E-Mail 12-28-2009

So yeah...Not much to really tell ya since Christmas. I got my package on the 26th! All was well in it! THANK YOU!!!! I really enjoyed all of it, and am excited to draw some really neat pictures in my new fancy sketchbook!
Last I hear from Jared is that he is doing fine! He says they shovel tract to each door. They shovel out their walk-way and he says they are more receptive! So thats cool! I can't even imagine that!
Also Ben Hillman, Brianne's twin Brother got his mission call to Zimbabwe Herare Africa!! He leaves March 3rd! So thats cool!
Don't worry. The phone call didn't bring me down. Thats part of the reason I shared a scripture with everyone...so I wouldn't get home sick! I'm so smart huh?! Haha! Jk! It was super great to talk to everyone! I really enjoyed it! and look foward to mothers day! hope all is still well.
Here is the website with a vision of the spirit world.

http://byui.edu/onlinelearning/courses/hum/121/vision%20of%20h%20hale.htm

Enjoy!
Love Elder Luke Stander!

E-Mail 12-21-2009

Uh....forgot what I told you.....Sorry. Just give me a call whenever. Perferrably not in the early morning cause my comp said he will be calling his family......uh.....we'll work something out and I will let you know some how! :D
I only got one package...I opened it, and saw jerky, I'm guessing thats perishable. Right? It's in the fridge! Thanks for the new Era's and Ensigns! I loved it! and have enjoyed reading them! I will keep a look out for the second package. I also got a package from Grandma and Grandpa R. with some home made chocolates! Yum!
This week was a super great week....but not so much for missionary work...:( On Wednesday me and my comp were able to go to the temple for a recent convert endowment. Elder Nelson was asked to be his Escort...so consequensly I got to tag along too! I learned so many new things! It was a really great experience! Alot of the Lecanto/Inverness memebers work at the temple on wednesday, so we just got a ride! from them! Then went to a Zone Conferance on Thursday, and saw Elder Justin Merrill there! we went to school together! So that was neat! So it was a really spiritual week.....Just didn't have much time to tract and such.
Also, For Christmas President Darrington gave all of us a Book of Mormon and told us to mark in red everything refering to Jesus Christ and when he speaks and such......so me and my comp have started that....and wow! I knew it talked of Christ alot....but I'm really suprised of how red some of those pages are! so thats pretty cool! All is well with me! and am glad to hear all is well with all of you....minus some lack of speaking due to laringitis. :D
Have a Merry Christmas! and I'll TALK to you later! :D
Elder Stander

E-Mail 12-14-2009

I did get one package....I'm guessing it is the perishable one cause it's square, and I opened it and found honey! So thank you!! I didn't however open the wrapped items. My comp told me to wait. So wait I will. I have not recieved the other package as of today. But I also haven't checked the mail yet either. So thank you! And once I get to the post office to get boxes and send stuff, you will also get a package!
Sounds like the bathroom is going to be neat-o! I hope the toilets aren't to high.....I like have my feet on the ground! haha! This week I did missionary work, the usual stuff. But one night there was a mix up on exchanges and the bishop got upset and so we set up a meeting with him and worked things out and got it all taken care of.....but that was the most exciting thing of the week! except we did get one investigator to church! It was Frank Hyer! He said he enjoyed it and will think of some questions to ask us on Wednesday. That is also the day me and my comp get to go to the temple, and also Stop at boyd's bookstore.....So I plan on getting me some neat-o stuff there! for study! So thats sum it up.
As for calling...President told me to have you call me! So if you call at five there, then it will be seven here? if you call our cell phone at seven, we get free minutes, and thats also what my comp told me. So call when it's seven in florida.
If that doesn't work or something......I'll call you guys. or something....? I dno't know. Ok. bye.
Love-Elder-Stander-.

E-Mail 12-7-2009

Those pictures are just ones that Sister williams took and printed out. So I thought I would send them to you for thanksgiving! You should be THANKFUL you got pictures...as I see it! Lets not be too greedy mother! You will get your pictures soon enough!
As far as calling home I think I have 45 min. to an hour to talk, and I will prolly be able to call from a members home! Prolly pretty early.........we are four hours ahead of you guys....so if I call at noon it will be eight for you. So I will find out for sure when I'll be calling! mmmkay.
Not much has happened this week. I tracted alot and such. I got a calender for next year! It's an Office one so I can read the little quotes and laugh to myself.
Pretty neat that you get some remodled poop rooms! Will I even be able to tell that I am home in two years? Sounds like alot of fun is happening. Corgin sounds really smart. I hope you guys are telling him about me! He better know who I am when I return or Ill be pissed!
as far as the music goes...I have thought about it, and read the rules concerning music in the white hand book, and have come to the conclusion that it is ok. President gaves us other qualifications also and they fit in with that! So I'm pretty sure it's ok!
I will try to send the package either this week or next. depending on when I have time! I like New Eras! (hint) yep! so have a great week! I get to go to the Temple this next week on the 16th! ok. peace
Love Elder Stander

Snail mail 12/2/09

Left to Right:
Police officerman, ME!, Police officerwoman, Elder Nelson (my comp.), Elder Sprague (from Nebraska), Elder Buchanan (from San Hose, California), and Police officerman @ a Thanksgiving food giveaway for the needy.


