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

September 19th, 2011 "Photos"

Elder Wheeler and Kyle Syndergaard (His roommate from BYU-I)

Elder Maughn, Me and Elder Mikkelsen

Me and Elder Frost with our Choco Tacos!

Studying

Doing sealings at the Provo Temple

Elder Haten, Me, Elder Lee

Studying

Buzzed my hair...figured at least this way i won't need another haircut till Mexico..Grow baby Grow!

September 19, 2011

What's crackin' family?

Things with me are the same as ever. Just working hard at the language and how to be a halfway decent teacher. The keyboard I'm typing on has no letters on it? It's just like mostly blank because it's old. Super cool.

Anyway, this week hasn't been too bad! I got a lot of mail from awesome people so that was cool and oh, I'll email Nick but if you talk to his family, send my regards.

I did sealings at the temple this week and it was so awesome. It was just an awesome experience to be there and help those families become real families forever. I don't know. You know how family stuff gets to me. Anyway it was really cool.

I'm fighting the good fight, though. I will always press on. Those people need the love of Christ that has helped me through so much and still does and I know I've got to share it. I can't have this blessing of Him in my life and not tell as many people as I can about it.

One of our teachers (who was only our teacher for like three days) is so cool and crazy bold. He baptized over 200 people on his mission in Monterrey. That is so crazy but so awesome and I want to be able to bring this gospel to as many as I can.

On a lighter note, I hurt my thumb playing Volleyball. Well, I always hurt my thumb playing Volleyball (like I just jam it and stuff, always the same one) but this one like hurt so I got it wrapped and iced it and it's doing okay now. Still a litte tender, but you know. Definitely going to still play Volleyball tomorrow.

"Those guys were a couple of wussies, ah?"

I've said that like 10 times these past few days and I always think of Austen.

I have a leader in the branch presidency and he is the most awesome man. He's super old and so nice. His name is Brother Anderson and he always quotes all this cool stuff like Chinese proverbs and has a real weak and whispery voice but we call him the Holy Ghost. He is the coolest. Anyway, just a fun fact.

The Spanish is progressing. I try to speak as much as possible everywhere I go. Oh, and new missionaries come in this week to our zone so I get to show them the ropes so I'll let you know how that goes next week.

Also, there's like some problems with my immunization records. I've been meaning to tell you that since...the second day I got here? Don't ask me why I didn't because I don't even know, but I know you've been talking to Deana. So hopefully those can get worked out otherwise Thursday I'm going to get a bunch of shots. Not a big deal, but you know.

I love the updates on what the family is up to! Keep those coming for sure. It's totally awesome. Getting letters every weekday is such a blessing. I love you so much for that.

Oh, this week I witnessed my comp pick and eat boogers for like 30 minutes...Don't get me wrong, he's a great Elder, just...yeah. Not cool.

Everything blends together here. The days are long but the weeks go by fast. I'm trying to enjoy every second of it, though because I know it'll be gone before I know it. I'm learning so, so much and it's so awesome.

Oh, I cut all my hair off like as short as they would take it so Yo miro como un mono but fortunately I don't give a crap. Who am I here to impress? The Sister missionaries? Nope. Anyway, I probably won't ever need it cut while I'm here again because it's never been this short since I was like six. I always see my reflection and I feel like I look like Bryant without the Asian eyes.

Anyway, I've become good friends with just about everyone in the zone so it's a bummer they're all leaving because they're all so awesome but I mean, that's what it's about. One district just left to Chile today and the other leaves to Paraguay next week. Such funny Elders and Sisters. After next week, we'll be the second oldest district in our zone with just one other district here the week before us. It's so crazy.

I'm trying to think what else would be interesting to tell because literally I do the same stuff everyday. Just working and working. 

I'm planning on buying a pair of suspenders. I got handed down all this stuff from my buddies leaving the MTC including horrible and cool ties.

That "Be A Man" song from Mulan is sung pretty frequently and really loud in my zone. It's so funny and ridiculous.

Thinking of speaking Spanish with Taylor when we get back is such an awesome thought. And with UD, Tanner, Ryan, and everyone. It'll be totally funny. One day I'll be good enough at Spanish for that.

