December 17, 2012

Well howdy everybody.

 How is everything going in St. George? I hope great and that we all getting into the Christmas spirit. I’ve had a few good experiences here this week, but the work is still slowly moving forward. I think we just need to have a little more patient with the Lord and to put my confidence in Him. I know sometimes the Lord’s delays can be long but he only wants what is best for us.

Well yesterday was Brennan’s Birthday, and I spent the morning before going to church going over some of his stories. I have also been studying the talk Elder Eyring gave in this last conference about taking away the pavilion in our lives. There was a little part that I really liked. I feel like it is an answer to one of my prayers. He was talking about how many of us; we want to see the Savior now. However, we already have this meeting arranged at the judgment bar. It will be more pleasing for us to meet him there, and there will be nothing to hide his presence from us. 

Mom, it’s crazy, everything you sent to me about spiritual gifts and about Ether 12:27 I read this morning…Even those quotes by Elder Ashton. I did not, however, have those quotes by Elder McConkie. I’ll have to study that. I’m always amazed by our letters that it seems like we are always learning the similar things.

Answers

I received 1 big box and 1 small box, also your Christmas letter that you guys sent. Brennan’s envelope did not get here. I’m a little bummed about that. Not much you can do about that. I’ll also be on the look out for my debit card. Hopefully it’ll all come tomorrow.

Love you family. Thank you for all of your support. I’m praying for each of you, and your specific problems.

Love,

Elder Webster

December 10, 2012

Hey family,

How are we all doing in St. George? I hope you are enjoying the cold weather; it helps it feel more like Christmas that way. This week was a little bit of a let down with our investigators. NONE of them came to church. We were also waiting for a super awesome less active family to come but they didn’t show. Very frustrated with our investigators; we might just drop them and start looking for new people. All of them have problems with the law of chastity. They are not married but have children together and live together.

Our Next Zone Conference is Tomorrow! It will be our Christmas conference. I’m looking forward to seeing President and his wife. We are also planning to spend Christmas night with some members who are great. I really enjoy the members here. That has been the biggest difference of all of my other areas. All of the members are amazing and have great testimonies.

One neat thing that I have been learning while I have been on my mission is the love that God has for us. Whenever I give a priesthood blessing and lay my hands on someone’s head, I always feel the love that God has for that person. I always let that person know that God loves them and that he knows everything that is going on in their lives. Sometimes it’s hard to see or feel His love for us in our lives. But I know that He does love us, and that we can pray so that we can notice His love for us more in our lives.

I hope things work out for dad. I’ll be praying for him.

Answers

1. Tomorrow is the zone conference where we have Christmas activities. We also have a ward Christmas dinner the 20th and a Stake Choir event the 21st. It all should be great.

2. The Area is ok. Sometimes we feel like they don’t know what we are doing. I definitely feel like we need some divine guidance to help us out.

3. I haven’t had to cook since I’ve been here. We eat with members everyday. Its the same with laundry. Every week the members wash our clothes.

I love you family, I hope all is well.

December 3, 2012

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From: Chase Webster

Date: December 3, 2012 9:11:54 AM MST

Subject: Re: It’s December

Hey Family,

This week went by very fast. Tacuarembo is a really awesome area. The Ward is really great. We have about 4 young men who are getting ready to turn in their papers to serve missions. They are all studs, and they all love going out with the missionaries. I’m enjoying that. Also, I’ve been having a lot more success with my Spanish. I’ve been dedicating a lot of my extra time in the morning studying Spanish. I’ve been doing this for about 6 weeks now, and I’m seeing the fruits. I’ve been loosing exercise time, but I think this is a higher priority.

This week we found a lady named Medium. She is a middle-aged lady who told a member friend that she was passing through a difficult time in her life and needed some help and relief. This member lady thought of President Nelson’s talk from last General Conference and asked her if she would like to talk with the missionaries. She accepted and we went over to her house and talked to her. We focused our message on the Gospel and how it blesses our lives and our family’s lives…and provides relief. She really liked what she heard and loved talking to us. She asked us to come back. She has a tough work schedule and she is also a single parent raising 2 kids. So we only have time to visit her a couple days in the week. Please pray for her that she can progress.

We have a couple of other investigators but I really like this lady. She seems like she was prepared to hear the missionaries.

Shopping is great. This city has a main street that’s pretty close to our house and it’s filled with all kinds of shopping. We also have a little store right in front of our house where we always go to buy food for the mornings. I’m loving this area.

We played a little soccer this morning. One of the youth in the ward is trying to teach me how to do a bicycle kick and other tricks like that. Soccer can be very fun. Its crazy how it’s so big in the rest of the world, but in the United States it barely exists.

