February 1, 2010 (D-Day +5)

Hey Mom! Wow...I just...wow. I can't believe how awesome my mission has been so far. Day 1...President Uchtdorf came and welcomed all the new missionaries to their missions. Also, I won't ever be able to see the MTC video as well, so you can be happy.

My companero (companion) is Elder Winger. He's from West Jordan, UT and is an ox! He's big, excited, and very valiant. Our district is so awesome as well. All but 2 of our district are going to Argentina, Cordoba. The one companionship that is not going to Cordoba is going to the Dominican Republic.

Spanish is coming back to me fortunately, but it's still a struggle. Our teacher--well, all the teachers--have spoken Spanish to us right off the bat, and we've been confused every day since. The spirit is helping us all through and we're advancing quickly.

Sunday was amazing with priesthood meeting taught by Brother Jolley. Our sacrament meeting was about the plan of salvation, and we had a fireside that was all about singing hymns. The spirit is so strong here and I'm so glad that I'm relying on it so much already.

Give my best to the family and tackle Wilbur for me.

Ian Asplund

*Notes:

• The D-day reference is from Band of Brothers. He and Maggie used to watch it together all the time.
• Brother Jolley and his wife are serving in one of the many districts within the MTC and are from our ward. We were thrilled to get word that Ian was in their group. It gives us an inside view as to how he is doing. Patty Jolley regularly gives me updates. 
• Wilbur is the dog.
• His signature "Ian Asplund" is how he has signed his notes and cards since he was in kindergarten. We always joked with him that we knew who he was and could just sign "Ian," but it still continues. 

10....9....8....

Wow, I cannot believe it, my life is quickly coming to this huge and amazing moment. This week might as well be titled, ".......

well... I can't decide what to title this week, but i do know that the next chapter of my life is "Called to Serve" hence what my blog is currently titled.

I don't know how to describe my feelings now, but i do know that it is truly excitement

T-Minus 13 Days

I can't believe I'm this close to leaving. 4 months ago, I was still in shock that I had finally got my mission call... to Argentina nonetheless. Now here I am... have just gotten my 2nd Hep-B shot and have almost finished what my mission president asked me to study.

Oh how time has flew. There's a side of me that has always been ready, but now that I'm here... it's quite humbling to know that I'm now allowed to jump into the fray and now I feel like it shouldn't be this close... this high up. But the excitement and the overwhelming joy I feel from knowing what I know about the gospel is the nice and gentle push to help me trudge through the fear of the future unknown.

3 Days of work left as well. What an experience it has been. Getting to meet new people and to love them more than I expected to. It has also helped me reach the goal that I set before I even got the job. $2,000 in the bank and a little more. This is a huge thing for me, knowing that, not only can I set a goal, but I can accomplish that goal.

It's amazing what has happened in my life in the last 6 months, and how much has changed around me, changed in me, and how much my testimony has strengthened. I know that all these things will continue to change and grow, and it will all be for my better.

And speaking of change... this blog will evolve a little to match with the upcoming two years. All my letters and all my pictures from my mission will be posted for everyone to look at and read. I hope you all take time to read of my experiences and maybe even feel the spirit in them.

I'm grateful for you all and love you all deeply. T-Minus 13 Days

It's The Final Countdown! (da da da duh... dadada da duh)

Well those months have flown by and now here I am... 24 days away from walking into the MTC in a whole new world...a new fantastic point of view.

I honestly cannot believe how fast these last few months have flown, I'm almost all set for this experience, just a few more things to tackle. But one thing I know for sure is that I do have a testimony of this Gospel, and I do know that for those who are willing to hear it and give it a chance that it will change their lives... just as it has changed mine. I know for those that read the Book of Mormon that they will know it is true, if they pray constantly about it and study it out in their hearts and minds. I know that prayer works, I have seen it work through my family and throughout the church. I know that Priesthood works and performs great miracles, also through my experiences at home. I know that Joseph Smith restored this church and that he did see the Father and the Son, through my studies of this last year. I know that President Monson is the Prophet on the earth today and if we listen and apply his and the apostles teachings, they will also aid us in the changing of our lives. These things I say to you are true, and I know it. I bear these things unto you the name of our Lord and Savior, yea even Jesus Christ. Amen.

¡Hola Córdoba!

I can't even begin to tell you the joy I feel right now. My mission call has arrived and the countdown has commenced. (about 3 months and 25 days, give or take) Today I spent my morning writing my acceptance letter to the First Presidency, trying to contain my high amounts of giddy-ness throughout that letter. However, now that I've received my call, there are still a few steps I need to take still. First and foremost, I need to send in that acceptance letter ASAP. Next, shots... and quite a few. (Oh in-between 1 and 2, I'm gonna receive the topic for my talk (yay!)) After that, I think I can be interviewed to go to the temple. And finally, after several months of waiting, the "Farewell" talk, and the final good-byes. Wow.... well, I'll keep y'all posted on such things. Good Light all!

Long Time.. No see

Haven't been on here for a while, but I can blame it on a good thing, work.

I've been working almost everyday of the week for the last 5 weeks and it has been an interesting experience. I've learned a lot about my co-workers and about myself here.

That aside, there's other more important news now. I've officially turned in my mission papers, now I'm just awaiting that envelope in the mail. there really hasn't been much else goin' on so, tty'all later.

Wow.... haven't updated this for a while

I've decided while my clothes are drying, I should update this.

So the season starts. Noooooo not fall. The football season! K, while officially it's only the preseason, it is still part of the regular season. Even though I've always love football, mainly cause of the Philadelphia Eagles, last year I decided I would really follow NFL watching games or even news about the games.

It's been fun, especially trying to decide which teams I would follow, besides the Eagles. I've decided on a few teams, but it's not solidified.

Last night was a fun night though, watching the NY Jets V the Baltimore Ravens. After goin' to Cold Stone to pick up a Blueberry Banana Smoothie, I sat down to watch this game. It was intense and very good. The final score was Ravens 24 Jets 23 due to the Ravens swatting down the Jets 2-pt. Conversion.

So yeah, I've got work once again today, I'm excited, today's the first day I get to work longer than 5 hours today, especially since I'm finally starting to get the hang of it.

Well so long for now!