"DON'T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA" I'M ON MY WAY

Well hello there family and friends,

I hope you are doing well!  I had a really good week this past week!  Elder Crowther  and I have been finding so many people to teach!  We have like 15 new investigators which is pretty amazing! There are a few that I think will progress really well!
This past weekend was probably one of the most stressful weekends ever!   One of our investigaters finally gave the “all systems go for baptism Friday night” and I mean GREEN go like the next day go!!  Her testimony and body size are about the same so with that we had to begin the search to find a baptismal suit that would fit.  Elder Tolman and I drove all the way to Ensley that Friday night, and got a suit, only to arrive back and it did not fit,  bummer,  and  so early Saturday, and I do mean early, we headed off to  Anniston which is like an hour there and hour back.  We were hauling as her baptism was at 6 o'clock and we had to get the keys, the baptismal font and etc. etc. ready.  So we get to Anniston get that suit and return only to our despair that one doesn't fit either. UGGHHH!!!   We had no idea what to do! We were trying to get the program set up and everything was just getting really stressful but we did not want to have her feel any anxiety on such a special day! The baptism had to happen Saturday because the missionary that found her (who is actually from Highland) came back out with his family the Taggart’s, to baptize her so it had to go as planned.  We ended up at the Big and Tall store and got 2 big white shirts, making sure you could not see through them. We were super stressed about pants as that was the bigger part of the issues but at the last minute and she calls us and expressed she had just found a white skirt, music to our ears, prayers answered, a BIG relief!  The baptism was amazing!  I got to speak at it, which was an awesome experience!  She was just glowing when she arose from the water. The missionary that baptized her is Tyler Taggart, and his little brother Tenny and I were in the same grade.  I got to talk to his parents which was pretty cool, having someone from little ol' Highland Utah there.

Last night was a really good night too! We went over to a member’s house and had some delicious Chicken Alfredo, biscuits, and molten chocolate cake! She is Puerto Rican, so Elder Crowther and I spoke Spanish to her all night which was interesting and allot of fun, lots of laughter, long ways to catch up there !

Today we got to go to the Southern Museum of Flight which was a really cool experience!  They had a ton of old planes and like aviation history stuff! There is an elderly gentleman in the ward who took us there and got us in for free!

Have you heard anything form my district about their visa’s.  I hear Sister Andreason that went last month is killing it! I am so happy for her.  It is so hard to think that others night get left behind and for that reason keep it on the “low down” about the next paragraph.  I mean you can post it to the blog but just not yet on the Missionary Mom website until like a week before.  I need to know that everyone is going, I am so excited but a part of me feels a void not knowing what is happening to others.  

Soooo.... I've been saving the best news for last....ok Mom DRUM ROLL>>>>>Today I found out........ That I got my VISA!!!!  I leave for Argentina on August 27!! How crazy!!   President Holzapfel called us today and told Elder Crowther and I that we would be leaving on that date!
With that said I better shape up on mi espanol!

Well I hope all is going well! I miss ya'll tons! Have a great week and Mom”Don’t’ Cry for I’m going to Argentina”!  Smile BIG THERE! HAHA NOS VEMOS!

Love,
Elder Draper

A BAPTISM TARGET DATE 7/23/210

Hello Mom, Dad and all,

Well this past week was really very long.  To begin with we didn't get to have dinner with our investigator because she had to go to the hospital! Instead we went there to visit her and brought her some grapes after it was cleared, she was on a clear liquid diet but just wanted them sooo bad! I believe she snuck a few more then what she was supposed  to have, but she was just so funny about it, and I’m not the doc!  I was just dying because she is just so funny and makes me laugh every time I see her she is a hoot and knows it too!

Anyways,  we asked her if she would like a blessing and she she said yes andI  anointed her then we gave the blessing.  When you give a blessing to the sick you have to anoint with oil so that was a first for me.  That was a very special experience to be able to exercise the gifts I have received.  Other than that we've just been working our little tails off,  Elder  Crowther and I.  We all really enjoyed the Gummy Bears, I’ve already eaten all of mine.  HAHA

Elder Crowther and I invited 2 of our investigators to be baptized on the 11 of August!  We are excited to continue to teach them and watch their progress over these next few weeks.  We have been tracking some new areas looking for new investigators as well.  Elder Crowther is a great companion!  I was really so happy to see that he would be my companion over the next 6 weeks.  He really brings a strong spirit when he teaches!  We've taught a couple Spanish lessons, which was pretty exciting.   Other than tracking, yesterday was an extremely lonnngggg Sunday.  I was sooo tired, we all were!  When we got back that evening and we just kinda all kicked back and relaxed for a few minutes.  First it was silent then  Gummy  Bears started flying and eventually there was a game of Hit THE BIG MOUTH ELDER and of course the goal was to get the bear into the open mouth of the Elder, like at Tepinyaki.  Earlier in the week Elder Tolman got bored lifting weights and decided he could bench press me literally! Sometimes on Pdays we play quarters.  Tonight we are looking forward to going over to a member’s house to play Book of Mormon Baseball and eat pizza for Family Home Evening, so that'll be alot of fun!

We heard about the crazy Batman guy who shot everyone! How crazy is that!?  Everyone here was like freaking out over it!  We have all been praying for the victims and families and even his parents as well as him, what an awful thing !

There is a new Hermana in my district from Saratoga Springs, her name is Hermana Palmer. She actually worked at Shade and knows T Norton, Bre Brunt, and Laura Cottrell.  She happened to be working the night when that girl drove through the Shade’s store.  She is  way cool and  it’s kinda nice having  a Utah county person to talk to!  Please add her to my blog and I will try and get you a picture as well. 

About receipes,  we only have an hour to cook in the evenings so we don't have allot of time.  We cook alot of basic meals nothing all that great.  The cinnamon almonds that you made were heaven and they were gone as fast as they came, they were really good! 

Elder Palmer ate chicken guts, gross, I won’t eat it if I can avoid it, sorry! Well I guess I will have to adjust a little maybe!

