Thursday, February 3, 2011

P-Day! February is Here

We had an All Mission Conference with Elders Packard and Kearon of the Seventy TODAY. So sorry that I'm later than usual. We learned that our mission is being blessed with miracles, that we've gotten 60 baptisms in January alone, and 21 of which came from this past week. Our mission is one of the top 10 missions whose baptisms are increasing percentage-wise. We are rising above ourselves and things are going great!

I know that we are moving forward and that I'm in the best mission in the entire world! I love everything here. It truly is a paradise on Earth. I feel really inspired and grateful for my Heavenly Father's guidance and care for putting me here, to help my fellow brothers  and sisters.

I like that Jenna and Josh are playing Basketball. I remember my Good old basketball days with the youth. Fun times!

Those little robots kits that you and Josh are going to play with sound like fun! :D That should be really cool! I'll enjoy building little auto-bots!

We do have a Branch Valentines activity... I'm still wondering what all is involved. But I know it'll be good. Lots of food, and dancing (but not for me :).

I did get that License email. I'll get right on it. I want to be able to drive. :) I have to prove that I'm from North Carolina.

I did tell Josh that I'd love to join him to the Campout in November. I'll enjoy shooting some rifles/shotguns with him. I don't think I've shot anything since I was a Deacon. :) It should be Awesome!

Benjamin! Keep up the good work!

I've always wanted to learn to play mahjong – I’m glad you had a chance to play with the neighbors.

Leah has some admirers out here who think she's cute, and would write here if they only had her address. Hint Hint. ;-)

I love you all! I know that this church is true, and my testimony and knowledge of the scriptures grows daily. I'm _finally_ learning how to study even though it's been a long time that I've been on the mission. Keep to the faith and remember who you are. Remember that the everlasting promises we have are worth more than anything else we've had, can have, or that we could ever attain.

May God be with you until we meet again.

Elder Richard Mackelprang

February Approaches

Hey Y'all! 

Things are great! Things are still moving forward, albeit a little slowly, but we found some new investigators this week! It's been a lot harder as of late to find them. I think things will roll along, as time moves on closer into spring with more work available in the vineyards, and in the stores, etc. I do have some photos to send home, and I'll probably send home the card this week in a letter, so if you guys want to include a new memory card in the package as well, that would be cool. :) I'm sure Joshua's having a blast with his friends. Deacon Dance parties, LOL! I can only imagine. I do miss my lil’ bro. He wont be so little when I get back though... He'll still want to wrestle then too, I bet.

Something cool that I get to do this week is learn an authentic Latino recipe! A solid meal. I can't remember the name, but I'll let you know how it goes! It should be fun!

I do remember the times we went and visited the Conrad family. I was envious of their projector... I'm glad we ended up getting one. I'll try to get one of my own when I actually have an apartment. :) We'll see how it goes.  Tell Leah that I love her, Jenna and Joshua as well.

I know that the church is true! I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that the blood of many good people was shed to give us this knowledge. This is the book that God has given us to bring light unto all nations, kindred and tongues. This is the book that is another witness of our Savior Jesus Christ, and helps us to come to know Him personally, and to feel of His love to us. I know that God speaks to us TODAY. We have His words. We can have love, peace, and protection in our lives if we are willing to follow his commandments. They truly are the way to happiness. I love you all. Have a fantastic week!

Love,

Elder Mackelprang

Martin L. King Day

Hello Family!

This week has been awesome! Not much different from last week, or many weeks in the mission, but it's always a learning and growing experience here.

I've actually had a lot of opportunities to cook with Elder Brickey. He's the first one to take me up on my live-in cook special. He helps buy some of the groceries, and I cook them for a meal for two. We've been able to get a few frozen meats from the missionaries in my district that don't like to cook, but I think that they don't have any more to give out... So I might save that steak dinner for a special occasion. I'm being fed well here too. Santa Rosa was probably the worst when it came to dinners.

Way to go Josh! (giving your first talk in Sacrament Meeting!!) I'll read your talk soon! You should send me a copy of it in my next package!

I'm starting to read Jesus the Christ in Spanish. That's very rewarding. I like it, and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it might be, although when it gets down to some of the analogies there are a lot of new words to learn thanks to Talmage’s word choices.

I could feel the change that would happen with Leah leaving the house to go to college at BYU-I. It was weird for me to even think that she'd away from home out here. I'm sure it's crazy for you guys.

I should have a few new pictures for you this next week. If you want to send me out one of the new cards then you can get all of the pictures that I have on my current card.

I did enjoy my Dinner with Aunt Marsha. We went to olive garden. It was very cool. I got to see Keith, which was very nice, it seems like forever since I saw him, even though it was only a year ago.

Being on bike always wears down on my clothes, but since we haven't needed to use the bikes recently the clothes are holding up very well. One of the pairs of pants are starting to wear down, one is still in good condition, and the last one is pristine. The only difference that I trace it down to is the biking, but at least they still fit me perfectly.

Next week should be better and more detailed. I'll look for some cool stories and experiences to share with you.

I know the church is true, and that God's hand is more in your life than you may realize. The book of Mormon is the word of God, and Jesus Christ called Joseph Smith to be a prophet in our days and our times. I also know that no matter what. Faith = power. That applies to everything.

I love you all!

Elder Mackelprang

Note that this is a moderated blog - Elder Mackelprang neither reads or (directly) writes to this blog. This is done by his father.