Elder Richard Mackelprang's Mission Blog

There’s No Place Like Home…

2011-09-10T06:20:00.001-07:00

Richard flew in from Santa Rosa California at about 8:40pm on Wednesday evening. Here are some photos of his return and his release…

	Waiting for the passengers to disembark.
	Here he comes!!!
	Josh was the first to run up and give Richard a hug. Followed closely by Hope and Jenna.
	Together again!
	Walking out to the parking lot.
	Just after Richard was released by President Maxwell, before he reported to the High Council.
	A more natural view of the family

We’re all very happy to have him safely home!!!

I'm Coming Home!

2011-09-06T17:42:00.001-07:00

Hello again.

I got special permission to write home today, so here’s a note from the last day of my mission.

I'm sending this right after my Zone Conference, and before I head to President's house for dinner, etc. It's been a very interesting day... We covered a lot of basics, and I know that the mission is in good hands.

It's still kind of a unbelievable and gradual thing to actually realize that I'm coming home... I wont be here in California soon... in just about 24 hours... I'll be home... I'm happy and excited, but it is saddening how difficult it will be to leave this place.

I know that I have done great good for the people here. I know that I have learned a lot, and I know that I can be true to myself, and I know how to do what the Lord has called me to do. I see many blessings being fulfilled in my life, and I know it is only the beginning. I fear the trials and hardships that lie ahead, because I feel that there will be many when I least expect it...

I fear what the future may hold, but I know that I can have faith and hope in the Lord to be my strength. I know that He loves me, and that He will sustain me if I will reach out and grab His out-stretched hand. He is always waiting for us, lovingly, longingly, for us to come home.

Why do we wander? Why do we wallow in sin, which only brings us unhappiness? Our joy is light, and our light comes from our Eternal Father. He gives us all the light that we can hold, but we need to cleave unto that light, or we become filled with darkness. Bitterness. Regret. Hatred. All these things are misery. The devil will laugh as he continues to instill these feelings into people everywhere as he reigns Babylon and her whimful pleasures.

We have been commanded from a prophet today to stand in holy places, and I would repeat that inspired council. Stand in the place that will not fall, where we CANNOT fall. Even to the temple, the House of Holiness, The House of our God. Go often. I speak to those who live in my home boundaries. We live Easily within 10 minutes of our Apex temple.

I wont tell you how often you should attend, but re-evaluate your commitment to the Savior and what He has to teach you about His Gospel in His holy house. Follow the directions and inspiration that you receive.

In Zone Conference, I gave my departing testimony about change. I recounted my feelings, fears, etc. that I had before coming out to serve. I remembered missionaries talking about completely being changed. That they were no longer the same person. I feared that. I feared change. I liked who I was, I knew of things that I wanted to change, and needed to change, but I was afraid. That fear held me back. Since then I've learned that I can be who I am, and still change. I've learned that there is nothing to fear about change, because change is the only constant. Change will continue to be the only constant until we become even as our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ.

I'm out of time, we're off to President's house now, but I thought you'd enjoy this taste of spiritual learning that I've had here in the mission, and in my Zone Conference.

I love you all, and I'll see you all in about 24 hours!

Love,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Well, It's Been Fun. So long NorCal!

2011-09-05T18:17:00.001-07:00

Mom's email

:-) You made me laugh inside, and smile quite a few times. I didn't realize that I was supposed to count. I liked your snake story, or the "encounter of the scaly kind." ;-) We always have funny happenings at our house. And people wonder where I learned to laugh... The Smoothies recipes you mentioned sound really good, and I'll enjoy going on the campout _this week_ with Joshua and his troop, and I'll talk to you alllllllll about this when I see you on Wednesday evening. I haven't seen Aunt Marsha yet, but we will soon. I'm alive, and I'm excited to come home. I love you MOM! You have a big hug waiting for you! ;-)

Dad's Email

It will certainly be nice to spend some time with Aunt Marsha. I’m glad I have permission to visit with her today (Labor Day). It's funny how I end up seeing her and the family on holidays. ;-)

It sounds like Seminary is going or will be going great!

Thanks for the heads up about the people who want me to talk in church. I'm not too surprised that I'm getting asked to give several Church talks. I was expecting it.

I’m impressed with Joshua’s scouting! Finishing his Life award while he’s 13!! Way to go!

Well I'm getting into shape again being on bike, and I'll be there in person soon enough! TTYL.

Love you all!

Your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Last Week of Coincidences

2011-09-04T11:56:00.001-07:00

Napa & Vallejo Zones with Napa Stake President Frye. Elder Mackelprang is on the far right. This was just before the move he mentions below.

So yeah. There was a big unexpected upset last Friday when I received a phone call from the Mission Office, and was told that I was going in a Zebra Trio (2 English, and me the Spanish) for my last week of my mission. So to add to the irony that I'm dying in my Greenie area, I'm staying in the same apartment that was my first home as a greenie, where I first got trained, and had my first Christmas. Talk about returning to the land of my first inheritance (to die)! So I know that there's only 1 week left, but I would absolutely love someone to send me a letter this last week to break the myth that no one writes a missionary on their last week of their missions. I'd really appreciate it.

DAD'S Email

That's wild that you guys had an earthquake. I actually have never noticed a single earthquake since I've been here. Maybe I'm not just paying attention, or I may just be a good luck charm. But I have had people ALL of this week telling me about how there was an earthquake back there, and how some buildings fell down, etc. Yeah, I was beginning to worry, but then I remembered how the media tends to sensationalize things, and how hurricanes leave nothing but rain at our house, and how the Lord is taking extra care in your welfare right now. So I'm glad that nothing happened.

I do like the idea of BBQing some ribs when I get home.

Jenna let me know that you made her seminary class president. I'm sure that you'll rock the seminary world. You seem to be a popular teacher.

I'm excited about coming home too, but I'm still focusing on being hard-working. I know that Andrew and I will have some fun, especially with Matthew getting home. Good times are ahead of us. 9 more days!

?'s

Do you want to run with us in the Greensboro 5K in October? Yes, I'll be joining you for early morning jogs, etc. The more the merrier. I'll sell Joshua on the idea.
Do you want us to make any special arrangements or plans for the first few day’s you’re home? I'll figure out exactly what I want to do the first few days home, but I REALLY would like to go to the DMV and get my license back. One that I wont have to worry about for 4 years! :-P But I'll let you know next week. <<Editor’s Note: Elder Mackelprang’s driver’s license expired a few months ago, and NC won’t renew unless you’re on military leave, or renew in person>>
Are you going to need another memory card for pictures, or do you have room on it for this week? I've been taking more and more pictures. My card still has room sufficient for these last few days. Don't worry about it. I'll be taking more.
You’re reporting to the High Council next Thursday. Have you thought about your report? I haven't thought about that report actually. I wasn't familiar with what they'd be asking me. So thanks for the heads up.

MOM'S Email

;-) No worries Mom. I'll write next week! I can't promise how long it'll be but I'll write, and tell you that I'm alive, and about any close calls with getting run over... oh yeah. I forgot to mention that I'm on bike again, up in Santa Rosa. Aunt Marsha may have told you, but I'm in Santa Rosa again for this last week, and I'm on bike. So I get to start losing weight again! I'll be more prepped for exercising with everyone when I get home. I may get the chance to see Aunt Marsha again; she said something about not having school on Labor Day, so it may be just 2 or 3 days before I come home. That made me laugh. But how can I say no?

I'm sure that I'll have plenty to do when I get home, and getting my license again will be very nice! I feel very locked up and constrained because I cannot drive. I still don't understand how some people still don't go get their licenses. It makes the world a lot easier. Better a busy calendar than a really blank one. I'm sure I'll have some time to rest and prep myself to go back to school, but I'll get it all done. I look forward to it. It's time for the next step, the next chapter of my life.

I've heard from MANY people that the East Coast felt a tremor. So, I figured that it's mostly over-excitement since I myself remembered how much our relatives would always over-react to hurricanes coming our way. I've had fun explaining that our area is too far in-land to be much of a hurricane hazard. I think people like to over-embellish the stories they hear on the media. I can imagine you with your umbrella just under the home depot entrance and fighting with your umbrella until you take the 20 steps to the door. :-) It made me smile.

It'll be interesting to see just how much my little Squash has grown. I'm sure I can't call him Squashy-Joshy anymore. He's probably big enough to actually try to tackle me. I'm sure that we will have some fun times ahead of us. We'll make some memories for sure.

I've heard about Dad losing weight, and I'm proud of him! I'll have to follow suit so that we are all going in the right direction. I agree with your philosophy, but there is a time where it's nice to know about the numbers. It can be a good impetus to get you started, which is the hardest part.

I know that the Lord has blessed us greatly, and that this is only the beginning. I know that there may be trials in store ahead, but that I need to focus on today, and fight for today, and let tomorrow come. I'm grateful for all that I have seen and done here, and I'm grateful for the blessings and growth that I've experienced from having served here. I know that it is the beginning of many great things in my life. It really is a new beginning.

P.S. I will challenge you to keep writing weekly updates as a journal entry, and I will follow up with that when I get home! I've learned about inviting and helping other people make and keep goals, so you better watch out! ;-)

Yep, so I'm outta time. See y'all soon!

Love your son,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

2 Weeks... Is It Really True?

2011-08-22T18:34:00.001-07:00

MOM's Email

It's Alright Mom, I understand why you didn’t write last week. I heard from Dad that you weren't feeling very well. I know that I don't get very sick very often, but when I do I remember why it is that nothing gets done when you're sick. No worries.

I did enjoy the Taylor's visit. It was funny what you were telling me about how lucky I am to see them so often, because Aunt Marsha was saying that she loved the fact that I was so close here, because she's seen me more often here than she does outside the mission. ;-) It's true. I'm blessed, and I'm probably going to see them again next year after the winter semester at BYU Provo. I'm planning to road trip with Robert back to Santa Rosa next April and visit the mission before President Bunker ships home. I think it'd be a great opportunity. But we'll see how that one plays out. I was very happy and excited to get the jam and the pie. I wasn't expecting it at all. I'm very grateful that he took the time to handpick the berries, and cook them up himself. I'm impressed at his cooking skill. The Chinese restaurant was good, and I realized when I went with the Taylors that I swear that it's a restaurant that we went to as a family when we visited California as a family several years back. It's called China Wok, and there's a "One of a Kind Barbie Museum" behind it. I remember Dad making a funny comment about it, and about a comment I made about the family meal on their menu. It was interesting. It's crazy how all of these random, strange memories come back to me as I go and see these places, and serve here. It's actually really cool.

I was pondering on the changes that I have seen in myself as you were closing off your letter to me. Ironically I have gone back to reviewing the first "records" of my 2nd 3 months in the mission journal. It's interesting to see how my outlook and character have matured since then, but I have also seen the "normal" me peering out as I realize that my time is coming to an end as a full-time missionary. I realize that I can't go back to where I was, and that the only real way to go, is forward, with purpose. So I know that even though I wont progress as rapidly as I have here, and even though I will still have a lot of the same likes, and hobbies, I'll be more in control of who I am, and rise up to what is expected of me.

I have had some weird dreams about coming home last week, but not so much this week. I know that it'll be a weird adjustment at first, but I know that I'll adjust quickly. That's something I'm improved on is adjusting to new circumstances.

I'm definitely excited to see Bishop Anderson again. I guess it's the Lord motivating me to go to singles ward. He already has several enticements there already to motivate me to go, so it seems like I'll go there. I hope that I enjoy it more than before my mission. I also hope that girls aren't chasing me around anywhere. :-P But then again, I'm not so good-looking as I was before the mission, so I'll have some time to burn the fat again. I do look forward to being in a choir again. I need to stretch out my bass notes again. I definitely don't want to lose my contra-bass notes. ;-)

I'll pull that little brother of mine into some exercise, or he might not get to play and have fun playing games with his older brother. No, I wont be manipulative, but I'll encourage him. I promised him some bike rides, and we'll go on some walks for sure. I'm sure I can think of some ways to encourage him. I don't blame him though. I was the exact same way if you remember. exercise, and goal setting were some of the banes of my existence. We can help him. We'll get there.

Your letter hasn't made me more trunky. I appreciate the updates. It was a great letter. I'm sure that things will feel very different and strange when I get home, but life moves on. Have a great week Mom! Love you!

DAD's Email

I'm glad that Joshua is progressing so much on his scouting. I'll make sure to help him out with all of that when I get home.

Good luck going back to school Jenna!

I have the opportunity to go to the temple my last time in the mission this Saturday. I get to go to the Spanish session again! I'm going to love that. It was SO clear, and I could understand it all wonderfully last time. I look forward to this temple trip, and going again when I come home.

We definitely need to be more appreciative of the Holy Ghost. He is the key to all of this. We are trying to explain a 3 dimensional concept to a 2 dimensional people, conceptually speaking. Look up the Holy Ghost in the Bible Dictionary. There's some homework/ study to prep y'all for school. ;-)

Questions:

Any recent pictures? I did take just a few pictures today, but I lent the card reader to a missionary last week, and he broke the SD card slot trying to put his card into it backwards. So you'll just have to wait for 2 weeks until I bring the last few pictures home. I'm not very picture-taking savvy. Even though I keep the camera hidden in the car, the picture moments don't seem to occur very often. *shrug* I'll be taking pictures of me and the members during these last Sundays so that I can have some pictures to talk about.
How’s the journal coming along? I have filled a good portion of my missionary journal. The regularity in journal entries vary, but it's about 1 a week, sometimes, 1 every 2 weeks. I'm doing a speedier version of the transcribing of the first 6 months of my mission, where I wrote a few notes about every single day. That was interesting, and is interesting seeing the changes from about 2 years ago to now.
Have you had time to send testimonies / notes to any old investigators or members? I still have been writing regularly to a less active I helped reactivate in Rohnert Park. I actually got a letter this week saying that he finally got the Melchezidek Priesthood! I was way excited about that! He is a great man, and I don't want to lose contact with him. I don't have current addresses on other people that I would like to write. Latino culture tends to move a lot here in the states.
Any investigators progressing well? I've been working with Saul, but it seems his cold feet are determined not to get wet before I leave. I have faith to make some great things happen before I go, but Saul seemed like the best and greatest opportunity to have a baptism as I leave. Well, I know that he WILL get baptized, even if it's not before I go home. If anything else he's become a good friend. At very least I'll have Jorge Giron on track to get his mission papers started! He will make a great missionary. He will have to face many challenges to go, but I know that he can do it. I'll be there encouraging him the entire way!

Other than that, I'm just working hard, and doing all I can to leave this place better than when I found it. I love you all! I look forward to seeing you soon! Keep the faith! God will provide.

Love your son, friend, and missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Just a Few Weeks Left

2011-08-21T13:09:00.001-07:00

DAD's Email

So this week. This has been a really good week. We've met a lot of people, and have been doing a lot of work. It's been great to see just how great the work is, and with the end in sight it's finally starting to begin to sink in that I'm really going to be leaving this place... Even with that in mind, I'm still plowing ahead at full speed to get things done, and to achieve those goals that I spoke about last week. I'm loving it here, and I'll be sad to leave, even though I am excited to come home. For a new chapter in my life. Things have changed, and they will continue to change, and something that the Lord has been teaching me in these last few weeks is how to really deal with change. So, even though the future may hold some interesting things, or maybe even scary things, I know that if we trust in the Lord and press onward then we will have nothing to fear.

Jenna & Leah's Daycare adventure. I'm glad that Leah was successful, and enjoyed her endeavors in taking care of all those kids. I've seen the spectrum of how crazy kids can be from visiting people's houses... It can get pretty crazy. Good job Leah! Good Luck on your new job hunting.

I also got my flight itinerary this week as well. That was cool. That was part of the sinking in that I'm going home. I think that it's funny that they make suggestions to help you try to not make me trunky, but with things as they are with everyone asking me when I'm going home, there really isn't any help for it.

The "new me." Well. I know that I have changed somewhat from the beginning of my mission. But I like to think that for the most part that I am the same person at heart. It's hard to express, but I think that most of the changes that do take place are the small, and sometimes subtle ones, but I can understand how they are great at the same time, since you're changing the path you will walk for the rest of your life. It can be pretty deep stuff to meditate about.

I’m sorry so many of the family is having trouble on the "cold" front. The Flu bug just loves to jump around doesn't it? I'm glad that I've only had 1 sick day on the mission. That was a very off day. It felt weird being in the apartment all day, and not being able to leave. we'll see what it's like being home.

Love your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

1 Month Remaining...

2011-08-21T13:04:00.001-07:00

MOM's Email

Well, only one month... I'll definitely go out fighting! I've a few goals in mind on what I want to accomplish here with my last 3 weeks. I have 3 goals:

Help Jorge start his mission papers
Help Saul get baptized (he can be baptized whenever he wants to, he just has to commit himself. He's already had the interview and everything.)
Help Yolanda reach her baptismal date for the 20th of August.

I haven't heard Jenna or Leah talk about their little daycare for a few weeks. I hope that it's going well.

:-) Mom, you're an awesome teacher. I know that I'm unfamiliar with teaching teenagers, although I can imagine it's a tough task to take on the 10-second attention-span of this new generation. But the Gospel helps us, and participation is definitely key in all of that. Asking good ?'s is one such way to teach effectively and help you understand if they understand what you're teaching them. I would recommend Preach My Gospel chapter 10 if you want to ponder on some teaching techniques that you want to try. I know that those are invaluable tools in teaching. It sounds like you're doing a great job, and I have full confidence in you and your abilities. Everybody loves you, because of the spirit you carry, and I know that it must affect the girls. Even if it seems that they aren't paying attention all the time, the words of Christ will sink into their hearts, and it will bless them one day. (I was reminded of a conference talk from not too long ago that mentioned Alma the Younger, not really listening, but when he came to that Crisis, he REMEMBERED the words that his father spoke. The Lord will provide, and direct your steps. You're doing a good work. Keep it up!

WHAT!?!?! YOU!? JOGGING!?!? I'm just kidding! ;-) That's great! I'll definitely need some help getting back into the full work-out routine now that I'll be dead focused in getting a job and losing weight, and preparing for college, and a calling and so forth. Too many projects, and too little time. :-) We'll just make the best of it.

DAD's Email

1. Stake Priesthood Meeting. Those meetings were pretty memorable. We have some very inspired and humble men in our stake. I hope that it remains that way. It'll be hard to see President Maxwell released here in a few years. Those sounded like great talks. That's interesting that there is emphasis on retention of Returned Missionaries. I would have thought that it wouldn't have been as difficult for RM's to re-integrate.... I don't forsee that being a problem, but I can understand that I will face challenges that I may not yet forsee. But from everything I've learned out here, and from the people's lives that I've helped change, I know that I can't let that happen, if not for me then, for them. If I become as hypocritical to tell them how to change their lives and live the Gospel in the face of challenges and I can't myself? I would be less than a man, and a liar. I have too many people's faces reminding me of who's watching me and my example. That WILL NOT HAPPEN! It makes my blood want to boil.

2. I did receive that calendar invitation to meet with the Stake Presidency. That's funny that Matthew and I will be there the same day at the same time. We seem to bump into each other a lot that way... ;-)

3. For the 5k in October, I dunno if I can run it, but I'll certainly join the family in it. Leah's the speed racer of the family, but it'll help me get back into shape. Well, we'll certainly see wont we?

4. Happy Wedding Day to my friend Erik Wells! Enjoy your wedding day to the love of your life, forever and always! Thus begins a new chapter for your life. Good luck my friend, until we meet again!

5. Yep. Leah told me that Andrew is her Home Teacher. I didn't hear who Andrew's home-teaching companion was, but I imagine that it might be someone I know. I had that call as the bulletin specialist when I was at the BYU ward at college. :-) She probably is doing more with it than I did. I didn't have a lot of tools to work with since I was only able to use Google to make it.

6. I'll be there to help encourage you to jog, and will even jog with you. We'll make it work. We both need to exercise more, and I'll enjoy having someone there with me. It's easier to have a jogging buddy, so to lose yourself jogging while listening to music.

Questions:

A. Well, I don't have any stories that I can think of, but... I dunno. I'll write some down, and send it in a letter sometime soon. speaking of, I need a few more stamps, I'll be using the last of the stamps today, that Mom sent me about a month ago. I did have a funny experience last Saturday accidentally leaving the mission boundaries, and going over the bridge over into Crokett, and immediately turning around and coming back only to run into a toll booth that we didn't see until it was too late to turn back, and what's worse is that we didn't have any cash on us, and it was cash only. So the $5 toll became a $30 fine (with the original fee included). *sigh* That's one thing that I really hate about California. Stupid toll bridges... So I'm stuck since I just get by with what I get from the mission office for food, and living expenses... My companion expects me to pay half of the fine with money that I don't have... Could you help me out by sending me $15? and a few stamps? We had some bad luck last week. :-P

B. When I get home, I'll probably just want to sleep in a little bit since I'm going to have a little jet-lag, but I really don't know. I'll look at my bucket list and look at some things that we could do as you, Mom, and me to have some fun those first 2 days, and as a family on those nights.

C. I'm still progressing by playing basketball in the mornings, I've lost 15 lbs so far (in the past 2 months), but I need to lose a whole lot more. So It's a slow process, especially with such a regimented schedule. I like more flexible ones. (hence I want to sleep in a little, and then figure out what I want to do when I get home. ;-)

I love you all! I hope to see you soon!

Love your son and missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Happy August!

2011-08-07T12:30:00.001-07:00

MOM's Email

Yep. I'm starting to see the time sift through my fingers too... 5 weeks, and about 35 days left... :-P that's really crazy!

We'll definitely get the chance to go to the Spanish branch together, and it'll be fun to talk to Matthew and Andrew in Spanish. It'll be good to have people to practice with.

Good luck with school Joshua! Work hard! And have Fun!

Teaching. It's very important. I've learned a lot about it, but there's always something left for us to learn. I could definitely teach English. Or at least I'd like to think so... so we'll see what happens. Maybe I can teach at the MTC. Just know that you're testimony is heard, and since you were called to be the YW Pres. That it is helping some young lady there through whatever struggles she may have. I know that because I know how impacted I was by Eric Wells, and Bro. Wells as well. He had a very big impact on my life. I will very fondly remember those days. You're playing a very big, and important part in some youth's life. I testify of that. Follow the spirit, and one day, whether it be here or the next life, you'll see just how much you did for those girls.

DAD's Email

Congratulations to Brittany on her new job! NYC, huh? That sounds like a great trip. I'm glad that you got to see Aunt Diana and Uncle Mike, and Brittany. I'm sure that you had fun looking at her trip pictures. I don't think I have as many. It's just difficult for me to find the right moment / inspiration to take some. I'll make sure to take some pictures today.

I didn't go to cafe Rio very often when I was going to BYU. I was stuck on foot. I didn't have any people with whom to go to Cafe Rio, nor the money to spend there either. That may change since I may be more of an explorer when I get home.

Joshua's awesome. :-) I know he's way excited to see me, and to play with me, etc. I'm excited to see him too. We're going to have lots of fun. Thanks for your love and support Josh!

My companion's name is Elder Polson. He's from Colorado, just south of Denver. Somewhere near Castle Rock. He's shorter, and quite the fireball of energy. He can be socially awkward sometimes, but he has a great heart, and he loves the people. He struggles with a short attention span as well. He's a great companion and he tries to help out in every way he can, so it's good, but we're different. It's difficult to explain, but I'll leave it at that. We get along, and work well together, but we're very different. Pictures will be forth-coming soon.
I will be getting to see the Taylor clan one last time, probably in 2 weeks, they really want to take my companion and me out for dinner. It will be very nice to spend some time with them before I come home.
I still haven't gotten my Flight info yet, but I imagine that I will very soon. I appreciate your copy of the info. I imagine that I'll be getting the info sometime this week.

Well family mine. There's about 35 days left... So I'll see you REALLY soon! I'm working hard and I'm feeling great! So I'll see you! Be well, and stay safe!

Your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Another Transfer, Another Week

2011-08-07T12:26:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! *Whew!* It's been a great week, with lots of great experiences with finding some great new people, and adjusting to a new companion, and really carrying the area.

Like I said last week, I'm still here in Vallejo, and will be until I come home, and things are moving along quickly. Faster than I probably realize, but as long as I'm focused and working hard then I wont worry about it.

It seems that everyday someone asks me how long I've been out, and my companions tell them EXACTLY how much longer I have... :-P It's kinda funny, but I'm not worried about it. I'm glad that I'm around some of my favorite friends, and companions for this last hurrah! I'll make it memorable.

This week will be interesting, especially since I will probably get the chance to sit in on one of our recent converts Patriarchal blessing! He's almost completed his year, and we're helping him prepare for serving a mission of his own, and helping his brother get baptized. It's really great! I'm keeping busy, and positive about how everything is going. Here's my comments about your emails.

MOM's Email

Mom subbing in Primary. That just seems really natural. Then again, since I have lots of memories of her serving in Primary I guess I just generally think that way.

The Singles Ward finally meets in the Cary building. That will be an adventure when the time comes. I'll be able to choose between the Spanish Branch, the Singles Ward, and the Cary 2nd ward. :-) The best 3 choices I could ever wish for.

I'm not the best as recounting Missionary experiences. I will probably have some good stories to tell, but I'm not good at recounting stories from memory. I'll do my best to have some good stories for y'all. ;-)

Andrew – thanks for the letter. Keep up the good work! Good luck on your finals!

I know that many things have happened in "My House" since I've been gone. I am expecting lots of changes. I might actually be surprised that not all that much has changed. I guess I'll see soon enough.

Finding a job will be interesting. It'll be nice to have a job where I can practice my Spanish. It's a great skill that I love that I have.

I'm glad that you all have had a great summer. Summer is wrapping up to a close. Enjoy every last minute of it.

DAD's Email

Weathers nice here in Cali. I'm glad I get to skip out on the hot times out there. It sounds pretty grim.

I'm excited for the Hanging Rock camping trip in October. Yeah that'll be nice. I look forward to being able to appreciate nature more now.

Wow... That's a lot of pork you guys pulled for Youth Conference... 200 lbs. That just sounds intense. I'm sure Youth Conference was a blast, but Jenna was too tired to relate all of her tales and experiences with that. Hopefully I'll hear about that soon.

I hope that I can go boating when I get home... everyone will probably be back into school mode though... rats. Well, I'll see how we can set up a boating trip sometime later.

The Youth Talent shows. What memories. Cary 2nd ward Priests never fail to live up to high standards. They certainly have followed the crazy humor of what I remember of my times in the Youth program. Keep the dream alive! ;-)

I'm working hard, and I will endure to the end. It looks like it'll be a challenge, but what accomplishment comes with no effort? See you all soon!

The church is true!

Your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

50 Days Remaining...

2011-07-23T14:02:00.001-07:00

DAD'S Email

The Beach house sounds like you had an awesome time! I'm excited to go there. Next summer will be an exciting one indeed... ;-) I can’t believe we've been having wildfires back there in NC. I kind of expect that in the western US but not there. That's pretty crazy!

I liked the story of Mom getting scared by the crab. Sounds like Mom. She does have the best scream ever. I guess I'm just like you on that Dad. :-)

I'm trying to be more prolific at taking pictures, but I don't carry my camera with me at all times. But I do have some pictures to send you. I sent you some pictures a few weeks ago... did you get those? I'll send some via email, but if not then I'll just bring my camera with me home. I don't want to chance another wiped card.

We're driving all the time – no bike riding at all. I'd die if I tried to ride my bike, and if I didn't my bike would. There are lots of hills EVERYWHERE. We walk a lot, and we get in some really good exercise in the morning. I'm losing weight, so I'm happy. I'll be looking forward to running again and losing more when I get home though. I'm going to be donating my bike to one of the missionaries who are coming in this next transfer. Some family will appreciate not having to spend lots of money to buy a new one, and less trouble and hassle trying to get it home.

The missionary work is going great! We're still doing lots of finding, but we have some really great investigators, and they are progressing quite well.

I write a less active member that I re-activated in Rohnert Park, but the other people that I have met have all changed address, and I don't have contact info for them now. I know how sweet it is to be able to hear from those you helped, and hear their testimonies growing. I will have my best missionary friends right here with me, to the very end. ;-) We just had transfers, so it's official that I'll be here in Vallejo until I return home. I have a new Companion named Elder Pulson. I'll get a picture of him and me soon.

MOM'S Email

I'm looking pretty tan, so I think we'll all be looking pretty good, we'll see how long those beach tans last! ;-) I'll be out in the sun everyday! Someone mentioned to me yesterday that my hair was starting to turn blonde, so I must be getting some sun for that to start happening. So Mom, yeah, you'll probably be the only white skin in our family. Some people ask me if I'm a Latino. :-) It makes me smile.

