Another Transfer has came and gone...

It is amazing how fast time is going... It seriously feels like this year just started. Now it is practically over. It is almost disappointing. It has been great though. This transfer was by far the fastest. But I feel like I have done a ton of growing. So yes I am staying for another transfer! YAY!

It is super humbling when you have a missionary that you are around finish their mission and return home. Yesterday we saw Elder Wilson off... That was super hard. He was so nervous. All during studies yesterday he was pacing because he was just couldn't sit still. He was excited to see family though. It makes you think of the time we have left on our missions and it isn't a lot at all. All three of us at our apartment have been out the same time. This week we hit our 17 month mark! That is super weird. Luckily enough we have a lot of work to do to keep us busy. We did have a baptism on Saturday. That was good. Right now we haven't had too much but we have enough. Everyone is going home for Christmas and our ward is disappearing. We are staying busy though giving new member lessons and trying to get people back to church. It is good. 

So funny story with J...'s baptism. ......

After that it was a fantastic baptism! But that whole hour was so nerve racking!! But it helped me build some patience in others.

So there is my lesson learned for the week. It was a great week though. We had Christmas Conference and that was so good! I need another good trip to the temple. I enjoyed it. The Christmas lights are great here! It seems like they deck that place out. I enjoy it. 

Everything is going well. It seems like you all having a good time in the freezing cold Idaho. Honestly I haven't had to wear a sweater at all the last two days. It is too hot. Dad stay warm. We don't want you to be driving around in and 'ice Cube' haha! Get it? ice cube! Or frozen Pea soup. Either one stay warm. 

Jayse congrats at taking 3rd! That is great! That is like me I took third my 8th grade year too. And guess what I lost to the mountain view kid too. But you can do better. You are stud keep it up. Build your team up. 

So next week will be calls home. I can skype or facetime. Either one I can do either or. Let me know! Have a great week! 

Love, Elder Wade     

Happy Thanksgiving

Holy Cow!

It has been such a good week! It started off with the assistants calling us and doing a surprise exchange. That was fun. I got to know the new assistant pretty well. He is pretty cool. A lot of the times you look at him and think he is really straight forward. It was nice to see that he is a normal guy that struggles with things just like we all do. Hopefully others will see that he really is a loving guy. So there is one thing I am thankful for: Great leadership. That includes my mission president and others that help me a lot. That doesn't exclude all of you back home that have lead me through a lot.

This weekend was probably the best I have ever had. I couldn't have asked for better. For starters we had two baptisms. C.... who is a stud and will be a strong example for his family and I can see him being a great leader in the Church. He had a family thing so he wasn't able to make it to church yesterday but he will be confirmed next week P.... is amazing as well! He is officially the 2nd person on my mission that I have performed the ordinance of baptism for. He is a boss. He was confirmed and conferred the Priesthood and ordained a Priest yesterday. He has a great testimony. Another thing that I am grateful for is my testimony. It has helped through a lot over this adventure that I am on. 

Along with those baptisms, I was able to go to the P........'s temple work. That was the most spiritual powerful experience I have had. I was impressed that the love that they have for each other is only stronger now. They have something that binds them closer then anything that could have before. I think the sealing was the best for me. The spirit hit me like a wave when the two boys walked in. It was amazing! It helped me see my family and how important you are to me. Even though we had some rough times, they are not nearly as rough as people I have seen. A lot of the things I have gone through ,I can't have done it without my family. Heavenly Father is pretty smart guy... He knows what he is doing. 

I am excited for this up coming month. Even though it is cooling down, it still doesn't seem like it that time of the year. I am excited to announce that for my next couple times I call home, it will be through skype! President just told that to us today. It will still be the same time, but it will be great to see you all. 

Love You! 

Elder Wade         

Meetings ..meetings busy busy

Hey!

So you are probably wanting to know who my companion is. I think I might play with for a little bit... He is a companion that I have had before. To narrow it down. Elder K... is a zone leader in Goodyear, Elder G... is in Tempe. Elder L..... Elder S. is in Glendale North. So... That leaves just one. I was super surprised when President announced we would be companions! It is Elder B..! My MTC companion! He is such a stud. Love him to death. It is kind of funny to tell people we were companions in the MTC. The usual responses are "I'm sorry"-mostly from the ysa members. Or "wow that is really neat!" So that is pretty exciting. I am excited because last time we worked together we weren't the best teachers at all and we had no idea of what we were doing. So it is going to be nice to see what we can do with our feet under us.

This past week. They changed it so we have four districts in our zone and we go to all of their district meetings. So that was a lot of learning. We also had Stake Coordination, when the zone and district leaders meet with a member of the mission presidency and the stake president and the high councilman over missionary work, and we talk about things we can do to work together. Elder B...., two sisters in our zone, and I also had a great opportunity to sit on a panel in a stake presidents coordinating council, with the area 70. Wow. That was a great experience. Not because we were able to do that, but it gave me a new out look of what I need to be doing and asking ward leaders to help with. It is crazy, because before your mission you hardly ever sit down and discuss things with a bishop or stake president. Now I am having daily and weekly contact with them. Some more blessings the Lord teaches on a mission.

This next week is going to busy as well. I might be able to see snow! We have a mission tour this week with Elder Teh of the 70. We are meeting him with a couple other zones in Sedona. It is like a 2 hour drive from where we are. I haven't had a 2 hour drive in awhile so it is going to be kind of nice. Also Elder Barley and I get to speak in front of the bishops at a meeting on Tuesday. I am kind of nervous about that. They are expecting a lot. 

So ya if you can't tell we have and are having a lot of meetings. It is good though it helps us use the time we have effective and not waste it. Keeps us busy. Yes, I really do like meetings, not because it is a time filler, but I get to see what I can do to improve. Most importantly it helps us see what we can do to help the people we teach. We still have two next weekend. And another on the 14th of Dec. Hopefully more on the way. 

Seems like all of you are busy as well. I can't imagine life without being busy, back home. We were always doing something and going somewhere. Jayson good luck this week. Keep moving and don't get sloppy! Love ya I hope you know that. 

I Love all of you as well! 

Elder Wade    

Do I stay or do I go

Hey everyone!

So the big question is am I staying or leaving? I was really surprised when we got the news this morning. And I am staying but Elder W...... is getting transferred, but he doesn't have to pack. Which means he will still live with us and I will get a new companion! I am super nervous and excited. I don't know what to think. I just know that is going to be an interesting transfer meeting tomorrow. I have learned so much from Elder W...... He is so legit. He is excited he doesn't have to pack. I am just excited he still in the zone.  

In other news... IPads are still great. A lot easier this time then last time. We taught a couple skype lessons last week. That was pretty neat. Facebook is easier and a lot more productive. Speaking of, I can be tagged in posts, I personally would prefer if they were mostly missionary related, and please do share my posts. If you do then not only my 900 friends see it but also yours, pretty soon 100s of thousands see it and it is just another seed. Oh and dad, nice profile pic btw. 

This past week the work is really showing. Our zone is doing great as well. Last month we had two baptisms which isn't bad, but we are capable of a lot more. We really have been pushing always living your purpose and inviting and finding. So this past week showed. We got Standards of Excellence as a zone. It was super good. We can still do a lot better. I love this zone and ward.