I'm making hot dogs and I'm loving it! Elder Buchanan is poking fun and the woman in green is from a Baptist church in Iverness and so is everyopne else in the picture minus the 3 in shirts and ties. Me, Elder B. and Elder Sprague.

Forever the artist!

E-Mail 11-30-2009

Sounds cool! We ate at teh bishops house and got to know him better, which was good! Then me and my comp went to the Romney's and watched this really good video about teh book of mormon! it was so spiritual! But before all of that we played soccer with the Romney's and Ellis's and that was alot of fun! President Darrington also granted permission for all missionaries to watch the BYU vs Utah game on Saturday night! So we went to a memebers house to watch that and it was a really good game! BYU made alot of mistakes but totally redeemed themselve in Over-Time! so that was cool! This week was alot of fun! but also got some work done! so thatss cool!
Man! Thats crazy....the new bishopric! man, thats cool! They all should do a great job!
You should have my address cause I sent you some pictures! :DNot much happening with me, except missionary work! :D Hope you enjoy the holidays! and I will too! plus! I get to call you next month! :D I'll figure out when so all can be there.....I think.....I'll try! :D
Love ya!\ Lover Elder Stander!

E-Mail 11-22-2009

hmmm. I'm glad you liked that last letter.
HAPPY THANKSGIVINGDAY!!! on thursday.
I have a feeling I am going to be very well fed. we already have two dinners and heard a possibility of a third! We are going to eat and hang out with this really cool family, and one of teh youngest in the ward. They are the Romney's. and I think they are realted to like marion G. but don't quote me on that! Then Bishop Sampson and his wife also invited us over for dinner! So we will visit them. So no worries about me! I'll be well fed. and The Romney's want to show us this movie about the reflections of Christ Another testament dealio....they say it's really good! and we're going to play soccer there too! So it shall be fun!
Corgin is a little "mini me?" Cool! "I shall call him mini me!" (with pinky elevated to mouth in a Dr. Evil fashion) :D So how did the deal work out with katie and the accident? Was the car totalled or fixable? did the insurance pay for it? Sounds like all is well and good. All is well and good with me! I could use more pants! But I did get a new three piece suit at a thrift store! it's pretty cool! and my tie collection is impressive. What I would like alot is the john bytheway collection I have, and I saw he has a second collection also that I would delight in! also my own personal ensign's would be neat starting with last conferance's report. (novembers) I did get myself a cd player, and some really nice speakers and have some burned cd's that are pretty good! So thats all set. I think thats basically all I really want or need. If I think of anything else I'll tell ya!
Picked up a sweet new "gator" this week! his name is Rex DeMerritt! He is really really smart and he really know's the Bible well, but is humble enough to listen to us! He loves Joseph Smiths story, and wants a copy of Joseph Smith's history...So we will work on that. He seems real positive so that is cool. Also did a real big service project. a giant food give-away for the needy. it was really neat! alot of good people were helped out! So that was cool. Other than that....same ol' same ol. Just tracting, eating, sleeping, and the spirit. I like honey.....some more would be nice! :D
Love Elder me.

E-Mail 11-16-2009

I told Luke I needed more info and I wrote him a very short letter letting him know we were alive and fine. I told him I would continue to write these kind of letters until I received more detailed ones from him. I also told him to send the pictures he's been promising us. This is what I received. . . . . . . . .
(He is such a smart alec!)

Didn't I tell you about Marie Davis? I'm pretty sure I did. and I put all my pictures on a disc to send to you I just haven't! Cause I'm trying to figure out if I need to send anything else home too! So I have a package that is going to be sent home with the tape recorder and all! and the disc of pictures with brief info on them! So you will have all the pictures of the mtc and my first area! I only sent Brianne pictures cause she asked for some! I'm sending you a whole disc full! I plan to send you a disc of all my areas after I get transfered.
This week I wore a white shirt and a variety of ties and black pants. I wore black shoes on my feet and also black socks! I went tracting alot and knocked on alot of doors! Some people listened, some people didn't! I taught a guy named Frank Hyer on tuesday. Frank was a media referral who wanted to join the church years ago, but his wife said she would divorce him if he joined....but she did it anyways so now he wants the lessons again. He is a real estate agent. I taught him the resoration and challenged him to read. Then set up an appointment for friday. I tracted. Friday we went and tought Frank Hyer againand answered some of his questions. Then afterwards we went and taught this other guy named Chris Reeves whom we tracted into. Taught him the resoration. He accepted it well. He seems really familier and he is only 24. he is married with two kids and he is a sherriff. Tracted some more. I drank some juice. When I consume alot of liquids I pee alot. it's science. I visit some members. I miss my first area. my companion is Elder Alex benson Nelson from west jordan utah. he is cool. he has short hair and wears a white shirt and ties. he has to have contacts. sometimes he wears glasses. We get along well. We teach teh gospel. We go to church. we feel the spirit. We do missionary work. A mission will be the gayest time of my life......I sleep in teh same room with a guy, I eat with a guy....I live with a guy....and I always have to stay with this guy 24/7. it's p-day today. I'm e-mailing my family.
Love Elder.

