Week 73 ~ My Companion Can Speak To Animals: VWU

Elder Vester is doing great and is really enjoying himself serving the Lord. He sure seems happy! 
Enjoy his email and pictures.

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So, Easter night, we were having a lot of trouble finding people. No one would let us into their home, and we went to the back end of the town.

We found some old railroad tracks, and there was some thick brush and woods that separated us from the river.

There was a black stray Labrador kinda walking around.

My companion, Elder White, turns to it and says "Show us the way to the river, Dog."

And this dog shows him the only path through the brush that does not have ny poison oak or sumac, right down to the river.

I replied "I refuse to believe that this just happened. Darn you Indians and your super powers!"

We both laughed. :D

So, that was pretty cool.

We watched the sunset on the river, and it was super pretty. The sun goes down about 8:30 here. I love it!

I also got to meet up with elder Barbakov again. He's pretty cool. :D

And the ester bunny came to see me!

Aaaaaaand.

I made these slippers this week. <3 I'm sending them to my wonderful Ellis Shimai, who is serving her mission in japan. She wanted some slippers to ear inside people's houses.

And I being the best person ever, made them for her. :D #crochetingmadness

 

Anywho.

Not too much has gone on this week. We are still trying to get us some new investigators to teach. They are far and few in between. We are teaching more though. We're getting to know each other's teaching style more and more, and we're a super duo if I do say so myself. We seem to mesh so well, and teach with the spirit. More so than I have ever done on my mission.

I am loving this work so much.

This week, we also had this super training thing down in Spokane, and there were 3 zones that got together. (that's how I got the picture with Koytsa).

It. was. amazing.

After Brasil, I always hated going to training's, and doing meetings, because it always seemed like we were getting reamed into for not doing a good enough job, and then be forced to do some role plays of things we would never put into practice.

That was not true this time.

We had some very spiritual, and powerful training's from President, and Sister. So much love was felt, and so much inspiration. <3 I love it!

And when we did the role plays, it felt so natural, and I actually learned a lot.

Then, we all played a bunch of games. Oh goodness. It was sick. :D

And finished it up with a testimony meeting.

I cannot tell you just how much I love this mission. It's been the balm of Gilead I have been praying for.

Wounds that have cut deep, are finally being able to heal, and I know that it is because of the savior, and his love and tender mercies.

I know that this church is true, and that this is the work of God.

I know the savior loves us, and he died to save us from the price of sin. If we repent, and give it to him, we can be made free.

I know the savior took up is life again on the 3rd day, as a resurrected, glorified being.

I know this to be true.

And I know, that one day, I will be resurrected.

I love you all. <3

And, with this new mission, I am allowed to listen to music!

SO, YOU ALL SHOULD SEND ME CDS WITH DISNEY MUSIC AND SUCH. <3333

Love you all, and see you next week!

<3

Elder Vester

Tthis is elder Barbakov! We had a training this week, and I got to hang out with him for a bit. He's a lot of fun.

The Easter bunny visited me. :D

 I made the slippers to send to Lynn Ellis.

c: The river. It was really pretty, and the water was sooooo cold!

Elder White & Elder Vester

Week 72 ~ On This Day of Joy and Gladness~ VWU

Here is Elder Vester's email this week. Is is doing really well.

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So, this week has gone by SUPER fast, and really slow at the same time.

When we got to the house,  Elder White explained that he and Elder Herris, the elder here before me, had already Baptized all the people they were teaching, and that he and I would have to start from scratch,

Fine by me. It's what I do. :D

So, the entirety of this week has been getting to know members/less actives, and tracking.

We normally park our car somewhere, and we walk down a road, up the super long driveways, and knock on doors.

Knocking on doors is weird to me. I miss clapping at people and yelling OI DE CASAAAAAA~

but, it's all good.

We've met some interesting people. A woman who goes around buying old homes, fixing them up, and putting shrubbery everywhere to beautify the town.

An older gentleman that restores houses, and worked for Hollywood as a electrical Grip, whatever that is. haha. (He also claims to have bigfoot pictures)

And the list goes on and on.

It's very different from what I am used to in Brasil, but I can love the work just as much, if not more. Only because I have a better attitude now. haha.

And so, the work carries on.

I would however, like to share something I have learned this week.

Never Give Up.

And, Never give up on the good times; Living it up is a state of mind, #spicegirls

But really. This week, the importance of enduring to the end has really touched me. And not just because we were tracking this week.