How did you know about Elder Sawyer and I serving a split?  Since he was from West Jordan we talked and laughed alot comparing the basketball teams!  His team beat LPHS when I was a Sophomore so he gave me a lot of crap about that!  Spending that time with him was a blast! I also went on an Exchange with his Companion, Elder Jardine who used to be the Zone Leader in Tuscaloosawhen I served there but now they are both Assistant’s to the Mission President.

As you noticed, no mom we don’t have furniture mostly because it is not on the list of items approved for Missionary Housing.  Gotta be honest it is hard sometimes butya gotta roll with the punches, I’m sure it would detour some if it were too comfy right?

No special meaning like “Special Opps” HA, behind that new label “Special Assignment” on all the visa waiters.  I guess if I were you it would keep me wondering to but sorry nothing neat to report at this time!

Yes that is neat about the BAW Temple rededication the first of September and that President Monson dedicated it originally in 1968.  I hope that I can get there before that time to see that,  wouldn’t that be cool!

Got the letter from Maxine,  Grams keep it coming.  Your humor is one of the things I love the most about you and miss a lot!

Thanks Shelbs, your the greatest,  we have had alot of great times your the best and I'm sure we will have may more when I come home! 

Gotta run for now so here’s that squeeze back at ya! I miss ya’ll.  Hope to hear from you soon!

Love,
Elder Draper

CHITLINS NOT ON THIS MENU..716/12

Hello again family, friends, and blog followers,

Well I am starting my email this week with wonderful news, I AM STAYING IN BIRMINGHAM!!!!  I was really nervous that they were going to transfer me again to another area, but I got the phone call this morning that I am staying in here in Birmingham!  To be honest I would have been a little chapped if I were transferred from here as I have been moved so much at transfers and between transfers to meet the needs, and I really want to be a part of at least one of my investigators baptisms as I have not got to do that thus far due to all the moves.

We dropped Elder Beck off at the Mission Office this morning and so till Wednesday, I am in a trio with Elder Tolman and Elder Thurston!  PARTY! HA HA It’s already so much fun!  But this past week has been a really good week!  We've been teaching a family and they came to Church with us yesterday, and we also have some wonderful potential investigators, I have been out with Elder Tolman off and on to see one of his investigators, she is the funniest lady I have ever met, she is kind of like Rasputia but soooo nice!  I could just sit and talk with her for hours because we can have really funny talks and we can have really serious talks!  She has been taught by the Missionaries for like a year now.  She has decided on a baptism date for the 28 of July!  I am really excited for her and her boys!  We were talking with her yesterday and I told her I might get transferred and she said "Mmmmmm baby I’mma have to call someone ‘bout that." HA HA  I was dying, I just love her to death she is so pure in heart and dserves the gospel and it’s blessings in her life!  She is invited us to a big southern dinner or “Mess” this week!  She wants us to walk away full and then asked with her big smile “What ya'll want?  So we told her and this is what we will have on that buffet:  Fried Chicken.  Corn Bread, Mac N Cheese, Boiled Cabbage and of course the Yams! I just noticed no dessert but I know she must have a surprise for us so I’ll let you now that next time. I am soooooo stoked!  Boiled cabbage, not sure there but the rest AAAHHHH!!  Speaking of food we went to a buffet for lunch compliments of Elder Tolman.  We all rotate the tab, when we can afford, it’s a meal we all look forward to.  

But really I am just so happy to be staying here in Birmingham, I have really grown to love the Ward and the area here!  Fingers crossed I get an awesome companion, I'm thinking it is going to be another Visa waiter because they are getting 4 more tomorrow, but we shall see!

Alrighty time for the weekly weigh in......224 lbs!!!! Weighed myself first thing this morning!  Even after we had a big Ice cream social this past week at the church and I won’t tell you how much or good it was!

That's about all I really have to say for now.  It was super exciting to hear that Hermana Andreason got her visa!  She is the first out of us to go and hopefully not the last! (Sigh). This ride is sooo crazy but is one that I will hold on to for a lifetime!   I love and miss you all and would love to get some letters ASAP!

Well as usual times up for this week and I am off to the next one.  I know that Heavenly Father has blessed me on this Mission with the things I am learning and the people I have met.  I would have not had these opportunities had I not chosen this (his) path.

Love and Prayer,

Elder Draper

MY LOOKING GLASS EXPERIENCE: Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action. 7/16/12

Yesterday was hard as we waited until the 11th hour for that much anticipated call...Mom I'm leaving".  By 10:00pm I found myself  on the front porch in a stream of tears asking Heavenly Father is Wade really ok? Reading back this week ,I realized that every Companion Wade has had thus far has went home, returned with Honor home or has left the counrty with the arrival of thier visa and if I were feeling diasppoinment at this moment what were his feeling though he would never indicate when writting.  A few raindrops begin to fall as if  Heavenly Father felt my tears and as lasted for a few brief moments.  Within seconds thereafter I was delighted by the choir of chirping crickets, which is not always common here or I have busily overlooked  them.  Not the case last night, I knew in that instant the Lord was answering my prayer.  Wade indicated a few weeks back when he could not sleep he would open the windows and slip into slumber while listening to the crickets rehearse.  I was comforted in that moment.

But low and behold  I woke this morning finding myself in a little bit of a slump still, over waiting for that Visa call that has come and gone this month for all but 1 of the Visa waiters in Elder Draper's Buenos Aires West District.  Putting aside my evening answers I had recieved, the human in me won, and I sought refuge in Googeling Missionary Visa information.  For no known reason, other then what I was about to learn, did this video appear.  After a strong promting to click on the video, as I am not a uTube fan, it became clear to me my struggles are very microscopic and once again Heavenly Father mended my tunnel vision and I can now see  with open eyes and heart that, "IT IS NOT WHERE WE SERVE BUT OUR DESIRE TO SERVE" that is most important.  Thank you Elder's Wyatt for your tesitmony and service a lesson to all Missionaries and sometimes more importantly the "Weary Mothers". (Please scroll down sidebar to embrace Elder's Wyatt video )

Elder Wade Draper's #1 Fan
(Mom) Diana Draper

"SINGING IN THE RAIN"

Hello Family and Blog Readers,

Well this past week nothing new really happened.  I continue to just keep trekking along on my little bike (which I despise, it’s way too small). Things remain good here in Birmingham.   I was looking at the map the other day, and I didn't realize how big our area was until I kinda just sat and looked at that map, it’s HUGE!

