Countdown Week 6 ~ Simply Put, FULL STEAM AHEAD! VWU

It is hard not to get excited about Elder Vester coming home, 41 days! I will miss his emails!

***************************************************

This week flew by! Normally the last week of the transfer takes forever to go by. But this week was an exception.

We had a lot of fun this week, for sure. Elder Naranjo and I are the most dynamic companionship I've ever seen. Haha. I'm really grateful I get to spend my last 6 weeks here, in this area, with him. Normally I have a track record of getting a good companion for just a few weeks, and then getting stuck with someone who is hard to work with. So, It's nice to see the streak has been broken.

It's actually kind of surreal to be entering my last transfer. I wonder if this is what it's like to be entering the last term of your 7th year at Hogwarts? Like, it's nice it'll be over soon, but you don't want it to end?

I don't know. But, either way. I am so grateful for it all. I'm not sure what the next 6 weeks will bring me, but I am excited all the same.

I'm so excited for Sunday! Not only will it be Potluck, but most importantly it will be Tim and Joanne's Baptism. On Sunday, she was feeling up to going to church, and she went around inviting everyone to her baptism, and telling everyone how she's quit smoking, and it did my heart good to see how well the members are accepting them into the ward family.

It's been a very, very long time since I last had an investigator start calling me their child, and now Tim and Joanne have started calling us their children. I'll have to come visit these wonderful people.

if there is one thing that I feel I have really felt and learned this week, it's that God our Father, and Jesus our Savior, know us and love us.

In church this week, the poem "Footprints in the Sand" was read.

This has to be one of my favorite poems ever. Every time I hear it, I can't help but feel the spirit, and I love it.

I was reminded just how close our savior is to us. He takes us by the hand, and guides us. And in the moments we don't think we can make it anymore, he picks us up and carries us, and most of the time we don't even notice. It's only till after, when we have been through it, and we look back, and we see just how much he really does guide and carry us.

This is something I have seen in my mission, now as I come to an end.

There have been many times that he has carried me.

And I am no special case. he loves you, just as much as he loves me. 

So, look for the single pair of footprints, and thank him for the moments he sacrificed for us.

I love it.

I know this is the true church, and that God guides and directs this church by the hand of a modern day prophet. 

I know the atonement is real, and that Jesus has given his all for us.

I love you all, and I'll see you next week!

~Elder Vester

So, this is the fabled Joanne!

She put this sign up about a week ago. I just HAD to get a picture of her with it. Is this what it feels like to be a successful state side missionary? because it's totally awesome.

We also  had Zone Meeting this week, and we took our last zone picture because transfers. It's pretty great. :D

And look! This is my area. It's actually pretty clear in this photo. I thought the sun looked cool. So I took this. Haha. the fire is just about 10-15 miles away from here. I'm awaiting the Evacuation notice. YEAH~

AND SELFIESSSS

Countdown week 7 ~ Determination: VWU

It has been a rough week for Elder Vester, but with fasting and many prayers I think he will make it!

*****************************************

So, this week has been very long. Today was not much of a p-day, either. But, that's mission life.

This last week has been a real test for me.

I'm not sure how many my parents have told, but I'll come out and say it.

The surgery I had in January has failed, and I now need to have another, much more intense surgery to correct my veracose seal.

I've been in a lot of pain for the last 3 weeks.

Last Monday, I was about ready to throw in the towel. I told myself that if I would not be able to work the way I need to, that I would come home.

And much to my surprise, I was able to work this week.

On top of that, Heavenly Father reminded me of some things.

So, lets back up a bit.

About 2 months ago, when the branch was re-organized, the Sunday school president was called to be the new branch president. And the lot fell to me to teach until further notice.

(He did give me a break. they called a woman to be a teacher this week, but she is only able to come every other Sunday. So, I still get to teach the youth often. haha.)

This last Sunday, in "Come Follow Me", the lesson was on the importance of journal keeping.

Well, I just so happen to bring the journal that had about the last 5 months of Brasil in it.

Now, even though I have managed to move on from the negative experiences I had there, I never went back to look at it. So, I sat there on the couch with the scriptures in one hand, and the journal in the other.

And as I read, I could not help but laugh! I remember going through some really hard trials, and writing them down, and now looking back, I  find so much humor in them.

And I realized just how great the mission has been for me, and just how much fun I have had.

And, I would never admit this normally, but, as I was preparing, my scriptures fell to the ground.

When I went to pick them up, they were open to Alma 26:27. it jumped out from the page, and it solidified everything for me. 

"Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success."

