December 26, 2011

Dear Family,

It was so awesome being able to talk to you all! Thank you for all that you do for me! You all rock, for real! I´m really glad things are going well and I´m sure you had an excellent Christmas. Our Christmas conference with all of the missionaries within the city boundries was pretty great. A scripture from it that really has helped me keep working hard is in Doctrine and Covenants 68:9. Also, Hermana Romney (the mission president´s wife) is seriously the bomb. Every time she speaks to us I want to do better and she really knows how to teach by the Spirit. One of the things she said is ´´If our actions don´t reflect our faith, then we are really only kidding ourselves.´´ Anyway, it was cool and I got some of the packages! But we talked about that. They are totally awesome, thank you so mcçuch for those!

Anyway, so we had two baptisimal dates for yesterday and guess what? All week they were so excited and telling people about it and then when we showed up at their house to take them, they looked for excuses! About how their stomachs hurt and they´d rather do it in January, etc. It was bad news! So We talked with them of the importance of these things and how they needed to do it and that day was all ready, but when people don´t have the desire to do things, they don´t do it, so both of them fell through. It was discouraging, but I made the decision not to get discouraged. It was a battle and I was pretty close to getting down about it, but I´m focusing on what I can learn from every single one of these experiences to become a better missionary for these people and focusing on what we can do this week to have more success. It´s a better mindset, I´m thinking.

So we are going to work hard to have some success in this change because right now we have zero baptisms. It´s a bummer, but I really am taking something Uncle Dan told me to heart. Through all of the experiences, the good and the bad, I am looking for things that I can learn to make me a better missionary for these people and a better person. It really is a totally different mindset and is helping so much when I get frustrated or discouraged because you can´t get discouraged here in the mission. There´s too many awesome things going on, I refuse to get down! So that´s been me this week.

Happy birthday to Abby Guinn, by the way! And if you could get me an address for Elder Vogan that would totally rule! It sounds like he´s doing excellent. 

Seriously, being able to talk to you all was awesome! I hope Car is feeling better and I don´t know if you included batteries in a package yet, but those would rock. As for food, you said you wanted specifics so I really would like some Nutri grain bars and nature valley bars. Beef Jerky is always good and cheetos, and chips and stuff. You know what´s good. Pop Tarts rule and whatever else. You´re awesome Aunt Stephy.

In all reality, I know this is the work of the Lord. Maybe I forget to talk about them or expand on them all the time, but I have seen miracles here. I think there´s just so many I don´t have time to write about them all. I have seen the Lord´s hand in the things we do and I know this is His only true church. The Book of Mormon is evidence of all of that and honestly it is my favorite book to read. Life is excellent here in the mission and I love you all so much! Thank you for all the cards and stuff! I´m currently writing back but it takes me forever to get stuff out. 

Much love,

Elder Wheeler

December 19, 2011

Hey! So I have like zero seconds to write, which stinks. I don´t really know how it always works out like this because literally writing this letter is the most important thing to me on P-day but I´ll work harder on that! But guess what? ON THE 24th WE CAN SKYPE!!!!! I have my account and am friends with you and UD so it will work perfectly! I´m thinking it will be at about 7 or 8pm my time on December 24th (Saturday) AND I´M SO EXCITED!!!!! So, look forward to that! Make sure Paula and Granny come over for that, too! 

Carly, I have´t been able to send out any of my letters yet, but I have one here for you and it´s like 100 pages. I apologize! And I´m not allowed to email anyone but the family and a missionary in another country and I´ve been meaning to email Taylor! But I apologize for that. You´re the bomb!

So here´s a picture of me and Choncho or however you spell it! Funniest thing ever, I hope you enjoy it. This week has been awesome and we have seven investigators with baptisimal dates! I´m so stoked! The Lord is totally blessing us and guiding us. Thank you for all your support and prayers! Make sure Nick knows that he rules and it sounds like Ryan is doing ridiculously excellent in Argentina!

I miss you tons, family and I love you so much! This week I got really down on myself, just feeling really inadequate to be here and to serve the Lord and speak Spanish, but I read something that helped me a lot. It said The Lord can draw a straight line with even the most crooked of sticks. So Despite the fact that I´m far from perfect, the Lord can still use me here and work through me and now we have 7 baptisimal dates! They are all such awesome people, too. I wish I had more time to talk all about them! 

We also went without power in our house for a good amount of time so it was a good thing that I had that battery in my alarm clock to wake me up! It´s getting cooler here, but it´s nothing on Rexburg. Really, life is so good here! I have zero complaints and am really trying to work hard, but enjoy the mission at the same time. Really enjoying the mission has helped me be a lot more happy all the time here.

Life is really good and I can´t wait to talk to you on Saturday! I´m also sending all my pictures this weekend and my letters, too! I will catch you up on everything then so ask me all the questions you want Saturday! I´m so excited!! 

As for food, literally I would love to have just things american! There´s like no chips that have flavor, and...yeah the snacks are just really bland! So, you know what is good and what´s not! I am saving one package of Cars fruitsnacks. It´s special because it´s like the last American snack I have!

I hope you are loving the Christmas time and stuff! It´s a lot different here in Mexico and a lot less festive, so enjoy everything about it! I miss it for sure! 

Everything is great with me and I know this is where I am supposed to be! I am so happy to be here serving the Lord and the people. Thank you for everything!

Much love,

Elder Wheeler

Jordan's Arrival at the Mission Home

We FINALLY got the letter and picture from Jordan's Mission president and his first letter.  We posted them down in "Older Posts" starting on the 25th of October, so check them out!  We're glad we finally got them.

December 12, 2011 - Photos

MY BOY!!! LOVE HIM!!

December 12, 2011

Yo!

So everything is awesome here in Monterrey! Oh and I forgot thi last time, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY DYLAN!!!!!!! I HOPE IT WAS THE BEST BIRTHDAY OF YOUR YOUNG LIFE. Sorry I couldn´t be there but I´ll make it up to you for the next one! Well, the one after the next one. Also, happy birthday Granny Donna! You are the best and I´m glad I got to spend so much time with you before I left! Also happy birthday to Ryan. What a great guy.

Anyway, things are going well here! It has gotten pretty cold and I´m so glad I have that jacket and the gloves! Car, everyone calls me a bagabundo which is a homeless person, but it´s cool. In fact, I actually lost my voice this week for two days! So teaching was a little bit harder without that, but it went okay! Everyone just laughed at me when I talked because I sounded like I was 13. It´s still not all the way back yet, but no worries! We had zero baptisms this week. Yahiera´s mom is super Catholic and won´t let her get baptized so we are going to talk to her this week. She´s so ready and wants to be baptized, but Satan is working with the hearts of the people. It was a discouraging week, but I was not at all discouraged! I´m always ready to work harder, improve, and move on! Life is really good. Always there are challenges within the companionship. Somtimes a lot, and opposition on the investigators, and rejection, but it is all okay. Things are really going great!

-How is the Temple there? Is it a small one or large? 

The temple here is pretty small! It just has the basics, single story, but really beautiful! Also it´s in Spanish

-How do you find most of your investigators? Do you ride bikes, walk, ride buses?

Most of our investigators we find knocking on doors in all reality. The members don´t have a lot of references for us and don´t participate much in the missionary work, but we´re working with them in that! We ride busse, taxis, but mostly we ride bikes (ghetto, ghetto bikes) and walk!

-Why didn't your mission Pres. and wife send a photo of them with you when you arrived at the mission home? I would like that if you can swing it.

I took one with them and they said they´d send it so in all honesty I don´t know! I´d like you to have it too! Talk with Sister Romney. She´s the bomb.