E-Mail 11-9-2009

Mom! You don't need all the info! plus....not much goes on here ....just tracting and teaching the gospel....I really don't know what to tell ya! I tell ya all the exciting things. Today we went to a zoo park thingy and saw some manatees! also some Gators, and a hippo who is an actual citizen of FL named Lou, and some snakes. That was pretty neat. Sister Williams is a memeber here in Inverness and she is also our neighbor. She and her Husband have a ranch and lots of land, plus some tractors! she is related to Niel A. Andersen of the quorm of the 12 apostles! so thats cool! The teaching pool is getting bigger and the waether is getting cooler and alot less humid! ......um.......I will pray for Katie! I'm glad she and Corgin is alright! I also got the letter from Dad! I really enjoyed it! I will try to write him back if I have time! I would do more info if I had more time and wasn't so slow at typing! I have only 30 minutes, and I have to write president Darrington every week to keep him informed! Oh a kid I went to high school with is in this mission. and also this kid who took Brianne on a blinde date and who's big bro married my friend Arianna who use to live in Apopka FL. small world huh?! anywho.......I don't know what else to say! but I love letters and await them! :D love you all peace!
Love Elder Stander

E-Mail 11-2-2009

Well here in Inverness we have a grand total of 4 potentials. Only like 2 of them are real positive! But It'll be better in a bit! My comp is cool though!
Last night as I was going to bed, I went into my closet and looked in my suitcase and there was this giant spider in there....So I took a picture, then I picked up something to kill it and I slammed down 3 times then it ran away into some of my clothes...so I coaxed it out of there then it ran under my small suit case....so I moved thet, then threw a rag on it nad took a shoe and slammed down on it like 10 times! Then I moved the rag and the spider was all curled up in a ball....then started uncurling.....It was freakin' invincible! Then I took the shoe and did a "squash n' slide" So I smeard it and then it died....but it was tenacious! It was about as big as a pop can top! I was a wee bit scared for a bit....mostly cause it wouldn't die! So there is a nice story for ya!
Not much is happening here in Inverness since we just tract alot and meet the members. But You will be glad to know that sister Williams has a son on a mission, so she takes good care of us! She is the one who got missionaries back into Inverness and Lecanto! So she is fired up about missionary work! They also own a farm/ranch, and live right next to us! It's almost like home! Only Hot!! haha! Thanks for keeping me filled in! and also Tell Dad I won't worry about the hay anymore! I was real worried!:D (actually kinda was) Keep up the good work, and don't die! kay? kay! peace out familia!
Elder Stander.

E-Mail 10-26-2009

Well, it's going good, The transfer was a'ight, I'm starting to kinda sorta get the lay of the land, My new Comp is Elder Alex Nelson from West Jordon Utah, and I answered all your questions! :D
I'm actually in Inverness and am opening up a new area. It is pretty interesting. The average age of teh ward is 70, and the bishop has done like 70 or so funerals since he has been put in about 7 years ago. So it's an interesting place!
Sounds like teh Halloween party was fun! Bummer I missed it! I got a card from Chris and Susie! I really enjoyed it! I will have to write them back!
Jake told me about his giant Elk that he killed! and sent me pictures....Wow! I might be sending you some stuff.....but some of it is mine that I have aquried out here but have no use for....mostly books...and I am not alowed to read them cause they are not approved.
I have been doing good! and Have a very nice apartment! brand new! So thats cool! Haven't really done much this week except explore, and some book work. It's hard to do stuff when you don't know the area! But it shall be fun! Love ya!

Elder Stander

E-Mail 10-19-2009

Well, sounds like all is well. and even though we might not make much money this year from hay, the Lord is blessing us with meat from dead animals! Sounds like a pretty impresive Elk! I miss home...tis true. I'm really bummed cause I am getting transfered tomorrow. I will be in Lacanto, opeing up a new area with a new companion, so goal numero uno, is learning teh lay of the land! So make sure when people write me, they know to send it to the mission home not to Apopka! kay? kay! I would inform you on the investigators here, but I'm leaving them, so I don't want to think about them cause I need to move on. Maybe in a letter when I have time, I have to pack today. and still find out how I'm getting to my new area. So thats exciting. I will get some pictures for you too! I will write more later!
Love you all!
Elder Stander

E-Mail 10-12-2009

another week with out mail? have your forgotten me? jk. You must be pretty busy! or something. um.... I will try to send some stuff home. I have aquired some really good books, so I will be sending that home for myself, but also put some other stuff in that package, such as the recorder, which will need batteries, and and some other things. Kay? kay! Um.....lets see....general conferance was neat! ...um....no baptisms.......Oh! I heard a funny joke from Elder Condie of the Seventy. He said it over the pulpit, so I figure it's pretty safe for me to say...right? yeah! It's a story about Charlie the atheist. Ressurection morning he poked his head out of the ground and said "I'll be Damned!" And he was! hahahaha! Yep! :D Welp....don't know what else to tell ya really! have a grand day!
luvya
Love Elder Stander