Anyway, now I'm just rambling. Just know that I love you all so much. For real, you are the best family a kid without one could ever have. Better than any family I can ever hope to have or could have ever had. Thank you so much for that. I know that this work that I'm about is true. I know that. I would not be just out here for two years spreading this good news if I hadn't received a witness of its truthfulness for myself. I love Christ and Heavenly Father so much. I know this is Christ's church in its fulness. If you've ever wondered if it is, pray about it. Read the Book of Mormon. Find out for yourself from God. Ask Him in the name of Christ if it is so. I promise you that you will receive a witness of it's truthfulness just as I have if you read the Book of Mormon and pray with real intent. Ask God anything for If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5). I love you all. Continue to write me. I will write you back this week if I haven't.

I think Austen's birthday will come up before I get my next email out (I don't have my list of B-days with me) but if that's so, Austen, HAPPY BIRTHDAY :D I apologize I can't be there for it but you are the best. Don't ever lose your personality because it is so awesome. I couldn't have asked for a better brother than you in my whole life. I love you so much.

Each of you I love so much. Even though I'm miles and miles away, soon I'll be a country away, and I won't be around for 23 more months, never forget that I love you and pray for each of you every night.

Thank you for everything.

Mucho amor,

Elder Wheeler

September 12, 2011 Part 2

So family, I forgot to mention some stuff in my email earlier. That's what happens when I write emails at like some ridiculous hour of the morning and forget my notebook with all of my thoughts and reminders in it!

So, first story: This cold starts to go around in my district and I was like "No way am I going to get this." So I do pretty well at keeping away from it all and staying healthy. Then on day in class, the Elder next to me turns and sneezes all over me. I was so grossed out and it was sick nasty! So, I'm pretty sure that's how I got sick because from that day on I've had a cold. It's all better now, but it was pretty gnarly. I went and bought hand sanitizer for the class and for our classroom as well as tissues and medicine. Oh, and if you ever feel like sending me a few wallflower things (like for our classroom and my room) I would not be complaining at all!

Next, I got the package and SD card so that's awesome. I actually just lost that SD card today...but I'm sure I'll find it. Once I do I'll send you new pictures with descriptions of them all!

Second story: We were going in to teach a progressing investigator, which is really just our teacher being an investigator, and we decided to pray before we went in. So my companion and I prayed and then went in and started to talk and teach. Our investigator, Ramon, was talking about how he has had some family problems and I really felt like I needed to bear my testimony of the Lord and how he's always there for us. So I start doing it and mind you I kind of suck eggs at talking in Spanish. Like, it's just super slow and shoppy because I have to think of the best verb, conjugate it, and you know, stuff like that, but when I started talking about this topic, literally I felt like these words were just pouring out of my mouth like a waterfall. Everything I was saying just all flowed so well and I never had to stop or think about what to say next. It was so crazy. Then after our lesson was over my companion was like "That was so awesome." I had just read Taylor's thing about how he had to teach that FHE basically by himself and he described just like how it was for me. It was seriously so awesome. Since then, I don't talk like that. I still stall and sputter over the easy words, but I am progressively getting better, but I can't deny that that was the gift of tounges right there and that the Holy Ghost was all up in that room. No lie. So, it's my coolest experience to date and I thought I should share it with you.

I love you all so much,

Elder Wheeler

September 12, 2011 Called to be Zone Leader

Buenos Dias Familia!

This week has really gone by way faster than the last since I've been here. I almost can't even remeber half of the stuff I've done, for real. Right now Spencer and I are doing laundry as we speak! It's awesome having him around but he leaves in like a week and a half I'm pretty sure. He's got something like 40 hours of travel to do to get to South Africa. We seriously buy Choco Tacos out the wazoo and make the vending machines run out of stock like on a daily basis.

Oh yeah, happy birthday to Anika and Lenor! I miss Anika's but hopefully she'll be okay with that. No two year grudge or anything like that.

Also, I got called to be the Zone Leader yesterday. It was ridiculous. My buddy, the old Zone Leader, was just smiling the whole time after sacrament. I kept asking him, "Cual es su problema?" and here we are. I don't know half of what I should about being a Zone Leader, and I didn't about being a District Leader either, but I am ready to do my best and serve all the other Elders in my zone. That's what I love most about being in a position like that is just the service of the Elders and Sisters that I think are so awesome. So, for now I am Zone Leader and District Leader until they call a new Districlt Leader.

