March 1, 2010

I love that you are making a goal to go the temple every saturday, with the chance I've had here to go every monday, my mind has been clearer and I've had tons of revelations and guidance by the spirit. One, for example, happened last week. Elder Winger and I decided after the Endowment session, we'd go participate in Sealings. The man who was doing the sealings was Neal A. Lambert, and man, did he have a vigor and love for what he was called to do. I got to be proxy for some of the child to parent sealings, and... I can't believe what happened. Every one that I participated in, I could feel, and one point I swear hear, the thanks of every single person who was sealed to their family forever. Put aside the fact that it was the first time I had heard the sealing prayer, for both couples and entire families, I just can not describe what happened, I have learned, so so much there, that I can't wait to  go back every week, and one thing that also happened, because i've now felt the power of the temple in it's entirety, I have a goal, to go through with a, hopefully, future wife.

Well.... that's really about it for me, and also, there's one thing I would like to ask you to see if you can get a missionary mall: there's a bag there, with the brand of mountaineer or something like that, it's small, and is kinda green. I would really like it because the bags that they provide here aren't really the best, especially the shoulder bags. So yeah... if you can otherwise, I'm not home sick cause of all the pics and stories so far, and am coping well. AND I've got the cleanest desk and closest in my room!!! ---Ian

February 22, 2010

U S A!!! Sorry had to get that out first. I'm so glad to hear all is goin' well that a new job opportunity is available for the family. Also I need to apologize about the whole email thing... I haven't been able to receive emails, only send, so I just read about 10 emails that I didn't know I had.

If you can't find my other journal that's fine, I can get one here at the book store.... Luke is going to the Argentina, Buenos Aires mission, I just know it. Now on a report on the last week, we got to teach the 2nd lesson quite a few times last week and I'm so happy that I'm understanding how to teach better and better every time. One idea I just had was maybe you guys could read through Predicad Mi Evangelio (Preach My Gospel) as a family. It's so inspirational, and it could also be something you have the Laurels look through. Another thing that is happening is after this Thursday, we go back to Lesson 1 but now we are going to be teaching in spanish. I'm a little terrified but one thing I've known for sure this entire time is that if I continue to pray, be obedient and work hard the Lord will help me with this. well, I'm running outta time, i'd like to have the outdoor picture for the plaque if that is okay. Let Dad know I'm thankful for his emails, and for his prayer for the Missionaries yesterday, the oldest distirict in our branch left yesterday so it was a great day. I'll also be working on getting my SD card sent to you. Love you all, tell Wilbur I miss him much -Ian

February 18, 2010

Hey Family!

Wow, can you believe it's been 3 weeks already? It just blows my mind how much time flies around here. My relationship with Elder Winger is continuing to strengthen and we are continuing to do well at helping people come unto Christ. I'm happy to say that I have joined the MTC choir, and it has helped with a talent I never thought I had, singing. I'm understanding how to sing better, the range of my voice, and how much I need to "practice" breathing.

I'm so glad to hear about the enjoyable time Mom had with her family.

For Mom: I've been sending emails to your gmail, but this week I did send one to Maggie's email, your msn and myway accounts. Treat wise, keep sending Pop Tarts. They help with a couple of mornings when there's little time to get breakfast. The boots fit fantastically and I enjoyed the little bottle you snuck into the Kit Kats. I'm gonna send some pictures next week. I've got quite a few. Can you also send my other journal here? It's the fairly plain one. Also, let Kim know how sad I was that I wasn't able to welcome her home.

For Dad: I've been developing my Spanish so well. I've been speaking it as often as I can and at time I use Spanish words instead of English without meaning. Thanks for the Gas-X as well, but I've learned how to counteract the food here a bit.

For Ellie and Maggie: QK...also I have an MMIA for you (My Mission Is Awesome). So, near our classroom was a line of vacuums. They all have names and two of them are Jacob and Edward. For days I laughed every time I walked by them. One day, however, there was only the Jacob vacuum. Team Jacob wins again. BTW, Ellie, congrats on getting Grace!

For Griffin: Keep working hard and always, always, always, always listen to mom and dad. They'll help you with everything.

For Ellie, Mags, Griffin; You need to tell me about Clone Wars!

Love ya'll!

E-Dog!

Notes:

• I wish I knew what I sent him in a little bottle! And I finally got everything boxed and put into the shed, so of course now I have to go back in and find the journal.
• QK is a ninja in text. Maggie has a ninja-thing right now.
• Jacob and Edward are characters in the Twilight series.
• Grace is a character in the play Annie that the elementary school is doing.
• Ian left on the edge of a cliffhanger in Clone Wars.

