Week before Christmas

Wudd up?!!

I had to say that because that is Elder Jones' most favorite saying. Ha But this week has been good. I feel spoiled because of all the packages I have got. Thanks for all of you it is awesome. I wish I had something to give back to all of you. I have been liking opening the ones from Grandma Pali and I am getting pretty good at guessing what is inside. Ha I can't wait to open them. But we probably had the best gift on saturday, T... was baptized! She was so ready and she had friends come down from Utah to see it happen! It shows you how important of an ordiance that baptism is. One thing about in a stateside mission is people just want to give and buy you food. If you want to know my weight I now weigh 170!!! I was super scared when I stepped on the scale, but I still have I my 6 pack, I think I am just feeling out a little bit. I think it is funny running into all the people that have people in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, and even Parker. Of course they were related to the Crapos. It has been a good week, time is speeding up and I can't believe that I have been out for about five months now it has just flown by. We found out with the new changes in the MTC, we will have a five week transfer in Febuary, so starting then missionaries will start coming home a week earlier. It isn't fair, I don't get to serve my full two years!

So phone calls... It seems that I probably won't be able to write next week , but as far as length of time. We are given 40 minutes to call, and if we have split parents we get to split the calling time, so I will call you both for 20 minutes each. It seems short so have your questions ready. It is an obedience thing and I want to be obedient to what my Father wants me to do.

I have been really thinking of the Christmas story and what it means to me. I love it and if you have ever seen Mr Krueger's Christmas that s how I feel. I love my Savior and he has been there for me all the time. There is also a really good mormon message about a mom holding a baby and the she is going through a really difficult time, she is holding the child and she thinks that she is almost holding the baby Jesus and she hears the spirit tell her no I am holding you. That is how a lot of us must feel. Jayson I am happy that even though it may have been hard to watch your teammates wrestle and you couldn't. Know that the Savior is watching over you and comforting you. That is what I felt as I blew my knee out almost two years ago. He is mindful of us and wants to help us. I love you all and I especially love the Lord Jesus Chrst.

Elder Wade

I'll be in Surprise For Christmas!

Hey!

Well If can't guess... I transfer news came today. I am still with Elder Jones and still in Surprise! But it has already been a really interesting week. Elder Peterson one of my zone leaders went home, I really looked up to him and it was hard for all of us to tell him goodbye, it is hard seeing people you live with leave. It has happened to me twice already and my companion will be the next. I really hope he doesn't get trunky on me. But we are now a tri-panionship until tomorrow. Funny story with that... We are with my other Zone leader, Elder C....and guess who we ran into... Jared N.....'s sister and her family! We walked in and instantly I knew she was a Ny...... Also We had an awesome time at the temple lights and vistor center and the Mesa Temple on Sunday. That place is amazing! and J... and S....... loved it as well. We ran into a old district leader of Elder R.......'s. Anyways J.... loved the family video at the temple and it is a very touching video. We will hopefully be setting a date with them soon T... is still on date with this Saturday, I am super excited it is going to be a good one. She was announcing it at the Christmas party. She is pretty solid and is doing really. Christmas is in the air.

I read a lot of Alma this week and Moroni brings up the point of cleaning the inner vessel. It is intresting how much that it is connected to pride and faith. It seems that we think that we are doing pretty good and actually dwindling in our faith and then the temptations come. That is why prayer, scriptures and chruch are so important. We always have to a clean vessel.

Thanks for the ipod the talks are the best on there. We do have to skip a few songs but it doing alright. Grandma, I will probably get the package tomorrow. Any packages sent to the mission office take longer to get to me, because our zone leaders just pick them up when they go get supplies, or when we have a confrence of some sort. I am looking forward to it. Jayson I am sure you did an excellent job at wrapping my packages. By the way, Happy Birthday to Grandma Pali and Happy soon to be Birthday to Grandma Wade. Jayson You can beat Blackfoot. Too many people think that they are unbeatable, but look at you, you are determined and always striving for the best. Come Conference you can and will beat him. It is 90% mental. Listen to your coaches. Set goals then execute. It is always great to her from you all, I happy to call you family and I love you.

Elder Wade

December

Where has time gone?

It seriously feels that I just came out. I can't believe it is already Christmas. I look forward to all the joy that can be brought because of The gift of Christ. Not going to lie... It is really weird not to have snow or cold and seeing all these christams decor. It should almost be illeagal. But I love not being cold all the time. I can still walk out for the most in a short sleave shirts and shorts in the morning for workouts. I found Jayson's Wrestling beenie that he got from the club last year. That has kept me warm in the morning. Ha no I didn't take on purpose it must have been in my coat from snowboarding. I would send some warm up your way but the Lord gives us trials... Haha.

