Week 101: Tuesday May 12, 2015

Dear Family,

   As I sit down to write this letter to you all today, I can't help but to think back over these past two years. The short time that I have to write you each week cannot even begin to properly express the feelings that I have had over these past 2 years as I have learned to overcome my weaknesses and pride and lose myself in this work and these people. I have found it such a privilege to share my experiences with you each week. I realize that I probably have not been the best at sharing everything that I have gone through, and I probably could have sent more pictures, but I hope that you have all been able to feel the words which I have chosen to send home. During the early months of my mission, I did not always send home the most uplifting or comforting words and experiences. I hope that the effort in which I have made to be more positive and happy has effected you each in a way that has been able to help you.

   I often think about where I would be right now had I not served a mission. I don't think that I would necessarily be a bad person, but I wouldn't be where I am today. This has been a great time for me to learn so many important things that will bless me both spiritually and temporally. Things such as hard work, discipline, obedience, humility, positive thinking, creative thinking, love, and kindness. I have learned how to study and how to apply the things that I learn. I have learned the importance of keeping a journal (still working on that one). I have learned to put others before myself and find joy in watching others learn to succeed. I know that I will continue to look back upon the experiences that I have had in my mission for the rest of my life as I accept new challenges and responsibilities in the future. 

   I have by no means served a perfect mission, but that has never been the expectation. However, I think that I can say that I have become pretty good at falling and getting back up again. Falling is part of our existence and nature as humans. It is important to remember, however, that while we all fall, standing back up is only possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

   I know and feel with my entire heart that the church is true. I pray that there will never be a time that I set the things that I have learned on my mission aside for the things that the world has to offer. I am so excited to return home. But I will undoubtedly be leaving a large part of myself here in this beautiful land. 

   So get ready...I'M COMING HOME!

Elder Staheli.

Week 100: Tuesday May 5, 2015

Dear Family,

   This week has been great! It's so cool to see how many miracles happen everyday. I love seeing how prepared people are to receive the gospel. I also love seeing people begin to change their lives and start living in accordance to the gospel. I don't think a day passes by that I don't witness a miracle in one way or another. Sometimes they are great, and sometimes you have to look a little closer, but the world is full of miracles just waiting to be witnessed. 

   Last night as me and Elder Ray had the chance to visit the Abordo family. I don't remember if I have mentioned them in previous letters. There are 9 people in the Abordo family; the parents and 7 children. Recently, the 10 month old son of one of the daughters passed away from an illness. We have visited them a few times in the past few weeks to offer our help and condolences. Despite the tragedy that has recently struck this family, I am amazed at how happy they are! Each time we visit them they have a big smile on their face. We were able to teach a lesson to them last night for the first time since the child passed away. As we all sat together in their humble home, the family began to testify to us about the power of family prayer. They shared with us a touching experience. As the young child laid in a small, wooden, hand-made casket in their living room, they knelt together in prayer. As they did so, they received great comfort in feeling the spirit testify to them that they would see the child again. 

   The greatest truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that families can be together forever. Nothing has brought me more happiness and joy in my life than my loved ones. I just want to say that I love you all so much. Thank you for always supporting me and being there for me when I have stood in need of comfort and guidance. There is no greater blessing in my life than all of you.

   I also just want to add that James was able to attend church this past Sunday! Despite being sick, he made it. He is awesome and is going to be a great priesthood holder in the church.

   Okay, so for the call home....We will be calling home on Saturday at 10:30 am (8:30 pm on Friday in Utah). Looking at our schedule, this is the best time for us to make the call. If you have any questions or anything, be sure to let me know quickly. 

   I'm excited to talk to you! I love you all!

Elder Staheli.

Week 99: Tuesday April 28, 2015

Dear Family,

   It's been such an awesome week! We have had so many great experiences. Lovelyn was baptized on Saturday and is now a member of the church! Her service was nice and she gave a solid testimony. To add to that, we have a few more people that we are teaching who are preparing for baptism this coming May!

   On Sunday we were able to enjoy the special privilege of attending a fireside put on by the cast of the "Hey Joe Show". As you know, the cast is made up of 5 returned missionaries from Cebu mission, including my good friend Elder Glines. It was such a special time for me to sit down and speak with them about their life and the things that they are doing. The short night that I had to spend with them both encouraged and inspired me to become the best person that I can after my mission.I am so excited to continue to progress after my mission into the man that I know I can become. 