-Did you finally have that And Conference and see Goobert?

We have our Christmas conference in a week and a half or so and the word is Goobert will be there. I AM DYING TO FIND HIM! So, that´s when I´ll get pckages and letters, too.

-The weather looks similar in temperature to here do you think it FEELS that way or is it more humid?

In all honesty, I think it´s more dry here than in Utah! It wa pretty nice and now it´s gotten way cold. And wet, too. It´s like a Mexican Rexburg! So if you could send me any more of those handwarmers that would be the bomb! And about the batteries, maybe just a bunch of duracells from Costco would do because batteries here last for like 35 seconds!

-Have you moved to a new location or gotten a new comp. yet?

I will probably be here in this area, Solidaridad for up to six months and my companion will leave in Jauary, after this change. Changes are ever 6 weeks and I´m with him for two, and then he´ll leave and I´ll stay.

-Is there anything I could send you that you need/want? Like what kinds of food do you want? I heard our package of cookies got opened by the Mexican mail people…That's CHOICE! Did you ever get it?

Hmm...I definitely would love food. That´s like the best gift for a missionary. Also, batteries would be awesome. Food. Other than that I am doing really well! I did cut up my card when I got here, my debit card, and I´m not sure if that was the right thing to do but I just have money for the necessities, which is all I need, but you know. Souviners and stuff are cool, too. Let me know what you think I should do in that area! I did not get any packages yet. I will in the Zone conference! I think if you just seal them up crazy good they should do okay! I don´t know for sure but that´s what everyone else does. And puts stickers of Jesus on them to turn people off from opening them.

-Tell me whenever you get packages in detail so I know you got each individual one ok :)

Okay! I have zero right now but I´ll get them in the zone conference!

-Will you send me the names and dates and areas of the baptisms you've already had so I can keep track on my blog? Also, names of comps and areas so far and every time you move so I can keep track.

Okay!

Trainer - Elder Vidal

Area: Solidaridad B (4 missionaries for one ward because it´s so big!)

converts:

Angelica Arleth Nunez Torres - 9

Claudia Guadalupe Nunez Torres - 15

Juan Esquviel Nunez Torres - 37

Angelica Torres De La Rose - 34

Norma Robledo - 37

Juan Leal Robledo - 9

Simon Robledo - 17

Javier Gonsalez Robledo - 15

I love you all so, so much! Next week I´ll give you the number and time to call me so we can talk on the 24th!! I can´t wait! I´m glad everything is going well with you at home. I love you family so much. I´ve got a big letter for Paula, too. Love you! Also, I bought Monopoly deal in Spanish and it´s the best. I´ll bring it home in about 20 months and you can check it out!

I´m going to miss Christmas like crazy this year! I think I miss home and you all so much because life was the best! I definitely will not be taking it for granted when I get back! Thank you for everyhthing and I love you so, so much. I could never be here without you! 

I pray for you all all the time!

Much love,

Elder Wheeler

December 5, 2011

Hey family!

I´m really happy that everything is going well with all of you. I miss you a ton! Things with me are going excellent. We baptized Simon on Friday and he was confirmed yesterday! I have pictures and will send them to you asap. Life in the mission is going really well. I officially have finished one change! So that´s exciting. As for Angel, his dad won´t let him be baptized because he has really bad asthma. He wants to wait until the Summer. I know that he would be just fine, but his mom isn´t willing to work with him to make it happen sooner. They are also moving outside of our area next week! So we won´t get to visit with them anymore! But we got their son, Cris, to come to church with one of his friends, Yahiera. She is so awesome and it´s like she knows all this stuff already. She´s 18 and you wouldn´t think from looking at her that she´d be interested in learning about Christ and His gospel, but we´re going to try and baptize her and her dad this week! They both came to church with us on Sunday.

Some highlights! 

I think on December 24th is when I get to call home! I don´t have all the details so I will have to tell you more in the next email and stuff.

We ran out of matches to cook food on the stove, but thankfully I had my lighter-flashlight from Taylor! He´s the man and breakfast was saved.

Javier, Simon´s brother got baptized on Sunday, too! And I think he really likes the church.

I heard the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song in spanish in a house the other day and missed Reese a bunch! It{s better in English.

I watched the What IS Love video again the other day and laughed histarically. Austen, Dylan, and Savy, you are the bomb.

Let Taylor know that PT Crusiers here are like nice cars. I hate it.

My favorite joke from the card Granny sent me is I would call the French sumbags but that of course would be a diservice to bags filled with scum

You are all the best and I love you so much! I wish I had time to write more! I think and pray for you all the time! 

Much love,

Elder Wheeler

P.S. Some like, rechargable batteries of AA and AAA would be the bomb because it´d save me money for my CD player and speaker. Just if you get around to it or whatever, You know.

P.S.S. Sorry I couldn´t answer the questions! Send me them again in the next email and I´ll do it next week!!! Love you tons Aunt Steph and UD!

November 30, 2011

Heya!

I´m glad things are going well at home! I loved the Spanish letters. I didn´t get to read all of it because literally I am that pressed for time, but it was excellent. Also, this computer I´m using blows so I don´t have any pictures I can get on here this week, I apologize! Oh, and also, we had our P-day switched again and that´s why I haven´t written until today. We don´t find out until Sunday night, the night before P-day so I am unable to give you any heads up on that so I apologize, but I am thinking it´s usually going to be the last day in the month.

Anyway, I forgot to wish Dwight a happy birthday in my last email, so I realize it´s a little late, but Happy Birthday! You´re the man!

So, I got a letter from Granny Julie and it was the best. Thank you for that! They were all Papa Barry jokes and made me laugh a bunch mostly because some of them were so crude. Totally the best. My companions didn´t really understand them so well, but that´s okay. Also, whenever anyone asks me to take pictures, I pull a jake and take picutres of them really up close by zooming in a ton and taking pictures of tons of people up close but so far no one thinks it´s funny. But I do so I´ll probably keep doing it. 

Fun stuff first! This week a bus we took definitely was offroading for like half of our trip in some of the worst terrain possible. I was like 40 percent sure it was going to tip, but it al turned out well! Sometimes I´m a little iffy in trusting the bus drivers here. Also, I saw a picture of Goobert (Elder Rogers, my roommate from BYU-I) in our zone conference with the president last week. I AM GETTING CLOSER TO FINDING HIM. On the baptismal certificate for Arleth and Claudia, they spelt my name Jordan Weller. That´s how everyone says my name and I let it slide. Also, we had a talent night in our ward and let me tell you, it is not like the Las Sendas ward at all. Not better or worse, but very different! But something awesome is how well the Nunez family is making friends in the ward, going to all the activities, and really are so much happier. I can see it and I´m happy tohave been able to help them. Claudia sang in the talent show and Fatima and Arleth did stuff, too. We also had family night with them and two other familes from the ward including a non member and an inactive and they hosted it and it went awesome as well. It´s is so cool to see the change in their lives.

So more spiritual stuff! Norma and Juan were supposed to be confirmed last Sunday, but Juan had a seizure and some stuff and some members of the ward were able to help him to the hospital. He is back at home and doing just fine. We gave him a blessing, and all of this really strengthened the testimony of Norma a ton. Itçs crazy. She has so much trust in the Lord and itçs just awesome. Thereçs been a huge change in her and members of her family. And that leads me to Simon, one of her other sons. He was supposed to be baptized yesterday. Everything was going well and we passed by to pick him up to go to mutual and his baptisimal service after, but he was laying in bed crying and had been for a long while. He is 17 and really wants to do the right thing so bad. He has such a strong desire to be baptized, but he did drugs that day. He told us his whole story about how he got into drugs when he was 14 and how he hates it and all of this stuff, so we were able to talk with him and kneel in prayer. He has such a big heart and if things go well this week, he will be baptized this Sunday. He literally wants to be baptized more than anything. He knows these things are true. He told us heçs always so much happier when weçre over than when heçs with his so called friends. Now he just has to kick the habit so we gave him a blessing to help him through and weçre visiting him everyday. Itçs crazy to see how these things, the simple things Christ taught can change lives when we do them. Içm seeing that firsthand.

