). The work here was, well, non-existant when i arrived. It is starting to pick up slowly but surely. I am currently serving as a high and mighty DL because I am amazing. Just kidding, I'm not amazing, but I do enjoy the opportunity to go on more exchanges. My companions name is Elder Haynes. He is from Vacaville, California. For those of you who don't speak Spanish, that means cow town. I am pretty sure the lady sitting at the computer next to me has already been drinking this morning and its 10:30 am. She smells of beer profusely. Well I would tell some amazing story, but I don't have one sorry. S Later Grant
well i guess thats it for now. love ya


Elder Max Crandall
Gentlemen * Hola. Que Honda? So, pretty crazy I*m out here in Seattle. S*all good though. I am serving in the Greenwood Ward and we are actually the only ward in our mission that is in Seattle. Yup, so I*m here on my bike, training Elder Guillen. I knew training was going to be hard, but it isn*t hard in the way I thought it*d be. I*m tryin* to teach my boy values. I thought it*d be more of training him to teach and preach but it*s more of trying to steer him in the right direction. Then as he gets more experience, I throw in my two cents about how it went or what he could do better. He*s really a great kid. Elder Guillen was born in El Salvador where he lived until he was five. Then he moved to Virginia for a couple more years and then to Highland, Utah (American Fork area). He was only in the MTC for three weeks because he speaks both English and Spanish fluently. It*s been odd trying to train him. Mostly, I feel inadequate and could think of a billion better trainers, but I keep telling him that he has to learn from my mistakes and be better than me. At least that*s my parental desire. I think Elder Guillen and I will both be staying here on bikes through this next transfer, but you never know. Apparently there were a ridiculous amount of *midnights* this transfer. For my mom*s information, a midnight is when the mish pres decides someone needs to be transferred immediately instead of waiting until the next transfer meeting. Usually happens because boys are naughty. Silly billies. Anywho, sweatin* to the oldies isn*t as bad as I thought it was going to be. Don*t get me wrong; bein* on a bike is terrible. But I*ve been losing all sorts of weight and developing a stunning, manish figure (like I didn*t have one before). I was excited to hear the news about good ol* Elder Wells. I*m stoked that he can get back to the grind relatively soon. I*ve been praying for him too. Please let him know that I love him beyond the earthly limitations of my flesh. Those exact words, por favor. Gracias. Okay, so on to story time. One day Elder Guillen and I were riding down the side of the road on our bikes. Suddenly, the bushes were closing in on the left and the ditch on the right was getting bigger. All of a sudden, I made a girl noise and screamed, *Gauchito!* My bike slid into the ditch and I flew over the top of my bike. I probably shouldn*t have yelled his name because he promptly flew into the ditch right after me. As I removed my face from the dirt, I stood up to find Elder Guillen holding a bedazzled cell phone. *I found a phone. It works.* It was the weirdest experience. We went through the contacts and called *Mom.* Apparently this little, teenage Asian girl had been searching high and low for her cell phone and was very distraught. *Mom* thanked us profusely and gave us a box of fruit parfaits. Sometimes it is delicious to be a good Christian. I love telling that story. Probably because Elder Guillen and I laugh really hard every time we talk about it. I really like him. Kind of like a son. He*s teaching me a lot of Spanish and we*re working with a ton of people right now. It*s great. Just wish I had a car. Here*s something weird. Turns out that one of the Elders out here is the son of a guy my mom went to high school with. We figured it out when I told my mom that sometimes when we*re in the line at the Taco Bell, Elder Bussio will whip out his wallet and say, *This one*s on Vince.* So I tell my mom that Vince is Elder Bussio*s dad and my mom goes, *Vince Bussio that went to high school in Provo, Utah, a hundred years ago?* Turns out, same guy. I think that makes me and Elder Bussio related in some creepy, Mormon way. I guess that*s okay. Elder Bussio is a great guy and he pays for my Crunch Wrap Supreme. Well, as Joe Dirt says, Keep on keepin* on. Other great quotes include: Life*s a garden, dig it! AC/DC rules. I am happy. I smell good.
--Elder Max Crandall


Elder Logan Wells
Yo What a do...Well these past 2 months have been awesome. I can't say I have been doing much missionary work. Just chillen watching movies, and playing guitar hero. I had my surgery on the 18th of June, turned out to be the easiest surgery with the fasted recovery, no rehab or physical therapy. Well over the 4th of July I got to go to Mexico with the fam, we had fun quading, and being lazy. It was way fun for sure. Next Tuesday, I see the Doctor, he will sign me off and give me the heads up to go back. So next month no letter from home for me. It's so crazy, but all will be well. I have seen the Lords hand in my life these past couple of months. I know that if I did not go back I would regret it the rest of my life. I am just glad I have the opportunity to return to Puerto Rico. Oh, and I will still be back next summer. Thanks for all the support and prayers, I am so excited to get back out there and serve the Lord. I wouldn't have it any other way! PEACE Logan

Elder Garrett Jones
I am now writing to you from New Rochelle, NY, which is upstate. I met my new companion and he handed me the keys and said I had to drive. It has been a year now since I have touched the wheel of a car and I was terrified to be thrust into the driver's seat in the middle of New York City! My new companion, Elder Miranda and I are zone leaders here and are in charge of the Westchester zone which covers Yonkers, New Rochelle, Scarsdale, and White Plains. My new pad is by far the funnest, craziest apartment I've been in, with an Australian, a Singaporian, a Mexican, me, and two Elders from California and Utah. We had an amazing Sunday this week since a bunch of investigators all came to church. The ward really got excited to see all the nonmembers there and were fellowshipping them all like crazy. We are especially excited about the Herrara family, a sweet family of seven from Quatamala. I know this work is true. It is such a blessing to a servent of the Lord like I am.? I love and miss you all very much. Garrett

Elder Blake Smith
Hello everyone!!!!Whats up? Well I have just been getting ready to leave. I have been getting my visa and all of my things together. It takes longer than I thought. Three weeks ago I went through the temple and it was amazing. It was nice to have Logan here and to have him come through with me. I am so excited to get out in the mission field. I just got back from camping with my family and had a really good time. The next time we go up we are going to go to the Snowflake temple which I am really looking forward to. Other then that I have just been working and just finished up some school. But I will keep on preparing and can't wait to join all of you. Thank you everyone for your example. Blake Smith

June 2008 News

Elder Daniel Anderson

California Sacramento Mission
(Mhong Speaking)
October 2007 - 2009

What*s up ELDRO*S? So I actually wrote this newsletter out old school like (on paper and not e-mail) so ya*ll best be proud. CALIFORNIA is tight. I*m still in the hood of Stockton but I love it. Everyone is all gangsta-like with their 209/NorCal gear. (209 is the area code here*I don*t know so don*t ask why it*s cool, but it is.) I*m with a Native right now named Elder Yang, but by the time we all get this newsletter I will be training a new white boy how to speak Hmong! Who would*ve thought I*d be training at 7 months? Not me for sure. I*m still struggling with the language but the Lord is helping me and will continue to, as this continues to push me. I have learned that the more you push your comfort zone and your limits and begin to make sacrifices in your mission the more the Lord blesses you with miracles and prepares you for future tasks. Working with Asians is hard work; it takes awhile to see results sometimes, but I*m starting to see some from hardcore miracles! Right now we have 9 firms and my head feels like it*s about to explode! I*m still not the best at the whole senior companion thing, so I don*t really know how to stay on top of this many people, but it*s super neat seeing elect people just pop up and fall right into your lap. The church is true no matter where you are and I have a neat experience to work in a branch of Hmongs, Laos and Cambodians and it doesn*t matter if people pray or bear testimony in a language I don*t understand, because the Spirit is still there and testifies of the truth they are speaking. I love all of you and am grateful for your examples over the years. Now let*s get out there and show Satan what the Lord*s Army is really made of!!! Love Always, Daniel *Vang*

Elder Mike Kleinman

Hey everyone!I probably wont have much time to write you all today since we are EXTREMELY busy this week with transfers. Anyway, its starting to get really cold now here in cordoba. or maybe its just a cold front I dont know anymore. Well, the office going pretty good, we are making a lot of changes in how things function here. We are also seeing a whole ton of miracles when it comes to improving the mission! Our baptisms are still on schedule for the 7th, hope everything works out! So can you guys believe we are getting a THIRD new temple in Pheonix on top of the other two that were just announced?! I think Pres Monson s trying to win some brownie points with arizona. Just kidding, it was long overdue I think. Well, I am very happy to hear you all are doing well! Till next month my brothers, Ciao Elder Kleinman

Elder Jeff Stoker

I cant believe that it is June already. Summer is here. Here in Russia, it has definately been warming up. What makes it worse is that we have to be in Coats for most of the day. And what makes it even worse than that, is no air conditioning. AHH! This last week it has been raining really hard. It is fun to go contacting when it is pouring outside. everyone probably thinks that we are crazy. This last week we have found a new investigator that comes to english club. My companion and I are really trying to work hard with him, because my companion only has 3 weeks of his mission left. We have definately been blessed as of recently. We have two really good investigators. We are planning on setting a baptismal date soon with one of them. SoI want to tell a funny story that happened this morning. My companion got the hiccups this morning right before we went outside. It turns out his hiccups are WAY loud. so when we were outside, on buses, and in stores, he would hiccup way loud, and everyone would stare at us. It was way funny. It has stopped now, but I wish that we could have gone contacting when he had them. Well, I am trying to get used to this new schedule that my mission president gave us. It is wierd with everything being switched around, but I am sure that i will get used to it soon. My comp and I are really trying to work hard, and keep busy. My companion isnt looking forward to going home. Which is way good for me, because he is a good example. Elder Jeff Stoker