   I was able to sit down and have my final "zone interview" with President McCurdy this morning. It was a sweet time to discuss with him the things that I have experienced and learned. I am looking forward still to my final interview with him right before I return home. He taught a great workshop on Monday. I was able to bear my "final testimony" to the missionaries present. It was a strange sensation, but exciting at the same time. I have officially received the hard copy of my travel plans and instructions for my last days as a missionary. It's all really coming to an end. I wish that I could describe the feelings that I have right now. It doesn't feel like I'm about to go home. This is my home. I feel like I will be returning to a foreign land. All that I can say is that I am grateful for everything that this mission has given me. 

   Just so that you are aware, we have been given instruction and permission to have our Mother's Day call on either May 9th, 10th, or 11th. I will talk with my companion and see what works best for him and his family and then we can finalize plans next week. 

   Continue to find happiness each day. I love you all.

Elder Staheli. 

Week 98: Tuesday April 21, 2015

Dear Family,

   Whoa. You hit less than a month left in the mission and all of a sudden everyone starts talking to you differently! A lot of the missionaries and members think it's funny to tease me about it. We just laugh and cherish the time that I have left.

   This week has been great! Just within the last few days we have found some awesome new investigators. After teaching a young man, before we even had the chance to challenge him to baptism, he asked us if he could be baptized into the church! We're looking forward to helping him progress toward baptism. Unfortunately, I don't think that I will be here to participate in that special day. But we have a baptism coming up this Saturday! Her name is Lovelyn and she is awesome. I'm so excited for her. I wish that I could just tell you about everyone that we're teaching. Both my area and companion are great!

   There is still much to be done before my time is through! Like I said in my last letter, I am working harder than I have my entire mission and we are certainly seeing the fruits of our labors. I'm excited to participate in missionary work in other ways when I return home. 

    There are so many exciting things going on back home it sounds like! I'm looking forward to participating in everything when I get back. I appreciate the e-mails and the words of love. Know that I miss and love each of you. I can't thank you all enough for the support and encouragement that you have each offered me. I'm so blessed to have such an incredible family!

   It's almost time for our last computer conversation! Again, I'll let you know the details as they come. Amping mo diha!

Elder Staheli.

Week 97: Tuesday April 14, 2015

Dear Family,

   It's been a busy week with transfers, but I'm all settled into my final apartment and area. Elder Ray is such an awesome missionary! We've only been together for a week and it's been nothing but smiles and success. It's such a blessing to have him as my final companion. I've never worked harder in my entire mission! He's a great motivation for me to give everything that I have up until the final second. The area is awesome as well. It's similar to Cebu city in that there are grocery stores, markets, and anything else you might need, but it's smaller, cleaner, and prettier!

   I want to share an awesome experience that me and Elder Ray had the other day. Since I'm new to the area, he's kind of been taking me places and showing me around. I've been able to meet members, investigators, and less-actives. My second day in the area, we went to the house of a long time less-active member. Her name is Ivy. Elder Ray had never met her before, so we began to speak with her. She was nice, but she began telling us about some of the reasons that she hasn't gone back to church. She told us that she had been going to a "Born Again" church and has been having positive experiences attend their meetings. In the middle of all of this she stopped and asked me, "Elder, why do we need the Book of Mormon?" She began telling us about how it only confused her to read both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We began teaching her the importance of the Book of Mormon, and as we did her countenance began to change. Her simple frustration turned into more of a true desire to know the truth. When I asked her if she had read the Book of Mormon and prayed to know if it was true, she dropped her head and told me that she hadn't. As we taught and testified of the Book of Mormon, it was incredible to she the spirit work within her. Her heart was noticeably touched and she committed herself to continue to read and pray with patience. 

   I'm so excited to see more of these miracles in the upcoming weeks. They always strengthen my testimony of this work and gospel. It was an inspiring weekend of General Conference. I'm grateful for the instruction that I have received from the leaders of the church and the personal revelations and realizations that have come to me. I am excited to begin the next chapter of my life beginning very soon!

   It's been great to hear from you. I look at pictures of the kids and can't even believe how big they are. I remember holding Daxton as a baby, barely able to open his eyes. Now he is running around saying words and learning letters. Krue and Axzelle are such big kids now. It will be exciting to spend time with everyone again. Just as Ivy has learned the importance of patience, I too need to be patient! It's difficult at times, but I know that good things come to those who wait. I love you all.

Elder Staheli.