Mom, I've come to the conclusion that you're never going to be finished with the house It just never seems to end. I think there may just always be that little something to touch up on; at least in regards to the house as a whole. But I hope that you finish and enjoy your room, because I remember all those years that you wished you could finish it, or fix it up, or have it completely clean and organized, etc. I'm sure you'll be happier to have your room taken care of.

-Hmmm.... What would I say or share to the Cary 2nd Ward Newsletter of my adventures? Well... It's really the joy of adventure. The true meaning of success. It is sometimes erroneously purported that success is an "arrival" that you become the "best" and then that's the end. From what I've learned, and what I'm learning, and understanding, success comes in the journey. For a mission, success isn't measured by the number of baptisms you have, there are plenty of diligent, hard-working, 100% obedient missionaries who don't get 1 baptism in their missions. Sometimes that one person that one soul that we bring to God is ourselves. We follow the path the Savior walked for 2 years. We share, and bear our hearts out to strangers who really are our brothers and sisters. We learn how to have Christ-like love, charity for all the we meet. We grow, because God lifts us on His shoulders, and we act as His tools, as His power to spread the truth of His Gospel to every ear, in every tongue, to every land. I know this is true. I know that I have had a successful mission, because even though I haven't been a perfect missionary, I have become more perfected as a Son of God, I have been blessed to find and share the gospel with many special and elect people, and be able to baptize some, but the success is that I myself have come closer to my Savior. I know Him, and I strive to strengthen that relationship that others have with their Savior, Jesus Christ. The Restored Gospel is true. I know that He lives, and love me. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen. I love you all! I look forward to seeing you all soon!

Love your Son, and missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Oak Island Vacation!!!

2011-07-23T13:54:00.001-07:00

DAD's EMAIL

Cool! The beach trip sounds like you're all having lots of fun. enjoy those ocean breezes, I love them!!! They're really nice.

So, Leah's room is getting remodeled. Again. :P How many times is that now, dear sister?

I'm so happy for Jenna, that she could attend EFY. I know that she learned a lot there. :) Keep those goals you made Jenna!

Your work projects sound really cool! I'd enjoy hearing about some of those projects sometime.

Yes we did watch the fireworks. Although the trees prevented us seeing all of them. :( But it was nice being with the other missionaries that live in our apartment complex and have some fun for the 4th.
Our investigator pool is doing very well. Things are improving, and we're finding more people little by little. There have been some really cool experiences, but I'll save that for #5. We have a few people attending church. So it's nice.
If we knew where we could pick blackberries then we'd probably go, but we don't have a single clue. I'll ask one of the members around here if they know. I remember that trip to Santa Rosa we made all those years ago. I still remember picking those blackberries, and making blackberry syrup for pancakes... yuuummmy.
Transfer information comes out this Saturday. I think that I'm most likely staying, but it's my last transfer, so who knows what will happen! I really hope that I stay.
Elder Glaus and I get along really well. It's also nice having Elder Brickey (former companion), and Elder Estep serving in the branch. It makes things nicer. I'm among friends. As for spiritual stories and what-not I do have a sweet experience at one of the dinners we had this week. So her name is sis Angin. She is a member who lives here in Vallejo, but attends the branch in Fairfield. (long story). But she is married to a non-member. We go over to see her a couple times a month for dinners. So this time, we happened to have dinner as usual, and the husband kind and courtious as always excuses himself before we end with a prayer to prepare for the next day (for work.) It just so happened that I was asked to give the prayer. While praying I was prompted to pray for her husband that he would one day prepared to hear and accept the gospel. Afterwards with tears in her eyes, she thanked me, and told me, "Of _all_ the missionaries who have come over for dinner (she's been a member for a LONG time) you are the first one to have prayed for my husband to be able to accept the Gospel." I was really touched, and I know that because the Lord prompted me that way, that he will be prepared one day. I know that she must pray diligently, and longfully for that day. I know that God will answer her prayers. There was a couple of really cool experiences when I was asked to give blessings, and those were very special moments for me. It almost seems more special to do it in Spanish than in English. But that's all that I really remember of the cool experiences for this week. I'll let you know of more later.

MOM's email

Oh the days of the Priest Quorum Quartet (PQQ). by the way, I sang a duet with my friend Elder Estep. All seven verses of “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief”, with many different harmonies. We performed it for Zone Conference last Friday. Zone conference! I finally got see my trainer give his departing testimony. He leaves next week. :P Crazy. I'm trying not to think too hard about my time coming to an end as well. There were quite of few pictures that were taken of me there. I'm sure Dad is getting them as we speak. The pictures I sent to you are mainly of me and my companion with 2 people. #1 my investigator Saul, and #2 Jorge (short with glasses, preparing for a mission). These guys are really cool, and really special. I'm glad that I'm their friend.

Well, I'm out of time, but I'm keeping busy, and I'm doing all that I can to get lots of work done. i love you all and I'll see you all in less than 2 months!! (dun dun dun!)

Love your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang






	Zone Conference
	Zone Conference

July 4th! 9 Weeks Left!!

2011-07-23T13:40:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone! Happy 4th of July! Enjoy the Fireworks!

This week has been a fast one, and a great one! This next week will be even better with Zone Conference on Friday! We found 5 new people that we're teaching right now, and they all seem really cool. There really isn't any way to describe this work other than miraculous! I'm seeing miracles happen everyday, due to the faith and prayers of myself, my companion, other missionaries, and all the people who are praying in our behalf. It is amazing to see the desire for change in these people's lives, and it is a great privilege to help them learn how to help themselves change for the better. My how the time is flying... it'll be over way too soon...

Yeah fireworks, we should have a great view of them from our apartment tonight!

The boys are at camp. Sounds just like the old days when I was in Boy Scouts. :) Joshua will have lots of fun!

:) Yay, for Singles Ward moving into the Cary building!

Swimming, I'm going to be doing more of that. My exercise routine is working good. I'll be doing my jogging stuff, and trying out swimming more to burn off those calories.

Well, 9 weeks until I'm home... it's really flying... It's kinda crazy :P I'm working on getting rid of things that I don't need, and giving away stuff to other missionaries, etc. It'll be so easy to pack this time around... I've gotten rid of a lot of unnecessary items, most of which are for my desk.

I wrote Erik not too long ago, and he wrote me this week! :) it'll be good to see him at BYU whether or not he's still single. ;-)

Things are interesting. It will be cool to see how things fly as time moves on. What jobs everyone ends up going for, etc..

Well, I love you all, and I hope that you are enjoying your summer. May God bless you, and watch over you. I know that Christ lives. I know that He loves us, and watches over us. I know that He waits for us with open arms, and calls out to us to come home. May we truly understand repentance, and it's role in our lives. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and that it can truly bless our lives with knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ, and what He expects of us. I invite those of you who don't know that the Book of Mormon is true to read it! study it. Meditate on it's message, and pray to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ to truly know if the book is true. I know that He will answer us, because He loves us.

Fare thee well, my fellow brothers and sisters.

Elder Richard Mackelprang

10 Weeks Remaining...

2011-07-23T13:36:00.001-07:00

MOM's Email

:-) Yes I got your letter. The mail seems to get here super fast here. I got your letter on Saturday, even though you said you sent it on Thursday in your letter. That was pretty crazy. The same with the package, they both got here ridiculously fast...

It should be pretty cool to see all the changes to the house and every thing else there. It will be different, but all for the better.

Next week is the 4th of July! Woah! :P P-Days on holiday Mondays are a pain for missionaries, so we'll see what madness is in store for us next week. I can't complain, because I'll be getting a pancake breakfast next week. So I'll have some things to look forward to, but I may end up trying to look for some fireworks, but I'll see if that's permissible next week. We'll see how much the singles ward has changed since I was there. I got a feeling of immaturity when I was there, and that bugged me, but if Leah feels that it's good, then it may have improved.

Good luck with Leah and Jenna's Daycare idea. I hope that it is being successful.

It was fun to hear about the family cleaning day... :P I can understand more of where your coming from with that, because I've become more of an organized clean freak when it comes to the kitchen and my desk... so our house may end up staying cleaner when I get home.

DAD's Email

Mom, and my dear sisters are always very loved. They are all awesome. I hope that they do well with their daycare project.

Is Leah preparing you guys for a 5k walk? or a 5k run? 5k walk isn't bad, Lake Johnson is more than 5k if I'm remembering my measurements right (~4mi > 5k)?. That could be fun. I'll have to prepare myself to see if I can jog it all. I heard from a member who's a professional runner that shin splints can come from several different sources, but that the main cause is usually the form that you walk. You can probably find out some more about it online.

I really don't remember Falls Lake, but I would imagine that I've been there at least once... It'd be nice to go there again sometime.

Mom let me know in here snail mail how much everyone enjoyed the card I sent you. :) I knew that it was the one when I found it last week.

Good luck with Japan Ben! you'll do great!

Welcome home Leah! Enjoy yourself.

Good luck at scout camp Joshua! Have fun! Earn lots of Merit Badges!

Questions

Can you send pictures? I'm trying to be more camera-picture-taking-minded but it's still a work in process. I'll send some pictures of me and some of the members soon.
Did you get the pictures we sent? I did get the pictures that were in the package. They were really nice. I can't believe how big Joshua's getting, and now that he's losing his blonde hair. :P Craazy! Jenna looked very nice for her Rose Prom pictures.
Do you think you’ll get transferred? I wont know if I'm moving until mid-July, but my guess is that I'll stay here to finish off my mission.
How deep is your “gator” pool? Our investigator is pool is decent, but there are a lot of people who we can only see once a week, or sometimes that we aren't able to contact on some weeks, so we're work hard on finding right now, but we've seen a LOT of miracles happening as a zone from that. So it's growing slowly, but it should be great!

This week has been awesome! There have been many spiritual experiences, and amazing people that are ready to change their lives and progress in the Gospel. My testimony continues to grow and be fortified through these experiences, and the the joy I feel seeing the love of our Savior in active motion working in the lives of these people. I know my Savior lives! I know that He loves me, and each and every single one of you! I know that He has a plan for us that will enable us to be happy, forever. Keep working hard, and do what is right!

Love your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Summer is Here! Father's Day Approaches...

2011-06-19T13:22:00.001-07:00

DAD's EMAIL

I’m proud of my family doing missionary work! Yeah! I hope that the dinner with the missionaries and their investigator goes well. Those lessons taught in Members homes can be some of the strongest lessons and teaching opportunities that you can find. That is from personal experience. It's a great thing.

Josh and EOGs. I think it's ridiculous to have classes 3 weeks after the tests are over. What's the point? It just doesn't make sense.

Jenna is Jenna, our prolific reader. :) I hope she’s enjoying having some more time to read. She probably has some good books for me to take on when I get back.

Happy Early Birthday Mom! Have a great one! :)

Do I get to use some of the iTunes gift card when I get back? I'll have to listen the new Cars Cd sometime.

As Matthew Watkins would always say, "Leah Maria make me-a tortilla!" Leah's coming home this week. Awesome. We'll see how everyone adjusts to her being home.

Q&A

The Baptism was awesome! :) My comp Elder Glaus, baptized the "recent convert" and I baptized the younger brother, the "child of record." This song is actually the 4th time we sung in consecutive weeks at baptisms. 3 being Spanish, 2 being ours. :-D I do have a great singing companion and we do some great things to harmonize and our voices blend very nicely together. It's reminiscent of the PriestQuorumQuintet days. I looking forward to singing when I get back. If Joshua's voice is deep enough I'll start teaching him bass. He'll thank me later for it. ;-) We've been singing in Spanish as well, so it's been very cool. We sang "Brightly Beams our Father's Mercy" = "Brillan Rayos de Clamencia"
My clothes are doing fine. When there are small rips and tears I sew them up and they're good as new. I've become quite good at sewing things. :P The bike is doing well, but I lent it to another missionary because his bike got stolen. (he just got transferred, so I have it back.) I'm thinking that I may just try to sell the bike to another missionary before I come home... I'll let you know if I need anything.
We don't have any miraculous tracting or contacting stories, but we have met some pretty amazing people who have overcome drug addictions here, but coming to Jesus in their various faiths. Those were some very interesting conversations.
Dinners are 99% with Hispanic families, but every once in awhile we'll eat with some Gringos, mostly that always know Spanish. Go figure. We have some amazing members, but I would take another hour talking about them all. We get dinners pretty much every night, most of the Latino wards are good about that except for my first area (being a greenie in Santa Rosa) which looking back is understandable because there were six of us missionaries.
I’m getting along fine with my expired drivers License. Just not doing the driving now.

I know my time is far spent. :) I'll get my rocket boosters going. Turning on the jets and getting some more work done. I do need to turn up the heat, even though I'm seeing that we're already accomplishing a *lot*. I'm moving forward, and will be excited to make miracles happen here in Vallejo.

MOM's EMAIL

I’m looking forward to the package you sent! Yay! Oooooo, tape recording! It'll be nice to hear your voices again.
Moe Joe's burgers sounds great! The Inferno Burger sounds like a worthy challenge. Grilled Jalapenos are worse than regular ones. It all has to do with the oils.
Devin Romney, Congrats on your mission call. Tempe, Arizona. That's where I was born! Spanish culture is something you'll never forget.
I actually enjoy cooking. There are some days where I really don't want to bother with it, but that's life. I can cook just about anything, recipe or no.
Good luck with the health conscious change. I dunno if I can give up on your fabulous homemade bread though Mom. It's not worth giving up.
Father's Day is here! That's pretty wild! It's just another reminder that home is around the corner...
Singing has been awesome. Everyone just loves it. see Dad's email for more details.
Don't die up there at Girl's camp Mom! :) I'm not worried, you can handle it, you raised us 4 kids! Ha! :-D

Things have been going well here! I'm loving life, and working hard. I'll make these last few months the best. :) It'll be nice to have some mail this week. I love you all!

Love your son and missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Two Transfers / Three Months / < 100 Days Remain…

2011-06-07T16:26:00.001-07:00

MOM'S EMAIL

It's not the first time I've heard or thought about singing Happy P-Day to the Happy Birthday tune. I can imagine it perfectly. Although if you want to send me something on a recording you can ask Kayla to come over, she has a recorder that we've sent each other back and forth a few times. :) If you want to.

The baptism was fantastic! That was the 2nd week in a row that I've sung a musical number with another Spanish Elder, Elder Estep. Another best friend. He lives in Georgia. Has a great voice. We sang again this past Saturday for one of their baptisms, and we will be singing again this Saturday for ours this Saturday. So I've gotten a lot of singing in! I've loved it though. :P We're getting popular! Everyone wants us to sing at the baptisms now.

Robert has been very diligent in his studies. I commend him in that. I hope that I can work as hard and put my heart into my studies. I know I can, but I have to love what I'm doing. So that's why I think I can work with the Animation program. It'll be a challenge, but it'll be worth it.

I'm proud that Leah has grown up so much since I was home. She used to be holed up in the house all the time, and now she's started to use her wings. :) It'll be good to see how things will fit together with the family when we're all back together. The other kids have been growing so much too... it's a little weird being the eldest, but I wouldn't give up on the privileges it comes with. ;-)

Exercise. Yeah. :P. The balance between exercise and proper diet is a hard one. Especially since we love bread so much. Your homemade bread can't be matched.

I would like a package if that's alright with you.

List:

Teriyaki Beef Jerky (Dr. G recommended it as a good snack)
stamps (probably 30)
drawings/ letters/ etc. from the kids and from my mission buddies
*small* goodies/ a few chocolates
pictures?
something nostalgic? just an idea. I really don't know what.

DAD'S EMAIL

Seminary Teacher again, huh Dad? You must be pretty awesome! 5 years running.
Rose Prom. Dances are awesome, but the guys are scared. They fear rejection. That's sad.
Less than 100 days! I figured that out this past Wednesday. That was pretty intense.
Here is the summer! Scout Camp!!!
Rachelle Romney's Missionary Farewell. Good luck in Chile! Dios este contigo hasta vernos!
Wait -- Christina Hiltscher is getting married? Huh. I guess it was bound to happen. How has she been doing in BYU-Hawaii?
I am planning on have lunch with Aunt Marsha and the Taylor clan in early August. That should be a wonderful treat.
The weather is mixed right now. small rain some days, and brilliant sunshine on others.

How's the exercise program going?

I'm back on the full hour exercise. Running to the church building (about 1 mi with hills) and doing some basketball afterwards with some other missionaries. It's going well, and I'm more now than ever working on learning on how to live on healthy foods for cheap... I'm still learning, and I'm cutting down my portions, which is only a problem with some dinners with members.

Any chance you can send more pictures?

There will be another baptism this Saturday, and I will have more pictures there. Next week.

Any stories about people your teaching you can share with us?

I do have a very sweet story. I believe that I told you about how Teresa got baptized, and how her husband has done a complete 180 with his feelings towards the church. Things having been rocketing along with them, because we went to the temple this past Saturday! We went to the Visitor's Center first, and then we helped Teresa go do Baptisms for the Dead. It was very busy so we were directed to do endowments. But it was a sweet moment to have our so recently converted sister come to the temple with us. It was a little rainy that day, and we didn't have the time to take a picture with us and them there... I regretted that even as we were leaving, but we had to go. However, in the Visitor's center the Sister missionaries and ourselves helped Antonio (Teresa's husband) set a baptismal date! For the 25th of June! I know he can make it, and even though he's apprehensive about it I know he can make it. It's really awesome.

I love you all and I hope that you have a fantastic week!

Love,

Elder Mackelprang

Memorial Day!!

2011-06-07T16:19:00.001-07:00

*DADs email*

:) Hey! That sounds like you guys are having a lot of fun over there. It's cool that you are working on developing apps for Mac systems. I'm wanting to learn more about programming as well, so it'll be cool to see what your new system can do. :)

:) Don't worry. I'll make these the best 100 days ever. They're going to be some of the most effective days of my life! I know that I have a second wind hidden somewhere in this hulky body of mine. ;-) Onward, ever onward. I will glory in His name. He will lead me, and guide, even walk beside me as I do His work. His will will I do. I'm especially pumped at the moment because I watched one of my investigators get baptized on Sunday, and I participated in my first Confirmation ever! Period. It was in Spanish, and I couldn't even remember the beginning of the prayer in English, so I the Branch President ended up reminding me how it went. The investigator's name is Teresa Solis. She's only been studying with us for 4 *_weeks_*. She's a golden superstar member now! Her husband was a roadblock to begin with, but since he came to the baptism, and to church to see her confirmed (he held the microphone for me, it was sweet. :) His attitude has changed, and he sincerely wants to know and understand. So we ended up teaching him last night, and picking him up as a new investigator. He has accepted to be baptized when he knows it's true, and you could tell that he meant it. That lesson was one of the best. The spirit was there throughout and help each of us understand and communicate clearly. Miracles do happen, and as we keep working hard, and have faith then our lives will shine even brighter. Those who seek that light will be attracted to us, because the light of the Gospel is the solace that everyone yearns for in this ever increasingly dark and riotous world. Let your light shine forth! Be thou an example of the believers! You know what you should do, what you ought to do, but will you do it? Hope becomes faith as we put forth our efforts to make our hopes and dreams come true. When the element of love comes into play with that hope and faith then you have a vibrant flame that cannot be vanquished! I know my Savior lives! I know that we can move forward through any trial and hardship, no matter how difficult, if we are willing and humble enough to constantly kneel before our maker and work with Him to make our lives change. I have experienced that miraculous change in my life, and I know that I still have many other challenges to face ahead, but like Nephi of old I can say, "But I know in whom I have trusted..." (2 Nephi 4) Trust in God, and obey His commandments. They are there for our good, and to help us be happy. Those who scoff, and scorn are those who are prideful, and most oftentimes ignorant of the blessings that are experienced as we give our will to the Father. There is a sense of purpose and accomplishment that comes from no other source, but from Heaven. I know my Father lives! He loves me, and watches over me. I fight for Him! I fight for my brothers and sisters who are struggling and searching for peace in their lives... I fight to help our Father's children come home. I love you all, and I pray that you are all safe, and doing well.

Your missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

PS enjoy the pictures from the baptism, and the one of me drinking natural Mexican coconut milk for the first time.

*Moms Email*

Dear Mom,

Hey! That's great that your vanity is coming through. :P Just another thing that'll be different about the house when I get home. JK I know that I'll still recognize everything for the most part. Things are looking good, and I feel happier here now than I have in a long time. Things are moving forward, and I know that I'm improving myself as much as I am helping others.

Keep up the good work with fellowshipping. Keep inviting them to activities, and find small chances to talk about gospel principles. It doesn't have to be a 7 course meal on the Gospel, but it can be a fruit snack. There are small, but powerful ways to share the Gospel. It only takes the open eye, and the courageous and loving heart to act on those opportunities.

:) I think it's great that Jenna is getting her dating in. I could have done better with dating as a priest. Dating can be a lot of fun! Go Jenna!

I'm proud to hear that everything is going well with the ward being so awesome with sending out missionaries! :) It's also nice to know that we've kept that number really high! 8 missionaries out. I'm impressed. That's great that Ainsley was made a DL. The Salt Lake Visitor's Center is one of the only places you'll find a Sister missionary District Leader. I'd love to hear how the other missionaries are faring in their parts of the field.

I'm pumped and excited. I know that this is the last leg, and that being so I'm not going to let that be a weak finish. I will finish strong. I know I can. I know I will.

I'm down to 10 stamps :P so if that package is coming soon then it'd be nice if I could have another batch of 20. I'm averaging about 4 letters a week now!

con mucho amor,

tu hijo mayor. ;-)

<<Lots of Love, Your Older Sibling>>

Pictures:

3 Months Remain...

2011-06-07T16:06:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone!

<Dad's Email>

:) I appreciate the joke of the day! I like getting another chance to laugh. Sometimes I need more things to laugh about!

Vallejo is hustling and bustling, and we're happily preparing for our baptism this coming Saturday! A young lady (22 y.o.) named Teresa Solis, is getting baptized at 1pm this Saturday! She's one of the most faithful investigators I have had the chance to teach. This will also be one of the few baptisms that I have had the chance to be here to prepare, and help follow through afterwards. She has also asked me to confirm her, which will be the first confirmation that I will have ever done. I'm excited, and I'm happy here. Things are going along well, and time is flying although you do still have those days where everything falls through the floor, and you have to find things to do.

:( It's sad to hear that the Lete's are moving... Everyone that I know seems to be leaving the best ward in the world! Bro Lete's ribs are indeed the best I've ever had. We WILL try his recipie if he gave it to us.

Congratulations Joshua on your patriarchal blessing! I hope that it means a lot to you. It will help you in your life.

Jenna, congrats on your performance with the Cary High Choir!

<Mom's email>

That sounds pretty exciting! I can remember being in the office with Patriarch Stevens. I remember it taking awhile, but I do remember his booming voice. It was more calming for me though. I appreciate deeper voices. Patriarch Stevens will always have a special place in my heart. He's a great man. I think it's great that we (all of us kids) got to receive our blessings from him. I still have some work to do to meet all of those blessings, and promises, and also the expectations that the Lord has in store for me, but I'm another step forward. I look forward to learning more as I move along.

The Church is true, and I'm learning more and more deeply just how important it is to read the Book of Mormon everyday, and coming to church every week. I also am beginning to understand how our prayers can be more meaningful and effective as we put our whole hearts before Him. We are here to know Him, and if we search for Him with faith, then He will reveal Himself unto us. I know that Joseph Smith restored Christ's church, and didn't just set up his own. I know that you can know this truth for yourselves. If you will be humble enough to read the book of Mormon, consider it's teachings, and then asking God if those teachings, and also the Book of Mormon are true.

I love you all, and I'll keep you all posted!

I promise pictures next week.

Your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

All Mission Conference

2011-05-16T18:22:00.001-07:00

Hey All,

We had 4 members of the quorum of the 70 meet with us last Saturday, including Pres. Snow. We almost had Elder Andersen of the 12 come as well. We are a truly blessed mission. They said we're still #1 for the biggest increase of baptisms in the entire world. :) Yeah! It was a spiritual feast.

Patriarchal blessing! Woot! go Josh – I’m way proud of you!

Missionary week for both Jenna and Josh -- It's a great opportunity for learning. Try to set goals for yourself about what you want to learn from this experience. Whether it's something to help you to prepare for a mission, or some other goal in your life. It will help.

:( No Father and Sons campout getting cancelled because of rain... That's really sad. I always enjoyed those. Hopefully they'll postpone it until I get back! ;-)

Keep it up everyone! School's almost out! Endure to the end!!

I'll be writing Ben today.

Hopefully you wont get swamped keeping my website up-to-date Dad. <<Editor’s note – he guilted me into getting all these updates done >>

Dad’s Questions:

There's only me and my comp in my current apartment. Which I probably prefer.
Our set of apartments is a gated community. We hardly see anyone, and it's pretty secure. The area round about is pretty nice considering that we're so close to the bay. It's refreshing. It's also very hilly. It's just slightly reminiscent of North Carolina.
We have the car everyday, but we do some really good exercise at the church in the mornings with early morning basketball, etc. I'm keeping myself in shape.
I don't have any interesting pictures, but I'll have some soon.
I hear that there are scary things that happen on those streets, but I haven't seen or felt anything to make me worry. For the most part gangs don't trouble us anyway. I'm not worried, but I'm not going to do anything stupid.

Story of other missionaries:

Elder Ames and his companion were zone leaders here in Vallejo and they were walking around talking to people when a group of 10 year old kids come out of nowhere and surround them, and ask them what's in their backpacks. I don't remember if the kids were armed, but what Ames said was that he knew that someone was teaching these kids how to be gangsters, and it was probably older siblings. So even though they could have fought off those kids, he didn't want to have any really dangerous people after him. :) crazy huh?

I heard this quote at my last Zone Conference, it's pretty powerful. I love Elder Holland. I can see him being apart of the first presidency someday:

Elder Holland from an MTC Devotional Address on January 11, 2011.

“We can get better at this. We can do better at this. We can grow into this. But it is going to take a masterful, modern, twenty-first century, last and greatest of all dispensations, kind of missionary to do it. And I love you for accepting the call. I love you for believing and knowing that you can do it because this is God’s work, the Spirit of the Lord is the key, essential, ultimate, ingredient.

The Spirit of the Lord itself will pronounce that gift upon your head and endow that mantle of authority upon your shoulders, from the first day, from the very first day! If you are as honest as we are pleading with you to be, in a day when you have got to be the best missionaries this Church has ever had. That’s what you’ve got to be.

We have a world in trouble. If we understand these scriptures it’s not over yet. You are God’s answer. You’re the hope of Israel. You are the hope of Israel. And you’re nineteen years old, or twenty or twenty one or twenty two or whatever. I stand all amazed at what a missionary is in this Church! What God would somehow know and have the confidence to believe could be done with people like you and people like me. Its a marvelous work and a wonder.”

Well everything's going great! And I love Vallejo! I hope everyone's doing well!!

Love your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Post Mother's Day P-Day!

2011-05-16T18:14:00.001-07:00

MOMs EMAIL

That was sweet! I did enjoy that phone call! We're going so fast, and are doing so much that I'm loving it! The days are whizzing past me, but I'm not as concerned because I know I'm doing all I can to help the people here. A funny thing happened yesterday. I felt like I should call Aunt Marsha to wish her a happy Mother's Day as well, but ironically due to something weird happening I ended up talking to Robert first. That was fun to talk to both of them as well yesterday. I'm thinking that I'm going to take a road trip to California after the Winter Semester 2012... at least that's the idea at the moment. I still have no idea about the details, but I thought that that would be fun. I'd get to see my mission President before he gets released that July, and the other families that I taught, and members that I befriended. I hope I can work it out.

Even though Vallejo is a “bad” part of the area, I'm not on foot enough to be really scared about getting held up, and I don't take my camera around enough with me to worry about it getting stolen either. I really just carry my scripture case and pass along cards. They'd have nothing to steal. Too bad for them.

:) It's too bad that I didn't get a chance to hear your Spanish when you spoke in the branch. You might be able to understand what I speak and say in the Branch when I give my homecoming talk. I'm thinking that I may just stick with the branch for awhile, just so I can adjust to my new life being home. But we'll see what happens.

I'm glad you had a fantastic Mother's Day / Week-end / etc.! I hope that we can have some fun together as a family when I get back. Have fun with your new gifts, and presents. :) I'll see y'all soon!