I`m great, I love being a missionary, I’ve been trying so hard the past couple of weeks just trying to do my very best and to keep trying to get better and to just be who Heavenly Father wants me to be.

Grandmas Christmas package already got here. I already ate the candy inside or gave it away to members but I’m saving the present until Christmas day.

Thanks Family for Everything. Love you guys so much. If you need anything from me just let me know.

Love,

November 26, 2012

November 26, 2012

Hola Familia ¿como están? Well, This week I got changed to my new area. Tacuarembo barrio 5. I’m back into the city but its not that big of a city which is nice. It’s right in the middle of Uruguay and it’s famous for all of its native South American artifacts that have been found here. I´m going to miss a lot of the members that were in that small branch. I spent a lot of time with them. I left Colonia 18 at about 7:00 in the morning. The Trip was actually really great. I took a bus ride for about 2 hours then we had a hang over in Artigas for a few hours. One of my Latino Elder friends who was waiting with me asked me if I could go with him to visit a few members. He had already been in the area.

My Apartment is amazing, the nicest one I’ve been in. It has air conditioning and tiled floors. We live in like a pool house in the back yard of a member. I’m loving it so far. People say its one of the best houses in the mission. The Ward here is pretty strong. All of the members have been really nice to me. They have two names for me either gaucho (which means cowboy) or Owen Wilson…ha ha. They call me cowboy because I´m wearing my cowboy hat again now that it’s getting really warm outside and Owen Wilson Because I have Blond hair. Uruguayans love movie stars.

I’m really enjoying my time in my new area. I’m with Elder Vasques. He’s from Costa Rica; he’s a really cool guy. He’s very good with the people. He likes to talk a lot and make jokes and is pretty out going. I’m sure I’ll learn a thing or two with him.

The investigator pool is a little dry. We are working with a lady named Sandra, she wants to be baptized but her only problem is that she isn’t married and her kids don’t want her to get married with the man she’s with. It’s difficult. Please Pray for her. She couldn’t come to church this last week because she was sick. We went to her house to give her a blessing. She was under the weather and hurt her back working. (I can understand that one) so my companion anointed her with oil and I gave the blessing. It had been awhile since I had given a blessing. I always have a great testimony of the power of the priesthood when I give blessings. I so glad to be worthy to be able to give blessings like that.

I hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving. I totally spaced Thanksgiving.  I don’t know what happened. I just forgot about it. This is odd because it is one of my favorite holidays.

I hope Dad’s birthday went great. I hope he will get the job with the Chris Stewart deal.

Well, I love you guys so much, I look forward to seeing you all during Christmas.

Love Elder Webster 

November 20, 2012

November 20, 2012 

Hey Family, Well It’s Tuesday and tomorrow are Transfers. I read the calendar wrong the last week thinking changes were the next week. But nope they are this week. Now I’m being transferred out of my Area. I leave tomorrow at 7:00 in the morning. I’m a little sad to be leaving, this has been my favorite area so far and I’m going to miss a lot of the members. I’m also a little disappointed because the baptism of John is this weekend on the 24th. I’m a little bummed about that. I am, however, excited to be changing things around. Change is good. My new companion is a Latino. It’ll be fun talking in all Spanish again. I’m sure it will help out a lot.

I heard that Dixie won the State Championship. That’s pretty cool I guess. Too bad Desert Hills couldn’t get back to the championship game but that’s sports.

I hope that Dad can get a break with landing a job with Chirs Stewart’s team. I think that would be amazing. I’ll be praying for him in this regard.

I’m very happy to be here in Uruguay. Missionary work is hard, but it brings so much happiness. This past year has been the most rewarding year of my life. I can’t wait for what’s in store for me in these last couple months. I always like to re-read my favorite scripture. The one that I have one my plaque. Alma 26:12. I know that I am weak, but with the strength of the Lord I can do all things. Then in verse 13 it talks about many mighty miracles have we wrought in this land. I hope to look back on my mission and to see all of the many mighty miracles I that I have seen.

That’s very interesting about the hastening of times. I really wonder how close the saviors’ coming is.

Answers: I was packing today and I realized I have way too many clothes and other stuff that I don’t really need.

1. Yes. I can get cocoa here. Stamps I’m good for right now. I think I’m good on everything. If I need anything I’ll let you guys know. Thanks for everything

Please send some photos of Thanksgiving. I would like to see some family action

Thanks family. I really appreciate everything that you guys do for me. Just keep praying as a family and do those things that we should be doing as a family.