It was Elder Jone's birthday on Saturday. Guess How we spent it? Helping people move! Ha my question is... Why would you put your food storage on the second floor. We had to lift these 50 pound buckets down the stairs. My arms are still sore. But we ended up he;lping a family move out and different family move in. And where we live the the people are pretty well off. They are all doctors and dentists and have a ton of stuff. But I love helping people move it was fun and we ended having a pretty good day. The work is going well, people are a little bit nicer then usual and are actually thinking of Christ so they are more open. I hope this continues. We had a few investigators come to church yesterday. One thing now is that I am scared of death of testimony meetings. You never Know what people are going to say. You don't want your investigator to feel awkward either. But it ended up not being so bad. We haven't gone to the Lights yet but hopefully next week. Speaking of next week it is transfers, I hate the feeling of not knowing, if you will be in the same place or not. We will find out next Tuesday if we are being Transferred. hopefully I will get to see Elder Jones off. I will probably be training soon. Right now our mission has 170 missionaries. By next year we will have about 250. We have a ton of missionaries coming in the next couple of transfers, it is exciting to the Lord hastening his work.

i love this time of the year and the opportunity that I get to focus Just on the Savior. I found a qoute in my Scriptures from President Howard W. Hunter I would like to share with you.

" Never did the Savior give in expectation of recieving. He gave freely and lovingly, and His gifts were of inestimable value. He gave eyes to the blind, ears to the deaf, and legs to lame; cleanliness to the unclean, wholeness to the infirm, and breath to the lifeless. His gifts were opportunity to the downtrodden, freedom to the oppressed, forgiveness to the repentet, hope to the desparing, and light in the darkness. He gave us His love, His service, and His life. And most important, He gave us and all mortals resurrection, salvation and eternal life.

We should strive to give as He gave. To give of oneself is a holy gift. We give as a rememberance of all the Savior has given."

I love you all. I challenege you to remember this as you give gifts this year. I love all that you have given me. Give as He gives.

Love, Elder Jake Wade

Happy late Thanksgiving

Happy late Thanksgiving!

So we only ended up having one dinner appointment. It was good because they had a 30 pound turkey!! This thing was massive. I was so full and we are still having left overs. We seem to come home with a different pie everynight. It is crazy but is really good. I have gained weight but the other elders in our zone took the scale so I don't know how much I have gained. Which I can just tell by looking at me. I still do pushups and and ab workouts every morning so it is just being in a car area. It kills you... I still think it is weird that we need a holiday to say we are thankful. We can say thanks everyday, but if is just an excuse to eat good food I will go with it. A scripture that really stuck out to me this morning in my reading was Alma 26:37 . It is a good one from Ammon, this is a really good chapter about being confident in a good way.

So we had a disappointment this weekend our date fell through with N...! He doesn't feel that he is ready! He was doing so well, three weeks smoke free and drops his date. We will continue to work on him this month and see if we can turn that around. We had a total of four come to sacrament yesterday which is good we are working up and will get them to keep coming. I am excited for Ti...she is still on her road to baptism and she is learning. I am excited if she wants to she can go to the christmas lights at the Mesa temple we can go with her. It is a big thing and I would really want investigators to go.

It sounds that you all had a great thanksgiving. Kolee's hair is so red! Ha I do miss you but I am where I am needed. I ma doing what the Lord wants me to do. I am always striving to be a representive of Jesus Christ in all what I do. It is hard but it is for the better. I love this season. I love it for the spirtual sense not the worldly problems. Focus on Chirst.

I love you, Elder Wade

Another Letter

Hey!

So I just sent some pictures... Some are of the baptisms of T..., S..... and M.... T.... is the one with Pink hair, S.... the one with the kids and the one with Just us and M.... And the other one is of Elder Jones and I with John Bytheway! Yes we met him Saturday night he was at a youth conference so after we got in and saw him. In is nice when the building is right in your area. He was pretty funny you can tell with the big goofy smile on my face.

So we are still working hard still have all three still on date, N..... is still smoke free so he is doing great, just has been suffering from being sick, I think it is just the body trying to tell him he needs the smoke. T... is doing awesome, suppossedly the person baptizing her is a 70... So that is really exciting. speaking of 70s we had Elder Koelliker here with us this week. He is awesome and I learned so much. We are focusing more on relying on the spirit. I have been trying really hard to stay true and listen to that gift of guidence and direction. The more I see the blessings in my life, the more I feel the spirit. I have been studying hard to. first seek to obtain the word.. And it has helped a lot, like just the other day we had to use doctrine to explain the outcome of the election. By the way, I am so happy that it is over, I was getting tired of hearing aout it and still am. We pretty much told this family that God doesn't care who the people choose to be their leader as long as they are living the commmandments he has given us. We live accordingly and we shouldn't have to worry about he end because we will be set. They probaly didn't like my answer but hey it was revelation. Elder Jones and I decided in a states mission you learn more aout deep doctrine and church leadership. Which so far it has been proven true.. We had a long disscussion on some deep doctrine, I have learned a lot.