This week, I met a young man named Jerred Lloyd. He is a returned missionary from Brasil, and had to come home early because he had cancer in his leg. He spoke in sacrament, and shared a little of his story, along with siting examples of endurance from the bible, such as Joseph who was sold into Egypt, and Moses.
He, without knowing it, had answered several prayers that I have been praying since I left Brasil. the Lord has many tender mercies for all of us, and this week, I had the pleasure of feeling and seeing many of them. This young man had such an amazing spirit about him, and I made a goal right then and there.

I wanted to be like this returned missionary.

He had taken his trial, now going on to his 3rd surgery, and used it as a spring board for his testimony. When he spoke, he shared the love of the savior in every word.

That's what I want to be like.

This young man impressed me, and I have a lot of work to do. c:

It was also neato to speak to him in Portuguese. I'm getting a little rusty, I can tell. haha.

Ah! One last little thing.

This girl, about 16, came up to me, and asked if I had an older sister named Sarah, who lives in Mesa. Behold and lo, This girl was Riannha. She used to live in the apartment complex my sister managed, and it was super neat to see her again! She goes to the branch here, and I'm going to try to reactivate her mother.

No one can resist the vester~

Anywho. I love you all, and wish you a wonderful week.

God be with you,

And remember the true reason for Easter. <3

He has risen!

Love

Elder Vester

a super old car on a recent convert's front lawn

The charizard I made for Elder Christensen

The Spokane Temple

My desk!

some shots around my area

Elder White and I

My house

red velvet and Dr Pepper. <3

Week 71 ~ Just when I start getting comfortable... :VWU

Here is Elder Vester's email for this week. I am so happy he is happy. I am so proud of him for beating the odds and going back out to finish his mission.

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So, no fun pictures this week.

The only thing is that we went to a thrift store, and I totally found the old Jessie figure from 1998, that came with a pokeball and Ekans figure... So, I bought it, and she is now on our car's dash. :D

So, the only news is that I was Transferred. So, I'm going to be packing today....

I'm going to North Port Washington, and my compnaion is Elder White. I'll be meeting up with him by the temple in Spokane. I wont get to do a session, but I'll at least be able to see it. :D

The last week has been very very slow. Most of us have been sick, and we've had to stay in most of the week. But, it's been interesting. haha.

I love love LOVED conference. <3 I actually got to watch all of it without any problem. I understood everything. ;D

But really. I personally had a spiritual feast on all the personal revelation that was given. I especially loved Elder Oaks talk in priesthood. I learned so much just from that.

So, I'm kinda running out of things for this week.

But, I love you all. And I wish you luck in the week to come.

Be praying for me, and my new companion. I am excited to get down to work, even if that means I really do have to become senior companion again so soon.

See you all next week!

Elder Vester

Old Jessie figure from 1998, that came with a pokeball and Ekans figure

Week 68 ~ Satan rebelled against God because he thought he was prettier?: VWU

Here is Elder Vester's weekly update (VWU). He is very happy serving in Washington Spokane Mission. I am so happy that all is well! 

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SO. This week was great! Lots of new things to learn, and many new people to meet.

I'll share some of the highlights with you.

That little Mennonite bakery? We bought these SUPER delicious Maple glazed cinnamon rolls. We had about half of them, and we were full. It took about 2 or 3 minuets afterword that we started to notice the after taste of coffee... We looked at the packaging, and low and behold, the maple syrup had coffee as one of the ingredients. 

We then took the rest of them, and threw them away.
So, thats the 2nd time I've broken the word of wisdom as a missionary without knowing it. First that wonderful Vodka Water in Rio, and now coffee cinnamon rolls in Washington.

Ha. 

So, we've started looking more closely at the labels at that place. lol

Another fun thing, is the fact that I am re-learning how to drive. c:

I'm loving it! I've driven about 500 miles in the last week or so. I missed it so much. I was driving a Jeep, and We have to trade that for a stupid Subaru today. D:<

We had lunch with the Lawrence family this week, too. They are about as mountain man/hick/redneck as you can get. We were there for a good few hours, and from that dinner, I learned that, and I quote "Lucifer rebelled against God because he was a flaming homosexual. He thought he was more prettier than God, and got mad when God said he was not! That's when he started crossing his legs when we sat down and waving his arms around when he spoke. THAT'S why he was cast out."

It was an interesting dinner.

I still feel like I am serving a foreign mission. Holy cow.

Elder Snyder and I had the pleasure to go on splits this week. :D He is going to Brasil in 2 weeks, and  so he and I just spent the entire day speaking in Portuguese, and having fun. I loved it so much. :D He's fantastic!

And lastly, the best part of the week.