E-Mail 10-5-2009

Sorry mother! I didn't recieve any e-mail from you on monday and I usually just hit the reply button! I ment to write you, but we were in a hurry, and I forgot to compose one for you! so I didn't....But after we left I realized and said oh poopy! and I don't have much time to write letters! I have a bunch to replay to.... Jared is loving missionary work, Zac should be leaving for the mtc this month, and Micheal is still on a mission. Oh and Brainne is working at the beat dump this year! There, now you know whats going on in my very small circle for friends! :D
as far as me, I am working and am pretty excited about these people I have been teaching! Erlik, and Danielle! They are the coolest! They are humble and accepting and the Lord has truely prepared them for this gospel! I have been study-ing alot! One of our investigators got some Anti material. It was this little card the had at the top "mormonism teaches" and then a list of docrines that we teach! All but one of them were true, but worded terribly! So I went through and found scriptures in the Bible to support all of what we teach! It was pretty easy since we follow the Bible in all exactness. When asked if we believ in the Bible, Joseph Smith answered "If we do, we are the only ones under heaven that does" or something along those lines, then asked, "How do you differ from the other sects?" he answerd " That we believe in the Bible and other profess their belief in there interpretations of the Bible!" then, "Will everyone but Mormons be damned?" He answered "Yes! and a great portion of them unless they repent and work rightoesness!" Then my personal favorite "I hear they baptize in Joe Smiths' name." He Answered" "If they do, it's as valid as the secterian baptisms!" (pg 119 in "The Teachings Of The Prophet Joseph Smith) Haha! Joseph Smith dominates! So study-ing is pretty sweet! thats basically it! General conferance was pretty sweet though! Jeffery R. Holland laid out on those who speak ill of the Book of Mormon! And Tad R. Callister had a good talk about the truthes we teach! ....um....informative enough?
I'm pretty excited to meet my Nephew when I get home! Thats exciteing! keep me updated! You do a good job! :D Thanks for all you do mother dearest! I miss you tis true! But I will soon be home to you! hehe i am a poet! and I know it!
Love Elder Stander!
ps. "everybody was a kung fu fighting!"

e-mail 9-21-2009

Oh! sounds like fun! Sorry. I need to go get stamps cause
I'm out, so snail mail has halted for a bit! next sunday
is my 4 month mark! only 2 mor months and I wont be a
greenie anymore! yay! haha! The work is still great!
Bill.......hmmm He went cold after we invited him to be
baptized!. Haven't talked to him for a while now. and
Christina.....who we found out is like 18...which is
weird, she left on vacation with her boyfriend
(who is a member) and his family. So we can't do much
there till next week! but We have a golden contact!
Erlik, and his wife Daneille! They have been searching
and we tought the plan of salvation first, and they are
really interested and accepted a soft invite to baptism!
They are super cool! and way open and humble! I am so
excited to teach them more, and we will hopefully set a
baptismal date for them to work towards. They will
progress greatly in the Kingdom of God here on earth!
So there is some info! Got to go shopping and go play
volleyball with some of the young men in the Apopka ward!
most just Morgan Blackwelder. He is a stud! I love the
work, and all is well! how is everyone in B-town?
Love Elder Stander

E-Mail 9-14-2009

If I recall......I told you "Just so you know, next monday the library will be closed, so you will not get an e-mail from me. just a for-warning! kay? kay!" That was copied and pasted straight from my last e-mail I sent you! So be angered not! I fore-warned you of this event!I did tell jared he could have my trench coat, It is nice and when you find it, you can give it to Cindy to give to Jared free of charge, cause I don't want my little buddy freezing in Canada! It can be his birthday present! I think it's in my room? Oh boy, Jared is a missionary boy! haha! thats cool!Thanks for filling me in! Things are well with me! I have been having lots of fun...Oh and transfers happened and my comp got gone and I have a new one! Elder Kelvin Christensen from Elkridge Utah! He is pretty chill and very obeidient, so he keeps me in line! We have lots of positive investigators, and Bill is the most positive. He was an athiest of sorts, but wanted to know about the after life cause his wife just passed away. So it has been slow, but he is progressing awesomely! He is the coolest! and getting really smart in a spiritual sense, cause he is very intelligent in general! so he is super cool. We are also teaching this girl named Christina, who just barely graduated...I didn't know she was so young, but she is younger than I! She is pretty positive too. Hopefully we can get some baptisms! So there is some info an me! Kepp me filled in too!Have a great day, and do good!
Love Elder Stander

E-Mail 8-31-2009

Must be busy or something.....no e-mail. Just so you know, next monday the library will be closed, so you will not get an e-mail from me. just a for-warning! kay? kay! anywho......Whats going on wif you? I went to a stake conference and it was really really good! I felt the spirit real strong! I enjoyed it very much. Transfers are next week. But I will be staying in Apopka. Yep! uh....lets see....oh...talked to this guy that was kinda like the anti-christs' ion the book of mormon.....he was trying to confound us in our words, and wanted physical proof of our religion, and we testified and the spirit was really strong, but he denied the spirit and continued to argue and tried to tell us we were wrong......but it was a powerful lesson....just not for him. um.....thats basically it... just good ol' missionary work, Eat, study, teach, tract, sleep, tract, teach, ect. oh...and I have been out for a little over 3 months now! kewl huh? only 21 months to goI miss ya all. and love ya. e-mail you the week after next! Love Elder Stander