Week 96: Tuesday April 7, 2015

Dear Family,

   Weeks and transfers come to an end, but I feel so blessed to still have another transfer to serve as a missionary. It has been an incredible 6 months in Escalante, but it's with excitement that I announce that I will be transferring to a new area! The area that I will be transferring to is one of the most well know and popular areas in the mission...Dumaguete! I can't tell you how excited I am to be going there! I am also so excited for my new companion, Elder Ray. Elder Ray is a fairly new missionary and I can't wait to work with and learn from him. Also, one of my housemates will be yet another fellow "St.-Georgian", Elder Arsilanian. He played football for Pine View and has a scholarship to play at BYU after his mission. Somebody tell Brett...he'll be excited to hear about it!

   I've been visiting everyone in my area these past few days - members, recent converts, investigators, etc. It's always hard leaving an area, but I love the feeling that comes with knowing that you have done everything that you can. I'm grateful for the experiences that I have had here. I have learned so much. I've taken beautiful pictures too! I can't wait to go over them all with you when I get home.

   I'm excited for General Conference this weekend! I've already heard a little bit about it. I'm not sure if any of you were able to catch it, but my former mission president, Evan A. Schmutz, was sustained as an area seventy. I am so excited for him! He truly is an amazing man who has effected my life the most incredible way.

   Going into my last transfer, I am doing my very best to give everything that I have while I am still here. If my e-mails are shorter than they have been in the past or if I don't seem as excited as you think I should be, just know that I am trying not to let it distract me. This last 6 weeks is so important. I still have so many important things to do and there is still so much that I know that I need to learn. Having said that, I am looking forward to our last call together. I'm not sure when the exact day will be, but I have a feeling that it won't be any longer than a week before I return home. I can't believe it's coming to an end.

   I love you all so much. I'll talk to you soon.

Week 95: Tuesday March 31, 2015

Dear family,

   Due to my travel back to Escalante from Cebu, I am e-mailing at a later time than usual and you are probably all asleep right now. That being the case...good morning! What better way to start off the day than by reading a letter from Elder Staheli! 

   I have had a very enjoyable week and am grateful for the things that I have been able to do. I want to share with you that Amalito Arjel was the first face that I saw at church on Sunday! He is truly showing through the changes that he is making in his life that he is ready to make this covenant of baptism. We have planned a family home evening at his home this Friday with his family. I'm so excited to teach him more about families and his roles and responsibilities as a father! He is going to be such a blessing to his family in the future, especially when he is able to receive the priesthood.

   As you know, we have had another MLC in Cebu this past week and it was incredible! I say it every time, but these meetings hold many of my very favorite memories as a missionaries. I have been blessed with so many great examples in my life both at home and in my mission. 

   Okay, I know that everyone is dying to know my travel plans! I received them this morning and am happy to report them to each of you. I will be touching down in St. George on the 20th of May at roughly 6:00 pm.  I cannot wait to see your happy faces! I am looking forward to the moment that I walk off the plane back to my family. I can only imagine what the moment will be like. 

   I'm so excited to hear that Jazzy and Seager will be having a baby girl! I can't wait to meet her. I know that she will be such a beautiful blessing to the entire family. I'm looking forward to having another niece to play with!

   I hope that everyone's keeping it together. I know that it's sometimes hard to be patient thinking about the short time that I have left. I'll be home soon enough, though. I love you all!

Elder Staheli.

Week 94: Tuesday March 24, 2015

Dear Family,

   I am pleased to report that after all of the hard work that me and Elder Abraham have put in these last 10 weeks, we have finally found a man who has committed to be baptized! As I have written in previous letters, we have found great success in working with less-active families in the ward. Many have returned to the fold and it has been so sweet to see these previously less-active fathers receive the priesthood and lead their families in the gospel. In fact, the man who has committed to be baptized is the father of a less-active family. His wife and children were baptized years ago, but he never accepted the invitation to join himself. It's actually a great story that I would love to share with you.

   Me and Elder Abraham actually happened to be on splits with members the day that I found him. I was working with a member named Toting, a deaf convert to the church (I will have to tell you more about him when I return home). We were driving up to an appointment way up in the mountains. Seeing that I couldn't sign to Toting while I was driving, I was thinking about the day. As I looked around, I notice many houses that I had always meant to stop at, but never had. Immediately, I pulled the truck over and began tracting. As I went from house to house, I found many kind people willing to speak with me. Though they seemed nice and willing to listen, I felt like I should keep going down the trail that I was on. The trail led deeper into the mountain until I came to a small river with a few small wooden huts above. I crossed the river and began talking to the poor people who lived in the huts. After speaking with them for a few minutes, I felt the same prompting to keep going. Not knowing why, but trusting my feeling, I continued on. The houses were few and far between with sugar cane fields as far as the eye could see. The setting sun made for a beautiful view as I gazed out into the valley below. I finally came to another small hut. Before I could even call out, I heard a voice, "Elder, you finally made it to our home!" I approached the wide smiling Sister with a smile of my own. She invited me into her home and I met her husband and kids. After getting to know each other for a few minutes, I began to teach them about Jesus Christ. We talked about His life and our lives, His atonement and commandments, and the perfect plan that He has given us so that we can return to His presence to dwell forever in eternal happiness. In the darkness of night with only a small candle to light their humble home, I invited the husband to be baptized. With tears running down his face, he accepted. 