July 4th was kind of lame.  We didn't get to watch any fireworks didn’t even hear the occasional pop and crack, UGH, but we did get invited to a BBQ during the day, which was not even close to Dad’s ribs but it was fun.  I actually met a lady there who is from Highland!  She was visiting a friend but during conversation I found out that I know her nephew from where else, good ol' LPHS.  We Knights are many and everywhere! 

For the past week Elder Beck and I have just been visiting “Part Time Members” as they put it politely and their less active family members.  There is a member in our ward who we were visiting, and she is   literally is like the coolest person I have ever met!  When we pulled up she was listening to Florence + The Machine and I was like no way, later she told me I was her Cosmic Brother and she loves Lady GaGa, go figure what did that have to do with anything  but what the hey right.  She is a bit different but really just a great person if you really take the time to listen to her. We also have another new investigator who is a mom of three children.  All of them seem very interested and pretty legit on advancing in the gospel so we are praying for them to continue to invite us to their home.  We have a teaching appointment this eve at 6:00pm.

It has been way hot here this past week and we have walked most of the time as the biking produces so much more body heat.  It’s good to hear from you we are going to get a lot of rain this week, makes walking and being out so much more pleasurable, never thought I would actually look forward to rain but now that is the case these days! Then comes the night and it is freezing in our apartment the AC does not adjust and I have to bundle up every night.  Crazy huh, so in an answer to I think I adapt better to heat or cold I guess it just depends on the day! HA

Your internet must be way slow there ‘cause I sent you several emails like 5 minutes ago. If the emails seem a bit short these past few weeks, I am multitasking.  We share our time with the MP whom I have to keep in touch with each week as well.  As a Senior Companion I have to report our “Numbers” and how our work went for the week.  I don’t seen the Mission President much but his wife just “loves me” she is so very nice to me.  Pdays can keep me pretty busy with laundry, grocery shopping and emails, especially trying to email on 2 complete different sites at the same time to 2 different individuals can get a little nuts!  When we do get a Pday like the Zoo Day we are so excited! I did get your Dear Elder Letter this week, thanks!  Elder Tolman sends a  special thanks as well!!

The ward is having an ice cream social this  on the 15^th, so we are really excited about that and hope allot of people come out to that.  We are hoping to find some more investigators during this event, folks here just LOVE ice cream, especially during the inferno here!  Many members have pledged to invite there friends and neighbors! It should be a blast I am very excited to see the potential turnout!

I am still losing weight I am at 225 now, which I think is pretty good I wanna hit 220 or 215 and then I will be good. Mom really, I won’t tell but take some “ME” time and hit the gym and stop worrying about me!  

I don’t think I need more sweaters, my bags were at weight limit coming here but send them however you wish I always get them.  I understand you are looking at the weather there in BAW so I get your drift mom!

Thanks for watching my account for me it’s nice to know I always have a reserve if I get in a pinch but you got admit I’m doing pretty well budgeting, it’s not all that hard really, well not when you have so less that you need anyways.

I was confused by the visa update you sent from BAW I wonder who the 10 are because I still have no word on my Visa.  That probably means another 6 more weeks here for Wade, but it’s all good, I really like Birmingham allot, really, so hopefully I don't get transferred to another area if I am staying! Elder Beck leaves Monday for Brazil and I am happy to see him get started out there abroad!

We have about 4 minutes left mom so this computer will shut off about anytime.

I got a letter from Elder Boyer and it was good to hear from him.  I will probably write the kids and return him a letter this eve after our appointment. I need to drop Misty a thanks as well for the Peanut Butter Cereal it was very thoughtful and much appreciated!  Mom do me a huge favor, Elder Hannamon just got back and is waiting to hear from me can you get me that info I lost it!

I hope y'all had a good 4th of July! I miss ya'll a ton! Stay safe, don't get caught on fire! Ha I gotta go mom, love you bye!

Love,

Elder Draper

"I'VE BEEN EVERYWHERE MAN"...

Hello Family!

Well this past week had its up and downs that is for sure!  Elder Tolman and Elder Thurston had a baptism this past Saturday so that was really exciting! Elder Tolman actually asked me to confirm the new Member, so yesterday I had my first confirmation it was incredible! What a really neat experience!

Elder Beck found out today that he got his Visa! He will leave for Brazil July 17th! I am excited for him and he is  SUPER EXCITED!!  I just hope that I stay where I am this next transfer! if I don't leave for Argentina.  I really like it here! As you know I have been everywhere and sometimes in a flash.  It has been a great ride for me and I have served with some FANTASTIC ELDERS (A SHOUT OUT TO PILI and BANKS) but  I am working my bum off daily trying to get the teaching pool expanded, and find those waiting for me to teach them the gospel here.  There are more opportunities in this areas  than in other places I have served but, that is not saying it is easy by any means.  There is a strong since of the Testimony of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father but many generations of Baptist.  I have been told more than once, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” in a laughing yet somewhat convinced manner.  They still remain full of Southern Comfort though and most are so humble and I find them to be very Christ like. So extra prayers and keep your fingers crossed that should I not get to Argentina this transfer I remain here in Birmingham.  

Thank you so much for the package mom.  I really like the shirts, thanks for thinking of me in St. Louis and KC, glad they won both their games!  Mom, are you insane? Ha Ha!!  We can't light fireworks, not even  smoke bombs or simple sparklers, it’s against mission rules but that was a nice gesture, kinda funny too, the Elders here got a GOOD laugh!!    

The Burger King cards for each of us were great though!  Did you know they have Bacon Sundaes here, ??? OMG, we about died.  We used the cards today to get one and well, let’s just say they were hmmm.. a very interesting combination to say the least, actually Super Gross! Are they doing that in Utah?