That was it for me.

I knew what I needed to do. There was no turning back for me.

Heavenly Father not only softened my heart, but helped me to see the joy in the work that I had been missing for a long time.

The joy that comes from sharing the Gospel.

Now, with this, I made the decision to stay. No matter the physical cost. The damage was already done in Brasil, and I have nothing to lose from staying here, and only blessings to gain.

And this was confirmed by an experience I had Sunday morning.

My 2 main investigators, Tim and Joanne are trying to overcome smoking, and I was being a helicopter missionary. On Thursday, we gave her a blessing, and we left it to the Lord.

On Sunday morning, she gave me a call, telling me she would not be able to make it to church because she was on her way to the hospital to get shots in her head for her migraines. But, she told me that she had not smoked in 4 days.

I was so over joyed that I started to cry.

And so, God has not only told me to stay, but to keep working, and be happy, because I would be blessed, and would bring blessings to others.

So, yes. It'll be a long last transfer. But I have people I need to bring closer to Christ. I did not come back out on the mission to finish early.

So, to all of you who have been praying for me, and fasting for me, and making all kinds of sacrifices for me, 

Thank you.

I have felt your spirit, and your love, and it has been instrumental in helping me stay strong.

I love you all, so very very much, and I will see you soon.

When September ends.

Take care, and lets hope I stay in Republic with Elder Naranjo! Because as of yet, President does not know of my condition, and should I get transferred, the cat might be let out of the bag. Haha.

I'll talk to you all next week!

Love you all.

Elder Vester

So, today I said goodbye to one of my favorite elders in this mission, Elder Romero. But! he lives in Snowflake! So, I'll see him soon

And check this out! My companion has been working on this all transfer for me. It's a fancy wooden sword called a "Bokken".

AND IT MAKES ME LOOK LIKE A JEDI IN THIS PHOTO. YES.

Countdown Week 9 ~ The Fire Nation Is Invading Repiblic City:VWU

I love the countdown! It won't be long now, I am so ready for him to be home. He has served a great mission.
Here is his short email and no pictures.

*********************************************************

So, I forgot my camera in the apartment. Oops.

No photos this week. haha.

And, for anyone who cares/is worrying, I'm ok. The fires are just outside my area, and if it continues to move north, we'll have to evacuate. So, that'll be neat. It's been raining ash for a few days, and it gets EVERYWHERE. I'll take slefies going over Sherman pass, with the rest of the town.(that'll be a fun drive.)

This week went by SOOOOO quick. I love it. I thought the time at the end of my mission would slow down, but it seems to be going faster and faster. So, lets recap.

Um, not too much happened. I know we drove a lot. Haha. But thats about it.

I know my area a lot better now! I love it. I really hope I get to stay here for my last transfer with Elder Naranjo. It's so great.

On Thursday, I did an exchange with Elder Horn. I went up to Canada again, and I always love that. But, this exchange was particularly meaningful. 

Now, I should explain. Elder Horn is a very gentle spirit, and he also served with one of my very best friends in Ukraine, just before Russia invaded. It was a tender mercy for me to meet this Elder, and I'll explain why.

I thought I had it rough. I remember thinking I had been through a lot in Brasil. But, I have been humbled, and I have learned so much from this elder. Never have I had to face the things that he did in Ukraine, and I now have a better understanding of what the Lord does for each of us.

I'm grateful for the ties I have been able to make, and to connect to people.

It;s great.

But, I'll talk to you all later.

Love you all, and see you soon!

Tchau~

Elder Vester

Countdown Week 10 ~ I can count the number of weeks on my hands!

Here is Elder Vester's email from today!

***************************************

EVERYTHING IS AWESOMMEEEEEE~

So, this week has been LONG. Like, for real.

Monday, we did service, and not much else, seeing as I ran out of proselyting clothes. Haha. But, not much to report there.

Tuesday, we had to get the oil changed in our car, and that took a hunk out of our day. But! I have discovered that the ladies that run the family history center on Tuesdays, have a small potluck, and we have been invited to come every single week. So, that'll be awesome! We finished the day by trying to find a member who lives waaaaaayyy far away. he's currently going through a divorce,and we had  a very spiritual lesson with him. It's so sad to see what happens when 2 people can't keep it together. I hate watching families fall apart...

Wednesday, we did more service. we went to an elderly couple's house, (He was just called as the 1st councilor in the branch presidency) and we washed their windows, and  they fed us lunch! It was great. <3 And after that, we saw a less active woman and.

I got to split wood like a man! I used a splitting maul, and split about 1/3 of chord.