   That's been the highlight of my week. It was an incredible experience. It's amazing to see how the Lord prepares people to receive the gospel. The family told me that I was the first missionary to return to their home in over a year. Looking back, even though we weren't able to visit who we had originally planned for, I'm grateful that I was able to run that special errand for Him. 

   Thanks for the letters! It sounds like all is well in Utah! I can't wait to hear from you all next week. I love you!

Elder Staheli.

Week 93: Tuesday March 17, 2015

Dear Family,

   It's been another solid week of missionary service. Elder Abraham and I have been working so hard! We always seem to be finding new people to teach each week. In fact, this past week we were able to find 13 new investigators! I'm so excited to continue to go back to their homes and teach them the gospel. Finding new people through tracting and street contacting is actually one of my very favorite things to do. Meeting new people is always so interesting and it's so incredible to see how the Lord prepares people to receive the gospel. Even though we have been finding new people to teach, the bulk of our success is still in teaching less active members. We seem to have new less active members return to church each week! Serving others truly is a sweet experience.

   Once again, I have just arrived back from Cebu. I had to go over for fingerprinting and other things having to do with my immigration papers. Though the entire process took only about 5 minutes, it was nice to spend a few days with the other missionaries who had to go as well. I spent most of the time with my MTC companion, Elder Uata. It was nice to catch up and talk about all of the changes that we have both made on the mission. He told me that his family is making signs for both of us when we get off the plane at Salt Lake. Also, his mom said that she is going to buy us both cheesecake and Cafe Rio! I'm so excited to meet his family. Speaking of flight plans...I was able to see them while I was in Cebu! I didn't check the times of the flights, but I saw where I will be traveling. I will be going from Cebu to Manila, Manila to Tokyo, Tokyo to Seattle, Seattle to Salt Lake, and finally Salt Lake to St. George! I can't believe how soon it is. I'm literally down to my final 2 months. Everyday has been an adventure that has changed my life. While it's been such a blessing to serve among the people in this nation, it's going to be rewarding to walk off the plane and see my family again! 

   I can't believe the house is already framed! It looks so good! It must be exciting to see the progression each day. I can't wait to see it when it's all finished! 

   I'll let you know more information as it comes to me. I actually still have one more call home; about one week before my departure. We can talk all about times and plans then. I miss and love you!

Elder Staheli. 

Week 92: Tuesday March 10, 2015

Dear Family,

   I don't know why, but this week has seemed to go by especially fast. I guess that's a good thing. It means that I am finding things to keep my busy and staying focused on what I am doing here. This past week has been quite typical. We have actually found a lot of new places to work this past week and many new people to teach. I know that I have mentioned it before, but I love the generosity and kindness of the Filipino people. No matter where we go or who we speak to, people always have a smile on their face. It's inspiring to see people in such difficult circumstances who don't let that ruin their life. I have learned the great lesson of optimism here on my mission. While there is so much in the world that could cause us to be sad or distressed, there is still so much more that can give us such happiness if we will but take the time to enjoy it. I love how the gospel adds and, in fact, is part of the natural beauty of the earth that we take in everyday. It's such a beautiful truth that I am so grateful for.

   I just received word that I will be heading to Cebu yet again next week to take care of my immigration papers. I can only imagine how fast this transfer is going to go by. I have already been to Cebu once, I will be going again next week, and we still have another meeting in Cebu in a few weeks. All of my time is slipping away! Even if that is the case, I am grateful still for the time that I do have. Time is precious. I have also learned that time is something God has given us to help us manage ourselves. I hope that we don't spend our time doing things that are of no worth. Each day is a blessing. We never know when our time may be up. One of my biggest goals is to continue to find ways to use my time wisely and productively when I return home. You can all help me with that! 

   I just want to say congratulations to Jazzy and Seager! I am so excited to get home and meet a new member of the family. I send you all my love!