The summer weather has hit and it has gotten up to 104 with humidity of 108!!! Today it’s been pretty rainy! I guess we are getting the after effects of some storms that have happened?  I have gotten homesick lately a little I don't know sometimes I feel so cut off from the world.  Walking around Wal-Mart I can see the headlines on newspapers in the stands and wonder what is happening right at the moment in Utah.  Pdays are great for the most part though!

Well that’s about it here I will wait and hope to hear from you soon.  Tell the kids I will write to them today!

Love You and Miss You Tons!!!

Elder Wade Draper

"JUST LIKE A HEAT WAVE"

Hey Mom and Family,

Well I am still here alive which is good but it is very hot here and things are about to warm up even more.  The later part of the week the heat wave is to hit temperatures 104-108 so you chose to go return home at a good time!  

This past week has been a really good week for me!  I got to go on an exchange with one of our Zone Leaders, Elder Oppenlander in Vestavia Hills and it was great!  They are not kidding when they say Vestavia "Hills", my thighs and calves were in so much pain by the end of the day!  I think it was the most I have ever biked in my life really!  I am guessing we biked between 20-25 miles that day!

Biking around down town Birmingham reminds me a ton of Salt Lake City and how much I miss it! Another really good day last week also was finding a gentleman who we nicknamed our "Golden Investigator" as he was so open to the gospel and has invited us back without any hesitation, that was way exciting! Honestly the past week has been about the greatest since I have been here!  Yet another day this week the woman investigator I was telling you about last week came to Church with us yesterday and she absolutely loved it!  She was so full of enthusiasm said "Why wouldn't anyone want to be a part of this?" it just feels so good".  I am hoping for her baptism in the near future, it would be a perfect way to exit Alabama and if not, then just perfect in every other way.

Of course being in the “Bible Belt” we occasionally run into a few good Bible Historians that really know their stuff and challenge us like no other however, I feel I respectfully hold my own pretty well.  It is great to hear their confirmations of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, that much is solid, so we encourage them to let us continue to build on their foundation.  Some look at us like are you nuts, others just smile and appreciate our attempts.  Other than that Elder Beck and I just keep treckin’ along and searching for people who have been prepared for us to teach.

I have been reading a lot in the Bible for the past couple of weeks.  I am in The New Testament right now and I really enjoy that!  Another thing I have learned to love on my mission is reading the Ensign. There are a lot of really good talks in there!  I read the June issue this month and the talk about Abish, the servant girl in Alma was a really good talk.  As for new scriptures mom, look at  Alma chapter 34 and 2 Nephi 32 both are really good!

Other than that we have been doing a lot of service this past week!  We chopped down a tree stump on Saturday and tonight we are helping a member family move!

I did tell you that I am driving a car!  I drove on the Alabama freeway for the first time on Friday it was insane, nobody uses their blinkers!  It did make me miss driving the I-15 a ton, driving has become a luxury for me! HA I am attaching some photos of our zoo visit and the Alabama Birmingham Temple.

How is the trip going? I got the “OZ” postcard fast, I didn’t know there was a Wizard of Oz museum in Wamego, not sure where that even is in Kansas, don’t remember much but where we lived before we moved to Utah!  As for the “Milk Straws” they don’t work nice thought mom!  I am drinking lots of water too mom!

I think that is exciting that Kennedy is getting married tomorrow, if I am not mistaken!  Please do take something by for them from me and the family mom, I’m sure you already planned to do that though!  Send me some photos.

How is cheer going for Lyn’s?   Football is right around the corner for Wyatt to right?  Has he decided what he is doing?  Dad, are you still traveling a lot, anything new going on?

Well I hope ya'll are having fun in Kansas!  I miss ya'll and love ya'll

Love,
Elder Draper

ZOO YORK...NOT

Hi Everyone,

Reminder Mom, email comes later here in Birmingham B so just remember that!  I really don't get a chance to write alot I just answer emails to you, the kids, Misty, Cabree and Brelynn occasionally when they email me.  I do have to write my Mission President every week so that takes time as well.

This morning we went to the zoo! How fun is that!? I took a boat load of pictures so I will send you those next week when I have my camera cord.  We thought it'd be fun to spend the day at the zoo and it was actually a ton of fun! 

My hair is actually kind of blonde now!!! The sun has turned it blonde, crazy right??? I'll send you some pictures of that too next week, and yes I am planning on cutting my hair  today or next Monday.

I guess you didn't know that Elder Beck is a visa waiter for Brazil and he speaks Portugese and honestly it is like the ugliest language I have ever heard. Elder Tolman and I call it Porttugly which we think is way funny and Elder Beck gets a charge out of it as well. Ha Ha too funny!  My other roomates are just awesome and we will be celebrating Elder Tolman's 1 year anniversary next week.  

The new ward is really cool. A young couple just moved in from Provo and they are a pretty cool pair! We had dinner last night and the night before at Members houses it was great, burgers and corn, grilled obviously and much appreciated!

I did find out from Elder Pili a few days ago that 2 of the people that I found in Bessemer have Baptisim dates which is soo exciting! Wish I could be there to partake but all is well.

I have met some pretty neat potential investigators this week and have return appointments with all of them. There are 2 that I really have allot of hope for! Hopefully I get a baptisim in before I go to Argentina!

I am sure it is going to be a shock when I get to Argentina!  I am still speaking no Spanish and , I have to work my bum off during language study, studying!  I am sure it is going to be a little rough when I first get there, guess I learn fast.

That is exciting about Nauvoo that will be allot of fun for the family, hope Grams enjoys it as we did the first time!

Its crazy Kenn gets married in like a week!!!! You will have to forward me her announcement fer sure!!!

I can't think too much more that is all I can really think of.  I have just been riding my bike everywhere.  I did get my driving card this past week and drove for the first time in 4 months, it was the BESTEST!!!! 