Love Elder Webster

November 12, 2012

From: Chase Webster

Date: November 12, 2012 5:02:28 AM MST

To: Julie Webster

Subject: HOLA

Well it’s been a crazy week here with the Elections. Everyone here in Uruguay was talking about it. All of the Missionaries as well. Everyone here has CNN so of course everyone likes obama here. Tuesday night of the election I woke up in the middle of the night and I went and read my scriptures for a little bit. As I was reading I read a part about when they made the change from kings to judges. That it was better this way for the people to choose righteousness and that they should elect righteous leaders to help them live in rectitude. But that someday the people would choose to elect wicked judges to be their leaders. When I read that, I had a feeling that Obama won. And that America was heading in this direction. I felt that we as a family have to prepare for this time. And that I need to prepare myself. It always surprises me how the Book of Mormon was written for our day, and how I continually find inspiration for me.

I really think the Book of Mormon will be our latter-day liahona. That it will help us and guide us according to our faith. I’m glad you guys have a little more time to rest now.

This week we had ward conference, and leaders from the stake came to our little rama to talk to us. It was really neat to listen to their messages. It made me feel like I was in Utah again. I was really impressed by their knowledge. I’m glad the church can be the same around the world, with great leaders to help guide us. They talked a lot about the Plan of salvation and partaking of the sacrament every week. One thing they said that I really liked was that we go to church to learn how to be happy and to align our lives with the saviors, which will surely bring us happiness. I will write a letter about the things I learned. Our Investigator, John, went to church again this week. I enjoy seeing him because he has an attitude of wanting to change. I’m still really big on this, that if we come to the Lord with this attitude he will show us what we need to do to change.

Its really too bad about Mitt Romney, He’s still my hero

I celebrated Moms birthday by making cookies, I forgot my camera today so I’ll send the photos next week.

I`m glad Lauren is doing volleyball. I think it fits here body type. basketball really is way too much running and the coach’s aren’t the best in the world. I think volleyball will be better.  I’m sorry I didn’t give very good advise on this subject. I just prayed that you guys would make the best decision and I think you did.

Questions:

1. What’s dad up to now? Steve?

2. How’s Laurens Spanish, she should practice for when I call on Christmas day.

3. How are you guys doing with reading and praying? I know it helps us if we do those small things.

Answers: Transfers are November 27th.

John is doing really great he has his baptismal date for the 24th of November. Dad’s Birthday woo woot. We are working pretty hard with him. With our other investigators it’s just hard for them to make the effort to go to church, because they live far away.

Thanks family. I hope all of you guys are doing well. I’ve been praying hard for you guys this week. I hope we will be strengthened for what’s ahead.

Love Elder Webster

November 5, 2012

Hey Family,

This week was very good. We have found a lot of new people to teach. I’ve felt good about all of them. One of them is John. He came to church last Sunday. He had a good experience. John is 22 years old, and really wants to make some changes in his life. He has a baptismal date for the Nov. 24th. Dad’s birthday.

I think I’ll be leaving this area soon. I just hope I can help a few more people before that happens. This has been my favorite area so far. I really want to make a difference before I leave.

Yesterday I bore my testimony in sacrament meeting, I talked about repentance and change. I’m a big fan of saying that to people. I just said that I know Christ can help us change, through his atoning blood. The way that we can do this is through taking the sacrament every week. His sacrament really gives us strength that we need to make these changes. Every time we feel the spirit, it really shows a sign of repentance. We know that because that is one of the promises from the sacrament prayer. “That we may always have his spirit to be with us.” I just felt like I should tell those people how great this church is, that we do see modern day miracles and one of those miracles is seeing people change.

With Lauren, I’m not sure what to say. I know Tanner Atkin’s sister played basketball and volleyball. She didn’t play suva. With my opinion, I say just try out for basketball. So you can have more options when you get older. You are only a freshman after all. But I know things are a lot more competitive, I know you’ll make the right choice. Love you Lauren, good luck with which ever you choose

Questions: Please let me know how the elections play out.

Also, how things go with Lauren. I’ll pray for her. Whatever she chooses will be the best choice.

Answers: I did get your package. It was great. I loved the carmel and the New Mitt Romney power tie, haha. Thanks so much for that.

I want to apply to Dixie State, Snow College, BYU, I want to try to get to BYU someday, but I think I might have to get my grades better and go to a smaller school then transfer up. I also want to try to play football. I’m not sure...lots of dilemmas.

I love you family. Thanks for everything.

Here is a photo of my Red Mitt Romney Tie. Thanks so much for it. I feel very presidential.

PS.

How is Brian Scott Doing?  The mission has been praying and fasting for him. We hope to see him here very soon. We know with all of our faith together we can heal him and get him here to do the work he has foreordained to do.