Elder Jimmy Miller

The Lord is so merciful! These last 2 weeks have been amazing!! So two weeks ago we got a media referral for a girl named Amanda. And for a while we couldn't get a hold of her so one day we randomly stopped by her house and she was home. We taught her about the Restoration and she accepted a baptismal date for June 15th right then. And we found out she's the girlfriend of an inactive guy in our ward so we're hoping to reactivate him through this. Then a few days later we got a media referral for a lady named Kim and we found out she's the daughter of an inactive sister. We've taught her a few times, she's awesome and really has a desire to gain her own testimony. This work is amazing but it goes by too fast. Danbury, CT is getting HOT and HUMID and its totally not cool. This Mother's Day was cool, I got to play guiter for the Spanish Branches Mother's Day party. Not sure how I got volunteered but it was fun. Anywho. Love You All! Bon dia! Elder Jimmy Miller

Elder Grant Huish

hey everybody, how goes it? things here in oregon are pretty wet. the work has slowed down significantly since the baptism a couple of weeks ago and we are doing a whole lot of "finding" activities. i would probably describe them more as searching activities. it is increasingly difficult to keep my companion motivated because all we have left is tracting the rich nieghborhoods which is a pain in itself plus he goes home on the 5th so hes getting a little trunky. luckily he is still willing to work he just complains alot. so the other day me and my companion used our combined efforts to totally counfound this old anti guy who thought he was soooo smart it was fantastic. well first of all this guy was evil he told us that the only reason he was talking to us was so that we couldnt be knocking on other doors and leading people astray to which i replied well trust me we will knock every door anyway but then later on in the conversation he was talking about how there is no tangible evidence that the book of mormon is true. it is just a good science fiction novel(this made me quite angry as you may well have guessed) so i replied to him where is your physical proof that jesus christ is your savior. as you can imagine there was a pause after this question and an unpleasent look in his eye, man that was a great moment. i know we arent supposed to bash but i think some people just need to be told whats what whethere they listen to it or not. well i hope you have all enjoyed my story and i wish you all the very best. keep up the good work, dont bash, and remember the church is true boys its so very true!

elder huish

Elder Brock Smith

Wow bros,Time wen get even fastah cuz I dont know whats up,the time between letters seems to be getting faster and faster maybe cuz my time out here is running out quick its whack man. Well things are going good here in the islands im still in waimea which is good and still DL which Im starting to get more used to, not quite so much stress,We also got a new Zl which is so much cooler than the last one I know him from Maui so thats pretty sweet. We got a greenie in the district now he's pretty chill hes Korean but from New Zealand so he talks with like an English accent which really through me off. Anyway this month is going to be a rockin one our goal of 100 baptims in the Month as a mission, I know will finally be achieved we just have to keep it going is all which I have confidence that we can do it and I know that we can. The Lord is truly pouring out his spirit over these islands and we are seeing many blessings in our behalf. It sounds as if you all are keeping pretty busy Daniel already being a senior compa and Mike being a flippin office Elder thats nuts man Im glad I know that I dont have enough time left for that to happen to me, maybe I can even dodge the zl card I hope but will see what the next transfer holds that will be the clincher transfer so we'll see. I hope that all you mammas boys had fun talkin to your mommies cuz I sure did. But that About it for me now catch you all on the flip side Peace out! ahnyeong! B Sexy B Smooth B Smith

Elder Garrett Jones

Hey gang! I finally got a companion after five weeks as the "third wheel." My new companion, Elder Sanders is from West Virginia and we are having a great time working together. The area here in Olstead (our section of the Bronx) is in definite need of some work which I am really excited to get out and do. I can once again get out and work in Spanish all day long. We've had some successes with teaching and setting baptismal dates. We also had one unpleasant experience where a baptism date was cancelled after the man's "pastor" was there and told us to get lost in a not very nice way. Sadly, our investigator looked like a statue standing behind the pastor, but everyone has their agency. We have several other baptism dates set. Sunday I gave my first three baptismal interviews. Take care everyone. The church is true! Garrett

Elder Scott Ball

Ciao,We are doing great here in Treviso. We are gaining a new investigator every week and that is pretty good for the standard. We had a cool experience yesterday. We were doing House to House (Casa in Casa as we call it), knocking on doors and everyone just thinks we are Jehovah's Witnesses or they don't want to hear about it (it*s like this always). So we are going along and we see a guy and his son leaving and the wife is there waving them away. So, we start talking to the woman (as the husband leaves) and she invites us in and just that was a really big shock (as in NO ONE INVITES US IN). So, she is interested and tells us that she was studying with the Jdubs also. She tells us that she is searching for the truth. We teach a lesson about the plan of salvation and she says that she will read our pamphlet. She said we were lucky, because if her husband was there, he would have kicked us out. Only because he doesn't want to have anything to do with religion. I hope she reads it.We also gained a really awesome African investigator from Cameroon. He accepts everything we give to him and the amazing part is that he calls us RATHER than us calling him. We were asking him for referrals, but he said the only one he knows is this friend of his. She had a bad experience with a Jdub and doesn't want anything to do with religion. This lady's friend was in the hospital and needed blood from someone else. So she offered her blood to help this friend, but there was a Jdub that said that she would go to hell if she gave blood. She gave her blood and the Jdub cursed her or something like that. So we hope that she gets over that and starts talking to us.Vi voglio tanto bene. Anziano Ball

Elder Gary Chambers

Wow is it just me or is it hot in here! I can't tell if I wet myself, or if I'm just sweating in my pants (with a bladder as weak as mine, you can never tell). Constanza is now in the dust!... as of today.... and I've been re-positioned right next to the big city of Santiago in a sweet lil joint called Navarette! So far, as today is my first day, I think I like it. My new comps name is Elder Harding, a stud from Idaho who turned down a bunch of basketball scholarships to come out to this rock and Preach the Gospel! YOU GO GIRL! Hahaha... no but he's cool. First downside is that it's hot now :(... the second is that my Dominican girlfriend is no longer living just across the street (long distance relationships suck). However, there is a bright side or two! No more "2 hours down the mountain" crap anymore! WOO HOO! also, the people here in Navarette LOVE the missionaries... so when you want anything, you just call the restaurant, or colmado and tell them what you want. 5 minutes later, they're knocking at your door with a hot delicious Dominican meal, or that Ice cold soda you wanted, FREE of delivery charge! Wow... is that white power or what! Not to mention that everything is way cheaper than anything Constanza ever had... I think I'm going to like it here :) the House is a lil bit messy, but I think theirs a phone number for that (just kidding, I'm not that lazy). I've really enjoyed your guys' entries... like Grants in-ability to see mail box posts in the dark... haha that story made me giggle. Hey Max, siga con el espanal muchacha! Es deficil al principio, pero con tiempo, puede hablar como los Mexicanos! Eso es mi meta... Me encanta los mexicanos. Haha Chase, I don't know why, but ever since I found out you were going to Mexico, the image of you and your dirty mustache keeps running through my mind and I laugh every time. Well, I'll be sure to let you all know how the area is here once I know... Until then, keep it real, and do your best. Con Amor (como siempre), Elder Chambers (aka Mr. Churia)

Elder Max Crandall

Happy Mothers and Fathers Day to all Moms and Dads. Things here in Washington are ever changing. Last time we spoke I was serving in a really small town called Monroe with a great missionary named Elder Cole. We had a car, we had a great apartment with a dishwasher, microwave, a washer and a dryer and a really good vacuum, and Elder Cole and I were really getting to be great friends. We even got along with the other missionaries in the zone swimmingly. It was the good life. Well, last Saturday, the 17th, we got our transfer calls. The zone leaders told us that there was only one missionary that was getting transferred. That was great by me because I was glad to have another six weeks with Cole. This was surprising because the only companion I*ve stayed with for longer than six weeks was my first companion. Everyone else has only been for one transfer. I think all the moving is due to the Spanish Elders being new to the mission. Anyway, we all thought life was hunky dory and we were gearing up for the new transfer. Then on May 20th, the day of transfers, President Showalter called Elder Cole and myself and asked both of us to be trainers. The mission knew that there were two Spanish Elders coming to the mission but they were scheduled to come next transfer. Well, since they both already spoke Spanish and English, they only had to stay in the MTC for three weeks instead of nine so they came early*but no one informed SLC or our mission. So President Showalter told me to pack my bags, I punched a wall (just kiddin*) and we headed off for the mission home. We all stood as the greenies walked in; five elders and one sister (who was actually named Sister Elder*). They started to introduce one of the greenies, saying he loves cars and working on them and he likes to play football. Then they said, *Your trainer will be Elder Crandall.* I walked down to the front to greet him; we embraced and I whispered, *Mi gauchito,* in his ear.* His name is Elder Ricardo Guillen. He is from Utah, he*s really great and I*m happy to be with him. We are serving in the Greenwood area which is on the edge of our mission, just above Seattle. In fact we are actually in Seattle. By the way, WE*RE ON BIKES!!!!!$%@#&. Our area is huge and we have Spanish investigators outside of our area. I suppose my tushie will recover one day. Oh, also, how cool is this? On May 31st we get to go hear Elder M. Russell Ballard, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speak! I*ve been reading about Ammon * *I will show forth my power unto these my fellow-servants, or the power which is in me, in restoring these flocks*that I may (1) win the hearts of my fellow-servants, that I may (2) lead them to believe in my words.* What a great insight! You can tract all day long and preach repentance but if people don*t think you care about them, they probably won*t listen to you. You gotta warm them before you warn them. I*m a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because I know this message has the power to bless the lives of everyone on this planet. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that He lives. I am so grateful to know what I know and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to share that knowledge with the people in Washington. Vos amo mucho * Elder Crandall P.s. Hey Logan * (hit chest twice, show peace sign) Word to my homedawg. Prayin* for ya.