Half of my district are leaving to the Peru MTC on Wednesday. It is a bummer, but I know they'll learn so much there, especially Spanish. These fellas are the funniest guys I have met ever. Seriously, total clowns. It is the best. They've been an awesome district and it's seriously been an honor to serve and help them while they've been here. I am getting their name's and contact info for after the mish. You know.

The Spanish is just progressing. It can seem overwhelming or the stuff I don't know gets difficult, so I practice what I struggle with the most, the most often. I really want to know as much as I can before I get out in the feild.

Spencer and I just bought more Choco Tacos just now.

Oh, I've been seeing Kyle Syndergaard everywhere around here, too! You know, one of my roommates from BYU-I? It's totally awesome. He's only here for a short amount of time (3 weeks) but it's way cool. Also, they started this brand new program in the MTC that they implimented in mid August I think it was? Anyway, we're like one of the first groups to go through it and it's just all Spanish. We teach progressing investigators everyday and our teachers speak not a lot of English to us. Apparently we are in the intermediate group, but with the new program all forgien language speakers stay the whole 9 weeks, or if it's a tough language it's 11 weeks. I was walking by a Korean classroom yesterday and saw some writing on the board? I'm glad I'm going to Mexico, that's for sure! That crap is like shapes and I don't even know what!

Oh, and I always say hi to people in whatever language their speaking on their missions. I've learned a whole bunch of them, mostly Asian ones though ONLY BECAUSE OUR BUILDING IS SHARED WITH THEM. It has nothing to do with me being Asian, despite the fact that I am literally the only Asian I've seen going Spanish speaking. I wonder how many Asian people I'll actually see in Mexico? We estimated I'm one of one million.

I got those addresses and all your letters. Thank you so much. It's awesome getting mail literally everyday.

Also, you would die in out branch councils. It's always, "This sister didn't get mail for two days and it's been difficult on her" or "We got to bed two minutes late last night so we're really going to try and work on that"

It reminds me of School of Rock when the principle is talking about the food touching in the cafeteria and how it's this huge issue. It's just al interesting. I am constantly trying to better myself, though. You know me and my many shortcomings.

Also, I'm excited to help all of the new missionaries get going here in the MTC. That's probably going to be my favorite part about being a Zone Leader.

Oh, tell Sister Gygi that Elder Armstrong from Sandy Utah is in my Zone. He's the district leader for 12-E. I sent Taylor an email last week, but I got nothing back. hopefully that email address was right? It wasn't one for lds mail.

Anyway, Spencer is seriously cracking me up right now.

Some funny things that happened this week are: last night, one of my roommates said he would pay $100 to go on a date with a girl. One of my roommates talks in his sleep and it's funny as anything. One room in my district has caught three mice with the same glue trap. They literally cut out the mouse from the glue trap (so there was like a hole in the trap, they didn't cut the mouse) and then caught two more with that same trap. Ridiculous. I rock the top bunk and I have to like do some hardcore parkour to get onto my bed because there's no ladder? It seems like a useful thing to have; I'll probably drop a note in the suggestion box about it.

Oh, tell Maddy and Jake that they should definitely write me. That would be the best. Also, I have no idea if you would be able to get an email address for Timothy Tse? I could probably guess one, but I told him I'd keep in touch with him and...here we are. I wouldn't be surprised if he's emailed me at my gmail account recently so maybe you could check on there. Definitely just let me know. I gave Kyle and Taylor Hollman (my friend that I flew here with and whose sister is in Savannah's class) my address since their leaving so they can write me, too. Also, if you ever want to send me some caffeinated (not sure about how to spell that word) or anything like that, I'd be down! Oh, and if you've got time, Ryan's and Tanner's emails would be so awesome. Or addresses. You know.

I'll see about sending out my SD card with pictures and descriptions today, too. So look for those pretty soon.

Basically, I'm doing awesome and I hope you all are, too! I love you so, so much and you are seriously the best family of all freakin' time.