In one my studies this past week I was learning about using time wisely and there was a personal study from it that you answered a couple questions and one is what do you want people to see in when finish your mission. That is a hard one. One thing that I love about the mission is that it molds you for the rest your life. I am not saying I did bad things at home, but I know I could have been better. So I am doing that now. I am trying to live my purpose, in doing that I have seen my own life get closer to Christ and it helps me. We still are doing well, we have two baptisms coming up on the 23rd. Excited for that and looking forward to another crazy week! 

Oh and the weather this week was perfect. Thought I would have my Prideful moment for the day. 

Good Luck! Love you all thanks for being my examples! 

Love, Elder Wade  

Trials=greatest blessings‏

Hey there!

Welcome home Joe! That is pretty exciting. It is crazy how fast time has gone. My comp goes home in about a transfer.  He goes home  right before Christmas, he is pretty excited about that. It is kind of funny, people ask how long I have been out and I tell them about 15 months and they are like wow... You are on the downhill, or they comment how when they got to that point, it seemed like everyone from home forgot about them. Then they ask Elder Wilson and he tells them 22 and then comes all the trunky jokes. It is kind of funny. I guess that is what you get for being in a singles ward, where all of them have served missions already. 

One thing that I do really like about this ward is that we don't have to worry about what people say or if they will offend them. They do a great job of fellowshipping everyone that comes to church.  This week I saw something that really built my testimony while teaching . We taught  at our Bishop's house. It was such a powerful lesson.  I really think it is because it was the first time we taught her in a member's home. It is the closest place to the temple. It would be neat if we could teach at the temple but we have the next best place. So our homes are temples. 

So next week will be different, just giving you a heads up here. I have a meeting on Monday so my p-day will be on Tuesday. Then the next week is transfers, so again P-day is on Tuesday. 

I looking forward to Halloween and such. People go all out here. So we have to be in by six. But you can really start to feel the fall in the air. It is a great feeling. Missing my four seasons of Idaho though- XC, wrestling, track/more wrestling, Summer. Jayse hope you know that you are a stud. When you go on that mat, no matter who it is, remember that you are there now and there is nothing in the past that matters. "Learn from the past, don't live in it." I don't care if it is Stacy or Ramos, they are no better then you. You have to push through any fear or road blocks you have. A lot of the things I learned from wrestling have helped me a lot out here. It is surrounded by eternal principles. 

I love you all have a great week. 

Elder Wade 

Conference Weekend !!!

Hey!!

This past weekend was like super bowl Sunday on the mission. It was fantastic. I loved conference. It truly was one of the most inspiring yet! Us as missionaries in particular really liked the ones on member and missionary work. Elder Ballard's was great. Pick one person and work with them in either coming back to church or joining the church and work with them until Christmas. That was such a good invite. We really enjoyed it. I also really liked Elder Oaks. I just like how he makes it so real by throwing stats in their. It was a conference stacked and packed with all great speakers. 

Mom as you saw conference wasn't the only meetings that we had this week. Unfortunately I don't know what whiteboard picture you are talking about. We were introduced into the "adjusting to mission life" booklet and were trained on that. We have already been applying it in our companionship. Wish I would have had it when I was a new missionary. We also were trained on the theory that there is always a good idea, better idea, and the best idea. We tied that in with out of the box thinking and getting new ideas how to find, use church buildings, online time, etc... Super good and we then got to go back and share that with the rest of the zone on Friday. So really the only days last week that we didn't have a meeting was Monday and Thursday. Crazy, but fun and needed. 

Cool experience: We have this less active girl in our ward that hasn't came to church . This girl was on her way to Flagstaff for the weekend with some friends. While driving the driver made a sudden over correction. Went into the ditch and the car rolled three times. Fortunately no was killed. The girl, though, was taken to the E.R. By then the mom called us and asked if we could get missionaries there to give her a blessing. The Elders came gave a blessing and a... could feel this sudden comfort. She knew that she would be ok. It turns out that the first thing that she did when she was conscious was pray. She broke a vertebra in her neck and is doing fine now. She will always remember this. You can tell that the Lord works in ways that we can never understand. She was grateful that she was raised in a home where she was taught that she could always pray. I am too. 

We all have different experiences, but we all have the same plan to get back to our Heavenly home. 

Thank you, I love you. Have a great week! 

Love Elder Wade     

Ofa Atu

Hey!

How is everyone going? It has been a fantastic week. We have been super busy. I wish it could have been from doing missionary work, but it was more of helping other missionaries so they can do their work. It is okay. We are starting to get back in the groove of things and they are going great. We did have transfers last week and we had 10 missionaries leave and we got 14 back. We now have a zone of 24 missionaries total. It is pretty big. But it isn't the biggest. The biggest is about 32 missionaries. It is huge!! We now live with one Elder Wilson's old companions. He is Elder Moala from Tonga. He is the best and has gotten me back into lifting, and my arms are super sore... We seeing a hymn out of his hymn book every night. It is pretty fun. We love him. 

Our baptism this weekend was great! He was so excited. He has had a really rough life so far. I hope that the Church can be that light that he needs. He is great and the ward is getting used to him. He was just so happy. In his Baptism presentation we shared about our potential and how God defines us. What I like about Elder Wilson is that we never teach like lesson 1 or lesson 2 but we share something that we know that they need to hear. We have seen a lot more from it and the Spirit is so much more stronger. We read this poem to them: 

 ’Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer

Thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin,

But held it up with a smile.

“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried,

“Who’ll start the bidding for me?”

“A dollar, a dollar”; then, “Two!” “Only two?

Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?”

“Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;

Going for three—” But no …

From the room, far back, a gray-haired man

Came forward and picked up the bow.

Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,

And tightening the loose strings,

He played a melody pure and sweet

As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,

With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said, “What am I bid for the old violin?”

And he held it up with the bow.

“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?

Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?

Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,

And going, and gone!” said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

“We do not quite understand

What changed its worth.” Swift came the reply:

“The touch of a master’s hand.”

And many a man with life out of tune,

And battered and scarred with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,

Much like the old violin.

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd

Never can quite understand

The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought

By the touch of the Master’s hand.

 1. 

These lines of poetry and the others that appear in this article are from Myra Brooks Welch, “The Touch of the Master’s Hand,” in Best-Loved Poems of the LDS People, ed. Jack M. Lyon and others (1996), 182–83.

I just thought that this was a powerful poem that describes where a lot of people either are or have been in their lives. I hope you read the article that I posted the other day on Facebook. I am grateful for the the atonement in my life. When I felt like I was at my lowest. He reminded me of the highest potential that I have as a Child of God. I now he loves me and that he gives me challenges for a reason. 

Ofa Atu means I love you and I really do. Thank you for being so supportive. All of you don't know how much you mean to me. Be safe, until next week. 

Ofa Atu, 

Elder Wade  

If I have to pack again, so help me!!

Hey!! 

So if you read my subject the first thought that comes to mind is probably transfer. But... That isn't true. We have transfers this week, and our zone is going to be completely different. In our mission we have 5 leaving and 25 coming in. I thought it would start slowing down, but I guess not. Because of this influx of missionaries. Elder Wilson and I had to move somewhere else so it would be more convenient for everybody: New Address: 

                                                            Elder Wade 

                                                  (If you want the address - contact Jake's mom)

So in a rush they wanted us to be moved in to our apartment by last night so we can help everyone else who is coming in on Wednesday move in to their new place. We quickly moved last night. And We are now moved in which it is a pretty nice place. First place with Hardwood floors. 