I have not weighed myself in awhile because we don't have a scale but I am pretty sure I am still losing weight! But not a big deal mom a good thing.

I miss you all and love ya!  Have a good week!

Love,
Elder Draper

IRON CHEF'S IN THE HOUSE

Hey Sorry Family,

We usually email later in the day here in Birmingham so now ya know it won't be early morning !

My new address is 1067 A Villa Rica Ct, Birmingham Albama 35215 so get the letters comming.  LOL  Our apartment is way deceee, nicest place I have stayed in so far!  Yes Mom we have laundry here too!

So you heard the news, I am Senior Companion woot woo!  Ha Ha!  Elder Beck is a good Elder, fresh out of the Provo MTC, one of the newest of the BAW Argentina "Visa Waiters".  We are we are both new to this area and so the past few days Elder Beck and I have just been going around getting familiar with the area!  We are just doing our best working to find people to teach!

The computers here in the library remain as outdated as the previous ones, I can't see any of the pictures your sending. As for the ties just ask Misty she will be able to help make the choice she knows what I like.

Our other roomates are Elder Tolman from Layton, and Elder Thurston from San Diego who is also brand new to the field like Elder Beck,  Elder Tolman is about to hit his year mark next month!  Can't wait to celebrate that one!  The pictures I have attached are First Elder Pili and Elder Banks and I, they stayed in Bessemer/Hueytown. Second Elder Aaron Ingersol and I at Transfer meeting.  He went to Lone Peak High School as well and was a Senior when I was a Sophmore, small world it is.  Third - Elder Crwother and I at Transfers, he went on to Cater Hill and Fourth my new roomies Elder Beck, Me, Elder Tolman and Elder Thurston, we ROCK.  I absolutely dig Elder Tolman though!  We get along really well and he is absolutely hilarious!!!!!!!  He is also a really really good cook too!  He cooks us lot of things like Chicken Alfredo, and morning pancakes, however he only eats wheat products... so I give him alot of flack about that!  I did make chicken quesadillas for everyone the other night and they loved them, I guess I am a pretty good cook after all!  I am working out and by the end of the transfer I am going to be ripped!  Elder Tolman and I wake up every morning at 6 and work out, the kid is JACKED, he is just so cut!

I spoke in Sacrament meeting yesterday, yep!  They asked all the new Elders to speak.  I decided to talk about the Restoration hoping to to get the members excited about Missionary work!  It's so new here I don't know else to tell you, this is about all I can really think of that has happened in the past few days.  I will tell you more about the Ward as I get to know it.

I will get the postcards like you mentioned and write soon!  I am sending Dad a Fathers Day card but he can't open it till FathersDay!

Sorry it's short but gotta run mom!

Love you!!!!!

Love,
Elder Draper

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

Transfers were held 6/6/12 this week and Elder Daper was was transferred to Birmingham B and named the new Senior Companion in that Mission.  His Companion Elder Beck just arrived June 5th from the Provo MTC and is a new Argetnina visa waiter to the Birmingham Alabama Mission.  Argetnina recieved 16 America "visa waiters" and 4 Latin "visa waiters Monday June, 5th. There are currently 26 remaining America "visa waiters and  3 Latin visa waiters.  We are excited for those that left this week and pray for the remaining to soon arrive in that beautiful Argentina destination.  Here's to Hueytown,  Elder Banks and Pili, Elder Draper says you ROCK!

Elder Draper's #1 Fan,
Mom
Diana Draper

"ON THE ROAD AGAIN"

Hola Familia,

Nada que emocionante esta semana en el campo (Nothing too exciting this week).   The computers here at the library are so old, I can’t see pictures that you send UGGH!  I hope you get mine.   I am doing ok and have just learned I will be “On The Road Again” transferred this Weds.  It’s ok getting transferred but it seems I am never anywhere long enough to get things off the ground with my investigators before I’m leaving again, but it’s all good! I will let you know where I land next Monday so hang on mom!
 

Elder Paul leaves in about an hour for Argentina, how exciting is that!  What a short temp assignment we had together but I am sure Argentina is hestatic, I am for him.

It rained a ton last night with the most amazing lightning storm, it was actually very cool.  We went to dinner last night with some young adults from Utah.  They are doing security alarm sales for the summer here.  It was very good steak and baked potatoes, what a treat! We have only been invited to dinner  3 times in the 7 weeks I have been here. One of the guys, Brian Nelson, actually went to Lone Peak High School.  He was a Senior when I was a Sophomore.  He played baseball and hung out with Kade Andrus so it was really cool seeing a friendly face from good ol home ( LPHS).

 So I guess the way they do transfers here is kinda  fun! We meet at a gym in the church.  There they have a large screen and a Mission will pop up followed by a pause and then like trivia music.  Alas the Missionary photos of those assigned to that Mission pop up.  It sounds fun so I definitely got the jitters today wondering where I am headed this  time.  Elder Pili is just so great and is the best companion I have had thus far.  I will miss him for sure.  Elder Banks as well, they are just the bomb!  

I know both of Lyndsey’s Cheer Coaches Mikun is amazing and I love Taylor she is my good friend Sloan’s sister.  She came to the farewell you probably have pictures of her mom.

I wrote you a letter on Wednesday Mom but hold up on sending anything for a few days at least tell next  Monday so I can get the address to you .  I will get some postcards to mail everyone soon as I can.

Well that’s about all I can really think of this week so love ya!  Hope to hear from you soon.
 

Love,

Elder Draper

"HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS"

Hi Mom and Family,

First of all mom, thanks for having an email setting right there waiting for me every Monday, it's funny you write on Sunday morning to make sure it's there for me the next day but I appreciate every week!  I know that you thought it would be Tuesday before you heard from me morm so  I did not mean to give you that heart attack that you are experiencing about now!  We got to use the church office as the libraries are closed as President stated in his email to all parents.  Lucky Us!

Dad, a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUU!  I am emailing you a funny story that I am sure you will enjoy and that's OUR story so we're "Stick'in To It" ok!  I hope you have a great day and I love you!