Elder Staheli. 

Week 91: Tuesday March 2, 2015

Dear Family,

   I feel so happy! This week has been great. Any chance that I have to go to Cebu is a great experience, and I have had yet another opportunity to do so this week. Being the first of the month, we had meeting in Cebu that we were able to attend in which we received great instruction and important information concerning the mission and our responsibilities as missionaries. I am grateful for a wonderful mission President who is always filled with the spirit and who does his very best every single day to do what is right. 

   It's been a great first week of the new transfer and the new missionaries who have transferred into the zone are awesome! Diligence is a trait that I have gained here on my mission, and I am grateful for the wonderful examples of the missionaries who are always around me. Our missionaries work so hard and as a result we are achieving great things as a zone. Looking at my schedule, I am going to be extremely busy for the rest of the transfer which means that it is going to go by so fast! I will be heading to Cebu a few more times withing the next few weeks or so. I received a letter and I am about to begin process of returning home. I need to get passport photos, fingerprints, etc. It's a strange realization that my time in this beautiful land will soon be coming to an end. I occasionally find the opportunity to consider the things that I am going to do after my mission. I am happy to say that I feel confident with the decisions that I have made. I am looking forward to sharing these thoughts and decisions with you when I return home!

   With that said, I should probably go. Me and Elder Abraham still have a few hours of travel ahead of us and we still have to prepare to teach a training meeting tomorrow. Teaching is my favorite. I'm excited! 

   I love you! 

Week 90: Tuesday February 24, 2015

Family,

   As missionaries, we are called to serve the Lord by serving the people in the areas where we are assigned. I'll never forget my first day in the Philippines. I looked around and only one word came into my mind. CHAOS. I was a wide-eyed greenie stepping into a foreign land. We received training at the mission home, walked around the temple grounds, and slept at a hotel. The following day I was given my first companion; my "tatay" and trainer - Elder Woods. My first area was unlike anything that I had ever seen. I had officially moved into the middle of the jungle and began an adventure that I had never anticipated...

   So much has happened since that day almost 2 years ago. Everyday has been challenging, but everyday has been worth it. We begin yet another new transfer this week. Seeing that I have been in this area for 3 transfers now, I was expecting to transfer to my last area. However, the Lord had something else in mind. I must have more to do in the land of sugar cane, because I am staying right here in Escalante with Elder Abraham! While I was initially very surprised, I am excited for this story to continue while at the same time it seems to be rushing to an end. I'm down to my final 2 transfers. When we come into the mission, we are on what is called the "12 weeks program". It is what our trainers use to help us to become a "real missionary". I guess you could say that I am again on my "12 weeks program". 3 months will go by faster that I even have time to think about. While I am excited to return home, I don't want you to think that I am letting up at all. I am working harder than ever. I have 21 months of missionary experience under my belt and in some ways I feel like a retired athlete who has been given another chance to play just one more time. I am tired. My body is sore. And I love it. I know that there are still so many opportunities to help so many people in the next 3 months. I just want to thank you all for your constant love and support during this time of my life. There are probably going to be so many things that are different about me when I get home, but I know that you will love them all. I'm sure you will even get a good laugh over a few of them, my accent and broken English, for example. 

   It's been a crazy ride. Thanks so much for the letters and pictures. They keep me going and remind me why I am out here. I am so grateful for my family - all of you! With love...

Elder Staheli.

Week 89: Tuesday February 17, 2015

Dear Family,

   Another week down. Can you believe that transfers are next week? Many of you have asked about whether time seems to be going faster or slower than at the beginning of my mission. I can see why some might think that it would go slower, but the truth is that the days seem be cut in half or something. As I approach my final two transfers, it's funny to think about my first two transfers. I now know how to speak the language, the humidity doesn't seem to kill me (I'm still looking forward to that dry heat!), I can eat anything that is put in front of me, and any cultural differences that seemed shocking before are now just a part of my everyday life. I believe that the adjustments that I will have to make when I go home will be more difficult than the ones that I made when I first arrived.

   Well, I don't really have much to report this week. It's kind of been an...interesting week to say the least. We've had some problems that we have had to take care of with some missionaries, but luckily we have found some time to still have some great lessons. While we continue to find good new investigators, I feel like much of my success in this area, and really my entire mission, has come from working with less active families. In all honesty, I almost like working with and teaching less active families more than teaching investigators. For me, seeing a father, or a mother, or an entire family come back to church after years of inactivity is just as sweet as seeing somebody enter into the waters of baptism. There are so many families that I am going to miss so much when I transfer and go home. I love seeing the new light and happiness that comes into their life once they find their way back to the church. 

