Get Ready for it!!!!

Dear Family,

I am glad to hear that someone is planning my future for me, cause I sure could use the help...With the AYSO thing though that would be awesome to see dad coaching again, he was always a great coach!! The AYSO days even though at times it was super stressful and it made for long days, I truly did love those times and the people we got to meet and got to know better through that opportunity! 

I am sorry to hear about the car problems with the Smuins that is horrible! I hope all is good now though and you guys are getting around just fine!!! 

Dad the new area is over an hour walk so I think that is why other missionaries never went there so to get people to come to church is hard, we have a family though that I found that has come every week and they are scheduled to be baptized the end of May, so I am so freaking stoked about that, and they are awesome!!!!

Now for my week, get ready it was a great week for me, and the opportunities that I had and will have. Lets start off with I have an investigator who loves soccer, he has played his whole life and is still playing; he is a trainer and his kids play.  He lives right next to a soccer field cause he loves it so much!! He has asked me to stop by once a week and teach the kids that he is training for just five to ten minutes about God and how to be good!! 'Cause he believes all he has is from God and a Blessing which is true, so when he said that, I was so excited and I can´t wait to work with these kids and teach them hopefully to stay on the right path when there is so much bad here. 

The Second thing is this Saturday we had a service project with our entire district ~ so all the churches in Usulutan (Where I am) and we went and cleaned a river. We cut down trees, branches, vines, picked up garabage anything we could to clean it up all Saturday morning. So I took a Macheti and I got in the river( Yes my Mission President said we could get in the water) and started going to town. It was great! Talking with all the natives and other people in the church here, seeing creatures I have never seen before, and insects like crazy! It was so awesome!! I enjoyed it a ton, I felt like it was something that you would watch on the TV about crazy Monsters in the jungle that people would tell stories about or something. It was awesome!! So that is how my week went! Pretty freaking sweet!  I love and am so blessed to have this opportunity to serve here in El Salvi!! 

Well folks that is all from your local jungle missionary.

I love you all, mom I love you to the moon and back and then some!! 

Have a great week!! 

How did G-rays birhtday go by the way???? 

Su hijo, amigo, jungle missionary,

Elder Leatherow

Service Project:

To my 1 number fans!!!

Dear Family,

So how was it??? Was the weather just perfect? Who all went??? Did the Easter Bunny find you guys??? Only one more and then I will be heading up there with you guys too!!! 

Havasupi huh??? Wow! It is already that time agin! That should be a complete blast and I can´t wait to see pictures! That is pretty cool also with the walking stick dad! Do you think you could send me a pic or something! I would love to see it! When do you guys head down for that adventure????

I have felt the earthquakes yes while I am here! I have one super funny experience about one actually, so on moms day remind me cause its hard to describe just writing! 

I am so sorry about the Amandi thing, that doesn´t make things easy but that is super awesome about Tess and Blake and them stepping up to help!!! 

As for the jungle here, this week was an interesting week, let me start from the begininng. The past week and the week before I felt just down right horrible and sick to my stomach that I will be going now three months without a baptism and I seriously felt horrible! Cause I felt like the Lord called me here to cry repentance unto His people and for them to be baptized and I couldn´t even do that!!! It was seriously so rough and every day I was going out and working my butt off trying to find and teach people and do all I could for the branch here and what not and it just didn´t seem to be going like I had invisioned in my brain! So it was rough and this past Friday I had the opportunity to have an interview with Presidente Glazier of the mission and I told him everything and how I felt and honestly I was so close to just crying and giving up! He is truly an incredible man!! He sat and listened to me and then he had me read from the scriptures and preach my gosepl, about a successful missionary. They were all about it's not about baptisms that measures how great a missionary is. Then he spoke to me about our branch and how he hasn´t seen it this strong and so many active members in years! It was truly incredible! I was after able to put three dates for baptism on the calendar for the next month!!! It was truly a blessing!! So I am blessed and sometimes we need to take a step back and look at the whole picture because He is incharge of the Harvest not me! He will bless me and those around me by the way He knows is best!! It was truly amazing and I am so grateful for Pres. Glazier!!! 

That is truly about it for this week and that Easter was rather interesting cause here there is tons of catholics and that is the national religion, so everyone practically got the whole week off and every day was different and the big day was Friday for them! I was busy Friday with Interviews and helping other Elders with their baptism and then our weekly Family Home Evening that we teach to everyone that wants to come and listen and play, so I wasn´t able to see them all and what they do, but from what I hear it is pretty cool!! 