This week, I listened to Bill Carpenter's conversion story.

He's pretty well known around here, but I'll sum it up.

Her was catholic, and was going to school to become a priest. He was in his 3rd year, and took a 30 day ecclesiastical leave as they call it, to prepare for a year long vow of silence.

That was when he found some LDS friends, and started to take the discussions.

After many, many, many trials, he was baptized, and fully disowned from his family.

He then starts to talk about his mission. At that point in time, elders only served for 18 months. He was told that his father was having some kind of health problems, and was dying in a hospital. His mission president told him that the Lord wanted him to extend his mission for another 6 months.

After some back and forth, and input from his family, he stayed in the field.

That was when he met this little old black lady.

She took the challenge to read the book of Mormon, and read the entire book within a week.

She was converted, and baptized.

Within a few weeks, she found out about patriarchal blessings.

She had received  it, and called her missionaries over to read it.

After some back and forth, she finally told them that she was blind, and could not read. And that God had given her the power to read the Book of Mormon, and after she finished the last page, and closed it, she lost that power. And she knew it was true, if only because of that.

So, Elder Carpenter opened the blessing.

The blessing had said that she would have joined the church 25 years earlier, if the elder who had received his call, had accepted it. And so God had to prepare 2 new elders for her to bring her the gospel.

Now, with that in mind. I have considered my new return date.

My mission president has told me that he has the final verdict on my return date, and I'll be calling him later today to find out what my fate is.

But, what ever it is, I know the Lord is in it.

I love this church. I love this work, and I know that I am helping to further the work of God.

I love you all, and I shall talk to you next week.
<3

Stay Beautiful.

Elder Vester

This first photo is Diamond Lake. It's beautiful, and we normally go there every week to teach. <3

This here is one of the best sandwiches ever. There is a Mennonite Bakery up here, and we eat there every week. :D Sometimes more than once. hahah 

, then, just look at how beautiful these photos are. I'm so attractive~! #eyebrowwiggle

Week 67 ~ Newport Washington, Say hello!: VWU

You might question why Week 67?? Well it turns out, that his mission time stopped when he came home, so we are picking up where he left off. I guess I will need to really figure out just what week he is on if we were sure when he was coming home. I am very proud of Elder Vester making the decision to finish he mission.

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Been a while, am I right? Time for Vester's weekly updates. :D

I'm serving in the Newport Ward, in Washington. Half of the ward is in Idaho, and we have to cross the border into idaho to go to church, and that's currently where I am at. :D

I'm in a tripaniuonship. Elder Christensen is from West Jordan, Utah, and Elder Zeman is from Acton California. Both are amazing, and I am LOVING this tripanionship so far. Lots of jokes, lots of work, and lots of fun. I love both of them so much, and I am in the best companionship I've ever had, and I love all the things.

The area reminds me a lot of Prescott. Its a retirement area, and there are a lot of very old people in my ward. I wore my scarf I made from Brasil on Sunday, and I caught all the ladies' attention. Haha.
I'm going to fit in well here.

My apartment is fantastic! 10 times better than anything I had in Brasil. CARPET. <333

But, I am already starting to see just how different, and amazing this mission is.

When I got off the plane, I collected my baggage, and President Mullen got a little confused on the time I was flying in. So I had to wait there for about an hour or so. But, when he arrived, the first thing he did was say "Elder, I'm so sorry. I'm grateful to have you here, and I love you." And then he hugged me.

I was a little surprised to say the least. And then, he takes my heavier bag, and starts to walk and talk to me. When, all of a sudden, he started to do contacts, right there in the airport.

I was impressed. And I could already feel President Mullen's love. Never had I seen anything like this before, and I was a little overwhelmed.

We got to the mission home in Spokane, and we started doing some paperwork for me. I was made the designated driver for the trio. On the way out, the President took me into his office, and showed me the transfer board. There was me, next to my new companions.

After a closer look, the paper said I would be going home in..... December.

Gut punch.

I had no idea what to think. Other then how frustrating this whole thing had been. How much miss communication can happen in 2 months?

And I know President Mullen could sense that.

So, as the assistants took my luggage to the "Transfer Van" President Mullen took me to another room, and knelt with me in prayer.
I felt an overwhelming feeling of love come at that moment. I knew just how much President Mullen loved me, despite having only known him for all of 3 hours. He blessed me, and calmed the fear and hurt that had come over me. Needless to say, I am so very grateful that I am here in a mission where I am loved and wanted.

That was when the assistants took me to my new area. We got me a bike, just because we're all supposed to have bikes,  and It's sitting downstairs in our garage.