PS I'll be happily awaiting the stamps!

DADs EMAIL

That's cool that you're helping me out with researching the career paths. I'm not just going for game design (although that would be cool too.) but I'm thinking about CGI stuff as well. Save a copy of what you've found and I'll dig through it when I get home. I'm sure that looking at the various fields that there are now would be helpful. I'm also considering learning mandarin / or Japanese to further my value as a worker, then you and I could have some secret conversations, or just laugh that everyone else doesn't understand. ;-)

I'll figure out the details when I get home. I have ideas, and plans, but they need to wait.

Zone conference this week was awesome, and it involved us taking another step up from where we were at to a higher plane. Teach short lessons (5 minutes or less, depending on time) to people who will talk to us on the streets, and invite them to act on our message. Even set baptismal dates with people if so inspired. It was intense. President Bunker also taught us some amazing things with the scriptures, and I learned a lot and was able to piece some things that I've been studying about the law of Justice, and Mercy into place. It's deep, but surprisingly simple at the same time.

I'll get to experience more humidity here in Vallejo since it's closer to the bay, but it's starting to warm up here too. :) We'll see just how much a change it is from home in 4 months.

Our Zone Conference was on 5 de Mayo. We went out to a Mexican restaurant to celebrate. Nothing super special though.

It's funny seeing the Latinos driving around with Mexican flags, and having parties, etc. Latinos party when they can find any excuse to party. :) And they party good!

The chapel address is:

110 Los Santos Ct
VALLEJO, CA 94590

Well sorry this is so short. But we talked about almost everything yesterday. :-P So, I love you and I hope that you're doing well!

Love your son,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Vallejo Week 2 Begins / Mother's Day Approaches

2011-05-16T18:09:00.001-07:00

Dad's Email

It's crazy! I'm out of time to comment more about your email since I sent you pictures. I hope you like them. I'll write a letter to Kayla about what's all happened this week, and she can share it with you. You can see what's all happened.

My companions name is Elder Glaus. He's only a transfer or 2 younger than me. He's awesome, tall, blonde and hard working. I sent you a picture of him in the other email. He's from Florida, but he's also from Las Vegas. He like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream. I also served around him when I was in Sonoma. I was around when he was a greenie. He's a great kid.
Vallejo Zone. Quite literally the ghetto. It's very poor, and as a consequence there is a lot of crime, gangs, etc. I don't have any personal experiences, but I've heard lots of stories from missionaries who have served here. I'll let you know what happens.
I'm driving again. That's a surprise. I like the apartment. It's pretty nice, and It's not too big, and not too small. I have the biggest desk that I've ever had on the mission. I like it! :) Other than the small kitchen I don't have any complaints.
I'm planning on calling you guys at 2pm your time. that should be 11am my time. I don't think that Skype is approved last I heard.
Anything you want to send me is fine. I'm actually going to be needing new shoes again. So if you could include some shoe money I'd be grateful. (I know. again. I hate it. Stinking shoes.)
I have sent you pictures. I'm keeping the card because of your advice.

Mom's Email

I have been thinking about how much Joshua has grown recently. It'll be a surprise to see how much he has grown.

I'm thinking that I'll be calling around 11am here, so that should be 2pm there, (I checked the schedule so that should work for you hopefully). Our meetings don't start until 1pm, and I don't think we'll have meetings that morning. It should be good.

I’m glad Leah likes BYU. I’ve told her again and again that Provo is better. Now she sees for herself what I've been saying all along. :) It just rocks. I'm going back there. Leah is trying to help her roommates out everywhere. She tried to send me pictures, and have me write her roommate, but it didn't work out.

Vallejo is great! I'll tell you about it soon!

Lots of Love

Elder Mackelprang

Pictures!

2011-05-16T18:04:00.001-07:00

Here's a generous handful of pictures that I've taken recently. I was going to send home the card, but I guess we don't want to risk damaging all of the pictures like last time.... that's such a bummer, I had lots of cool pictures on that SD card that got destroyed in the mail. Enjoy!

Happy Easter Surprise!!

2011-05-16T17:49:00.001-07:00

Hey I'm at a new address. I got transferred. To Vallejo!

Things are good. I'm alive.

From DAD's email:

Go Ben! Woot! I'm sure he's loving his Japanese.

Happy Easter! I hope that everyone enjoyed it!

That's sad that the rainstorm killed your campout... I'm sure that the kids still had fun in the tent in the living room though.

:P I hope that Leah's letter is still there (BYUI) waiting for her. I sent it almost 2 weeks ago. Good luck at Provo!

Thanks for the help Dad. I'll find a job. Can you see if the Best Buy near our house is hiring? I'm still going to try to work for the Geek Squad, that would be fun.

The music at church went great! Still not as good as the Cary 2nd choir, but it was reminiscent. :) It's too bad I couldn't hear our choir sing it.

There is nothing to do in Dixon on a PDay. Absolutely nada. The other missionaries are too far out to want to do anything with us, so we're stuck with cleaning, drawing, and writing letters. I don't know what there is to do here in Vallejo, now that I'm here, but I'll get to know more as we move along.

We just went to the temple a few weeks ago. I forgot to mention it in my letter. since I'm in a new area that actually works for sending pictures I'll send pictures I took there in a moment.

We have an All-mission conference in about 2 weeks. The rumor is that Elder Neil L. Andersen of the quorum of the 12 apostles will be meeting with us. That should be interesting. I was in the Woodland zone in Dixon, and now I'm in the Vallejo zone, back in a Spanish branch with my people. Vallejo is supposed to be the ghetto of the mission. Lots of gangs, gangsters, and crime. Ironically, all the missionaries want to come here. :) Everything looks good so far.

From MOM's email:

Hey Mom! I did get your letter! I loved it, but surprise! I got transferred, so I may be behind some of those letters that just got sent :( I got letters from Grandma Johnson, Aunt Marsha, Robert, and Andrew, and a package from Kayla :). I don't know if there is more coming, but I left plenty of notes asking the new Elders in Dixon to forward my mail to me.

I think I already sent Kenny's letter to him, hopefully it got there before he moved, I don't know if I sent it to his new address. That's funny about losing your voice! Wow... We could have sung in harmony! :P I heard in Grandma's letter about Leah being asked out. It'd be great to hear how that went from her words. :)

Happy Birthday Sis Everett!! May it be a happy one! I don't have as much time to write today because of transfers, but I'll still be a writing machine!

Thanks for all of your love and support.

Elder Mackelprang

Birthdays Everywhere! 3 Transfers Remain…

2011-04-18T19:08:00.001-07:00

Hello Family!

So you've all been asking for a cool spiritual experience lately, so I'll share something special that happened yesterday. So we were out contacting a few people that the ward wanted us to go see, and while we were out walking, I decided to cut through the park to save on time. So as we're cutting across I see a Latino family a little ways off, and they're all playing soccer, and having a blast as a family. I smiled, but didn't think anything of it. As we get across and are walking up the side walk passing by the family, one of the women calls out to us "!Hermanos!" Oh! I thought, they must be members if they recognize us like that, so I waved. She called again, "!Hermanos!" Then I realized with my very dense head that she wanted to talk to us. So we walk over, and I start talking to her since I'm the lone Spanish missionary in my companionship. I didn't recognize her, or her family at first, but as we started talking I began to realize that this was a family that I had taught periodically while I was in Fairfield! One of the family members lived out in the fields here in Dixon, and the rest of the family lived on a Ranch between Rio Vista, and Fairfield where there are tons of windmills! Apparently the missionaries had stopped visiting them after I had left and they hadn't been visited in almost a year! They both wanted missionaries over again, and so I was happy to oblige. It was like a little sign from the Lord that yes, I was supposed to be here in Dixon, even though things are slow right now, and that yes, He has a work for me to do. It was inspiring, since it's been difficult to have a super strong faith in the work here with things going so slowly with our investigators in Dixon right now. A inspiring and gentle rebuke that the Lord is in control, and that I need to have more faith in Him, and rely more on Him to accomplish what He would have me do. I know that He lives, and that He leads us and guides, even on a daily basis, if we will be humble, ask for direction, then LISTEN. That can be the hardest part sometimes. :P May we all have the ability to move forward, and follow the example of our Savior Jesus Christ, and change. Whatever is holding us back let us change. Our ultimate desire is freedom, and we truly can become free as we master our feelings, appetites, and whatever may push us towards sorrow and misery. Be the master, be the captain of your soul. For that is your unalienable right. This is the test of life.

Congrats on your Cary High “Green Tie Gala” concert Jenna! I wish I could have been there!

Happy 13th Birthday to my little Brother Josh! I know he had a blast at his party.

Also Happy 24th Birthday to my cousin Robert! Hopefully he got my letter that I sent off to Leah...

I hope that everyone is OK. Tornados, huh? I'd have never thought we would have problems with those.

You guys seem to really like Bahama Grill. We'll have to go there. Have you made a list of the top 5 places you want to take me to when I get back? :) I like good food.

So Ben's over here near the West Coast now, huh? That's funny. He's probably in SLC right now. It'll be weird that I wont get to see him for a long time. I hope that he had a chance to write, or that he will have a chance to write at some point. We'll see what happens.

Hey Jenna, How do you like driving on your own? :) I'm sure it's fun.

Have fun camping at Jordan Lake!

Dad's Questions

<<We got an email from a family you met who knows another family here in the Apex Stake. Tell us about that>> The Wadell family is a family here in the ward. Sis Wadell apparently grew up with and/ or college roommates with Sister Garner (in Cary 1st ward?). We stopped by because her son was part of the focus 15, and they both happened to be there, and when I mentioned that I was from around Raleigh she talked about Sis Garner being from Cary. I smiled, and told her that's where I was from. Being here in California I haven't found very many people at all who have heard of it. So it's cool to see how small the world is sometimes.
<<Have you sung or spoken in Church recently? Is your ward all English, or is there a Spanish Branch in Dixon?>> I haven't spoken or sung in church recently, Although I'm part of the ward choir at the members request. We'll be singing this next Sunday, "This is the Christ" I love that song! I remember singing that with our ward choir back home. Oh how I miss it! I am working on building a Spanish branch in Dixon. But for right now it's just an English ward.
<<How are your clothes holding out?>> My clothes are holding out. Everything is flat here, so the biking isn't super strenuous, nor straining on my clothing, and since I'm slimming down, my clothes are fitting better. Things should be fine. I'll let you know if there are any problems.
<<When are transfers? Do you think you’ll stay in Dixon, or do you think you’ll move this time?>> Transfers are next week. Although I'm 99% sure that I'll still be here, so I'm not worried. It's the last 2 transfers after that will keep me guessing. wow... I only have a total of 3 transfers left. 4.5 months... WEIRD and funky, but not quite trippy :-P.

Mom’s Email

I figured that I was going to get asked to speak in the Branch anyway. :) So go ahead and tell them to expect me . I impress everyone out here with my Spanish. I look forward to seeing what they will think of my Spanish now -- I still remember them teasing me about my Spanish before I left.

I hope that the Wells are getting along well. I still need to write Erik back... I wonder if you can ask Sis Wells about his address. Speaking about addresses, have anyone been able to get Uncle Kenny's and Jenny Jump's addresses yet? I have the letters for them written up, but I can;t send them because I still need their current addresses.

:P I sent Leah a letter to her new address already, hopefully she can get it. Have her ask about it, I hope they wont re-send it back before she gets there. I sent it off last week, so it should be there. Hopefully Rob can find it, and the letter I included in Leah's letter for him.

On the school / college front -- I do plan on taking a few courses at Wake Tech or something, but I am going to shoot for working with the Geek Squad at the Best Buy near home, or whatever is available, and I will look for things that will keep me busy. I know that I need to keep moving in order to get back to college, and schooling etc. I should be back in time to be able to schedule stuff myself for BYU, since I _will_ be going there in the Winter Semester 2012. So hopefully I can get started with some art classes and some computing classes since I have a better idea of what I want to shoot for at BYU (their "animation" major check it out at BYU.edu)

I love you all! Have a fantastic week! I will write back to people who send me letters! I've gotten a couple of straight weeks of air-boxes. It's kind of depressing, more so since I'm trying to write absolutely everyone now. :P Anyways, Keep it real!

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Joshua’s Birthday Approaches…

2011-04-12T16:21:00.001-07:00

WOW!! That's cool that Andrew is getting sealed to the Everett family. That just seems so perfect, and right. Wow... I'm sad that I wont be there to see that.

HEY! I need Jenny Jump's and Uncle Kenny's addresses! Please let me know soon.

Dad's Questions (starting with last weeks)

Dixon is a small town along the highway, about 17,000 people. We can bike across it in about 20 minutes. So it can be difficult to plan a full day if everyone isn't home. We do cover area outside the immediate city limits, but it goes out for quite a few miles in many directions, but it's all farming fields, ranches etc. Very sparse population.
We easily ride 10 - 20 miles a day. for the most part. It can vary depending on how we're inspired, and how much we feel like walking instead. But I definitely get my exercise in during the day, and I'm working on getting my exercise at 6:30 in as well, though my legs scream at me for it The bike is doing great. No problems there.
We do have a handful of Spanish people that I'm working with, and we're slowly finding more English people as well. It's getting better as we go along, but the progress is slow here, even though as a zone, and a mission we're still accomplishing miracles, and growing amazingly rapidly! This week found a lady named Karen who is a friend of a less active sister here (out in the boonies). She's just moving in, but we should see her tomorrow! I'm excited to see her. We also found a Spanish guy named Antonio. He was slightly drunk and so he was kinda out of it. But he wants to stop drinking and invited us over to see him again. That will be interesting. I hope that I can catch him early enough so that he's not drunk when we teach him.
For my next package, a couple of cookie mixes would be nice, but other than that whatever you guys feel is good. I like letters, so if you could get letters from Ben or Jordan or anyone that I know there it would be cool. If I have any special requests I'll let you know. (The $20 I had is now gone, because I lent it to a man who had an accident so that he could get his car towed to a shop.) So if I could get $10-20 that would be nice.
Conference rocked, I took a lot of notes, and so I liked parts of all of them. But since we went over Elder Christoffersons talk yesterday in church I've been thinking more about that. It was good. Receiving chastisement. Something we could all learn something from.
At the moment we have about 6 investigators that we see off and on. They are really hard to find sometimes. But we have lots of potentials that we'll be seeing and finding this week, so that number should grow.
Elder Morrison and I get along very well. He is trunky, but he has a strong desire to work hard and accomplish stuff to strengthen the area as he leaves, so no worries there either. I'm slightly affected by his trunky-ness, but I'm focusing on the work here. I don't know if President Bunker will ask me to train, but there's always a chance with these last 3 transfers that I have.
I've been feeling good. Changing is a struggle. It always has, and it always will. I'm making progress as I try to make the best use of my time, and I don't always succeed, but I move forward, and I know that as I continue to strive, and inch my way forward, that I'll make it there. It reminds me of a story, when our young men's group went on the 50 mile canoeing trip. There was a point in the river where we stopped and made camp. It was late afternoon going towards the evening, and we went swimming, because we were all hot and tired from rowing all day. The river currant ran downstream at about 3 miles an hour, so we had a competition to see who could make it to the tower about 150 yards upstream. There were about 13 of us who jumped from the pier and started swimming. about 5 were swept back from the get go, and they gave up just as they began, the strongest swimmers made it there with little to no difficulty, but I think that I was one of the ones in the water the longest, because I just kept swimming against the currant, only inching my way up the river, it was so slow that Bro Wells our young men's president told me to give up. I told in in short breaths to forget it, and that I would make it. I was the last one out of 5 maybe 6 people who made it. So even though I was tired, even though it was difficult, I did it. If you put your mind to it, believe and have faith, and put your actions where your mouth is, then we can make miraculous things happen. I know that there are still blessings in store for me that I need to grow more to achieve, but I'm working hard, and making my way there.

So yeah. I'm doing well, and I'm happy with where I'm at and how I'm doing. I wish you all the best wishes, and pray that God will continue to watch over you and protect you.

Your Missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Conference Time!

2011-04-12T16:15:00.001-07:00

General Conference was amazing! I practiced sketching the speakers heads with varying results of success, and ironically it helped me focus on the core theme and points of the talk, rather than writing every other amazing line that the speaker spoke. There is a good chance that I'll be coming home before the next general conference, which would be funny, and awesome at the same time. I would have only had 3 conferences on the mission, and that means that this will have been the last one. I feel that coming home early will help me be a little more prepared to get ready for BYU, get a job, and spend time with the family & friends. I'm pretty excited, but it means that I'm going to make these last few months the most dedicated, and hard working of my entire mission. :)

I know that Joshua is way excited for his 13th birthday coming up, that should be a great time for him to celebrate. He always makes it a big bash.

It's crazy to hear that all of my best buds are coming off their missions already (Jordan, Andrew), and It just underlines the fact that my own time is limited.

I hope Leah has enjoyed her experience at BYU-I and I know that she'll absolutely love BYU-Provo. I know that BYU-I is great, but I know that Provo rocks! :)

I've been writing a whole lot more people recently, and the trend will continue for the next few months that I'm here. So if you want to write me, you'll definitely get a reply back!

I loved President Uchtdorf’s talks in Priesthood, and Sunday Morning. They were fantastic. He's a very awesomely spiritual man. Definitely one of my favorite speakers.

Things here in Dixon have been a little slow, but this week has a lot of promise with a few part-member families, and several member referrals! So I'm pumped to see what blessings the Lord has in store for me this week.

I want to thank the people that have sent me letters so far, it's a great blessing to hear from you all. I hope that the Lord will bless you and watch over you.

I know that my Redeemer lives, I know that He died for me, and that because of His love that we have a living prophet to speak His word to us. I know that the Book of Mormon is the words of Christ. I know that if we live according to it's precepts we'll come closer to God for it, I know that we have a bright future ahead of us, and that even though these last days may be terrible, they are and will continue to be great as well. I know that the words we have heard this past weekend are inspired words for each of us, and I challenge each and every one of you who reads this to read and ponder over their words, and set some goals on how you can improve in your goal to become more like our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that He loves us, and will bless us in our endeavors.

Your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

April Approaches…

2011-04-12T16:12:00.001-07:00

Mom:

Thanks for the joke about the shoe with the “holy soul” Mom. It really did fit my situation. It's funny how real situations from the mission can be so funny.

Jenna:

Congratulations on getting your license! I'll be getting to go through that experience again, since my license expired out here in CA... :P I'm not looking forward to it though... I hope you enjoy driving! You can go to the library anytime you want now! How cool is that?

I'm really looking forward to general conference. It looks like we'll be watching it from the chapel. That's just a personal preference of my companion. I don't have qualms with it, but we'll see what happens.

It'll be cool that the University Ward will be in the Cary building. I could be apart of the singles ward and still come to our building. Hopefully that will happen by the time I get home.

The painting sounds like yet more housework... I'll see how much has changed since I left in a few months.

I did get my shoes replaced, with a decent looking pair of shoes from Wal-Mart for about $20. If they go bad then I can use the other $20 you sent me for another pair. Thanks Mom.

What's funny about the Gila Valley Temple is that I have LOTS of missionary friends from the MTC who were apart of that in the mission there. So I always smile when I hear about that temple.

Dad:

Congratulations Jenna on getting her driver's license!

I have sent out several letters today. I'll be a lot more diligent with letter-writing here, since there really is nothing else to do.

Ben's going to the temple to prep for his mission! Cool!

We’re pretty busy here. I do have plenty that I can do, especially since I'm the only Spanish speaker here in the Dixon area, so it's funny teaching solo. Finding solo, etc. It's not too bad. I'm working hard and doing everything I can to stay busy.

?'s

Yes I did get the money and the allergy stuff, although the allergies have toned down quite a bit before I got it. I can be sparing with the allergy stuff. I might just take some before going to bed. The money was enough to get me some shoe from Wal-Mart, surprisingly $20. I didn't get the super-wides, but I did get 14W's. So I'm using them right now, and should they fail within a few months I'll keep the extra to buy another pair. I should be fine. Fortunately, biking here isn't too bad on shoes since it's almost completely flat. It's good.
I'm in an official ward. An English ward. With an English companion. Visiting English members. I'm finding and teaching a lot of Spanish people, and thankfully there are a good handful of English people who have served Spanish speaking missions that they can help me. It's a good-sized ward. I'm a little tired, but I'm adjusting to the work of being on bike. I'm slimming down really fast, so I'll be looking really good if I'm bike here for awhile. Like I said before it's a small town so there's one ward, and also it's not too far from the apartment. It's a flat plain. Rice patties. No hills for a long long distance. This week has been filled with rain. So I've been a very wet missionary. This ward reminds me a lot of home, with understandable differences. The people are great, but you can't really talk about all the special people there or you'd never finish.

That's what's happening here. I love you all! I hope everything keeps being as good as it is right now.

Love,

Your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Three Two One Day

2011-03-27T12:39:00.001-07:00

Well Dad, regarding the shoes... :P my left shoe has already ripped through the sole. I can make it work, but I'm guessing that $30 would get me a good pair until I can see if I can buy some boots with my mission card. I would have bought a pair of shoes already, but I absolutely needed a new bike seat. I'm just going to say that I wouldn't be in nearly as good shape as I'm in right now if I hadn't gotten it. So if you could get that to me I'd be grateful. My pants should hold up with this new seat, and especially now that it's in a comfortable position. Things are going good.

I'm now companions with Elder Morrison. He's a great guy. He's going to die in missionary terms at the end of this transfer so I should be here for awhile. I'm adjusting to being on bike a lot more easily than I had imagined. The area is pretty small, and there's a lot of potential for Spanish work. So I'm excited. The ward is really strong, and missionary-minded so I'm excited to work with them. They are great about having the meals covered, and we actually have the less actives wanting to feed us too with our already filled calendar... we'll see what happens. I'm liking the area, but I've had the opportunity to ride in the wind and rain. Oh, and my allergies are acting up more than they have in my entire mission. So Dad if you could send some Benadryl or something for allergies that would be great too. Other than that things are flying by ridiculously fast! I'm amazed that the first week is already over. I wish I had more time to respond to the email, but my time is running out. If you guys can email me on Sunday night or something that would be great. I love you all!

Conference should rock! I still don't know if we're going to be watching it in a members home or not. It'd be nice. I do look forward to some of those techy- geek projects to work on with you Dad. Those will be fun. I need more experience with techy things again. I'm out of the loop. I wish you all with the best week ever!

Love your son and missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Pi Day, P-Day, Transfers!?

2011-03-27T12:36:00.001-07:00

Dad asked me several questions:

Did you get transferred? You sounded like you were pretty certain it would happen. Where are you headed out to?

Yes I did. I'm off to Dixon. That's just a hair from Sacramento. I'll be in a "zebra" with an english missionary who's dying this next transfer. I'm also on bike! :P So my running in the morning ( which I have been doing regularly now), and the biking should slim me up again... although I do worry about how long my shoes will last. I'll see how this week turns out, and let you know more next week.

Conference is coming up! Where are you going to watch it? Are you allowed to go to members homes, or do you have to go to the church?

I have no clue where I'll watch conference. It really depends on the area. I have a feeling that I'll be able to watch it at a members home, but the church is always the fallback. I'll probably have a better idea as to that question's answer next week.

My new address is:

1225 Linford Ln. Apt #D3

Dixon, CA 95620

I’m really bummed the memory card I sent back to you is messed up... I wonder what could have happened to it?... :( I lost some good pictures on there. Hopefully the recovery software works...

I'm not surprised that Ben's going to Japan. :) I'm sure he's really stoked. :P I wish I had the chance to get a letter from him before he left, but now he's going to be busier than ever... *sigh* :) Hopefully Andrew is recovering from having ended his missionary labors. Since I'm going to be in a really small town I'll probably have a lot more time on my hands to write people. :P I really struggle to write. Anyone. So don't feel bad. So I have a big list of people to write, and hopefully I can make it happen.

Enjoy your birthday presents Jenna!

We should definitely have some good places to go out and eat when I get back. I'll forward to that. You guys will have a better idea of the great places to go see. So you guys can make a list of the top 5 to 10 restaurants that you want to visit with me.

Painting / Housework / Home Improvement Projects. They never end. :)

Sorry I didn’t’ write to you last week Dad. With the pictures I sent home last week, and sending emails to Jenna, and Josh, and especially Mom's took a lot more time than I thought. :P So I will focus on getting this letter out first. Have a great week.

Love,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Extra Pictures

2011-03-27T12:28:00.001-07:00

Hey Family! The SD card from my camera is in the mail. For now, I’m sending you a few pictures from people in my district.

Magic 21

2011-03-06T14:11:00.001-08:00

<<Zone Conference Pictures from Sister Bunker’s Blog (Elder Mackelprang’s Mission Mom>>

	Elder Mackelprang and his companion.
	All birthdays in the Napa, San Rafael & Vallejo Zones. Elder Mackelprang is in the middle.

Questions from Dad's Letter:

Q: I have some plans to make a “baby Watson” system. Would you be interested in doing that together later this year?

A: intelligent computers. That sounds really cool! What kind of ?'s would you ask it? I'd like to work on that too.

Q: What are you and your companion doing for your birthday? Teaching lots of discussions? : -) I hope so.

A: We are going to be partially busy on my birthday, but we have a Zone conference that day so I'll get recognition for my birthday, and little song, and a cookie, and then I'll get to move on with working. I do know that a member is planning to make a birthday cake for me :) it should be a good day. We have an even busier day on Wednesday, so hopefully that all works out. I'm excited and looking forward to this week.

Q: How is the work going? Specifically Absolom? (Great name with a sad history by the way : -). I hope things are going well there.

A: The work is doing good. It's still funny to work in Petaluma, but it's nice. There are more people there, but they are weaker when it comes to making and keeping commitments. We weren't able to see Absalom this week. But We'll see him soon. You can't really set up appointments with him. Go figure. But everything is going great.

Q: You’re sounding a bit trunky in your most recent letters – is that a problem, or are you just thinking ahead to coming home? My advice is to lose yourself in the work and let time take care of itself. Thinking too much about home and what you’re going to do “afterwards” will only reduce your effectiveness in the hands of the Lord.

A: I'm not trunky, but I am thinking about how things are going to work out when I come back. I have had struggles, and am trying my best to lose myself in the work. During the week especially I am definitely lost in the work, but P-days just remind me of how little time I have left. It doesn't help when President Bunker asks me how long I've been out with each interview.

Q: Do you have any conferences or temple trips lined up anytime soon?

A: We actually just had the opportunity to go to the temple last Friday, that was enjoyable, and a good learning experience. Like I said earlier we have a zone conference tomorrow. That's all that I can think of right now.

Q: How often do you use your bike? Is it still holding up for you?

A: I don't have to use my bike that much, but it's definitely durable. So it's just fine. It just wears out my clothes, :P especially my shoes. I did learn that I can make my bike pedals shoe friendly by unscrewing the studs on the pedals. That's what I get for knowing nothing about bikes.

I've received everything from you guys but the birthday card. :) If people are going to mail me birthday cards they better do it soon. Transfers are coming up in about 2 weeks, and I'm sure that I'm getting transferred.

My shoes are doing ok. The in-sole died, but the sole of the rest of the shoe is fine. I appreciated Jenna's gift of insoles for Christmas, but those were for women's shoes, and were a little too small to work. I'm using them, and they are comfortable without the insole, so I'll do my best to make it last until I get home. I'll let you know how they are holing up.

Mom's Email

Birthday idea for Jenna’s 16th Birthday - Mom, do you remember when you took me, Eric Wells and John Anderson to that place that was like a theme park, but small? (like Golf 'n' Stuff in Tucson) Maybe you could invite a 2 or 3 of her closer friends, and take her there to go karting, (laser tag?), or some other fun activities. I think that would be a different type of birthday than just a house party like she gets almost every year. It would certainly be memorable. I still remember the karting part. That was fun.

I did tell the family that I'd love to see them all again when I came home. So I'm excited that some of them plan to come out this fall! :) Things are going to be fun when I get home! This may be the best year ever! I'd love to spend Christmas with everyone! I dunno if we can figure out a way that I can visit everyone else as I'm going to BYU or not, but we'll see.

You might be surprised, but I'm not so excited about coming home to lots of house projects... :P but I'll help out anyway that I can.

I did get my hearts package. I thought it was really sweet, and make sure to tell the Ward Youth from mutual that I said thank you! I did get my pants, and they fit great! I'm looking for someone in the wards here to see if they can sew up the legs an inch (into a cuff) so that it isn't so long.