   Just so everyone knows, I bought a new camera. It's digital but a lot cheaper than the one I had before. I figure it will do the job for the rest of my mission. I have already taken new pictures and I am still trying to gather pictures from this area from other missionaries. I don't think that I will be sending any more pictures home, though. I'm excited to sit down and look at all of my pictures with you all! Each picture comes with a special memory. 

   I love you all so much! 

Elder Staheli.

Week 88: Tuesday February 10, 2015

Dear Family,

   I cannot believe how quickly this transfer is going by! Me and Elder Abraham have been busy since our first day together. I'm pretty used to it at this point, though. We traveled to Cebu yet again this past week for more meetings and we had the enjoyable privilege to teach the missionaries in the zone this past Saturday. On top of that, we had another zone conference yesterday in San Carlos. Lots of traveling, lots of meetings, but lots of fun! We were actually given a wonderful surprise at our zone conference. President showed us the new film "Meet the Mormons". It was such an enjoyable watch! It was nice to see some football again... But besides that, it was very inspiring and showed how the gospel is for anyone and everyone, no matter where you are in the world. I'm looking forward to watching it again in the future! 

   Even though we have been busy, we are still finding great people to teach! I just want to share an experience that we had this past week of a lesson that we taught to an investigator named July. 

   July is in his 20's and is a seaman. We tracted his home a few weeks ago and taught him a lesson. The lesson went fine and he invited us back for a return appointment. We returned this past week with the intent of teaching him about the apostasy and restoration of the gospel. As we began to teach him, we felt the distinct impression to change the lesson a little bit and focus on prophets. We taught him about the life of the Savior and the things that he did while living on earth. We taught about the authority that He had and how he established a church here on earth. We began to teach him about the prophets of old who were called to testify of Christ and teach His gospel to all, that all might be partakers of salvation and eternal happiness. As I sat teaching this man, I looked into his eyes and testified that we have a living prophet on earth today, and that we have living apostles to guide the church in these latter-days. I wish that you could have sat in on the lesson! Though you would not have understood a word, you certainly would have felt the spirit that filled the room and his heart. I will never forget the look of amazement on his face. He had never even considered the possibility that there are living prophets on the earth today. As we invited him to pray to know if the things that we taught him were true, he excitedly accepted! 

   I think that sometimes as members of the church we take these glorious truths for granted. The more I ponder the plan of salvation, the more I am amazed at the perfectness of our existence. Though we are not perfect, we can become so, for the plan that Heavenly Father has given us is flawless. I have begun to once again start thanking my Father in heaven for all of the "small truths", so to speak, of the gospel that we have always enjoyed and known. I hope that we do not allow ourselves to take these gospel truths for granted. Let us study and re-study these basic principles and doctrines of the gospel. As we do so, I know that our testimony of these things will inevitably increase.  

   There is a small portion of everything that has happened in the last 7 days. I wish everyone could experience serving a mission. It is the absolute hardest and most enjoyable decision that I have ever made. I send my love to you all!

Elder Staheli.

Week 87: Tuesday February 3, 2015

Dear Family,

   Welcome to February! The days keep on coming and vanishing. There are new lessons to be learned everyday and so much beauty to be appreciated all around us. I hope that we are all taking the time to appreciate all that we have been given, especially the time that is granted us, for there is a "time and a season" to all things.

   Normally we would have had our meetings in Cebu on Tuesday, but a member of the area presidency came to visit with some stake members so the meetings have been moved to tomorrow. Therefore, we are currently in the middle of our travel to Cebu. It's been an enjoyable trip. I love my companion! He is so enjoyable to be around and I feel like I have built a very strong and close relationship with him in a relatively short amount of time. He has been a great blessing to me this transfer. It's always nice to travel with the other leaders of the mission. Some of my favorite memories have been made on long trips traveling to and from places. The past 4 times that we have traveled to Cebu, I have had the great privilege of traveling with Elder Buck. I have made such a great friendship with him; one that I am very excited to continue after the mission.

   Thank you for writing! Again, I feel bad. I feel like my letters are getting shorter and shorter each week. So much to do, so little time! I'll let you know how our meetings went next week. Just know that I love and miss you all!

Elder Staheli.