E-mail 8-24-09

This week we set three baptismal dates, but two of them had to be moved cause they didn't attend church this Sunday....so now they are null and void, but we will work something out! We have alot of positive investigators, and so it's all good. Transfers are comeing up, so I might be moved. I highly doubt that they will transfer me, but could happen. I'm glad to here that Jenna is ok! man, I just wrote her and Jane this morning, and already sealed the evelope! Brianne told me she stopped by the other day, and talked with you for like three hours! she said she really enjoyed it! um.....I think thats all.....Oh and I also found out that I can listen to John Bytheway out here! So next time you send me a package for something, maybe find all my john Bytheway talks and send them too! that would be neat! Tahnks for keeping me informed! I love you all! buh bye!
Elder Stander.
ps. I'm still not use to calling myself elder rather than Luke....

mission Adventures!!!‏ E-Mail - 8/17/2009

Wow...a play by play! Well it's been pretty un-eventful here....Me and my comp did set a date with this super cool guy named Greg! He is sooo stinkin smart, and humble! We go over there and just get into deep religious disscusions! So that is the highlight! That and I got the package, and it was safe and great! and the same day I got a package from Jane and Jenna! then 2 letters! so it was really great! The only problem with my package you sent me was....the colored pencils we not sharpened.......so I had to buy a sharpaner, but thats it! they are really nice thank you! and thanks for teh honey! My comp was really jealous, as were the two spanish elders! Then Jane adn Jenna had packed up all sorts of goodies, plus on last Sunday Jake adn Tenessa stopped by and gave me some cookies and brownies! sos I am getting my sugar intake! haah! I also have good families that are feeding me very well! So no need to worry about my food! Thanks for keeping me informed! i enjoy it, and I really enjoyed the pictures! continue that! Love ya. Elder Stander

Soooo Sorry I've been sick!!!‏ E-Mail - 8/10/2009

holy novel! Jeeze! haha jk, I loved it! I have been praying for mikki! I really hope things work out for her! I really miss nice weather! Humidity sucks! haha. I guess that july and August are the worst for heat and humidity. So once I'm done with august I only have to deal with it one more time, then I will return to good ol' Idaho weather! there are 2 bathrooms...it was only me and my comp who were texas two steppin' it! That was fun.....but not really. it was kinda funny cause that night on the way back to our apartment me and my comp were talking about some of the sicknesses we've had and the most recent one, cause Elder Cardon was ill. little did we know that we had caught a bug from Elder Cardon. So I woke in the middle of the night, made my way to the bathroom....then I tossed my cookies! I sat by the toilet and pucked 3 more times in 30 minutes....finally I hear my comp say...something, and I walked out and then he went in to poop. Then started the vicious cycle! so we didn't go to church that day, nor did we do missionary work....I know...shocker! I'm excited for the receiving of my package....hehe. Thanks Katie.....bringing my mind to the gutter...like always! I can always count on my family to tell dirty jokes! haha jk, jk! Oh...and no...no sound on the computer.Sorry....i do want to hear him though! i did buy a recorder thing at teh mtc...I'll send it home and then record corgin on that and send it back! eh? oh boy! camping! I'll miss that for two years! I talked to pres. about Joanna and Brad already, and he said that it would be fine if they get in contact with him. He said in most circumstances it is no bueno, but it would keep me focased on my work! I will give Tealor the "Lord's invitation to be baptized" Which is where you read scripture telling us to be baptized. It's really powerful! :D so....yeah! I am so grateful for all you do and for keeping me informed! Tell jake that we all get stuck in ruts...just not like he does! haha! Continue to keep me informed! and I will do like wise! kay, kay! love you all!
Elder Stander.

Snail mail 8/7/09

Mom and Dad,
Well, even though I escaped the Swine flu outbreak at the MTC, I did not escape the outbreak here in Florida!
We live in a 4 man apartment, so it's me and my comp. and then the two Spanish elders. Two kids at the Spanish branch later got swine flu and elder Cardon hung out with them for a bit. Then after 2 PM on Friday, Elder Cardon didn't feel too hot. He was using the restroom a lot! The Saturday he was sick and said that he had 80% chance it was swine flu. Later that night me and Elder Hansen talked about times we got real sick and how bad it sucked. Then at like 1 in the morning I woke up with a very upset tummy! I sat up then went to the bathroom and threw up! I sat there by the toilet for an hour. Finally Elder Hanson woke up and asked if I was okay. I told him I was sick. He then told me that he doesn't feel and then he goes to the bathroom with diarrhea. I then felt some gurgling and knew I had it to . . . then Elder Thurgood (the other Spanish Elder) walked over to our room and saw we were sick, then told us that he felt like he was going to puke. So Sunday we all were sick except Elder Cardon, who became our nurse . . . ha ha. But now it's Monday . . . I still feel a bit queasy, but I think I'll be over it by tomorrow. I just thought you should know.
Also . . . had my first baptism on Saturday! Marie Davis got baptized! Elder Hansen did the baptizing. I was supposed to do the confirmation but illness befell me! =)
So there's an update . . .
You didn't get an e-mail this week since I was ill. So sorry!
Love ya and hope everything is going good there!
ELDER STANDER!