Much love,

Elder Wheeler

P.S. If you are unsure if you should write me or not, or if you have been wanting to and just haven't had the time, WRTIE ME :D

September 7, 2011 - "Photos"

Elder Mikkelsen and Elder Wheeler

Elder Frost and Elder Wheeler

Elder Frost and Elder Wheeler

Helping my District - Love these guys

Best Zone Ever!

Laundry and Letters!

September 5, 2011

Buenos Dias!!!!

How is the life family? School, friends, girls (Austen), you know! Things here at the MTC are not too shabby. You had a lot of questions about the Elders in my district so I have a lot of answers!

Elder Mikkelsen (my companion) is from a small town in Nevada called Bunkerville and he is headed to the same mission as me. (Sometimes it's difficult not to type in Spanish.)He's pretty nice and stuff, definitely could have gotten a worse companion. so we get along pretty well. He kind of likes to micromanage sometimes, but it's no big deal. He's also a big singer and...well, it's CHOICE.

Elder Baldwin is from Burley, (unsure about that spelling) Idaho and is going to Monterrey Mexico East so he'll get to see the coast. He's a pretty funny guy, used to have way long hair and listens to metal. He reminds me a lot of Devin in his mannerisms.

Elder Terry is from Idaho, too, I don't remember where, but he is headed to the same mission as me, tambien. He is a funny guy. He gets discouraged sometimes with the language, but I'm trying to encourage him to just keep working at it. I know he'll get the hang of this stuff. He's got this knee brace he pulls out at gym time at it is the most disgusting thing I have ever smelt. Seriously, I run out of the room yelling crap because it's that bad.

Elder Peterson is from...shoot, I literally don't even remember but I think it's in the northeast of the U.S. but he used to go to BYU, too and he's headed the same place as us. He's way awesome. Really relaxed and is just a goofy guy. We're going to be friends at BYU after the mission and he wants to get a house and room together so he can getg a bull mastiff (you know, the dog?). Anyway, we'll see.

Elder Erwin is a total Matt Gallego and Chandler Gallego combo. He is constantly bouncing off of walls and stuff and just sprained his ankle last Saturday doing service. So now he's rocking the crutches, which is super funny. Anyway, he's from...yeah blanking on that one, too but he's headed to the same mission as us.

Elder Johnson is actually from Gilbert, Az and he is super cool. He's like 6' 4" and is just a big guy, but the nicest and funniest kid. He's got some gas problems, though. He's headed to Peru (not Lima but somewhere else) and he'll be leaving the MTC just next week, but it's cool because we have plans to go to Arizonan restaraunts when we get back (just some fast Sunday talk).

Elder Christiansen is a character. He's from Idaho, too and is also going to Peru, but he is like a total unique comedian. It is too funny. He got Kirby Epic Yarn patches sent to him?  He has no idea what he's going to do with them, so we're going to iron them onto the back of his suit pants, most likely. One on each cheek. He leaves in two weeks as well.

Elder Hoffman is a really outgoing and funny kid. He's from Ogden, Utah and it going to Kito, Equador. He is just really goofy and doesn't take much seriously, but can work hard at the same time, too. He also leaves in two weeks.

Elder Alvey is, pretty unique. He is really funny sometimes and other times his mannerisms come off as a little weird but I love the guy. He's got a girlfriend that writes him twelve page letters so we always give him crap. I let him live in his fantasy land, though. I forgot where he's from but he's going to Kito, Equador and leaves in two weeks like the others.

Elder Whittwer is like the funniest guy of all time. Totally reminds me of like an Aaron Lambert (who I don't really know) and Tanner Bryant mixed into one. He just says the funniest stuff out of nowhere all day. He's headed to Kito, Equador and leaves in two.

Elder Maughn is totally hilarious. He's like a little bit nerdy, but that stuff makes no difference after high school. He is so freaking goofy and just has a sense of humor like so similar to mine. He's seen some tough times in his life and he's just awesome. He's going to Kito, Equador and is leaving in two weeks as well.