I am glad you know that I moved becuase I knew mom would freak out if she hadn't heard and was trying to write to myold address.  My worst nightmare would be to have a letter marked "Return To Sender" I would have to visit her in the shrink ward whrn I got home!  Just kidding mom, but you  know you, but not better then I know you! (Wink)!   So my new address is:  2524 St N. Hueytown, Alabama 35023.  I live in a very very very little house, seeing how three out of the four Elders here are pretty pretty pretty big, in a good way though! Hueytown is a little po-dunk town as well but it's really nice, I have renamed it "DONALD DUCK"S TUNE TOWN". HAHA!  We have a car as Elder Banks is still recovering from his injuries.  He will get ther "Verdict" on Wed as to his progress and treatment plan.

Elder Paul, who was just moved (not sure if this is an official transferr or temporary assignment yet)just got his Visa to go to Argentina the same day we moved about 20 minutes after the temp assignment.  It was like so crazy, we both just looked at each other with a ? mark over our heads and then started pushing each other back and forth laughing thinking it was a Zone Leader prank! It was not so I am excited for him and he will leave June 4th.  He says he is just going before us to clear the path and get this whole Visa thing jump started and will meet with the Consulate on the way to the Mission Home and gave me a huge smile and a whopping slap on the back!!  Super cool Missionary I will miss him although we served breifly.  I know our time "The Visa Waiters" is just around the corner and the Spirit assures me "Everything is due time my son" and so I serve on!  I don't know what will happen here when he leaves, I could get transferred again or they will send another Elder/Companion.

Elder Pili, another Elder living with us is an amazing Missionaryand plays football ofr BYU.  We just hit it off the first day.  He says when we get back  he will will take Wyatt and I into the locker room and get signatures for Wyatt on his BYU football I gave him for this birthday last year, tell me you put it up mom right?  He also want to hiip the family up with some good tickets.  He passes a mean kitchen towel!

Unilke some of my days in Tusky after the University graduated, I am very busy here.  I have a really large teaching pool in this area , mostly in the projestcs but they love to listen and often have some pretty intresting and sometimes twisted questions, and their speech dialect is ....most intresting and I have to admit t it is hilarious at times! I sat up my first Baptismal date yesterday with a lady that we tracked into, Mom it was so exciting!  It would be great to get to hang around here for awhile I feel there are so many folks here seaking something they just don't know what it is yet.  Sometimes we get in so late we are just dropping and even the frying pans are exhausted for us so yes the "Church's Chicken" here is very good mom. Ha

Oh Mom, I forgot as you blog don't use any investigator's names, I suppose first names are ok, President mentioned that on a Conference call today.  I don't reck'n' you are cause your pretty good about that stuff so thats a "just in case" note.

Thats so awesome Cage leaves this Wednesday and will be serving in Belize!  How exciting!  I am sure although Shannon has sent out two before him she is a wreck about now!  The Missionary Mom Temple Day was a good idea mom, let me know how that goes.  Once a month is good for the SIsters to get together.  I am glad that you are still getting there weekly if no tmonthly cuase of Grams health. I heard the Timpanogis was closed for cleaning so I would assume your at the Draper Temple. It's neat knowing that my great grandfather founded the city of Draper not alot of folks can say that!

Speaking of Grams remind her of that promise she made to me she had never borken one yet so tell her I'm counting on it.  She is a strong willed soul and her love is bigger then the ocen.

I sent Misty an email so I got her, Nate and kids covered there and will send the Lyns and "Y" a letter when their's gets here.  I will give it a couple of day as I think they may have sent it to the previous address, if not I will get one out to them.

As for the pants..annn. just send smaller belts ASAP, suspenders is not an option. HA!  Just call Mr. Mac's and get the next size down from these.  Shoes still good have nto foulnd clearners yet but will get that done before I leave so relax mom I'm good!  I have to say I am enjoying this new GQ look, I feel pretty healthy loosing that weight!

Well that dang clock just keeps ticking and runing the race with me here so I gotta close for now.   I love you all and miss you a ton!  Tell everyone thanks for all the letters.  Be sure to get the new address on the blog or the rest of my letters will probaly take a Route #66 before they get here!

Love You All!!!!
Your Elder Wade Draper 

PASS THE "RAID" PLEASE

Wow Mom,

You never have enough questions but that 's great keeps me on my toes. Not alot has changed since last week so I am glad the questions were there wouldn't know what to say things are that slow! I will try and go to a tailor... we don't really have time to do any of that stuff and I will get my suits dry cleaned before I leave for Argentina.

The family in Demopolis are actually moving to Utah, if I didn't mention that before so they will be gone this week or the next. Things are going good here. I have not had a chance to see Shirley. She is always busy. We painted the another members house house though not Shirley's another family we are teaching. I don't know remember thier address. I am not going down to Demopolis this weekend because we are sending our housing coordinator down there to check out another members house to stay in.  He is a very elderly guy but super nice! There are several Brothers like this that house Missionaries and it just a great thing for both the Missionaries and the Brothers!

Elder Crowther had his first baptisim last Saturday! Like I said things are going good on this end, just getting by day by day! HA. Nothing really to update on it's slow but so is Alabama. Folks don't get to excited about things here unttil thier air conditioning goes out! LOL It's just so hot sometimes it's hard to think about anything but keeping cool and my ride (bike) does not have air conditioning, lots of windows but no AC. An occasional sprinkler is a blessing but those are few and far between!

Everyone said thanks for all the goodies you sent. I love the cologne I really needed it. Shelby said to check at Macy's for the ties, thats where she got mine! I don't need anymore jeans, maybe just send me smaller belts. A brown belt with brown shoes maybe ? and brown socks. I don't have any, thought we bought some but then I remembered they didn't have any at the time we were at Mr. Mac's. I could use 2 more black belts these are huge and I am having a real hard time keeping my pants up! Wouldn't want to loose them while crusing on my BMW bike, not a sight you would want to see. Ha Ha! I only cut off the one pair of jeans, I had no shorts and it's just so dang hot here! I sent my other shorts home remember, but I'm good hold up on those, maybe I will be in Argentina before long!