It has been a crazy week though. I don't feel like it is time for transfers. It is making me sad for how fast it is going. We didn't teach too much but, I am getting better at talking with everyone. I found out that I was just making it too awkward and wasn't being myself. I finally just got over it. I then went out with a missionary that was forcing it and it was like dude calm down. They already don't want to talk to you the best you can do is look comfortable. I am not the best, but I am starting to have fun with it. I saw that Joe comes home in a couple weeks. Dang that went by fast. That is going to be exciting for him to come home and see all the additions to the family.

So you know how I talked about education last week? Well I discovered another possibility for a profession... I think it would be way neat to be an Attorney for the church. We were on a ward blitz and the member of the bishopric and a member of the Elder's quorum presidency. They began talking about the church and how this world doesn't like our standards now. They brought up that a lot of people are starting to take things to court. It would be cool to fight for what I believe in a be on a whole new level. 

That is pretty much for this week. We have a baptism this week. Looking forward to that. Stay safe and injury free (Jayson)! Dad good luck with your bike. Love you all! 

Elder Wade   

 

Education Week

It has been a great week! Learned a lot, mainly it was really humbling. The last week we didn't have time to plan so that made this week super sparatic. We taught a few lessons and they went really well. We have C.....who still on date for the 28th. He is an interesting guy.   That is why the Lord wants us to get a good education and job. 

So to continue on the theme of education... We had the director of the local institute speak to our ward yesterday. It was super good and really motivating. He brought up how knowledge is power and think of heavenly Father who is the most powerful person out there. A couple quotes from it was; "The world will pay you for what you do well, and what you love is what you will do best.""Pursue and occupation that when you don't have to think about anything, that's what you will think about." It showed me how much I want to do something I love and how much I love missionary work. The world doesn't pay you for missionary work though, but that is alright. The Lord pays in blessings in happiness. It is super rewarding to do what you love. This all relates to another quote I heard a couple weeks ago. "To do something you have not become, you have to do the things that you have not done." So if I want to be a stellar missionary I need to do things that great missionaries do. Made me look forward to school after the mission. My study habits are ten times better then they were before. I have time until then. 

I hoped you learned that it isn't good to eat to much before a race or even a match. I also thought those kids were stupid that would eat a meatball sub before the wrestled and they threw up in the middle of it. So lesson learned. I learned that facebook is great. A lot of success has came from it lately. Good to hear that everyone is doing well. I hope you all have a great week.

I want to leave an invite: Look for someone to share why families are important to you. 

I love you so much. You are all great examples to me. 

Love, Elder Wade       

September???

Man time is going too fast. It has been a fantastic week! Our Zone was cleared to start online proselyting so we have been clearing moromn.org and facebook pages, but it is good to see the progression. This last week we had zone conference and we discussed a lot of principles vs rule and also building our faith. It is cool to see that those two are so connected. I love that fact that we are expected as people in these last days to live a higher law. Not in a "look at me I am better then you" but to live with the purpose that is going to bring a lot joy, true joy. Being here I have noticed that people look at us and think we have a ton of rules. They think that we are held back from having fun. They are searching for happiness from temporary things. There is also those that say that we are saved by grace and we don't have to do anything. Yeah his grace will save us but how would you feel in God's presence after you were doing things that you know weren't good? I am guessing you would feel unworthy, but you are able to govern yourself by living correct principles. And what is a principle? It is something that will prepare us for living the full thing in the life to come. Living this you are able to gain blessings and even bonus blessings. Elder Wilson and I this week have been focusing on being accountable not held accountable. The principle behind it is that is fact that we will go before God and be judged after this life. We should account to him first off and you won't feel guilty of what you did or did not do. Living the principle doesn't exempt the rule, look at the early jews they have tons of rules for keep the Sabbath holy, but now we have the principle that helps us see why of doing things. 

My mind is just blown of how easy this life is. All you need to do to gain a testimony is to read the scriptures, pray and come to church. It is that simple. Does that mean we won't have trials? No of course not we would have no real growth but you are exercising your faith and building on it. That is how S.... is and she has a stronger testimony then probably 90% of the church. 

Jarret sorry I didn't tell you happy birthday, but I forgot, not going to lie. Ha Happy late birthday, you're old. Hope all is well keep smiling and Happy Labor Day!!!

Love Elder Wade  

First time ysa

Hey!! 

Hope you all had a great week! Dad hope you had a great birthday, you are like 60 now? ha just kidding. 

This week has been such a great week. Being a Zone Leader is a total different experience, a lot more errands and a lot more meetings. It has been way fun though. Elder Wilson is the man, love him to death. He is a pro at talking with everyone which I am not so good at, so hopefully I can get better while I am with him. The good thing is that we have a fantastic zone full of great missionaries that are hard working. The weird thing is that I am like the 2nd oldest in the zone... We have such a young mission. It just means that we have to rely on the older missionaries to train and help the younger ones. 

Being in a the Phoenix North YSA is super cool. It is way different then being in a family ward, because of being with older people we are with people our age. So they really want to be your friends. They are way funny. We don't have too many investigators right now, because it is way different finding experience as well. We do have one on date right now here name is S...., she came 45 minutes early to church just to read from the Book of Mormon. She is also high school Spanish teacher. Way cool! 

Other than that it has been a huge learning experience. Jarret you are crazy. I am the only in my apartment that likes to run... We will work on that. But I love you and appreciate all that you do for me. You have put me through a lot. 

Love, Elder Wade   

Transfera

Well What do you all think?

 

 I know for one thing this transfer went so fast! I can't believe it has came already. Got the text earlier... I am being transferred!! I can't believe it, better yet, I just got a call from President Taylor and he asked me to be Zone Leader... I am excited. I thought I would be nervous, but I am just gun hoe

ready to go. Lets do this! Ha It is pretty neat. I know I was in this area for a reason. I know it wasn't just for the tech stuff. I have learned a lot and am really looking forward to what is next.

 

I have a lot of fun this week. Honestly the heat hasn't been that bad. I will send you some pictures that I took of my shoes... You will see what hot bike pedal does to shoes. It is pretty funny. I don't have to worry about biking too much for the next little bit. I really did enjoy it though. As you can tell I have been cleaning up my facebook. I prayed about it and feel good about combining the two that I have. It has really helped me see growing up, I was a stupid teenager. I said some ridiculous things on there. It has really helped me see how much the engrossed in the Gospel this much has helped me become the better person. I wish I would stayed more on task with my scripture study and prayers. Because by small and simple things are great things brought to past.

 

So Jayson, even though you are a teenager now, you need to be smart! Something that I have taken into my life the last couple of months is be the missionary your parents want you to be. So Jayson be the student, the son that mom and dad see you as.

 

  Good luck with everything. It is really intersting to see all your posts. Your mormon.org profiles are great. Oh btw most of the Zone Leaders cover YSAs, that should be interesting. Have fun starting your new job Dad. The sidewalk looks great!

Love,

Elder Wade  

Having Direction

Hey!

 

It has been a super busy week, but it has been probably been one of the best guided as well. This week we had a meeting with Brother Donaldson, he is one of those high ups in the missionary department. Our mission is now a online proselyting mission! We got more direction of whta we can do, what we shouldn't do and now our job is to tighten up. I see that my mission is not just for two years, but this opens an opportunity of me being a missionary for life. He shared the scripture in Matthew 24:14, which you think it would be scary that the Apostles are using that as a sign to the coming of the Savior, but it is so exciting! Think of it, all of those countries like China that there isn't missionaries in yet, now have a better opportuntiy to hear about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is how the Gospel goes to all the world. I only have a little perspective of the things to come.