Our apartment in on the 2nd floor of a mortuary/ funeral home. It's owned by some members who live next to us, and they take good care of us.

It's always toasty in there, but that might have to do with the furnace they use to creamate people. lol

But, all is well. I love it here, and I am so grateful to be here. <3
I love you all, and miss you dearly. <3
~Elder Vester

Elder Zeman, Christensen, and I. <3

Week 66 ~ Back to work I go. c: (it's a long one.)

His letter will explain everything.

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Well, after a 2 month hiatus, it's time to get back into the swing on things.

Well. where to start. A LOT has happened in the last 2 months...

So, I got transferred from Nova Venecia, and that was a very emotional goodbye. Many good church members are there, and I loved that area so much. I miss them all. ;3;

But, I got transferred to Laranjeiras 2. I was paired with this super black elder, named Elder Dila. By far my best companionship.

I was so out of commission, that I could hardly leave the house, and going to lunch was a hard thing to do. I would wake up in the morning just fine, and by the end of personal study, there would be so much blood pooled in my groin, that I had to go lay down.

Why on earth I was made District Leader in this kind of shape, I will never know. Judge that for yourself. I mean, I was like, a rectangle! So very shape I was.

It was also raining the entity of my stay there, so not that big of a deal. No one wanted to let us in anywho. haha.

I also met some very loving, and supportive members in Laranjeiras. I cried, leaving there, too.

On Christmas eve, I received a call from president. For some reason beyond me, he decided to do so in English... He needs to practice. Anywho.

He told me that Salt Lake had managed to get a flight for me, leaving Christmas day.

He also asked me "Elder Vester, do you want to return to this mission?"

I replied "Yes, of course! It's where I was called, and it's where I want to finish."

He says "Then you're going to have to fight to get back here."

And left it at that. He told me that I would not be released as an elder, and that I would be back in about 2 weeks.

So, we spent that night at the Ward Mission Leader's place. He bought around 10 pizzas, and we all sat around, talking, looking at photos, and listening to music. <3 Yes.

Christmas day, we were surprised with some wonderful members bringing us this MASSIVE pile of sweets. Cakes, cookies, candies, crackers, chocolates, gummis.

It was the best.

We then had Churrasco at a member's house for lunch, and at about 2, I said goodbye to my wonderful little district, and went to the mission office.

I won't even go into detail on that. But, the Assistant to the president told me I was released, and to remove my tag. He's insane, so I thought nothing of it.

I got my flight at 6:30, and went from Vitoria, to Sao Paulo, to JFK, to Phoenix. 

My mom, dad, oldest brother, and oldest sister met me at the airport. <3 

I failed to realize how badly I smelled. Haha. I love my family.

My parents decided to wait a few days, so I could do Christmas with my family, and I loved that. <3 So much. 

I talked with my stake president, and he told me that because Iw as still an elder, that I needed to obey rules and such, blah blah blah.

I promised to do so, and we began to do the tests and prep work to get me better.

About the day 15 mark, I got a call from my stake president, saying that he had received direction from salt lake to have me released, And wanted to see me right away. I was told that I would be given 30 days, and if we could get the surgery and recovery done in 30 days, I could go back to Brasil. Well, looks like someone had decided to just pull the plug.

So, I was released according to salt lake, but my stake president kept me as a missionary somehow? I'm not sure.

I went to the doctor, did some tests, and found out I had an infection on  top of the veracious seal I had, so we had to clear that up. After about 3 weeks, we had me cleaned up, and ready to do surgery.

That was fun. I had to take 3 times the normal amount of tranquilizer to get me to relax. I'm pretty much a gorilla. I remember tripping pretty hard, and thinking the walls and ceiling were moving. lol. And my nurse, Greg, was a hoot. He kept messing with me all through the surgery, and cracking jokes. Or, at least I think? 

But, the surgery went well. No complications.

Until it came to the recuperation. For some reason, I was still having a lot of pain. It started to go away by the day 25 mark.  I started getting ready to go back to brasil, when the doctors from salt lake called, and said I had to pass a physical test to go back. It was to walk 6 miles, for 3 days, without any pain.

I failed miserably.

I had to set up a exercise program with my doctor, and to begin the recuperation.

The day 30 mark came, and passed. I was released, and started to enjoy a little bit more of the freedom that comes with being a regular person. Sleeping in, staying out late, hanging with friends, movies, sewing, anime!

It was a nice break to say the least. lol

I continued the walking, and building up strength, and finally was able to go the 3 days, walking 6 miles. 