Dad, sad to hear about the Coaching thing you have always been a great Coach for those boys over several years, oh well thier loss and ??? gain!! It will be good for Wyatt to branch out and make new friends, after all you can never have enough of them right!!! Keep him in football and baseball Lacross has a long ways to go yet at ?? High!

Glad Lynd's is doing good in cheer! I am excited to see her in uniform wish I could be there to see her perform I will miss seeing her at competion and parades. Gosh guess I will be missing the HIghland FLing and all the city days around home this year, BUMMER but I'm sure we will have a "Hoe Down Here" fireworks, chittlings, and toothless rednecks what could be better then that!

Yep those little bumps on my arm are those pesty "skeeters" tons of them here and they love flesh, hold the sauce please! I have several of those bites tatooed just about everywhere, well almost! Deet is desert for them so just gotta live with it and hope I don't to get West Niles.

Your so right mom, can't wait for "THE BOOT"! You nailed that one! LOL  I  haven't heard much about transfer other then they will not be over until June 6th. I am not sure where the Missionaries were assigned in the Bessemer Zone but that is good news! Elder Crowther and I have not heard any news about our Visa's so Ihave been told that when they come our Mission President will be the first to know. I pray we are able to get to that beautiful destination as I really miss speaking Spanish, dish time has served it's purpose but never seems to be long enough.

I will try and get to the tailor shop but we honeslty have very little time to do much of anything on Pday between service projects and laundry and then shopping for essentials, but I will do my best for the name and directions to the closest one though! I will send you the info as soon as I can.

I ran into Elder Tyler Bentley who I went to high school with. It was good to see a familiar face from home.  We had a great visit and floated back in time for a few minutes to those days roaming the halls at Lone Peak, ahh those were the days ma!


I was not aware that we had a 5th tenant in our apartment unil I ran into "Joe" (Roach) but he had already checked out before we could chat. Looks like I will be adding BUG SPRAY to the Stop and Shop list. Gross huh? I have only have seen these things like with "Bill Nye The Science Guy". I have been shaking everything out since and eating, well that's just another story it freaks me out a little!

We built a Pagola swing for the Branch President and his wife in Demopolis with the help of  another family.  I am getting somewhat handy with the tools. It turnded out nice don't you think?

Well I gotta run so I love and miss you all. Catch you on the "FLY" they live here to! HA

Love,

Elder Wade Draper

The 4 Stooges

Hey Mom,

This will be a quick email, I will try and write a longer one later if I have time. I just read your email, I hope you wrote it with the right address got it with the RIGHT address! Ha Ha (see below)!  We have got to be "The 4 Stooges 2012".
It was so good seeing you guys last night! Skype is a great thing huh?  Thanks Dad for setting that up for mom, and Lyndsey, I hear your getting pretty handy at the tech stuff to, that’s good mom fell off the grid when she quit work and you know mom you seriously could use a 101 class.  Just kidding I know you are so busy doing all my old chores. LOL

I know Grams is tough and she can kick through it, I have to hang on to her sparkiness at times like now.  She promised she would be there when I came home and has never broke a promise yet! I heard from Kennedy  and Brelynn today which was good! Ken’s told me all her wedding plans! It sounds like it’s going to be great! Brelynn said she is having withdrawals!

So I measured my waist and I am a 41, but like my American Eagle Jeans are 36 and they are huge, so what is the secret to measuring cause right now I’m feeling pretty stupid.  If I don’t get this figured out soon they will have to add suspenders to the Missionary Wardrobe.  It’s getting hard steering bike with one hand and holding my pants with the other.  Not really but not far off!

Elder Crowther and I have had the wrong address for about 3 weeks now so who knows where our mail has gone!!  After giving you the new address yesterday (right apartment number),  Elder Hardy clarified it today after he saw am outgoing letter with the wrong return address. So here is the correct address : 

 

Elder Wade Draper

900 Hargrove Road Apt # 121
Tuscaloosa, AL  35401

Can you fix the address on the blog too and put the right one! I really hope you didn't send that box yet!  I know you said you wrote three letters so maybe they will come knocking on our door and we can invite them to sit down and take a load off then just happen to have those scriptures right there, imagine that!

 

We got a text yesterday that was hard stating that 4 New Zealand waiting Missionaries here in Alabama have been moved to a permanent Alabama status.  While I know there is work to be done here, I felt sad for them and keep praying the BAW Missionaries will soon reach that beautiful destination. I know that whatever happens will be the plan but I’ve always been a dreamer that’s ok right?  Well it used to be at the age of 3 so you said! HA

 

Well since we had such a long conversation yesterday I don’t have much to say just right now.  You haven’t emailed back in about 20 mins so I hope everything is ok there with Grams. I know you have been living at the hospital, thanks for helping her trying to live up to that promise. She and I are so lucky to have you there always trying to make everything ok.

Dad that was agood one you played on Mom, calling from your cell and making it look like I was calling in on skype while everyone was waiting for the call.  I would have loved to see mom jump out of her chair like she did, I can only imagine what that one cost you. HA HA.

I love you so much and I am proud of you for holding up so well on the call I am sure you were a basket case afterwards but that’s ok  that’s you mom wouldn’t have it any other way.

Misty was a riot I really can count on her to turn it up!  The face timing her and skyping me at the same time, pretty brilliant mom .  I am sorry she had to leave the hospital before I called I know the wait was long and I missed that 3:00 mark but everything was backed up yesterday.

Gotta run mom squishes to everyone!  Next Monday same place same time.