 We so far only have a couple of appointments for thanksgiving we are going for more.. Not that I need them I have gained weight and I don't have a scale to check... Thanks for transferring money over so I can buy some sweaters.

I am so greatful for all that you do, you mean so much to me. I am greatful for this gospel I have been raised in and principles that apply. Great Job Jayosn on wrestling and if Jarret had to coach they must e really hurting for coaches.. Just kidding. Love you so much you are always in my prayers. Keep being awesome

Elder Jake Wade

Elder Jones , John Bytheway and Jake

Another Fantastic Week‏...

Hey!

So this was probably the busiest I have been yet! Elder Jones has been pushing me so much even so that he is sick today. Ha But he is awesome, Being the only member in his family gives me strength and strengthens my testimony also of the divinity of this great and marvelous work. He is awesome and I love working with him. He said that his family isn't too supportive, that it took a lot of ofasting and prayer for them to say that it was ok for him to be baptized. There are things that he does that i hope to pick up.

Speaking of Baptism, We have three on date. One for January, another for Dec 15th and the last for Dec 1st. The first I mentioned is a lady that has been investigating for about a year now, ... Next one is a lady named T.... , man do we love T. Let me tell you how we came in contact with her. it was a Pday about a month and a half ago. A couple of missionaries wanted to get Mcdonalds after shopping so we are in Walmart and this lady comes up to us and asks what wards we cover. I tell her the Cactus Lane ward. She said that she lives in that one and told me that she wants to be baptized and asked how she would go about doing that. I was completely blown away. We weren't able to meet with her until this last week. She called me a day before we met with her and asked.. How does Dec 15th look for me getting baptized? again I was blown away. I wanted to say, chill we haven't even met with you yet. She is married to a member that tells her all about the church. So she already knows it is true. Lastly we have N....., He is awesome, we are his 5th set of missionaries and he wants to be sealed to his wife that is a member and all he has standing in the way of baptism is smoking. He gave us his pack of ciggerettes the other day so we could get rid of them. There is no better feelig then destorying the drug that destroys so many people's lives . He is well determined about being baptized so we are looking forward to that.

Wow, it sounds way too cold up there. I can say that my blood has already been thinned. I am freezing. I traded one of my new ties for a sweater. Silly me, I didn't think I would ever be cold here. So if you could sennd me some sweats or transfer money so I could buy some that would be great, because my morning runs are getting pretty chilly. Thanks.

Sorry mom that you are sick but I know a priesthood blessing does marvelous work. I know that the Priesthood is power given to us to do God's will on Earth. We had one of those Stake Conferences that was broadcasted and we had Jeffery Holland and Pres. Eyring. They both discussed Missionary work and Temple work. They are combined and it is all part of gathering of Zion. Elder Holland Talked about how members need to be part of the work. Saying, you want your sons or daughters have successful missions, so you need to help the missionaries that are in your ward find the people that you love. Very powerful. If members found people for us to teach that would mean I wouldn't have to tract, which would be awesome, because some people can get pretty rude.

It sounds like you are all having so much fun with work, hunting, sports, and school. Good luck in all what you do. I love you all so much you are always in my prayers and I love telling people about how much I love you guys.

Love Elder Wade

New Companion ... Surprise :)

This week was so crazy! Fist to find out that Elder K.... would be transferred and that he would be district leader in his new area, what a stud. I now have a new companion, his name Elder J..... He is from Portland, and the only member from his family. He joined when he was 17. He said it was hard on his family, but he is an extordainary missionary. He has left for how much I have been out. He isn't new to Surprise, he served in the North Surprise Stake for almost a year!! That is so long. He taught a couple that ended up moving into our ward .  So nice and I love them to death. Hopefully we can get them progressing more and members by the time that Elder J.... home in January. Miricales can happen.

Taking over the area was hard at first, but it is actually really easy now. We have been working with a lot of Part member families, because we want to focus them on the happy eternal family that both parents want. And the great thing is, is that there is an instant fellowshipper. That is something that we really need to pick up, member present lessons. If you have a friend that they can really connect to they will progress so much faster.  M.... is doing great, a lot of people stuggled having Elder K.... leave because he was here for so long. He was having such a hard time. But with what I have heard the first transfer is the hardest.

Halloween was exciting only got to work a couple of hours, we had to be in by six. There are some pretty crazy people/ Churches here. One called CCV. Very interesting church, pretty much a rock concert every sunday. We just found out that it was started by an ex-member. Some really weird things...