Week 86: Tuesday January 27, 2015

Dear Family,

   I have to be honest. Sometimes it's difficult thinking of what to write in my letters to everyone. In each letter I do my very best to be positive, uplifting, and even a little humorous. You would think that there would be so much to write about. It's true that while I am out doing the same things day after day and week after week, there is something new that happens almost every single day. Sometimes though, it's difficult to choose what to share. Sometimes still, all of the days seem to blur together so I can't remember everything that happened in the week. I am just grateful for the opportunity to be here. Yesterday was so beautiful. It was a clear day, the clouds were huge, and the wind was just blowing. It was incredible to see the acres and acres of sugar cane just blowing in the wind. It's like nothing that I have ever seen before. The beauty of the earth is incredible. I hope we all take time to appreciate it once in a while.

   Okay, I do have something that I need to share with you all....I can't find my camera.... I'm not sure if I misplaced it or left it somewhere. I know that you are all probably devastated. I know that I am. I guess that's what I get for not sending pictures more often! Oh well, I only have a few months left. If I absolutely can't find it anywhere, I'll probably just buy another cheap one somewhere. I'm sorry!

   I try not to talk about going home too often, but it's getting close! I've been thinking and praying really hard about what I am going to do when I return. Needless to say, I think that my thoughts and desires are finally coming together. While I do not know all of the fine details of what I am going to do when I get home, I think that I have a pretty good idea. I don't want to give anything away, so I better not say anything else...

   I love you all so much! Have another awesome week and I promise to do the same!

Elder Staheli.

Week 85: Tuesday January 20, 2015

Dear Family,

   First of all, forgive me for not sending any pictures in a long time! I always mean to send some but I always forget the cord to do so. I wish that I could tell you that I remembered it this time, but I didn't. I have taken some really incredible pictures as of late and I am excited to share them with you, whether by sending them to you via dropbox or in person when I return from my mission. Either way I know that it will be a treat!

   There has been so much that has happened this week that I don't think I can share everything. But here is a quick recap of everything that has happened...

*We have had another successful transfer day and my new companion is awesome!
*We finally have a truck in our area! 

*We spent two hours digging the truck out of the side of the mountain because we got it stuck...

*We have found so many new less-active families to teach!
*Our teaching pool is continuing to grow!
*We just finished our zone interviews with President McCurdy!
*I was able to work for a day with another one of good friends from St. George, Elder Buck!

   Many more things have happened on top of all of these things. There never seems to be a dull moment in the mission. Every day seems to hold something new in store that I never expected. I'm so grateful for all of the memories that I am going to be able to take home with me and use in my post-mission life.

   Thanks so much for your letters and pictures! I always love them. I love you all!

Elder Staheli.

Week 84: Tuesday January 13, 2015

Dear Family,

   Happy Birthday to me! I have officially said goodbye to my teenage years and have now ushered in a new chapter of my life. I can't wait for all of the amazing experiences that await me in my future! I am even more excited to apply the things that I have learned on my mission into my life after to help me along the way.

   Transfer calls are in and I am staying right where I am! My companion, however, will be transferring. He is going to Pinamungajan, my first area in the mission! Since he is transferring, that means that I am going to have a new companion. His name is Elder Abraham. He is from Luzon and I am super excited to be his companion! We haven't ever served in the same zone, but we have talked at our meetings in Cebu. He is super nice and I am looking forward to this transfer!

   So many great things have happened this past week. We have found so many new, incredible investigators. We just hiked a beautiful mountain earlier this morning. The best thing that happened this past week is definitely the 3 baptisms that we had on Sunday! They were so great and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and teach such incredible people. I will try to send pictures next week.

   We are going to San Carlos right now to prepare for tomorrow, transfer day, so I only have a little bit of time today. Thanks again for the letters and pictures! Everybody is always so shocked when I show them pictures of my long hair from before. Why did you all let me do some of those things? Oh well, like I said, I'm looking forward to a brighter future ahead!

I love you all!

Elder Staheli.

Week 83: Tuesday January 6, 2015

Dear Family,

   Thank you all so much for the birthday wishes! It's kind of weird to think that I am just about ready to say goodbye to my teenage years. However, I can say that I feel ready. I feel like I have learned to put away many of my bad habits and I am excited to see what is in store for me in the next 10 years! Thank you also for the pictures! I wish I could have watched the viedos, but the computer that I am at won't allow me to do so. I'll have to watch them at a later time.