Turning 21- I really don't feel different. I still feel like I'm 19 turning 20. It's like a year of my life didn't happen. :P It's weird.

I promise to send you a copy of what I send to President next week, because I haven't written him still. But I love you all and I hope that all is well!

Your son,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Another P-Day Past and Gone

2011-03-06T13:50:00.001-08:00

Hello All!

This week has actually flown by, as it tends to do nowadays. :P It just means that the end is going to hit me like a punch to the face. It'll be painful to leave this place, and these people, but I know that I'll see these blessed brothers and sisters again. I still have have time yet, so no need to get overly anxious about the end, but it's weird to think that my 6 month count-down begins really soon... Ok anyways. Stuff that happened this week. A couple of things did actually.

We've been having a lot of success with the less actives and helping them come back to church and keep going strong. It's been a blessing to see the change in them to see the light in their eyes from faith and hope, a complete and utter change from what they were before. The gospel, and the atonement really do work miracles, and I have begun to come closer to my Father in Heaven than I ever have before. It's amazing how much your prayers change when you can feel yourself putting your heart before your father in expressing the hopes, dreams, and desires of your soul. I have changed. I have grown. I still have a lot of work to do before I'm done, but I know path that I follow. I know in whom I have trusted. I know my Father. I know that He loves us with a immense, and also intense love. To the point that He looks out for our best interests even if we can't understand the why's of our pains, sorrows, and trials. He is always there to lift our burden if we come to Him. Thanks Dad for the pants. They are greatly appreciated. I look forward to presents and packages you mentioned, and I'm excited to chow down on the present from Marsha! She cooked me 2 fresh loaves bread. It's been almost 2 years since I've had fresh homemade bread... *mouth waters* I'll make it last, don't worry. One loaf per week.

It's so weird that Jordan and Andrew, and the others are ending their missions so soon too.... :-S wow... it seems like yesterday that we had all just gone out... that we got our endowments together... time. is. weird.

Dad, that sounds really cool about the IBM robot <<Note from the editor – I sent Elder Mackelprang an article about the IBM Watson computer program that beat Ken Jennings in Jeopardy>> ... hmmm.... Did it have internet access? How did it write the final jeopardy? That just sounds awesome! I'm so excited to see what happens with the oncoming years how the future begins to change and take form.

Thanks for the spiritual thought as well -- this message seems to be a common one recently. Be of good cheer. If you have a few minutes you should read the letter by my mission president. His words and the talks that he refers to are great examples of how we can apply being of good cheer to our daily lives.

Speaking of all the weird and crazy things that have happened, It won't be long until I'm 21! That's the weirdest thing of all... I have almost no memories of being 20 y.o. It's like that year of my life didn't exist... I'll just go along with everyone and claim I'm 21. :P

I feel that this is appropriate to share, it is one of the most spiritual things that have happened to me on my mission, and it does apply to something said to me in my patriarchal blessing. I think that I said something about Absalom last week, but I could be wrong. But I do feel that he is one of the people that I was sent here to help. He has had many amazing life experiences and done amazing things for the church, but for something that he can't explain (or someone that he can't forgive) he fell off the right path, and has been down a miserable road. He readily admits it, but somehow doesn't think that he can change. These past few lessons with him have been the most spiritual and bold lessons I've ever taught. The most guided that I've felt, and the most personal. I've cried from being so overcome with the spirit there, from how strongly I felt the spirit guiding and testifying to me, yet, he still hasn't changed. I was even prompted to share with him my struggles to get out on a mission, and the promise of my blessing that I would be sent here to find specific people, and again I was prompted to tell him specifically that I knew that he was one of those people that God wanted me to help. My heart is torn and cries for this man. I have that charity for him, and I know that I need that love that Christ-like charity for all of these people to effectively be who God desires me to be, yet that still is a struggle. I hesitate putting my heart on the table before I know the people I'm teaching. I fear that my heart will be torn apart and depreciated. I know that I'll always have the love of my sweetheart Kayla, and all of my family, but I that fear of rejection is something that I still need to overcome. It's one of the few things that hold me back from reaching my full potential. I know that I can do all things, and I know that my Lord and my God is with me. Just as I know that He walks beside each and every one of you. Go forth with faith, and put your heart and trust in God, and He will work mighty miracles in your life. That is my promise as a Personal Representative of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I promise that in the name of Jesus Christ.

I love you, and I pray that God watches over you, and keeps you safe. May you find happiness and peace in your lives as you live the gospel of Christ which gives us light.

Your missionary in California,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-03-06T13:45:00.001-08:00

Hello all! Happy Valentine's Day!

Wow. This week has been insane. Going back and forth to Petaluma and Rohnert Park has been very tiring, but it's worth it. We have more investigators than we know what to do with, and we're rapidly running out of miles... hopefully they'll have the mile-limit redistributed soon, or we may be in trouble. It's funny how different areas that you cover changes the feel of the work in an area. How you feel about the work there, and seems it changes the psyche or perception as well. It's interesting. I love the people here and there, and I love how much easier it is to find and talk to people about the gospel there because all of the Latinos flock together. They're spread out here in Rohnert Park. So I'm still working with figuring out how to best work both areas because it's difficult to find the right balance of attention and resources for these areas. It'll come with time, planning, and listening to the Spirit. It seems that this week went by fast and slow at the same time. I guess it's just the feeling of change from the general routine of our area. I dunno.

I've had a lot of cooking adventures! My ability to cook with random ingredients around the apartment has been greatly improved. I now know 101 different ways to cook pasta, with random ingredients, and still have it be really tasty. I also created my own "Authentic" Mexican breakfast involving hotdogs, Spanish rice, and eggs. I realize that spices can really change how a meal works. I like it! I remember when I was younger and I tried to cook things from random ingredients in the cupboards for my siblings once... I'm sure if they remember that night they'll grimace, and or shudder. I like knowing that I can cook good food from cheap ingredients.

Other than that not much has happened. I had a interesting thought. I was reading in Jesus the Christ earlier this week, in chapter 6 when it was talking about the background of what was up with the Jews up to the time Christ was born. Reading that section made me realize just how much of hypocrites people are today. I can't find the right words to say what I mean here, but it's just like the Jews expected all of their preachers to tie what they taught to some great teacher or the law, just like people today expect you to tie everything back to the bible, or some notable doctorate holding person. You'd understand it better if you read the 6th chapter of Jesus the Christ yourself. Read it and think about the Jews, and their attitude to the attitude of people in the world today.

Well i love you all, I hope that you enjoy the special plans I'm sure you have. I'll do my best to find someone at home to talk to tonight. :P We'll brighten up the night of someone who doesn't have a date. May you all be well, and may God watch over you this week. I know that this church is true! I know that Jesus Christ stands as the living head of it. I know that Christ speaks and leads us through a prophet today! I know that we can avoid pain and sorrow if we heed his councils. We are here to have joy. I know that we can find the most joy by being obedient to God's commandments. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Feburary! V-Day Approaches

2011-03-06T13:43:00.001-08:00

Ok. I'm kind of ticked off at technology for today.... or rather 60 minute library kick off rule... *sigh*

Hello all!

Thanks Dad for your email. I have learned those lessons and many more.

Mom, I appreciated your thoughts, and I do like hearing and feeling how much you love me. Thanks for the package!

The main body of when I was typing at the library got destroyed because I didn't send it before the timer went out... so what I had written is lost. I'm sad. Because I had a lot of cool stuff there.

A few cool happenings from this week:

New Car!! (a '11 Ford Fusion sport.) ;-) gotta love it right? I love that new fresh smell.
We now cover part of Petaluma. The Spanish Elders that were there are now opening up a new area up North.
I'm happy and excited! New responsibilities, but facing the challenges with faith and courage.

I know this church is true! I know it with all of my heart! and I know that this knowledge I have can bless many lives. All who are willing to come unto Christ.

Love,

Your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

(Sent to you through Office Depot) :P

Have a great day!

P-Day! February is Here

2011-02-03T05:02:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-03T04:57:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-03T04:54:00.001-08:00

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

The New Year Progresses

2011-01-13T18:14:00.001-08:00

<<Editors Note: Some Pictures From A Recent Zone Conference – these are thanks to Sis. Bunker (Elder Mackelprang’s Mission Mom)>>

	Elder Mackelprang
	Elder Mackelprang’s Zone.
	Rohnert Park District.

Hello Y'all!

This week has been a great improvement to last weeks misadventures. :) I can definitely see the Lord's hand in the work more from last week where we pressed on, and did our best to keep things moving. From the various missionary meetings we've had, I've learned a lot of new things. They're experimenting something new now with our mission. They've given us a new set of Mormon.org cards and have authorized ALL the missionaries to go onto Mormon.org and become familiar with it so that we can talk to people on the street about it, and invite them to go check it out. I think that it's a great idea to help people realize that we're not just some small non-Christian cult like Anti-Mormon people claim. We're a world-wide Christian church that promotes Christian values and way of life. Sure all of us have our short-comings and pitfalls, but that is our journey. To overcome, and grow from our weaknesses, and become more like our Savior Jesus Christ.

Yesterday, I was teaching the Gospel Principles lesson, and we talked about how God has planned out our lives in a way where we still have our choice, but we can learn from each of those experiences and become more like Him, and His Son. I reflected, and I felt a confirmation by the Spirit, of God's love for me, and all of the many wonderful friends, neighbors, and teachers that I have had, they were all part of the blessings and plan that He has given me. I haven't been perfect. Not by a long shot, but I know that I can move forward knowing that I'm a child of God, and that He loves me, and that I'm helping Him with His work. To share this knowledge of His love with my Brothers and Sisters here in California. People may hate me for it, they may scream at me, and say unkind words, maybe even want to hurt me. But I know that if they knew what I know, their lives would change. I love this work, and I'm grateful to be a missionary.

I'm sorry that there's so little this week, but I promise there'll be more this next week. I hope you are all well, I love y'all! Have fun out there!

Elder Mackelprang

Happy New Years!

2011-01-13T17:56:00.001-08:00

Hello all!

This weeks has been one of the most humbling in my mission. Lots of rain (even more than usual) and being back on bike and car due to lack of miles has really hit Elder Brickey and me hard. It's definitely a good help to my exercise program, but Elder Brickey has already been cursed with two blow-outs on his inner-tube. So I hope that we don't have to utilize the bikes as much. However, with the New Year, came many new lessons and blessings as our hard work and diligence has finally started to pay off. After a long break of finding no new investigators we now have several really good looking prospects, we have finally been able to contact people that we haven't been able to find in awhile, and I'm re-learning again the magical difference it is to have Members accompany us to lessons. It really is an almost night-and-day difference hearing a member testifying and teaching to an investigator about how they've come to know that these things are true. I testify to you that if you want to see miracles happen where you live, volunteer to go out with the missionaries, and you'll see the blessings flow.

It's been a weird thought to think that Leah is just across the mountain from me now. She's at BYU-Idaho, which I personally don't care for as a school, but I'm sure she'll have great times, and experiences there. Good Luck, Leah!

I know it's probably hard for Mom to lose another one out into the world. She'll be back though! She's still going to serve a mission! :) I can't imagine the house without my little crazy, noisy, musical, insanely psycho sister to bring life and laughter into the house. It would be way too quiet. Quiet is good every once in awhile, but there is such a thing as too much of it. :P

It's been very weird to contemplate that I'm actually coming home _this_ year... I feel like haven't been out here all that long, and that I'm just getting into the swing of things. But then there's days where I'm ready for that day to come. I love the work, I love the people, but some days where everything goes wrong, and no one's there tries anyone's patience.

I love you all, and I'm sorry that there's not a whole lot to write about this week, but I'll tell you some of the stories of the miracles that I know will happen this week! The Church is true! The Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ, and those of you who only believe that, should kneel in prayer, and ask God, and I know that He will answer you. Because He loves YOU!

Your missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

December 27 2010

2010-12-28T11:12:00.001-08:00

<<Editor’s Note: We got to talk with Richard on Christmas Eve. It was very nice to speak with him. Richard’s comments about Hope was because she was in AZ attending her grandmother’s funeral.>>

Christmas Dinner

Elder Brickey, Elder Mackelprang, Brother Ravonsheed

Hello Y'all!

:P Dad, other than Leah's crazy pictures of everything, you're the only one to have written me this week. Talk about depressing. Today has been a very bad P-day. Since we have to take the English Elders to do their laundry, and do ours at the same time. It's just a plain time drain. It's irritating that all we managed to get done is shopping and finally emails, with the libraries being closed this week. :( So I really, really hope that we figure out some time saving ways to get our laundry done faster... because this is just ridiculous. We're still not done with laundry, and we're using a LOT of miles to get it done... *sigh* at least in Fairfield we were pretty much 1/2 way done with laundry by 8AM in the morning, but together we'll find a way to make everything pan out.

I've seen on news-clippings that the entire east coast got plastered with snow. I'm sure you've been enjoying it all. I hope Mom has been enjoying the the warm Arizona weather! :) She’ll enjoy getting some of the Arizona sunshine she misses during these winter months.

Leah must have sent me like 20 pictures today, I was kind of blown away when I saw her name dominating the screen when I opened up my email today, it was a nice change to the few emails I usually get each week. By the way, Sayonara Leah! Have fun in Idaho! :)

I'm sure Jenna is loving her kindle. I wonder if she'll ever prefer that over real books though.

I'm also sure that Joshua's ecstatic about getting a gecko. I feel that those would make awesome pets. :P

I'm not sure I can forgive you for buying an Ipad Dad... but we'll see what you do with it ;-).

Christmas. It was a fun morning. I slept in until 7:30AM; I know, I'm crazy right? Elder Brickey (my new comp) had been up a little while earlier and had already gone through all of his gifts. :) He had more of the Christmas spirit in him I guess. He got a lot of professional artwork from his brother in the form of pass-along cards / bookmarks. It's some pretty impressive stuff. I enjoyed all of the little snacks, and things I got from the Christmas package. It was really nice. I especially liked those Christmas Bark things. The new shirts fit like a charm. They are _SOOO_ nice! I love it! I've received several Christmas cards from the ward members back home, and from various relatives. So it's been nice, but I especially enjoyed a special letter from my waiting girlfriend Kayla Swesen. I got some pictures a good letter, with a humorous RM dating application. Words cannot do it justice to describe it, so... I'll leave it at that. Later that Christmas day we went to visit our investigators for tamales... but wouldn't you know it; we got dogged. On Christmas. So we went up to Santa Rosa and spent the majority of the day in Santa Rosa with a more "Americanized" Spanish family for most of the day. We came back to Rohnert park for an appointment later that afternoon, but we got dogged on that one too. We then had dinner with the Gaecominis family, who is an English family in the Rohnert Park 2nd ward along with the other Elders. It was a very nice dinner, with lots of laughs, and good food. So yeah. That's my Christmas for this year.

I love you all, and I hope that you enjoy your holidays and vacations as we look forward to this new year. In which I'm coming home. Weird thought isn't it?

I know this church is true, I know that Joseph Smith saw what he said he saw. He really saw God the Father, and Jesus Christ. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that we can come closer to Him by doing all the small little things that we say in Primary: Saying our prayers, Reading the scriptures, and going to church. the diligence we have to these steps will in great measure affect how our faith strengthens or weakens in the long run.

Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year,

Elder Mackelprang

‘Twas The Week Before Christmas...

2010-12-21T19:59:00.001-08:00

Not-Really-a-P-Day!

:) Christmas is PDAY this week, so it's another wacky week for again. With transfers tomorrow too! I'm staying here. *sigh of relief* I'm getting a younger missionary named Elder Bricky. I hear he's solid and a hard worker, so we should have a good time and get some more stuff done.

Yesterday we finally managed to bring to pass the baptism of Antonio Murga, and his Sister Soladie. They have just been really hard to work with, since we've had trouble keeping contact with them, and getting everything arranged on-time. I'm glad we were finally able to make it happen. Other than that though, things have continued to be slow. It seems like the yearly winter Latino migration has begun, until the rain and chill runs off, and the vineyards open up work again. However, there are Latino families that are still here somewhere. So your prayers to help me find them would be greatly appreciated.

***Super Important*** I'll be making my phone call from a members phone on Christmas Eve at 5pm in Cali. So if I'm still up-to-date with the time change that would be about 7-8PM your time. That should give us an ~1.5hrs to talk. I'll probably be at that members house late since they're feeding us dinner, and all Latinos celebrate Christmas at midnight the 24th. We'll be back before then, but we'll enjoy ourselves with our members.

I did get both packages, and a present from grandma and grandpa, and post cards from Pres. Maxwell, the Everetts, (yours), and Uncle Kenny's. So it's been nice having more mail than usual.

I really do miss the Neighborhood activity night of caroling it was always awesome to be able to go out and sing, and harmonize... it's really a lacking gift in the world...

Leah! Congratulations! Graduation! you definitely must be excited to be going to BYU-I! You'll be that much closer to Matthew in Colorado! ;-) Your mail will get to him faster that's for sure.

The Weather here has finally gone to the wet and chilly side. It'll probably be that way for the next couple of months... :P At least in NC the sun came out a little more often between days of rain/sleet/ and snow.

That's about everything that's been going on, so I'll bring you up-to-date with what happens next week, next time.

I know that this church is true, and that my Savior lives! The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and will bless our lives if we read from it.

Love,

Your missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

P-DAY!!

2010-12-19T17:37:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEAH!!!

HAPPY GRADUATION TOO!!

Funny how they happened to come at the same time, huh? Who'd a thought. I'm sure it's a double whammy for receiving cards and stuff. :P

Christmas time is here! I still don't know if I'll be here for Christmas. Since transfers happen on Dec 21st (I know it sucks). It may be that President will surprise me again and transfer me after one transfer here in Rohnert Park. Because of that I don't know when phone calls are going to be. I'll let you know next week as we figure out what's going on with transfers. I really hope that I get to stay. It's a lovely place here.

I hope you feel better Jenna!

Ben Everett starting his mission papers -- I knew that this day would come, but I forgot that it would be this soon. I was just thinking a few days ago about when he'd do that. Keep me posted. I really want to write him, so hopefully I wont be spending all of my real P-day (temple trip p-day) this Friday on cleaning our apartment. You have no idea how hard I would laugh if Ben got called here, and to Spanish, and if I trained him... that really would be funny. We'd get to know each other a whole lot better.

You guys would be jealous of the weather here. It's a continuous 55-60 degree weather __All__Day__Long__. I hope I don't get too soft from being out here.

Sounds like you need another pair of hands to finish your house projects again! :P I'll see what I can do about that. I'll think about it for another 10 months. ;-)

The ward parties here have been fun, and many of them wouldn't have happened without our help. :P It's funny what we missionaries do in the background of things.

Dad, I don't think I've ever been to Magianno's so maybe we'll go there someday.

Well, it's a short P-day today, but I'm really excited for the _ALL_ mission conference this Wednesday (yep Leah's birthday) :) that will be fun. The 1st all mission conference ever in my time here, and probably my last. I love you all and I hope you have a fantastic Christmas.

Love,

Your missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

Christmas Season Has Begun!

2010-12-07T17:31:00.001-08:00

We got two emails from Elder Mackelprang this week:

Hey Mom!

:) This week has been awesome! and to make you guys happier this week I have some surprise pictures! I wish I could send some of these as Christmas cards, but alas I have no extra money whatsoever :P. It really is tough to live off just a missionary budget. I'm really looking forward to watching movies, (and maybe some games) on the projector in the theater room!! That should be fun. I'm glad that you're feeling better. It's officially been a year since I've come out to California! Weird!! :S 10 months to go, you can count them on your hands!

Enjoy!! Have a fantastic Christmas! (Let me know about what traditions/ activities you guys are doing for Christmas!)

Love your son,

Richard

Hello All!

This week has continued to be slow, but it's slowly but surely improving. Hopefully, we can continue that trend through Christmas, but we'll see how it goes. This next week should be full and productive, but next week is FULL of stuff to do with the all-mission conference (1st one since I've been here) temple trip, and several baptisms on the weekend. It will be nice to have so many highlights before transfers that week.

I'm missing the snow, but I'm sure I'll get more than my fill when I go back to BYU during the winter semester, and it's crazy to see how much Josh has grown... :P 10 more months we'll see who's the stronger one right Josh?

We've helped several members move, and had a Christmas party this past Saturday! That was fun, we had 6 piñatas and LOTS of tamales. :) I was very happy. I did get a chance to swing at the piñatas, but the blindfold was too good this time. ;) I didn't break it.

The picture with the Santa clause is kind of funny because, we didn't realize until we tried getting our picture with him that he was drunk, _way_ drunk. He was still coherent, but it was also messing with his head a little bit. He was a nice guy being a Santa in front of his own house, so I give him props.

Umm... I'm working on singing another song in sacrament meeting, but this time it'll be in Spanish, and it'll be a duet with one of the Spanish members. It should be fun! I hope that I also get a chance to be apart of the ward choir, even if we only sing one song.

The church is true! (by the way, Dad, for Gospel Studies each morning, we usually study something from Preach My Gospel)

I love you all and I'm glad things are going great back home!

Love,

Your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Last Thanksgiving

2010-12-05T16:02:00.001-08:00

Hello again!

Thanksgiving has come and gone! My last one on the mission! :S Weird! It was a great day! But a terrible week for lessons! :(

We only got a grand total of 4 lessons this week! our usual is about 13. We had at least 9 people cancel on us... so we were happy to have a mid-week P-day! It was a day where I could write letters, and I did write some, and I got some sent off in the mail last Friday, so they should be coming soon. You guys will be getting the baptism picture soon. I'm not in it because I wasn't able to go... but oh well.

Some more of my investigators got baptized last Saturday! Not all 3 of them, but one of them did, and another one will this coming Saturday, and hopefully the last of them will get baptized soon. As for other activities, I got to play tackle football (yes, full tackle). That was fun, no one got hurt, but there were some pretty crazy hits. My knee started acting up while we were playing soccer a little while after, but it's improving quite a bit. We had quite a few missionaries in our apartment for Lunch, and then we had 2 Thanksgiving dinners, Mexicano-style! I love how they flavor their turkey, and meat! It's better than most turkeys I've ever had. So yeah, it was a LOT of food... :P I better start working out harder now. ;)

That's Thanksgiving in-a-nutshell. However, last Saturday, I got to attend my first Mexican Wedding... Oh man! :D Talk about wild, and awesome! It wasn't too bad since we were in the church building for the wedding, but I was really impressed at how good it was, and how cheap it was too. ~$1,500 for everything. We helped put up some decorations, and that's where our dinner was since the entire branch was there for the wedding. It was great, and a great motivator to me to get more into shape so that I can do some dancing when I get home! I think I have a waltz already waiting for me. ;-) So yeah... that's about it. Studying has been good. Nothing spectacularly mind-blowing, but it's funny how the simplest things are really the most sophisticated sometimes. We just recently got the Ensign, and I've been reading through it this week, and I'm reminded on how amazing some of those Conference talks were. I recommend you read them again.

Well I'm glad everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving, and I hope everyone continues to do well.

Love your Missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Thanksgiving Week

2010-12-05T15:59:00.001-08:00

Well... There's not really anything to note about what's happened this week. It's starting to rain more and more frequently, and it's finally starting to turn chilly. It'll be nice once this weather finally starts moving on, and then I can probably send home my rain jacket about Mid-March. An umbrella should be able to take care of me from that point on. We have a baptism of a 12 year old kid this Sunday! We taught him all of the lessons in about 30 minutes. I wonder if that's a record? :) We also have another awesome investigator that we hope will be ready to be baptized in December. She just needs to sit down and talk with her family, which she's planning to do on Dec 4th (it's a big challenge for her) her name's Alex.

Yeah... this week should be more fun with Thanksgiving, and some other surprises. I'll let you know more in my letter this week, and next Monday.

So to answer your ?'s:

Yep as you should be able to tell with the address I sent you guys last week I'm in an apartment. No new pictures yet, but I'll get some, it's nothing really excited though. Rohnert Park is an awesome area, it's a little lacking of Spanish people. They're very hard to find, and most of them speak perfect English anyways, so it's a work in progress.
The chapel is about ~3 miles away from the apartment.
I did get a copy of the picture from the baptism in my last area that I'm sending home to you guys of the baptism last week, I'll be sending it home to you guys here shortly.
Thanksgiving is a P-day for us, so today is technically cut a little short. We'll be playing Soccer, and Football for the Turkey bowl, and we have several meals planned with members. So it should be a nice relaxing day. I would've enjoyed going to Aunt Marsha's house, but the plans for Thanksgiving were already laid down when I got here.
There's not really much to say about Elder Coburn, he's a funny goofy guy. He loves the work and the area, and we're working hard. The area can be a tough nut to crack sometimes, but it's a good area. The members here have a very crazy sense of humor. They are probably more light-hearted than most of the other areas that I've been to.
The pants and the shoes that you sent from the Missionary Mall work and fit perfectly. Thanks. If they need any hemming or changing, I know some members who will be willing to help out. She's rather good at sewing.

I love you all, and I hope everything's going well,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Elder Mackelprang

Mid November

2010-11-15T18:38:00.001-08:00

Hey all! This week has been super fast, which us different for when you're coming into a new area, but I guess having lots of festivities with the ward and some of your investigators makes things fly by fast! I also want to shout out to my Grandpa and Grandma's on another happy birthday! Here's a rundown on Dad's ?'s:

My comp's name is Elder Coburn, he's been out one more transfer than I have, He's from Utah (go figure), and he's an awesome guy. He's a little reserved at times when we're in the apartment, but he's out-going and lively with all of the branch members out here. We get along well, sometimes it's interesting to try to adjust to a new companion, especially after one that has been almost perfectly unified with you like Elder Zufelt and I.
Rohnert park is surprisingly small. We're actually _just_ outside of the Santa Rosa zone, but we're allowed over there on P-days and what-not (Christmas will be ok). We live in an apartment, we still have a car, and we do actually use bikes occasionally. The Branch out here is supposed to be one of the closest to becoming a ward! So we'll see if I can help that along!
YES! All 3 baptisms worked out last Saturday, and Elder Zufelt promised to send me pictures of it, so I'll get them to you when I get them. I wasn't able to be there with them though... new mission policy. However, what's awesome is that there are 3 more of my investigators that are getting baptized in 2 weeks! It makes me feel really good to know that my time and effort in Fairfield is already bearing fruit.
The weather has been rather variable lately. Some days are Cool California Sunny Days, and others are chilly, cloudy and blustery. However, you can definitely tell or feel the change in the season. It's more mental than anything I can describe

(!!!) My new address is:

166 Santa Alicia Dr. Apt# 23

Rohnert Park, CA 94928

As much as I would want to go to Aunt Marsha's for Thanksgiving and Christmas it would seem that we already have plans for Thanksgiving. However, since Transfers are the 21st of Dec I'm positive that we can plan another Christmas meal (another breakfast would be absolutely amazing!) I'll figure out the details in the next few weeks.

I'm sad to hear that Great-Grandma Gardner is approaching the veil rather quickly... I might be hoping for a lot to see her before she goes, but the Lord knows the time. Whether that be sooner or later.

Thanks grandma for those quotes! I'll need to bring some change to print them out next week.

I miss the autumn leaves in NC, there's some of it here, but not nearly as much vibrancy of color, nor as many trees. I'm looking forward to coming home to that as well as going camping and the wonderful camping food! You really miss when you can't do anything outdoorsy very often.

One of these P-days soon we'll be going to see the redwoods again! I'll have my camera, and there will be pictures!

I'll be doing a quick reply with pictures!

I love y'all! Have a great week!

Elder Mackelprang

	Half-mission conference. Elder Mackelprang is on the far right of the photo.
	Elder Mackelprang along with his district.
	Elder Mackelprang shaking hands with Elder Golden from the 70.
	Elder Mackelprang’s pumpkin.
	Elder Zufelt’s Pumpkin.
	Elder Zufelt with some investigators and members from the branch.

Happy P Day! (November 8 2010)

2010-11-08T17:00:00.001-08:00

We had a mission conference this week with Elder Golden. Man... that was pretty intense! I'm always amazed at what your learn when a general authority starts speaking.

I had the opportunity to eat lunch with Aunt Marsha due to a series of unfortunate events that cancelled our planned temple trip for last week. I had asked Aunt Marsha for a ride, and invited her to come with us, but our District leader for solid reason didn't want to go, and so none of us could because he's the district leader. So yeah I was disappointed about that, but I invited Aunt Marsha out to lunch to make things up to her. :) It's hard to believe it's almost already been a year since I've last seen her. Time has flown by.

