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HEY YOU GUYS!
HOW THE HECK ARE YA THIS WEEK? TODO TRANQI HERE I PARAGUAY! (THAT MEANS, IT´S ALL GOOD HERE IN PARAGUAY!) FIRST OFF…I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE TIME THAT I HAD TO TALK TO YOU GUYS ON CHRISTMAS DAY…IT TRULY WAS JUST WHAT I NEEDED! I CAN´T THANK EACH OF YOU ENOUGH FOR ALL OF THE LOVE, SUPPORT AND PRICELESS ADVICE THAT I ALWAYS TRY TO PUT INTO PRACTICE.
Daddy…thank you so much for your very much needed advice. It was truly just what I needed! I love the mission, and this has been the most incredible experience of my life…but it´s not over yet! IT´S ALL UP TO ME! I know that the Lord has entrusted me to do my part, until the very last minute. Until I am released! AND THAT´S WHAT I´LL DO! But thank you so much for bringing that back into perspective for me…and giving me excitement to get out and work even harder! HOLLA! I LOVE THIS WORK! IT´S SO TRUE! AND I PROMISE YOU THAT I WILL SWEAT, BE SORE, TIRED AND DEAD EACH AND EVERY DAY THAT I HAVE LEFT! IT´S A GREAT FEELING!
But really…you all sound so great. Thank you for taking care of yourselves and doing what you can to serve the Lord. I KNOW that you´re serving Him how you should be…even though I know that we can always give more! And i´m for sure included in that! MORE, MORE, MORE!
So…this week was a great one! My comp and I, we are really doing all that we can to serve the Lord how we can be most useful and effective in His hands. It´s a continual process, but it molds us and we learn life lessons that are such great blessings. Right now, I finished the Book of Mormon on Christmas day, and now, i´m starting Doctrine and Covenants. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! Daddy…I want to thank you for always giving me D and C 9 to read when I was having problems with Joey and I didn´t know what to do. I USE IT ALL THE TIME NOW! IT´S ONE OF MY FAVES! I am so very converted to the scriptures. I´m not quite sure how I lived without them for so long, or I didn´t use them as well as I could have. Now, going a day without reading affects me, and there is a visible lack of strength. WE MUST ALWAYS READ THEM!
Well, please know that I love you guys so stinking much. MAKE GREAT, USEFUL GOALS FOR THIS YEAR AND DO ALL THAT YOU CAN TO COMPLETE THEM! THE LORD WILL HELP YOU AND GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO DO SO.
Please send prayers our way and especially for those that we are teaching. WE NEED YOUR PRAYERS, THE PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS. Keep in touch and continue to let me know what´s up and how everything is. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES! PLEASE! AND STAY HAPPY AND HEALTHY!
1434 AND MORE THAN THE FIREWORKS I´LL BE SEEING TONIGHT! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Lars.
Mission Letters & Experiences
This blog was created to share letters from Elder Mason & Hermana Lauren Casper as they serve their missions for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Elder Casper is currently serving in the Chile Rancagua Mission and Hermana Casper is serving in the Paraguay Asuncion North Mission. Enjoy!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Elder Casper 12/31/2007
Family-
Wow what an amazing week. First off talking with you all on Tuesday started it off and is alway a highlight for me, wow how truly blessed I am. I LOVE YOU ALL MORE THAT YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE.
Well on Thursday we had zone leader counsel and it was great. President let us have it and it was good for all of the leaders to see that the success in the mission depends on us, and that we are the ones that have to have a change in our hearts before the rest of the mission changes. On Saturday I had the experience of a life time. I was able to go to the temple to see a family sealed for time and all eternity. It wasn't one of my convert families but it was a family that Elder Hutchens and I knew very well and Elder Hutchens did their baptisamal interview. Their names are Cristian and Gladis. It was such a great experience to go to the temple and to not only be there in the temple but to see a family sealed; it was an unforgettable experience.
Elder Martinez and I were very blessed this week. It was the best week I have had in my mission and I was able to see the promised blessings of our Heavenly Father as we submit to his will and not ours. With all of the holiday activities in the mission and for the zone counsel and the temple we only worked three days out of the week. Well in three days we were able to find 16 new investigatores and we set a bautismal date with Andrea, the one that 2 weeks ago didn't believe in God. It was such a blessing and I felt the influence of the spirit so strong in my life this week. I love being guided by the spirit because as we are guided by the spirit our understanding is opened and we can do the will of our Heavenly Father.
I am so grateful for the restored gospel of Jesús Christ, and for the authority that has been given to us to be able to perform the Ordinances of Salvation. What blessings and promises we recieve as we commit ourselves and make covenants with God. He loves us and wants us to be happy, and that is why we have the gospel.
I heard a great quote from Richard G. Scott that really impressed me this week. He said "As we look for the best in others, we will find the best in ourselves." We often think that doing this is such a difficult task, and to be honest it really is, but I know that its true. One of Gods commandments is to love one another...as christ said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." What a powerful statement, and the second greatest commandment is "Love thy neighbor as thy self". Thinking of this quote by elder scott gave me the determination to look for the best in others in this up coming year, and in so doing I will find the best in myself. Its a great opportunity that we have to look for the best in others, why don't we put it to the test in 2008. I know we can do it!
I love you with all of my Heart, you're in my every thought and prayer. Keep working hard, praying hard, studying hard and looking for the best in others and the our Father in Heaven will continue to bless you.
I love you more than words can ever explain.
1-4-3-4,
Elder Mason N. Casper
p.s. Thanks grams, nana and papa, benz, ash and lace for your emails and love. Ill be writing you soon.
Wow what an amazing week. First off talking with you all on Tuesday started it off and is alway a highlight for me, wow how truly blessed I am. I LOVE YOU ALL MORE THAT YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE.
Well on Thursday we had zone leader counsel and it was great. President let us have it and it was good for all of the leaders to see that the success in the mission depends on us, and that we are the ones that have to have a change in our hearts before the rest of the mission changes. On Saturday I had the experience of a life time. I was able to go to the temple to see a family sealed for time and all eternity. It wasn't one of my convert families but it was a family that Elder Hutchens and I knew very well and Elder Hutchens did their baptisamal interview. Their names are Cristian and Gladis. It was such a great experience to go to the temple and to not only be there in the temple but to see a family sealed; it was an unforgettable experience.
Elder Martinez and I were very blessed this week. It was the best week I have had in my mission and I was able to see the promised blessings of our Heavenly Father as we submit to his will and not ours. With all of the holiday activities in the mission and for the zone counsel and the temple we only worked three days out of the week. Well in three days we were able to find 16 new investigatores and we set a bautismal date with Andrea, the one that 2 weeks ago didn't believe in God. It was such a blessing and I felt the influence of the spirit so strong in my life this week. I love being guided by the spirit because as we are guided by the spirit our understanding is opened and we can do the will of our Heavenly Father.
I am so grateful for the restored gospel of Jesús Christ, and for the authority that has been given to us to be able to perform the Ordinances of Salvation. What blessings and promises we recieve as we commit ourselves and make covenants with God. He loves us and wants us to be happy, and that is why we have the gospel.
I heard a great quote from Richard G. Scott that really impressed me this week. He said "As we look for the best in others, we will find the best in ourselves." We often think that doing this is such a difficult task, and to be honest it really is, but I know that its true. One of Gods commandments is to love one another...as christ said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." What a powerful statement, and the second greatest commandment is "Love thy neighbor as thy self". Thinking of this quote by elder scott gave me the determination to look for the best in others in this up coming year, and in so doing I will find the best in myself. Its a great opportunity that we have to look for the best in others, why don't we put it to the test in 2008. I know we can do it!
I love you with all of my Heart, you're in my every thought and prayer. Keep working hard, praying hard, studying hard and looking for the best in others and the our Father in Heaven will continue to bless you.
I love you more than words can ever explain.