Elder Logan Wells

Well hello there! To say the least things have been nothing but normal let me tell you. As most of you know, I returned home on the 14th of May.It has been so weird to be home. I have had x-rays, MRI's, and Doctors appts. I am having surgery on my knee on the the 16th. I have fasted and prayed and feel at peace with the decision to be home, but know that I miss being a Missionary and the people in Puertro Rico. I know in my heart that my mission is not complete. It is my prayer that I will have a speedy recovery and be able to return to Puerto Rico. For those of you wondering what the Valley View Ward is like... let me tell you it sucks.. ha ha. I absolutely hate it, beside the fact that I am so used to the spanish people, the love they give, and a small branch. So with that being said, I am happily serving in the Arboldea Branch as a missionary, visiting the inactive. I am also enjoying movies, music ,tv and visiting with friends. Thanks for the support and love! Peace, Logan

Elder Chad Dewey

Hello Everyone,Another week in the MTC. Here are the happenings for this week…I got a new companion on Wednesday, his name is Elder R from Sacramento Ca. He seems pretty cool. He knows some Russian (meaning exactly that). He learned from Rosetta Stone, (the program that doesn't teach the grammar principles) and some guy he knew who spoke Russian. He is catching on quickly to the grammar so that's great. I have made a lot of new friends with the weee younger elders who just came in. There are three elders from Finland who are WAY cool that I love to hang out with when we have time ( haha ). We are planning a party back in Finland when the mish is all said and done. They said, we are going to sit in the sauna and then do snow angles naked in the freezing cold snow. Sounds rejuvenating...right??? After surviving in Russia for two years I'm sure I can handle it. ...something to look forward to!!(haha) Their names are Elder Huttenen, Koivisto, and Jotiunos…not too sure about their correct spelling. Then there is elder Traasdall from Gilbert in our zone. The thing that sucks is none of the younger elders in my zone are going to Ekat. Oh well. I have the new task of teaching these weee younger elders the ways of four square etiquette. Yes, there is such a thing of four square etiquette. They need to be taught a little class and a few manners when they play. They are coming along but need much improvement... I'm just the guy to teach them. (haha)A funny situation happened with a sister missionary the other day. She asked me how my mother was, it was way awkward, andI'm not sure why she asked me that. I'm still wondering…huh??? That's a sister missionary for ya. (JK) Sister missionaries are cool.... they are very strict sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I keep every little rule in the book, but there is a point where some go over board and make up their own little rules. There is still room to have fun while you're on the mish.I am going to tell you about an experience I had yesterday, or I should say…ANOTHER LEARNING EXPERIENCE...a particular elder and I were notified about five minutes before we had to teach a lesson. This was frustrating because it's important you go into these lessons extremely prepared. Our lesson still needed work because Elder (blank) wanted more time for his personal study. I got somewhat frustrated because we made a goal to have our lesson done by Saturday evening and it wasn't finished until Monday morning. So, here I go again!! I made the choice of letting my frustrations and impatience's take over and get to me, instead of turning to the Lord for help and relying on the spirit for direction and guidance I let the situation get to me. Later that evening my teacher took me out of the room to apologize for scheduling us to teach and not telling us. I explained I wasn't frustrated at him just at this particular elder. I felt he didn't take the instructions and goals I discussed with him serious enough and he wasn't prepared going into the lesson. My instructor said, I need to me more firm with him. After my one on one with my instructor I was feeling like you know what________!!! I was feeling like doing something to take my mind off it all, like maybe going to see a movie, or maybe playing a video game or two, or going out with some my friends and grabbing some good grub and just hanging out for a few hours…OH WAIT!!!...I forgot where I was for a minute! Okay…since I couldn't do any of those things, I resorted to my residency on bended knee, in prayer, having a conversation with the one who cared, who would listen and understand, the one who would give me direction if I go to Him humbly and ask, I just needed to still my mind long enough to listen. I prayed for what seemed to be a long time, asking for help with the frustration and anger I was feeling because I knew I needed to let it go in order to feel the spirit. It's somewhat tricking to constantly live and think the way you need to in order to have the spirit as a constant companion. Although I prayed for what seemed to be forever, pleading with the Lord for a change of heart and to let my anger and frustration go. I still went to bed with my head in the wrong place, but I know my prayer was answered because when I woke this morning my mind was clear and I felt at peace. I didn't care anymore and I was back to my positive attitude. I spoke to this paticular elder and explained the importance of striving to keep the goals we set. He agreed and it's been a great day. I think this all happened because I prayed that we could work together and have the spirit. Having the spirit is crucial on a mission and every second you don't is a waste of time. I didn't have the spirit last night until I prayed and asked for help and talked it over with this paticular elder…ANOTHER LESSON WELL LEARNED. (I know the Lord is testing my patients by giving me different situations because He knows I really need it in order to become a better missionary…kind of like going through a refinery process. Not fun, but necessary.)I just want everyone to know I love them and to make good choices. And for those serving missions or preparing to serve...REMEMBER it's important to have the spirit with you at all times, it will make your time more productive and worthwhile. I love you all. Take care and be safe. Sorry my story was kind long and boring.Love,CT Dewey.


Dallas Rowley

Well, I am sending this in text form to Sis. Wells. I am in California spending some time with the family. I am so excited, very ready, and very prepared to leave for my mission. I report to the MTC on the 18th of June. So this will be my last letter from home. I wish you all well. Dallas Rowley

Blake Smith

Hey, whats up everyone? Well the biggest news is I got my mission call. I will be serving in the Argentina Mendoza mission and I report to the MTC on September 10th. I am so excited to go out into the mission field and to start to teach the people of Argentina. I will be going through the temple soon and I am so excited. I want to thank all of you for being such a good example to me. Well I can't wait to join all of you in the mission field. Have a great month! Blake Smith

MAY NEWS

Elder Grant Andrew Huish

Oregon, Portland Mission

October 2007- 2009

Hey everybody how are you doing? I must inform you all of a miracle that has just occurred, I actually remembered to write this on my own without my Mom telling me.... I just thought you should know that..... things here in Oregon are going pretty well.... it seems that we have already knocked all the doors where nice people live and now it is just a bunch of mean people left, many of which are old.... yesterday me and my companion were tracking, and you see my companion doesn’t like to knock no soliciting doors but I don’t care cause they need the gospel as much as anyone right, so as I was saying yesterday me and my companion were tracking and I come upon a no soliciting door and I disregard it just as usual but I looked in the window and saw a little gate thing blocking the stairs so I assumed there was a baby so to be nice I decided to knock instead of ringing the doorbell, after I knocked these two huge dogs just start barking like crazy and then I see this furious man through the window, "why would you knock you just woke up my baby why do you think it says no soliciting go away" being the jerk I am I replied "we aren’t soliciting anything" to which he replied in a very firm tone "go away, go away".... man I love the wonderful tracking experience especially in the old nice neighborhoods where everyone has already had the missionaries knock on there door like 40 times.... well other than that there are only two pieces of big new 1 there is a part member family in which all of the nonmembers over 8 are soon to be baptized and they are awesome and just to show that miracles do happen, a member actually invited us to teach someone in there home if you can believe it.... Well I love you all and wish you the very best of luck!