Stake Conference is always amazing, and it's funny for me to think and compare how it's so similar to zone conferences out here on the mission! It's always uplifting, and you leave knowing where your focus needs to be next. That's something I hope to keep up after the mission.

Some questions for you:

Did you get your new shoes yet? I know you wanted them for Christmas, but you'll have them early :-)

Yes I did, they are wonderful, and according to the chiropractic that we visit it's doing wonders for my back, and posture, dealing with strains, etc.

How many shirts do you think you want for Christmas? I was planning on three of them, all long sleeve. Let me know if that's different from what you really want.

Actually most of what I need are new short sleeves. I was thinking 3 short sleeves, and 1 long.

Do you have any "special" requests for your goodie package for Christmas? Our plan is to do something similar to what we did last year, so if you have any special requests, let us know soon (we have to send it off pretty quickly).

I like it being a little surprising, but I will ask that you send me a little bit of money to go out to eat, since my mission budget doesn't allow me to do that next to never.

At the mission conference, try to get in several pictures if you can. Try not to be in the back row also :-) Almost all the zone/mission pictures I've seen of you have you in the back.

Sorry it's already over, but I know that Sis Bunker took a picture of me, Elder Zufelt, another companion ship we serve with, and also Elders Bittner and Knowles with whom I've previously served.

Well transfers are here!! I'm off to Rohnert Park! (a little south of Rosa.)

I don't have the address with me so I'll have to mail it to you with the letter to the ward I've been working on. (I might be able to have Thanksgiving with Aunt Marsha if things work out. She's pretty close to my new area.)

I love you all, and the best news is that we have 3 baptisms this Saturday! Anita, and her kids Alejandro and Ana are getting baptized. I love that family, and I'm happy that they've finally made all of the necessary steps to make it into the waters of baptism! Even if it is right as I leave. (It's alright, it seems to happen all the time, but now the rules are that missionaries leaving an area aren't supposed to come back to see the baptism just for the baptism. So I'll hope that Elder Zufelt takes good pictures.

I'm doing great, and I hope you all are doing the same!

Elder Mackelprang

P-Day! (Transfers NEXT Week)

2010-11-02T15:44:00.001-07:00

Sorry mom, Transfers are next week. I'll know what happens next Sunday. From what I hear from my Zone Leaders, things may not be so crazy this transfer, but the next one. 2 days before Christmas.. :( that will be bad timing.

I was a chili judge for the trunk or treat here in Fairfield. I burnt my tongue and the roof of my mouth especially, but the chili was good, and I enjoyed mixing them up and throwing in some jalapenos!
As part of a stake activity there is a massive pumpkin carving at someone's house, and anybody and everybody is invited to carve pumpkins. So we went with our investigators, and carved some. I carved a Luigi pumpkin to be a companion to someone's Mario. They're lighting them up again tonight. I'll take a picture of it lit up, and send it to you guys.
Officially I've had 4 Spanish companions, during this year. I've been here in Fairfield for 6 months now.
I'm sure Dad wasn't liking the work or the extreme cold coming upon him up there in Canada.
It's funny how all of the parties seem to start right around Halloween and don't end until January. :P I'm enjoying being a part of more activities this Holiday season, compared to last year. I'll also enjoy leaving the mission next year before everything starts turning rainy, windy, and cold. Perfect timing.
You're right I would enjoy the mega-hot chili Brother Lete made. I eat habanero chilies. Ask any Spanish branch member about that. They might be impressed. I was actually one of the judges for the chili cook-off here in Fairfield. :'( Burnt my mouth a few times... not from it being too spicy, but because they were too hot (temperature-wise). But It was a great activity. We had a lot of support from the branch too.
I don't remember Bunko, but if it's what I think it is that sounds like fun! I hope that we can get some fun times going on when I get home.
I miss being in the choir and singing. There really isn't enough of it out here... *sigh* I miss Cary 2nd Ward.
I have pictures of a pumpkin carving I did as an activity with my investigators. I'll send you the pictures on my technical P-Day this Thursday when I have a temple trip. (Hopefully if all goes well I can ask Aunt Marsha to take us down!)
That's cool that you were watching home videos. We had some funny ones. I really need to make to sure to take more pictures, or videos when I'm raising my family.

I can’t believe it’s November already!? Time is really flying.

That's crazy that Andrew (Elder Roberts) is almost done... I guess he can email me regularly and then I can start sending him little email notes on P-Days! I know who else he's going to be emailing as well! ;-)

Well I love you all, and I hope that things keep staying good at home. I know that this church is true, and I know it with all of my heart.

Be good!

Love,

Your Missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

P-Day! Fall Is Upon Us

2010-10-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

<<Editors note – In this week’s email, Richard jumps right in and starts addressing points made in the several family emails he received this week. Regarding the play Jenna was in – Midsummer Nights Dream from Shakespeare>>

Yeah, the plays end up taking a lot of crunch time the nights before the performances, but it's worth it most of the time. It was nicer being able to drive myself and not have to drive the family crazy with the play's whacked out schedule. I've heard that Toy Story 3 is pretty awesome, I hope you enjoy it.

<<Regarding Joshua’s working on the Cooking merit badge by cooking for the family for three straight days>>

Cooking just seems to run in our family ;-) it'll be interesting to see what Josh and I can cook up together when I get back. I didn't like Family Life merit badge at all either. I didn't mind doing the chores, but having to keep track of it all was a pain.

I don't doubt that Joshua's voice has been deepening like crazy. how much has he grown height-wise? A lot I can imagine.

<<Regarding Hope and Leah singing at the Ward Primary Program>>

We'll be joining the English ward next week for a primary performance ourselves. I'm looking forward to it. I doubt they're as good as Bro. Watkins though. I miss all of the musical talent of our ward... *sigh* I'll miss it a LOT since I'll only have a few months there at home before I'm off again too.

<<Regarding some of the ongoing renovations going on at our house>>

:P I know that most of the damage is done on wrecking the house. It's mostly inside repair jobs, and what-not, but I'm sure it'll feel completely different when I come home.

Mom, if you want to find a poem to send me, send one about being valiant, or courageous.

<<Regarding being halfway done with his mission>>

Yep, past the year mark. Every day is my last day of being a missionary on next calendar year!

<<Regarding writing a letter to the ward to tell everyone how things are going>>

Yeah, I'll see what I can do to get a ward letter out this week. I should have some extra time, but this week is going to be filled with more excitement than many of my weeks past. We have lots of events going on with the ward, stake, and our investigators. I'm excited to be able to spend some more social time with them. I might even get a chance to carve a pumpkin this year!

I still haven't heard from Jenna yet, to tell me how it's been going. I hope that she's been enjoying herself.

<<Regarding an upcoming business trip I’m taking to Canada>>

I hope you enjoy your first real hockey game Dad! Not to mention your working vacation (;-) in Canada.

<<Are you moving?>> I'm positive that I'm moving, but heaven knows where.
<<Any investigator news?>> Nothing much has changed with my investigators. We have a few potentials that are looking good, but other than the usual encouraging our investigators to make the changes they need to (like getting married) before getting baptized. They all have some small roadblock that they need to work through.
<<Any pictures for us?>> I just sent you some pictures in my letter this week. Mom should have it by today. With the card and the stuff I promised last week.

Well, I'm running out of time... :P Sorry that this week's a little less meatier than usual, but I'll send the ward letter home this week, and that'll have some good stuff for y'all!

I'm happy to be out here, and I hope that you all find more ways to strengthen your faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Your Missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

Week 55

2010-10-19T15:35:00.001-07:00

Hey guys!

:P It's funny to me when you say that the 25 years you and Mom have been married seem so short, to me it seems like you guys have been together forever already, but time started slower for me, so I guess it all makes sense.

Going back to BYU for me should be pretty cheap especially if I nail an RA (Resident Assistant) job. That would be a great job, and would really help pay for tuition and books. I was already planning on getting a job in one of their computer labs to assist people. I heard they get paid about $13 an hour, which I think is pretty good. We'll see how that's changed when I actually get there. I am wanting to be an RA for an entire years worth of schooling until I can get good enough grades to get scholarships, but again we'll see how it goes.

:( It's sad that Leah wont be coming along to BYU- Provo... but I’m excited she’s getting to go to BYU – Idaho. She’ll love it there.

Mom, I think that if you could make and send me some of your bread, it would be awesome, but I don't know how it'll survive shipping during this 6 month rainy-cloudy season, but it's worth a shot. I do miss your home cooked bread.

I do hope to have the chance to see Jenna perform in concert chorus (and in a play). I'm glad that she enjoys it so much. I know that it will help her make good friends, and enjoy school more.

It's wild that Ben's already getting ready for his mission... :P He'll leave right as I have 6 months left for my mission. Just watch and see. Yep, same ol' Ben.

Yeah... Even though I’ll be coming home in October, I'm definitely not excited for fall raking.

Well this is the first time I've heard anything about missionary work and being on facebook... maybe that's what they'll be talking to us about at this next half-mission conference this November... (after checking out the mission blog) It seems interesting enough. That's something that I would enjoy doing as a missionary to blog my adventures, talk about my gospel questions and answer peoples questions about the Gospel. It sounds like something that my patriarchal blessing mentioned about other responsibilities beyond proselyting... but hey we'll see what happens and where it goes. (FYI transfers are Nov 7th)

I will be sending a letter soon with a couple of pictures of me and Elder Zufelt, and the 1st talk I gave here on the mission. Which I gave yesterday, on missionary work. I enjoyed it, and it made me reflect on the last time I tried to give a talk in Spanish in the branch back home. It made me laugh inside. I hope you enjoy it.

Doing the crown molding in the living room using an air compressor must have been very noisy and irritating, but they sure do get the job done.

I did get your package, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I enjoyed Mom's little notes on everything. It was special. I thought that it was funny that she sent me out the EFY "thank you" notes that I got from my group. That was a funny little memory.

Well I hope that things are going good with the complete house reconstruction while I'm gone! ;-) It'll be weird to come back to when I come home.

Well as far as missionary work goes, Elder Z and I are doing great! Not a whole lot has changed. We're still working with Anita, and her 3 children who are steadily coming closer and closer to baptism, and also with Janet who should already be a member (she already studies from all of the standard works, and is loving Principles of the Gospel), but has to work through to get a divorce from her first husband. We're increasing the effort we're putting into getting more members up and excited about missionary work, and I think that we helped a lot with our talks that we gave yesterday. (Mom will have fun trying to decipher it when she gets my letter) That's all for now, but we have some good looking prospects coming up on the horizon.

I know the church is true, and I know that the Book of Mormon is more of God's word for us, His children. Read It!

I love y'all!

Elder Mackelprang

10/10/10 Day

2010-10-19T15:25:00.001-07:00

	Fairfield Zone Zone Conference
	Lunch at Zone Conference

<<The pictures above were stolen from the Santa Rosa Mission Blog site. This was a zone conference earlier this month in Fairfield.>>

Yesterday I was in Stake Conference, so these past 2 weeks have been jam packed and crazy schedule wise.

Things have been great, and I'm happy out here. I don't really have much to say about this week other than tat it's great to see the miraculous changes in my investigators and the tiny little miracles that I get to see everyday. Unfortunately, I have a very limited time window for emails today thanks to Columbus day, so I'll finish my letter to president, and let Elder Zufelt write. I hope you guys have a fantastic week!

I'm glad that everything is going well at home.

I know that the church is true, and I know that we have a living prophet among us, who leads and guides us in our days, if we only listen and follow his council we will find peace and happiness in our lives.

Love your son,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Half-Way Home

2010-10-05T04:32:00.001-07:00

You've said it! Time has flown by this entire month, and especially this past week! Conference was great, and I loved the things that I learned. For the most part I was at the Stake Center here in Fairfield, but on Sunday we got to stay with our member family with a waffle breakfast. That was highly enjoyable.

The weather here has been cooling off really well! I've been enjoying it, because it's just right, right on the cooler / cold side with a touch of wind. I hope the weather is good for when you guys go on your 5k run/walk! That sounds like fun! Good luck!

Oh! A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to go to the temple again! I also did a temple session in Spanish! I loved it! It's really cool in Spanish. Although having to remember some of the longer and more specific words they use can be difficult. It was nice for a change to be there with many of our branch members, and it was a very sweet experience. I hope to be able to do something like that again.

Thanks for the shoes and the pants, they'll come in handy, and I'll do my best to keep them in good shape, so that they last longer. I can do without some new shirts for awhile, but a few of my short sleeves are slowly dying. Good thing that it'll be mainly long sleeve season here pretty soon.

I haven't got the package you sent yet, but I'll be watching for it. Just a reminder, I'm living with a member in their home. It's a nice place. It's funny that you haven't changed the address in your book, Mom. That address was from 6 months ago (almost)! It's weird that it really has been that long.

Have a wonderful week guys! i love you all!

Your son and brother,

Richard Mackelprang

PS Hey Leah! Way haven't you written me yet? ;-)

P-DAY again!

2010-09-28T16:25:00.001-07:00

Hello!

Well, I'm still here in Fairfield, so there's no new address to worry about for another 6 weeks.

Use the shirt measurements that I sent you a few weeks back, not the shirt measurements from the Missionary Mall forward. It should be in the email from 2 weeks ago. The measurements for the shoes is right on! So don't worry about that. It's been pretty hot out here too, and it will remain that way until the end of this week! :( I'm really thankful that I have a car! I'm glad that I'm still here for transfers, but were running into some obstacles with our investigators... *sigh* the two families are super solid, but Satan like always wants to break them down and stop them from coming to church and from listening to us. So we're still working with them, but we should have Ana and her family baptized on Oct 17th due to conference and stake meetings. I'm really excited for general conference, and the messages we'll receive! I'll probably be listening to it from the chapel here, but I'll still look to see if there's a member that wouldn't mind us coming over. It'll be weird knowing that it officially marks me as half done though... I'm glad that you guys had fun camping, I remember some really fun times that we had camping, like when we had an Everackelson trip to a relative of the Everett's cabin. That would be a cool spot to go to again.

Yep, there's too many places to go to, and to see when I come home. I've been thinking about coming home a month or two early to see if I could prepare myself for going back to BYU, getting a part-time job, and going to Wake Tech for a couple of computer classes, or something... I'm still thinking about it, and if it'd be worth it to leave early or stay until next October. It'd be funny if I got transferred over to Santa Rosa again next transfer just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas! ;-) We'll see though. I don't imagine that I'd still be here after this next transfer. (next transfer will be Nov 9th)

I'm still here with Elder Z, and I've got a few new pictures, but I didn't bring my camera, so I may have to send the pictures later... I should get a few new ones today too.

Here's a cute little story about yesterday. The members were asking who was going and staying, especially the kids of the ward mission leaders family. Since nothing was happening we decided to play a joke on the kids and say that Elder Z was leaving, but I was the one who was going to tell them. So I go up and tell them that one of the Elders is leaving. One the girls (a family of 4 girls) in particular, named Kimberly (8 years old), Stood frozen, and ever so slowly turned towards me with a really sad, heart-broken face and asked me if I was leaving, and I told her no and she was totally relieved. I told her about Elder Z, and she didn't really care. I guess there are some people here who are really attached to me! :P That was a cute little moment.

Well the works progressing well, and I'm glad everything's great on the home front. Keep up the good work, and enjoy your new fall weather. I'm not excited for all of the rain and wind that shall be falling my way shortly. But, it's only for a few months, then I'll be home free after next March. I'll probably send a package with my raincoats / jackets around that time next year. :) so I have less stuff to worry about packing. I love you guys! Have a great week!

Your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

P-day! Impending Transfers next week!

2010-09-28T16:19:00.001-07:00

Hey y'all!

This week has flown by fast! This transfer has too! It'll be a new transfer next week, and it'll mark my year point and half-way mark of my mission... Man time has flown! You think it can't go faster then you look and say, "Wait... wasn't it P-day yesterday!?" :P Things are going great with the work here, and our investigators are progressing towards their baptismal dates. It's great to see the power of faith, and following the commandments, and reading the scriptures have on changing lives! I'm getting more and more attached to these people here, so it'll be hard if they do end up transferring me next week... so I'll let you know what's happening come this next Monday. P.S. *HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!*

In regards to your ?'s

<<Do you have electronic versions of the paper pictures you sent in your paper letter last week?>> Nope, I don't have electronic copies. Those are pictures from Elder Knowles that he promised to send me.

I hope y'all enjoy camping. Is that where you're going to celebrate your birthday? (you might be getting something in the mail as well)

It makes me laugh when I hear that you're working on the house. I always tell other missionaries when we talk about home, that it wont be my house when I get back to it! You'll have done everything except condemn it, wreck it and rebuild it from scratch! Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but not by much! ;)

I've seen that type of blender in action. One of our members has one, and I actually had to figure out how to work for them! :P So I'll know how to make shakes when I get home!

There are some members who own a amusement park around here, that said something about free laser tag for the missionaries today... we'll see if I can find some good picture moments from that! ;-) I still haven't heard from the other missionaries today, but we were excited to go as an entire zone for laser tag!

:P I still need to find more picture opportunities. Sometimes I feel like I'm just not inclined to find and take pictures. I need to work on that. I will find some pictures to take and send to you guys soon though.

I know that this is Christ's true church, and that The Bible and the Book of Mormon are the words of Christ for us in this day, and that studying from them can help us in whatever problem we may have. I know that my Savior lives, and that He loves each, and everyone of us. May you all have a fantastic week!

Your friend, and missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

Another P-Day!

2010-09-14T15:16:00.001-07:00

Elder Zufelt & Elder Mackelprang showing up for President interviews at the chapel.

11 months. Already!? Next month will be a year... it's gone by really super fast. My last Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas in the mission... weird indeed. So yeah. I'm going to talk Elder Zufelt into going and finding some good picture taking spots so that I can send you guys some fun / cool pictures.

I did get the Cd's from the distribution center, it was the day that you sent me the copy of the receipt. It was pretty fast! Ana is loving the Cd's and is also trying to learn to read on her own as well. She's an awesome investigator.

Other than the picture above, I don't think there are any others. That was taken at President Interviews. Which were nice and interesting. He definitely supported my weight loss program idea, and he's going to follow up with me on how I'm doing, etc. I should be nice to have a little extra support from out here to help me. I don't believe there are any other pictures at this moment. See above about more pictures.

The only really cool thing that I can think of is that we had tons of investigators at church, and also a good amount of less actives as well! It really filled my heart to see them there, and happy with us. I did hear a cool experience from a sister missionary that came late to the intro to the mission at President's house that first night. She told me and Elder Zufelt that we stood out from among the other missionaries through our humility and respect for our calling, and she said that we glowed or radiated with it. It's always cool to hear how other people see/ are influenced by our examples especially when we are just being ourselves. I'll pay more attention to see what else would be a cool sharing experience for next week. Oh! This would make you smile Dad. We have an investigator and his friend (will be an investigator soon! ;-) who are going to seminary! (Ana's son Gonzalo and his friend Feernando) Yep! They're ready and willing to make a change in their lives and are going to seminary! They're even learning about the Doctrine and Covenants! how cool is that!? Gonzalo wants to be baptized soon, and we hope to follow suit with his friend.

It is weird that Lars is going home right about now, but it makes sense since he left right as I went to BYU. So we'll see what happens. Hopefully, I can get his new email address and figure out how to keep in touch with him since I flopped on sending him any letters :-S I'd like to go visit Germany one day.

The shirts are: Galleria, 65% cotton 35% poly, neck size 19, half sleeves, BIG. I'd like 3 short sleeves and 1 long sleeve if that's possible, maybe an extra one if it's within Grandma and Grandpa's budget. Thanks a lot!! Shoe sizes? I didn't get those down... for Sunday shoes or regular running shoes? I'd probably just go shopping for shoes myself since I want to make sure it's a good fit before I buy shoes. I'll let you know when I plan to go shopping for some.

We'll probably watch conference at a chapel somewhere, but I have watched from a members house before. So it will just depend I guess. I definitely enjoy conference as well. It's funny how they mark each of my 6 month marks in the mission.

I definitely enjoyed your scripture (see below), I hope to live up to that everyday.

13 Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thrash the nations by the power of my Spirit;

14 And their arm shall be my arm, and I will be their shield and their buckler; and I will gird up their loins, and they shall fight manfully for me; and their enemies shall be under their feet; and I will let fall the sword in their behalf, and by the fire of mine indignation will I preserve them.

15 And the poor and the meek shall have the gospel preached unto them, and they shall be looking forth for the time of my coming, for it is nigh at hand—

I love y'all and I hope things continue to be good and move forward! I know that this church is true! and that Christ lives!

Your missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

P-Day!!! Sept. 6 2010

2010-09-14T15:07:00.001-07:00

Hello Y'all!

^^ This has been a good week albeit a really fast one! I don't have any new pictures for this email, but I promise I'll have more next week. :P I kinda feel bad because I feel like I have writers block right now... hmm....

Well things have been great here. Busy and going well! I had the opportunity to go on exchanges with a greeny named Elder Bacon ;-) I thought that was a funny name, but he's a great Elder. Diligent, and hardworking. I do hope I get a chance to train someone... but we'll see if that's what the Lord has in store for me. It's great to get some quality pictures of you guys. I printed the black and white one, but Leah go cropped off... :( Maybe you guys can send a copy of those pictures with the package in a week or two. Technically, I am the senior companion between me and Elder Zufelt, but it gets weird when you have the same amount of time in the mission, since they never specify whether you are the senior companion or not. So it's laid back between us, on what we do, and how we do it. I usually have to come up with the ideas of things to do since he's still adjusting to everything here, but he's learning fast and we work well as a team.

I spent a chunk of money on the debit card on the 31st because there was a clearance sale on all of the clothes in JC Penny's. So I got 2 shirts and 4 *quality* ties for about ~$50. I got the shirts a little small since I'm working on bringing my weight down again, but I would absolutely LOVE some new shirts from Mr. Mac if Grandpa and Grandma could stop by there on their way up to Salt Lake. I don't have the measurements with me at the moment, but if you remind me in my email next week, I'll have it in my planner.

I think it's great that Leah's finally thinking about going to BYU. (Even though I've mentioned to her a few times before I left that it would be a great idea!) I'm sure that she'll have fun planning it out, and figuring out what she wants to do. There's a lot of ways to choose from, and this is where the road starts to split in many different directions. I think the best advice is to figure out where you want to be in 5, or 10 years, and think about how each choice would affect that. Then you could also look at the more immediate aspects of friends and family in the vicinity, and whatever other attributes that are important to you.

Sis Bunker is sick right now, and has started treatment. From what we've heard she is recovering. We also hope and pray for her, and that this will be a quick healing process.

I've gotten several comments from people talking and asking me if I'm worried about all of these hurricanes coming so close to North Carolina and I just laugh. I know that the worst we get is a small downpour, and some strong winds, but nothing serious. So it was funnier when Mom told me that you guys didn't even really get any rain. :) I don't worry about it.

I'm excited for Jenna, and that she's enjoying her extra-curricular activities. I'm sure she's loving it and will find high school more bearable with good friends and things to do besides the school work. You'll have to keep me updated with how she likes drama, and the club. I'm sure she'll do very well, and will have a lot of fun there. Keep up the good work Jenna!

Yep. We're still working with our investigators, and we are hoping to baptize Ana and the rest of her family on the 25th of this month! There'll be plenty of pictures if we manage to help them all be ready by that time. I really love that family.

Sorry that I can't share a whole lot about what's going on out here in the field, because I'm out of time. Know that I'm loving it, that I know this church is Christ's church. It is the one the He Himself established. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and that it is a guide for us in our lives in our search for happiness. Thanks for your prayers and your support!

Your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

:( It's been awhile since I've gotten any letters... will someone write me?

September Cometh...

2010-09-06T11:13:00.001-07:00

Well. it sounds like things are going well there at the ol' homestead. I'm glad that things are going by quickly, and that even though Leah and Jenna are facing the future of college selections, and not seeing their friends as often, that they will still find ways to enjoy themselves there at home.

I guess that there's still Facebook to keep track of everyone. Things have been flying by here too, even though we had some blazing hot days this week. I'm loving the chance I have right now to be with Elder Zufelt again. :) It's been fun telling each other our stories on what's happened, and what's changed since about a year ago when we first started the MTC. We've been working hard on finding and teaching, and helping the people who have baptismal dates move along in their progression. It's a lot of work, and we still have the typical problems of trying to find them at home, etc. It's still enjoyable though.This week has flown by so fast that I don't know exactly how to describe everything that's happened! :P Just know that things are going well and that the work is progressing, and that I'm still learning many great and wonderful things about the scriptures, the plan of happiness, and how it all fits together.

Your ?'s

<<More pictures??? We want more pictures.>> Yep coming right up. I'm attaching the video file of Elder Bittner (last comp) on the recliner chair, and some of the pictures of us with the tigers. I hope you enjoy them! (the car at the end of the video is the Zone Leaders pulling up for a meeting with us... talk about bad timing! :P )
<<How has the CA weather been? We’re still pretty toasty here in NC.>> The weather here has been a little on the hotter side with Tues / Wed being at 110 degrees. Yeah, really hot. Fortunately it's not nearly as humid as NC. However, now we have nice breezes and are enjoying mid 80 degree weather with a few clouds. typical Nor California summer weather.
<<What’s your current drive : bike : walk ratio?>> Normally we drive on average of 30 miles a day. We cover the entire zone, and it covers a good chunk of this side of the mission. We actually are on the edge of the mission boundaries, but it's a good place. Running I'm starting some new things with my exercise routine. Rather than jogging 4 miles everyday, I'm trying some sprinting, and maintaining at least a jogging speed. It's pretty awesome, and it takes a lot less time. Elder Z watches me. :P He hates running.
<<Are you getting tired of all the Chuck Norris jokes that Josh is sending you in his emails? We’ve been telling them here at home, and some of them are pretty funny.>> I think that it's funny that Joshua's sending me Chuck Norris jokes. It's a nice laugh on a P-Day morning. So yeah. Let keep doing it if he wants. It'll probably help him keep writing me more often.
<<Have you had a chance to sing in church recently?>> I as of yet have not had any opportunities to share my musical talents with the ward here. It's a little different since I'm in a Spanish branch again. I'll see if they'd be interested if Elder Zufelt and I sang a duet, or if they'd rather I sing a solo or something.
<<How are shoes / clothes lasting for you? Anything you need replaced soon?>> I mentioned that I might need shoes in a few months. Maybe that can be a Christmas present that I buy myself or something. My shoes should hold out for a ways longer, but as I keep up this exercise regiment I think they'll start wearing out a little faster. You can check with Mom, but usually shoes in my size end up being around $50. :-( That's the only complaint that I have about having big feet. Mighty expensive shoes.

Pictures From This Week (and a video as well):

Elder Bittner and the Robot

	With an albino tiger…
	The whole apartment
	At home

August Is Ending...

2010-09-06T10:44:00.001-07:00

I'm glad that Leah's surgery went well. I'm sure that when Leah emailed that to Matthew that he freaked out a little bit like I did. (Surgery!? WHAT SURGERY!?! ;-) Jury duty sounds like fun. Not. :P I'm sure your glad that's over. Way to go Josh on your scouting achievements! Keep up the good work!

It's been interesting to see how missionary work has changed to be a whole lot more focused on teaching by the spirit, and how it's completely changing how we teach our investigators. It's really cool! It's weird that school's already up and running again! It just goes to show that time is flying by way too fast! I'm glad Leah's enjoying her new job, and I hope that she enjoys her new budget. :-)

Yep. Everything has been going great! I'm loving the time I have to be with Elder Zufelt again. We just seem to get along better than most of my other companions. I guess I feel more of a connection with him, that started when we first met at the MTC. He's a photographer, so I should be more picture-taking conscious with these next few weeks that we're together as a companionship for sure. We're working hard with our investigators and with the 4 people who have baptismal dates right now.

Gerardo- He's got a baptismal date for this Saturday, but it'll probably be moved back a week or two. He's been busy with work this entire week so we didn't have any lessons with him. We've got an appointment for tomorrow, so we'll see what he wants to do.
Janet- She's a neighbor to our ward mission leader. She loves the gospel and the scriptures, but we might have some trouble until we talk to her husband and see if he's on board with everything, but she is super excited to be baptized! Her date is set for Sept 11
Anita- She was a referral from another set of missionaries around Fairfield. She was worried about knowing enough, but we shared a scripture from Alma 8 that talked about the few and simple things that we need to desire/ do to be prepared to be baptized. Her date is set for Sept 18th.
Miguel- he's golden. He has a super solid testimony of the Book of Mormon, and he's really excited about his baptism too. His foot has some broken tendons... and he has surgery this Thursday, so we'll see if he'll be ok to be baptized by Sept 11 too.