October 29, 2012

October 28, 2012

Hey Family. Last Saturday we had a special mission conference with Elder Oaks. It was a really great conference. He talked about repentance and how necessary it is in our lives and in the lives of our investigators. I already wrote a letter about all the talks given. Hopefully, they get there soon.

One of the biggest things that I was impressed with was that I came to the conference looking for a way to change me. To become the man God wants me to become. He gave that talk about repentance. Repentance means change. I was very impressed with all of the talks given.

We all got to shake his hand. Pretty funny…just a few years ago he was sitting by me in our church listening-in on our Priest quorum class.

I’ve been really enjoying listening to conference talks in the morning. I always find myself listening to Elder Holland’s talk and Elder Eyring’s two talks.

It’s starting to get really hot here. It’s the humidity that kills me. There is no perfect temperature; it’s either hot or cold.

I’ve been having great experiences in lessons. Teaching is getting better and I feel the spirit testifying of my teachings. I think that’s the most important thing I can be doing as a missionary. Now, it’s just up to the people to use their agency and accept it. I just always pray that my testimony can touch these people’s hearts.

I’m very excited for these upcoming weeks with the election and high school play-offs. I pray for you guys that you can have the strength to keep going with all of the work. I’m very proud of you guys to be working on such a great cause. I’ve been praying for Steve that he can find direction in his life. I feel Stephen will find his direction soon.

Answers: Grandma Poulton’s letters always get to me in about 2 to 3 weeks. What ever she is doing is working. I did not get the package yet, probably tomorrow. For Christmas I would like 2 new pairs of garments, a few ties (I’ve given away a few to members who don’t have them). I don’t really need too much more. I still have plenty of shampoo…Maybe a pack of tooth brushes and tooth paste. I’m very welcome on receiving food items and dessert packages. Maybe pictures. My comps family sent him 2 English dictionaries; he gave me one so I don’t need one now.

Questions: do you think I need to start thinking about applying for school? Also, my personal debit card expired last month. I can’t take out money. How can I renew that?

I’m so thankful for my family. What I really want to do is go to the temple when I get back. Please help all so we can all go. I have been with a lot of companions who don’t have the same family unity as we do. But we all need to keep trying to get better.

Thanks for the emails. It’s always uplifting. I love you guys thanks for everything and all of your support.

Date: October 29

Subject: Re: Lauren's email

Hey Lauren, what’s up? I still can’t believe that you are a freshman. Freshman year was one of my most fun years. Enjoy every moment of it. I hope you have been having fun with seminary. I still remember a lot of the things I learned in seminary, and it’s so nice having that part of the day to get away from school and feel the spirit. Lauren, I hope you are well. Please remember to pray and read your scriptures. The times in high school when my grades were highest were when I was reading my scriptures everyday. I love you Lauren. Later gator. 

October 21, 2012

October 21, 2012

Hey Family, I’m doing well in Colonia 18. This week was very rewarding. Last Friday and Saturday we found a couple of families that were just amazing. We found them both with the help of member’s references. We knocked on their doors and they let us in. listened to everything said, accepted to go to church and be baptized. These two lessons were the most powerful lessons that I’ve had on my mission. I actually felt the spirit testifying to people that these things are true. A great experience. First is Emilia and her two kids. She came to church yesterday and loved everything. All the members were really supportive. She is actually the cousin of our branch president. He and his wife have been a great support for her. I’m getting a lot better at following the spirit this last week. I’ve felt very stretched this week with all that has happened. A lot of praying for help with my Spanish and that the people can feel the power of my testimony whenever I share it.

I really like this area. It’s very different from all of the other areas here in Uruguay. It’s famous in our zone because our area is very big, and we have to bike everywhere. Right now I’m blessed to have Elder Manning with me. He’s been a very great help so far. He’s happy to be working with me. He cooks really well also. He’s been teaching me just basic things like cooking meat and adding spices and all sorts of stuff.

My companion has been out for 15 months and he’s really smart, went to BYU, and wants to be a mechanical engineer. He knows Spanish really well and is happy helping me. He likes to be organized and to plan things out very well. I’m learning a lot with him.

Answers: We have found a lot of people this past week and I thank you for your prayers. I know they are helping us. I felt very inspired Saturday night after I said my prayers. Please continue to pray for us, that we can help Elaina and her kids. For my Spanish and that I can have courage.

Questions: 1. Mom, I remember you wrote down something about spiritual gifts for all of us boys. I would like to hear those thoughts about us if that wouldn’t be too much trouble. After listening to Pres. Eyring’s talk in priesthood I just want to know what my spiritual gifts are and how I can serve God better with those gifts. Maybe you and dad can put something together for us boys and Lauren.