Elder Huish

Elder Mike Kleinman

Hey Brothers,
Well I have been transfered to serve in the mission home as the financial clerk. I am loving it. I get to drive around town in a van to go run errands when I am not doing the accounting.We still get to go preaching after 5 pm. each day.Well, its been pretty crazy here in the office. I guess its always like that the week after transfers. I´m learning a whole bunch though and get to really work on my studies a lot more now. My area, Barrio Los Boulevares, is extremely cool! We are going to have two baptisms in the following week. They´re named Amado and Rosa Rojas. They are from Peru and were just waiting on their marriage papers to arrive from there and then they´ll get baptized. They´re really cool people and very spiritual. When we went to go visit them, a lady stopped us in the street and asked us where our church was. She said that she wasn´t satisfied with her Catholic background and wanted change. We told her where it was and continued. When we arrived at the Flia. Rojas, Rosa started talking about how she has always been inspired throughout her life. Well, we put it to the test and we prayed with them to find out if anyone they knew would be interested in hearing the gospel. She listed like 30 something names and we were extremely happy! One of those names was an old friend who lived nearby, so we asked if she could accompany us to go see her and invite her to church. She agreed, and when we got there, it turned out to be the lady that stopped us in the street! They were both very happy to be investigating the church and now this lady (named Maria) has a friend to go to church with. Well, she went and loved it so much, she is inviting her entire family and relatives to next weeks! There are sure a whole lot of miracle happening in this area and its pretty sad that I will only be in it for two more weeks because I´m being trained. Then I move over to another area with the rest of the office missionaries. President Olsen told us we have the hardest job in that we have to fufill our office duties, and since we are seen as leaders in the mission, we also need to achieve the highest preaching and baptizing goals as well. Sheesh... But hey that just means more room for miracles because there is no way we could do it otherwise hehe! Well, anyway, Thanks to all the families for your prayers and support.
Till next month my friends!
¡Ciaó!Elder Kleinman

Lorin Hendricks

Hello all, Sorry for not writing for the last little while. finals kept me very busy. Iam finally done with school, for the semester and I am back in arizona. The only real news is that I am going to the Peru and I report June 4. So I am back for a month then I leave again. other than that i am working and just killing time for the next month.I am really excited, but I am also extremely nervous. Honestly I am really tired too. In fact tonight I have another 8 hour shift back at Neilson's so I really don't have a lot of time to type today so I will talk to you all later.

See you, Lorin

Elder Brock Smith

What up mtown peeps? Things are sweet here in waimea with my cuz hos my comp which is pretty sweet we are way chill with each other so thats cool but the fog sucks really bad and its killin my allergies as well which sucks but im dealin with it though we have had two baptisms here in three weeks so that cool we are truly bein blessed one of the wards we cover is just so missionary minded si much is goin on this is such a great work eventhough it is challenging esp as DL i love serving but id never wish for it though having the ZLs hammer you sucks they make you do everything then they take credit for everything that turns out good which is pretty gay sometimes the numbers thing is pretty gay but i know we need it i wish that we didnt though but i dint like it though one thing that was eventful was that we got attacked by a dog and I beat it with a bat and it ran off with it tail between its legs which was awesome im now the dog slayer with the club that we made out of ironwood but thats all to report peace! B. Sexy B. Smooth

B. Smith

Elder Daniel Anderson

Hey Everybody!
The work here in Stockton is about to EXPLODE and I will be here to see it! My life has gotten so much more stressful since I’m the senior companion. I love my companion, Elder Yang. He is Hmong and was born in Thailand in a refugee camp. His family moved to Wisconsin and he is the 4th of 9 kids. He speaks a ton of Hmong to me because he is more comfortable speaking Hmong than English. I have learned a ton with him. Because he is Hmong EVERYONE lets him in and we get to teach. We had 12 other lessons this week all because of Elder Yang getting us in the door. We have a lot of potentials that we are working with and this transfer is going to bring out a lot of blessings. We were going to go contacting one day and I pulled the car over by this park and sat for a minute not really knowing what I was going to do but then I got out and pointed at a house to go to and it was HMONG! They let us in and it turned out the old man is a SHAMAN! We taught him the Plan of Salvation and it was really neat, the Spirit was helping us big time! Yesterday we ate all the insides of a chicken or a turkey, I don’t remember which. I also ate CHICKEN FEET!!! YUCK, it was so GROSS! Our whole zone is going to the Cambodian New Year for Preparation Day and I’m so excited to go see what it’s like! It’s going to be so much fun, lots of gross food that actually tastes good now…weird clothes…you know all the crazy Cambodians in Stockton, it should be great! The work is going good and I love it. I just found out that I will probably be staying in Stockton for at least three more months. I have a new calling in our branch. I am the organist and now…..Primary Pianist!! It’s hard but fun at the same time. It reminds me of my mom. I love and miss you all, have a great month!
Daniel

Elder Gary Chambers

Well well well... its that time again! I know I can't really talk to all you guys individually, so asking how everthing is going would be pretty pointless wouldn't it? As a matter of fact... any question would be pointless... I guess I'll just let you know how the D-Rizzle is, oh and me too. Life is still great fortuneately, I'm still stationed in the coldest part of the mission (Constanza), but I'm fully expecting that to change after this transfer since they sent me a new comp. Thats right, i FINALLY got me another one of those Missionary boys to replace my old one... Elder Rampton got shipped out and Elder Hill was sent into the mountains to fill his spot. He's a way cool guy from Idaho, and we get along great! I hope my wife is just like him..... haha NOT, that sounded so wierd to say... can i take that back? I'm going to take that back...... I never said that. Something cute and interesting happened the other day. I was out on the balcony (thats right, we live on the 2nd floor, cause we're cool like that) washing my clothes in the dinky lil washing machine when i noticed something strange going on below me. I couldn't figure out what she was doing at first, but one of our neighbors was making motions at her face while a lil boy held a mirror in front of her. I looked a lil closer, sneaky-like of course, and saw she was holding a razor in her hand! She was shaving her mustache and beard! I was soo bummed... It looked really good on her too... Right as soon as she finished, she glanced up and totally caught me staring. I quickly tried to busy myself to make it look less obvious that I had seen anything, but I'm pretty sure she knew. Officially the first time I've ever seen a girl ACTUALLY shave her face to get hair off of it... Wow....... Anyways, that pretty much explains how I'm doing and how the work is up here, so I'm gonna go now! Love you ALL!
Love, Your Home Dawg Elder Chambers
P.S. Hugs and Kisses all around!

Elder Scott Ball

Ciao Tutti,
Hey, I'm so glad to be out here in Italy. I was transfered and now I am in the small city of Treviso, which is 30 minutes north of Venice. I'm not used to this small city because I was in a big city for so long, but its going good. We have 30 active members here and a nice little branch. I'm with a kid from Oregon called Anziano Perez. He is pretty amazing and we are making the work grow here. Wow, time flys here, I can't believe that I've already been in Italy for 7 months already. I'm so grateful to be doing to Lord's work here and for all the people that accept our message. We do 'house to house' here and for all the hunderd doors we knock on, its great to feel the joy when one person invites you in and listens to the gospel. We are doing great and I hope that everyone is excersing their faith power in finding the elect. Give em' Heaven.
Vi voglio tanto bene.
Anziano Ball
ps. We are able to go to Venice for P'day! YAY!

Elder Max Crandall

Buenos Di-zzle my broth-izzles,
Another day, another town. Last letter I was serving with Elder Freakin’ Martinez and living in Sister Smith’s freakin’ basement – “the prayer lair” as I liked to call it. I was only there six weeks but now I’m in a really dinky town called Monroe. My companion’s name is Elder Cole and he’s the DL out here. I’ve been companions with DL’s for all but six weeks of my mish. What the hecka? Cole has been trying to learn Spanish for about six months now and we have about the same level of Spanish speaking skill. This is a good thing. That statement may seem weird, but now I am forced to try to help communicate to the masses. With Martinez, I would watch him speak at 246 mph, the investigator respond at 287 mph, which left me at 0 mph, stalled in the middle of the intersection. Now Elder Cole and I have to struggle to try and get our point across, fumble and butcher the language, and wait for the Mexicans to correct us. Now Elder Cole and I crash and burn together, in unity. I think this transfer will be one full of difficulty and growth. Right before I left Everett, President decided to keep our car to get the trunk fixed so I had to buy a bike. There is only one companionship of Spanish missionaries in each zone so that meant that Martinez and I were responsible for all the Spanish work in the whole zone. So what happens when we have investigators over in Mill Creek or North Everett? Get on that bike or get walkin’, fatty! I was actually looking forward to trying to get back in shape. Oh well. Here in Monroe we are working with a gal named Rosa Evelia Esquivel Jime. She’s a 37 year old Mexicana with four chitlins. She lives with her sister and her two kids, who are members. She only speaks Spanish so it’s been kind of cool to try and communicate with her. One day we went over there and asked her if she had any questions about her baptism. She responded, “I am scared, but I am sure. I have doubts, but I have seen the light and must continue towards it.” I mean, gosh dang…does it get any greater than that? I submit that it does not. Elder Cole and I were able to go to the temple! No one gets to go to the temple anymore! Well, I think the rule is we can only go at Christmas, unless we have converts who go. Well, Elder Cole and Elder Hulet baptized a gal a year ago so we got to go with her for her first time through the temple. Elder Hulet also came with his companion, Elder Gaddie. Elder Gaddie is from Mesa too. I guess we were in the same seminary class sophomore year but I didn’t know him too well back home. He is actually one of my favorite Elders. Wanna hear something cooler? We’re going to the temple again today to see that same convert get sealed to her hubbie! Two weeks in a row? Sheeeeeeesh. Someone up there loves me. Way Sweet! I know this gospel is true. I know that our Savior lives and that He knows us individually. He wants to help us and all we have to do is turn to Him. Vos amo mucho –Elder Crandall