Also, Angel. He is 10 years old of a somewhat active family. The family is starting to come back to church, but he has really bad asthma and has not been baptized. His nonmember dad who does not live with them wonçt let him be baptized because of this. I know that the Lord will help him through this and we hope to baptize him this weekª We will see.

Everything else is going really wellª My Spanish is getting better, weçre working really hard. We have has 6 baptisms this change so far and we hope to have two more this Sundayª Içll let you know how it turns out, but our work is paying off and we are really helping people. The change is really awesome to  see.

Michael Jackson is way popular here and everytime I hear it I think of Nick and want to dance. Itçs so funny. Also, thereçs Cars 2 stuff everywhere down here and it reminds me of Car because we saw it at midnight and like no one else was there.

Anyway, I know this work is the work of the Lord and I love being here. I miss home and you, family, but I know this is where I need to be. I love you all so, so much and am so grateful for you in my lives. I cançt wait to see youª You are literally the best family and I am so happy that I get to come back and like be a part of yor lives forever and stuff. Really, I owe you everything for me being here and I miss you like crazyª Keep being the best and I will talk to you Mondayª YOUçRE THE BOMBª

Much Love,

Elder Wheeler

November 21, 2011 - Photos

Hey Familia!

I got your emails and stuff! I am glad things are going well at home! I love you all and miss you a ton!

Life with me is going excellent. It really is. My companion and I had some tough times this week (aka I blew up on him because I got way too annoyed) and we were able to work things out. We were walking and talking (mainly arguing) and then just before we got to our house I asked if we could have a prayer. So we prayed and immediately all of my bad feelings were gone and I have been striving to work harder to be a better person. You know how I can´t really stand a lot of people, so this is good for me to learn, I´m thinking. I´m living off of Moroni 7:45. Read it and you´ll see what I mean. So really, life is good in that aspect. Learning a lot.

So, every morning pretty much I listen to Enya and that is always the best. Also, yesterday I had to give a talk in sacrament meeting and our ward here in Soli is pretty big. So I went up there and in all honesty, I´ve never felt more satisfied with any talk or lesson I´ve ever given and it was in Spanish. Don´t ask me how that makes sense but really, it went so well. I shared my testimony in English and everyone after told me that they could feel the spirit of what I was saying. I was just really glad to be able to not screw it up! But really, I think it went okay. 

Also, we had four baptisms this last Sunday!! I attached some pictures here. We baptized the two daughters of the Nunez family last Sunday and then this Sunday we baptized the two parents as well as two others from a different family! It was so awesome. The Nunez family is seriously the coolest and they are loving and fitting in right with the ward. It´s cool because at their daughters´ baptism last week, the dad, Juan, wasn´t sure about being baptized. He´d been praying and reading the Book of Mormon for about three weeks and he had my hymn book and he opened it to a random page and it was Choose the Right. He said all it lacked was his name right after those words in the title! He said right then he knew what he was supposed to do. I thought it was awesome and explained to him that was just the first of many spiritual experiences he would have. In the beginning, he thought we were Jehovah´s Witnesses, so you know. We´ve worked with him and he´s come a long way. Also, he wasn´t going to be able to be baptized yesterday because of work, but somehow it worked out and he showed so we have his entire family baptized now. It´s especially awesome to be able to bring that joy to a family. I´ve seen the change in them. In their faces, I can see how happy they are and how much they´ve grown closer as a family and to the Lord. 

We also taught a lesson with 10 devoted Catholics this week, and that was a trip. And we sing hymns in almost all of our lessons. I love singing them because they bring the spirit so strong. Also, no one here can sing worth anything. Sometimes it´s pretty bad. Not going to lie, but it´s funny at the same time. My favorite hymn is Lead Kindly Light. We were also asked multiple times this week why we are so happy. I swear, there´s barely a second that I am walking around here without a smile. I can´t really explain why I am so happy, but it doesn´t matter.

So now, you have a little taste of what I do. Pretty dang exciting, huh?

On our P-days we usually play soccer as a zone until about 12:30 ish, eat, and we wash our clothes at a member´s house because our stuff is broken. After that, we hang our clothes up outside and go to work! It´s a pretty busy day! Also, for mail! My mission mom, Hermana Romney, goes to the US about every week and will mail stuff for me! I don´t remember if I talked about this already, but if you send me stamps I can put all of my pictures on a cd and mail them to you! So cd cases might not be a bad idea either. 

But yeah, life is going really well! I am out of time here but I love you so much! I can´t wait to see you all again. Sometimes i´s tough, especially around Christmas because I LOVE Christmas at our house, but you know. Everything is going so well.

Talk to you really soon! 

Much love,

Elder Wheeler

To my dear friends:

The best way for anyone to talk to me is to send me a DearElder and when I go to the office I can pick it up and write them a hand written letter to send through the mission president´s wife! So just make that known. Emails are not the best way for others, only for you!

Love you like crazy and miss you more than anything,

Elder Wheeler

Also, one of my favorite scriptures is Luke 12:34. For Where your treasure is, there will you heart be also.

In all honesty, I treasure you, Uncle Dan, Austen, Savy, Dylan, Reese, Granny, and Paula the most and my heart is with you! I pray for all of you everyday and I love you!

Elder Wheeler

November 21, 2011

Heya!

I´m glad things are going well at home! I loved the Spanish letters. I didn´t get to read all of it because literally I am that pressed for time, but it was excellent. Also, this computer I´m using blows so I don´t have any pictures I can get on here this week, I apologize! Oh, and also, we had our P-day switched again and that´s why I haven´t written until today. We don´t find out until Sunday night, the night before P-day so I am unable to give you any heads up on that so I apologize, but I am thinking it´s usually going to be the last day in the month.

Anyway, I forgot to wish Dwight a happy birthday in my last email, so I realize it´s a little late, but Happy Birthday! You´re the man!

So, I got a letter from Granny Julie and it was the best. Thank you for that! They were all Papa Barry jokes and made me laugh a bunch mostly because some of them were so crude. Totally the best. My companions didn´t really understand them so well, but that´s okay. Also, whenever anyone asks me to take pictures, I pull a jake and take picutres of them really up close by zooming in a ton and taking pictures of tons of people up close but so far no one thinks it´s funny. But I do so I´ll probably keep doing it. 

Fun stuff first! This week a bus we took definitely was offroading for like half of our trip in some of the worst terrain possible. I was like 40 percent sure it was going to tip, but it al turned out well! Sometimes I´m a little iffy in trusting the bus drivers here. Also, I saw a picture of Goobert (Elder Rogers, my roommate from BYU-I) in our zone conference with the president last week. I AM GETTING CLOSER TO FINDING HIM. On the baptismal certificate for Arleth and Claudia, they spelt my name Jordan Weller. That´s how everyone says my name and I let it slide. Also, we had a talent night in our ward and let me tell you, it is not like the Las Sendas ward at all. Not better or worse, but very different! But something awesome is how well the Nunez family is making friends in the ward, going to all the activities, and really are so much happier. I can see it and I´m happy tohave been able to help them. Claudia sang in the talent show and Fatima and Arleth did stuff, too. We also had family night with them and two other familes from the ward including a non member and an inactive and they hosted it and it went awesome as well. It´s is so cool to see the change in their lives.