1-4-3-4,
Elder Mason N. Casper
p.s. Thanks grams, nana and papa, benz, ash and lace for your emails and love. Ill be writing you soon.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Elder Casper 12/24/2007
Hola Family-
Hey ya´ll whats going on? How has your week been? Is everyone doing alright and how is your health? Well fill me in tomorrow when we talk...
Well just so you all know, tomorrow at 4:30 is alright, its a little early but its all good, anything for Lauren because it is her last phone call home as a missionary. Also I am going to repeat the number that you can call tomorrow. (56072821520) if that one doesnt work you'll just have to call (5672821520) so yeah we will be talking tomorrow.
I didn't know Riggs got home, wow thats nuts that he is already home. If its possible it would be cool to talk to him also so tell Doug to bring him along. Oh and just so you know we can talk for an hour this year, president changed the rule and is going to let us talk for an hour.
Well its been a good week, we started it off with the mission activity and it was great to finish it with the confirmation of cesar and partaking of the sacrament. It was a great week, we found 4 new investigatores, not too many but the Lord is blessing us with people to teach and in a few of them we are seeing big changes and great progession. As we left a lesson the other night where we taught the family of Richard and Marcela, the spirit was strong and the lesson was great. We took Cesar with us to the lesson and he bore the most pure testimony I think I have ever heard. Every person in the house was touched by the spirit and the family of Richard and Marcela told us that they know this is true. They want to be baptised but she said that she doesn't want to be one of those people that gets baptised and 1 year later is inactive. She doesnt feel ready to do a covenant with God, but she told us on Saturday that she is going to fast next Saturday so she can have the faith to be baptised. It is truly a blessing seeing the family progress. Their daughter Barbara has gone to church the last 3 week alone and loves it. Marcela said that Barbara will be the one to help the family be baptised. It was a great lesson and seeing the change in peoples lives is the greatest blessing and CHRISTMAS GIFT ever. As we left the house Elder Martinez and I began to talk about the mission and we began to talk about the change in the family Fuenzalida. As a missionary life at times is hard, We have tough days that at times really kill ones desires to keep on keepin on. But when one sees that an investigator applies the atonement of Christ in their lives it makes all the tough times worth it. It is a great joy and I personally think that it is a small part of the eternal joy that our Father in Heaven has in store for us. It was a great week and the spirit of Christmas has touched my soul deeply.
Im grateful for the opportunity that I have to talk to you all tomorrow for an hour. I can't wait to hear your voices and feel of the spirit through the phone. The spirit is like the sun, it's in all parts and even though we will talk on the phone we will all be able to feel of the spirit of God.
Dad thanks so much for your letter, it touched me very deeply and it was the first time that I have cried reading one of my letters. How blessed we are to have eachother as a family, to have a little part of heaven in our home where we can enjoy a little part of the eternal happiness that is to come. I love this gospel, I love our Savior and I am so grateful for his birth and his atonement. May we all feel of his love and kindness as we celebrate y remember his birth. I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation, which allows us to have a hope and purpose here on earth. And the greatest of all which is the center of the great plan of God is our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus is the Christ and I love him with all of my heart. Thanks for everyhting and I cannot wait for tomorrow when I will hear your voices and feel of your spirit.
1-4-3-4,
Elder Mason Casper
Hey ya´ll whats going on? How has your week been? Is everyone doing alright and how is your health? Well fill me in tomorrow when we talk...
Well just so you all know, tomorrow at 4:30 is alright, its a little early but its all good, anything for Lauren because it is her last phone call home as a missionary. Also I am going to repeat the number that you can call tomorrow. (56072821520) if that one doesnt work you'll just have to call (5672821520) so yeah we will be talking tomorrow.
I didn't know Riggs got home, wow thats nuts that he is already home. If its possible it would be cool to talk to him also so tell Doug to bring him along. Oh and just so you know we can talk for an hour this year, president changed the rule and is going to let us talk for an hour.
Well its been a good week, we started it off with the mission activity and it was great to finish it with the confirmation of cesar and partaking of the sacrament. It was a great week, we found 4 new investigatores, not too many but the Lord is blessing us with people to teach and in a few of them we are seeing big changes and great progession. As we left a lesson the other night where we taught the family of Richard and Marcela, the spirit was strong and the lesson was great. We took Cesar with us to the lesson and he bore the most pure testimony I think I have ever heard. Every person in the house was touched by the spirit and the family of Richard and Marcela told us that they know this is true. They want to be baptised but she said that she doesn't want to be one of those people that gets baptised and 1 year later is inactive. She doesnt feel ready to do a covenant with God, but she told us on Saturday that she is going to fast next Saturday so she can have the faith to be baptised. It is truly a blessing seeing the family progress. Their daughter Barbara has gone to church the last 3 week alone and loves it. Marcela said that Barbara will be the one to help the family be baptised. It was a great lesson and seeing the change in peoples lives is the greatest blessing and CHRISTMAS GIFT ever. As we left the house Elder Martinez and I began to talk about the mission and we began to talk about the change in the family Fuenzalida. As a missionary life at times is hard, We have tough days that at times really kill ones desires to keep on keepin on. But when one sees that an investigator applies the atonement of Christ in their lives it makes all the tough times worth it. It is a great joy and I personally think that it is a small part of the eternal joy that our Father in Heaven has in store for us. It was a great week and the spirit of Christmas has touched my soul deeply.
Im grateful for the opportunity that I have to talk to you all tomorrow for an hour. I can't wait to hear your voices and feel of the spirit through the phone. The spirit is like the sun, it's in all parts and even though we will talk on the phone we will all be able to feel of the spirit of God.
Dad thanks so much for your letter, it touched me very deeply and it was the first time that I have cried reading one of my letters. How blessed we are to have eachother as a family, to have a little part of heaven in our home where we can enjoy a little part of the eternal happiness that is to come. I love this gospel, I love our Savior and I am so grateful for his birth and his atonement. May we all feel of his love and kindness as we celebrate y remember his birth. I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation, which allows us to have a hope and purpose here on earth. And the greatest of all which is the center of the great plan of God is our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus is the Christ and I love him with all of my heart. Thanks for everyhting and I cannot wait for tomorrow when I will hear your voices and feel of your spirit.
1-4-3-4,
Elder Mason Casper
Hermana Casper 12/24/2007
HELLO MY MOST BEAUTIFUL FAMILY!
WOW…I LOVE YOU GUYS SO STINKIN´DARN MUCH! AND THAT´S EVEN MORE THAN I CAN EVEN BEGIN TO EXPRESS. IT WAS SO FUN TO HEAR YOUR VOICES WHEN I CALLED TO SET UP OUR CALL FOR TOMORROW…YOU SOUND SO GREAT! LIKE I´VE SAID BEFORE…THE SPIRIT TESTIFIES TO ME OF THAT. THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH AN AMAZING, RIGHTEOUS SUPPORT FOR ME.
Well…MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE! AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TOMORROW! Like you said, I can´t even believe that it´s already been a year since we last talked. MY PRICELESS TIME HERE IN PARAGUAY HAS FLOWN BY…AND CONTINUES TO FLY BY. I can´t even believe it. Most of the time, I don´t even know what to do or think because I know that time just keeps passing and the Lord has so much more for me to fulfill. That´s what I love about life…the Lord always give us room and the opportunity to improve and become better. IT´S A NEVERENDING BLESSING THAT WE HAVE. For that very reason…it makes me so sad to think that people think they have to conform and live life as they always do, instead of growing. WE CANNOT CONFORM…THE LORD SURELY DIDN´T SEND US HERE TO LIVE A COMFORTABLE, CARE FREE LIFE. IT´S NOT HIS PLAN FOR US! What He wants, is for us to be tested and tried to be proven faithful and righteous before Him. I love sharing this glorious message with the people here in Paraguay. IT´S THE GREATEST PRIVELIGE THAT THE LORD HAS GIVEN ME THUS FAR IN MY LIFE.