Elder Michael {Jimmy} Miller

Greetings from the unknown land of Danbury, CT! Interesting fact, Danbury is the former hat capital of the world, and is where the term 'mad hatter' was coined. Many hat makers went crazy because of the mercury in the chemicals. And believe me the crazies are still wandering the streets here. Anywho, things are great here in the mission, I got the privilege of seeing Elder Jones yesterday at mission conference where we heard from Elder Maines of the Quorum of the 70. It was sweet. The ward members here are amazing. They feed us so much! I've gained 15 lbs!! And more importantly they're getting very missionary minded and we've gotten several member referrals in the last couple days. We've got an investigator with Hemophilia, Rich, who we're extending a date to tomorrow. He's awesome and is genuinely searching for truth. He's a missionaries dream! Anywho, the church is true the book is blue - take care all. BAM - Be A Missionary. Love, Elder Miller

Elder Garrett Jones

Greetings from the Bronx! Things have gotten a little crazy for me. On April 9th, my companion, Elder Bishoff and I were running around the corner on P-day to get some quarters for laundry and he saw one of those 3 or 4 foot rubber trashcans partly blocking the sidewalk. He decided to hurdle over it and when he landed he hurt himself. I called an ambulance and then President Searle. It turns out that when he landed he dislocated his femur from his pelvis. He needed surgery, a weeklong hospital stay, then another week at the mission home before flying home to recover. I have been pretty much a one man team directing my area ever since. My companions are the two english speaking elders I live with, and I won't receive a new companion until the next cycle when transfers happen. I was recently able to baptise two brothers, the Vegas, which was an amazing experience for me to be a part of. They were both super prepared and ready to follow Christ and it was sweet to watch them do it. The family are all baptized and reactivated and now their goal is to go to the temple and be sealed, so hopefully in a year I'll be able to tell you about how I was able to do that with them. That would be one of the sweetest experiences you could have as a missionary. The church is the only true and living church in this world, headed by a living Christ and a living God. I know that I am serving Him, and that brings me so much joy. I love and miss you all. Garrett

Elder Jeff Stoker

Hello Elders,I hope that everything has been going really good for everyone this Month. Because my last newsletter entry was pathetic, i thought that i would make up for it this month. Well things have been doing good for me. Me and my companion have been really trying to find investigators the last couple of weeks, and it is paying off slowly but surely. Last interview that i had with my mission president i told him that we are not going to have enough time to go finding, because we are going to be teaching all day. He laughed and said go for it. So i am trying to accomplish that. And let me tell you all, it is definately not as easy as it sounds. I think that i have had some of the worst trials thrown at me this last cycle. Needless to say, i am glad that i have got my companion with me, and even more glad that God is watching after me. So things are all good. Trials may seem hard, but they always pass, and the reward is always worth it. My companion and I have been teaching a Deaf guy. It is really hard, because we have to have a translator with us. It just so happens that i am in a branch that has 10 deaf people in it, so there are a couple member translators. We have been really blessed, and he wants to be baptized this next week. I am way excited. Let me tell you, it is really hard to have a lesson in Russian, and then it having to be translated into Russian Sign Language. it is amazing to see it though. I have come to realize that in no matter what language the gospel is being taught, it is true, and what max said about the gospel being true even if it is in the Spanish language is true. haha. Classic. Ill give you a high five for that one later maxwell. Anyways, love you all. Have a great month.
Elder Stoker

Blake Smith

Hey, what's up everyone? Everything is going awesome here at home. My papers went in on Sunday (April 27th), so I am very excited!!!!! I can't wait to get out in the mission field. Well I am just finishing up another semester at school, and still working for my Uncle and my Grandpa. The new ward is ok, but still not the old ward. Well I can't wait to get my call and join you guys as a missionary. Well good luck and stick in there. And by the this time next month I will have my call too!!! Talk to you later. See Ya.Blake

Dallas Rowley

Hey everyone, I got my mission call a couple weeks ago! I am being called to the Ohio, Columbus mission! I report to the MTC June 18th, and I can't wait get out there. I know it's where I should be. So I'm going through the temple for the first time this week, I just got my reccomend signed by our stake president this morning. I'm really excited to say the least. But not much else is new. Sorry I've been writing such short updates lately, I've been writing them on my iPod, & they seem longer on here. But anyway, I hope you all are doing good! Choose the right guys, choose it. Dallas

Elder Logan Wells

Well hello there! To say the least things have been nothing but normal let me tell you, I feel like I just did one of these yesterday, so insane how fast time is flying by, we have all been out on the missions for a little longer now and by now we are starting to feel like missionaries, or at least comfortable with the routines of the mission, well this last month has been crazy I was in a place called Caguas it is a really cool place in Puerto Rico where the church is strong and thriving, so crazy, but well I was there for three weeks because I had to have an emergency transfer because of the knee. Well I was there and like all getting comfortable with this place because the people are wicked sweet and I was like yes I will be in a place for a really long time because our President likes to keep people in there areas for a really long time so I was like yes, I was so excited then the calls come for transfers and I was like no worries I will be here still, hopefully not with this crazy companion because I will literally kill him if we are together any longer so I was like okay, then this call comes and there like Elder Wells your leaving I was no I am not, I refuse I am going to stay here I have only been here for three weeks and I love it, no way no how, there like yeah, so I was like fine, well so happens that there opened another area in Caguas so that they had to share the car so the other times they will be on bikes so they had to move me. So I was like where am I going, of course they wouldn’t tell me. so I waited till transfer meeting and well there are these mountains that are right above Caguas that have just these houses all over these hill I have visited this place and I was like its really pretty but I would never would want to serve here, well I should have no better than to say something like that, so the lord put me in a place called Aguas Buenas that is all hills and has a car all the time because it is impossible to ride a bike or walk because there have been way to many accidents here. Well so I am in the hills it’s kind of creepy sometimes because I feel like someone is going to jump out of the jungle and try to kill me. But turns out I love the place we have a branch that has been around for 23 years and there are still only 20 to 30 people coming every week. So well we are working with less actives a lot and we have already got one family to come back and our ward mission leader. so we have our work cut out for us but I am going to have this branch up to 40 to 50 people every week before I leave this place so far we started at 28 last week we had like 35 and so we are getting there, poco a poco, that seems to be our slogan in our area because it is hard to get any Puerto Rican to do anything they suck at commitments but we are here to change that and call them to repentance. So how do you guys feel about the two new temples that are going to be built in AZ I am so excited. Well love you all and have a good month.

Peace, Logan

Elder Chase Judd

HI elders, y people who are not on the mission yet.
Well things are going great here at the MTCI love it alot and it is not that bad. I have one month left here and only one more lesson in ingles then all en espanol. The language is coming but as everyone who has been here it is frustrating at times. Sorry Jeff and Daniel you guys have it tough. 12 weeks WO. Well I hope everyone is doing well I love all you so much. My companion is pretty cool he is half Korean and from Texas, haha what a cool combination huh? So tell me what the weather is like in everyones mission ok? I love you all ADIOS.

LOVE ELDER JUDD

April News

Elder Gary Chambers

Dominican Republic Santiago Mission

October 2007 - 2009






YESS!!! I made it to the Cover Page! I'm like... a celebrity now right? Oh golly... I'm blushing and everything..... Wow so how is the work you're probably asking me? (figuratively speaking of course...) I couldn't be happier. This oportunity... This chance of a life time... Man! How do you some it up? It has helped me to realize what is REALLY important... I mean, what counts! It has helped me to prioritize my goals! Most of all it's shown me what joy you can have from studying las Palabras de Dios (Whoa watch out for that Spanish!). I remember specifically Max writing a BIG letter home that had a section in it for me... before I left on my mission. I remember specifically him saying "Study the Book of Mormon!" and me thinking... "Yeah... I probably should..." Wow how true that is, how lucky we are to have this book! The Book of Answers as I like to call it. Ok ok, I know you guys already know what I'm talking about, so I'll say something different. Running dust slams the dream boat paper! HA! Hows THAT for something different? (Warning: Don't try to understand that) Anyways, what I'm trying to say is... We are SOO lucky to be here... to have this opportunity. Well, as a short lil update on my portion of the world (which is right next to Logans portion! Haha how ironic... Hey Logan!), The Dominican Republic is great, and the people are so cool! Not to make you guys jealous or anything... but I just can't seem to stay dry! I know they say not to count the baptisms... but once you pass 100, it's just too much to ignore! (Joke?) Haha no, but it's great. It's supposed to be hot here, but I lucked out and got pitched into the mountains where the weather is usually nice :) However, Arizona gets more rain than I do... what's that all about? All is well gentlemen... all is well. The Church is true and don't you EVER forget that! You're all on the right track (Except for Jeff). Be Fearless, Live Strong, and Do your best to make your Heavenly Father proud! Never forget that the Lord is on your side. Take Care... Elders? (or do you prefer more casual like... Home-Dawgs...)



Love Elder Chambers

P.S. Haha here's a lil game fore you... See how many "...'s" you can find!