So half the district takes off in two weeks, so that will be a bummer, but you know. They're all headed to the MTC in Peru. The district is awesome, though. They're all making huge strides in Spanish and are adjusting to the missionary life real well. It's so awesome and I'm like legitly proud of them. My spanish is progressing really well, as well. I use it as much as possible. Sometimes it's difficult to understand other people (like the people we teach and stuff like that) but I never get discouraged. I just write down what I don't know and I keep pushing through. It is awesome. Really, I've learned more here in the short time I've been here than I did in my two years of high school and working at Nando's.

My teachers are...also pretty unique. We have two, as well as another who come in to "help" my district when they have questions. One of them constantly discourages my district, which really upsets me but there's nothing I can do so I just tell them to take the good advice that will actually help them and block out the rest. Another is this Marine guy who is the ULTIMATE micromanager. If I weren't in the MTC, a District Leader, or any of that? We would not get along at all. I HATE being micormanaged and guess what? 95% of life at the MTC is under heavy micromanagement. It makes it difficult sometimes to be able to be patient with all of that, but for the most part I do okay. I just keep remembering why I'm here, who I'm preparing to serve, and that I am a representative of Jesus Christ. It's all about learning and growning. My last teacher is the bomb. He is totally a shorter, straight version of Bob, for real. He's constantly telling jokes, is really sarcastic, and when it gets down to serious stuff he is so down to earth and so not fake like my other teachers. He told us the other day that "It's not about you anymore. You've gone through the temple and you've been baptized. You're good. It's about the people." I so want to bring these people the message of the restored gospel and let them know how much Christ loves them. I am not here for myself in anyway, it is all for the Lord and for the people.

This week has been pretty good, though. They start going by a lot faster than they did at the beginning. I've been talking to Spencer like everywhere, which is totally awesome. He lives just on the floor above me so I always go up there and kick it with him for the last while of the day. It's so awesome to see him here. I have some pictures I'll send home of us and I know he does, too.

I'm trying to think of more highlights of the week, but I'm struggling.

At breakfast like two days ago, Elder Baldwin like coughed up this disgusting strand of like...brace yourself...like this snot-blood while eating? As soon as that went down, Elder Johnson (the big guy) stand up and says "What is that?! What is that? What is that?!" And like leaves the table fast. Totally the funniest thing.

Yesterday was a really trying day for me. I never do well with fast Sundays, and when I do it's because I have dinner like around 2pm, but you are like basically forced to fast on fast Sunday and that gets difficult for me. By about 2pm, I had the worst migrane in sacrament meeting and like could not even look at the people sharing their testimonies in Spanish. I was two seconds away from throwing up and had the shakes like no other. The entire day I was rollin' with this headache and it was just horrible. I felt like garbage even after I ate and drank, and it was just really bad. So like, if you could send me some snacks or something like that, that would be way good. I made it thorugh and prayed a lot, but it was a horrible day.

Other than that, everything is going great! We get a new district in our zone this week and I'm starting this game in my district that the rest of the zone does where they have five cards in their front pocket and anytime someone speaks English, someone gets to take a card from them and add it to theirs. It's funny just ripping cards out of people's pockets and stuff and since it's competitive I think my district will do well with it.

Also, tell Sister Bench that I talked with Sister Brown about her!

So, things that I need are:

-Like 4 more t-shirts. I didn't plan on using one everyday but with gym time and stuff, I'm going to need them. So they can be like my shirts in Austen's closet or whatever, I know you'll hook me up, Aunt Stephy.

-I need 4 more pairs of shorts. I really like the ones i have that are just plain black with pockets, but I know those are comodities so if you can't get a hold of them, that's okay too, I just need some.

-Like two pairs of sweatpants. Not like Choncho sweats, but like the thin, athletic ones? Hopefully that makes sense.

-Kelsi Johnson's address! I have no idea how you'd get a hold of that but if worse comes to worse, write on her Facebook and tell her to write me :D

-Nyal's address (I don't think that one was included with the email addresses you sent me so that one would be awesome)

-Some Excedrin

-A carabeaner. Do you know what that is? Like the clip kind of thing I kept all my keys on? The strap on the bag I have broke, but I've been able to jerryrig it into working for now, but a carabeaner like thing would be awesome to have to make it work a little better.

-For the snacks, I'm thinking like some Cars fruitsnacks, Ritz bits cheese, chips, goldfish, you know, whatever stuff like that. Maybe some beef jerkey? You decide, but just some stuff would be totally awesome. (Fast Sunday was Hell...)