I am so darn excited to talk to you all tomorrow. THANKS ASH, LACE, GRAMMS, MEG AND EVERYONE FOR ALWAYS BEING SO GREAT ABOUT WRITING ME. I LOVE YOU AND HOPE YOU ALWAYS KNOW THAT. Also, how´s my Nana? Please let her know that I love her and i´m praying for her quick recovery. Send my love to all in the Casper fam.
WELL…HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS DAY AND CHRISTMAS EVE. I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR…AND JUST SO YOU KNOW…IT DOESN´T MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD. I feel the same here as I do back home…just A LOT HOTTER!
Stay strong, obedient, diligent and do all that you can each and every day to serve the Lord. What better way can we show Him of our love, than serving Him? There is none.
SEND MY LOVE TO ALL!
1434 AND MORE THAN THE CUTE, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS THAT THESE CUTE PARAGUAYANS STRING ABOUT THEIR HOUSES!
Lars.
WOW…I LOVE YOU GUYS SO STINKIN´DARN MUCH! AND THAT´S EVEN MORE THAN I CAN EVEN BEGIN TO EXPRESS. IT WAS SO FUN TO HEAR YOUR VOICES WHEN I CALLED TO SET UP OUR CALL FOR TOMORROW…YOU SOUND SO GREAT! LIKE I´VE SAID BEFORE…THE SPIRIT TESTIFIES TO ME OF THAT. THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH AN AMAZING, RIGHTEOUS SUPPORT FOR ME.
Well…MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE! AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TOMORROW! Like you said, I can´t even believe that it´s already been a year since we last talked. MY PRICELESS TIME HERE IN PARAGUAY HAS FLOWN BY…AND CONTINUES TO FLY BY. I can´t even believe it. Most of the time, I don´t even know what to do or think because I know that time just keeps passing and the Lord has so much more for me to fulfill. That´s what I love about life…the Lord always give us room and the opportunity to improve and become better. IT´S A NEVERENDING BLESSING THAT WE HAVE. For that very reason…it makes me so sad to think that people think they have to conform and live life as they always do, instead of growing. WE CANNOT CONFORM…THE LORD SURELY DIDN´T SEND US HERE TO LIVE A COMFORTABLE, CARE FREE LIFE. IT´S NOT HIS PLAN FOR US! What He wants, is for us to be tested and tried to be proven faithful and righteous before Him. I love sharing this glorious message with the people here in Paraguay. IT´S THE GREATEST PRIVELIGE THAT THE LORD HAS GIVEN ME THUS FAR IN MY LIFE.
I am so darn excited to talk to you all tomorrow. THANKS ASH, LACE, GRAMMS, MEG AND EVERYONE FOR ALWAYS BEING SO GREAT ABOUT WRITING ME. I LOVE YOU AND HOPE YOU ALWAYS KNOW THAT. Also, how´s my Nana? Please let her know that I love her and i´m praying for her quick recovery. Send my love to all in the Casper fam.
WELL…HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS DAY AND CHRISTMAS EVE. I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR…AND JUST SO YOU KNOW…IT DOESN´T MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD. I feel the same here as I do back home…just A LOT HOTTER!
Stay strong, obedient, diligent and do all that you can each and every day to serve the Lord. What better way can we show Him of our love, than serving Him? There is none.
SEND MY LOVE TO ALL!
1434 AND MORE THAN THE CUTE, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS THAT THESE CUTE PARAGUAYANS STRING ABOUT THEIR HOUSES!
Lars.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Elder Casper 12/18/2007
Family-
Hey just to get things cleared up, I am going to call on Tuesday at 6:30 my time so that I can talk with laur also. The number is 56072821520 and I will be waiting Tuesday at 6:30 my time and 2:30 your time. I'm super excited to talk to you all and my emotiones are running in this wonderful time of year. What a treasure it is to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Well also to answer one of your questiones...yes I did open all of my presents other than the one that said, "open christmas day". Thanks for the presents and I will open the other one before we talk next week.
Well we had a good week, we were able to find 5 new investigatores and we had 2 in church. We also had a baptism this week and there was a cool story to what happened with Cesar who got baptised. Well he met his girlfriend who is a member in September and then he started recieving the missionaries. Well when he accepted to be baptised he asked his parents if they were going to support him, and they said no, and that they wouldnt go to his baptism or anything. Well during priesthood meeting on Sunday the door opened and two guys walked in, and they both looked a lot like Cesar and it turns out that it was his dad and brother. After church he introduced us to his mom and he was shocked that they made an appearance at his baptism. The baptism was amazing, the spirit was possibly the strongest that I have felt in a baptism and at the end he bore his testimony and expressed his gratitud for the unexpected appearance of his family at his baptism. He then told his parents that the decision he made to be baptised wasn't to hurt them, but to become a better person and to help his family to have more union and love in their home. The parents were very emotional and after the baptism his mom came up to Elder Martinez and I and said "today was a casuality that i am here, but next Sunday I will be here also." She said the spirit touched her very powerfully and that she felt very good in the church. It truly is amazing how the Lord works, it was a great experience.
My sector and zone are good. I am back in the south as I said and the mission work is down. The missionaries don't have much faith and tend to lose faith each week. We are doing well Elder Martinez and I, he is so funny and we have so much fun together. We lost our other baptismal date this week but we have some great plans for this coming week with our new investigators and we hope to have dates for 2 families here soon.
Yesterday we had the mission Christmas activity and it was an absolute blast. We had a sports day as a mission and we played, dodgeball, basketball, soccer, 4 square, football and frisby...it was way fun and I truly enjoyed the day. President and Hermana Resek are so awesome and they are so fun to be around. Don't worry, in dodge ball I totally took president out like 4 times. It was so fun but he is possibly the best ping pong player I have ever seen...he destroyed me.
Well it was a great week and I can't believe that christmas is next week. Well I want to wish all a Merry Christmas; Nana, Papa, Grams, Phil and Janet, Grandma Yvonne, all the aunts and uncles and cousins. I hope you all enjoy this wonderful season and holiday and remember the birth of our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. I hope that you all have a great holiday and that we can all remember the true meaning of Christmas. The gifts are great and the time with the family but there is no greater gift than the birth of Christ and later, in his earthly ministry the atonement that he fulfilled. I love our Savior, i know he lives and that he loves us. I know that through him and his atonement we can all be forgiven of our sins and return to the presence of our loving Heavenly Father. I pray that we all may enjoy this wonderful day and that we may always remember the true meaning of Christmas.
I love you all so much, much more than you can comprehend and Iam sorry for the lack of communication that I have had with you over the past year or so. Please be understanding and know that your all in my thoughts and prayers, always, and especially in this season of year.
I love you all and cant wait to hear from you and see you next year at this time.
Mom and Dad, Tuesday at 6:30 my time so that we can all talk as a family, the number is at the start of the email. Once again and I will be talking to you next week. wooohooooo!
1-4-3-4,
Elder Mason N. Casper
Hey just to get things cleared up, I am going to call on Tuesday at 6:30 my time so that I can talk with laur also. The number is 56072821520 and I will be waiting Tuesday at 6:30 my time and 2:30 your time. I'm super excited to talk to you all and my emotiones are running in this wonderful time of year. What a treasure it is to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Well also to answer one of your questiones...yes I did open all of my presents other than the one that said, "open christmas day". Thanks for the presents and I will open the other one before we talk next week.