Jayson you stud! Wrestling like a champ.  I am proud of you. But Dancing??? You leave that in ballroom class. You should shoot at least 30 times within the first minute. You can't wait for them you have to be persistent. But now that you have had an excellent weekend stay humble. Humility is one of the greatest Chrstlike attributtes, but one of the hardest to gain. Build of the wins that you have had a remember the one who has blessed you with your talents.

I love you all so much you are all such a blessing to me. I feel your love and prayers. Keep up all what you do.

Love, Elder Jake Wade

Baptism Friday !!! and I am still in Surprise!

Hola!

What an exciting past couple days and it will continue. M.... was baptized on Friday! so that was so awesome she was the happiest I have ever seen her. Elder K..... did the baptism so that means that she asked me to do the confirmation. I was super nervous, I didn't know what to say, I knew I needed to make it special for her. I prayed and prayed, asking for the help that I needed. And I don't remember anything that I said... I knew right then that the spirit was directing my words. It was such a special feeling. We have been waiting for this and we are so happy she is finally a member. She has been so strong. She found out that Braudyn has another tumor growing, she is such a good example to me and that she is loved by her Father in Heaven. That leads to my next exciting news, transfers... I am staying here, but Elder K..... is being transfered.

I am going to miss him. He is my brother and I look up to him so much. I knew he would be leaving, he has been here for 9 months now. It is going to be hard for him to leave, but it is time. And I am ready to do work. I find out who my new comp is tomorrow. The anticipation is a killer but I know it is going to come out ok.

Halloween is here! It feels like I was just home celebrating the 4th of July! We can work tomorrow but we have to be in by 6pm. So with transfers and halloween tomorrow is going to be a short day. Trunk or treats are huge down here, along with chili cook offs. I don't see how those two go together but they do. I am happy that I have normal people in my wards. It is a lot easier to invite investigators to the events. I have an investigator right now that dad can relate to. He has been battling kidney stones for the past two months. Ha he has been in a lot of pain. He needs to quit smoking and all that junk so maybe he can live healthier. But that is some bridge we are crossing right now. I have been helping a lot of people quit smoking, I don't want that to be my future proffession.

Now to answer questions... Favorite primary song.. Book of Mormon Stories.

Experience... hmm... We were on our way home for dinner, we were on our bikes, I have lights on my bike, and I was just riding and the batteries out of my backlight fell out! Right in the middle of the street right in front of this house. We decided to go knock on the door and we prayed with two guys. The one was about to be a father and really pondered about coming closer to Christ. It was a really neat experence that shows we were at the right place at the right time. Doing the right thing.

Primary kids, can learn their Book of Mormon stories. They are simple enough to understand and the can help you as a missionary. So study your scriptures!

Sorry Cleve and Vikki, can't come see me. The white handbook says vists from home distract the missionary from the work and it is hard for them to refocus. Sorry but that is what is..

Being finally done with training reminds me of a scripture in 1 Corinthians 13:11. Mr Snell should really use this one on the man cards. I have been focused on the work and am doing better. I am working in the vineyard. I love the work. It is great to hear from all of you. Good luck with all of what you do. Jayson Kick butt in wrestling!

I love you all so much!

Elder Jake Wade

Zone Conference

I have shaken hands with an Apostle!!

Dear Family and Friends,

What an amazing week. I am still star struck from being around general authorities this weekend. Bishop Casse, Elder Maynes, Elder Pickard, And Elder Anderson were all great. Something that I got out of their visit is that we are doing well but we need to do better and that is through faith that we accomplish miracles as such. Elder Anderson talked a lot of faith. That it is the power to make things happen that need to happen. And that is a power beyond our comprehension. Miracles are still possible, we have an unchanging God, he is adaptable though. Being out for only 12 weeks in the field I have seen miracles. Mighty miracles that I will never forget. It was an amazing week because of them. He also mentioned that we really need to stress the doctrine of Christ in all what we do, say and think. We should always be thinking of him.

Work this week has been really good, M.... is still on track for being baptized this friday. We are way excited, because we wanted to see her baptized before the end of the transfer. Because next week is the first time that anything could happen for me and Elder Knabe. We have been asked not to speculate though. Ha it is probably one the hardest thing we have been asked to do. Oh by the way, I have now finished the Book of Mormon for the second time on my mission. I trully know that we can come closer to God and Christ through this week. I can't believe I didn't read that much the years before this. We need to be focusing on the words of Christ. They are in this book and are in its fullest!

I can't believe I have been out for three months now! It has been so fast! I don't have too much more to say other than thank you mom for sending the application for the absentee ballot and emailing USSYP for me. Love you all so much keep up the good work, and stay warm, because I know I am. Ha

Love Elder Jake Wade

Baptism ..26th

Hello!