So more spiritual stuff! Norma and Juan were supposed to be confirmed last Sunday, but Juan had a seizure and some stuff and some members of the ward were able to help him to the hospital. He is back at home and doing just fine. We gave him a blessing, and all of this really strengthened the testimony of Norma a ton. Itçs crazy. She has so much trust in the Lord and itçs just awesome. Thereçs been a huge change in her and members of her family. And that leads me to Simon, one of her other sons. He was supposed to be baptized yesterday. Everything was going well and we passed by to pick him up to go to mutual and his baptisimal service after, but he was laying in bed crying and had been for a long while. He is 17 and really wants to do the right thing so bad. He has such a strong desire to be baptized, but he did drugs that day. He told us his whole story about how he got into drugs when he was 14 and how he hates it and all of this stuff, so we were able to talk with him and kneel in prayer. He has such a big heart and if things go well this week, he will be baptized this Sunday. He literally wants to be baptized more than anything. He knows these things are true. He told us heçs always so much happier when weçre over than when heçs with his so called friends. Now he just has to kick the habit so we gave him a blessing to help him through and weçre visiting him everyday. Itçs crazy to see how these things, the simple things Christ taught can change lives when we do them. Içm seeing that firsthand.

Also, Angel. He is 10 years old of a somewhat active family. The family is starting to come back to church, but he has really bad asthma and has not been baptized. His nonmember dad who does not live with them wonçt let him be baptized because of this. I know that the Lord will help him through this and we hope to baptize him this weekª We will see.

Everything else is going really wellª My Spanish is getting better, weçre working really hard. We have has 6 baptisms this change so far and we hope to have two more this Sundayª Içll let you know how it turns out, but our work is paying off and we are really helping people. The change is really awesome to  see.

Michael Jackson is way popular here and everytime I hear it I think of Nick and want to dance. Itçs so funny. Also, thereçs Cars 2 stuff everywhere down here and it reminds me of Car because we saw it at midnight and like no one else was there.

Anyway, I know this work is the work of the Lord and I love being here. I miss home and you, family, but I know this is where I need to be. I love you all so, so much and am so grateful for you in my lives. I cançt wait to see youª You are literally the best family and I am so happy that I get to come back and like be a part of yor lives forever and stuff. Really, I owe you everything for me being here and I miss you like crazyª Keep being the best and I will talk to you Mondayª YOUçRE THE BOMBª

Much Love,

Elder Wheeler

P.S. for packages, the best things I can recieve are probably food and stamps. Not food stamps, though. Those donçt work here. Also, I have a few handwritten letters to send out but I lack stamps. I have one with all my pictures on a disc to send to you, Aunt Steph, and one for Car, Elizabeth, Kate, Kelsi, anyway, I have a few and Içll write some more, too. Thank you for all that you do for meª 

As always, please fix my errorsª

November 14, 2011

Family!

How´s it going? I just got a ton of letters from you and stuff today because right now I´m at the offices. That´s the only time we´ll get physical letters or Dear Elders is at the offices and I´m here to work on some stuff for my visa today. But things are going excellent with me! I´m really happy like all the time and it´s just been going excellent. Forgive my errors here because Spanish keyboards are like different and stuff. Anyway, yeah, it sucked not being able to write you all but I am here now! It should be every Monday. The mission president´s wife was talking about how she was mad that I hadn´t written either and got on my trainer about it.

Crap I have to leave. I will write again later today as soon as I possibly can so don´t worry

Love you so much,

Elder Wheeler

Hey!

Okay sorry,

So my life! Mexico is different as anything but I am loving it. As for pictures, I am thinking I´ll put them onto a cd and try to mail them through another Elder in the zone that does have mail service out there? Mail getting to the mission home is usually pretty reliable. Packages, too. Just make sure you seal it all crazy good and religious stickers on the boxes wouldn´t hurt either (to discourage people from breaking into it).

All of the Spanish speaking Elders say fetch like every second. It´s different and will definitely be an attribute I will choose not to adopt. They are all really cool, though, for the most part. I was in the store the other day and I heard songs from Just Dance playing and it made me want to play so bad! When I get back, we are all playing so deal with that. Maybe there will be something better out or whatever but train up family because I´ll school you.

We ate at Litte Ceasers a few days ago and that´s about as American as my life gets. Nothing is really the same. Even the pizza and Pan Loco tasted different. Still good, but you know. Totally reminded me or Carly and Nick, though. Nick because I know he´s eating that all the time in the mission and Carly because we´d get it all the time at BYU and watch movies. I also heard What Is Love in a zapateria and that made me laugh, too. What´s the status on J-Vo?

Oh, you´ll appreciate this Aunt Stephy, I put on my jacket the other day pushed a roach out through my sleeve. Freaking disgusting. But this is my life. Really, things aren´t as bad as they may sound. Maybe they are and I´m just in this missionary mindset, but I am loving it.

As for the mission, I had my first baptism yesterday! Her name is Angelica Nunez and she is 9 years old. We baptized the two daughters that are old enough and the mom wants to get baptized with her husband who is still doubting the church. So we´re giving him time to find this stuff out for himself. They are such and awesome family, though. It was excellent. Hopefully I´ll get to send some pictures soon.

In the markets in the streets, I´m like the tallest person there which is weird because I´m not even that tall, but it´s kind of funny. All the stuff there is real cheap, but I´ll buy lots of souviners at the end of my mission to bring back to show all of you! I´d mail stuff but we all know how that is. The báptism was so awesome, though. The two daughters were so happy and you could see the change in them. The parents, too. It won´t be long before they´re baptized.

We´re just working hard to bring this joy to everyone we can! I know it´s the truth and this is the path to follow Jesus Christ. I love you all and love where I am. I miss you like crazy, that´s for sure, but I´ll see you real soon.

Tell Taylor I am dying to room with him again after our missions. I got a letter from Carly and Elizabeth, but I can´t mail them...So yeah. Tell them that they are the best. Paula and Granny, too. I´ll see about sending you an email to send to them, but literally I have no time to do it. So just let them all know that I LOVED the letters from them. And from you, too Aunt Steph. I have like thirty. I love the letters from the other missionaries and stuff. You are seriously the greatest. Let UD know I got his letter too and that he is the best and I love him so much. Austen, Savy, Dylan, and Reese, I love all three of you  SO much. Be awesome. Always.

Let Ryan know that I met Elder Beamount today and he asked if I knew him because we act similar and the way we talk. That made me laugh.

I love you so much and I´m working hard! I wish I had more time to write, but I am grateful for the time I´m given. I pray for you, family, every time I pray. Thank you for everything. I can´t remember all of your questions, so I apologize! I hope this will suffice. Also, I don´t have email addresses for anyone because what I´ll do is send an email to you Aunt Steph to send to others. That´s the only way  I can really communicate with anyone else and that´s what everyone else does so as of now I haven´t responded to anyone yet, but if Carly and Elizabeth could email me their addresses or email you or something that´d be awesome. Taylor too. Ahh, too many people but for now, just them. I´ll work through the list, but this is the most important one.

 I love you so, so much, family and don´t ever doubt it. I think about you all everyday and can´t wait to see you again!

Much Love,

Elder Wheeler

November 7, 2011 Part 2

´Basically, I get no time to write. Itçs been lame. I donçt even know what youçve said to me because I donçt get mail or time to writeª I apologizeª I have tons more pictures but I donçt know how to get them to you...Still trying to figure this all out but I love you so muchª

Also, include this in my other letter if you canª Happy birthday to Jesse, Macey, and Mileyª Also happy birthday to Elizabeth McKinneyª Youçre the bomb.