2. For Christmas I would like peanut butter.

I’ll pray for you guys, especially dad that he can hang in there. I’m super proud that you guys are doing this. I pray it’ll make a difference.

Love you guys, so much. Thank you for your prayers. 

October 15, 2012

October 15, 2012

Hi Family how is everybody? Well, I got a new companion this last week; Elder Manning from Las Vegas. He’s pretty cool. He Played football in high school and we get along pretty well. He’s very positive, and he is very excited to be working with me. It’s nice being with an American because we are always on the same page. There’s not as much confusion.

You’re right. I hit my year mark this Wednesday. It’s pretty crazy it’s gone by so fast. I’m not sure how I feel. At the same time I feel like I’ve grown a lot, but I feel I still need to be so much better. I’m defiantly going to set some goals of who I want to be at the end of this year. Get a lot better with my Spanish, and my teaching, learning to follow the spirit better and just becoming a better person.

I’m really glad we went on that vacation to California. I just have a lot of great memories of that trip…Going to the temple and Magic Mountain. I’m so glad we spent time as a family to do that.

This last week was very tough for us. We had two investigators that dropped us. Also, Pablo, the man we baptized a couple weeks ago, is having problems and doesn’t want to go to church or even talk to us. He has a girl friend now and isn’t making good choices. It just makes me sad after all we went through with him. We are also dealing with a lot of inactive young couples with problems in their marriages here in the branch. It’s pretty tough trying to give council about marriage. Sometimes I just get a little overwhelmed with dealing with all of things of the world. I also don’t know if I ever want to get married after seeing all of these problems. ¨I don’t like confrontation¨ Rex from Toy Story. I just do the best I can, and try to let the spirit do all of the talking. It usually always turns out better that way.

This week we are praying and fasting to find people who are ready to accept the gospel. Please pray for us that we can find them. Also pray for me that I can have more courage.

Anything I can do for you guys? I want to try to send a package to you…Like I did the last time. I might have to use my money from my debit card, hope that’s ok. But I hope the work is going well.

Well, I love you guys. I pray for you guys everyday. I wish you the best. quidensen 

October 9, 2012

October 9, 2012

Hey Family how is it going? I’m doing well. This week was very busy with conference. We rode our bikes into the city to sleep over with the zone leaders Friday night. There were lots of storm warnings over the weekend and the storm came a lot harder than expected. I was very glad I was in the city and not out in the country. Some rivers flooded over streets. Pretty bad. Today it’s raining even harder and we can’t really leave our house because the streets on both sides of us are flooded. Hopefully, it stops raining soon.

I loved Conference. It definitely was a joy to watch all of the sessions, take notes and watch in English. All of the Americans were in a little room watching on a little TV in English. Some of my favorite talks were by President Eyring in priesthood and Sunday session. It answered a lot of questions that I had written before the conference. Also, of course president Holland’s talk. I knew of this talk before, but this talk was different. Just in spirit and a lot more emphasis in the phrase: “Peter do you love me?” All of us will be asked that question at the judgment bar. I loved what he said about baptizing someone saying that it does not only change them, but it should change you. I look forward to the time when I can have that opportunity.

Changes are tomorrow. I’m staying here in Colonia 18. My new companion will be Elder Manning. He’s from Las Vegas. Other than that, I don’t know anything about him. He’ll get here tomorrow afternoon. I’ll miss Elder Rivera. He just got called to be a Zone Leader. Pretty cool.

That’s pretty cool about the Romney Debate. I’m really happy about that. I was reading in this months Liahona about the Book of Mormon. And about how God uses inspired leaders to help us overcome the problems of the world. Like Captain Moroni and his title of liberty. Leading the Nephites in times of war and political rebellion. I really think Mitt is an inspired leader. I feel good when praying for him.

I’m excited for Lauren. I’m glad she’s having success in sports. I’m proud to be her older brother. I hope she’s doing well. I haven’t heard from her in awhile.

Christmas list: I would like a cook book. I know there is a book in Deseret Book called cooking for missionaries or college students. Also, Mormon Tabernacle Choir with Catherine Jenkins. Also, a small English dictionary (as small as you can find).

Well, love you guys. I hope all is going well. I’ll be praying for you guys with the election that you can extra strength to keep working at the Victory Center.