What an exciting week! this week has been picking up and I have seen many miracles, yet a lot of challenges. Lets just say fasting works. And that M.. she is on her way. Her date is on the 26th . I don't have a way to send pictures yet but I will find a way. We picked up a few members from part member families which is exciting. We I really fasted for more teaching experiences. I just wish we could teach and teach. While the new investigators just came out of no where like they did yesterday and saturday. I guess I am like Alma saying " I wish I were an angel..." Ha but I am really loving it here. Elder Knabe have been holding strong and he is my favorite companion so far. Ha He is awesome and has taught me so much.

We don't have our zone interviews until the 23rd so I guess next Tuesday. I ma excited for this weekend though. Elder Anderson is coming and is such a big deal. That we can't have members even take us to the conference, because it is just for missionaries. That will be so awesome. We have been working hard and I have been focusing on what missionary the Lord wants me to be and I guess my question was answered with 3 Nephi 27:27 When Jesus said " Even as I am." THat hit me hard and it is hard with you think about how amazing of a teacher he was and striving for that excellence is going to be tough. I am striving to be the best teacher I can be. I know the Lord gives us talents and spiritual gifts I need to learn how to use mine to effectively teach.

I love you all I am really missing that cool Idaho breeze, but I can see how so many people can love fall and winter here it at the perfect temperature this last week. Speaking of could you send me a few sweaters because we have to wear our suit coats or a dress sweater once it gets 65 degrees. Thanks. I am sure you are all enjoying your fall and all of the pumpkins and Cross country. Hey I ran two miles this morning it we have been running so much it has been awesome.

I love this work and I love you all back home. I couldn't ask for better parents and family.

Love Elder Jake Wade

Conference Weekend!

What a spectacular weekend! If they would have made that revelation last year I would have dropped everything and would have left as soon as possible. We have been disscussing that it will get rid of that awkward phase between High School and the Mission. The one thought that we all had when it was made was "its crunch time." We need more missionaries to do this great work. All the Talks were so good I loved all of them. One that blew me away was Elder Oaks and his stand on children. He completely threw down and I am sure the whole world is shocked but I think it is awesome! Unfortuatly we only had one investigator watch conference and it wasn't M..... I would be listening to a talk and say to my self that that this talk would be great for so and so. Oh other great news is that we have a mission conference coming up and Elder Neil L. Anderson is coming! We are all so excited it is going to amazing.

This conference was good and really focused on being a true follower of Christ! Elder Bednar told us that... "We need to know the Gospel is True and be true to the gospel." We need to see how much Christ did for us and not go half way or part way, but we are all in fully immersed in the truth and need to be living with exactness. But we all make mistakes, that is why we have the atonement. What a special gift we have. This gift leads to so many others that our Heavenly Father has for us. We need to jump back on track and follow him. Most heared qoute this weekend was come unto him. We need to find him in our lives and follow him with all that we have. And this all starts in the home. That why I had such great examples and family members that taught me these truths to keep me on the straight and narrow. I am so grateful for this gospel and it truely does bless all of us, and that is why need to share it that is why we need more missionaries. I am happy to be part of ranks of the Lord's army. I am happy I accepted the call. I have been reading a lot about Captain Moroni, he is such a great inspiration to all of us and set foundations of we need to be fighting for. I know what I am fighting for and am proud serve.

It sounds like you all enjoyed this past week as well. Cierra heal well, Jarret have fun at your reunion that is awesome, and Jayson Have fun in school. Give your all. I look forward to each day trying to do the Lord's will seeking for his inspiration. I know greatness will come. I am looking forward to this week, it will be amazing yet again. Stay true.

Love, Elder Jake Wade

October 1st

Wow!

What a crazy week things are really starting to pick up. Knock on wood. This week we had more lessons which was awesome. We are really helping M.... progress. Seeing her and her family come to church is the coolest feeling and the bishop says she looks like she belongs which is awesome. She is making so much progress though. She will be baptized this month. Her mom finally came from the hospital, which is such a blessing. It would be really cool to teach her mom and her niece that is ten too. We have also started again working with a lady named C..... . So theme for this week was Faith and Promised blessings.

We have to faith. Faith is the opposite of fear. When we have faith we hope or trust for things that are true but cannot be seen. The great thing about faith is that it is an action. We exercise our faith into many things. Also When help our faith grow we have spiritual experiences. The thing is just being patient. Yes that p word we all love. Being patient for those things that will come. So have trust in the Lord great things will come. Next, Everything we are commanded to do or to stay away from has a promised blessing(s) that come along with it. Even missionary work. I found a qoute by Gordon B. Hinckley That showed that missionary work is not a sacrifce because we will get back more then we give. I know that is true without a doubt in my mind.

I am so excited for conference it is like waiting for the super bowl for missionaries. We are looking to have ten of our investigators attend. Should be good. Yes this week has been a lot of finding and yes we do cold contacts, but working with members is the prime way doing things, thats when you know you have a solid investigator. It is hard but we will harvest soon. The field is white.