Love you family. writing situation sucks completely

elder wheeler

November 7, 2011 - FINALLY A LETTER!!! :):):)

Hey! So I apologize it´s taken me forever to write. I really wanted to. We were supposed to have time on the first day but we didn´t get time to and then our preparation day got moved to Wednesday last week to go to the temple here in Monterrey so I didn´t get to then either. Anyway, it´s basically been lame not to write, but I am now!

Okay, so Mexico. Mexico is freakin´ different. My whole life is completely different. It´s honestly crazy. We got here and went through customs and all that on the 24th of last month and then got assigned to our areas and trainers the next day. The mission president is pretty cool and so is his wife. She says hi, too, by the way. I guess you´ve talked to her. So my whole district from the MTC got split up and they´re all over. My area is called Solidaridad. It´s a pretty big area, we have bikes, and the people in the ward and investigators are pretty awesome. They´re always feeding us and all kinds of stuff. There´s like a million dogs everywhere and trash all over the place, too. So, yeah. Really ghetto to be honest, but it´s totally okay. I´ve taught some lessons in some literal shacks. Like, totally made out of trash and tin and bugs everywhere. Disgusting, but you know. The showers are almost always cold, we don´t have a washer or dryer. In fact, no one has dryers so don´t take those for granted back home. I miss a good dryer. I swear, Viking Village is like a top of the line place compared to here, but it is all good. We do laundry at member´s houses. The food so far has been really so-so. Nothing excellent, but I have had some baddddd stuff. Sometimes I feel like I´m living in Nacho Libre. There are his little bike cart things everywhere. Oh, that´s another thing. It is NEVER quiet. There is always someone yelling in the street, selling something, things breaking, loud cars, honking, who knows what but it is never ever quiet. I was walking down the street the other day and it was flooded with sewage. Totally awesome. But really, life is good. I´m honestly loving it. 

My companion´s name is Elder Moses Vidal. Here´s the deal. If you look for weaknesses in someone, you´re going to find them. If you look for strengths, you´ll find them too. I have found a lot of weaknesses, and some strengths and I know of this one saying that if you don´t have anything nice to say, don´t say anything at all, so we´ll leave it at that. He´s from Verecruz and we live with two other elders from Mexico and Peru. Basically, my life is all Spanish only.

The work has been awesome, though. I confirmed one of our converts last Sunday. There was a Volleyball tournament and we got 7 investigators to come to it and I tore it up, so you know. Nah, but I do love Volleyball. I miss English words like crap, freak, and stuff like that. Donçt take those for granted either. I have been sick with a cold the last few days so thatçs been awesome. I havençt seen Goobert yet. Heçs in an outside area away from the city. Oh, my area is in the city. Not like city city, but itçs in the city.

We found this family, the Nuñez family. We were going donw the street and my companion says whatever house you feel like talking to tell me. So we go and Içm staring at this house the whole time. We get to the end of the street and come back and are almost out and my companion stops and heads for the house I was staring at. We talked with them and they have baptismal dates for this Sunday. We met them my first Friday. They are totally awesome.

I gotta run. OH the mail. okay so I only get mail every change, which is every six weeks. Thatçs only for this area. I donçt know why. So basically, itçs okay to send an email to you, family, and then have you send it to other people but I have no email addresses for anyone currently. So you know. I guess weçll try and wok that one out.

I love you so much and thank you for everything. I donçt have much time so please fix my errors in this email before you post it for the whole world. I am loving the life of a missionary.

Sending another email with pictures. Love you so muchª

Elder Wheeler

Jordan's Arrived in Monterrey!!

Picture with President and Sister Romney

Jordan's Arrived in Monterrey!!

October 24, 2011

We got to talk to you today on your way to Mexico!!!! Oh Happy day! It felt so good to hear your sweet voice, your laugh again. We could hear the excitement and happiness in your voice! It can't be possible to love someone so dang much! Man, we love you Jordan!! The tears were of joy and we won't lie we are selfish and miss you, but we will share you for a time so others can be changed just like we were being with you!

We are the proudest parents in the whole world! You have set a standard for Austen, Savannah, Dylan and Reese that is just so inspiring and we are grateful...so grateful.

Who would have thought 5 years ago from such a rotten place came the most beautiful friendship, love and a REAL FAMILY for all of us. I truly believe Heavenly Father has his hand in everything that's going on in our lives. He knew we needed you as much as you needed us. I'm FOREVER in his debt! 


We can't wait to hear from you and all the adventures you will have. We're just so excited for you! You are so pure in heart and that is so rare in this world. It is a gift you have to lift others and just love!

We pray the Spirit will guide you in everything you do! Now Sweet Elder Jordan Wheeler, "Give Em "L" Lundell"! :)

We love you millions!!
XOXOXO
Your Family

October 22, 2011

I got the package, yes! Thank you for that, you're awesome. 

My travel plans:

Salt Lake - 8:20am - Leaving

Dallas/Ft. Worth - 12:05 - arrive

Dallas/Ft. Worth - 2:15 - Leaving

Monterrey Mexico - 3:50 - arrive

It doesn't say anything about time changes so I have no idea how that will go down. Anyway, that's me! Sorry about the address confusion but I don't know any more than you do. I've never been there. I'll let you know when I get there for sure but until then, hopefully you can make some sense of it.

Much love,

Elder Wheeler

October 22, 2011

Hey family!

So, yes I did get my visa! My whole district went to the Mexico consulate in Salt Lake City (Which in this part of SLC it felt like Mexico) and we were able to get out visas! Also, I realize I told different people different travel plans because my travel plans have changed like three times because of  this visa thing, but now I will officially be leaving Monday from here to SLC, then to Dallas/Ft. Worth, then to Monterrey Mexico. I don't have my travel plans with me right now, though so I can't tell you specific times. Nice, I know. But I believe my flight from Salt Lake leaves at 8 am on Monday and then I'll get to Dallas/Ft. Worth and have a three hour layover, so that is where I will most likely call from. I'll call the house number if that sounds good! Hopefully you'll be there. I don't know if the kids will be in school or whatever, but I apologize for not knowing the times! I'll see about sending another email probably this evening with the exact times (but even then I don't know if they change the times through the time zones or not on my travel plans, so I'll do my best. Not too helpful, I know. I apologize).

As for other things, I have been pretty freakin' sick since Tuesday. It's totally blown chunks. I have had a 101.5 fever, strep throat, nausea, I get really, really cold to the point where my fingers were like going numb, then I'd get really hot and start sweating like a sicko, I would have constant really bad headaches, aches, tiredness but  inability to sleep, etc. Anyway, the gist is that this week have been real rough for me. I spent two days in my bed and one day in sick bay. This morning is the first morning I've felt well enough to like go and do stuff so I'm so grateful for that because well or not, I was going to take that flight out of here to Mexico on Monday.

On Wednesday my companion and I got selected to demonstrate teaching for the new missionaries. It was us and 7 other companionships. When we got to the meeting the guy says "We've brought you here because you're the best of the best." So I immediately thought of Men In Black when he says "Your boy Captain America over here. 'The best of the best of the best, sir! With honors. He's just really excited and has no idea why we're here." So I laughed for a while about that.

The MTC is being flooded with Portuguese elders, none of which should be here. They're all supposed to be at the MTC in Brazil, but none of them can get their visas. A bunch of them just got reassigned to Texas, Spanish speaking. Enjoy is all I can say. I was thinking for a little while that we were going to get a reassignment because we've had our visas in since, what April or May? And we just got them yesterday afternoon. Ridiculous, but I am grateful. I was aiming for a New York Spanish speaking reassignment, but I'm okay with just going to Mexico too, you know.