E-mail 8/3/09

i sent you a letter today...it was informative, I also said I wouldn't be e-mailing you....that was incorrect.....obviously! I will add Mikki to my Prayers! I want to talk to president about Aunt Joanna and Uncle Brad wanting to visit me sometime...and maybe make an agreement the if they do come visit me, I might have to teach them a lesson! So I can stay focased, and help them feel the spirit! I will miss going camping with everyone! bummer...oh well I ll be to the one efter next year! I hope things start looking up for you guys in Blackfoot! Sounds like it's been being really hard for everyone. I love and miss you all. remember to pray! Elder Stander

E-Mail 7-27-2009

Hmmm.....thants intense with what happened to Steve adn Margene! I'm glad that they are fairly ok, and still our friends! Tell them to be careful! I will add them in my prayers!
I guess Brianne's dad had something going on with his back, and they had to do a last minute surgery, and if he would have moved just right he would have been paralyzed from the neck down, but they got it figured out and fixed according to Brianne. So some intense stuff has been happening in B-town, other than the weather!
Well Transfers came and went and no one in my district got transfered. So I still have the same comp. and I'm still in Apopka Fl, whch is good, cause I love it here! I remindes me of our home ward! Small enough that everyone is close, but big enough to function well! It's the coolest! Marie Davis' baptism had to be moved cause she drank coffee, so it's this saturday! Then all our other set dates had to be moved and such for other assorted reasons....so issa bummer. But we have lots of positive progressing investigators, so no worries! I'm on my second Transfer today, adn also, today is my 2 month mark! Oh boy! haha. Time has flown by! it's nuts! Time has gone by so fast for me, and I hope it has gone as fast for all of you at home!
Stay safe everyone! and study the scriptures, they are teh best!It is written that the Temple is the school of the prophets, so if the temple is school, then the scriptures are the text book! I know that you can learn everything you need to know in this life from the scriptures, and from going to the temple! So Temple and Scriptures!
Buh bye
Love Elder Luke Stander!

Snail-Mail 7-24-2009

Mom & Dad,
So. . . Guess who's got a baptism on this Saturday?. . . . That's right! ME! Woot! haha. Her name is Marie Davis & she is really old, but has a good testimony and has agreed to be baptized! Cool, huh! I also got to give my first preisthood blessing! Like the sealing part! So that's cool!
The Neilson's are that cool family I told you about. They feed us alot and are super cool Then the Nalley's feed us every week two! And they are both from Idaho. Bro. Nalley is from Pocatello & Sister Nalley is from Firth! So that's cool! Then the Blackwelders got to Idaho all the time and are actually going there this week! So that's cool!
I had a dream that I went home after my year mark and you guys had sold my jeep and I saw my picture on the canvas and it looked really poopy in my dream. Other stuff happened to , but I don't really remember.
Well. . . Transfers. . . I already told you about transfers. So never mind on that. I think I told you alot of the important stuff. So I've kinda ran out of things to say. . . Sorry. I hope this was good and informative. If you want more info. . . ask specific questions that I can answer specific! Kay. It's also easier in a letter rather than E-mail!
OK. Love ya.
Love Elder LUKE STANDER

E-Mail 7-20-2009

Wow. Thanks for teh letter! Very informative, and lengthy! haha! Sorry I don't tell you much.....I don't have much time on p-days to write.....So I just talk about teh highlights. haha....You can't send me hamburger! haha I figerd that you couldn't...but I thought I would ask! haha! I wrote you and Dad a letter so there should be some good info in there! Transfers are this week or next...But I prolly won't go anywhere....I'll still be in Apopka Florida! which is ok with me, cause I like it here! I got a combined letter from Taelor, Nathan, Courtney, and I'm guessing Spencer was in on it too. But I really really enjoyed it! and wrote them back! I enjoy hearing from everyone! I have gotten a couple of letters from Grandma and Grandpa Robertson. So it is cool! I have lots of pictures i should send to you.....so I will! Don't delete them off my memory card though, I'll do that when it gets too full. But I will send that to you or Katie sometime! Kay! kay! Well I got things to do! Love you and thanks for keeping me informed! Elder Stander

The Snail Mail Arrives!!! From 7-6-09

Dear Mom & Dad,
I've made it successfully through my first month & am going on 2 months now! Time had been flying by!! Neat-o huh. E-mails are kinda easier than letters, prolly easier for you guys to read too! haha
Sounds like the weather is crazy in Idaho. It is really warm and humid here. . . it rains almost everyday, and it's always huge thunderstorms and it dumps out the rain! It rains so hard, that it will soak you in seconds! So bikes aren't too fun on those days!
Well, I have a feeling I might have to learn Spanish before the end of my mission. So I might be a Spanish missionary at the end of my mission. . . but that is just a feeling, not a fact.
I hear that August is terrible for heat & humidity. . . but after this August, I'll only have one more August as a missionary. If you break down a mission into seasons, it seems shorter! haha I'll try to get some pictures ready or something.
I'm having fun, but I do miss farming. . .haha! Missionary work is more work than farming! I am more tired out here than I ever was raking hay!
The other day I went on exchange with a Spanish elder & he taught some lessons in Spanish as I sat there quietly. I was doing the head bob too! haha
I really don't know what to say. . . so I guess. . . goodbye
Love Ya
ELDER STANDER