We're working with a lot of amazing people, and I'm just growing more and more attached to this area. I love this work and I'm happy to be out here serving the Lord. You really can't find a better thing to do with your life. It's one the greatest sacrifices you can give, and it also has some of the greatest blessings that you can ever receive. I know I must say this all the time, but for those of you who haven't even considered going on a mission, thinking that it isn't for you, then think again. You have something that everyone in the world wants. It's something that sometimes they don't even understand that they were missing until they received it. The understanding of God's plan for all of us, and the happiness he desires for everyone, is unrivaled. Especially, when you talk about the story of the Book of Mormon, and Joseph Smith. Either God has showed forth His hand through a modern-day prophet, or that man is a blatant liar. Either Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God, making it the most true and correct of any book in existence, or it's completely false. Evil cannot produce truth, and evil cannot come from a good man. So how do we know which is which? By ourselves, we can't. That's why God is there, because who can be a better witness of these things than God himself? That's our purpose as missionaries. We invite people to read, ponder, and pray on the message of the Book of Mormon, to find out if it's true. I know that God does answer us, because He loves us, and He wants what's best for us and our happiness. Our message is wonderful, and I would invite anyone who hasn't thought about talking to the missionaries to please think about it. I know that it's message will bless your lives, and that it will bless the lives of your families as well.

I bear my testimony again that this church is Christ's restored church, the same one that Christ himself established when he was on the Earth. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and that God has answered my prayers, and I know He will answer yours if you are willing to ask Him, and listen for His answer.

May God bless you and watch over you,

Your missionary in California,

Elder Mackelprang

Regarding your ?'s

<<Tell us about your All Mission Conference I read about on your Mission Mom’s Blog>> Yeah, we had Elders Packard and Bowen of the 70 come and talk to us. They focused on how we can improve on our daily contacts and how it can make or break our missions out here. He also talked about how we always need to testify to everyone of our unique message about the Restoration. People will have to make a choice when they listen to that testimony, either it could be true, or it's completely ridiculous. So we just need to remember that when we do face those people who think that our message is ridiculous that they are rejecting Christ, and not ourselves. Because that's who we're out here for. We are here for Christ, and not for ourselves. It was some very hardcore teaching. They focused a LOT on Chapters 4 and 5 of PMG. (heads up for those of you preparing for missions, those are good chapters to know forwards and backwards to contact people on the street.) It was great.
<<You mentioned some upcoming baptisms. How are they coming?>> Yes, we have 4 people with baptismal dates. We should be pretty busy come September. We will be getting lots of pictures, I promise. They are all on track, and it's blatantly obvious to see Satan working hard on them to slow them down, but they're making their way forward!
<<How is the memory card reader I sent working for you?>> I appreciate the memory card reader, I have a regular SD card, but I'm sure that the different formats will be useful for transfering other peoples pictures that they take of me too. Thank you for that.
<<Send more pictures of you, your companion, your house, etc.>> I will make sure to send some next week. I haven't taken some of everything just yet. I'll make sure to get some pictures of the house and car and stuff too. I like suggestions for pictures.

Transfer P-Day!

2010-08-16T14:51:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures Richard sent with today’s email:

	Oakland Temple
	Oakland Temple
	Oakland Temple
	Apartment Fun

Well here's the big news... (drum roll) I'm staying! Yep. I'm still here in Fairfield! Which is great since we have a lot of baptisms coming up! However, my companion, Elder Bittner is leaving for Vallejo. In return I'm getting Elder Zufelt. Does he sound familiar to you? He should, because he was my MTC companion! :-) So we will be having lots of fun, and working hard here in Fairfield! I'm sorry that this email's going to be a little short, but this P-Day is a little stranger than most, and Elder Bittner needs to pack, and he still wants to visit everyone before he leaves. So I wont be able to get letters out this week either! *sigh* I hope things will have calmed down this week though. Enjoy the pictures!

Things have been very good with our investigators! We've been finding new people, we've gone to the temple again! We have another Zone conference on Saturday! We're just busy busy busy this week! I hope you all are doing amazingly well!

Love your missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

Happy August!

2010-08-15T14:47:00.001-07:00

Part of the Fairfield Zone from the last zone conference (from Sis. Bunker’s blog).

Hello Y'all! :-)

This has been a superstar week! We got two investigators with a baptismal date, one of which was our first lesson with him! So yeah we're feeling the spiritual fire from the new teachings at Zone Conference, and in learning how to really teach. Things are moving up, and it's amazing to see the changes in how the work is progressing. But then again, just when you think that they scrapped the old system of doing things you realize that not much has changed, except for yourself. Things are truly done more and more by the spirit, and on the spot inspiration. It doesn't throw out planning, but it does make you more humble, and a better listener to make sure you know what your investigators need to hear.

I know I say this all the time, but it's true, Now is the best time to be out in the mission field! And it will continue to be even better as all the missions world-wide move towards the changes in teaching that they are implementing now! I'm grateful for the all the effort and sacrifice that I gave to be out here. It has and will continue to make the difference in my life for the rest of my life, and all eternity. Elder Holland said it all when he said, "Every good thing that has happened in my life, I can trace back to when I served a mission" (paraphrased, MTC conference) Missions can be tough work, but was anything that was ever worth it easy? Think about it.

I'm excited for Conference coming up! It feels like I'll have seen 5 general conferences by the time I'm through, even though I reported to the MTC 2-3 days after the Oct 2009 session. It's been amazing to me all of the powerful messages that we've heard, and the guidance that we've received. Move forward with open ears and hearts, and bring whatever questions that you want answered and you'll find them. :P I know that conference is still 2 months away, but it seems like time never stops speeding up on me... seems like a week ago I was stand in the conference center listening to our apostles inspired words.

Sounds like you guys are doing good, and having fun at home. I’m happy that things are looking up. Keep working hard, and find ways to think about Christ, and our Father in Heaven each day, even if it's only 5 minutes of scripture reading time. Pray always, and you'll find more happiness and strength throughout your days. I know that this church is true! I know that the Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ, and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet called of God, and I know that God loves us and that He speaks to us today, to each of us individually, and through a living prophet today, named Thomas S. Monson. I love you all, and I pray that the Lord will bless you.

Your missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

Here's what's up on some of our investigators:

Miguel- we've been stopping by and trying to meet with him for awhile now, but we finally met with him last Wednesday. we had given him a BoM about 2 weeks earlier, and he had already read through the whole 1st book of Nephi while studying the underlying footnotes as well! We talked about the Restoration, about baptism, and about following the example of Jesus Christ. He wanted to get baptized, and so we set a date with him for Sept 11. We would have set a date closer, but he hurt his foot, and it may need surgery... so we're hoping that he'll be okay, and ready for his baptismal date on Sept 11th. He's really a cool and humble guy.

Gerardo- He has been taught before, but not for a long while. He was in a relationship with a less-active member, but long story short she left him. He's been wanting to get baptized for a long time, but I guess prior missionaries never followed through with it. So we set a date with him for the 28th of this month! We're excited for him, and I know that he'll find more peace and solace through his trials as accepts the gospel and gets baptized.

Questions (From Dad), and Answers (From Elder Mackelprang):

How are you and your companion getting along? Elder Bittner and I get along good, it's just sometimes he gets grumpy, and then things are rough for hour or until we go into a lesson. We're similar in a lot of ways with hobbies, etc. But then again our personalities are just a tad bit different. "Enough to keep things interesting." as President Bunker would say ;-).
When is transfer time coming up for you? Have you heard any news about it recently? Are you ready to move out of your area, or are you liking it there? Sadly enough transfers are coming up a week from this Tuesday... I haven't heard the news yet... but come Sunday I'll know enough. Personally, I'd like to stay know that I know my way around the area, and especially now that we have quite a few baptisms! But, at the same time it feels like it's time to move on. I'll be happy with whatever President says.
Do you live with members, or on your own? If you're with members, tell us about the situation and how it works for you. We still live with a Member, and she's a very sweet lady. Her husband died a few months ago, but she's been handling it well. She has a ton of cute grandkids that come and visit pretty regularly, so it's nice to see people, and have a nice house to come home to at night, rather than a small apartment. It's a really nice house, and the bathroom makes the master bathroom at home look really small. I'll have to send a picture or something, because I think it's really cool. Sometimes she feeds us when we have absolutely nothing going on, usually on Sundays when we can't go out. She's an avid supporter of helping us be self-sufficient, but she also loves to cook, so it's a funny balance. If we come to visit my mission as a family I'll have to introduce you to her. (her name is Sis. Hall)
Any hope that you'll be riding your bike more (rather than driving) anytime soon? So far we haven't been able to utilize our bikes as much, but that should be changing starting with this week. We're going to one of the outer areas of the zone that we cover to find more people and to teach the investigators we have out there. It takes a full days worth of miles to drive there and back so we'll be taking our bikes and doing some biking there for a full day once a week.
You're approaching your hump day (well a month or two away). Any ideas on what you'd like in a celebratory package? Hmmm.... To celebrate my half-way mark? I dunno. I haven't thought about anything special that you could include in a package like that. Give me some time to ponder on that and I'll get back to you.

Pictures

2010-08-02T19:58:00.001-07:00

Here are the pictures Richard sent today.

	Fairfield Zone – From Sis. Bunker’s blog. Richard is in the back row center.
	Baptism in Sonoma
	Baptism in Sonoma

	Richard lives near the Jelly Belly factory. This was a PDay trip a few weeks ago.

	Feed my Lambs.

It Can't Be August Already

2010-08-02T19:36:00.001-07:00

Hey Y'all!

*Whew* this week has been a great one, and it has flown by faster than I thought possible. I did get my package last Monday, ironically enough. So I did send some pictures today. I hope you enjoy them. I still need to take more pictures... but I'll work on that every week. I'll make a goal to take 1 picture a day or at least 7 pictures per week, so that I have more stuff to show about what I'm doing.

I'm enjoying being with Elder Bittner, even though our personalities rub each other the wrong way sometimes. We get along, and we work together well, so it's all that matters. We're good friends and we work things out. It's essential for any companionship.

Our work here in Fairfield has been improving more and more as we have put the new curriculum of teaching into practice. Our mission is reaching all-time highs and we're learning to find more joy and fun in the work. I know that the Lord is blessing us for learning to do things more on His way. We teach by the spirit and not our own ideas of what the investigators need.

I wish I could just tell you all everything that I've learned in these short 6 weeks... but, it would take me many hours, and I wouldn't be able to teach with as much clarity as if you had been there listening for yourselves. Those who are leaving now to serve missions, now is the time! This is missionary work at its best! We are a prepared generation, and are more prepared to do the work than ever before! The blessings that will come are innumerable and eternal. It changes your life. I paid a high price to come out here, but it will forever be worth it. Those of you who haven't thought about serving a mission, thinking that it isn't for you. Reconsider. You'll only get a chance like this once. Pray about it, and Go for it!

It sounds like things are going great there at home, even though Leah was sick for a little while. I hope things stay that way (going great that is :-).

So here's what's been going on with some of my investigators.

Ana- She's one of our newer investigators and she's the mother of 4, her husband was deported awhile ago. She's really interested in our message and in the Book of Mormon. She's come to church with 2 of her kids going to primary and they all liked it. I know that she'll set a date soon. Definitely in our next lesson, and I feel that she will be committed to that. Hopefully the families who live with her in her apartment will be a little more open to listening to what we have to share with them soon.
Lucio Mendez- He's our investigator with a date for baptism. However, it's been almost 2 weeks since we've been able to get in contact with him. We're still working hard to meet up with him again, and see where he's at, how he's doing, but we seem to always pass by at the wrong time. It doesn't help that he lives in a set of apartments that has a locked gate built on the entrance... So we can't get in unless someone lets us in. We'll keep praying for him, and for the inspiration on how to find him.
Jenny- She's one of the friends of Francisco. She's a very sweet lady who has had a very crummy life. She's been through a lot, and has talked to missionaries before. Now than ever I think that she needs the Gospel, and I know that we can help her find what she's looking for, but it gets difficult when you have different individuals that you're teaching at different points in progression and interest, all not related to each other and trying to receive inspiration for them all at the same time... I hope that Zone Conference tomorrow will help me know how I should take care of that.

I love you all, and I hope that the Lord will watch over you this week! I know that this church is true, and that it will bless your life as you diligently strive to follow after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His example.

Your missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

P-DAY!!

2010-08-02T19:32:00.001-07:00

Hello Y'all!

Leah's new job - congrats! I'm happy and excited for Leah, that sounds like a double win-win situation! I hope that it continues to be a great experience for you!

Youth conference was always one of my favorite times of the summer. It was cool seeing other peoples houses and meeting other people in the stake that you never see. it was also a very spiritual experience. I hope that everyone got something good out of it this year too.

It'll be weird to see the extended church building when I get home... I remember the times where the Young Men hung out on that back parking Lot and around the hillside area that they'll be extending... and it'll all be done right as I get home... weird.

I hear it's been Super hot in NC, I feel sorry for you guys. I know it's pretty terrible. Out here it's not so bad because it's dry and you almost always have 20 mph winds going somewhere. They do have trees growing sideways. It's pretty windy.

The package has not arrived yet, but I'll be expecting to see it soon if you guys sent it off last week. I'll be uploading pictures soon thereafter! There'll be some good ones! ;-) I hope you enjoy them.

Here's what's been going on with some of our investigators:

Anita and Patricia- They're relatively new within the past week and a half. Anita is progressing already, and feels the difference in her life by reading the Book of Mormon. It's kind of weird when you're set on committing one investigator to baptism and then you find another new investigator on the next visit... It kind threw me for a loop. I wasn't as sure whether to go full out and commit both of them... so it was interesting on this second visit with them. I should have at least committed Anita and given a softer commitment to Patricia, but I wasn't prepared for that situation. Elder Bittner and I will be more prepared as we role-play and practice giving baptismal invitations to our investigators.
Lucio Mendez- He's been really really hard to get a hold of. So we haven't heard from him this week. What makes it harder is that the apartment complex he lives in is completely locked up, and so unless someone opens it for you, you can't get in. And on top of that he doesn't have a voicemail box... (which is actually pretty common in the Mexican culture...) We'll find a way to make communication easier, I know that he wants to find the truth, and we'll help him along the path to find it.

I know that this church is Christ's church that He established on the Earth. I know that He called Joseph Smith to be a prophet in these Latter-Days and that He has called Pres. Monson to lead and guide us in the way that we must go. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and can bring us the comfort and guidance that we need in all aspects of our lives. I love you all, and I hope that God will watch over you and bless you as you go about your days.

Your Missionary,
Elder Mackelprang

Summer Heat…

2010-07-20T17:58:00.001-07:00

Hiya!

I'm sorry about the bad haircut. I'm not so proud to say that I did myself, but it was my first attempt with just hand scissors. Another lesson learned.

But the good news is that we'll be having another 2 Zone conferences this transfer! That will be awesome, and it'll mean more pictures for you until I get the SD card converter, or I fill up the SD card.

Things are changing out here in the mission, and now is the best time to serve! It'll be interesting since Devin and Rachel, Katherine, Ben and all of the others that leave to serve missions soon will be learning a completely different curriculum than when I was at the MTC just 8 months ago. It's truly amazing to see how the small changes have affected our mission, and now we're moving to the changes on how we teach. Which are even more focused on on the spot inspiration.

I had an experience with this method of teaching this week, and it was the most spiritually powerful lesson that I've ever been apart of. It should have ended with me inviting the investigator to baptism... but I'm still working on inviting everyone to be baptized in every lesson. This is how missionary work is meant to be! This is what makes missionary work worthwhile and even fun! Yeah, it's still work and it can be hard, and you don't always have success. But it takes what we have, and it moves it all to the next level!

I'm quickly coming up to my 1 year mark... it scares me how fast time has flown already. It seems like yesterday I was in the MTC, and the day before that that I was in Arizona visiting with family... I'm definitely going to make the best use of the time I have left to share what I can with everyone!

Another Big thing that happened this week: We have an investigator with a baptismal date! Lucio Mendez! We've only met with him twice, but he's felt the spirit, and he's committed to finding out the truth for himself, and to prepare to be baptized by Aug 21. We're really excited, and I know it wouldn't have happened if we haven't started to ramp up how we do things out here. He will find happiness, and we will have joy with him as does. I love being out on a mission!!! It's an amazing experience!

I love you all and I hope that everything goes well for you, and that God may be with you.

I know that this church is Christ's restored church on the Earth. I know that He has called a modern-day prophet to lead and guide us. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and can bring us closer to God if we will just read it's pages.

Your missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

Seven Eleven...

2010-07-17T12:22:00.001-07:00

Santa Rosa Mission - Fairfield Zone Conference. Richard is on the back row, right in the middle. The picture was taken by Sister Bunker (Richard’s Mission Mom)

This week things have been pretty good! It's been a little trying lately, not from anything in particular, but I'm moving forward, and finding joy in giving myself whole-heartedly in this His work. You can't be unhappy if you're making so many people around you happy, and helping them laugh. Seeing people's eyes light up, and seeing them change for the better makes my day each day. Sometimes those days are long when nothing seems to be happening right, but just keep that smile on, and everything will work out.

The new blog format looks good, thanks for the picture. It seems really weird to me that a whole lot of the young women in the C2 youth program back home are finally going on missions. What's funny is that they'll get home not too much longer after I do. That's awesome! I'm sure that Mom had a blast out there in AZ! I really hope that I can do some like that when I go back to BYU next year. That would be a blast! But then again I could probably wait until that summer since it'll be another reunion for everyone then. We'll see when we get there.

Here are some thoughts that I had when reading a spiritual thought from Pres. Bunker:

We are free agents unto ourselves have the ability to act for ourselves, and not be acted upon, which is what the scriptures say. We have a God-given power to choose to change for the better, and it's only the devil and his angels that tell us that we cannot change. I know since I've had to face the things/ characteristics/ etc. about myself that I don't like to see and to change them. By our own power we are weak, but with the Lord all is possible and achievable. It gives me comfort to know that my Savior loves me enough to help me push along, even when I feel ready to drop.
I'm happy to serve with Elder Bittner again, and I look forward to many great and wonderful opportunities that await us this transfer. The numbers are still looking a little low for this week, but we're improving little by little on everything as a whole. We just have to keep moving forward. I appreciate your love, support, and your prayers, and I'm ecstatic about zone conference this Thursday! I always feel refreshed and renewed with vigor to improve more and the raise our effectiveness together as a mission.

Here's what has been going on this week:

New Investigator - Raphael A young man who joined in one of our discussions awhile back, but was only 1/2 paying attention and listening. We invited him to join us this time and we taught him the restoration. We're still working on getting him to read the Book of Mormon since he doesn't like reading much at all, but we're excited to teach him.
New Investigator - Lucio Mendez We taught him with a member yesterday, and he liked it a lot. He was going to come to church, but the world cup went into overtime, and so he didn't make it. He was sincerely interested in what we had to say, and I feel that he'll follow through with the commitments as we work with him. We excited and hoping for the best.
Rita and Jesus Alvarez - They're progressing and are moving forward though a little bit at a time. They're reading a little bit each day which makes Elder Bittner and I excited for them, since the majority of our investigators end up saying they didn't have enough time to read, or something along those lines. We will be extending them a baptismal invitation this week if all goes well, and I hope and pray that it does.

Questions You Asked me:

"You mentioned your "camera died" in your last email -- did you mean the batteries ran out, or that the camera is now broken? I'm hoping the former :-)" Yeah, the batteries died. It's in perfect working condition, and I still have some extra batteries so I should be fine.
"How are your clothes working out? How about shoes / socks / pants / shirts? Some time ago you mentioned you needed more shoes -- how is that going?" My clothes are doing very well. The shirts are holding up, which makes me happy. I like how durable the shirts are turning out to be. The suits and pants are doing great! I'm set with everything. I still need to check in with the missionary mall to see if I can make due on the warrantee, but I just need to write them about it, and I'll see what happens. Shoes are lasting ok.
"When is your next Zone conference? Was the temple trip in place of that? I'm asking because whenever you have them, I can count on Sis. Bunker to get some nice pictures of everybody in the zone." Temple trips are organized by district, and aren't generally associated with zone conference. We all just happened to plan it for that one day, which was cool. Zone conference is this coming Thursday, and I'm really excited for that. :)
"How's the bike holding out?" The bike is really good. Especially now that it's not so pressured under daily use. It still rides very well, and I like it.
"What are you studying for companionship study these days?" Companionship study focused a lot of planning for your investigators, the doctrine, the skills, and role-playing situations to practice how to extend commitments. It really helps with your self confidence, and preparing you to be more bold and understand what you're investigators are thinking, because you're trying to act it out like you are talking and asking them at that moment. It's really cool.
"Have you asked any of the members to teach you to cook stuff? One thing that was fun for me and my companion was to ask one of the sisters in the ward to teach us to cook something -- I remember some Sweet and Sour Pork that we did shortly after I arrived in Taiwan (about 1 week). I didn't speak much and understood even less, so I remember the event, but not the recipe. You should ask some of the Spanish members to teach you guys some stuff. It could be a fun experience (if the President thought it would be ok)." Definitely I will ask for some of the recipes and how-tos of some of the meals. Some of them are really simple, and REALLY good. I've come up with some recipes of my own from cooking, but that's been on hold lately since we almost always end up eating out once a day. _sigh_ that's what happens when you cover an entire zone with a car, and limited miles. You find where you can eat on the way.
"What's the walk - bike - drive ratio for you these days? Last time I remember you saying, it sounded like you were driving a lot." Yeah, we mostly drive, like I said, we cover the entire zone. So, unless we plan to focus in one area a lot we end up driving a lot.
"Have you been writing in your journal? Be sure you do. You'll treasure the thoughts and experiences you have on your mission all your life, but only if you remember what they were..." Yeah, I'm writing in my journal. I'm still trying to write in it more regularly, but I'm working on it.

Actually, I don't remember that story you mentioned about scaring Uncle Van while we were driving on Roller Coaster Road in Tucson, but I think I can remember something like that with Uncle Dale... maybe it was uncle Van. I don't think that I was trying to scare him like that though, I was thinking he was uncomfortable and I was helping him by leaning the seat back a little bit. I thought he knew I was there and was going to do it :-) It's funny how some of those crazy things happen. I didn't realize that I was famous for that.

Happy Independence Day

2010-07-09T17:52:00.001-07:00

<<We mentioned to Richard that Joshua and I would be at Camp Durant this week, and also mentioned about the face recognition ability built into Picasa. Sister Bunker had a picture of Richard on her blog also (from the Oakland temple). I’m including it here. Richard is on the back row.>>

Oakland temple July 1, 2010. This is Richard’s Zone. He’s on the back row, third from the right.

Camp Durant should be awesome, it'd be cool to see it again, and see how it's changed. Maybe I'll come back and accompany the scouts on their trip. That'd be fun. Josh had better write me! :P I'm sure he'll love it out there. (I think that the wireless internet out there is cheating and defeating the purpose of camping, but... I guess I shouldn't be complaining since I'd have fun with that too.)

Mom will love her time in Arizona, and I'm sure that aunt Janelle and uncle Mike will enjoy letting her take care of Chas, Taylum, and Camden. I wonder if Taylum will be as shy towards her as was towards me? She's a darling though. no, Camden wasn't born when I visited everyone. He was born just a few weeks after I came out. It'll be funny to see him running around when we go visit everyone again.

Yeah, Dad I know It's awesome and amazing all of the fun software/ hardware that are coming out. It's fun to take a peek when we have a group of us explore Radio Shack at the mall during shopping. It just makes you think of just how fast things change.

We did get to see the fireworks, and it was a decent show, but we made sure to be in the apartment by 9:30 and to follow the other mission rules regarding the evening schedule. There wasn't much else, but we had a good time.

Transfers were yesterday, but nothing's changing for me. I'm here with Elder Bittner, but I'm sad to sad goodbye to my good friend Elder Williams... We'll be going home the same time which is really cool. He's like Uncle Jeff was for Dad I think. I'm sure that Elder Williams and I will keep up with each other after the mission. (he lives in Utah ;-) )

This week has been a good week! It has been full of work, and I was actually surprised at the end that we only managed to have a total of 9 lessons this entire week... but I guess that all of the visits we've made to see people and set up appointments , or the really short visits we have don't quite cut it for a lesson. We're still improving, and working on talking to everyone, using questions of the soul, and making our missionary skills well-rounded. Overall I really love this area, and I'm gaining a stronger love for this people, and the members of the ward as I get to know them more and more. I'm excited for zone conference, and I'm looking forward to the inspiration we'll receive from that, and the direction we need to take with furthering our personal sanctification of the Santa Rosa Mission, to take ourselves to the next level. I can feel the difference already, and I could feel how right these changes were when I first heard about them from Elder Wisniewski back in Sonoma. I look forward to seeing the heights we'll reach together as we all make that effort to move forward and upward, and bring salvation to our brothers and sisters here in California.

Investigators:

Amada Carrillo - she was faltering a couple of weeks ago after a run-in with J-dubs, but she's back on track. We were teaching her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and how it all works with repentance which she had some questions about that and how it works with baptism, since she has a member friend that has had some trouble after being baptized. We talked to her about that and showed her that God is just and merciful and that we can always repent, and how baptism is key to repenting. We invited her to be baptized, but she wasn't quite ready. We invited her to pray to know the truth again, to ask if this was Christ's church restored. We're excited for her, and we'll see how she progresses from here on out! We'll keep inviting her to set a date, and hopefully she'll find out for herself soon!
Eric Jacobo - we haven't been able to have a set lesson with him this week, but we found the perfect member friend for him. Bro. Vargas knows him from several years back and they we're really great friends, and with his help I think Eric will be moving forward faster. We have a solid commitment from him to come to church next week, since he wasn't able to yesterday, and we'll be inviting him to be baptized to keep him focused on why we're here to share the word of God with him.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. We've found some great contacts in the past couple of days, and we're excited to work and teach more of our brethren here in Fairfield. I hope things are going as well for the other areas in the mission.

I know that this church is true! I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God! I know it with all of my heart, and no matter how many people try to tell me that I'm part of a cult, I know that I have that spiritual witness from God, that these things are true. I know what I have felt. I know what I know. Christ lives, and He is our Savior.

I love y'all!

Have a wonderful week!

Your friend, and brother

Elder Richard Mackelprang

June Is Ending Already...

2010-06-30T07:48:00.001-07:00

Yeah, I look forward to seeing how awesome laptops are when I come home! Seeing all the ads and stuff about laptops now and then help me know how much I love technology, and how much I'm figuring that I want to be a Electrical Engineer with a side of Programming. Imagining all of the things that that path will lead is a lot of fun! However, that's still a long ways ahead. So focusing again. Things have definitely been really hot and surprisingly dry out here. Not to mention windy on top of that. It's almost like being in Arizona again. We've been working with some amazing people, and we have high hopes for them, and for their progress. This week has definitely been better than the last few, which have been pretty slow, but like always there's still room for improvement. I actually came down with a little bug which took me out for a couple of hours last Tuesday. It was something weird with my stomach. Fortunately things were better after a rough night (on Monday) and a little nap that Tuesday. It was really bothering me, and making it hard to focus on anything, especially trying to listen to someone not speaking English. I'm happy that I'm perfectly fine now. Being sick is _never_ fun.

We've run into some new people this week, and we've been working with more of those whom we've been having trouble contacting. So I'm really happy with the way things are going right now. Just keep moving forward and onward.

So this week is a short P-Day for me because I'm going to the temple again! YES!! I hope it will be just as good as it was last time we went around in March/April. It really is a beautiful place, and a big temple in Oakland. Hopefully, some of our plans to take some of our investigators down there will work through.

It's also been a lot of fun seeing all of the different places there are to see here, all of the different unique restaurants that you never see anywhere else. I hope that I get the chance to try some of the other places around here! It's like finding little restaurant or fast-food gems that are only local stores. If we came out as a family I'd know some really good places to go, and could tell you where according to you're hungering for.

Elder Bittner's a great guy. We have our little rough spots sometimes but all-in-all we're close, and we share a lot of interests. He's one of those that I'll still be in touch with every now and then. It's funny how many close friends you can make out here.