 

Not only is the world missionary work doing well, but so is our own here. We have five on date for the next six weeks. I am kinda hoping I stick around another transfer, but I am not sure right now. There is a lot of good work, right now for this next week we will have about 20 lessons. Some of the people we have on date want to be baptized, for example we are teaching this 70 year-old lady, that we invited to be baptized on the 24th and she wants to be baptized sooner. It is crazy but we are making it work. Also another couple in their 60s just quit smoking and drinking this week and the have been doing it for 20+ years. It is a divine blessing to see the spirit change lives for the better.

 

All I can say that I love this Gospel and I have had my own change of heart. Never would I have thought missionary work would be were it is now. Imagine where it will be even in Jayson's time? Crazy! Happy soon to be birthday by the way... you are like 4 now? Ha have a good one. Good luck with work, getting ready for a new school year or a new job. Life is good. I love you guys, you have no idea how much the Lord trusts us. I am looking forward to teaching lessons with my loved ones.

Elder Wade  

Feeding the Homeless

How is it goin!?

 

This week was fantastic! I have said this before, but I have never been busier. Which is making time just fly by. I can't believe it is the end of July already. My comp Elder Silcock, I decided this week, that he reminds me a lot of Jarret. Which makes time fun, because I can say that I have had good relationships with my brothers, which I am happy about. I have run into missionaries that haven't and they have had a hard time. Just comes to show that its all about perspective. I love my family. The one thing I testify about the most is Families and how they can be sealed for time and all eternity. I love teaching people and making them feel like they are my family. It makes you feel accomplished and they can sense the love that you have for them.

 

One example, is that when we ride our bikes we don't just pass by people and keep going, we stop and pray with people! It is awesome the experiences you have. Some weirdoes but some good people come with it too. We were heading to splits one night after dinner where they fed us hamburgers. We saw this guy and we stopped and he asked if we can help him get a hamburger he didn't have any food, pretty sure he didn't have a solid home either. Low and behold I reached in my bag and pulled out the hamburger that was left over from moments before! It was a good feeling being able to serve when you can.

 

Sounds like you all have a good week. Got things done. I keep thinking I need to send more hand written letters to you guys. I will work on it. Keep on going on.

Love Elder Jacob Wade

 

Where's this transfer going

Dear Fam and Friends,

 

I hope your summer is going well because mine is. I haven't minded bike all that much, we are in lessons a lot. Right now we are teaching quite a bit. I am a whole lot busier here then my last area. We are teaching a lot of part member families. We don't have any baptisms for this month but have a few for next. It has been exciting right now. I think everyone that we are teaching has a major word of wisdom problem. But we have seen a lot people change too.

 

Last night we had a stake devotional with President and Sister Taylor come and they spoke to the stake about sharing the gospel simply. We were a part of it as missionaries. We sang a musical number and my district, we went up and shared ideas of what they can do on facebook. It was really good. Then one of the recent converts from our ward shared her testimony... Wow, I have never heard a stronger more sincere testimony. It was powerful. I love feeling the spirit while hearing new members speak you feel so accomplished. Oh this Sister's son asked me to ordain him a deacon. So I did my first ordination yesterday. It was really neat. They are a great family.

 

As you can tell we have a lot of members doing missionary work. They are catching the wave. It shows me of how importanat and how real this is. The spirit is touching everyone's life. It is great to see that.

 

I pray for you guys a lot. Dad travel safe. Oh by the way, the lady that cut my hair today was at the dance festival! So I asked her about the guy Mc-ing. I told her you were my dad, she thought that was pretty neat and said you did a great job.

 

SOunds like summer is going great for all of you. Keep cool... I know it is hard for you northern folk... Ha we have been cooler this week. We have been having lightning storms which have been the coolest ever!

 

Love you guys a bunch!

Elder Wade

Time ....

Hello!

 

This week has been remarkable! I have never worked harder in my life! We teach and we teach and find and find, bike and bike some more. It is the best though. I don't miss car at all. I still sweat a ton but it is just hot as usual. Ha the work is still the same to answer your questions. We use The devices as our area books and planners. It is hard and since we are testing them out there is still a lot that they need to fix, but they do help. With them we seem to always be doing something. If we have spare time or waiting for an appointment we are on facebook asking members to post mormon messages or make mormon.org profiles. Really it is eliminating all the wasted time that missionaries have during the day.

 

That is enough about these tools that we have... Ha but I now cover just one ward. It is the Manistee Ranch ward. They are so missionary minded it is way neat. People here are crazy, but maybe they say the same about me who knows. I have noticed something though. A lot of the people members or non members here are probably the most Christlike people I have ever met. They just love to serve. It is great for me to see that it doesn't matter where you are, who are, what you have, it just matters how you show love... You probably get tired of me talking about it but it is true. This world is run off of love. God loves us that is why we are here. He wants us to become better that is why we have trials. Love is the foundation of the atonement.

 

Mom I agree with you we have amazing youth in our ward. THere is great examples to look up to. The leaders have done a lot to help each of them. That is how they do missionary work. Dad it looks like you have had fun and been busy with sound stuff. It pretty fun to tell people you drive around in a hearse.

 

You know how much I love you guys. I just want you to know because your love you have shaped my life for the better. Something that I have known just has stood out these last months is love, listen, serve.

Love, Elder Wade

 

P.S. It is wierd to say I have been out a year. It really feels like I just left. It puts in perspective how short time really is. I have learned a lot in this short year, looking forward to the next one. The time is to make or break it!  

2 worlds to 1

Good Morning!

 

I have to tell you that leaving was hard but this is a great area! And Elder Silcock is amazing too. We have a lot of work going on. It will just continue too. Why? Because the work is hastening. Before I let you know what my new assignment is I want to tell you that Hastening doesn't mean doing the same thing just more of it, but it means do more things and more of that. I am in a District where we are a pilot group for iPads and iPhones! It is so unusual. Also... I am on facebook now. If anyone from home trys to add me I won't add you. It is so crazy! We taught our first lesson on facebook. We just opened up a chat with the investigator, a member and us. The best part was that we were able to communicate to each other before we said something. It is amazing that President trusts me enough. I was completely blown away.

 

One thing that we get to do which I feel that is neat is that on facebook there is no mission boundries. The mission is now the world! WE work even more through the members and have them share messages with their friends. Then we friend their friend and we can start teaching them and get them ready to meet with the missionaries in their own area. Right now I am working a lot through the youth in my last wards it is going to be way neat to see what comes of it! Isn't that mind blowing!

 

Like I said the work is hastening. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. This Gospel is true! It has to be true! I know it is and this only preparing me on how I need to live my life after the mission. It is going to be great!

 

It seems to me that you have a lot going on and as busy as ever. But I want you to know that I love you guys so much! Thank you for being examples to me, continue to be an examples to others. Prepare your friends in every way you can.

 

Love,

Elder Wade  

Transfers................

Well It is a first. Never before I have I received the text that I am leaving. It was quite weird to see my name on there. So yes I am leaving, I don't know where or what position I will be in. Honestly, I am kind of nervous. I am freaking out on the inside but I am comforted that it is my time to go. You have no idea of how hard it is going to leave. I have grown so much.  The people here are amazing and they are the best examples to me. Last night we had a lesson with J and S. They are so awesome. We had such a powerful lesson. I don't know if you have heard but there is some pretty sevre fires down here. 19 fire fighters lost their lives sunday night. It struck Jeff hard. He is a fire fighter himself and also in the honor gaurd. We testified and prayed that is all we could do. It was ruff. But It is probably the most spiritual lesson I have had for awhile.