-Also, if you have any of those picture card things of the Reflections of Christ, those would be awesome. I have one, but you can never have too many pictures of Christ, right?

-And any pictures you want to send!

I'll send my SD card probably later today, except the mail won't pick up until tomorrow. If you could send me the other one back, too, that'd be sweet, just so we can keep the pictures coming, you know.

Also, let Maddy Cypert know she should totally write me a letter. I see 8:08 all the time and it makes me think of her.

Austen, you're totally awesome. Do your best in school. That's where all your effort and focus needs to be. If you do well in highschool, you won't have to make up for it afterwards like I did. Have fun, yeah, but keep your grades up. All of my friends had close to 4.0's or 4.0 GPA's in highschool. I was like one of the only ones who sucked it up and I don't want the same for you. You are so awesome and I love you so much. Keep being you and don't ever be influenced for the negative no matter what is around you. Keep Christ in your heart.

Savy, you are the best. Keep doing what you're doing and being who you are. There isn't anybody on the planet who doesn't love you. Keep the boys away and write Taylor a letter <3 He'll love that. But seriously, you're such an awesome girl and I miss you like crazy.

Dylan, you are a flippin' comedian. Stay the same for your whole life, never lose that spunk and love for fun. You love it, everyone around you loves it, I love it, you are da bomb. Keep having fun and living it up.

Reese, I'll keep yours short. Don't be the devil. No one likes it but you. I love you tons <3

UD, could you send me any Spanish verbs you found really useful on your mission that I may not learn here or anything like that? Also, half of the district that comes in on Wednesday are going to the DR. You are the best. Your managing of me seems like a dream compared to what I get here. I am so grateful for you and there is no way I could ever repay you for all you have done for me and all you have taught me. I always look up to you even if I don't say it. It's the Wheeler in me that stops me from being sentimental, but really, you are the best parent I could have ever hoped for.

Aunt Stephy, you're the bomb. Thank you for the letters everyday, they are so awesome. Even if they're short, even if they're about nothing, it's just nice to get something everyday. I love you so much. If it weren't for you, I probably would have gone crazy and been too mentally unstable to serve a mission. I love you so, so much and I am completely in your debt for everything you have done for me, too. Really, despite the fact that we're both messed up, I'm so happy to have you. You've been my best friend for years. I love you so much.

All of you, I love so much and I know that Jesus Christ is the head of this church. This is His work and His glory. I am here to be an instrument in His hands, wherever He needs me to be. I know that he suffered for each one of us. He knows us. He knows exactly what we've experienced and He is the only one who does. I have such an incredible love for Him and will constantly submit my will to His, and I know this is where He would have me now. I know that The Book of Mormon is another Testament of Christ in the Americas. I know this because I have received a witness of it. I prayed about the book and got an answer from God. I know that is something anyone and everyone can do. It is something everyone should do and whoever is reading this, if you haven't read the Book of Mormon or prayed about it, do it. I promise you will receive a witness of its truthfulness and will know that Christ lives. Then you will know why I'm here and why this is a knowledge I have that I cannot hide. I need to share it with everyone, and that means you here now and those in Mexico. I love this Gospel and I know more than anything that it is true. I know God lives and that He loves each of us. Every single one.

Yo se que Jesucristo es el Redentor. Yo se que esta iglesia es verdadero y tiene el Evangelio de Cristo. Yo se Dios ama todas su hijos y pedi ayudarnos con algo. Yo tengo bien amor para Jesucrist y para Dios y todos los bendiciones dan a mi, por yo tengo muchos bendiciones. Yo se que El Libro de Mormon es un otra testimonio de Jesucristo y es la verdad y si yo se este, yo se que Jose Smith y la restoracion son verdadero. Me encantan esta iglesia. Yo se que la verdad de esta. Dare algo por Jesucristo y yo se que esta es donde me quiere.

I love you family,

Elder Wheeler

September 1, 2011 - Photos of District and Mtc Life so far

"Dork Dot"

My companion Elder Mikkelsen

Jordan's "Brent Sewell" look alike companion

District Leader of this fine group

District Singing together before bed

District at the Provo Temple

West Monterrey Baby