It's true that the SR mission will only be what it needs to be if everyone is committed to living the higher standard. To changing what needs to be to follow after Christ. I remember when several people came to Christ to become a disciple or an apostle, and they were commanded to change in some form or another to leave everything and follow Him, putting all other affairs on hold. We have all committed to doing this. It's up to us to make those changes, Christ will walk and lead the way, but we still need to make the effort to follow Him. He'll do all in His power and wisdom to help us on that path, but it is still ours to walk. To learn and grow. We always need to be willing to make that next step, and to keep moving forward even when you feel that it you can't make it, or when you're afraid of not being able to see the road ahead to have the faith in Christ to keep moving, and following in His footsteps. I'm grateful for my Savior and His example for me, and for everything that He has done for me, and all the I know that He will yet do. His sacrifice was endless, His love is unimaginable, and yet I can glimpse at it through this work. If I gain nothing else from this mission experience it will be this: I have come to know and understand my Savior more fully, and deeply than in any other way, and to understand the purpose that He has for me in my life.

I know that there is so much more that I'm gaining from being out here that all that I'm doing to be out here doesn't merit it. I know that even as I dedicate my all that it may not be enough - but God will work through my efforts and make miracles happen as I am obedient in all things. I know this to be true, and I'm grateful be out here in a time where things are changing for the better, that we're raising the standard and are seeing miracles. Those miracles wont be just with the investigators, but among us missionaries as well.

Here's some of the people we've been working with this week:

Eric Jacobo- He's a young teen that we've been teaching for a couple of weeks. He's had a few rough spots in life, but he's a hard worker, and wants more of God in his life. He's still struggling to read the Book of Mormon on his work schedule everyday, but I know that as he applies himself to reading it and praying about it that he'll know that it's true.

Francisco and Juan (and friends)-He moved from Napa to come out here. He lives in a house full of other Latino people. He loves it when we come over, and he calls us his angels from God. He likes how fortified we are in the scriptures and in God's word, but he seems to not catch the vision of the magnitude of significance of the Restoration. We read from the Book of Mormon this week with him, and he really liked it. I hope that it will help inspire him to read it along with our commitments. He appears to be someone who may take awhile, but I know that even with the most unlikely of people. that if they follow through with the commitments that they'll come to know that this is true.

Veronica and Virginia- They're people that we're teaching the Daily Dose program to. We have talked about the Book of Mormon a little bit, and we're going to be teaching them about the Restoration this coming week. I'm excited for them, and I hope that they will feel the spirit and be willing to follow Jesus Christ by keeping those commitments.

I'm happy here in Fairfield, and I love being with Elder Bittner. He's a funny guy, but he knows what he's doing. I'll laugh if he gets called to be a trainer this coming transfer.

Love you all! I know that this is the true church of Christ, the church that He established on the Earth, and that the Book of Mormon is God's word for our days, and that He has called a living prophet to lead and guide us.

Your missionary, and brother,

Elder Mackelprang

Regarding the package:

The last package was wonderful! If it's anything similar to last months package it will be great! I think it would be fun if I had a cake mix or a cookie mix, but I wouldn't want too many of those if you did send one that would be great. Especially, if it was like a red, white, and blue festive type cake mix or something. You guys know me. You always send great stuff.
I think that the show is called "sabado gigantes" on Univision Spanish channel 14 (the channel for what broadcasting co. I dunno)
There are some amazing things about my mission in my blessing and I feel that Fernando is one of them. I think that there are a few others around here too. I just need to speak out to them.
Josh! Have fun at Boy Scouts! Don't give Ben a hard time with the 'gangsta style', or he'll beat you down.
Jenna keeping enjoying those books! I saw a cool looking book at Wal-Mart today called the Red Pyramid written by the guy who wrote the Demigod series (Percy Jackson) I'm sure you'll enjoy that. I guess you get the Leah's old laptop, huh? Have fun with it! ;-)
Congrats on your new job Leah! I hope that it works out for you! Enjoy your new laptop.

PS Hey Josh/Leah/Jenna it'd be cool to hear from you guys now that you have some extra time this summer! I hope I hear from you next week!

This week: Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-06-24T08:02:00.001-07:00

Mom, I'll be sending your package today, so look forward to some bellyflops! ^^ It's really good stuff. I'm surprised that the letter got to you so fast, I wouldn't have expected it to get there until today. I guess living next to an air force base expedites the mail travel time ;-P.

The remote control recliner: Well the scouts are also part of a robotics team type thing, so I'm not sure if it was part of some competition, but man it would have been a blast to rig something like that up in boy scouts! Imagine one of those old-school controllers connected to the gizmos underneath the recliner, and you have the machine, with the unique comfortable reclined-ride setting! ^^ That just made me laugh for a good long time.

Yeah, this areas a great area. All of the members are great, supportive, and hard-working! The ward mission leader's family is great, and we usually eat there Sunday evenings, and just seeing him, and his wife (Bro. and Sis. Alvarez) so excited about the work, and hearing about all of what there doing helps me be pumped and work hard. Sis. Alvarez teaches English classes at her house, and so since they live in a very densely populated Latino area she knocks doors of her neighbors to say hello, and see if they'd be interested. Often times that's how people become more interested in the church, and the gospel. Because they see who we are, and they see something that we have in our lives that they would also like. We have several people that we're teaching because of the new English class program that the church has created to help the Spanish speaking people. I'm still trying to learn where everything is, since that seems to be a weakness of mine (I think I get it from Mom ;-) ) that it takes me a little while to really know an area. I learn my immediate surroundings pretty fast, but it's harder since I'm in a car and I'm in the passengers seat. I get distracted, and don't process how all the streets cross, and how things work as well, but I'm learning little by little.

Trust me if there's any really cool stories I'll let you know.

So this week:

We've been working with some families that have been progressing pretty well:

Rita, Jesus, Eduardo, Jesus Hijo: They're neighbors of a member family in the ward, and they attend English class at that members house. They're listening to the message of the Restoration, and seem excited to progress, and find out for themselves. Rita actually came to church, and really liked it. Hopefully she'll be a moving force to getting the rest of the family there.

Amada Carrillo: she's also an investigator from the Daily Dose program. She was progressing pretty readily, until a week or two ago she ran into and talked with some J-Dubs. So she's kind of confused on things, and she seems scared of finding out for herself through prayer. We hope that the spirit will touch and inspire her towards the necessity of praying to find out. We'll see how it works out.

I pray that the Lord will be with us as we contact the families we teach, This is a big work, but I know that as we are exactly obedient, and we put for our efforts and do our best to plan those efforts to His will that we will find success. Even if those successes aren't readily visible to us. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission. I'm grateful for the testimony that I strengthened out here, and for the chance I have to share the joy, and happiness with the people here. I know that Love is the driving force of this work, and that without it we really can't do anything. I know that my Savior is with me, and all of us as we seek to do His will, and that He will continually bless us. I know that this church is true, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God on Earth, and that we can come closer to Christ through it's pages than we can anywhere else. I love you all, and I hope that your are blessed with all that you need.

Your brother and friend,

Elder Mackelprang

Paper Letter From June 17

2010-06-24T07:59:00.001-07:00

<<This is a handwritten letter from Elder Mackelprang dated May 31, 2010, received June 17>>

Hello all! This is going to be a general letter to everyone so that I can tell all of the cool stories that I've been unable to related in my emails. Just a warning though, they're not in chronological order.

1. The Moreno family was on national TV. Alan Moreno and his Mom, Ana (Villalobos) Moreno were on Spanish Channel 14 on a show called "Sabado Gigante". It was a Mother's Day special held on May 8th. It was really cool. The Moreno family showed us highlights that they recorded on the TB. We'll see if Dad can find a way to take some clips of the show.

2. Just recently, my new companion, Elder Bittner, and I were going to a zone meeting at the stake center here in Fairfield. When we got their the zone leaders hadn't arrived yet and as we waited outside for them, some scouts brought out a rather strange contraption. Imagine a good sized recliner set on top of an "erector set" built robot car. Or more simply put - a remote controlled recliner. The scouts being adventurous guys they put their little contraption to the test. They also asked my companion to test drive their little machine. It was really impressive. Being a good companion, I recorded Elder Bittner's expedition. If I get the chance, I will send you the video I took.

3. Fernando Franco is the golden investigator. I've never met anyone ever, who has been more prepared to hear and accept the Gospel. He's been faced with opposition on every side as he's been progressing and learning these past 2 weeks, but he has found happiness, joy , fulfillment and love. He's read almost 1/2 of the Book of Mormon last I heard. His baptism was last Saturday. After some struggles and change of plans on the part of his family, Fernando told me that he was ready to ride his bike from Sonoma to Napa (about a 30 minute drive) to be able to make it. He's committed and he'll grow stronger in his faith. He can do great things, and will do great things. It was a great privilege to be able to baptize him.

4. Memories: Something else that I've noticed since I've gotten here in Fairfield are places that I remember visiting almost 10 years ago. Funny comments, conversations, arguments, observations and other things that I remember from walking on the main street with lots of their stores and restaurants (most of which I think are still here). It's great to see things that I've seen back in the day and bring back some of those memories. I'll enjoy going to the Jellybelly factory for sure! It's cool being able to talk to the Hall family (the family I'm living with) since they seem to know about "belly flop" specials.

5. I know that this is one of my really cool stories. Back in Sonoma there was a less-active named Sister Scarioni. During my stay there she never came to church until my 2nd to last Sunday. That day, after Sacrament meeting, she pulled us aside and told us that during that week she was filling up her car when she saw Elder Knowles and I walking. But she saw someone else - she saw Christ walking between me and my companion. She told us that at that moment she knew that it was high time to get back to church. That was a cool experience for me because it gave me assurance that even when it feels like we aren't accomplishing much, Christ is always with us. He will make use of whatever work and effort we give to Him.

That's pretty much all my stories... I'll make sure to make a note of more stories I can tell you guys.

Love,

Elder Mackelprang

Summer Heat...

2010-06-20T08:47:00.001-07:00

<<Note – we received a paper letter from Richard this week that I’ll enter in later. It has several stories in it that we enjoyed hearing>>

I have taken a few pictures with the new camera you sent me, with Fernando's baptism, but not enough to send it home yet. I'm still working on taking lots of pictures, and trust me there are plenty of good picture taking opportunities here. So it may still take a few more weeks. I have some stories in a letter that I'm sending home to you TODAY. So you'll get that, and I'll let you know some more stories as they come. I actually have a few that I can share with you right now.

I got to get up close and personal with 10 tigers. That was cool to be able to get right up next to them and see them. My companion had the camera that day, and we took a few pictures, so I should be able to transfer them to the memory card before I send it home. It was cool. The tigers are right next to a great family of investigators, who happened not to be home for an appointment we had, so the big boss who owns the place invited us to come take a look at them. It was fun.

Also, a couple of weeks ago, we were walking around the neighborhood trying to talk to people when this big Tongan guy comes out of his house and shouts out at us to come talk to him. So we make our way over there, and he invites us in to a graduation party for his sister. It turns out that half of his family (mostly extended) was Mormon, and so we were kinda the life of the party for awhile. It was kinda crazy, and a lot of fun. We got plastic lays filled with candy and someone asked me a question to the effect of 'what are you going to do now?' I shouted that "We're going to Tonga!" Everybody loved that. It was enjoyable. They talked about missionaries that they have out from their family serving around the US. They're cool. We're trying to work with the guy who called us in to see if we can re-activate him. We'll see how that goes.

That game store sounds like a blast! <Sister Everett will be running a new game store here in Cary NC> I'll enjoy looking through there. I actually will be working on a game I want to create when I get home. It'll be big. A great story. I'd waste a little too much time talking about it, but it gives me so satisfaction to think about it on P-days when I can only just wait on some of the other missionaries that we drive around to help with their laundry.

Sometimes it seems like being a missionary isn't all that hard because everyone loves you, and they all want to help you, but then you have those experiences with people who just can't wrap their mind around what we have that we can share with them, but they aren't willing to listen, or consider what we have to say... that I think is the hardest part. Having your heart torn, because you love these people whom you're serving, but they just don't want to listen, even if they respect who you are, and what we're doing. I was asked recently why. Why am I out here, serving people I don't know, paying my own way to talk to people? This man couldn't understand why we would sacrifice so much as missionaries to share the Gospel. Why we're willing to leave our families to share this message with others. I tried to share my answer that it's because I know this church is true, and that the Gospel can change the lives of people that we teach. He still didn't understand. The greatest part that I should have mentioned is that it is because of love. Christ's love to leave the 99 to go after the 1, the love to console the tender-hearted and share the burden of those who are heavy-laden. What I have learned out here cannot compare to anything else I could have chosen to do with my life. I have the opportunity to walk as Jesus walked, and see people as He would. To share, serve, and uplift people even as He did. What I gain, is the knowledge of how vast His love and patience is, I glimpse at His mercy, I begin to truly grasp what the Gospel truly is and what it means to me, and to everyone around me. I cannot express the gratitude that I have for the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ, and the opportunity that He has given me to come out here on a mission. To learn, grow, be guided, and help His work move forward. I love this mission! and I will tell everyone who wants to go out to do whatever it takes to do so! I do not doubt that I will someday echo Elder Holland's words when he said "Everything that I know, and everything that I am has come from serving a mission."

Here's what's been happening this week:

This week has also been a little slow with people canceling and just seeming unproductive. It bothers me that we weren't able to achieve as much as we had planned, but it happens. The only thing is to move forward and do better. Things are looking up, though. I wasn't as diligent with setting time aside for tracting as I should have, and we've made up for it this week. We've found some good people to talk to, contact, and start working with. I remember when you said that finding is a continuous process, but I'm still figuring out how to effectively find as I teach, tract, and talk with people. I still have a long way to go, but every journey begins with a first step.

We've been working with several people this week:

The Santiago family: Domingo, Cristina, Cindy, Roberto - they're the referral from the sister missionaries from here in Fairfield. They're a wonderful family who wants to teach their kids more about Christ, His life, and why it's all important. We've committed them to preparing for baptism as they come to know that these things are true, and we've helped them come to know how to feel the Holy Ghost. They were going to show up to church (stake conference), but couldn't make it due to Domingo working late. We hope to set a date with them all soon. At very least with the children with the parents permission. Cindy believes it all, and always tells us about that good feeling that she feels when she prays about the things we teach. The whole family will come around eventually, but the kids are already there.

The Gutierrez family: Kelyt is the one who's progressing the most out of all of them. It was apparent from when we talked about infant baptism, and the Word of Wisdom that she has a testimony about Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon. We hope to help them make those steps they need to make to be able to be prepared and ready to get baptized. They're really a great family (they're the family with the tigers in the backyard)

I hope you all are well! Congrats to Ben, the Sams, Becca, Jade, and everyone else whom I may be forgetting ( sorry! ) You guys are in for some great times.

Your friend, brother, and missionary

Elder Richard Mackelprang

School’s Out For The Summer…

2010-06-09T14:55:00.001-07:00

<<Sis. Bunker posted some Zone Conference pictures recently on her blog. Here are the ones that had Elder Mackelprang in them>>

	Richard and his new companion – Elder Bittner
	Elder Mackelprang’s Zone (Fairfield).

I do in fact have some stories to share, and I wrote them in a letter that I wanted to scan and copy to send to several people, but we don't have access to a library scanner here in the Fairfield Zone. T.T I was kinda sad since we usually end up going to the stake center for emails, but no one has keys to the library. I may just end up sending you guys the list of stories that I wrote last week and you guys can upload it to the blog or something. It's just going to be difficult to make copies here.

Life is good here. There have been some really cool things that have happened where random people talk to us and we set up appointments to go see them, and also random Tongan people inviting us over for graduation parties (that was some of the best teriyaki bar-b-q that I've had in a LONG time). Fairfield is also little wild, and dangerous as there have been shootings and murders in some of the areas we work in. Fortunately we haven't been exposed to anything. I will get Mom those bellyflop beans that I promised, and I will be going to the factory today! Unfortunately that will probably mean that my letter writing for this week will suffer... but I'll make it up next week. I know that your prayers are with us.

Zone conference was awesome as always. It's like a short version of general conference on a very common basis, and it will pretty much be every month that we have one. I love it and I have learned much from President Bunker. He's an amazing man, and he's like another father for me. I'm grateful for his love and example because I really can feel how sincere it is. I also had the opportunity to share my musical talents there. I sung a solo of "Oh Give Me Back My Prophet Dear" I was pretty nervous since I also sang it a cappella, but I did well.

I love my mission, and I'm growing in what I know and understand about this amazing Gospel. Please find time to read your scriptures, even if it's just for 5 minutes a day. That's what I tell my investigators that say, "I don't have time." I have seen the blessings and change in the lives of the investigators that sincerely read and do what we've asked. I know that the Lord will always bless us with more strength to move forward if we study his word, and 'drink of His living waters' and quench the thirst of our spirits. I love you all, and I hope life is going well.

The pictures that Leah and Jenna sent were lovely. :P I think that it's funny how my friends and investigators here can't get their mind around the fact that we're related since I'm a large and in charge giant while Leah and Jenna are thin and good-looking.

Way to go Josh! 15 miles is a good distance on a bike. I know I've had a lot of fun riding my bike here. I know we'll have some fun riding around together when I get back. (Then again Mom would probably freak out since I ride my bike following all the rules like a car would here in California. :P Fortunately people treat bikes with respect on the road.) Keep working hard on your Scouts, and you'll have a blast!

This has been a good week! This week has been a little longer than some of the past, but we're making good progress by finding lots of new people to teach, and increasing the number of people that we're teaching overall. I feel that there are still many things that Elder Bittner and I can do to improve the area, and that there are so many people who are just waiting to be found, taught, and baptized. While things aren't improving in a rate that I would like, they are improving. I want to keep moving forward pushing the limits higher and higher. I loved Zone Conference. There were many things that I learned, and goals that I have set for myself and goals that I hope Elder Bittner and I can work on as a companionship. I'm learning more about what I'm doing with the Lord's name, and what I'm doing with the Lord's time. What it truly means to be a representative of Jesus Christ. Learning more of His love for us and for those we teach. This really is our chance to walk the path that He walked, and learn how we can be more like Him.

Here is some of the new investigators that we're working with:

Cindy, Cristina, Domingo, and Roberto Santiago- Cindy was the first one of this family that we taught. She's a 9 y.o. who wants to learn more about Jesus Christ, because she doesn't know much at all Him. We have been teaching the rest of her family and we have commited them to preparing for baptism as they gain a testimony of Joseph Smith, the Restoration, and the Book of Mormon. They were going to be at the Recent Convert meeting yesterday, but they were unable to make it, because Domingo got off of work too late. We're very excited for them.
Erik- He's a teenager who likes listening to people who talk about God. It was funny talking to him, since he already believed in things that we shared. He seemed a little reserved about reading and praying about the Book of Mormon, but once he truely reads it, He'll start progressing really well.
Enoc- He's someone who has talked with missionaries before, but is interested in learning more about us. He's reading the Book of Mormon, and we hope to help him understand what he needs to do to move forward and learn more.

Your missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

June Already!?

2010-06-09T14:46:00.001-07:00

Hey Mom, can you forward my emails to John?

Transfers were short for me. We have a transfer loop and mine was the first stop after leaving Sonoma. It would have been cool to meet everyone at the mission pres.'s house, but I think that we have too many people and cover too big an area for that to be time effective.
Yes, I did get the package. The day after I arrived to Fairfield, actually. It was just in time for Fernando's baptism! I got a few pictures of that. I'll take some more cool pictures of the area and me.
Elder Bittner (my new Jr. Companion) is from Mesa, AZ (small world, huh?), and this is his 2nd transfer out here in California. So he's still green behind the ears, but he knows what he's doing, and he's still learning his Spanish. He's a cool kid. This will be a good transfer.
I haven't gotten mail from anyone besides the family in awhile, except from Kayla and Elder Roberts, and a wedding announcement from my MTC teacher at BYU. That was entertaining (inside MTC district joke).
The big charge from the bike shop was a tune-up that I did on it. I know that the shop is a *wee* bit expensive, but my bike works just like new, so I'm not complaining.
Yes, I'm loving the Cracklin' Oat Bran. It is really awesome, but I'll probably run out before the next package :P / :'( I'll have to try to enjoy it while it lasts.
The pants are doing great. They are comfortable and durable. I was able to have a Sister that lives in Sonoma to hem up the legs into cuffs so that it wouldn't be so long. So now they look even more stylish. They should last me a good long while.

Mom: I am near the Jelly Belly factory and I'm planning on going sometime soon. I don't know if I'll be able to get you some misfits before your birthday, buy I'll get you some. I promise.

I may have to write you guys a letter home with some of the stories that have happened this week. There's too many and I'm already a little over time.

I love you all!

Your missionary

Elder Mackelprang

P-day and Transfers?

2010-05-25T04:36:00.001-07:00

	Elder Mackelprang, Elder Knowles (Richard’s companion), Elder Manciati, Elder Ogle (Elder Knowles trainer) at a Napa Stake service project at a park in Vallejo.
	Elder Mackelprang, Elder Knowles, Brian E (newly baptized), Elder Bankhead, Elder Wisniewski
	The ward members who attended Brian and Andrea E’s baptism.

I’m moving! I've felt this whole week that I would be going, but I really didn't want to believe it, but I could tell from how I was organizing and cleaning things up that I had something of a premonition that I was out.

Mom, no I didn't get the package yet, probably because of transfers. I'll probably get it tomorrow. That'll be nice. So yeah, I'm being transferred out of Sonoma and to Fairfield.

New Address
Elder Mackelprang
921 Harlequin Way
Suisun City, CA 94585

I will be with an elder named Elder Bitner. I've never met nor heard of him. I'll see what he's like. It's been a crazy week this week.

WOW! This week has been amazing due to an investigator that has progressed so rapidly that I would say that it's almost unprecedented. His name is Fernando Franco. We met him on the street a few weeks ago. He invited us over, and we stopped by talked about the Restoration, what we're about, and how he could find more happiness in his life. He was willing to read from the Book of Mormon and to pray about it. He was excited to do so. He wanted something more in his life that he didn't have at that point. We set another appointment for that Thursday and taught him again. At that appointment he had felt filled with joy and happiness and he'd read about 1/4 of the Book of Mormon on his own. When we talked about how baptism was part of the plan to return to God he asked us, "so when can I be baptized?" We set a date with him for this coming Saturday the 29th. He's been learning so rapidly and growing! It's been a faith building experience to see just how much the Gospel can change someone's life! It also shows me, rather underlines the importance of the Book of Mormon. It is the key to helping everyone come to know their Savior Jesus Christ and the plans that He has for all of us. I'm sad to be leaving Sonoma, but I know that it's for a wise purpose of the Lord, and that He has other people for me to find, teach, and baptize. To help these people find what they've been lacking and longing for all of their lives! I hope that you'll allow me to come back for Fernando's baptism this Saturday. Fernando was wanting me to baptize him, and I would absolutely love to have that opportunity. I love Fernando, and the strength that he has showed. I hope to improve how I share the Gospel with others from what I've learned by teaching him.

I love you all!

ran out of time again...

Elder Mackelprang

Mid-May Already!?

2010-05-23T07:47:00.001-07:00

Hello family! I'm excited about the theater room it should be great! I do have that SD card from the last package, but just an idea: do you have an SD card converter? it would make it easy send home pictures more often. Just a thought. I saw the article too, and the members were talking about it. We have talked to a few gang members, but they all respect us and what we do. One even gave us his number if we ever needed any help whatsoever. I'm undecided if I'm being transferred out (next week) or not. I hope I'll be able to stay. I have a cool story to share from a less active member but I'm out of time. Next week. I love y'all !

This week was also pretty slow, but there have been changes to how things have been going. This week Elder Knowles and I have been picking up the pace with our 10 contacts a day. From my exchanges with Elder Wisniewski and from the council we've received from Elders Millet and Abbott, Elder Knowles and I have begun anew with new determination and enthusiasm. We're using soul questions all the time to make people think, and showing them the importance of listening to what we have to say. That we're not just some people out to say come to church and like it. As we've strived to accomplish that we've already seen many blessings poured upon us. We have an almost unprecedented number of lessons for this coming week (at least ever since I've been here). Many of them being lessons to potential new investigators! We're excited for this week, and even though Transfers loom upon us in this coming week, we're not going to let that thought make us lazy, and stop the Lord's work from progressing here in Sonoma. I love it here, and I love the people. I'm learning more of what it means to have that Christ-like love for everyone. I'm still not perfect in that regard by far, but I'm improving.

Here's our progressing investigators from this week:

Estela and Socorro- Socorro has been on board since the first lesson it seems, and her testimony is awesome. She wants to come to church and grow closer to her Savior, and she's a pleasure to teach. Estela is getting on board, and has been reading and is very interested. Estela may get baptized before Socorro, depending on how fast Socorro can divorce from her 1st husband, and get married to Alejandro. They are solid, and they have family in the ward. It'll be amazing to see how getting the less active part of their relatives active again, and baptizing Estela and Socorro will do to their spiritual strength and testimonies.

Armando and Velia- Velia actually isn't progressing, Armando is. Velia would actually be at the point of being dropped, because she doesn't seem to listening to us with an open heart. Armando however truly wants to know. Armando wants to believe, even though he has his doubts. He wants more faith, he wants to come to church and gain that testimony that we told them that they can achieve. We're going to focus our lessons all on Armando now, until Velia sees the changes in Armando's life and decides that that is what she wants as well. We'll see how it goes with her, but we're excited to help Armando.

Sara Perez- (not progressing) she's not technically progressing, but she's going to get baptized. She recognizes the spirit when we come over, and knows that that is what she has been searching for. She wants to see a baptism before getting baptized, but we'll see how she goes with setting a date this week.

Our new people from this week:

Ruben and Nina- Ruben is an old investigator, but he wants to find his niche in religion and in the truth. He also wants to be united in his decision with his girlfriend (hopefully soon to be wife), Nina. Nina is also searching, and she is VERY sincere and kind. I love it when we find people who are just truly seeking that truth. She doesn't have much of a religious base, and so she doesn't have too many false ideas about us. We hope to see them progress well too.

Love your missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

2010-05-14T05:25:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone!

This week has also been interesting, but also has been a little slow. We had a great time this weekend with the Mormon Helping Hands service in Vallejo and being able to talk to the family on Mother's Day. The family is doing great, and they are very blessed. It's weird to see, or rather hear, how much and fast my siblings are growing up. :P I can already feel that it'll be a different world when I come home, and I've only been out a little over 7 months now... It's weird to think about how utterly different it'll be when it's time to come home. I was hoping that I might receive a packet with small letters from all of my buddies from the Priest Quorum, like I know that we sent some of the other missionaries when I was in the Youth Program, but I know they're probably busy. It'd be cool to hear from them and how they're doing. So here's what has been going on with some of my investigators here in Sonoma:

Sara Perez - She's still going strong. She's adjusting to her new work schedule, and she's working on keeping her commitments of reading and coming to church. We hope to extend a baptismal date to her on our next visit. She really is a strong spiritual person.

Soccorro, Estella, and Alejandro - we actually didn't get to meet with them yesterday because they were out somewhere doing something for Mother's Day, but we have another appointment with them during the week, and we'll most likely see them on Sunday too. Soccorro has a really strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and wants to come to church with her family. We just need to help her move forward and get her married to Alejandro or to throw him out so that she can be baptized. She will be a great strength to her family.

Martin Alavarez - We met with him on Tuesday before we did exchanges this week. We talked for a good long time, and we have a whole lot more of an understand of what's holding him back. He doesn't understand about why he needs to be baptized again, and why he needs to be apart of our church to have that blessings of which we speak of. We talked about receiving understand and a testimony from God about PRAYING SPECIFICALLY about what he wants to know. That seems to be a key that people we teach seem to miss... praying specifically to know the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith being a prophet.

We had exchanges this week for Cinco de Mayo. I was with Elder Bankhead. And we accomplished a great work. I saw many wonderful things happen on that exchange with new investigators and people who we had the chance to talk to. It was a pleasure to go with him, and I learned how I can improve in talking to everyone, even English people, even though I'm called to speak Spanish as a missionary. I hope that he learned something from me as well.

I'm happy to be here serving in the Lord's vineyard and I look forward with great hope, faith, and expectation of the wonderful blessings that the Lord has in store for His people here in Sonoma.

Your missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

PS regarding your questions Mom...

Yes your council about cookies was spot on, and I don't know about the guarantees... pictures soon.

May 3 2010

2010-05-03T19:39:00.001-07:00

Here’s a picture Sister Bunker took of Richard this week at missionary interviews…

Hello Family!

I hear things are pretty crazy at the house. It wont be the home I left by the time I return. I wont even have much time to enjoy either... I'll make the most of it though.