 

I actually just got off the phone with President Taylor, He told me that he has another assignment for me, it isn't zone leader, isn't district leader. He just told me that I will know more tomorrow. I am even more nervous now.

 

I don't know much more to write other than the Spirit of the Lord has called me another way. I have now put my trust in him and will forever. He has a plan and this is his work. I am only a tool. I am looking forward to who I can serve and who's life I will touch. I am called of God. He is my master.

 

I love you all and wish you all another good week. Don't fall into the road. Ha Dad missionaries are still human. Happy 4th of July!

Elder Wade   

Last week of June, Last week of the Transfer‏

Hey!

 

Wasn't that Leadership training/Largest zone conference remarkable! They showed us how to be master Teachers! I say that because they not only spoke, but they used videos and stories to get what they were saying across to us. I loved every minute. We don't know when all the changes that Elder Perry will happen, but we know that will start to be phased in the next year. Working a lot more with members. We already stopped tracting months ago. Just isn't safe anymore, and people don't trust like they used to.

 

Thanks for all the cards I got this week. They were much needed and appreciated. I got the ones from Grandma and Grandpa Wade, and Grandma Pali. Thank you so much. Dad I know what you mean when you say you can get attached to families. On Thursday we got invited to a family's home, where they made me a cake and we had a great time. They are an amazing example, of being yourself and sharing the Gospel. She actually went. Rexburg career beauty college. They are probably one of my favorites here.

 

Jarret remember mosiah 4:27 you are going to kill yourself!! Keep it up though. I'll stick with my 30

Wade and Loper - Jake's Birthday

Elder Bressler, Wade and Sister Franz all from Rexburg serving together  

minutes of cardio a day haha. Lately Elder Loper  and I have been trying to have daily contact with those we teach. Especially those who are going to be baptized soon or have been baptized recently. We have gotten with the times and we share a scripture of the day, that we have found in our personal study. It has kept us on task and you can see the change. One family said that once we started sending those they were having more regular scripture study. We have more progressing and so much potential. The work is hastening not changing. We have been given tools to do good, but sometimes they are a two edge sword. Share gospel. Do it by your example on Facebook, blogs, etc... You never know who's life you will change.

 

I Love all of you so much and are great examples to me. Keep it up!

Love Elder Wade

 

P.S. Mom I should have told you this sooner, but I need more contacts...

A baptism to remember‏

To my dear family and friends,

 

This weekend was incredible!! Just so fantastic and I grew in my testimony so much! The L....had their baptism this weekend and it was... The only two words that come to mind are sacred and beautiful. The best part was seeing their smiles as they entered into the waters. Never have I felt a spirit so strong. The part was when the L.....' daughter and two other girls from the ward sang a musical number before the actual ordinance and the spirit just came flooding after that.

 

While they were getting changed we shared a message and our testimonies on having faith to endure trials. We shared a mormon message titled "Men's hearts shall fail them." Fantastic video Where we learn that we all have trials but through the gospel of Jesus Christ we can be rewarded with our Faith. In 1 Peter we read a scripture about how our trials are like gold. They are something that are great at the moment and they may go away with the things of this world. We see that we can have a great reward because of our faith patience and dilligence. The fruit is great and most precious above all. Great blessings are in store for those that endure it well.

 

The last couple weeks have been really hard. These next couple weeks will be hard as well. A lot of the members, missionaries and pretty much everyone is expecting me to get transferred. It is hard for me because I love this place. I am scared for what is to come but at the same time I feel comfort. I feel that what ever happens is because it is need for me and from me. I'll grow from it, but it will still be hard. They said that the mission is hard, but what they didn't tell you is that the hardest part is having to leave or see loved ones go. I feel that this is my home. "I will go where you want me to go. Do what you want me to do. Be what you want me to be." These are the words that echo what my heart is saying to me.

 

I am greatful for the love that I have from all of you. I can feel your prayers. What is intersting is the families that played a key roll in the L....' conversions where families that have missionaries out. They hear all the experiences from their sons and daughtes and now they have experiences of their own. Have a great week. I will. I love and appreciate the gifts and cards. Happy Father's day one day late!

Love,

Elder Wade  

Life is full of Miracles‏

Dear family and friends,

 

So the Elders in our house have benn counting down til my birthday. Glad to know they care. Ha Mom... how many is this away from home? Haha, I will be taken care of because we are going to the temple. We scheduled it out so I will be getting up super early to go hit up a session. I am way excited. It is a good birthday present. It is a good reminder that this day still isn't about me but about others. We had a leaderdhip conference where it was reaffirmed to me that I am here to help others have the best day, mission and life possible. I love this work I wouldn't be doing anything different.

 

This past week was such a fantastic week. It is neat to see all the little miracles. Growing up I always figured that miracles where these big life saving/changing events. But that isn't at all how God works most of the time. He does it line upon line, here alittle and there alittle. This week for example, we didn't have a big huge week, but the L.. passed their interviews so they can be baptized this week. The other Elders got a referral from a member that just happened to stop by the church on Saturday and see a lady that wanted to learn more. We got a referral that is a family of seven, five which are baptism age, which are super prepared. They have been reading the Book of Mormon and quit drink coffee already. They are well on their way. These events did not happen by mere coincidence, but rather by the hand of the Lord. He is an unchanging God and he is not done performing his miracles.

 

Technology is not a coincidence either. It is another powerful tool in the Lord's hands. This week we have been sending texts to our investigators and members of a scripture of the day. They love it! Todays is Mormon 9:21.

 

I want you to know that you are miracles in my life. I love you and I wouldn't be here without your help. This week find the little miracles in your life. I know that you will recognize the spirit more and will receive more blessings for thanking the Lord for them.

Dad Happy Fathers Day!

 

Love Elder Wade  

Overcoming the World‏

Hey Everybody!

 

This morning I had an interesting song stuck in my head. It was the one that says "waiting! Waiting, on the world to change." That song, I know not the most consecrated song, but it was just that line over and over. It carried me to personal study where I started in the topical guide and looked up the Word of Wisdom. I started in the Book of Mormon and just continued. My study took me to 1 John 5:1-5. It brings up how we need to overcome the world. Why wait for the world to change when you can receive eternal life? This one commandment stems of the 2nd commandments in the 10: Don't put anything before God. All that he wants us to do is rely on him and him alone. It was really neat. I knew right then, that it stems off the first commandment that tells us to love God with all of our heart, might, mind and strength. It was a fantastic realization, that when we rely on God and no other person, or object we will be happy. I love the Gospel!!

 

This week wasn't half bad. We taught a lot and on Thursday we ended up having four lessons and weekly planning, it was crazy busy! It felt good. Our baptisms are right on their way and they are all doing awesome. The family is the best and already sharing the gospel with their friends and families. It is quite remarkable. M... is noticing the spirit more in her life. We planned on teaching her something and we go and asks us to talk about faith. We talked about then about enduring trials with faith. She told us later that she felt so stressed before then we taught and discussed and she felt so calm after. She then had a thought that tld her that this has to be true. It is so great to see that by small and simple means are great things brought to pass. J. and S., are doing better. J.has abeen working like a mad man lately and has been busy. back to the simple and clear teachings of reading the Book of Mormon daily. They will be on track again.