July 13, 2009 E-Mail

Well....lets see. A talk...well tell everyone hi and thanks for everything! I am serving in Apopka Florida it is right above orlando, and kinda reminds me of Pocky. My companion is Elder Hansen from iowa and he has been out for about 10 months now. I'm cominf up on 2 whoot! haha. We have tracted alot and such so lots of contacts. The other day I went on exchange with one of the spanish elders and he taught the lessons as I sat there and added acasionally a "Bueno!" Or a "JesuChristo, Bueno!" and I smiled alot! haha. Then this last week I went again with the other Spanish Elder and we went into the english area, so I actually knew what I was doing! We made 70 contacts in one day! We started tracting this street, and we saw the Jehovah Witnesses tracting the same street, and they saw us and then left before they finished! haha! Darkness can't dwell where there is light! I have come to learn many things. some deep doctrineal things. to deep tp really share in letters but stuff I will have to talk and explain, so come Christmas, you will have to ask me what I've learned! haha. Oh boy! um.....what else? Oh! I met this weird dude! We tracted into him, and he invited us in and then went off on how we are all the same spirit, and that our bodies are just forms, and that the spirit does not dwell in our forms, and that our true selves is the spirit. And we all have the same spirit, which is god's spirit.......what? He was crazy! Me and Elder Cardon (one of the spanish elders) had a really good study session, and learned about another saving ordinace that isn't nessasary till after we are resurected!. In section 88 in D&C verse's 132-141....I think...Read that, then St.John 13. and thats what we studied. Time has been flying by! I can't believe iv'e been out as long as I have! My first Transfer is almost done already! I just got here! It's crazy! we have 4 investigators with dates, and 3 of them are actually progressing! and one has a date set for this week, we just need to get her to stop smoking! We have been tearing it up here in Apopka FL. and I am loving the work! I really don't know what else to tell you.....Um...The Nielson's are the super cool family, they just have recently gotten active in the last year or so. And they have been super cool to the missionaries. We went there for the 4th of July and it was like a family party! it was super cool! they treat the missionaries like family, and they might be taking us bowling this p-day! wich is neat! Um...yeah. sop there, is that enough for ya! haha! anyways, thanks for filling me in on stuff, and letters! I enjoy them! good luck on your talk mom, and man I miss raking hay!!!! haha. Miss ya and love ya all! talk to you later!
Love elder Stander
Ps. Wanna send me some honey?

Still Waiting. . . .

We are still waiting for his snail mail to reach us.

July 6, 2009

Thanks for filling in! I enjoyed! I don't have my address book now, but I will bring it next week! I wrote you a letter, so I won't write much here. I miss everyone! Sounds like Taelor is keeping track of time so I don't have too! that is sweet! haha! I will write her as soon as I can! Thanks for the info, I bugged you about it in my next letter, so you can ignore it! haha. Well Like I said. I miss you all and love you all, and of course no one can replace any of you!

Love

Elder Stander

ps. For the fourth, I was able to stay out till ten, which seemed really late, and we went to the Nielson's for dinner and fireworks! And they Are soo cool! but again...not replacing you!

June 29, 2009

I got your package, and enjoyed it very much! thank you. I only get e-mails on p-days, and I can only write on p-days, but I get letters and packages anytime! So keep the letters coming! So Things are going pretty well here....The work is moving foward! We (my companion and I) had this other missionary come and tract with us, and he had his mission extened 30 days, and he is like super cool! He set a baptismal date with this girl on her door step! So we learned alot from him! so We set a baptismal date with another girl yesterday on her doorstep, cause we are that cool! So theres that! It rain here everyday! Because of the heat and the humidity, there are thunderstorms everyday around the same time, and it rains hard!!! like floods the streets in minutes! and since Florida is completely flat, the water has no where to go but in the air again! haha! I miss mountains! but it's cool! Once I make it through this summer, I only have one more to get thruogh! I have been out for a month now!! only 23 more to go! haha! It has gone by super fast! is kewl! Well, no baptisms yet. But There is this super cool family in the ward, and they just barely got active in the church again, and they are super cool. They feed us all the time, and like become a family away from home! so sorry, but you have been replaced! JOKE! haha! but they are super cool. And we might get to go to the temple with them next month when they get sealed, if they get their temple recomends! sweet! huh? well I'm almost out of time! so.....bye! I love you all, and share this with the family! Elder Stander.

Letters???

I have gone a whole week here in florida with out letters! anyways, did you get my last e-mail with the picture of me with pres. and sis. Darrington? cause I sent it. I know I did. Well, been in Florida for a whole week, and have started actual missionary work! It's cool stuff. This week me and my companion (Elder Hansen from Iowa) made 160 contacts, and got 5 new investigators! this week we will be teaching them the first lesson! Oh boy! So theres that. If I have some super cool experiences I will share! I really want some letters! but whatever....take your time. my P-days are monday, and so I will write you then! ok I love you all bye!

Florida. . . . . Here I Am!!!! June 15, 2009

Well, I made it here safetly! The plane ride was intensely awesome! I think you'll be getting a picture of me and the mission president and his wife. Tomorrow we start the actual work! It is now real, at the MTC it hadn't sunk in that I was gone for two years. Now it has, and quite frankly, I'm terrified!! I don't think that talking to you guys on the phone helped either... But nothing I can do about it now. I just have to rely on the Lord, and push foward with faith! Florida is really warm and humid. I t will take some getting use to! Well My P-days are mondays, so I will write you then. I love you and will look foward to any letters or e-mails.

Elder Stander

ps. I think the picture is of me and Bro. adn Sis. Darrington....