Sounds like things are going well for all of you. Madison is undefeated? Wow... I love hearing from all of you. Remember "Keep the commandments and ye shall prosper in the land."

I love you all,

Elder Jake Wade

Sept

Hello!

So this week has bee nok but was made to awesome when S..... was baptized on Saturday. She was so nervous but after she seemed so relaxed it was awesome. Then being part of her confirmation was quit amazing. It was a crazy week because people have lives and don't want us to be part of and are not making the timeto meet with us. We are manging and when we do get to teach Elder Knabe and i teach so powerfully, because all that desire to teach is being held up nad wants to get out. So we are able to feel the spirit more when we teach. It is Awesome. We were able to teach M.... this week but it was right before she had to take her ten month old back to the hospital for some testing. He has such a sweet spirit and you couldn't tell he was sick if you didn't know. They think that have found a couple more tumors which is sad and hard for her. .....................

We have got a new missionary at the Surprise house he is cool. But he is starting to get the feel of it and is starting to calm down a little.  Also have a new zone leader Elder Campbell he is awesome and He is way funny. I love bonds we make here on the Mission.

I read a qoute the other day that I found in my scriptures. It is from the Teachings of President Hinckley. It is about how that anyone that goes on a mission should not see that they are sacrificing anything because the will get back more then what they put in. It changed my outlook. I am starting to see that this is a blessing and how much I love being here. Dad I like that story in 3 Nephi another one like it that I actually just read this morning is in Alma 25. When the Anti-Nephi-Lehies would have given up their lives then to sin again. They ended up getting killed but more were converted then were killed. Which both are great examples of true reprentance.

It sounds like you have all had a pretty good week and have had a lot fun. Oh mom one of our wards had their primary program and the president said that there about 120 primary kids and I thought of you haha. Good luck in your callings.

Love you all- Elder Jake Wade

1st Transfer in the field ..

Hola!

It has been quite a busy week. Our teaching pool has been dissapearing and that is not good. We have been out looking and finding some potentials, but the ideal is when the members find for us. it is ideal because the will already have a friend and a fellowshipper. I can't believe it has already been this long! Time is flying by so fast It is hard to remember things that happened, just because you don't know if that happened last week or last night. It has been pretty crazy the last couple days at the surprise house. With transfers and such. One of the zone leaders we lived with went home. He went to BYUI .ha. He was awesome and will be missed. Also our district leader Elder Marble found out he is training! So I won't be the newest person anymore! Hurray! He is excited he is a very good missionary and probably the must humble person I know. Elder Knabe and I have been doing well and still holding onto a zion companionship. He Is such a stud. Yes Jarret this is how we knew when you liked your companions.

We only have one baptism this weekend because M.... couldn't make it to chruch. She just doesn't catch a break, her sister had her gallbladder taken out and then her mom was just put into the hospital again on saturday and was suppossed to come home last night but she is scared if she goes home she might die. M....'s Grandma also lives with her and she also has cancer so that house is crazy sick. I know that M.... will make it through though. She has a lot of faith. S........ Is doing really well and the ward is really excited for her baptism. We might have to move the talks and everything into the chapel because it sounds like there will be a lot of people. We are working on her husband he just works from 10 am to midnight so it is really hard to meet with him, but he comes to church every Sunday. Hopefully his schedule clears up so he can follow suit.

This transfer is looking up though I am way excited for it. Oh, and thank you for sending me the ties. I just needed more of a variety. The crazy thing about being here is that everyone has either went to Ricks college or has a relative who lives in Rexburg or has lived in Rexburg. Like one of the counselors in our ward his family is the fosters. Like Hadley and Cole. Pretty cool. Oh I was able to recite that scripture on Sunday. I am amazed at how well I did. I don't think it was me who was speaking, I have recognized that a lot lately. You really have to put your trust in the Lord. I need to get Like Nephi did in 2 Nephi 4. Great Chapter probably one of my favorites.

That is pretty much it. It sounds like all of you are having a fantastic time and are doing well. Keep it up in all what you do trust that The Lord will help you because he is the only person who knows what you are going through. Jayson It think it awesome you threw up Rigby isn't my favorite course either, but don't let that stop you from doing extrodinary. I love you so much.

Elder Jake Wade

September...

Hey everybody!

So first off forgot to tell you I couldn't write yesterday the library was closed. And next off I am horrible at remembering birthdays... So happy late birthdays to Dad, and Jarret! You are both Old! Haha, and to just for warn you, next week I will write on Monday but the week after I will write on Tuesday. Every transfer week or pday is on Tuesday. Also to a birthday present to you both, we set up two more dates this week. One to a Lady named S.... so really happy for her. Next, this lady is very special to us...  Her name is M....................so keep her in your prayers.