 

It sounds like you are all doing wonderful. Good luck with your freezing summer, I haven't minded triple digits yet, but what they say it is a dry heat... Mom love ya good luck with summer school. Dad I love you don't get to busy with work and stuff. Love you all keep your heads up.

Love Elder Wade  

Memorial Weekend...

Hey!

 

So as you could tell we had to wait until today to email because the Library was closed yesterday, but that doesn't matter, we still had fun. This past week was a very interesting week with a lot going. We didn't have to many lessons or that many at sacrament, but we still grew and had a ton of fun. Since we talked last Elder Loper got sick right after and he was pretty much out for the count that night and a lot of the next day. But he recovered and we were able to teach three lessons in three hours Wednesday night. Gosh it was busy and draining, but it was so worth it.

 

Yesterday was so fun there is this place that sales random sodas and candy, it is pretty cool. They have soda flavors like; Ranch, Buffalo wing, peanut butter, "kittie Piddle", and others that are totally off the wall. I had the pleasure of drinking the buffalo wing one... Lets just say that it was like carbonated watered down buffalo wing sauce. It was nasty but I conquered it! Oh at church, we had someone visiting that I went to High school with. Her name is Hannah. I don't remember her last name, but she was visiting a family in our ward. It was interesting ha. Also yesterday as you saw we were with the Van Hooks, who pretty much have a tortoise farm. They are the best family ever! But we had a bbq with them and their family it was good. Still love to think that stateside is the way to go. haha

 

One of the hardest part of being here though, is having to explain why devastating and tragic things happen if when we have a loving Heavenly Father. After hearing about all the tragedies and devastation, I look forward with hope in the one true God. That things happen to bring those who choose to evil to justice and to help build our faith in him. Yes it is hard when it is a natural disaster, but even then, we have a God that never wants to punish us that will hold our hand through it all. My favorite Scripture is in Mosiah 24:10-12 where Alma and his people are told that they can't pray or they will be killed. The Lord promises them and us that he will always be with us when we hold true to the covenant that we have made with him. Don't you forget that our Lord and Savior descended below them all, just for that reason, to make it easier on us. It doesn't mean that life will be like walking through a field of daisies, because even then there might be rocks and thorns that plaque the way. Even the we remember our late ancestors, don't forget the perfect person who died for you and me.

 

I love you all. Keep having fun and keep your head up.

 

Love Elder Wade

One more transfer down...

Hey there!

 

It has been a fantastic week! We have a lot of good news. We have 5 on date for next month! I am glad I get to stay and see those people make one of the best decisions of their lives! We have the family of 4 on for the 15th and m....... for the 29th. It has been another miracle week! i am so happy to see the work hastening and the love increasing. This is seriously the best work ever.

 

We have been busy and that is good. We have one thing after another and there is never a dull moment. I just can't believe how fast time is going. I haven't had time to catch my breath and see where I am going. I have a feeling that this is going to be the best transfer yet. Because we are continually progressing and improving.

 

We have a lot of fantastic meetings coming up. I am getting excited about them. I am sure they are about catching the wave more. We need to make the wave. I mean look at it. Some one joins the church is truly converted shares the gospel it is the true pay it forward and the most rewarding. It remarkable to think about how much this work can and will progress.

 

Good luck with your last week of school. It seems like yesterday you were just starting. Seems like everyone has a busy summer ahead. Be safe and smart. You guys are always in my prayers. I love and thank you for raising me in this great and glorious gospel. It is the best thing.

 

I love you all,

Elder Wade

It was great to hear from you guys!

Hey,

 

Long time no talk right? Ha it was great to hear your voices and hear how you are all doing and how you are progressing. It was fun and thanks for helping me be obedient. I honestly had no ideas what I was going to say before I called and still didn't have anything else that I wanted to say ha. I liked it better because we were able to go out and work after. We went and saw a couple that are recent converts and are kind of struggling....

 

This week will be awesome! We have a lot going on and I am hoping to make this another all blessings forward week. We are going to invite teach and testify. We will find along the way. It is going to be great.

 

It is weird that me being in this area for this long everyone telling me how much I have "blossommed." Ha They say 10 months ago I was really timid and now I am completely different. That is why I say that Elder Loper and Elder Goff are more prepared. They hit the ground running. I am happy for the progress I have made I know I can do a whole lot better. I can still change for the better.

 

I thank you again for the Love that you guys have shown to me and it fantastic to call you family. I love you forever. You are the best. Good luck finishing up school! Good Luck at work!

Love,

Elder Wade

The work is hastening‏

Dear Fam and Friends!

 

It was a fantastic week! S.. and J.. had their baby blessed, he got to hold the microphone even though he isn't a member yet. I thought that was pretty cool. That will be awesome. We had 8 investigators show up to Sacrament. It is really weird though... All of our work right now seems like it is in just one of our wards. Also, more exciting news, our district achieved Standards of Excellence. Which number wise we did awesome. I told President that we could do it. He asked how many companionships were in my district. I told him mine and one other. He said that it would be awesome for a two companion district to do that. I love to see that we are blessed to do miracles. It was simply beautiful. I love to see the work and the joy/excitement it has brought into my life.

 

This week we found a family through a media referral. The father is .. and has been taught the missionary lessons. He loves it and wants it for his family. It amazes me of how the Lord prepares his children. It is always different. It is a testimony builder to me that He loves us each individually. So we went over there and it is a mom with six kids. That range from 14 to 1. They love the church and they are awesome. I am looking forward to where they will go. The Family of 5 is doing awesome.

 

Now the part you are waiting for... Phone calls... Remember that I have 40 minutes to call. So that means 20 minutes each. No longer then that. So have questions and such ready so I can answer them. Also I will be calling late. We don't get out of church until like 430 Arizona time, 530 your time. Then we have dinner after. Elder Loper will be calling first, so I will start calling like around 7-730 your time. I am looking forward to it. It is actually really surreal that I am able to call again.

 

I am so grateful for all what you do. Jayson you are looking good running. You are built just like Jarret. Keep it up stud. Jarret good luck training. Everyone else, I love you and you are awesome.

Sincerely,

Elder Wade   

It is getting hot!

Hola!

Sorry Jarret that is probably the best of my Spanish right there. Ha, There isn't much here because everyone here speaks english, and even that is hard to understand sometimes.

It was a good weekend. B and E were baptized by their dad and then were confirmed by the young men's president. It was super good and a lot of people showed up for the service. Unfortantly we didn't have to many come to Sacrament though. It was a strange weekend either everyone was gone or was sick. But I am really looking forward to this week. We have a lot lessons set up and even J and S are blessing their b.... They are having a member do it.

This past week was quite humbling though. We as missionaries get caught up in the numbers and forget the real purpose why we are here. We got Standards of Excellence as a zone and we had an opportunity as a district. We are going to be super close this week though. We Just need to find those prescious souls. These last couple weeks I have found Joy in finding. We had an investigator put it really well that happiness is only momentary but joy is everlasting. She said when we follow Christ we have Eternal joy. Gosh that is so true. I have seen that following the example of our savior bring happiness but when we are converted we feel the joy. I love this gospel and that it unites. It brings peace to our souls. It is hard not to see the change that being out here has made on me. I have become such a better teacher. I invited on of our bishops to speak at our district meeting and he goes back to the ward council yesterday and gave me such a nice compliment. He told me that I am a master teacher and that anyone should feel comfortable having us in their homes to teach the gospel. I have recognized that isn't me that it is the Spirit and that he is the master teacher.