I got my paperwork turned in, and finally received the re-call to Spokane Washington.

So. That's the secular history of whats gone on.

c:

I can't even begin to tell you guys how hard this has been, and hoe much of a struggle it is. There were many days where satan would make me feel like I was unfit to be a missionary, and that I was sent home because God did not want me out. I had many days that It was just hard to get out of bed. Never have I been attacked on every side, and felt the powers of the adversary combining against me like that. Every day was a uphill battle. There were many times I could just sit in a bubble bath, and cry. Upset and hurt at what was going on. At first I was heartbroken at the fact that I would never go back to Brasil at a missionary. But, I've come to a greater understanding of what the Lord has had in store for me, and a little bit more about how much I need him. How much I rely on the Savior, and how much I need his redeeming love.

I know Jesus loves me, and supports me. Especially in my times of weakness. 

However, having been freed from the restraints of mission rules, I began to see things in a new light.

I started to go out with the elders every single week, several times if I could. And that has been what has gotten me through it.

Let me tell you about Ashlynn.

Upon coming home, I found out that my dear friend Kaitlynn had been remarried, and so I had to meet her new husband, who's name is also Jacob.

This kid, is fantastic.

Anywho.

He started a Dungeons and Dragons group. I got involved, and loved it.

But, this was how I was introduced to Ashlynn.

Jacob invited her to meet with the elders, and I soon came into play.

I was there for most of her lessons, and I had the please of not only seeing her conversion, but of being the one to perform her baptism.

She's an amazing woman, and has been through so much, and has shown strength and love beyond her years.

Between her, and the 4 elders I have been teaching with, I have managed to keep what little fire I had burning. Graziano, Ford, Linquist, and Burbank, thank you. I owe you guys.

I also had the wonderful pleasure to meet up with Elder Austin Bardleson. The tender mercies of the Lord seem to have no end in my life, and I am so grateful for that.

And well, that about sums it up.

There is a lot here that is missing. But, I hope this is enough to bring you all up to speed. <3

#splitsontrees

I love you all, and I am grateful for the church. I know it is true with all my heart, and I am so excited to share the gospel with the people in the Spokane area. I know that is where I am needed, and wanted. <3

So, lets see where this adventure is going.

So, I'll see you all my next p day.

With love

Elder Jacob Allen Vester.

My new address is:

Washington Spokane Mission

Elder Jacob Allen Vester
820 South Pines Road Suit 101
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
USA

Elders Graziano, Ford, Lunquist, and the wonderful Ashlynn.

My District. 

Elders Kauan, MONTEIROOOOOO, and Dila. I was the district leader for about 3 weeks. lol

My district was the most thug/nerdy thing ever.

got the wonderful chance to see my adopted black family. <3 Nildemar, I miss you!

The last week I was in Brasil, it rained soooo hard. Like, really.

So much so that the ceiling caved in. D: I got all kinds of yuck in my bags...

Week 65 ~ Alright guys. Get ready for a dose of reality VWU

Elder Vester didn't send out an email last week, that is why there wasn't a posting. He has been kind of down because you has had some health issues. This week he shares with us. Keep him in your prayers, please. As it turns out he has vascular seal and he isn't sterile. He will be home sometime after Dec 26, since the Church has a black out on travel over the holidays. Kind of bummed that you didn't make it home for Christmas but we will have Christmas when he gets home. He will have surgery and than head back out to the mission. He might just be home for a month. Sorry no pictures this week.

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You guys ready for this.

Sit down, get you a glass of hot-cocoa, and get ready for a big fat slice of "oh my goodness" pie.

I'm sick.

Or to be specific, I'm afflicted.

I've been going back and forth between Vitoria and Nova Venecia for the last 4 weeks, and we have yet to come to a full conclusion as so what is going on with me.

I've been prohibited from working, and I feel icky. (I've pretty much just hanging out with my recent converts. They are kinda the best ever.)

I've also been transferred, and I've got to pack today, and say goodbye to all my wonderful people I love here.

We thought in the beginning that it was a hernia, and now we're thinking its something to do with my "no-no square". The doctor said that I need to do surgery, and if I don't do it soon, I'll be sterile, (If we're not already too late.)

I know the Lord will not let me take on challenges greater then I can handle, so I'm just doing my best to trust in him, and know that he is in charge.

So, maybe I'll spend Christmas at home, maybe not.

I'm just ready to get this taken care of. lol

So, keep me in your prayers, and MAYBE YOU ALL SHOULD GET OFF YOUR LAZY BUTTS AND WRITE ME SOMETIME.

Love you. <3

Elder Vester