I'm glad the Vacation still worked out! Aunt Deana is so funny. She was like "Only Steph and Dan would have to 'downgrade' a vacation from Belize to Hawaii." I was laughing about that. But I am glad it was fun and everything. I watched the videos and looked at all the pictures. That's so awesome. I'll try and send my last batch of MTC pictures today.

Thank you for everyone's emails. I love getting them.  I saw Brother Rhoner (Elder Rhoner) and his wife here at the MTC so that was pretty cool. Him and I and Brad (Elder Frost) were talking and stuff.

I'm so excited to take off here to Mexico! It is going to be so awesome. I'm a little worried about my ability to understand fast Spanish (or Spanish in general) but I'm sure it will come with time despite the fact that I feel like I need that ability now more than ever. I can speak pretty well, hold a conversation, teach the gospel, and tell jokes so I'm okay there. I guarantee the people of Mexico won't know what to think of me, but fortunately I'm totally okay with that.

I'm so grateful for you, family, and everything you've helped me with to get here. I honestly could not have made it here without you all. I can guarantee that. Granny, too. She's helped me so much. All of you are seriously the best and thank you for your unwavering support. In two days I'll be in another country, but I know there is nowhere else I should be right now. I'm glad Kate enjoyed that note about her one letter in two years. I'm serious about that! At least just one. Also, today is officially Carly's birthday, but since I wished her a happy birthday last Monday, I won't do it again, but I will tell her that since I've been sick, I'll drift into like five minute snoozes and have weird dreams and one time I dreamt about Milo? We were like friends and stuff.

Anyway, I love you all. Thank you so much for everything. I'll let you know what Mexico is like. Thank you for all the packages and letters. You're the best. I encourage no one to send me anything to the MTC address anymore, because I won't receive it and if anything does come, they throw it away. So, yeah. Anyway, I love you a ton and I will call from Dallas/Ft. Worth. I can't wait to see you all again, but I can't wait to get to Mexico, either. I'll definitely let you know how it is every week for the next twenty-two months!

Much love,

Elder Wheeler

October 26, 2011

Last photos from the MTC....Monterrey Here you come!!

Last photo with Elder Brad Frost

                                       
                                                              Classic Jordan Photography

                                                                  Pranks in the MTC

                                                          Maddy Cypert Sock Monkey Attack!

Last Zone Photos

October 17, 2011

Hey!

How was the vacation? Or is? I don't know if you still are there or not. That's crazy about the passports! But I'm glad you got everything worked out. Seriously, and I'm sure Hawaii wasn't too bad either. I actually have a friend who lives there! Tiffany Holder (But I'm like 600% you wouldn't have recognized her even if you saw her there so no worries. Just something cool). Tell me all about it!

I'll tell you a little bit about my week, I guess.

So, We got another new district to bring in this week so that went well and this is OUR LAST WEEK HERE IN THE MTC which I am freakin' stoked for. Not that I didn't like my time here, because I did, but I got called to Mexico and not Provo. So anyway, we're waiting on our visas right now because apparently we still don't have them which blows! But I've been praying because we have our flight plans for Monday at 5am! And I really don't want to stay here longer than I have to but I know everything will work out the way it's supposed to. I literally have basically 6 days left. Also, this week the new Zone Leaders will shadow us and then we'll leave so hopefully we'll be able to do a good job training them. They'll be from the brand new district that just got here this week, which is crazy.

As for other things, my companion and I have taught 1 horrible lesson and a bunch of really good ones. We've learned so much and I cannot wait to get to Mexico. My entire district (which has been reduced to 6 of us because the other 6 left to the MTC in Peru) all have the same travel plans so that will be very cool!

Also, I don't know what...person decided it would be a good idea to switch us to Winter rules (where we always have to wear a suit coat) and crank all of the AC's to 80 minimum, but it kind of is the worst. I just look at it as I'll probably be sweating way more than that in Mexico without a suit coat, so you know. No worries there either.

I have a bunch of pictures to send (I printed off some before that SD card went MIA in the mail) so I will mail you those along with another SD card this week. Oh, and I got the halloween package. Totally the best. I wore a fake mustache all day and a tattoo arm, too. Totally awesome.

Really nothing too exciting has taken place in recent weeks. I've just been trying to better myself every way that I can before I get out to Mexico!

CARLY - Happy birthday. You're awesome.

Definitely give me some updates on you all! I should leave on October 24th, which is Monday, so feel free to send me letters as long as they'll get here before then!

Oh, that also means I'll get to call home at the airport, most likely from Texas because I have a three hour layover there, but I will send another email out before I leave, most likely on Saturday. If I don't, it means I didn't get my visa and may be here longer. I will definitely let you know! That's when I can give you more like the time of the call realatively and stuff like that. Just let me know which number would be the best to call! Definitely don't want to leave a message!

What else, what else...

Oh, you asked for anything else that I want before I leave to Mexico. I'm pretty sure I just have one thing. A BLACKLIGHT. Those scorpions are going to be out for my Asian blood so I have to take them out before they can get me. You know they have like the vendetta against Taylor and I. I mean, we probably only killed like 500 of them one Summer.

Anyway, unless you can think of anything else that would be great to have, that's all I'm thinkin' so far.

UD, I got your letter! I acutally haven't had a chance just yet to sit down and read it all, but I'm pretty sure I'll do okay with it. I read the first few lines and it went well, so thank you for that.

Family, thank you for everything. I hope you had a fun time in Hawaii or are having a fun time there. I love you all so much and am so grateful for each one of you in my life. From UD all the way down to Reese. Granny, too. I love you all. Thank you, thank you. Keep being the best ever! I'm just trying my hardest out here and I know that the Lord will help me with the rest. I fall short a lot in my goals and in what I want to do, but that's okay. I pray for you all everyday, like 20 times a day.

I love you all.

I miss all of you.

I will talk to you real soon.

I know more than anything that this is the truth. I know it. It's too real for me to deny. I could never because I have received a testimony of these things through the Holy Ghost and now I want nothing more than to share that testimony with everyone I ever see. You know what you have to do to know the things I know, and anyone can know them! It's so easy. The Lord wants this knowledge for everyone, but we receive no testimony until after the trial of our faith. I know this is true.

I love you, family.

Elder Wheeler

October 10, 2011 Part 2

I just had some stuff I messed up a bit on. I leave here in 14 days, not 19...

Oh and I got that package today! It was totally the best. Everyone in my district was like playing with all of the sweet dollar store stuff! I walked out with my tattoo arm and mustache on. It was excellent. I AM SO EXCITED TO GET TO MEXICO. For real!

Anyway, I think that's all I needed to remedy. I didn't get to write everyone today so I apologize for that. Tell Kate I'm looking for the 1 letter I want from her in these two years!

I'm glad everything is going well! I love you tons and tons. Have fun on vacation. I'll have fun in Provo. I'm always learning so much and making the most of every second because this is the Lord's time, not mine. I signed up to give it to Him and I'll do nothing short of that.

Oh, side note but important to me but maybe not include this in the blog, but I went to the temple with nothing really in mind. I just asked for blessings on my family and friends. I was praying in the Celestial room and I just asked the Lord if there was anything He wanted me to know right then and I was completely overcome with this feeling of love. I started to cry and I knew that God loved me. I also know that He told me everything with my parents will work out. It was like almost too much to handle. I just stood there praying and crying and it was just really incredible. I just thought I would share that with you.