We have had quite a few investigators come to church, two which will be a work in progress,  but their niece was baptized recently and the have witnessed the huge change in her life. ..........We have had a problem recently which is because school has started everybody seems to get sick! so that leads to appointments falling through. Which you have to just plan effectively and have backups to everything. And it is hard now because of the program of the church called the 12 week training program I am in charge of planning this week, but I manage. Yesterday was nice becuase we were able to relax and get into people's homes if they were home. but over all it was a good week.

It sounds like you have all had a pretty good week also. Jayson you look good running, but you let Drew beat you lets work on that. Ha I bet the Brigham  City Temple was really nice. We get to go to the temple almost every three months so I'm excited for that. But I love all your support, and I need more ties!

Love you all,

Elder Jake Wade

(editing done to delete personal information...if you would like to read the complete letter - please email me) Jake's Mom

Another week already!!??

Hey!!!

This week went by so super fast you have no idea! I don't see where all the time goes. I was reading in genisis and saw that when Jacob was laboring he said the years passed by like a few days. I can say the same for the days fly by like hours. We did have Zone Conference this week really exciting. We learned about how to manage our time wisely and how we should plan effectively for our week and daily planning. Tiffany was baptized this weekend!! The service was amazing! Elder K said it was the best he has been to. She had a family friend come from California to baptise her and he had his family there. And his daughter is going on a mission to Pocatello! Ha so I had to tell her about the life up there she was excited and should be. Sister H.... is her name. But I was really nervous to do the baptismal presentation, but everyone said they were really touched and I could feel the spirit so strong. It was an amazing day. We are trying to get more investigators becasue she has been most of our lessons. But we had Four investigators that came to church yesterday. Which is really good we are extending baptism dates like crazy sometimes it is just hard when people don't follow through with their commitments... We got two new investigators this week and a few more potentials so we will start working on them.

Over all it seemed like a good week. I notice the heat as much as I used to, but it is still really hot. We haven't been able to bike as much as we wanted to because I keep getting flats! So I am going to buy tubes today but I love my bike it is a beast and has done really well other than that.

It sounds like that you are all doing really well and that you are having fun. Oh ya mom if you were down here you would have started school three weeks ago. They can't go outside if it is too hot. Ive never really had to deal with that. We have started our focus on member missionary work so we will see how that goes. But I love you all and greatful fro all that you have raised me to be.

Love, Elder Jake Wade

Week Two...

Dear Family 'n' Friends!

Well to answer some of your questions... We don't Live with memebers, but I live with five other missionaries, so it is quite exciting. I was really excited to see sister Day and Josh, those cookies were really good. We are still on goal for the baptism this weekend. She told us she won't let anything hold her back from being baptised so she is pretty determined which is good. She says she blames me because she didn't know why she said yes to when I asked to be baptized that first night, but it is now falling into place. Others that we are working with are struggling with commitments which is frustrating, but i know if we put our faith in the Lord he we will help us. "that our weaknesses may become strong."

I'm sorry to hear about Aunt Lorna, I have really been learing about the plan of salvation lately. She is in a better place and now is waiting in peace and happiness. She still watches over us like a lot of our ancestors to "bear us up". It is amazing to of the Knowledge we have gained from the prophets on the earth. They are here for us and recieve revelation for us. Dad that qoute reminds of what i taught in gospel principles yesterday. It really helped me understand why I was here. I taught about Sacrifice. It was hard because you don't want to go deep when you teach less actives and investigators. And lets be honest Sacrife can get pretty deep. I am here to sacrifice two years of my life to serve my Lord who made the greatest sacrifice for me. The Atonement is such a gift we must use it, there is no other way that we can return to our Heavenly Father.

The first week I was here was record breaking tempuratures. But it now has cooled down to High 90's and low 100's. It sad to say that it is a cool down but it is what it is. i would freeze at night if it wasn't for my blanket. So thanks for sending that ha. Oh and we cover two wards and we are in a part car part bike. We only have 800 miles to drive in the car each month. We have ridden the bike a lot more lately so my missionary tan is coming in pretty good including the watch tan lines. But I love you all and you are all in my prayers. Oh Jayson how was passing the Sacrament?

Love you,

Elder Jake Wade

Week one - Surprise, Az

Wow This was such an awesome week!

I am in the Surprise Stake and we cover two wards, Cactus Lane and White Tank Mountain wards. They are amazing! The members are so supportive. We have members to every appointment we go to. Yes I got a haircut and I'm happy I did! Because it is just hot. You the wind in Rexburg is a cold wind. The wind down here is like a hair dryer. And all your sweat evaporates until you get into a cool house or building. Crazy I know. My compainion is Elder Knabe (kuh-na-be) He is amazing. he has been out for sixmonths and has been in the same area for all of it. Ha but he has taught me so much. he is from Bakersfeild California. I am glad him and i are compainions.