Yeah.

And Thursday, was the temple. <3 I LOVE the Spokane temple. And even better, I got to see one of my old companions, elder Zeman! It's probably the last time I'll see him on the mission. But, It was good to see him again.

And Friday, we had training meetings in spokane. Oh goodness it took forevvverrrrrr.

But, that's about it.

Oh!

Tim and Johana!

I started Johana on the stop smoking program, and I'm going to check in with her every day to give support and see how her progress is. Keep praying for her!

So.

thats about it. Life marches on, and I'll talk to you all later,

I love you all, and I know the church is true. 

~Elder Vester

This is my district! We had our first district meeting, on a trampoline. Yeah. It was AWESOME.

My companion makes wooden swords. IT'S AWESOME.

And there was a stunt bike rally in front of my apartment. IT WAS AWESOME!

EVERYTHING IS AWESOMMEEEEEE~

Countdown week 11 ~ It's A Matter of Time Before I Learn To Fly: VWU

Sorry I didn't get this out last week. I don't have much time to get behind! Enjoy!

*******************************************

So, This has been a very long week. On Tuesday, I picked up Elder Naranjo from Spokane, and the insanity ensued. It's been a long time since I last had a companion this awesome. He's an Indian from New Mexico, so I assume that's a large part of it. I always seem to have awesome luck with these guys. :D (Elder White was an amazing companion, and so far, Naranjo is, too.) I took him around my area, and we had dinner with the West family. They have to be one of the best families in this branch. Brother West served his mission in Mexico, and we speak in our languages sometimes. it's a lot of fun.
Anywho. Most of this week has been just showing him around the members. I realize that I don't know the area as much as I would like. we got lost a few times. haha. We also had Zone meeting on Thursday, and once again, we have the best zone ever. Colville Zone is the best!
And on exciting news, I am now the District Leader of an extra companionship.
That's right! I have 2 companionship to take care of now, and one of them are sisters! It's totally awesome.
And, Elder Larsen was transferred, and Elder Horn took his place. Now, Elder Horn also served with Luke Haddad when they were in Ukraine. So far, I love this kid. Haha. We have all these nutty stories about Luke, and the first day we met, we literally just sat there talking about Luke the entire night. It was great. :D
So, I have a neato experience to share this week.  On Friday of last week, we went and saw Tim and Johanna, the couple we are preparing for baptism. We marked for 3, and we arrived, and they told us that it was a bad time, and to come back at 6. So, we left and came back, and they were gone. I thought it was fishy, seeing as Tim and Johanna love our visits. They did not show up on Sunday, and we tried visiting them several times this week. No luck. No one had talked to them, or seen them in almost a week. I started to get worried, thinking they had gotten scared off, and were avoiding us, like so many people do.
But, on Saturday, we went back, and we found them.
They explained that they had left to visit family for the 4th of July, and whats more,
THEY ELOPED.
They just decided to go get married! I was ecstatic. And not only that, they were excited for their baptism. So, now Johanna just needs to stop smoking, and then it'll be a go!
So, please keep her in your prayers.
And this coming week is going to be hectic as all get out. We're going to the Spokane temple on Thursday, and I'll get to see my old companion Elder Zeman! I'm super excited for that.
We have lots of service planned for this week, too.
And I have meetings on Friday. :/ yuck.
But, I love being a missionary. I know my time is coming to an end soon, and I want to wring as much as I can out of these last few weeks.
I love you all!
See you next week.
Elder Vester
I'me craving hamburgers....

Oh, and have a selfie. Because It's beautiful.

My new companion Elder Naranjo

Countdown Week 12 ~ Changes changes changes! :VWU

It's official - Elder Vester is will be home Sept 22 - I just got his travel itinerary. Hooooray!!
Here is his email & some pictures.

********************************************************

So, this week has been a fast one! Another transfer, gone. Only 2 transfers left. 12 weeks. 84 days. 2016 hours.

But, who's counting? haha.

We've had a lot of fun this week, though. Lots of exchanges, too!

On Tuesday, My Zone Leader, Elder Horan came up for an exchange, and it rained most of the day, but we went around and saw a bunch of his old investigators. I hope to have some new people to teach from that, too. We had lunch with Sister Warren, one of the Widows in my branch. She and Horan got to know each other really well in the 7 months he worked here. So, we had a really nice day over all. 

And Thursday I went back up to Canada again! I stocked up on good chocolate to send home, and I even got some crazy "Maple Bacon" flavored chips to send home. Haha. It'll be good, ya know? Elder Nash and I spent all of that day just doing service. We also had a lesson with a very stubborn person. And that always makes my day. haha.