Well we had a good week, we were able to find 5 new investigatores and we had 2 in church. We also had a baptism this week and there was a cool story to what happened with Cesar who got baptised. Well he met his girlfriend who is a member in September and then he started recieving the missionaries. Well when he accepted to be baptised he asked his parents if they were going to support him, and they said no, and that they wouldnt go to his baptism or anything. Well during priesthood meeting on Sunday the door opened and two guys walked in, and they both looked a lot like Cesar and it turns out that it was his dad and brother. After church he introduced us to his mom and he was shocked that they made an appearance at his baptism. The baptism was amazing, the spirit was possibly the strongest that I have felt in a baptism and at the end he bore his testimony and expressed his gratitud for the unexpected appearance of his family at his baptism. He then told his parents that the decision he made to be baptised wasn't to hurt them, but to become a better person and to help his family to have more union and love in their home. The parents were very emotional and after the baptism his mom came up to Elder Martinez and I and said "today was a casuality that i am here, but next Sunday I will be here also." She said the spirit touched her very powerfully and that she felt very good in the church. It truly is amazing how the Lord works, it was a great experience.
My sector and zone are good. I am back in the south as I said and the mission work is down. The missionaries don't have much faith and tend to lose faith each week. We are doing well Elder Martinez and I, he is so funny and we have so much fun together. We lost our other baptismal date this week but we have some great plans for this coming week with our new investigators and we hope to have dates for 2 families here soon.
Yesterday we had the mission Christmas activity and it was an absolute blast. We had a sports day as a mission and we played, dodgeball, basketball, soccer, 4 square, football and frisby...it was way fun and I truly enjoyed the day. President and Hermana Resek are so awesome and they are so fun to be around. Don't worry, in dodge ball I totally took president out like 4 times. It was so fun but he is possibly the best ping pong player I have ever seen...he destroyed me.
Well it was a great week and I can't believe that christmas is next week. Well I want to wish all a Merry Christmas; Nana, Papa, Grams, Phil and Janet, Grandma Yvonne, all the aunts and uncles and cousins. I hope you all enjoy this wonderful season and holiday and remember the birth of our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. I hope that you all have a great holiday and that we can all remember the true meaning of Christmas. The gifts are great and the time with the family but there is no greater gift than the birth of Christ and later, in his earthly ministry the atonement that he fulfilled. I love our Savior, i know he lives and that he loves us. I know that through him and his atonement we can all be forgiven of our sins and return to the presence of our loving Heavenly Father. I pray that we all may enjoy this wonderful day and that we may always remember the true meaning of Christmas.
I love you all so much, much more than you can comprehend and Iam sorry for the lack of communication that I have had with you over the past year or so. Please be understanding and know that your all in my thoughts and prayers, always, and especially in this season of year.
I love you all and cant wait to hear from you and see you next year at this time.
Mom and Dad, Tuesday at 6:30 my time so that we can all talk as a family, the number is at the start of the email. Once again and I will be talking to you next week. wooohooooo!
1-4-3-4,
Elder Mason N. Casper
Monday, December 17, 2007
Hermana Casper 12/17/2007
HEY YOU GUYS!
OH MY GOODNESS…I LOVE YOU SO DARN MUCH! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT I´M GOING TO TALK TO YOU A WEEK FROM TOMORROW? WHAT A BLESSING FOR ME! I MISS HEARING YOUR VOICES! AND MASEY´S TOO! I´M SO LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH AMAZING BROTHERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS…YOU GUYS ARE INCREDIBLE.
FIRST OF ALL…please tell Nana how much I love her. I am so sorry to hear what happened…but i´m so grateful that you were all there to help her. Goodness mom! The things that happen to you when Dad´s out of town! It´s always been that way! But please give Nana a gentle hug (cause she´s pretty fragile right now!) and let her know how much I love her. As for papa…give him a good squeeze for me!
CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT CHRISTMAS IS ONLY A WEEK AWAY? I CANNOT. I CAN´T EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE HOW QUICKLY THE TIME IS PASSING BEFORE MY EYES…IT SCARES ME LOTS! IT SCARES ME TO KNOW THAT MY TIME HERE IN ENDING SO QUICKLY AND I FEEL AS THOUGH I´VE JUST BEGUN…SO MUCH TO DO. BUT I´M NOT TRUNKY MASE…QUIT SAYING THAT! I also still have a good chunk of time here…and more and more each day I feel like I just got here and it weirds me out. And my comps brand new and that´s weird also because I feel like we have the same amount of time here! SHE´S AMAZING! The lord blessed me with a great daughter! And hopefully someday I have grandkids! Ha ha!
As for this week…it was a good one. I must say…we found an amazing family last night. The very last few moments we spent working, we were doing contacts and we starting talking to this family. THEY ARE SO STINKING COOL! They invited us to their house and it´s beautiful…not to mention, we both felt so darn comfortable talking to them. THEY ARE DEFINITELY FUTURE MEMBERS! Their son went to Brazil to travel for a week or so and we were talking about the places we saw in Rio. IT TOOK ME BACK! ASH AND LACE…WE SURELY HAVE TO GO THERE WHEN WE GO TO PICK UP MASE! PLEASE! I feel as though I would appreciate a trip there so much more than I did before. I LOVE TO TRAVEL AND SEE THE CULTURES, AND NEW THINGS!
I´ve realized this week that the saddest thing for me is disobedience. It really hit me that so many of us are not obedient, and the Lord is sad as well and frankly cannot bless us when we act in such ways. Please don´t worry…I´m not being disobedient! Cleary, i´m not perfect…but that´s one thing I always try to be is obedient. Thank you for always teaching me of its importance.
BERGIE…PLEASE COME TO UTAH AND BE WITH ME! I´VE PRAYED FOR YOU EACH DAY THIS WEEK AND KNOW THAT WE WOULD HAVE SO MUCH FUN AND IT WOULD BE SUCH A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR YOU! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! PRAY LOTS AND THE LORD WILL GUIDE YOU AND LET YOU KNOW WHAT HE WANTS FOR YOU…AND IN DOING SO…YOU´LL BE HAPPY. I PROMISE YOU.
PHIL AND JANET…I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! IT´S GREAT TO HEAR THAT YOU´RE BOTH DOING SO WELL. I SAW YOUR PIC NOT TOO LONG AGO AND IT MADE ME SO HAPPY. THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING SUCH A GREAT SUPPORT FOR MY FAMILY…CAN´T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN! HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I´M GETTING ALL OF THE PEOPLE HERE EXCITED TO MEET YOU GUYS…AND THEY ARE SO EXCITED! I CAN´T BELIEVE THAT YOU´RE COMING! DID YOU CALL THE OFFICE? CALL WHEN YOU CAN…ELDER HAMILTON WILL HELP YOU.
WELL…LOVE YOU LOTS AND LOTS! NEXT MONDAY…I´LL EMAIL YOU AND ON TUESDAY, I´LL TALK TO YOU! YAY! MOMMY, DID YOU GET A CHANCE TO CALL CASEY? PLEASE DO SO. I WANT HER TO KNOW OF MY IDEA AND SEE IF SHE WILL BE NEEDING ME TO WORK THERE AGAIN OR EVEN WANT ME TO.
GOTTA GO…WE ARE GOING TO HAVE AN ACTIVITY WITH THE SISTERS TODAY AND WE ARE GOING TO SING IN A OLDFOLKS HOME. FUN! I LOVE SERVING AND HELPING OTHERS…THE LIFE IS ABOUT SERVICE AND LOVE.
TELL MY MEGS AND KELL THAT I LOVE THEM…AND MY STINKER BOYS…AND HUG EACHOTHER MILLIONS OF TIMES FOR ME. AND KISS EACHOTHER AS WELL!!!
1434 and more than all of the firecrackers that are exploding here this time of year….christmas in paraguay is one of a kind! No snow, but lots of love and lights like back at home. CHOU!
Lars.
OH MY GOODNESS…I LOVE YOU SO DARN MUCH! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT I´M GOING TO TALK TO YOU A WEEK FROM TOMORROW? WHAT A BLESSING FOR ME! I MISS HEARING YOUR VOICES! AND MASEY´S TOO! I´M SO LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH AMAZING BROTHERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS…YOU GUYS ARE INCREDIBLE.