Elder Chase Judd

Jambo everyone that is hello in swahili I can't wait to learn that language it is just soooo exciting. Well Ijust want to yell at Jeff and say " Zdravstvuite" yeah he knows what that means hahaha. Well I am off to the MTC on Wednesday FINALLY!!! I have been waiting my whole life for this moment and I am really excited to teach some African Americans. Hi Grant Hi Daniel HiGarrett Hi Jeff Hi Mike Hi Logan Hi Brock Hi Gary Hi Scott Hi Max Bye Dallas Bye Lorin and Bye Blake. Well I hope everyone is doing well... besides Jeff because he yelled at me, I was going to send you some peanut butter but nope not anymore. My farewell was yesterday and I cried through the whole thing I know its pretty embarrassing but it was Alli's fault she had to sing my favorite song "Joseph Smith's first Prayer", and in the third verse she sang it in espanol which made me cry even harder so I am just a big baby. Oh and it made everyone in the audience cry even Chas, just kidding Alli made everyone cry......... Daniel that is crazy that you are in the 2nd worst place in the USA. nyobzoo Daniel I am sorry I am not good at writing anyone back, forgive me please! I love you all! Wish me good luck GG I get set apart tonight so I gotta get in all of the cod4 I can get that is call of duty 4!!!!! Halo 3 sucks Halo 2 is way better ok guys. Chase



Elder Mike Kleinman


Hey Kids!How is everyone doing? We had a baptism this last week, she is a Bolivian girl name Danny Paola Oreyai Chavi, and yes she did insist on us using her full name all the time, I don*t know why, and it was a real pain. But she is a wonderful girl with a great testimony. She is going to go visit her parents back in bolivia to convert them as well heh, neat huh? Well, things have gotten a little more interesting here in La Rioja, there is a strike that has been going on for 3 weeks now, where all food supplies and fuel has been stopped from going outside of Buenos Aires City. It all started with the people living outside of the captial city getting angry that all food products and fuel were so much cheaper inside the capital and super expensive everywhere else. So they told the president (a woman ha!) to balance out the prices so its more fair for the poor farmers to buy their own supplies. Well, apparently the pres. pulled a Marie Antoinette "Let them eat cake" thing and cut off all routes for food supplies and fuel to enter any province outside of Buenos Aires city. Long story short, theres no food here and people are now rioting hah! But we got a good supply of rice and pasta to last us. Also, all the trucks that were bringing the food are blockading the highway so buses cant get through, and transfers are coming up so this should be interesting :) Well, I hope all are doing well and I*ll witre you all next month!

Elder Kleinman



Elder Grant Huish



Hey everybody hows it going? things here in Oregon are going pretty well. im actually back in civilization which is a nice change. my new area is pretty tiny though just like 4 sq miles or so. oh and im on bike now which is actually pretty nice, makes me feel like a missionary though my weak video game legs are struggling. my new companion actually grew up in mt vernon washington which is weird that he ended up in oregon. we are teaching some pretty sweet people here. its kind of weird, this lady who just moved into the ward was investigating in another area of the mission and she had a baptismal date set so that was pretty cool to find out until she told us where she lived and it just so happened to be the address of an excomunicated guy and then we found out that she still smokes and is on probabtion for like 17 more months which pretty much means she cant get baptised as you probably could tell. well i dont really know what to say othere than that. oh the other day i was riding my bike and night on the wrong side of the road so i turned of my light so that i wouldnt bling people driving past and then all the cars went by so i turned my light back on just in time to se a mail box pole sticking up out of the sidewalk which i was just lucky enough to crash into.... it was great i have a huge bruise on my leg now but dont worry there was only a little bit of blood.... well i believe that that is all that i have for now.... good luck everyone!

elder huish


Elder Garrett Jones



Greetings from the Bronx. Everything is going well here and I am so happy to be a part of this great work that we are all in. We have been able to see a lot of the Lord's elect come forth asking us to be baptised recently and its been such a cool experience for me. Natividad was baptised and confirmed by her husband and then I was blessed to be able to confirm Eddy after he was baptised by my companion. This coming week is transfers and I'm almost 100% sure I'll be getting a new companion who I don't really know, which is always awkward for the first little while. Whoever I get should be able to teach me some new things.Time here makes absolutely no sense. I start talking to somebody in the street thatI think I contacted yesterday and it turns out that it had been several weeks ago. I start talking to somebody that it seems like forever since we last visited and its been three dadys. Anyways, it comes down to just putting our trust in the Lord to guide us and remind us through the Holy Ghost of who we need to visit and who is ready to really progress and come unto Christ. As a District we've been looking for ways that we could do some service and one of the things that we've come up with is to teach English for free to whoever wants to come every Thursday and Saturday. We'll teach English for an hour and then share a spiritual thought for 30 minutes afterwards for those who want to stay. Tomorrow will be the first time we do it and we are excited to see how everything goes. I love this work and am so happy to be able to be a part of it. I love and miss you all.

Garrett

Elder Max Crandall

My Brothers,*Que pasa? Things are going good here in Everett. My new companion is a native Spanish speaker from Costa Rica. His name is Elder Martinez. Elder Martinez only talks to me in English. I keep asking him to speak Spanish, he agrees it*s a good idea, then he talks in English. Not really much help. My mom sent me *Learn Spanish in Your Car* CDs for my birthday but Elder Martinez won*t listen to them in the car. Lo siento big guy, I thought we were supposed to be helping me learn Spanish. We don*t have much in common but the good news is he doesn*t have an American driver*s license so I get to drive! w00t! Elder Martinez and I both got whitewashed into this area so the work in kind of slow. I*m pretty much in the mission president*s back yard; less than 10 minutes from the mission home in Mill Creek. We live in a member*s home. Her name is Sister Smith. She is a 79 year old widow and has virtually seen the entire world, **but before you go off gallivanting to Europe and all those exotic places, I recommend seeing this great nation of ours.* We talk to her almost every night for about 30 minutes. She gets peeved if we don*t and I guess sometimes you need to kiss some member bootie. I accidentally told her that I know how to crochet now, so she wants me to make a ton of little beanies for the babies in the hospital. Honorable, but not why I*m out here. Her house is just filled with weird old stuff. She*s a big fan of antiques. We live downstairs and have our own little teeny kitchen. We have a car, but the trunk has duct tape on it so it won*t fly open. Apparently when another elder was serving in this area, someone ran into the back of him. I guess they figured a working trunk isn*t all that important. There are pretty much two parts to the Mukilteo area where I am * actual Mukilteo, which is really rich and prideful, and Southern Everett, which is full of Mexicans. Our ward has tons of people moving in and out. There is one road in South Everett that is just lined with apartment complexes. Since there have never been Spanish speaking elders in this area before, we*ve kind of been starting from scratch. If you wanted to know the update on the Spanish, I can understand about 80% of what*s said to me and I can communicate around -3% of what I want to say. I know it*ll come though. I have faith. The work has been kind of all over the place. It seems like we can find tons and tons of Mexicans who are interested in hearing about the gospel, when it*s preached in their home. But come Sunday, you*d think they thought we had the plague. I*ve never faced so much rejection in my life. At least it*s givin* me practice for when I get in the dating scene again. Well, I love you guys and pray for you. You are all amazing examples to me. *Elder Crandall

Elder Scott Ball

Ciao Everyone!
Everything is going good here in Genova still. Transfers are coming up in two weeks and I'm very scared that I'm going to be transfered to some very small town. It is so fun being 4 in the apartment here and going into 2 is going to be difficult, also depends how funny this companion might be. Right now, this week, we are working to give a baptisimal date to a Ecudorain guy who didn't believe in god. We had a good easter here in Genova and everything is completly closed here. No one is on the streets and it is very funny. Also the day after easter is a holiday and again nothing is open. We couldn't do any finding work really, so we just set meetings with some members and investigators then. During the day after easter, we went to a park and played ultimate frisbee with the sisters. On our way over there, we took the bus and there was this old lady sitting in one of the seats. A note, all the buses are usually full (meaning most of the time, you are stuffed, STUFFED in the bus). So this lady was getting out of her seat and a sister missionary started helping her out. The lady took her umbrella and started whacking the sister over the head yelling, ROBBER ROBBER! Then, the old lady started to run out the door and whacked me and another missionary with the umbrella. It was quite funny. Everyone on the bus was laughing. We saw that old lady again, but we didn't want to go up to her and say anything in fear that we are going to get hit with a umbrella. Have fun Elders, till next time.Vi voglio bene.
Anziano Ball

Elder Jeff Stoker

Dear Elders,
I hope things have been good for all of you. I got my first transfer two days ago, and i will be moving to my new area today. I am excited to experience some change, but i love it here in my first area with my trainer. Things have been good, but i think that it is time for a change. The weather here has been getting really nice. The only bad thing is all the snow is melting and it is make mud everywhere. I normally have mud over everything when we finally make it back in for the day. I am in a hurry, and i am sure all of you know how that goes. Just wanted to write and say hello to all you missionaries out there, and all you future missionaries. Keep on working hard. It is hard to believe that it is already the end of march. Well Love you all....sometimes. Have a great month.
Elder Stoker
ps. Mark Gets home May 1st. How crazy is that?