Tell Grandma after watching Elder Scotts talk and the Mormon ad between conference sessions about the family in Illinois. I want to do family history work with her when I get home.

hasta la luego, Elder Webster

October 2, 2012

October 2, 2012

Uruguay Montevideo West Mission

Hey Family how is it all going? I’m doing great here in Uruguay. This week was a little rough. The teaching pool has pretty much fizzled out. We went and did a lot of contacting into some areas we’ve never gone to before. We didn’t have much success. We went to a small group of houses that are pretty far away from the church. We did some contacting and found a nice family. They were really interested in the church and loved everything that we taught. The only problem with them is that the church is so far away and they don’t have a car. They told us that next week they will try to come with their horse and carriage buggy. It’s about 3 miles from church. We’ll see if they can make it. That will be a first to see a family show up to church like that. That seems to be the big problem with this area. There are people interested; they just can’t make the trip to the chapel. We might just have to keep working close to the church. Maybe there are some we missed. Pray to help us find someone to teach that is prepared to receive the gospel…that can come to church.

The Spanish still is a working process. I can always get better. It’s the accent that kills people

We had interviews last week. It’s always great talking to president Heaton. Also, I get to talk to his wife, Hermana Heaton. She said Obama is winning by a bit in the overall pool she said the country really must be a wicked country if they want him over Romney. I laughed. This really seems like a battle between good and evil.

I played basketball today with some of the elders of the zone. Latinos are not very good. But I bet that’s what they think when we play soccer with them

That’s crazy they pulled Riley Nelson and started a freshman. BYU football, you never know what to expect.

I hope you guys are doing well. Let me know how the debate goes with Mitt Romney. I’m sure it will be interesting. Also, please let me know how what you guys are up to. What you are learning? I’m sending off a letter tomorrow. Hopefully, it will get there soon.

I love you guys. I hope all is going well. I pray for you guys and your success.

Love Elder chase Webster

September 24, 2012

September 24, 2012

Hey Family, How’s it going? Things are good here. I was very happy to read your emails today. It sounded like you guys had a great experience this past Sunday. I’m glad you guys had the experience to go to the open house. That’s one thing that I can’t do here. Go to the temple.

We have eaten a lot with members this week which is not very usual. They cook pretty well. But it’s all noodles with some type of sauce. It’s all good but sometimes I wish I had something else to eat. Not a lot of choices on the menu as you can see.

With Laundry, we actually have a washing machine. It’s the only one in the mission. That’s pretty nice to have.

Lucia is having troubles with her family. Her Grandma does not want to her be baptized. We are just facing obstacles like that. We are working things out. I hope everything will work out. Please continue to pray for her.

This week went ok. I had another allergic reaction yesterday. I’m not sure if it is the food or with it being spring here. I’m not sure.

My Spanish is ok, but I want it to be a lot better. Please pray for me in that area. I know I can be a better missionary if I have this down.

Saturday we planted a garden in front of our house. I’ll have to send a picture next week. Grandma and Grandpa Rasmussen would be so proud.

Answers: 1. Transfers are the week after Conference...October 8th or around there.

2. For Christmas I would like a black scripture case. The kind you find at Deseret Book. I remember we found some that were way too big. I want one of those. Spanish scriptures are that size. Also, I would like a red tie. I don’t have one. A red tie as if I was running for president. Other than that, I can’t think of anything else…just snickers bars.

3. Music. There is a motab cd that I would like. Choose something like a star. Other than that I’m not sure what I would like. Maybe Steve can think of something on a cd is best.

I’m sorry I don’t have much time today, but I love hearing about what you guys are doing with volleyball, work, politics, temple dedications and all of that. I hope Steve gets an opportunity with the Houston Astros. That would be Awesome.

Family, I love you. Thanks for everything. I pray for you guys everyday and I hope all is going well.

Love Elder Webster

September 17, 2012

September 17, 2012

Hey Family. This week went very well, very fun. This weekend we had a great Stake Conference. We rented a bus and picked every member in our branch up to go to the Stake Center. Fun experience getting everyone together. When we got to the stake center they told us we had a surprise speaker. We were a part of a giant stake conference being televised throughout all of the stakes of Uruguay and Paraguay. 30 stakes. The speakers were President Monson,  President Anderson of the 12 and Sister Rivas of the Relief Society. It was a pretty crazy conference. All of the talks were really good. President Anderson and sister Rivas spoke in Spanish. Well…ok Spanish. President Monson had a translator. It was really cool seeing general authorities before conference. I’ll write more about their individual talks.

We had trouble this week with Lucia the Daughter of Pablo with her baptism. We had problems with her grandma. If you guys could please pray for her that she can get baptized. I’d appreciate that.

1. Your Packages Arrived. yeah. But it was the winter garments. It’s way too hot to be wearing those now. They will come in handy next winter. I just hope I can fit everything in suit case. also the cds for the Mormon tabernacle, thanks so much for that. Kristen’s package also arrived. It was really great what they did and said for me. I’m really grateful for them.