Oh interesting fact. We got off the plane and President and Siter Taylor were there to greet us and we got to see the departing missionaries. And one of them was Elder Bird from Idaho Falls. Thats right T-Bird. I wrestled him in high school. he told me I will be a great missionary. All the mission thought that it was way cool that I knew him. I thought it was cool too.

We have been working hard. I got to give my first couple invitations to baptism. and we have one set for the 25th of this month. Really awesome!

Jayson, I am so happy that you have the preisthood now. I want you to know how important you are now. The people in the ward are depending on you to pass them the sacrament. My testimony of the atonement and sacrament has grown so much in the short time I have been out. It is a sacred duty that is the must important reason why we go to church. It is a privilage to have the preisthood use it as such. Help as many people as you can. Start studying Preach My Gospel as a family you can do so much as members. And I have seen that here. Everyone needs to be a missionary.

I love you all soo much.

Elder Jake Wade                          Elder Wade and Josh Day- he served with Jarret in Argentina

Pictures from Mission Blog! Love them!

                                    

                                           Elder K. and Elder Wade

2nd Email

Hey!!

If time fly by like it has here at the MTC then I'll be home before you know it! But there is no need to worry about that right now ha. We got our travel plans last week and our plane leaves about 8:30 in the morning so we have to be at our travel services at 5 on tueday morning. Oh and our flight is only 42 minutes long haha. But here at the MTC I have had at least one spiritual experance everyday. Our teachers are fantastic and I have learned so much I love it! It still way weird that we leave in like 5 days it feels like I just got here, people were constantly telling me "Welcome to The MTC!" wow that got annoying fast ha. Now we are the Bosses of the English building. Elder Robison is mad that I'm leaving though haha. I would not want to be here as long as he is or any of the foreign missionaries, because this food is really starting to get to me. I have only gained 5 pounds though. What do you expect though? We eat and sit, sit and learn, and sit and teach. With only one hour of Soccer. Oh speaking of Soccer we have been playing soccer with the Europeans lately, they are so good. The one told me I had no fear because when I go to block the ball I just take it and not flinch or nothing. I asked if it was a good thing. He said kind of. They are so funny though. I'll miss them next week. Oh do you remember Kaden Jeppson? I was friends with him in 4th grade. He is here and is going to Guam English speaking. I didn't notice him at first but he noticed me it was really nice to see him after all these years.

We have been teaching quite a bit. We had our last TRC last night though. Her name is Barbara and she is probably one the funniest people I know. Ha but we got her to read the Book of Mormon and also committed her to baptism last night. It helps when your compainion is a stallion like mine. He is so smart we have had no problems getting along whatsoever. He is awesome. Our district is still way close and also one of the only districts that is quiet during quiet time at 10:15.

I loved the packages I got thanks Mom. I loved the cupcakes so mcuh Heather is awesome!! I actually witnessed one of Elders eat on in one bite... Kind of cool Kind of nasty but awesome. I'm glad you are all having a blast with all different stuff going on you are always in my prayers. Pray for my future investigators for me ha. I love you all.

Love

Elder Wade

1st email from MTC

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been awesome! I have learned so much, and am loving studying and preparing for the work. My comp. is from Orem, so not too far away his name is Elder Barley. I love him and we get along really well. I share a room with two others. Elder Gifford from Kuna and Elder O'neal from Lousina. They are both amazing guys. If a compainionship was ever ment for each other its these two. We keep telling Elder Gifford he is a three Nephite, because he is one of the most kind hearted people I know. But he just waves it off and I think it might be getting him frustrated so we might stop.

I have never studied more in my entire life! I have learned so much and am focusing on the spirit. Did you Know Adam was baptized? It makes sense, but I never realized it before. Its in Moses 6;36 I believe. Kind of Interesting. We have three "invetigators" They are all progressing really well. We have one named Jarett, who is realy stubborn but he is getting it which makes me happy. Ian who loves to learn and has a great desire for learning so I think that will be great. I have been told that I am a great listner and that it will help me out a lot. I hope so because I don't have much going for me. Haha. Our other one is Barbara, she likes to talk a ton so we kinda have to pull the reigns and keep her on topic, but I committed her to reading the Book of Mormon, and she seems like she truelly will.

Well I did see Elder Robison, also Elders; Nelson, Mueller, Ballard, Suttun,Blanchard, Whalquist. Seems like like there is more, but Elder BLanchard just left for Spain so I won't see him again, here at least. But we have a couple of missionaries from Europe and we ahve been playing soccer with them and they are so good! They said they like my Determination and I love being active. Yes Mom I have been wearing my brace... We should get our Travel plans soon so I'll tell you when I'm calling. But thats pretty much it for this week.

Love you all

Elder Jacob Wade