I love you all so, so much. Talk to you real soon!

Mucho amor,

Elder Wheeler

October 10, 2011

Hey family!

Belize huh? That's way cool! You definitely have got to send me some pics and stuff. My district was like "Where is that?" and I said "Umm...like an island in central America?" I literally don't even know. Looks like all those years at the good 'ol Red Mountain High are paying off! Seriously, that's awesome though! You've gotta tell me all about it and stuff! Hopefully you'll still have like internet but if not, it's cool.

This week has been an awesome week! I've learned a whole bunch and I also decided not to be boring. Literally that was one of my desicions. We had this guy, Chad Lewis come and talk to us (He plays for the Eagles) and show us pictures of him in Tiwan (and he's like totally huge and stuff and had the total 80's glasses and all of that) and it really made me just want to be myself. I garuntee you people won't know what to think of me but I'm more than okay with that! The Lord called me on this mission to this place because I am me and as weird as I am, my personality can help I'm sure. Plus being boring is lame.

This week one of the Elders in my district got sick with something and he was throwing up all the time, couldn't keep any food down and all this stuff so we took three hour shifts with him while he layed in bed. Aunt Deana hooked him up with a TV in his room to watch church videos and stuff and I went to the cafeteria and got a butt load of like yogurt, ice cream, and all this stuff. This cafeteria lady like knew what was up and totally hooked him up so that was sweet too. It reminds me of UD whenever he like gets stuff like that, does that make sense? Like the time we were at Chipotle and we got like stalely chips but we ate almost all of them anyway and then you told him to get new ones or something and he gets like a gift card? Totally the best. This is totally how stuff like that would go: Dylan would say "Dad, how did you get that??" and UD would say "Because I'm flippin' crazy dude!"

Que bueno! I miss that.

But so yeah, everytime I was in there I just chilled and talked with him or if he was sleeping I'd study but it was nice. It was funny because he got excited that I had a shift because I always talk with him and I'm like "Well, what does everyone else do?" and he told me they sit on the other side of the room and read and stuff. I was like for real?? How lame! So we talked about how my companion seriously picks his nose and eats it now that my sick buddy was a witness to that. IT IS GROSS. I don't say anything because I don't like be contentious. Let's just say this: If my companion and I were out side the MTC we might not ever be friends. Ever. But here, he is a great person and we get a long just fine.

Anyway, enough about that. I just had to tell somebody. I am seriously bummed about those pictures! I can't believe they fell out. How lame. Oh well. At least I'm in the MTC and not Mexico, but I will be in Mexico in 19 days! I get my travel plans this week and I get to host new missionaries this week, and we get a new district in our zone this week so I'll get to welcome them in and everything too which will be cool. And then this Sunday I will get released as the Zone Leader because I WILL BE GOING TO MEXICO AFTER THAT. Sorry, I'm kind of excited about that part.

So, yeah. Things are pretty routine here, though. I probably say that every time but a lot of times I don't know what to talk about because nothing changes that much. I study every single day, so much, oh and it's crazy because I work pretty diligently and I don't think I ever have been this diligent in my whole life. It's crazy how much I've learned just being here and how much I've grown up, really. Like, obviously I'll never really grow up (let's be honest Aunt Stephy, we're pretty alike) but that's okay because I'm down with that, but I mean I've learned so much about being responsible, tenacious, charitable, and just all of this stuff. It's really great for me to be here, but I am not here for me. I am definitely here for those people down in Mexico.

The happiness of this gospel, the gospel of Jesus Christ, has brought so much joy to my life. Seriously, it's a happiness unlike anything of this world and I am so grateful to have it. There is literally nothing like it and every single person needs to experience this. They have NO IDEA how much it would help them in their lives! I have got to let people know and I am so excited to do so!

Thank you for all of your support, family. You are the best, for real. As for the Haloween package, I haven't recieved that one yet, I got the one with the air freshener and the pants and stuff so thank you for that! And I will keep my eye out for the Haloween one. I'll be able to tell you how that holiday is in Mexico in one of my first emails! My teacher, who is the funniest most sarcastic man of my life, served in Mexico city and he said they didn't go outside much on that day because it was crazy, so we will see!

I know more than anything that I have ever known that this is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that this work that I am a part of spreading to every nation is the only way to live with God after this life. I know that these things are true because Heavenly Father has made them known unto me through the Holy Ghost. If I were to deny them, I garuntee you things would not go well for me after this life. If you are unsure, if you have ever wondered about these things, get a copy of the Book of Mormon, read it with real intent, and pray and ask God if it is true and you WILL know what I know. Why would you not do it? Becuase it takes effort and time? You have to do something you've never done before? I'm telling you, trying this out will change your life as it has changed mine. Read, and ask God. You will find a happiness and joy I garuntee you have never felt before. I know this is the true Church of Jesus Christ and I am so grateful to have this opportunity to help in His work.

I love you.

I miss you.

Keep being the best.

Have fun on Vacation.

Talk to you all again soon.

Much love,

Elder Wheeler

October 3, 2011

Hola familia!

How is everything going! I got the package with pants, soap, and the air freshner thing and thank you a whole bunch! It was awesome. I guess they just take a little while to finally get here or something. Who knows!

Things with me are going pretty excellent! Even though I'm not the best teacher and I don't have great Spanish, I am so excited to go to Mexico! Now I just hope the visas will come on time. I don't want to be like Tyler who was here for like three months! not that I don't like it here because every single day I learn so much, but I just can't wait to get out there and talk to every person I ever see. I'm so excited.

So like I lost my ID and I couldn't find it so I bought a new one and then, of course, I found the old one. So I'll mail the old one to you because I can't do anything with it. I figure you would like it more than I would.

This week has gone pretty well, though. General Conference was really cool here. I don't think I've ever paid attention so much. I felt like the prophet and the apostoles (Spanish spelling?) were totally talking right to me for the most part. It was really great.

My Spanish is coming along pretty well. It's not great but this week we're not speaking any English at all. It'll probably be tough, but I'm just going to do my best! I like to talk English in Gym and in my room, but I won't be able to in Mexico so that's over. The teaching is getting better and better. I learn new things every day and it really is just cool. I feel like every time someone speaks to us or teaches us it's like this huge eye opening experience of all these things I never thought of. It's so weird.

Taylor wrote me which was way cool! Oh and I see Brad all the time. Elder Frost I mean. Spencer and I had the same meal times, gym times, and he lived right above me but Brad has his schedule different but I still see him all the time, so that's good. He's so awesome.

I sent home my SD card, hopefully you got it.

Really not much has changed since last week other than I've started counting down the days left in the Missionary Training Center rather than the days I've been here. I literally have three weeks left! I cannot wait!

I'm like running out of things to talk about because everything is so routine here. The food is always bad so I've started not eating that much. Not like in a bad way. Besides, I have to get used to the Mexican eating schedule which is a small breakfast, huge lunch, and basically almost nothing for dinner.

My companion and I have really been trying to get the zone to get passionate about speaking Spanish and it's really working I think. Even the new districts try so hard. We've also done a lot to try and unify our zone, for instance, today we're all going early to the temple to have breakfast there as a zone. I think it will be really cool.

I've also been trying to be tenacious. That's the thing I've been working on the hardest and I blame UD for that desire. Anytime I'm faced with a problem I try to get a solution no matter what it takes. I seriously remember this one time talking with Uncle Dan in front of the courthouses. I don't even remember why we were there that time because it feels like we went like every week, but I always remember we talked about being tenacious and I think back to that all the time now. UD, you've been such an awesome example to me. I want that tenacity you have and how you always get a solution no matter what it takes. You've been such an incredible teacher to me and have taught me things I would have never learned except through mistakes. I can never repay you for that, but I hope that I can make you proud because I'm proud to be a part of your family.