2. Wow! I’ll have to think about Christmas. It feels so far away. I’ll think of something that I want. I’ll let you know next week.

3. I received a letter from Kristin and grandma Poulton.

4. My companion is doing well. He is the District Leader right now, so he is a little stressed out. I’m helping him out in what I can.

5. The area is doing well. Now that we just baptized Pablo, we don’t have much to work with. We are starting over again.

6. You can always write more about football. But just a quick update is fine

I love you Family, I wish I could tell you more about my mission. I just struggle in writing, in the details, and everything else. I’m learning and coming closer to my Savior, and I’m trying to help others come to their Savior.

Love Elder Webster

September 10, 2012

September 10, 2012

Hey Family, how is it all going? This past Sunday was really great. Pablo who was baptized last Sunday received the Holy Ghost. I felt the spirit very strong in this moment and I was so happy to be seeing someone make such a change in his life. I couldn’t believe that we reached this moment with him. I still can’t believe it; it feels more like a dream. We are all really excited in a next week he will receive the Aaronic Priesthood and will have the opportunity to baptize his daughter (Lucia, who we are now teaching). I’m happy to be teaching her. Now that Spanish is a little bit easier, teaching is a lot more fun. A lot easier to express ones self.

Answers 1. The mail blockage finally was lifted, the offices called me the other day saying my packages have arrived and I should get it tomorrow. I’m pretty excited and so is my companion. haha. 2. They also said we had a lot of letters that had been held up and that I’ll also receive them tomorrow. 3. I’m doing amazing. I’m happy and I’m healthy. I’ll admit I’m getting a little skinny with all of the biking. My leg muscles are great but the top is a little thin. I think I need to start working out a little more. Spiritually I’m good. I love reading the book of Mormon in Spanish. I don’t know why, but I just find things that I haven’t found in English before. I love reading about Ammon and his brothers. What great missionaries they were. I read about these great examples and often try to follow them. 4. The thing that I would like for the future is the music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Family I love you, I think of you often. I’m glad that dad is doing well with work and is having great time meeting these people. I hope he gets the opportunity meeting Romney. I think dads a capo for working with all of these things. Mom, I’m glad you traveled well, and that you found your way around. Traveling can be stressful.

Thanks for everything. Love you all.

Elder Webster

Mom, if you could send that Talk to me of Elder Holland...that would be great. 

September 3, 2012

September 3, 2012

Hey Family how are we all doing? I’m doing great. Really, really great. We had an Amazing Baptism this past Sunday. Pablo was baptized. Ya! It was great experience. It really was a lot of work to help him get baptized, he had a lot of doubts. Now what we want to do is give him the Priesthood so he can baptize his daughter. We think that would be a great experience for him and his Daughter. This baptism was a miracle for us. A lot of fasting and praying. I’ll send a picture through mail and through email next week

I will pray for dad and his work that he will find more volunteers, maybe he can ask some of my friends like Angie and Haley, I will also pray you too mom. Please Travel safe. Remember who you are and make good choices. haha.

Answers 1. The mail break just ended here, so I’ll be hoping for the packages tomorrow. We’ll see.

2. Emails I haven’t gotten any of them. Maybe you can just add them with yours. I’m tired of not getting my mail. 7 weeks without anything. Frustrated missionary.

3. I’m learning to work with people and how important family home evening is. I’m learning a lot more than this, I’ll write a letter today. I sent a letter last week; hopefully it’ll get there soon

4. The only thing I can think of is a Brennan story. That would be nice.

I hope to get your letters soon. It’s been rough not getting mail. Missionaries live for the mail.

You guys are always in my prayers. I love you all.

Elder Webster

August 28, 2012

August 28, 2012

Hey Family, how are things going in St. George? I hope things are going great with all of your busy schedules. I`m doing great here in Uruguay. We just had the announcement that we are going to have an Apostle come here to Uruguay; The Apostle is going to be Elder Dallin H. Oaks. But we are going to have a mission conference with him. Pretty Crazy. Everyone’s really excited. It’ll be in October right after General Conference. Things are good here in our Area. We were going to have a Baptism this last Friday with Pablo. but one of his Daughters was really sick vomiting and everything, so he didn’t want to leave here. We rescheduled his baptism for the next Sunday. Hopefully everything works out. He felt really bad about missing his baptism. He said next week he will go si or si. He really wants this change in his life. He knows the Church is true and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet because he felt the spirit testify to him of these things. It’s these feelings that we have to pay attention to. It’s through these feelings that we can know what God wants us to know. We had Changes this week, and things are going to stay the same. Same companion, same area. I’m excited to still be here. This has been my favorite area so far. If we could just have this baptism it would be great. If he gets baptized he’ll receive the priesthood the following week and can baptize one of his Daughters. I think that would be amazing experience for him. The Branch is doing good, more people are starting to come again. We had more than 40 this week. Maybe its just because its getting warmer. That’s the main excuse people give us for not coming to church. Uruguayan excuses are ridiculous. I hope you are all doing well, I pray for each of you and how I can be a better member of this family. I wish all of you the best of luck with Volleyball Cheer, The Romney Campaign, School, and Life in general. Love you all, Elder Webster