But, the biggest hunk of news is this.

The Book of Mormon play is coming to Spokane.

It's a very anti mormon play, and is a parody on missionary work.

However, the church is doing the coolest thing ever, and turning this into a HUGE missionary tool. 

So, from now till the 16th of august, I'm going to have members of the branch follow us around on a few days, and take pictures and videos of us doing real missionary work. We already started today, and we had a few members document us doing service for Sister Warren.

I;m super super excited for all of this to go down.

The church has also bought the add space in the Play Bill for this production. Not just some of it.

BUT ALL OF IT.

So, lets see what happens.

And, Elder Padilla got transfered to Post Falls Idaho, with one of my very best friends, Elder Draper. <33 (I would kill to be that guy's companion. he's so awesome. haha.)

And my new companion is Elder Noranjo. I have no ideah who this guy is, and we'll see what goes down.

I love you all, and I know the church is true. 

I;m praying for many of you by name, and I know that you are praying for me. Thats the best feeling in the world. <3

Take care, and lets see if I can hold my focus and steam for the next 12 weeks.

God speed, and have a wonderful week!

Love

Elder Jacob Vester

This happened last Tuesday? That's the door in the hallway of our apartment. It's still like that.

I also went to Canada again! :D Look at the neato sign they have just after customs!

I got these super delicious gummy snacks called Wine Gums. No, they do not contain any wine. but they are suuuuper good. :D

Friday was our last District meeting with just the 4 of us. So, I made us all a french toast breakfast. :D Worth it.

And like these deer? They just chill in town. So, I thought I would get a pic. haha.

Canadian picture

Elder Padilla wanted to take a picture like this... So i had to take it. haha

I made Brigadiero. It was pretty good! :D

And look at all the chocolate! I'm sending this all home for you guys!

Countdown Week 13 ~ VESTER VESTER FIRE☆ ENDLESS NIGHT! VWU

I can't explain the title. Those come from Elder Vester and he is pretty crazy sometimes! I can't believe we are on count down, won't be too long now I am ready for him to be home but I can wait until Sept 22.

*********************************************

So, this week has gone by suuuuper fast.

Monday, we helped tear down a barn... That was actually pretty fun! Who would have thunk that I would enjoy something like that? haha I guess thats the changes of the mission. I know I complained a lot about it last week, but when I got there, I realized the guy was not demanding us, but he really needed help. So, all is well. Haha.

Tuesday was totally awesome. 

Almost our entire zone went up to Grand Forks Canada, and had a Blitz. That basically means that we went nuts knocking on doors, and talking to people on the street. The highlight of that day for me, was the fact I got to do a contact in Japanese! I doubt it was very good Japanese, but, I really tried hard, and I was super proud of myself afterwords. haha. And, we got to eat Canadian Chocolate. <333 I LOVE it! It's real chocolate, too. Not like any of the waxy junk we get in the states.

And finally, on our way home, we met with a less active member, named Lloyd. As it turned out, back when my uncle Donald was still going to church, Donald would go visit Lloyd, and try to help him come back to church. So, I thought that was neat. Small world!

But, thats really all the exciting things that happened this week.

I've had a lot of learning experiences from the scriptures in the last few days. It's amazing to see when you really search to understand the scriptures, how much Heavenly father can unfold to you. It always makes me excited to see when something new in the scriptures pops out to me, no matter how many times I've read that particular passage.

It's like a Diamond.

You can see one point of view just looking at it, and if you move a little to the left or right, you see a new sight, and you understand better.

Sometimes, we just need to look at things from a different angle, or have a change of attitude.

I know that this was the biggest thing for me this week. I've had to change my attitude on a lot of things, and accept things. I've had a really hard time with my companion, and I've had to learn to use a lot of charity, and keeping love in my heart.

And I know that I've only been able to do that through the reading of the scriptures, and prayer, and being at church. I love it.

Well, time for me to go. c:

I love you all and I'll write you next week!

Tchau~

Elder Vester

You see the mountains in this picture? That's the limits of the mission. On the other side of them, lies the town of Tonaskit, and the Washington Seattle mission. :D

This is Sister Witte. She's a wonderful less active in the branch. We go over there almost every week, and I finally got her to take a picture with me. haha Do you see the peacock in the picture?

 Look at all the wood I stacked!

Aaaaand. These are "Freckle Fries" They are a specialty in the BBQ place that we live on top of. Oh goodness. I'll be so fat. Haha