FIRST OF ALL…please tell Nana how much I love her. I am so sorry to hear what happened…but i´m so grateful that you were all there to help her. Goodness mom! The things that happen to you when Dad´s out of town! It´s always been that way! But please give Nana a gentle hug (cause she´s pretty fragile right now!) and let her know how much I love her. As for papa…give him a good squeeze for me!
CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT CHRISTMAS IS ONLY A WEEK AWAY? I CANNOT. I CAN´T EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE HOW QUICKLY THE TIME IS PASSING BEFORE MY EYES…IT SCARES ME LOTS! IT SCARES ME TO KNOW THAT MY TIME HERE IN ENDING SO QUICKLY AND I FEEL AS THOUGH I´VE JUST BEGUN…SO MUCH TO DO. BUT I´M NOT TRUNKY MASE…QUIT SAYING THAT! I also still have a good chunk of time here…and more and more each day I feel like I just got here and it weirds me out. And my comps brand new and that´s weird also because I feel like we have the same amount of time here! SHE´S AMAZING! The lord blessed me with a great daughter! And hopefully someday I have grandkids! Ha ha!
As for this week…it was a good one. I must say…we found an amazing family last night. The very last few moments we spent working, we were doing contacts and we starting talking to this family. THEY ARE SO STINKING COOL! They invited us to their house and it´s beautiful…not to mention, we both felt so darn comfortable talking to them. THEY ARE DEFINITELY FUTURE MEMBERS! Their son went to Brazil to travel for a week or so and we were talking about the places we saw in Rio. IT TOOK ME BACK! ASH AND LACE…WE SURELY HAVE TO GO THERE WHEN WE GO TO PICK UP MASE! PLEASE! I feel as though I would appreciate a trip there so much more than I did before. I LOVE TO TRAVEL AND SEE THE CULTURES, AND NEW THINGS!
I´ve realized this week that the saddest thing for me is disobedience. It really hit me that so many of us are not obedient, and the Lord is sad as well and frankly cannot bless us when we act in such ways. Please don´t worry…I´m not being disobedient! Cleary, i´m not perfect…but that´s one thing I always try to be is obedient. Thank you for always teaching me of its importance.
BERGIE…PLEASE COME TO UTAH AND BE WITH ME! I´VE PRAYED FOR YOU EACH DAY THIS WEEK AND KNOW THAT WE WOULD HAVE SO MUCH FUN AND IT WOULD BE SUCH A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR YOU! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! PRAY LOTS AND THE LORD WILL GUIDE YOU AND LET YOU KNOW WHAT HE WANTS FOR YOU…AND IN DOING SO…YOU´LL BE HAPPY. I PROMISE YOU.
PHIL AND JANET…I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! IT´S GREAT TO HEAR THAT YOU´RE BOTH DOING SO WELL. I SAW YOUR PIC NOT TOO LONG AGO AND IT MADE ME SO HAPPY. THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING SUCH A GREAT SUPPORT FOR MY FAMILY…CAN´T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN! HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I´M GETTING ALL OF THE PEOPLE HERE EXCITED TO MEET YOU GUYS…AND THEY ARE SO EXCITED! I CAN´T BELIEVE THAT YOU´RE COMING! DID YOU CALL THE OFFICE? CALL WHEN YOU CAN…ELDER HAMILTON WILL HELP YOU.
WELL…LOVE YOU LOTS AND LOTS! NEXT MONDAY…I´LL EMAIL YOU AND ON TUESDAY, I´LL TALK TO YOU! YAY! MOMMY, DID YOU GET A CHANCE TO CALL CASEY? PLEASE DO SO. I WANT HER TO KNOW OF MY IDEA AND SEE IF SHE WILL BE NEEDING ME TO WORK THERE AGAIN OR EVEN WANT ME TO.
GOTTA GO…WE ARE GOING TO HAVE AN ACTIVITY WITH THE SISTERS TODAY AND WE ARE GOING TO SING IN A OLDFOLKS HOME. FUN! I LOVE SERVING AND HELPING OTHERS…THE LIFE IS ABOUT SERVICE AND LOVE.
TELL MY MEGS AND KELL THAT I LOVE THEM…AND MY STINKER BOYS…AND HUG EACHOTHER MILLIONS OF TIMES FOR ME. AND KISS EACHOTHER AS WELL!!!
1434 and more than all of the firecrackers that are exploding here this time of year….christmas in paraguay is one of a kind! No snow, but lots of love and lights like back at home. CHOU!
Lars.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Elder Casper 12/10/2007
Familiy-
Hey guys whats going on? Have i ever told you how much i love you? Well it's undescribable but just so you all know i love you more than the BREAD here in chile...
Mom to answer your question, YES I did recieve my Christmas package, wow I can't even express how awesome it is getting a package. I also received one from Jimmy and Julia, thanks so much. It truly is such a great blessing and helps a lot. I loved everything you sent me and it couldn't have been better. Jim and Jewlz, thanks so much for you support and love, for the goodies and everything you gave me, all the schooling supplies will be great for some of the members in our branch.
Well to start things off it was one of the funnest weeks of my mission. Elder Martinez is so awesome and we have so much fun together. Not a minute of the day goes by when we aren't laughing. Also the other Elders that live with us are super funny too, although this week they got in an argument and Presidente Resek had to come and do a special interview with them. They almost fought, but things are all good now. But it was a hard week as far as finding and teaching goes. We didn't find a single investigator and we only taught 7 lessons. We did a ton of contacts and this coming week will be great. Yesterday we were analizing why we hadn't been able to find people, and we spoke with a ton of people. We knocked doors every day and we set up 23 appointments...but every single one of them fell through on us. Sometimes the Lord gives us trials to see how truly dedicated we are to his work, and this week was one of those weeks.
We have two baptismal dates and this coming Sunday a 26 year old named Cesar gets baptised. He is a stud and yesterday as an investigator he taught the class in priesthood meeting. It is good to be back out here in the country and to be out of the city, its so relaxed out here and I'm truly enjoying it a lot.
I also recieved in the package the pictures of you 6 at home, I love them to death and I definatly will be carrying them in my bag every day to show to those we teach. The boys are getting big and before we know it Cole will be taller than us all. I also recieved a post card that you guys sent to Lauren from Morocco but for some reason it got to me in stead of her. It was nice and I'll send it to laur. Kam Crandall also wrote me and it was awesome to hear from him, he sounds so great and now is home. It's so crazy how fast time is going, Christmas is just around the corner and in two weeks we will be talking over the phone. Next week I'll send you the number of the house where you can call me. I'm stoked to talk to all, Kirk, Kaid and the family. You truly are my pride and joy.
We had a way funny experience this week as a companionship, and Elder Martinez is helping me a lot to truly enjoy my mission and to be myself. Its been a way fun week. Well that's too bad that Camila isn't going to stay at our house. It would have been cool, but I won't be seeing her, I'm 4 hours away but I'll talk to elder Roman at Christmas and I think I'll send stuff with him to give to her to take to you guys.
Well that was our week, not too much excitment but this coming week we will see the fruits of our labors and we will have some great experiences. You all sounds great, I love and miss you all so much. I hope that your trip to paraguay goes well, AT LEAST LAUR WONT BE TRUNKY HERE IN ABOUT 4 OR 5 WEEKS. Keep her working, it's the only way to be truly happy in the mission. I love this work and I'm grateful to be engaged in it.
Have a great week and know that you are in my prayers. Pray hard, study hard and do what the Lord asks and you will be blessed.
1-4-3-4,
Elder Mason N. Casper
P.S. Sorry I didn't send pics, my batteries are dead. Also, I recieved an email from Melissa Ellis and it was really good to hear from her. love ya.
Hey guys whats going on? Have i ever told you how much i love you? Well it's undescribable but just so you all know i love you more than the BREAD here in chile...