Love Your,

Elder  Wade Draper    

A GRANDMOTHER'S LOVE

Today 5/11/12 as we left for the hospital Grams could do nothing but talk about her dear sweet Elder and wondered what the day held in store for him. After arriving and prepped she still remained focused on him and I felt that is the security she took with her beyond the closing doors. She continued to coverse with those in the cath lab about her Missionary and how proud she was of him as she slowly faded off. One hour later, after what had been a successful proceedure before, she awoke to having pressure applied to a femoral vein that was producing intense swelling and internal bleeding. The pain and bruising are more then I myself can bare to watch as she wakes only to be put back to rest with medication. With assistance I help to turn her and in the midst of the palm of her hand laid a picture of her Missionary. I know the days to come may have many uncertainties but the one thing that is certain to me is how much she loves Heavenly Father and the blessings she receives from knowing she has grandson serving a full times mission. Her testimony I will forever hold near. I will treasure the years we have had and pray for a few more if it be thy will. Peaceful slumber mom.

We love you.
Right by your side mom,
Diana

FINER THEN A FROG'S HAIR...

Hey Everyone,

Gosh mom, by now I thought I had answered all your Top 10, but that's ok, keep them coming, it's  the biggest part of you I miss, questions about what I'm up too!  Knowing your always right there with your since of humor and sending back encouragement in that fashion as well maked me laugh at the bumpy roads, some days literally! HA  

Let me start by saying this past week has gotten better and I am "Finer Then a Frog's Hair".  I think I am getting more used to the swing of things here.  I really just LOVE the folks here they are so nice.  Even though we have only 1 progressing investigator they are polite to say "Not today child" and I have to smile as I walk away remembering they just nailed it on the head as "I am a Child of God".  Our other two Elders have a ton of investigators and we keep asking them what they are sprinkling on thier cornflakes! HA  I guess that's just how Missions work and hopefully our bowls will be full soon.  I think partially it due to the fact that we, my companion and I, are split between 3 areas and that really impacts the amount of time we have to spend with folks, not sure, but I am sure the Lord's watching mindfully with His plan so I'm good!

Funny thing how complaining about doing dishes at home has taken on a whole new pleasure for me.  The Spanish speaking Elder and I do not have alot of time to converse in Spanish so we have decided a good meeting place to do that is "bustin' suds, not doing laundry but at the kitchen sink, loving it!

Ok now back at you mom with those TOP 10 answers: I will be calling or skyping you on Mothers Day around 4:00 your time, 3:00 my time, as we should arrive back from Demopolis by then.  I miss you tons an cannot wait to see you mom! I love you sooo much and am thankful for your unconditional love while I was at home being a pain sometimes (you know I was).  Your support has always ben appreciated although sometime it felt more like endurance I now realize that it was all for my best!  Thanks for hanging in there even when it probaly wasn't always fun to be stuck there.

I will mail my luggage receipt to the Mission Home.  I just asked another Elder about packages so you can mail my packages here.  When we are not here they leave a slip on the door or in the mailbox to have us come and get it in the office.  Thanks for sending something for each of us mom, I know when it gets here they will aprreciate it as much as I do.  Famous Amos cookies sounds pretty good with a glass of cold milk at the end of the day.

How is Misty, Nate and kids?  Lyns, Wyatt and Grams doing ok?  Tell Dad and them I send my love.  I will try and email if I have time individually but I may have to catch them on the fly! HAHA  Lots of them here! 

I so enjoy my music when I study the hyms.  It brings a special spirit and clears my thoughts of the busy day.  Here's a SHOUT OUT to Shelbie, thanks for helping my illeterate iPod mom ( that is what you called yourself right mom)? HAHA  

We do have AC but we use fans instead  which we welcome at the return to our apartment.  It is a different kind of hot mostly humidity and unlike Utah the shade does not provide refuge.  My "BEACHES tan is turning into a farmers tan, fits Demoplois countryside well.

We did not get to meet with Shirley she was at a funeral but set up another appointment with her through family that could not travel to the funeral (elderly folks).  We did paint her living room for her though while she was attending the funeral, a chore she was dreading and  I'm sure she was pleased to see upon her arrival.  It felt so good to be serving in a small way!

I'm not sure about the driving permitt, the other Argentina waiting Misionary got his Saturday and I did not so for now I will not be diriving but all is good, we will see.  Maybe that's a sign that I won't be needing one cause I heading to Argentina on June 5th right? Well like I said maybe that would be great as I have heard they have closed down 12 areas now due to the lack of arriving Missionaries.

I haven't received any Senior photos from Riley or Breylyn so get those girls on the horn mom!  I sure will miss not being there for that and Kennedy's wedding, any updates there?

Yes I met with the Mission President for a 3 minute interview, he is really busy I guess.  It was nice to put a face with a voice though since he could not make it to pick us up at the airport.  I will see him in again in about 2 weeks, May 24th over halfway through the 6 weeks we are to be here but that is not set in stone.

I think I have lost about 12 lbs thus far, probably a good thing mom don't worry.  I am eating ok and I actually had BBQ the other night.  Now hold on to your chair mom,  I even tried the BBQ sauce and it was awesome, pretty wild huh?  It was different from what we have at home very tasty. 

We have laundry facilities here at the complex.  We go in 2 shifts to get it done.  Like Grandma, alot  of the ladies hang there laundry outside so cutting through alley's to get there faster isn't a wise option.  You just never know where those clothesline are, they are not alawys in just their own yards and can strectch into the alley' s, I guess depending on the size of the families.  Anyways they're waiting there like a web and you can get snatched off that bike pretty suddenly, luckily I have not yet! 

I think that about covers it!  Overall I am enduring and trying to endure well, although I will admit, the smell of occasional chlorine and laughter from behind fences remind me of some of my summer fun back home with friends.  I probably enjoyed the cliff surfing the most even though you held your breath and said a quick prayer when I told you where I was going, it was a rush like no other! 

I have to say I do enjoy the company of my closest friend The Holy Ghost.  In every moment of every day I feel it's  presence.  I know that my Heavenly Father smiles down on me every night and whispers another day well done Elder, well done.

"I want to leave this blog today with my testimony that Chirst lives and that he is with us through all life's experiences, and each of those experiences serves a purpose in strengthening us as individuals, and that adds strenghts to our testimonies as well.  I love my family very much and thank heavenly father daily for them.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.... amen"

Amor,
Anciano Draper 

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power." ~Allen Cohen~