Pictures and Letter from Luke - June 12, 2009

Back Row: Elder Peterson, Elder Keele, Elder Stringham, Elder Brown

Middle Row: Elder Carter, Elder Adams, ElderWarner, Elder Stander

Front Row: Elder Wood, Elder Dawson

Our Family at the MTC

Clint, Corgin, Katie, Merri, Luke, Dewey, Jake, Maddie and zygote in Maddie's belly

Dear Mom and Dad,

It's my second P-day & the days go by slow, but the weeks fly by!! So , that's sweet! I've been writing in my journal everyday even when I don't have much to write about.

I got to see Elder Bednar speak!!! for an MTC devotional!! It was sweet!! I am really gaining a pure love for people. . . it's nuts!! Enjoy!

I love you! & I am thankful for everything you've done!

Buh Bye!

ELDER LUKE STANDER

First E-mail

6/9/09

Well it is my second p-day here at the MTC! It has been pretty grand. I have learned sooo much and gained a even stronger testimoney, mostly in Christ Atonement and what it has done not only for me, but all of the human race!!! It is such a great atmosphere here! The food it easy to over-indulde on, and in one day I gained 5 pounds!! Of course I lost those five pounds the next day. I have learned some deep doctrine, and have thuroughly enjoyed it! Brother Bott gave us a lesson on the Plan of Salvation that blew my mind! then Brother Strong gave a priesthood lesson on the main principles of the gopel, but went way into depth! I have really enjoyed being able to attend the Provo Temple everyweek, and have felt the spitit there so strongly! I have enjoyed the letters and support I have recieved from everyone! Thank you!
I leave the MTC, this Monday, so I can no longer recieve the Dear Elders. so thats a bummer. I have alredy got my flight plans! I'm so excited to get to the mission field! Thanks for everything! I love you all! keep me informed with letters and pictures! I will try to write back to all, but can't make any promises!! Peace!

The First Informative Letter - June 2, 2009

I put in bold print what Luke had underlined and try to put it just the way he writes it, bad spelling and all.

Dear Mom and Dad,
Well, we only get to write letters on p-day! So here is my letter. I don't know if you heard, but the MTC is on lock down cause of 17 cases of the swine flu! The missionaries that were supposed to leave this week can't leave till June 13th so they have to stay like an extra two weeks! And the missionaries coming in are to be dropped off, and the parents can't come into the MTC building! It's kind-of intense! Good thing I got here when I did! We will still leave June 15th as far as I know.
The food here is pretty good, but I always over-indulge! I always eat way to much! I'm unna be fat!! ha ha
I have felt the spirit so strongly each day! I am loving it! Sunday was so so great! Priesthood meeting. . . . WOW! I learned that resurrection is actually a priesthood ordinance, and that husbands will resurrect their wives and fathers will resurrect their children!! Also God dwells in glory which is fire that consumeth all unclean things, and through the Atonement we receive glory and we are cleansed so we can dwell with God in Glory & Fire. There is a scripture that mentions it, I think it's in Hebrews, but not that sure. Plus after Christ was resurrected and Mary Magdalene was at the tomb, they embraced and the JST says that Christ said, "Hold me not" rather than "Touch me not" in John 20:17 (Hebrews 12:29 is that other scripture I mentioned) So I found that interesting!
My companion, Elder Lancaster Brown is nice and he is 6'6" tall, so we make quite the sight, I'm sure. Our district has gotten way tight! We all get along pretty well! So that's cool.
So I got Jake's letter, it was good! He bared his testimony and told me I owe him a slap! ha ha
Could you tell all my friends about the dearelder.com cause those are neat!
Thanks.
Love,
Elder Stander

First Letter Home

May 27th, '09

Dear Family,
So the first day was slow, but nice. They told us to write a letter back home tonight, so I am. I am almost more scared of the time here at the MTC, than I am of actual mission field. Here, both me and my companion are clueless and don't know what to expect. In the mission field (from what I understand) you have a Sr. companion that knows the things to do. Its pretty cool how close everyone is. If I can make it through these first couple of days, it should be easier. Some separation anxiety is going on, but its good as long as I don't think about it. I was made Sr. companion for the week, this Sunday me and my companion switch. It seems most of the elders here have girlfriends. . . but still haven't brought up that I have one. Just thought you should know. P-days are on Tuesdays so that is when I'll write letters. . . I don't know my MTC address. . . so. . . yeah. Thanks for everything. I will miss everyone. Tell them hi, and thank you. Hope to get lots of letters from everyone, and pictures too! If someone wants and will, I would appriciate if my MTC address was on my facebook account. I appriciate everything. Stay in touch!

Love,
Elder Stander

P.S. MTC address can be sent to friends. . . I would like some letters from everyone. . . thanks!

I hope they call me on a mission!

Here is how it all went down:

Luke recieved his mission call to the Florida, Orlando Mission. He was pretty excited!

We all went with him to the Idaho Falls Temple when he recieved his endowment. It was a great experience for all of us.
Soon, it came time to say good bye at the MTC on May 27. One last picture with Mom and Dad for two years!

Here he goes into the MTC, the special door for the new missionaries. He looks excited.

Mom pins on his tag and he starts to realize the weight of his decision. After a short orientation meeting, we told him good bye and he went on his way.

We'll keep you posted on what happens next.

(The rest of these posts will be from Luke's letters and emails.)