I am excited for this week, even though it is going to be super hot. It really isn't that bad yet until you get in the car after it has been sitting out in the sun. Haven't had to ride bike that much though. But I am keeping my hair short so I can stay sane.

I love you so much and am greatful for the excitment back home. There is good things happening all around us. Enjoy track and the last month of school Jayse. Jarret are a great example to me and Jayson of unselfish service. Dad don't get to hot and sweaty haha. Mom keep those two under control.

Love Elder Jake Wade

April lack of showers... bring May baptisms‏

Dear everybody,

This week has been just an off shoot from our great Sunday. That couple that I have been working with since I got here accepted a date on May 24th!!  Our zone leaders say that we are leading the Zone in dates set and investigators at Sacrament. Yesterday we had 8 still good. It would have been nice to have this one couple there. It has been a fantastic week! The best part is that it isn't just our companionship, it is our whole district. Yes I am still district leader. We are going to have an even better week this week wit hthe two boys' baptism.

Speaking of being District Leader... Something that we have focused on a lot this past almost two months is talking to everyone. Something I struggle with really bad. It is just awkward at first. Now I can say that I am changed for the most part. The missionaries that I have talked to that are about to go home tell me that is their biggest regret. Not talking to everyone. This Morning in my personal study I read over the scripture study portion in the finding section and it told me that it is a commandment from our Heavenly Father to open our mouths and to declare to the gospel to every nation and every creature, in every tongue. It hit me so hard. I know what I need to do.

We are doing great. And staying quite warm haha. It sounds like things are like always with you all crazy and busy. It is a good thing though. I will do all that I can to send it your way. No promises. Thanks for all of your support and love. Mom tell Jake hi back and that he is about to do the greatest work ever!

Love you guys so much,

Elder Wade

Best Sunday in the field!

Hello Family and Friends!

As some of you know this week I got my new companion, Elder Loper. He is a great Elder. He is from Shelbyville, Indiana. He is a hard worker and has a lot of good ideas. It is amazing to see that fire that new missionaries have and it makes you want to do better. He is able to point out the good in things. He will do well. I am still trying to get over the fact that I am still here and that it has already been nine months. I will tell you what though. Elder came to this area at the right time. We have two baptisms on the 27th and they are good to go. The mom went up and bore her testimony yesterday and it was powerful of her coming back and that the timing of the Lord is uncomprehendible. It was great.

To add to that we found a family of 5 this week. They are so prepared by the members and they came to church yesterday. We had all together 10 investigatos come to church! It was fantastic! We just need to do that every week and we would be very very successful.

So I have been asking myself ever since I have been out on my mission, Why am I here? Who is there for me to find?- These questions have rung a new meaning and motivation this week. I am excited to just work and do everything I can to find who I am supposed to find. Even if I have to stay here all two years. 

What I do know is... That I am here for a purpose. That purpose is to share this beloved gospel with my brothers and sisters. This is salvation. I know that this has blessed my life and helped in my darkest hours. It has lifted me up when I was my lowest. I know my Savior lives, that he loves me and all of us. He Lives. This is his Chruch, and it is true.

I love you all. Keep up the good work. I will be here with my 90 degree weather and it will just continue to rise.

Love Elder Wade

Elder Wade and his new companion :)

I am officially Surprised!

Well...

Lets start first with thoughts on conference. It was so good! I felt like they were speaking straight to my investigators. We had one she took so many notes. Not as much as me, but she liked how much they focused on the family. She is a new wife and mother, so she is thinking a lot about it. I liked, who that they said that missionary work is a family affair. So true. A lot of those talks are bold, but are needed in a constantly changing and corrupt world. It is has been a great weekend.

Now for transfer news... I am staying in Surprise and will be here for at least until July. I got a call from President after Priesthood meeting and he wants me to train again. Not going to lie, was completely speechless. There must be people that I still need to see here. It is crazy. No one can replace Elder Goff though. He is a champ. Such a hard worker, and I look up to him. He is going to be a great leader on the mission. We had a meeting yesterday for the new trainers and President asked me to bring Elder Goff. He told the ones who weren't training yet that they would be soon. I will be here for pretty much half of my mission. Almost unheard of... ha but great things are already happening. Tonight we have a lesson with a new family. A family of ... and they are so ready! They are a referral from a member family that has already taught them a lot. There is also a grandma with them that is visting and was reading the Book of Mormon all of Sunday, and she lives in .... I hope she is in Elder Pali's area, or even Elder Nygren's. Ha I think it would be way neat. She is super prepared too.

As of now. I will get my new companion tomorrow and man am I excited for Round two. President said that there are two English learners that are coming in. One from Sweden and one from El Salvador. I think it would be neat to get one of them. I know this is where the Lord needs me. This is a great and marvelous work. My calling is great! I love you so much. You have no idea how much your support means to me. Keep having fun and be happy for the Lord blesses you. Stay true and obedient. I have gained a huge testimony on being obedient. I can't even imagine being disobedient. I love you so much.

Elder Wade

Just another Day in the office‏

Hey! Happy late Easter!

It was a super good Easter weekend for us. P....'s baptism went great! She is so solid and is already addicted to genelogy. Ha she is funny. I was given the opportunity to confirm her. Just think about it... Easter weekend, lots of people, and quite a few non members. I wasn't nervous until Sacrament meeting started then my heart just sank. It went real well though. On saturday though, we do a presentation while they are changng out of their baptismal clothes. We testified of the life and ressurection of our Savior. This time of year, it reminds of the talk given by President Eyring, where he says something to the effect of ; while the wolrd celebrates his death and ressurection, I recognize that Christ lived for us and lives for us today. Powerful words from an Apostle of the Lord. I love easter and we were well taken care of. Thank you mom for sending the package. I will send some pictures in a sec. We also got a ton of candy and a tie and I just think and they wonder why stateside missionaries get so fat!

Ha it has been awesome and it is hard to think that transfers are next week. I kind of don't want to leave surprise. This is the mission to me. But it doesn't matter where I serve just how I serve. I and I am going to work the hardest that I can and drop tired from exhaustion! Speaking of that we got news of new mission boundries. Our mission is losing the Phoenix Stake and we are getting back the Flagstaff stake! So pretty cool isn't in effect until July 1st, but pretty exciting.

It is neat to hear from you all. It sounds like it is starting to warm up there. You know my temps so I am not going to boast. Jayson you are stud. Especially when you are wearing my shoes! It is ok they fit the spidey man. Elder Robinson and I were saying that you look good. I regret not wrestling freestyle in the spring more. It would have been fun but I had a lot on my plate already. Keep going lift up your head. D&C 84:88. I love you and you are my "angels."

Love Elder Wade

It has been probably the best week on the mission‏

Hey all my loved ones and others that just read my emails!

Ha It has been such a good week. We taught like crazy!! It is the best when you know that you can go to teaching appointment to another teaching appointment. I have really found the spirit in this work. I think I was over complicating what a spiritual impression is and it is not big at all. Something that we have focused on was and is; making the spirit the senior companion. It has made the work that much easier and a lot less stressful. I don't know if I told you this, but about two weeks ago I was struggling pretty bad, it was mainly discouragement. I am happy that I have been taught to rely on he Lord. I prayed to know if this is where the Lord needed me. Next thing you know we are teaching and inviting. It just clicked. It has been so amazing.