February 15, 2010 (via email)

Week 3 was awesome y'all! We've now started to teach lesson 2 (The Plan of Salvation) and are continuing to constantly learn spanish.
This last week I also decided to participate in the choir, and man, do I love it. The choristers are great and work with us so well... almost seemlessly.

We learned a new song on Sunday and it is so beautiful. I also got to watch Music and the Spoken Word and learned how much I love MoTab.

Elder Winger and I continue to get along with each other quite a lot, and are learning how to listen to each other more during lessons.

The Dominic Republic bound Missionaries (Elder Warren and Elder Rich) are leaving this week to go to the MTC there and we are so sad to have them leave us now. Elder Warren and I have gained such a friendship in these last couple of weeks that is so hard to describe.

Lastly, I'm still waiting for emails... and I'm loving the treats that get sent to me quite often.

Yo sé que la Iglesia de Jesucrist es verdadero, y Jóse Smith fue una profeta. Yo sé que el Libro de Mormón es verdadero tambien.

Cíao!!!
 
Note:
His email address is: i.asplund@myldsmail.net

February 7, 2010

Hey Family!

Thanks again for all the goodies and boots. Those helped a ton.

Well, this week was Fast Sunday, as you probably knew, so I got to participate in my first of two testimony meetings that I will be part of while I'm here. There was such a spirit there that...I really can't describe. The power of all these missionaries' testimonies was incredible, and I even took a chance to bear my testimony as well. While I know it was short, I know it was powerful.

In the evening, we were provided a fireside by Chris Williams' soon-to-be mission president. President Cardon and his wife have such a testimony about the hymns and the history of the Book of Mormon, it blew me away.

For Mom: So to add to your knowledge of the MTC, I'll let you know our Tuesday schedule.

6:30 awake, shower, prepare
7:00 breakfast
7:30 gym
8:30 personal study
9:30 companion study
10:30 language study
11:30 lunch
12:15 class studies
4:30 dinner
5:15 missionary directed time/choir*   (I'm joining choir)
6:00 devotional
7:15 district devotional review
9:00 plan

I know this seems crazy, but this is only the Tuesday schedule.

For Dad: I forgot to thank you for the letter. Last night during prayer I got the feeling to read my patriarchal blessing. So I read the one I thought was right but remembered that I had your blessing, too. Thanks so much for those. I've been keeping it close to my heart.

I can't wait to hear more from you all. I miss you all so much

Ian Asplund

PS Boo Saints!!!

February 5, 2010

Hello Family,

I wanted to thank you guys for the wonderful treats. The food here isn't horrible, but the side effects are...less than admirable.

For Mom: I cannot tell you how many rules for "the game" I have to follow. And I'm glad to hear about Jacob's fate, and am glad that the dogs are doing okay. I do miss them :-(

For Maggie: Take care of Lil' Red for me and I am praying hard for you. I know that this year of your life is one that you will look back on as a metamorphosis just like Zuko. And also, like him, it's the choices after this metamorphosis that will help you become who you want to become.

For Ellie: Good luck with Annie. I know you so want the part of Annie, but I still think you'd be a great Lily. Regardless of what you get, though, I'll be happy for you.

For Griffin: I miss my little bro so much. My piece of advice for you: Aim for Jacob's head.

For Dad: El CCM es tu brillante. Yo amo aqui. Mi companero es en bien. El nombre es Elder Winger donde de West Jordan, UT. El tiene mucho amar para todos. Comprendo espanal mas y mas. Ensenamos leccion uno ahora. El Espiritu Santo es tuvo alli y ensenamos muy bien. Yo se que Dios restaurado Su evanelio traves o Jose Smith (probably said wrong). Yo ano tu. En el nombre de Jesu Cristo, Amen.

For Grandpa and Grandma Asplund; One of the elders in my branch is a grandchild of Jerry. His name is Elder Travech...I think.

I can't wait for your next letter/package/picture. I love you and miss you all!

'Til next time... Ian Asplund

PS. Remember boys, flies spread disease.

Notes:

• I asked what the MTC is like. I guess there are lots of rules. Also, the reference to Jacob is a large cutout of Taylor Lautner who plays "Jacob Black" in the Twilight series. We move him around the house to scare people, but I guess Griffin and his friend, Alex, found a good use for him: target practice with Ian's Nerf guns. 
• Lil' Red is the kids' car. Zuko is a character from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Ellie received the part of "Grace" in the elementary school production of Annie.
• The PS is another reference to Band of Brothers.

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.