August 20, 2012

August 20, 2012

Hey Family, how you guys doing? I`m doing great here In Uruguay. This week went very well. Our investigator, Pablo, went to church again this last Sunday and now he has a baptism date for the next Sunday, Aug. 26th. So we are going to be working extra hard this week to help him stay focused and keep him animated for his baptism. This baptism would mean the world to us both since we have both been struggling lately.

I still haven’t received those two packages. Sorry or the emails from the rest of the family. Maybe you could just attach them to your email. Maybe that’ll be better.

I`m very excited that Lauren made the volleyball team. Hopefully, it’ll all work out with Cheer. That’s awesome she has coach Sweeten as her Spanish teacher. She’ll have to say hi to him for me. My companion says if she is studying Spanish he would like to write a letter to her. (haha). I hope she is doing well and she is having fun with school and sports. she’s officially in high school now. WOW. She’s also 5'9”. Wow.

I’m sad Steve didn’t get the audition in Florida. I just now there are other doors for him in this life and that things will work out for him. More opportunities are out there for him. I’m sure of it. We were at our Land Lords house the other day and he was watching baseball. It was the Mariners game. The one Stephen was at. Pretty funny that the first baseball game I see in the mission is one that Steve is at. Funny how our family can be connected…even though I’m on the other side of the world.

Mom and Dad, I hope you guys are doing well with the Romney Campaign, and with regular work. Dad, I’ll pray for you that things will work out, and that things will get better. Just hang in there.

Thanks for your emails. I always look forward to reading them. Hopefully, I’ll get a letter in the mail soon from you guys.

Too bad about Desert Hills. we will see how this year goes. Just too young and too inexperienced.

Well, I love you guys, and hope everything goes great for everybody. I will pray more earnestly for each of you. 

August 13, 2012

August 13, 2012

Hey family, how is everyone? This week was probably the most tiring but most rewarding week of my mission. We had three of our investigators come to church. It truly was a miracle for this to happen. We felt prompted to ask if our land lord if he could help us out, If we could go pick them up in his van. He said he’d love too. We went Sunday and we picked up Pablo and his 4 little girls. and Rosa who’s mom is a member. They all had a great time at church. We have seen great changes with Pablo and with his girls. Before he had doubts about everything and was not living a great life. But all because we challenged him to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it, he’s changed. He says he feels good while reading it and that it truly teaches the doctrine of Christ. I have a great testimony now about the power of the Book of Mormon and how it changes lives. It’s even changed the lives of his little girls. Before, they were all little brats. That’s the truth. Now they are better, they don’t hit, they don’t scream, and their reverent during prayers. It’s just a great feeling to see people change. Pablo has a baptismal date for the 25^th of August. We are working hard so he and his oldest daughter can be baptized. It really was a great week. We worked really hard, we prayed a lot together that we could have this miracle happen… to get these people to church.

Right now I’m just studying how I can fulfill those promises that were given to me in my missionary blessing and my patriarchal blessing, I really want to change and become something great. Or, just become the person that Heavenly Father wants me to become.

I hope all is going well with you guys. I enjoyed reading your emails and seeing what you guys are up to. I’m glad Lauren tried out for volleyball. For varsity I mean. I hope it was a good experience. I wish her luck with try outs and with school.

Mom, thank you for your prayers and for the prayers of the family. I really saw some prayers answered this week.

I Pray dad is doing well with his work and that he is striving for greatness. I also pray for Stephen that he can catch a break in this life and get back on the right road and stay on it. I know it’ll be a happier life. Mosiah 2:41 “if we keep the commandments we will be blessed and we will be happy.”

Answers1. I haven’t gotten mail or the packages. The Elders in the offices are saying that there are still problems with the mailing system here in Uruguay. 2. Weather has been crazy cold and rainy.

Questions. Are you guys praying and reading as a family still.

Is my picture up in the seminary building? (haha). How’s Frodo doing?

Ok, love you guys. I sent a letter to you guys two weeks ago. Hopefully it gets there this week. I’ll work on another today.