YES!! I've been waiting for that theater room to get established, Go family! I was wondering how long Dad could hold off before setting up a project like that! ^^

Congratulations Josh! You're a Deacon! I hoped you liked passing the sacrament. You'll do great. I'm sure you'll enjoy all of the craziness and fun that comes with camping and Boy Scouts. There are a few things that'll seem boring in the beginning, but it really is something that you'll like.

Dad was right that I have been enjoying my new Polyester pants. They work like a charm. Sturdy and Machine-washable. I love them! I didn't get your package, but Mom told me that was because she didn't send it until last Fri. So I'll probably get it today or tomorrow. (If you sent it UPS)

I'm sad to hear that the tire swing broke... I hope that it'll be there when I get back. I should be able to use it too, since I'll be 275 by the time I come home. I'm shooting for 250, but that's going to take a lot more effort on my part here, especially if I'm staying here in Sonoma. I feel like I get spoiled by the generosity of the members.

I'm glad that Leah is going to be able to stick to her plans to go to BYU-I.

I still don't have an SD card. The one I had is lost. I'm still looking for it. I'll take lots of pictures with this SD card to make up for the lost time. I can't think of any other stories at the moment, but I'll find some to share for this coming week.

This week in Sonoma Cali:

This week has been pretty interesting. We haven't had a lot of lessons, but we've made a lot of short visits to people that we haven't seen in a long time, including some less actives that hardly get contacted. It's felt like a good week, in preparation from many great things to come.

I had some interesting experiences while out walking with Elder Knowles this week. We had some people come up to us and ask us what we do and what we're about because they see us running around all the time. We actually met Fernando yesterday in such an experience. We're going over today to see him. I'm excited, and happy that the Lord is blessing us for being out and working hard.
Some of our investigators who are doing well this week:

Sara Perez- She's still getting her schedule adjusted with her new work, but her new work is scheduled so it should be better than her erratic cleaning job. She understands everything that we teach her clearly, which is refreshing with lots of people who need things said a few times in different ways. She's just about ready, the only thing that we're focusing on right now is that she gains that spiritual witness for herself that it is true, so that she will be dedicated to her decision to be baptized. We hope things will move along soon.

Estella, Succorro, Alejandro- Succorro is amazing, she met with the missionaries a long time ago and learned that these things were true, but she's reading it again and gaining that witness once again. She says that she's busy a lot, but I told her to read just 5 minutes a day and that she would accomplish the reading. She really liked that idea, and her testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon was really, really strong! She told us that when we saw her yesterday! I know that it helped Alejandro and Estela to try to take the reading a little more seriously. The only thing that is holding back Succorro from being baptized is that she's married to another guy, but she's living with Alejandro... so we're going to tell her that if she wants to do what's right then she'll have to initiate a divorce and get married to Alejandro, or to kick Alejandro out of the house. We'll see which road she takes.

Velia and Armando- They have been struggling a long time with the Joseph Smith being a prophet, and/or important things that pertain to the Restoration. We had a lesson with them this week with the Moreno's and they were an amazing help. The spirit was really strong and Bro Moreno made a promise to them that if they prayed together in unity and love to know that these things are true tonight (that night) then that God would know what they were doing and would for sure give them a witness of the truth. It was a strong and powerful lesson, and we're excited to see how they are doing this Wednesday.

Some new investigators from this week:

Reina - We met her while searching for a person who wanted an English class, but gave us an incomprehensible address. She
is simple and direct, and is willing to do what we ask to see for herself if this is the truth that we bring. She is different than many of the Latino people that I have met so far, but she seems very promising.

Norma and (her son) - We met them while tracting and they said to come by another day, so late last Monday evening we passed by and shared the Restoration with them on their door step. Norma seems a little reluctant, but she took the Book of Mormon and said that she would read it, and invited us to come back today as well. We hope that as they read the Book of Mormon that they will begin to feel the truthfulness of it.

I love you all! Have a wonderful week,

Your Missionary in California,

Elder Mackelprang

P-Day (Apr 26 2010)

2010-04-27T15:33:00.001-07:00

(Sister Bunker – Richard’s Mission Mom posted some pictures on her blog which I’m including here. They’re of the Napa Zone Conference and include pictures of Richard – Mark)

	This is the entire zone. You can see Richard near the left hand side of the picture.
	This is Richard in the lunch line. I asked who the other Elders were, but he told me that they were just in line with him. Sister Bunker told them to line up for pictures together :-)

Hello everybody!

Here's a special hello for Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle Steven! I hope you guys have enjoyed NC!

*Whew* This week has been longer than others, but that's a given when I've been keeping my pants together with strings of thread until I got my new polyester ones. We've had bike problems (more Elder Knowles than myself), and crazy happenings all around. It's been cloudless, sunny, and hot. Classic California weather. The English Elders lost the truck, and got a dinky little Carolla. It'll be a little more crazy taking the bikes everywhere now... but we'll manage.

I love this little town, I know just about all the little streets in it, and I'm growing to love the people more and more. It's funny seeing all the little quirks that come with living in a small town like this one, but it's nice all in all. I'll definitely be stopping by here sometime, if Aunt Marsha and family still live in Santa Rosa. I've almost spent 4.5 months here! I'll laugh if I stay another transfer after this one. I'll have been here for 6 months then. Being with Elder Knowles is great. We get along really well, giving each other trouble every once in a while. It's a guy thing I guess. I'm happy that I'm with him though. He's a great missionary, and a hard worker. We've been exploring some of the parts of Sonoma we hardly get around to, that are higher up in the hills ( on our bikes of course! ;) ) and have had fun whizzing down the streets really fast. We've been looking for Spanish "pockets" of good areas to tract while talking to people on the road. It's good stuff.

To answer some ?'s

Being on bike is always an adventure
I don't have the old SD card, it's lost with the other camera the new one works good.
The pants work great! and they're machine washable! Hallelujah! They should last a good long while.
Mother's Day... well we'll probably call after 2PM our time if we have lunch with a member, or about 6PM if we have dinner. I'll have more info as we get closer.
I don't remember if I already mentioned this, but I sang in sacrament a week or 2 ago, a solo of "Rock of Ages" It was fun, and everyone loved it. I'm enjoying the opportunity to sing at all times. It's just great to sing out and share my love for the Gospel.
Stamps and Stickers are great for the package, if your sending snacks I'd appreciate jerky and honey roasted peanuts, I'm still working on all of those bags of sunflower seeds you sent me last time. They're not my favorite type of nut, but they are good. Thanks! (the SD card too)

Here's an update on what's been happening with people I've been teaching:

This week has been good, with it's share of challenges, and spiritual fulfillment. We've been working with getting into lessons with our investigators, but they are still workaholics and are always doing something. The Lord always provides other opportunities to take care of, and to help us fulfill our goals, but it's still sad to see the world taking control of our investigator's lives with the need to work. I loved Zone Conference! I always learn something new to apply to the work, and how I can utilize the resources we have, how we can better work with members, etc. We really have all the tools we need to get the work done; we as missionaries just need to use them! This week we've had some bike trouble, but Bro. Newman has been a great help with some backup bikes so that we're not terribly hindered in getting to appointments, and getting around. We've been working with Sara Perez; Estella, Succorro, and Alejandro; and Moises, Berta, Teresa, and Francisco Gutierrez. Sara had to change her baptismal date because she didn't feel ready, and because we can only meet with her once a week. She feels the spirit each time we teach her, and she has told US that. She feels that it's true, but we've only had the opportunity to teach her up the latter part of the Plan of Salvation. She likes our church, but with her new job she's struggling to adjust to the new schedule. We're trying to help her get out to church like she did in the beginning. We are excited for her, and just have to get into her busy schedule and teach her. Estella, Succorro, and Alejandro came to church this week! With almost the entire family! It was beautiful to see them sitting next to their inlaws the Sanchez family. Actually Estella's son Rudulfo got baptized a few months ago, and he's married to Sis Sanchez. They were at his baptism, and know a little bit about our church. Succorro is progressing, but she's feeling oppression from the adversary. She told us that she was feeling sick that Sunday morning and really didn't want to go, but she went anyway and felt fine. Also when she was praying, she was praying to know and then she felt ugly, and bad, and couldn't concentrate. Bro. Moreno was with us and testified to her that it was the adversary trying to fight against her knowing about our church. We are very excited for them, and their family. We'll see how they progress. The Gutierrez family has been out of the loop for about a month or so, and they really didn't remember anything about the Restoration, so we went back and taught it to them again to get them on track and start the fires of faith again. It seemed to light back up with them as we taught it, and we're excited to see them progress too. The thing that would help them most is getting out to church. Hopefully the party that we're throwing will break whatever ice that is preventing them from actually coming out.

I love you all!

Your Missionary,

Elder Richard Mackelprang

P-Day Again! (April 19)

2010-04-27T15:24:00.001-07:00

Happy 23rd Birthday, Robert! Hope it's great!

Well I have a lot more time this week, which is nice for a change. I usually feel rushed when I do emails, especially by the time I get to write you guys!

Here's the answers to your questions:

Yes Mom, I would definitely like info on what I need for replacements regarding: that one pair of pants, and the shoes
The pants did arrive at the mission office, but they can't forward it to me. So I will have to wait until this Thursday, when we will have Zone Conference.
I said a little bit about transfers last time, but things are the same here except for Elder Balagna leaving. It feels weird with him being gone, he was a character. I'm happy that I'm here with Elder Knowles. We get along well. It's funny sometimes though, we're similar, but at the same time we're really different. The important thing is that we work together well. The new Elder who came in is Elder Wiznewski. He's cool, I don't know much about him though.
Sonoma Chapel, on La Grama which runs into El Portola it should be around 95476 area code, technically it's in the Agua Caliente town boundaries. Have fun googling it.
We get a lot of good food here. Mexican food is pretty general since Elder Knowles and I get fed by Mexican people a lot. They really are generous. They have been partying a lot recently too... it'll be interesting to see the craziness with the world cup and Cinco de Mayo. We had home grilled burgers for dinner. It was good stuff.

I think it's great that the Popes are at BYU. I'm not sure if they'll remember me, but I'll probably look them up, especially since I probably will have to take a Eco. class for Gen Ed.

Congratulations Jenna! (Getting into the Alpha-Beta club – Mark) I hope you enjoy it! It'll be good for when you apply for colleges.

Don't worry Josh, I have a better looking hair cut now. That last one was one I did myself. I know I must have looked pretty crazy. When you guys send me a new SD card I'll take more pictures. I'm pretty much giving up on the other one. I have no clue where it could have gone... I'll keep praying to find where my old camera and SD card went to.

Anyways here's what's been happening in my week:

This week has been great! Elder Knowles and I have been teaching more than we have in the past weeks, and we feel like we're making a good deal of progress with our investigators! We're still facing some opposition with many of our investigators canceling, but we're working on passing by everyone more often and increasing our daily contact with them so that we have less problems with our appointments falling through.

Investigators:

Sara Perez is still on for May 1st, although if she can't make a secure time to meet with us at least 2 a week for these next 2 weeks then we might have to push it back. She loves what we're teaching her, and it makes sense to her. She hasn't been as steady to coming to church as she was in the beginning, but we're going to help her realize that it's something important, and that she'll be blessed in all aspects of her life, job included, as she obeys the commandments like keeping the Sabbath Day holy.

Velia still has some doubts, and so this past week we taught her that all we can really do is help her find that testimony. The actual work and effort will come from her own efforts to pray to know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, just like the Bible. We committed her to pray to know about the Book of Mormon, to truly know. We're also still trying to get Velia and her family out to church. They said they were coming this week, but they didn't make it. We'll keep trying.

Juan and Clara Saabedra are doing good, they were also going to come out to church, but their son has been down with a nasty cough for the past couple of days, bad enough that they canceled our appoinment later Sunday evening to take him to the hospital to see what's wrong. We're going to see them today, and if things haven't improved we've offered to give their son a blessing. We're going to get them working on their testimonies and show them that that's what they need to get baptized, and how it will bless their lives. I look forward to seeing how that will go tonight.

We taught Erika yesterday as well. She had doubts about the Book of Mormon being the word of God, even though she thinks that it helps people come closer to God and the path that He has appointed for us to walk. We committed her to find that testimony through study and prayer. We plan to commit her to baptism with our next lesson with her.

Luis is a relatively new investigator. We taught him, and the rest of his family last Sat. we talked about prophets and God's plan for us, and then watched the Restoration video. Luis seems to be into it, but his wife Angelica doesn't seem so interested. We commited them all to read, and we'll work hard with the spirit to get the flames of faith burning. We are very excited for them.

We also have Martin Alverez. He's a non-member in a less active part-member family. He was doing great when he was being taught a few years back, but someone offended him at church, and things have been slow moving since. He doesn't seem to hold anything against whomever it was who insulted him... but something still seems to be holding him back from being baptized. We're teaching them again, and he's sharp. He remembers a lot of what he was taught, and understands a lot. We just need the spirit's guidance on what he needs. We'll be seeing him today. We'll see how it goes.

It's been a good week. We've found some solid looking contacts and have made progress with some of our investigators! I hope to make this week a better week than the last as I work hard to make myself a Christ-like missionary and not just someone whose doing missionary things.

Your Missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

PS - I finished Jesus the Christ and am starting on the other books in the missionary library. It's awesome to be able to read from the apostles and the insights that they have had from studying the scriptures! I hope to be able to be a scriptorian like that someday!

This week (Apr 12)

2010-04-18T16:29:00.001-07:00

Richard started his letter this week with some answers to some questions we asked earlier:

*Whew* hello all! They gave us a questionnaire this week, so I have even less time than usual... so to answer your questions:

We're not making plans for the phone calls on Mother's Day yet, but it will probably be after 1PM
Mission Home will call me, or will forward them to me.(the pants) (Note that we sent him a few pairs of pants to replace some that were wearing out)
I'm OK with shirts
Most of the Spanish people are impressed with what we understand from the amount of time we've studied.
I'm pretty sure that I'm losing weight with the biking.

I'm sorry that I can't add much more to my weekly email, but here's some of what's going on.

This has been a better week than the past couple of weeks though it has been more wet. We have been blessed with many new investigators this week that show a lot of promise of progression. We will work hard and do our part to teach by the spirit and help them know of the truths we bring. We had a lesson planed with Sara Perez who has a baptismal date, but she was called into work last minute and our appointment canceled. We have another lesson with her this week, and we hope to help her come to know all of the wonderful truths and blessings that this Gospel brings us. This week has also had a great share of cancelations of our appointments, but we've strived to make strong commitments to our lesson times this week, and have a lot of teaching planned. We will be working very hard to accomplish the Lord's work here in Sonoma.

Here's some more of the investigators that we're working with at the moment: Juan and Clara Saabedra, Velia and Armando, Mike Guzman, and Moises and Berta and their two kids Teresa and Francisco. The Saabedra family is really great, and hardworking, though very busy. Our hardest step is setting good appointments where we will definitely find them at home and getting them to church. They are worried about their squirmy 1yr old girl will cause too much of a ruckus. We hope help them realize that it'll help their girl calm down as she sees the example that her parents set for her by going to church. Velia and Armando have overcome their doubts about Joseph Smith being a prophet, but they still have small blocks of doubt that we're helping them to overcome through study and prayer. We hope to help them come and be baptized soon. They'll be ready as they feel the spirit confirming our words. Mike Guzman has been progressing rapidly, but he has gotten more work and his schedule is now more crazy than it was before. So now we're going to have to figure out some time that we can get in and teach him, and commit him to baptism. He's ready. The Gutierrez family (Moises and Berta & Co.) was feeling sick, and canceled our last appoinment, but we're meeting with them today, and are excited to teach them. They have a strong family, and we hope to invite them all to baptism. The only problem that hangs in the horizon with them is that Moises smokes and drinks. We will be teaching them the Word of wisdom soon.

I'm growing as I'm learning where I can apply myself, to grow as a tool and servant of the Lord, and it amazes me how much we really can change. If we are willing and open to it.

I love the mission and I look forward to helping these my brethren to see the light,

Your Missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

PS Elder Balagna is out and we're getting a new missionary! more next week.

This Week, Happy Easter!

2010-04-05T18:44:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends and Family!

HAPPY EASTER! I don't know how to say that better than what we have heard from the many inspired speakers at General Conference, but I want to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior that made the Plan of Salvation and Happiness possible for us all. It's been slow teaching wise, with many of our appointments cancelling again, but it has been brightened with a baptismal date with Sara Perez, and with the many amazing words of General Conference.

We have been working a lot with some part member families: Rosy and Matrin Lopez, and RIgoberto and Maria Turcios. We met with the Lopez family last Monday and shared with them about the purpose and eternal nature of families, but something seems to be holding Martin back... we're praying to be able to discern how we can help him overcome whatever is holding him back, because he understands that he needs to be baptized, but he doesn't seem willing to discuss why he wont. He brushes that question off, and changes the subject. We'll be meeting with him again today, and we hope to make more progress with him. The Turcios family had to reschedule our appointment for this week... so when we meet with them this coming week I'll let you know how they're progressing.

Sara Perez was taught by Elder Knowles and Bro Marshall, and Sis Villalobos while I was on splits with Bro Petersen. Neither of the brethren spoke Spanish, but it allowed us to teach 2 lessons at once. Unfortunately, my lesson didn't show up, and I went contacting with Bro. Petersen. It was a good set of splits. We're excited for her to get baptized on the 1st of May! We were also hoping to extend the baptismal invitation to Mike Guzman as well, but he had to run out of town before our appointment on Friday... the same with many our appointments this week, people were busy, and ended up cancelling. We will continue undaunted, and make sure that we commit them a little more firmly to stick to the time that they meet with us and ask them if they would like a reminder call so that we can make a better use of our time.

Regarding questions:

Yes, there are tailors here, and a few members that are very handy with sewing machines, I'm sure that I'll manage to get a good fit if you guys send me some pants.
I don't have an SD card since the one I had was lost with the other camera, but when I find it I'll send it home. I can take more pictures when I get the new SD card though.
I'm still doing great with shirts, especially with the new one Mom sent me, thanks Mom.
About the earthquake -- I didn't feel anything, I'm always surprised when someone says that there was an earthquake. I did wake up last night, but I didn't feel anything.

April Fool's Day was fun. As expected I have a story for you guys. We pulled pranks on each other (the English vs. Spanish elders) I'll only mention one here: On each of our sinks we have one of those little hand sprinkler things. However, neither of the sets of us realized that we each had one. So we ended up pulling it on each other with great results very wet missionaries :P.

I learned a lot from conference, and I enjoyed it immensely from all of the council it gave to the family, to the youth, and especially to parents. It gave me many thoughts to ponder about the responsibilities I will have as a teacher and father after the mission to children and the raising generation. I also was amazed at how simple, and direct the talks were, and how powerful they were because of it. The speakers spoke with great power and authority that comes from the keys they hold, and from the spirit of revelation that they received. I know that each of those talks were inspired, and that it shows us just how much the family is under attack if all of the talks talked of how we must strengthen our homes. We are in the last days, and we must remain valiant and vigilant from all the many dangers that lurk in the clouds of darkness that surround us. One of my favorites was Boyd K Packer, he hit it home really good with his talk speaking to fathers. That was powerful. I look forward again and comparing the notes that I took listening to him during conference and comparing to what I think when I re-read his talk come May. I also enjoyed seeing and hearing Bro Rasband, I heard him a few times at the MTC and he always had some great remarks concerning missionary work. I know it to be very close to his heart.

I loved reading the spiritual thought about "Be Still My Soul" it is also one of my favorite songs; it really does apply to us whenever we are in grief and pain, we must always remember that God is on our side, and that He has conquered all, and He is always there with his hand extended in love towards us, and we must only reach out with our own hands and take His, and we will be lifted out of the clouds of gloom and sorrow that may burden our souls.

I love my mission! I love the people here in Sonoma, and I love what I'm learning here everyday! Everything gets clearer as I study more and more the many things that we have from the mission library in addition to the scriptures. It makes me understand the story of the recent convert from Germany and what she said, that we truly don't understand, or comprehend what we have. If we did then we would shout it out from the rooftops! We have God's love here on the Earth today! We have evidence of it through the Book of Mormon, a living prophet, and through personal revelation through prayer and the Holy Ghost. We have answers to questions that the entire world is still in the shadow of doubt, but we have the light! Like Christ said unto His disciples, "Hold up your light, that it may shine unto the world, and that people may see it and glory God who is in Heaven." (Matthew 5:17?) I know that this is the Lord's work and that I've been called here to share my testimony to my brothers and sisters here.

Your missionary,

Elder Mackelprang

Easter!

2010-04-04T17:12:00.001-07:00

Here’s the (very late) letter from Richard last week. I actually got this email on Monday, but didn’t make time to get it posted until today, so the title is very appropriate :-) We did receive a paper letter from Elder Mackelprang this week, and it has some stories in it. We’ll try to get some of them posted with his next email. <<Mark>>

Hello family!

Thanks Leah! I appreciate that you still find time with your crazy High school schedule to write to your brother. I understand what you feel about the High school being a spiritually dead place. It can be pretty sad to see everyone else's bad example, and not feel sorry for them, and how they ridicule others. It's tough. But you'll remember the good times, and good friends and things that happened there.

Wow! I'm always touched by Elder Holland's talk about the solitary journey of the Savior and how He is the only one who could have shouldered that burden totally alone. That understanding of how necessary that was was increased through my reading in Jesus the Christ which I have been devouring ever since I bought it from the visitors center when the Sonoma District and I went to the Temple last Wednesday. I've seen so many things that I've never even imagined to the significance of things that I have "known" but perhaps never fully "understood". It's like there are levels to understanding that I can't even begin to comprehend, and it's breathtaking as it is daunting, that there is so much more for us to learn to follow more in the Savior's footsteps, but wherefore need we fear? He is with us through our journey,and I know that He always will be, and that we are here doing His work, and share His love and light with our Brothers and Sisters here!

The temple was amazing! I love being able to take the majority of the day to rest, study, and ponder the messages we receive in the Lord's holy house. Like I stated above there is so much for us to learn that it is prideful to try to say, "I've heard it all already." Opening our spiritual ears takes a lot more focus, effort, and humility than people imagine, because we need to listen. It truly is amazing, and yet I can't express in words that can truly explain to others how I feel, what I understand about what I've come to understand... the desire to share it with others, but it doesn't reach them at times. A message so simple in truth, that people take as too good to be true, or too simple to actually be the answer. The Savior says it best that we need to be like little children, children who listen, who ponder, and ask sincerely for truth. It begins to become clearer and clearer to me how amazing this Gospel is and why it is that we need to share it! I love my mission!! I want to see that fire and light in my brother's eyes as they come to know and understand the plan that our Savior has for them! The joy on their faces as they come up from the water with a pure conscience free from sin and guilt. The love they feel from their Heavenly Father and their Savior and friend Jesus Christ.

The work here has been going well. We're still working with Mike Guzman who is ready to be baptized, we just need to set a date with him. We also have Sara Perez who has clicked with the Book of Mormon and understands what a precious gift it is, and is gaining a testimony of the Church and the Restoration, and should also have a baptismal date soon. Anastacio and Maria Sanchez who are still struggling to make it out to church, but are slowly gaining the understand of the things we are teaching, and gaining the testimony of these things. We're working with Erika whose still learning. She understands things little by little, but we are focusing on getting her to pray so that she receives the understanding. We are still working with Velia and Armando and their doubts, but they too are beginning to understand bits and pieces of the Gospel that we're teaching. We also have two new investigators this week: Marta, and Maria Turcios. Marta is a total former investigator from almost 15 years ago by her estimate. We shared with her the Restoration and the need for it, a modern prophet, and the Book of Mormon. She likes it, and we believe that she'll progress very well. Maria Turcios is the Catholic wife of a Less Active Rigoberto Turcios. Even though he's less active he is firm in his testimony and studies from the BoM with his children and his wife. His work prevents him from going to church very often, but we're working with his wife to get more steam and more fire built in the family and make it a team effort to get to church, and to help the rest of the family understand the Gospel. The work with the Spanish Branch is coming along slowly, but we have the Bishop working with one of the Recent Converts of about 6 months to get the Melchizedec priesthood, we're excited for him and he's excited to be able to more fully bless his family, and his fellow brethren.

I got carried away writing to Pres this week, so I ended up running out of time to write about all of my stories that I had prepared... I'll write a letter home with all of the fun stories and then Dad can put them up on the blog or something like that. Stories, funny comments, funny happenings, lots of good stuff. (Your questions will be addressed there too.)

I miss you all, and I hope that you guys love conference! It's really great stuff!

Your Son, and Brother,

Elder Mackelprang

This Week

2010-03-23T04:50:00.001-07:00

I haven't found my camera yet, but I'll send home the SD card as soon as I find it. Yes we're still on bikes, and I'm enjoying it immensely, no problems. We have enough people to start a branch, but many are less active, what we need is 6 Melchezidek priesthood holders to start one here in Sonoma, and we're working our way up there. I'm going to start making a list of stories to share with you guys next week, so that you guys can get more of a feel for what's going on, and yes we still have studies, 3 of them Personal, Companion, and Language, and Weekly Planning it all differs, but I'm out of time I love you all! Thanks for your letter Leah!

This has been a great week! It's been great as I've strived to talked to everyone on the street more and I'm seeing a difference here in the way people interact with us. People are more friendly and open, and are more willing to talk. I know that it's the Lord blessing Elder Knowles and I as we give all of our heart and strength to the work. We've also had good success with our investigators this week! We haven't gotten as many lessons as we would have liked since some of our investigators left us high and dry, or had to cancel because of work. Such is life, obstacles come and go. Some of the investigators that are really progressing is the Gutierrez family: Berta, Moises, Francisco, and Teresa; Erika; and Anastacio and Maria.

The Gutierrez family is doing great, and loves to learn from us. They read and ask good questions, and we have faith that they will progress rapidly to baptism. What we're focusing on is getting them to church and on setting a date. We've committed Berta to prepare for baptism, so we're making progress. We're definitely excited. Erika like I've mentioned in previous letters is very spiritual and likes reading and learning what we believe. We've committed her to praying to receive an answer about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, and if this is truly the living church that Christ established all those many years ago. She feels that all churches are good, but we've helped her understand that God has a church that He established, and that we should be united in one fold, and one faith. Anastacio and Maria are doing great too. They take a little bit more effort to teach to show the connections between the Gospel Principals, but I love them, and when they do understand the principles then they are solid. They understand that they need to be baptized, and we're working with them to show more faith to receive an answer to their prayers to gain a testimony from the Holy Ghost. We're also working with them to get out to church to expedite the process and help them feel the spirit, but like many things it will take a little more time, effort, and exhortation to help them help themselves. Some investigators that we didn't get to teach this week, but that we are still focusing on is the Saabedra family, Montserrat, a different Angeles, Velia and Armando, and Lourdes. Juan, and Carla Saabedra didn't show up for our appointment a few days ago, even though we talked with Carla that morning as a reminder... so it was sad, because we were really excited to share a little more with them and invited them to the baptism in Napa this Saturday, but we'll catch up with them and see how we can help them progress. Montserrat is going through changes in her work so we don't have a set time to meet her anytime soon, and she said she would call us, but I think we may pass by or call her ourselves in a few days to see how she's doing and how we can help her. The "new" Angeles is an answer to a prayer from Elder Knowles and me, we prayed to find someone that morning and we ran into her when following up with old investigators. She was interested in learning more about how we can strengthen our families and find more joy in our lives (soul questions). We're going to teach her today, and we're excited to see how ready they are to learn. Velia and Armando had to reschedule because she was called into work, but we're scheduled to see them this week, they still have their doubts which we'll be focusing on, but once they overcome those doubts they should progress very rapidly. Lourdes seems to be losing steam, or seems to have been more happy to just chat and talk. We've visited her, but she doesn't seem so excited to keep commitments... we're going to give her a few more chances, but we may end up dropping her until her husband comes back home. We had a chance to talk with him since he was visiting from Mexico, but he wont be back for a few months because of work. We'll see how they come along as well.

I love this work, and I love being able to be an instrument in the Lord's hands, and how we can spread more happiness, light, and joy into the world because this is the truth! I love being a missionary!

Your missionary, son, and brother

Elder Mackelprang

Napa Zone Conference Pictures

2010-03-18T04:27:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures I borrowed from Sister Bunker’s blog.

	This is from the Napa Zone conference a few weeks ago. Elder Mackelprang is in the back row, left of center.
	Here are all the birthday missionaries at the conference. Quite a few for the month of March!

This is of Elder Mackelprang coming out of an interview with Pres. Bunker.