Mom to answer your question, YES I did recieve my Christmas package, wow I can't even express how awesome it is getting a package. I also received one from Jimmy and Julia, thanks so much. It truly is such a great blessing and helps a lot. I loved everything you sent me and it couldn't have been better. Jim and Jewlz, thanks so much for you support and love, for the goodies and everything you gave me, all the schooling supplies will be great for some of the members in our branch.
Well to start things off it was one of the funnest weeks of my mission. Elder Martinez is so awesome and we have so much fun together. Not a minute of the day goes by when we aren't laughing. Also the other Elders that live with us are super funny too, although this week they got in an argument and Presidente Resek had to come and do a special interview with them. They almost fought, but things are all good now. But it was a hard week as far as finding and teaching goes. We didn't find a single investigator and we only taught 7 lessons. We did a ton of contacts and this coming week will be great. Yesterday we were analizing why we hadn't been able to find people, and we spoke with a ton of people. We knocked doors every day and we set up 23 appointments...but every single one of them fell through on us. Sometimes the Lord gives us trials to see how truly dedicated we are to his work, and this week was one of those weeks.
We have two baptismal dates and this coming Sunday a 26 year old named Cesar gets baptised. He is a stud and yesterday as an investigator he taught the class in priesthood meeting. It is good to be back out here in the country and to be out of the city, its so relaxed out here and I'm truly enjoying it a lot.
I also recieved in the package the pictures of you 6 at home, I love them to death and I definatly will be carrying them in my bag every day to show to those we teach. The boys are getting big and before we know it Cole will be taller than us all. I also recieved a post card that you guys sent to Lauren from Morocco but for some reason it got to me in stead of her. It was nice and I'll send it to laur. Kam Crandall also wrote me and it was awesome to hear from him, he sounds so great and now is home. It's so crazy how fast time is going, Christmas is just around the corner and in two weeks we will be talking over the phone. Next week I'll send you the number of the house where you can call me. I'm stoked to talk to all, Kirk, Kaid and the family. You truly are my pride and joy.
We had a way funny experience this week as a companionship, and Elder Martinez is helping me a lot to truly enjoy my mission and to be myself. Its been a way fun week. Well that's too bad that Camila isn't going to stay at our house. It would have been cool, but I won't be seeing her, I'm 4 hours away but I'll talk to elder Roman at Christmas and I think I'll send stuff with him to give to her to take to you guys.
Well that was our week, not too much excitment but this coming week we will see the fruits of our labors and we will have some great experiences. You all sounds great, I love and miss you all so much. I hope that your trip to paraguay goes well, AT LEAST LAUR WONT BE TRUNKY HERE IN ABOUT 4 OR 5 WEEKS. Keep her working, it's the only way to be truly happy in the mission. I love this work and I'm grateful to be engaged in it.
Have a great week and know that you are in my prayers. Pray hard, study hard and do what the Lord asks and you will be blessed.
1-4-3-4,
Elder Mason N. Casper
P.S. Sorry I didn't send pics, my batteries are dead. Also, I recieved an email from Melissa Ellis and it was really good to hear from her. love ya.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Hermana Casper 12/10/2007
HEY YOU GUYS!
OH MY GOODNESS…I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Wow, I am so happy to hear about Nate Fullmer and his AMAZING CALL! What an incredibly huge blessing! I can´t even begin to explain to him or all of you the blessing that a mission will be for him. Granted, it´s not Paraguay, but he will see amazing things there as well! Ha ha! No, but really, he´s like my little brother and it just made me so darn happy. I was stoked all week to be able to know where he´s going…and now…I will be praying lots and lots for him. My advice for him…study study study the scriptures and preach my gospel before going. I walked into the mission blind! (as far as doctrine is concerned!) But, my testimony was enough to give me a good start. Study lots and pray lots…the Lord will guide you.
And as for Bergie…I WANT HER TO BE THERE WITH ME WHEN I GET HOME MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER KNOW. I LOVE HER SO DARN MUCH…AND SHE´S ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS. Please call her and let her know that I love her, and that I will be praying for her so she knows what will be best for her. Of course, I know the Lord would love her to be there with us! HOLLA! I wrote her not too long ago and hopefully she gets the letter soon. ALSO…PLEASE CALL BRINNER RIGHT NOW AND TELL HER HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR ME ON FRIDAY…I LOVE HER SO MUCH! Also, it´s funny that I also remembered that it was Ryan Pickering´s birthday on the 4th…where that came from…I HAVE NO CLUE! Let him know for me, If you see him. Just one of those random things you remember.
Mommy…I was thinking about it this week. Could you please talk to Casey to see if i´ll be able to work there at UVP when I get home? I KNOW I HAVE LOTS OF TIME LEFT! DON´T WORRY ABOUT THAT! But…I would love to work there again. Please let her know that. I talked to the president the other day and he said that he would love for you to send him an email or something to communicate with him about coming to get me. I´M SO STOKED! But…he said that it will be best to buy the tickets for the day that we actually have changes here. Acutally, that you can arrive the actual day that we are to be changed…that´s April 16th. I know, you probably thought that i´m coming home in March, but we stay a little longer than a year and a half for the changes. SORRY FOR THE BAD NEWS! So, if you can schedule it to get here on April 16th during the day, that´d be great! The numbers that I have Daddy…021-612-630, 0971-192-992. Talk to Elder Hamilton…he´s my buddy and he´ll help you out! BUT NO MORE TALK ABOUT THAT…IT MAKES ME EXCITED TO SEE YOU!
AS FOR THE WORK…ALL IS GREAT! We had a really good week and we are starting to find more great investigators. BIG SURPRISE…I´M STAYING IN LUQUE! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! WE´RE GOING ON 7 MONTHS HERE! AND I´M STAYING WITH MY DAUGHTER THE HNA. ARREDONDO! Also…I will have 6 changes straight with a latin and i´m so blessed for that…my Spanish keeps getting better and I learn lots everyday. It´s really funny for me…I have more than a year in Paraguay and i´ve only had 2 areas. It´s pretty crazy, but alright with me. It really gives me the chance to get to know the people really well and grow to love them even more. WHEN YOU COME…YOU´LL BE ABLE TO SEE WHY I LOVE IT HERE SO MUCH. THE PEOPLE ARE INCREDIBLE!
Remember that sister missionary that was coming home from here and on the same plane as grams? Hermana Gardner? The red-head? Well…I got word that she is here in Paraguay right now…and she´s marrying a Paraguayan on the 14th of this month. They will be living here. DON´T WORRY ABOUT ME DOING SOMETHING INSANE LIKE THAT! ISN´T THAT CRAZY? They´ll be in my prayers! AAAHHHH!!!
What else…we went to the lake today…but I didn´t have desires at all to swim cause the water is GROSS! Thank the heavens! I love lakes and water. You wouldn´t believe how great it is to see water…there´s hardly any to none here, and it truly gives life a fresh breath. THE LORD HAS CREATED THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE FOR US TO LIVE IN…THE EARTH IS SO BEAUTIFUL! In the states, I´m very grateful that we take a lot better care of our things than they do here…there´s trash everywhere!
Well…LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE THE LORD, THE MISSION AND MOST OF ALL, YOU GUYS! Please let meg and kell know that I love them so much. I HAVE THE GREATEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD. Also…Mom, Wendy and Meg…you all look incredible! Skinny, young and beautiful! Each of you! (Especially megs…you´ve changed a lot and when I look at you, I know that you´re truly living your life in the way the Lord wants you to. Keep up the good work!)
Please let gramms, sarah, jules, nana and papa, and EVERYONE know that I love them. Gramms…keep working hard! Nana and Papa…keep being the great, amazing grandparents that you are to each of us. I love you all so much…NEVER DOUBT IT! And masey…wow, you are amazing. I love you so much my most amazing brother. And ash and lace…hugs and kisses. Ash, thanks for being such a great missionary. We´ll share stories when I get home! And coley…one of my most beloved little girls here has a crush on you…please write her a little note! Her name´s Daisy!