Oh, I got the video on the SD card! Funniest thing of my life! Holy, holy I love all of you. That was so great. Definitely feel free to do stuff like that all the time!

Paula, I'M SORRY I HAVEN'T WRITTEN YOU BACK YET! I'm working on it! I'll get you a letter today, I promise. I just get so busy but I love your letters. Thank you, thank you.

I also got letters from the Alfonzo's and Dinah. Tell them that they are totally the greatest.

So basically, that's me. Nothing really exciting.

Everyday I give my best and then some. That's something else I'm really working on is just pushing myself beyond what I think my limits are. Oh, and always being happy and full of energy. Those people deserve the fun Elder Wheeler that you all like, so why not be that one everyday?

The list of attributes I'm working on would be way overly extensive so maybe I won't go off on those. Not important, but I have a question! Do you think you could send me like a copy of the Reflections of Christ? I really want to watch that during movie time on Sunday. That would SO be the best!

Family, thank you for everything that you have done for me and are doing for me. I literally would not be here if it were not for your support. I owe you everything. You've taught me things, been such examples to me, and literally I hope that my family will be at least half of what ours is. Austen, Savannah, Dylan, and Reese, you are so the best. I cannot wait to see you again! Keep being awesome and don't do anything Prince wouldn't do.

I have that new picture of us up on my desk as well as the old picture that we took a while back. They are the best. All of those pictures were so great. Thank you so much Aunt Stephy. Literally I could not have dreamed of a better support than you. In my life as well as here on the mission. You are honestly the best. That picture of Ryan, Taylor and I made me laugh so much. You have got to send a copy to each of them. I know they will treasure that because I do.

Anyway, I've gotta split but I love you so much. Thank you for being the best, it means a lot.

I pray for you all everyday!

Love you so much,

Elder Wheeler

September 26, 2011

Hola family!

It's so crazy how fast the weeks start going here. I always forget everything that happens so I'm forced to like read back through my journal and notes I take just to write this email. It all smashes together so much.

Well, as for me and my struggles personally with my mom and dad stuff, it's gotten a bit better. I don't struggle as much but it still comes up in my mind.

 My two things are 1) I'm not here for myself. Inevitably I will have an amazing experience and will learn and see so much, but even if I didn't I'd still be here. Literally, I'm not here for myself at all. I am here for the Lord and for the people. 2) I know that Satan does not want this great work to advance. He doesn't want people to have the love of Christ in their lives or the restored Gospel. I know that's why it gets so hard sometimes and he knows where to get me down. I know that is just even more proof of me needing to be here. Even if I can bring just one person to know what I have come to know, just one, I will be so happy. I also know that I will never see the fruits of my labor here. I will never know how many lives I can change or how many I can help throughout the generations. All I want is just one person to help.

You my family are the bomb, though. I love you so much and think about you all the time.

This week a new district came into our zone. It was sad to say goodbye to the old ones because they were such examples to me, but my companion and I got to lead the new district around and show them the ropes and just talk with them and help them any way we could. We still are. It really is so cool. I like stuff like that. You know that. This district is all going stateside but our whole zone is Spanish speaking, so they are too. They all seem really cool. Also, does Brad come in next week? Said goodbye to Spencer last monday, too. He's going to do great.

I haven't gotten this other SD card with the stuff on it yet, but I did get the package with food and THANK YOU SO MUCH. I took a picture with all of it so once I get this other SD card back, I will send you this one. Lot's of pictures on it, though!

Spanish is coming along pretty well. I try to only speak in Spanish these days and for the most part I do okay. A lot of room to improve though, obviously.

Paula has wrote me some pretty long letters and stuff so that's been really cool. I'm going to write that back today. Also, tell Granny that she is the best!

It's cool because no matter how monotonous everything I do here gets or how often I teach and learn, I constantly learn new things. Every single day it's like having my eyes opened so much. It is crazy. I'm telling you, I'm going to like come back as a man and stuff. Weird, right?

We've got another district leaving from our zone today, in like an hour and a half actually so my companion and I have to...Get to do the checkouts for them. They are the funniest Elders I have ever met so it will also be sad to see them go. They are all going to Paraguay Acension North.

Also UD, there are a bunch of Elders from my zone leaving to the MTC in the DR this week! Just a fun fact.

I've had like this kind of problem with headaches lately, too. Which is weird because I drink more water here than I ever have, but I don't know. It's not like a big deal, but you know.

Right now in our zone, there is only one district that has a week on us, so we are the second oldest. It's funny because as soon as that clicked, our district and the oldest district really stepped up our game to be examples. It's so cool to be around all these Elders and Sisters who want to be the best they can be and are so responsible.

I get a lot of letters and support, though, which is really good. I get more than anyone in my district! Not to brag or anything. Also, that is not an incentive not to write me! I seriously LOVE getting mail.

Uncle Dan, I know you're like super busy and stuff, but if you ever want to write me a letter in Spanish, I would not complain! I'm trying to learn as much as I can and I know you're like a Spanish pro and stuff so, you know. But it's okay either way.

I got those shots this week so my arms were like dead for three days so that was awesome. My face is DISGUSTING but I guess it's cool because I'm at the MTC so who cares. I really think that the stresses here make it worse, but you know, not a big concern right there. My hair is getting longer.

I'm trying to think what else I could tell about but I really don't know! It's all the same. If there's anything you want to know specifically, definitely ask me! I'll try to remember to answer it.

Oh, I really have no idea if I will ever be able to watch this, but if you could I would be totally down with receiving a Reflections of Christ DVD and/or soundtrack (if that exists)! I think about that all the time, so you know. I could like show it to our district and stuff. I seriously love that. Anyway, let me know if that's possible.

I'm really glad everything is going okay with the family. Uncle Dan, I love you so much. I apologize for all the hardships lately. Hopefully you'll get some blessings once I'm actually in the mission field doing something. But I do love you a ton and really could never have made it anywhere near where I am today without your help. I think about you and how on top of everything you are, and how tenacious you are and I honestly wish I could acquire that. I know I'll never be as good of a husband or father as you or even as good of a missionary, but I am willing to give it all that I've got. Thank you so much.

Aunt Stephy, you are the bomb. For real. I think about you being here in the MTC all the time and that really helps me to know that I can make it through everything and just learn a whole bunch. I look up to you and Uncle Dan so much, more than I'll ever be willing to admit, but I am so grateful to have you when all others deserted me. You have helped me get here to where I am and I would not be here if it were not for you. My life would have been so different without your aid and I am so grateful for that.

Austen, Savannah, Dylan, and Reese, you are all the absolute best. I miss you like anything! Yeah, my district is cool and all, but they could never compare to how awesome of a family I have. Not even close. When I come back we are going to have fun. I love each of you so much and I hope that one day you will be where I am because I know that this is the best thing you can ever do.

Life is much bigger than what we do everyday. All that we're doing is so insignificant in the scheme of things. Not that it's not good to have fun or any of that, because that is totally what we need, but just don't be selfish with what you've been blessed with. Share your talents and your friendship with everyone.

I know that there is nowhere else I need to be right now. It's sad to be so far from those that I love, namely you family. I always think of Maddy, too and how difficult it really was to say goodbye to her. It's interesting how you can see who matters most in those moments. I love you family, so much and I'm so happy to have your support because I know that the Lord has need of me in Mexico. He could do it without me, but I want to be there for Him.

Love you a ton,

Elder Wheeler