   It's been another enjoyable week. We have been in Cebu for the last 2 days and we are making our way back to Escalante. We had a wonderful meeting with President McCurdy and received great instruction that I am excited to take back to the missionaries in my zone. Transfer calls are on Monday, so I have seen many wonderful missionaries for the last time. There are some great missionaries going home this transfer including my trainer, Elder Walker, and one of my previous companions, Elder Harris. I loved them both so much and they both played such a big part in my mission. I have learned so much from them and it will be sad to see them leave, yet exciting at the same time. I am not sure what will happen with transfers, but I am guessing that my companion will probably transfer and I will stay in the area. He's been here for 3 transfers now. But whatever happens, I will be really excited. I really love my companion and we have had so much success and happiness working together!

   I received my package! Thank you so much! I know that it is already past Christmas, but me and my companion are looking forward to hanging up the banners and decorations in our apartment. I also love the ties, slippers, and candies that were included. Thank you for sending me such a thoughtful gift. It was the best!

   I'm glad that Daxton is doing okay! Those pictures looked pretty scary. I can only imagine the reaction that you must have had. That's ashame that he's allergic to those things. I guess it's good that you were able to find out now so that you can prevent further allergic reactions in the future.

   I think that's about it for this week. I'll let you all know what happens with transfers. I'm officially down to my final 3 transfers. Crazy.

   I love you all so much! Thanks again for the package, pictures, letters, and love!

Elder Staheli.

Week 82: Tuesday December 31, 2014

Dear Family,

   Happy New Year! As one year comes to an end, another greets us with high hopes and great anticipations. I am very much looking forward to what the year 2015 holds in store. There are certainly many exciting things to look forward to this upcoming year, and for me it's difficult to think about the new year without thinking about coming home. As I have made clear in the past, it's an extremely bitter-sweet feeling knowing that this amazing chapter of my life is quickly coming to an end. However, I know that there is a "time and season" to all things. I can't think of anywhere else that I would rather be right now or anything else that I would rather be doing. My "time and season" is here and now amongst these amazing people who have changed my life forever.

   What a great opportunity we have to sit down and evaluate ourselves. I hope that we all take the time to look back at this past year and find joyful memories. I hope that we all recognize how much happiness there is to be found in each day. Let us continue to focus on the positive and do our best to overcome the negative. I also hope that we look back and find things that we need to work on. Without evaluation and recognition of our faults and weaknesses, there is no progression. Where there is no progression, there is no happiness and no purpose to our existence. I have personally set goals for myself that I am determined to keep and achieve this year. I have set goals for the remainder of my time as a missionary as well as for my return home. These goals are centered on strengthening my personal relationship with my Heavenly Father as well as finding opportunities each day to serve, help, and love others. I am so excited to hold myself committed to these goals. I know that they will help me to continue to progress in happiness, maturity, and leadership. SET GOALS!

   We had an enjoyable time celebrating the new year together as a zone. Just as we did last year, we were permitted to watch a few movies and stay up a little late to celebrate the occasion. We watched "How to Train Your Dragon 2" and "Free Birds". I really enjoyed them both. It was nice to see a movie again. There was also plenty of food to eat! This all took place yesterday which is why I wasn't able to write. Next week should be back to normal, but we are going to Cebu so I'm not sure. 

   Thank you so much for the pictures and videos of Christmas! Send more! It looked very enjoyable. It's already 2015 on my side of the world, but I hope that you all have a safe and happy New Year! I love you all.

Elder Staheli.

Week 81: Tuesday December 23, 2014

Dear Family,

   Twas' Christmas eve on the isles of the sea, and in the far land of Utah lived one very excited family!

   I feel like I usually have boring opening lines, so I thought that I would think up something a little more exciting! Christmas time is finally upon us. The anticipation is growing and the time is drawing closer for us to speak. I am hoping that all goes well and works out! I am sure that we will figure it all out, but I just want to re-emphasize the importance of patience. Who knows? Maybe it will work right away and all will go smoothly! But if not, don't stress. It will all work out. The plan is still the same. I will be on tomorrow around 9:00 or 10:00 am. We will try Google Hangout, but if all else fails, we may have to resort to Skype.

   I'm not going to spend a great deal of time on this letter since we will be talking tomorrow. We had a zone Christmas activity earlier this morning so I wasn't able to write as early as I usually do. It was very enjoyable. There was food, games, and a small gift exchange. We even used a stick and a rolled up piece of large tissue paper with tape around it to play baseball! It's been a long time since I've swung a bat. I'm excited to spend hours doing so when I get back!

   I have received the package that you all sent! Well, I haven't personally received it, but it is at the mission office. I will pick it up next month when we head back over to Cebu. Don't feel bad. It will be nice to have a Christmas/birthday package waiting for me!

   I love you all. See you tomorrow!

Elder Staheli.