I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH…KNOW THAT I´M GREAT, HEALTHY AND DOING AWESOME. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES AND KEEP DOING ALL THAT YOU CAN TO SERVE THE LORD. HE DESERVES IT. WE CAN NEVER REPAY HIM FOR ALL THAT HE´S DONE!
1434 and more than the millions of gross diseases in the lake of aregua today!
Siss.
OH MY GOODNESS…I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Wow, I am so happy to hear about Nate Fullmer and his AMAZING CALL! What an incredibly huge blessing! I can´t even begin to explain to him or all of you the blessing that a mission will be for him. Granted, it´s not Paraguay, but he will see amazing things there as well! Ha ha! No, but really, he´s like my little brother and it just made me so darn happy. I was stoked all week to be able to know where he´s going…and now…I will be praying lots and lots for him. My advice for him…study study study the scriptures and preach my gospel before going. I walked into the mission blind! (as far as doctrine is concerned!) But, my testimony was enough to give me a good start. Study lots and pray lots…the Lord will guide you.
And as for Bergie…I WANT HER TO BE THERE WITH ME WHEN I GET HOME MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER KNOW. I LOVE HER SO DARN MUCH…AND SHE´S ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS. Please call her and let her know that I love her, and that I will be praying for her so she knows what will be best for her. Of course, I know the Lord would love her to be there with us! HOLLA! I wrote her not too long ago and hopefully she gets the letter soon. ALSO…PLEASE CALL BRINNER RIGHT NOW AND TELL HER HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR ME ON FRIDAY…I LOVE HER SO MUCH! Also, it´s funny that I also remembered that it was Ryan Pickering´s birthday on the 4th…where that came from…I HAVE NO CLUE! Let him know for me, If you see him. Just one of those random things you remember.
Mommy…I was thinking about it this week. Could you please talk to Casey to see if i´ll be able to work there at UVP when I get home? I KNOW I HAVE LOTS OF TIME LEFT! DON´T WORRY ABOUT THAT! But…I would love to work there again. Please let her know that. I talked to the president the other day and he said that he would love for you to send him an email or something to communicate with him about coming to get me. I´M SO STOKED! But…he said that it will be best to buy the tickets for the day that we actually have changes here. Acutally, that you can arrive the actual day that we are to be changed…that´s April 16th. I know, you probably thought that i´m coming home in March, but we stay a little longer than a year and a half for the changes. SORRY FOR THE BAD NEWS! So, if you can schedule it to get here on April 16th during the day, that´d be great! The numbers that I have Daddy…021-612-630, 0971-192-992. Talk to Elder Hamilton…he´s my buddy and he´ll help you out! BUT NO MORE TALK ABOUT THAT…IT MAKES ME EXCITED TO SEE YOU!
AS FOR THE WORK…ALL IS GREAT! We had a really good week and we are starting to find more great investigators. BIG SURPRISE…I´M STAYING IN LUQUE! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! WE´RE GOING ON 7 MONTHS HERE! AND I´M STAYING WITH MY DAUGHTER THE HNA. ARREDONDO! Also…I will have 6 changes straight with a latin and i´m so blessed for that…my Spanish keeps getting better and I learn lots everyday. It´s really funny for me…I have more than a year in Paraguay and i´ve only had 2 areas. It´s pretty crazy, but alright with me. It really gives me the chance to get to know the people really well and grow to love them even more. WHEN YOU COME…YOU´LL BE ABLE TO SEE WHY I LOVE IT HERE SO MUCH. THE PEOPLE ARE INCREDIBLE!
Remember that sister missionary that was coming home from here and on the same plane as grams? Hermana Gardner? The red-head? Well…I got word that she is here in Paraguay right now…and she´s marrying a Paraguayan on the 14th of this month. They will be living here. DON´T WORRY ABOUT ME DOING SOMETHING INSANE LIKE THAT! ISN´T THAT CRAZY? They´ll be in my prayers! AAAHHHH!!!
What else…we went to the lake today…but I didn´t have desires at all to swim cause the water is GROSS! Thank the heavens! I love lakes and water. You wouldn´t believe how great it is to see water…there´s hardly any to none here, and it truly gives life a fresh breath. THE LORD HAS CREATED THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE FOR US TO LIVE IN…THE EARTH IS SO BEAUTIFUL! In the states, I´m very grateful that we take a lot better care of our things than they do here…there´s trash everywhere!
Well…LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE THE LORD, THE MISSION AND MOST OF ALL, YOU GUYS! Please let meg and kell know that I love them so much. I HAVE THE GREATEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD. Also…Mom, Wendy and Meg…you all look incredible! Skinny, young and beautiful! Each of you! (Especially megs…you´ve changed a lot and when I look at you, I know that you´re truly living your life in the way the Lord wants you to. Keep up the good work!)
Please let gramms, sarah, jules, nana and papa, and EVERYONE know that I love them. Gramms…keep working hard! Nana and Papa…keep being the great, amazing grandparents that you are to each of us. I love you all so much…NEVER DOUBT IT! And masey…wow, you are amazing. I love you so much my most amazing brother. And ash and lace…hugs and kisses. Ash, thanks for being such a great missionary. We´ll share stories when I get home! And coley…one of my most beloved little girls here has a crush on you…please write her a little note! Her name´s Daisy!
I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH…KNOW THAT I´M GREAT, HEALTHY AND DOING AWESOME. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES AND KEEP DOING ALL THAT YOU CAN TO SERVE THE LORD. HE DESERVES IT. WE CAN NEVER REPAY HIM FOR ALL THAT HE´S DONE!
1434 and more than the millions of gross diseases in the lake of aregua today!
Siss.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Elder Casper 12/03/2007
Family-
Hey guys whats up? Well I hope all is well...I hope you had a good time in Florida and that Dad and Papa played well. I hope that everyone is healthy and that you know that I love you.
Well we had a good week, yesterday was such a great day. We had the baptism of that family Facondi and Genesis and Matias got baptised. Also in sacrament meeting the family Facondi blessed their baby and we were invited to stand in the circle, it was awesome and the first baby blessing that I have participated in.
On Friday we had concilio with all the leaders of the mission and it went really well. Presidente Resek and the rest of the leaders of the mission truly are inspired to help the mission. Well on Saturday night we recieved our changes. So that you all know, I was transferred to a place called Santa Cruz. My new companion is Elder Martinez and he is from Neuqén, Agentina. He is a stud and has two changes left in his mission. He will go home one week before Lauren. He is a great missionary and a great leader and I'm really excited to be with him. Elder Román and I were way surprised when we recieved our changes, we thought for sure we were going to stay together, but I guess the Lord has other things in store for us. I truly have felt the inspiration of the spirit confirming to me that Elder Martinez is the companion that I need. He is an older missionary and has a ton of experience. He was a zone leader when I got to the mission and after that he was a branch president for 5 months and now a zone leader again. I feel that I will grow a lot of the next 6 to 12 weeks. I also had my interview with President Resek this week and it was great, he always gives me such great advice and I honestly love the man with all of my heart.
It was a good change with Elder Roman. He taught me a ton and I truly have been blessed with the greatest companions. I have had arguments with all of my comps and I feel that maybe I might be able to get along with my WIFE if I can get along with all of my companions, haha.
Well I am really excited to hear how you all are and I hope to hear from you soon. Tell Nana and Papa hi as well as grams, I love you all and please send my love to all the family and friends, we will be talking here soon and I'm straight up stoked. I love you all so very much and you are the greatest family in the world.
1-4-3-4,
Elder Mason N. Casper
Hey guys whats up? Well I hope all is well...I hope you had a good time in Florida and that Dad and Papa played well. I hope that everyone is healthy and that you know that I love you.