We are still looking forward to the Baptism on Saturday. It is going to be great. P.... is so excited and we are too. We know this will be a great thing for her, and her family.  I know this will be a great blessing for her. ANd she has asked me to confirm her. Aparently they think I am good at speaking.

We have also found another part member family where the husband wants to come back. It is going to be great to teach them. The work is really just catching fire. It is hard to think that transfers are in a couple weeks. I get asked what I think. I don't want to think about it. I don't want to leave Surprise. I love the people here.

It sounds like you are all enjoying that snow. I have said it before, I do not miss it. Jarret- you and I can become snowbirds and just come down here for the winters. It is great. It is starting to heat up though, and my tan is coming back. Honestly, I don't know if it went away. I am happy that Cameron is leaving he is going to have a blast and him and Brock can speak spainish together when they get back. Have fun with dances, dates, track meets, wrestling and all that fun stuff. Since when could you run the 2 mile in Jr high?

I love you all,

Elder Wade

Las Ganas

Hey!

I am pretty sure that is how you spell it... Las Ganas. I don't know though. To have it all make sense this week we had our meeting and it is really just seeing where we are and improving from it. A huge thing that really stuck out to me was that it all starts with our Desire. So Las Ganas... Jarret you can correct me if it is wrong. I have really been doning a self evaluation and seeing what I need to change to do more. I loved the meeting. The greatest Desire we need to have is to love the Lord, everything else will fall into place. Doing this will increase all of our capacities, faith, works, etc... We have been kind of meshing this with our real senior companion, the Spirit. The great thing is, is that he has been doing missionary work for a whole lot longer than me so I am happy to have him be my companion.

I have really appreacitated reading all your emails today. You have all been just the push I need to go a little bit farther.

Other than that it was a week full of awesomeness and fun. I am happy it is starting to warm, for now... I will try to send some up but maybe I will be selfish and keep it down here. You don't need this heat. Ha. That is really neat about Sherri and Nyle, I miss them. ANd that is so cool about Elder Hammond. He will be a great assaistant to the President. I love you so much. Work hard and play hard.

Love Elder Wade

March...but summer

Hey!

It has been another great week here in the APM! Transfers were last week and now transfers are back to six weeks. WHich means the last week of this transfer is the week of General Conference. It was a busy week. We had a new investigator come to church, that wa neat. It is going to be awesome to see them progress, they have such a great desire.

The weather down here is intresting, it is already up to the high 70s low 80s. It is nice but no matter how cool it is the sun here is always super hot. It is going to be another busy week here and I have a leadership training all day tomorrow. I am not really excited to sit for 7 hours of meetings ha oh well it is for the work. Speaking of leadership, Elder Nygren's brother in law told me he is now a zone leader which I thought was neat. But the couple that we have been work with, S and J, had their baby last week and we haven't been able to get in yet. Hopefully soon. We have the relief society working with us to get meals in the home, which I thought Was really neat, but they are awesome. I love them to death. It is weird, people are really becoming my family down here ha. We have this one family that went to the Gilbert Temple and brought back a piece of the temple rock for us. I thought it was neat. People almost everyday asking me when I will get transferred and I just tell them that I am staying here for the rest of my mission.

Oh so we got another Idahoan in the Surprise house and he is actually Elder Goff's best friend's brother! He is from Snake River He is our new zone Leader and he is awesome. It is going to be great to get to know him a little bit better.

I wish to share with you a mildly frightening but amazing reveltaion that received the other day. I was reading the Book of Mormon and then turned to Chapter 5 in Preach my Gospel. There is a question there that asks how the Book of Mormon has influence our testimony of the Savior. As soon as I read it, I realized that without the Book of Mormon I would have no testiomy of our savior. It just hit me like a brick wall. It strengthend my testimony of the savior and of these sacred records that testify of him. I see now how important they are and I love them. Now I just have to live them.

I love you guys so much. You are all such and inspiartion to me and you mean the world to me. Keep it up in all what you do and never give up.

Love Elder Jake Wade

Wow! 58 Missions!!

Hello Everyone!

It has been a fantastic week, pretty exciting news all over the place. The way President Taylor told us was 3-2-5. Three metro missions, Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix are being split up to fit the new Scottsdale and Gilbert Missions. It is way awesome, it is exciting to be part of this amazing work. I did see that Idaho got two new missions too. The work is hastening. I can't believe that I have already been out this long, it just keeps freaking me out. We got transfer news and one of our zone leaders got assigned to be Assiastaint to the President, and Elder Jackson the one elder that came into the Surprise house a transfer after me is being transfered. That house has now been changed three times over. It almost ages me ha. Oh well i am not dwelling on it.

We are working hard and not letting up. The temperature just keeps rising and so will we. We going to be pushing our ares farther then they have been before, and it will be through the members. I have really liked getting to know them. We have this one family that are ward missionaries, they are saying whatever we need we need to ask them. They are the best and I love working with them. I also think it is funny how the question has changed from "how long have you been out?", to; "How much longer do you have?" I don't like it but I just laugh and tell them the truth. It is funny.

Last week we had a meeting where we met together as trainers and trainees. We read a scripture in Alma 53 and he related it to we are the Laminites and we are building our own spiritual prisons, but if we are always asking what more can I do and staying busy we will stay out of the devil's grasp. I loved it. I have ound my questions to myself change to self improvemnt questions. Or what can I do better to help so and so. It has been effective.

Tell Keegan congrats, He will love it there. Can't wait to see if he comes home with an accent ha. Jayson good luck with wrestling you are a boss. Tell the coaches hi for me and that I know they will do a great job. Dad get feeling better, and I know what you mean. I have seen there is so much more of a sacred trust for young men to hold the priesthood. The good thing is that they are prepared. I can't believe Will is married, that is so awesome! Tell him hi back. I love you all and you are the best know matter who says different.

Love Elder Wade

Wow... I have been out for Seven months...

Isn't It crazy how fast time is going? This is the last week of the transfer because it is only five weeks long instead of six. This last week went by super fast! ANd this weekend was the best. We had stake conference where we had a visiting general authority. His name is Elder Aidiktus from the First Quorm of the 70. He is an amazing person and he is one of the five general authorities over missionary work. It was neat to meet him and have him tell us to work just a little harder. He brought up the three kingdoms of golry and we really only have one decision in our life. Which Kingdom do you want to be in? You make that decision and all the rest are easy! It was a really good talk that I really enjoyed.

Thank you mom for doing that the cookies were the best they are already gone. I did share don't worry. Ha I am glad you transfered money too, I needed to buy an ankle brace, I sprained my ankle a couple weeks ago. I know me and my ankles. It was really brusied and looked really good ha. It is better now, Just a little brusing still. I am now back and running. Speaking of running I have now competed against 2 asisstants to the president, Elder Bird in wrestling and Elder Griffin in Cross country. Jarret he remembers you his friend took 2nd behind you at districts in the 2 mile. Small world huh? Elder Griffin is really cool. Living with Zone leaders you see the Ap's quite a bit.

That is good to hear that Madison is taking 8 to state. good for them! I am glad to see that you guys enjoyed yourselves at the concert. Looks too crazy for me. Ha. So Elder Aidikitus told us to write down our decision in a journal or where ever your future family will see it so they can know your example. So what will your decision be?

I love you more then a single holiday could reflect. Keep up all the good deeds.

Love, Elder Wade