Elder Brock Smith

Aloha Ka Kou My M_town Brogs

Whats up? Well here on kauai things are goin good although Im probably gettin transferred from Kauai in 2 and half weeks and Im thinkin so im not lookin forward to that this island is the bomb but ill go whereevah the Lord want me to go. So E Crandell hows the Espanol? I thoroughly enjoyed last months newsletter it seems as if the time inbetween flys by so fast maybe its just me but it seems that time on a mission is in fast forward mostly all the time. This truly is a great work and Im thankful to be a part of it I see the hand of the Lord everyday and am so greatful for all the he does for me. Im anxious to see what this next transfer holds and I hope that by some miracle I stay here. Well things are goin good my greenie is startin to loose a little bit of his green tinge he is really startin to get into this work howd transfers go for those of you that had them? Well I could ramble on for longer but I think Ill call it quits nothin real cool to report until next time Iesu Pu And May the Force Be With You Always Elder B Smith

Elder Daniel Anderson

Hello Everyone!So nothing too exciting was happening around here before transfers. All of our investigators and people that were coming to church all stopped coming and they don*t want to hear from us anymore*yea it sucks but what can you do? We did find a super fun family. They are part of the Vang clan (white * like me!) and they just came from Thailand like 3 years ago. The family has 3 boys and 5 girls, that*s pretty small for a typical Hmong family. They don*t know very much English so we just go teach them and slowly try getting them to pray with us and then do some other stuff. My companion says that I need to make them *my mission project.* He thinks that they will get baptized but it will take a lot of work and it probably won*t happen until the end of my mission. We are always working on finding investigators and helping the ones that we do have. Sundays out in the field are SO STRESSFUL! I miss having a normal Sunday where everything just runs smoothly*but hey what can you do? Yesterday we had like 12 people set up to come to church but when we went to *face to face* them nobody was home and none of them would answer their phones! It is so irritating when people don*t follow through with their commitments but it*s okay, I am like the least stressed missionary in the branch so it is all good! We got our transfers and I am staying in Stockton! I*m the senior companion and I*m going to be follow-up training my brother * Elder Xao Yang. He was just trained by the Elder that trained me * that*s why everyone calls him my brother. He doesn*t speak very good English, so my Hmong is going to get crazy good*hopefully.

I miss you all and *love you Big, Big* Daniel

Elder Logan Wells

So I am in Caguas and well my companion is from here his name is Elder Guzman he is way crazy he is definitely a nerd and says that he wants to know everything and take over the world, a bit of a wack job if you ask me, but it shall be interesting, I am just hoping that my knee will be fine, with all the walking I was doing it was still hurting but I just didn’t want to go home so I told a few fibs to stay out here, but I have a car now and well it shall be really good, I am in the largest ward in all of Puerto Rico and supposedly all of the members here are really cool and help with everything, its super sweet they have dinner nights for the missionaries so we are going to get fed all of the time, well President told me that if the other two baptismal dates that we have get baptized on those exact days then I am allowed to go to those baptisms so I am hoping that I will be able to go to the baptism this Sunday and then the one on the 13 so that should be really cool because I love the people over there and they are the first persons that I am going to be visiting when I get back to this place that is for sure, I loved it over there and had the best time, it was quite a shock when I found out I was leaving well with all of the work that we were doing it was a bit of a downer well it is all good now because I think that I am going to be awesome here because I think they need someone with a little bit of street smarts here because the other guy that was here before me still didn’t know where to go he used a map the whole time and was here for 5 transfers, so crazy lets just hope that he doesn’t kill himself in the other area because its difficult, but man the other two people that are in my district seem like they are from another world, so we shall see what happens, it will definitely be a little bit different considering my whole mission I have been around normal sane people, well who knows. My companion is the driver and well doesn’t have a clue I had to tell him how to get home and I had only been there for two hours, how funny is that? Well friends, peace out, have a great month! I love you all! Elder Logan Wells

Dallas Rowley

Hey everybody, So my papers are turned in, I sent them to my Bishop about a week ago, & my Stake President sent them to "the brethren" 4 days ago. My call is going to be sent about a week later than usual, because of General Conference. But what can you do. I'm getting pretty excited to find out where I'm going. Man, I might not make it to Chase's farewell today because I have a meeting with my Bishop at the same time. But what can you do. Well, I hope you all are having awesome times, and hopefully I can tell you all where I'm going by next newsletter! Dallas

March News

Elder Jeff Stoker

Russia Samara Mission October 2007 - 2009

Dear Elders,
Another Month. I am starting to realize time is a very strange thing. I honestly feel like I wrote one of these yesterday. Anyways, this last week for me has been quite an adventure. Our investigators got baptized! What an amazing experience, that I will never forget. It has definitely helped pull the branch here together. Our investigators have come a very long way. He had to quit smoking and drinking, which was extremely difficult for them, because they had done it all their lives. But they were finally able to stop. It is really amazing to see the change that the Gospel can have on peoples lives. So I am still in my trainer, in my first area. I don't think that I am ever going to leave, and I hope I don't. My mission president said that I am probably going to be here a while too. It is way crazy to think that it has already been 6 months. Oh, and I think I have already talked about the new law that Russia just passed, but if I haven't, I will now :]. So every 3 months i have to go and renew my Visa. It used to be every year, but they just changed it. To every three months I will have to take a train to Samara, then fly to Moscow, then immediately hop onto another train that goes into Estonia.We get to spend an entire day being tourists in Estonia while all the paper work is going through, then you do the exact same thing to come back. I just got back from my first Visa Renewal trip, and boy it was beautiful. Estonia is quite a view. It was really cool, because everyone there knows about 8 different languages, and if you only know 7 you are considered retarded. We were able to just walk around and ask people things in english, and they all knew it. It was a really neat experience. Moscow was also way different than any other place in Russia. IT IS CLEAN! hah. But I am loving it here, and every day I seem to understand the language a bit better. I am glad to hear that everyone is doing great. Keep on keeping on. Anyways, Love ya all. Stay outta trouble, have a great Month.




Elder Grant Huish


Hey everybody,
Sorry I didn't write last month. I completely forgot. I know it was probably hard for you all not to get to hear from me for so long so I will try to make this a good one to make up for last time. well as far as the missionary work up here not much is new. we still don't have really anyone to teach and we are running out of places to look. I got my first referral in over 3 months the other day though and we are probably going to check that out tonight which should be fun. the weather up here is beautiful. it has pretty much stopped raining other than a few sprinkles every few days and it has been anywhere from 55-65 degrees during the day. I am absolutely loving it, it makes it a little less boring to be walking around when there is actually a sun and not just a vast grey expanse over your head. so last week when i was doing my laundry (over in Long View Washington) a guy in the store next to the laundromat tried to run from the cops and they tazed him and there was like 15 cop cars and a fire truck and an ambulance. It was pretty crazy, they had to take the guy of in a stretcher. other than that I wish you all the very best of luck. Keep up the good work. Jesus loves you all and so do I. Elder Huish

Elder Garrett Jones

Hey everybody. I hope all is going well in whatever corner of the earth you're in. It's cool to me to think that no matter what language you're speaking or country you're in, the Gospel that you teach people is the exact same as the one I am. It's amazing how much my testimony seems to grow everyday being a servent of the Lord and seeing him answer people's prayers. Here in the Bronx the work is going very well. There seems to be so many people who are prepared by the Lord to hear our message and who want to learn why they're here. The diversity of people with whom I get to work is very cool as well. I had a very interesting contact the other day that I think typifies to a very small degree the kind of people who I get to talk to everyday here in the Bronx. We were on the 6 train heading to our area and I started talking to the guy next to me. He looked about 25, was black, had a doo-rag, some fluffy purple gloves, boots and a big brown worn-down jacket. He told me that he had tried to read the Book of Mormon a couple of times but could never really finish it. Then he said, just like this, "I was reading, and I saw the name 'Sariah' and so I put it on my neck." He then showed me a tattoo that was on the side of his neck that actually said, 'Sariah.' After that the train stopped and he got off without really letting me recover from all the confusion. People here are just different than any I'm used to, but at the same time it's so great.The next couple of weeks are going to be very busy for us as we are working with several people who have baptism dates for the coming weeks. Spanish is great and I'm loving the work. Keep working hard! Love, Garrett

Elder Gary Chambers

*Hola mis amigas! *C*mo est*n? Well that's all you get in the way of Spanish from me... Alrighty then, here's the low down. Missionary work is coming along quite dandy if I don't say so myself... we have a few more baptisms coming up these next couple of weeks... assuming i don't get transfered that is... Transfers are next week and i am not sure how i feel about it. It would be nice to get a new comp, as I've been with my Dad for 2 transfers now... but who knows what will happen. We went to eat at a members house last Sunday, and initially we were excited. Expecting a hot delicious home cooked Dominican meal as is what is usually served (beans and rice grow on you...), but instead, she brought out this pot of.... ugh i didn't even know what to call it. It wreeked of Garlic, and appeared to be a cold mush. Later I found out that it was called "Cold Mush With Too Much Garlic"... I easily figured out how it got it's name, all by myself. Anyways, that was probably the worst thing I've had to eat yet....... uugh... I almost died. Today so happens to be the Dominican Independence Day... Where they broke free from the rule of Haitti, cute huh? No wonder they hate haittians so much... I thought it was just cause they were black, but I guess not. Anyways, that's pretty much it for me here. I've come to grow closer to the teachings of Christ, and am striving to live his Gospel... It's a pretty exciting thing to know who you are, where you've come from, and what you need to do to return and live with your loving Heavenly Father. The Book of Mormon is the BoM! (pun intended) I love you guys, and hope your missions are doing great too. Take Care and always know that I LOVE YOU!Con Amor (that's Spanish for "With Love".... you're welcome) Elder Chambers