Well we had a good week, yesterday was such a great day. We had the baptism of that family Facondi and Genesis and Matias got baptised. Also in sacrament meeting the family Facondi blessed their baby and we were invited to stand in the circle, it was awesome and the first baby blessing that I have participated in.
On Friday we had concilio with all the leaders of the mission and it went really well. Presidente Resek and the rest of the leaders of the mission truly are inspired to help the mission. Well on Saturday night we recieved our changes. So that you all know, I was transferred to a place called Santa Cruz. My new companion is Elder Martinez and he is from Neuqén, Agentina. He is a stud and has two changes left in his mission. He will go home one week before Lauren. He is a great missionary and a great leader and I'm really excited to be with him. Elder Román and I were way surprised when we recieved our changes, we thought for sure we were going to stay together, but I guess the Lord has other things in store for us. I truly have felt the inspiration of the spirit confirming to me that Elder Martinez is the companion that I need. He is an older missionary and has a ton of experience. He was a zone leader when I got to the mission and after that he was a branch president for 5 months and now a zone leader again. I feel that I will grow a lot of the next 6 to 12 weeks. I also had my interview with President Resek this week and it was great, he always gives me such great advice and I honestly love the man with all of my heart.
It was a good change with Elder Roman. He taught me a ton and I truly have been blessed with the greatest companions. I have had arguments with all of my comps and I feel that maybe I might be able to get along with my WIFE if I can get along with all of my companions, haha.
Well I am really excited to hear how you all are and I hope to hear from you soon. Tell Nana and Papa hi as well as grams, I love you all and please send my love to all the family and friends, we will be talking here soon and I'm straight up stoked. I love you all so very much and you are the greatest family in the world.
1-4-3-4,
Elder Mason N. Casper
Hermana Casper 12/03/2007
HEY YOU GUYS!
OH MY GOODNESS...I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY CAMERA! ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! YOU HAVE NO CLUE HOW STOKED I WAS TO OPEN IT AND SEE THAT IT WAS PINK! I LOVE COLOR...YOU KNOW ME WAY TOO WELL! THANK YOU SO MUCH! The funny thing...we saw a cute, pink sony camera in Luque and I thought, oh how i would love a pink camera! And then my comp was joking with me and kept telling me that she was sure you´d send me one just like it! And it was true! Thank you so much...but I loved the pics of cole and harry more than the camera! My little stinkers are getting so darn big! I CAN´T HANDLE IT!
As For the mish...LIFE IS GOOD! It´s been an interesting week...probably the fastest one that I´ve had in the mission. Literally, I did not see one day because they all passed by so quickly. It scares me because all of a sudden, time has sped up even more. It´s really weird, and I am wondering if it´s something that´s going to happen for the rest of my time here. I AM TREASURING EVERY MOMENT THAT I HAVE LEFT HERE...I KNOW THAT AFTER, MY LIFE WILL CHANGE AND NEVER BE THE SAME. I CAN NEVER COME BACK TO THESE PRICELESS MOMENTS.
We had a great experience that happened this week...one that every missionary desires. We baptized the family of Victor and Nancy this past week...they´re awesome! We got to their house the other night and Victor, began to express how excited and great he feels after being baptized. All of his friends at work now call him the preacher, and make fun of him, but he doesn´t even care. He´s stoked! They told us they can´t even wait to get to church on sunday and participate in the meetings. YOU HAVE NO CLUE WHAT JOY FILLED MY HEART AS I LISTENED TO THOSE WORDS COME FROM HIS MOUTH...YOU GOTTA KNOW THE GUY! WE NEVER THOUGHT HE´D BE SO CONVERTED TO THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST! AND HE IS! AND I FEEL SO BLESSED TO SEE HIS CONVERSION!
As for Masey...keep working hard buddy. I know, the mission, and life in itself, are both constant growing processes. I also realized this week that I could change quite a few things to become a better missionary, and I have now set goals. JUST KEEP WORKING AT IT...THE LORD LOVES YOU AND IS SO PROUD OF YOU.
I am so glad that you guys had so much fun in Florida...the pics show it! I LOVE MY FAMILY SO STINKIN´MUCH! YOU ARE ALL SO AMAZING! Please give Nana and Papa and everyone big hugs and kisses for me, as well as Gramms. AND EVERYONE! Please also thank aunt Judi for her cute emails...I love her and she´s been such a great example to me in my life. I HAVE THE GREATEST FAMILY EVER!
Please know that all is well...I´m working on becoming a better servant and daughter of my Heavenly Father. I know that to Him...I owe everything. Thank you for all of your love and support...it means more than you could ever know. STAY STRONG, BE DILIGENT AND OBEDIENT AND SERVE IN EVERY WAY THAT YOU CAN.
1434 and more than the butterflies that entered my stomach when I saw my pink camera! (A little exaggerated, but i was pretty excited! After all, a camera is the only thing that can give me butterflies these days! Ha ha!)
Lars
OH MY GOODNESS...I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY CAMERA! ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! YOU HAVE NO CLUE HOW STOKED I WAS TO OPEN IT AND SEE THAT IT WAS PINK! I LOVE COLOR...YOU KNOW ME WAY TOO WELL! THANK YOU SO MUCH! The funny thing...we saw a cute, pink sony camera in Luque and I thought, oh how i would love a pink camera! And then my comp was joking with me and kept telling me that she was sure you´d send me one just like it! And it was true! Thank you so much...but I loved the pics of cole and harry more than the camera! My little stinkers are getting so darn big! I CAN´T HANDLE IT!
As For the mish...LIFE IS GOOD! It´s been an interesting week...probably the fastest one that I´ve had in the mission. Literally, I did not see one day because they all passed by so quickly. It scares me because all of a sudden, time has sped up even more. It´s really weird, and I am wondering if it´s something that´s going to happen for the rest of my time here. I AM TREASURING EVERY MOMENT THAT I HAVE LEFT HERE...I KNOW THAT AFTER, MY LIFE WILL CHANGE AND NEVER BE THE SAME. I CAN NEVER COME BACK TO THESE PRICELESS MOMENTS.
We had a great experience that happened this week...one that every missionary desires. We baptized the family of Victor and Nancy this past week...they´re awesome! We got to their house the other night and Victor, began to express how excited and great he feels after being baptized. All of his friends at work now call him the preacher, and make fun of him, but he doesn´t even care. He´s stoked! They told us they can´t even wait to get to church on sunday and participate in the meetings. YOU HAVE NO CLUE WHAT JOY FILLED MY HEART AS I LISTENED TO THOSE WORDS COME FROM HIS MOUTH...YOU GOTTA KNOW THE GUY! WE NEVER THOUGHT HE´D BE SO CONVERTED TO THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST! AND HE IS! AND I FEEL SO BLESSED TO SEE HIS CONVERSION!
As for Masey...keep working hard buddy. I know, the mission, and life in itself, are both constant growing processes. I also realized this week that I could change quite a few things to become a better missionary, and I have now set goals. JUST KEEP WORKING AT IT...THE LORD LOVES YOU AND IS SO PROUD OF YOU.
I am so glad that you guys had so much fun in Florida...the pics show it! I LOVE MY FAMILY SO STINKIN´MUCH! YOU ARE ALL SO AMAZING! Please give Nana and Papa and everyone big hugs and kisses for me, as well as Gramms. AND EVERYONE! Please also thank aunt Judi for her cute emails...I love her and she´s been such a great example to me in my life. I HAVE THE GREATEST FAMILY EVER!
Please know that all is well...I´m working on becoming a better servant and daughter of my Heavenly Father. I know that to Him...I owe everything. Thank you for all of your love and support...it means more than you could ever know. STAY STRONG, BE DILIGENT AND OBEDIENT AND SERVE IN EVERY WAY THAT YOU CAN.
1434 and more than the butterflies that entered my stomach when I saw my pink camera! (A little exaggerated, but i was pretty excited! After all, a camera is the only thing that can give me butterflies these days! Ha ha!)
Lars
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