Elder Mike Kleinman

Hey everyone!Things are going great here in Argentina! It is FINALLY starting to cool off and its raining a whole lot more now. Walking up to your knees in flood water is fun... Transfers are next week and ill be moving up to senior companion teehee! We will be baptising a couple of crazy cool families in the upcoming weeks and Im really excited for them. For this last P-day we went to a gigantic dam thats just out side the city up in the mountains it was really cool, it was surround by huge cliff faces and a big lake in the center. We found a service door (that im probably sure we wren*t allowed in) that leads to the very bottom of the dam under the lake. It was super dark and really cold and it was all slimy and I felt like I was in Jeffs room again. Hah! Well, other than that not too much is new...my birthday will be in this next transfer, and I will end my teenage years, sad stuff huh? My lushious beauty from my teenhood will now slowly be fading away awww. Well, I hope all is going well with you punks and have a good...month..? *Cia*! **Les amo muchisimo!! Elder Kleinman

Elder Max Crandall

Bonjourno from the Not-So-Great-White-North! I hope everyone at home enjoyed the Super Bowl and more importantly, the Super Bowl commercials. Being the out-to-lunch missionaries that we are, Elder Dance and I planned a baptism on Super Bowl Sunday evening*about three people showed up. Elder Dance said, *A football game should not be more important than a baptism.* I replied, *Unfortunately, sometimes it is.* We really heard it from the ward members the next week. Silly us. Things are good here though. I just found out we have a really anti guy here in Mt. Vernon. He calls in for a Book of Mormon all the time, trying to trick the missionaries into coming over to his house so he and his trained anti-children can bash with us. I have never been there * thankfully. Over here in Mt. Bernon (as the Mexicanos call it) we have two wards. A couple of months ago, they formed a Spanish Group; not a branch, but a group. They have their own Sacrament meeting, Sunday School, and Priesthood/R.S., and then they meet with Mt. Vernon 2nd ward for YM/YW and Primary. Up until now there have never been any missionaries called to the Everett mission as Spanish speaking missionaries but lately I*d been hearing that President Showalter was thinking about calling some of the Elders and Sisters that are already serving here, to be Spanish speaking missionaries. Last P-day I was playing racquetball with Dance, Stevens, and Featherstone when President Showalter called. He talked to Elder Dance for a bit and then he asked to talk to me. I swore silently and answered the phone. *Elder Crandall, I am calling to see if you would be willing to learn Spanish.* I told him that I would do whatever he asked of me, but he said that it was completely my decision and the only inappropriate answer would be a dishonest answer. I asked him if I could think about it and call him back. I started to weigh out the pros and cons and there are so many more cons than pros. The more I thought about it the more I realized I wasn*t getting anywhere. I left the game, went around to the backside of the barn we were playing in and knelt down. Each time I mentioned the word Spanish, I felt calmer than I have in a long time. I ended my prayer, swore silently again, called President back and accepted the call to be a Spanish-speaking missionary. I know it*s going to be really hard, but this is what the Lord told me I need to do, so I*ll do it. Plus I know my Mom would kick my butt if I didn*t accept. On the bright side, a whole new genre of ladies will be available to me when I get back. So I*m leaving Mt. Vernon for sure and I just got word who my new companion is going to be*I think I wanna run a spoon through my ear drum. Well, I love you guys mucho and I know the church is true*even in Spanish. Love, Elder Crandall

Elder Brock Smith

Aloha My M town Peeps Howzit!> Things are carzy here on kauai Im still training my greenie and I foundout out this morning that Im going to be called as a District leader which is really crazy I dont believe I still have so much to learn about missionary work and now Im supposed to be teaching a distrcit how to do it talk about blind leading the blind but Im greatful for this oppurtunity to grow and to help other missionaries I only hope that I can live up tio this sacred trust that the Lord has given me I always try to do my best but I wonder sometimes if my best is good enough, any of you ever feel that way? Well Elder Anderson training at 6 months thats nuts the best advice I can come up with so far is be yourself and teach mainly by example actions def speak louder than words to that I can Testify it wont be esay this has been the hardest transfer besides my first ever and now I found that It will only get harder for me which is what the Lord wants right now. Other than that all is well and I look forward hearing from you guys and seeing your growth. I throughly enjoyed Elder Stokers journal entry not even one stake thats nuts and it sounds like even crazier food than im gettin over here I enjoyed your comment about becomin russian esp because it is true haha. Well I also thought that it was funny that Garret and Grant are havin a contest for shortest entry Grant def won by not puttin nutin at all. Kauai is the bomb I love servin the Lord and will continue to do to the best of my ability. Study the scriptures Alma 33 is amazing yes chapter 33 not 32 or 34 like even always uses but 33 read it awesome stuff. Well thats about it for now I love you all Iesu pu and may the force be with you always Elder B Smith

Elder Scott Ball

Ciao Ciao Everyone!This week has been crazy! Ok, so we've been trying to dedicate ourselves to finding investigators to teach, so we've been doing everything possible. We did Casa in Casa, where you go and knock on doors and teach lessons in people's houses. We did that on one building and only had one person that was interested and we taught her, but she seemed kinda hesitant. Anyways, funny thing, so they don't even open the door most of the time. They say, "Mi dispiace", which means in english literally, "This displeases me", I feel like saying sometimes, if this displeases you so much, then open the door! They have had so many Jehovah's Witness's come by that they don't want to open the door because the J-dubs (Jehovah's Witness's) put their foot in the door, so they don't open it anymore. They always think that we are J-dubs though, I hate it so much. They say that we preach the same thing as the J-dubs preach. Anyways, I was on the bus doing the this place that is up in the mountains and I met this Ecuadorian guy that said that he would be interested in our message. So we met with him and he said that this might be what he has been searching for. So we just had a appointment with him this morning and talked about the book of Mormon and how God is giving us new revelation in our time. He said that he talked to his pastor of the evalgelical church and that he said the bible is all you need to be saved. I told him that, If there was new revelation in our time, would he want to know about it. Although, he didn't understand me that well. My companion said it and he said he would try to pray about the Book of Mormon. We are begining the see investigators and our hard work is paying off. I'm just glad to be working to bring about the gospel in every tougue. We have had other appointments with less actives and are contining the work of reactiving the less-actives. I might be transfered next week, but I will find out then. It has been almost 3 months, I thought it has been longer, but I was wrong. Vi voglio bene! Anziano Ball

Elder Daniel Anderson

Hello Everyone!So I HAD MY FIRST BAPTISM!! WAHOO!! It was so cool, I got to baptize a girl named De and it was awesome. I had been practicing how to baptize her in Hmong all week and I was really nervous to have to do it because it was my first time ever. It was such a neat experience getting all dressed in white and getting to baptize someone*I can*t explain it, it was just a super neat experience. It was really weird though because it was the most contact I have had with a girl my age in like 4 months! Weird but cool. My companion/trainer/daddy got transferred to North Sac Town to train again and my new companion sucks! He is so lazy and trunky. He is going home right after this transfer. He is kind of funny, he reminds me of David Spade*his voice and everything. I can*t wait for this transfer to be over*but at the same time it*s good because it shows me what I don*t want to be like. He is teaching me a lot about missionary work though and the Hmong language. My mom found out that where I am in Stockton is the # 2 most dangerous city in the Nation but hey it*s getting better, it used to be the # 1 (for like 4 years in a row!) I was hoping that my Mom wouldn*t find out! It is a really interesting place to be in that is for sure. I meet the most crazy people in the world here and the people here are from Everywhere! This past week there has been some guy living in the church parking lot*not a bum*he is like doing some repairs on the building or something and he is a member but he looks so *inner city*. But come to find out, he went to Southern California speaking Cambodian and he married a girl from Thailand. He lived over there for like 3 years and he came to church yesterday and was talking with everyone in the Branch. He knows Lao, Thai, and Cambodian! He told me something that was so tight! He told me that George Lucas went and found all these exotic languages for the Star Wars movies instead of making up a bunch of Giberish! He said that the Jawas speak Thai and that Jabba the Hutt speaks Hmong!! Things have been really cool down here in the Branch, things are starting to pick up and we are seeing tons of blessings. Yesterday, our district had a goal for 21 investigators at church and we had about 17 just from the Hmongs! We have started teaching a Hmong class to teach people to read and write Hmong. I have to play the piano at church and I teach piano lessons every Tuesday. The first piano lesson was terrible, I had to teach like 12 teenager*s all at once! I love you all and I hope everything is going good. I love it out here! If you want a cool scripture to go through, read Moses ch. 1. It*s crazy you learn so much about our Heavenly Father and some deep doctrine and you can see how BOLD Moses is! Love, Daniel

Elder Logan Wells

Hello, I just had my 5th transfer, and I am staying in Rio Piedras. I am loving it here. There is lots of work to do, and seems there isn't enough hours to get it done. My companion is from the Dominican Republic and I am learning spanish, and he is learning english from me. I have learned mucho espano from him. I injured my knee, and had to have x-rays taken. I don't know what the outcome will be. I am trying to stay positive! This area is a biking area, and I am only walking now, and the area is so large it is hard to cover by walking. But I just keep plowing along. I love hearing everyones stories, have a great month. Peace, Logan