Well family that is about all I have for ya this week!! I love you all, especially you mom to the moon and back and then some!!! 

Hope you all have a great week!! That the lord may be with you and, and give my bro Ster a huge for me!!!!! I am so excited for him!!!!!!! (: 

Uds. Amo Mucho!!!

Su hijo, amigo, Jungle missionary,

Elder Leatherow  

These are of the service projects we did this past week!!! Enjoy!!!! i love you!!!!!!

The angry birds shirt I got from my new comp, his parents sent it to him but he can´t fit into it cause its too small so he gave it to me!!!!

Sweat and Heat, but I will Survive!

Dear Family,

Interesting subject title right???? Well it literally is just that here, with me people senor companion, I don´t really like being inside much so we are out working at 11 in the morning every day we can!!! We are working hard and trying to help all we can whether they be members, menos Activos, or investigadores! I truly LOVE the work and what we do! It is so stressful at times but in the end I wouldn´t want it any other way. This week we walked an hour to a part of our area that missions haven´t been to in over year!! It was great! We found 14 new people this week to teach! So we are looking forward to a great coming week! 

The heat is good though and it feels good to sweat and work hard. We found a family through some members, this past week that was awesome! We had two of them go to church with us after only teaching one lesson, and we have appointment to teach them this week as well! So I am looking forward to working with them and I truly believe that they are ready and if they aren´t well......we will get them ready to be baptized and make those convents with our Heavenly Father!!! That is truly about it for me this past week from the jungle! I know its not a whole lot but that is how the mission life is at times, don´t worry I have my journal and I write in it every day, so you guys have a day to day memory of the jungle life when I return home! 

How is the new calling coming mom?? What activities do you have planned or thinking of doing for the stake??? That is one thing that truly helps the work so much!! We have been planning an activity basically every month between us four missionaries in this branch!

How is every doing with sports this spring season??? You guys gearing up for World Cup?!?!? Oh man!! Do I wish I could watch that with you guys!!! Who is going to win?? Cast your votes!!! 

G-Ray you ready to be 14 or what buddy?!?! 

How is everyone doing in their studies??? I know school never was the most exciting and it always was one of the hardest things for me to sit and pay attention! It is so important though and it will help you all in the long run!! Please use it with wisdom and take advantage of what you have right now so you don´t have to pay for it later out of your own pocket!!

Well Family I will stop yakking your ears off for this week!! 

I hope you all have a great week! 

I love you mom to the moon and back and then some!!! 

I love you all!!!!!!!!!!

Su hijo, amigo, jungle missionary

Elder Leatherow

Introducing Elder Can and Finding the Mtn. Mtn Dew that is

Dear Family,

This week was a roller coaster of emotions for me cause O found out Tuesday night that Elder Hernandez would be leaving for sure so we left Wednesday morning to take him to changes. He seriously has become one of my best friends here and it was rough for the both of us. We both knew that the Lord knew what He was doing but to say good bye was rough because sometimes that could be the last time we see one another if we don´t get changes the same time or what not! He is such an amazing Elder and even better friend! I really am highly considering taking a trip to Panama when I return to visit him and he can show me around! He will do great things though with his new companion. I too then received a new comp. Elder Can from Mexico, I am glad to get the chance to know him too, and we will do great things the Lord put us together for a reason so we can do it!!! I will be learning a lot this change and how I can grow and practice my patience and work with people that are very different from me and what I am like. 

We have been visiting members like crazy to get them involved in the work and what not. Because we need everyone to get going to really build the Kingdom of God here on this earth. So I am enjoying getting to know everyone here, and we are working with and teaching the Presidente the Rama so he can get some more excitement as well for the work. That is on thing I have learned a lot is how to work with people and not be intimidated when working with older people or higher up people than I am. So that is truly great and really different how I am doing that, and the spirit truly guides me or else there is no way I could do it. Cause I am 19 years old, I have no idea what it is like to have a family, work full time, and juggle church callings, etc. so it is truly a blessing to have the gift of the Holy Ghost! 

We are having another activity this week and we are having a movie night!!! So that will be great. You guys need to watch the show Suits on the Loose. That is what we will be watching for the members and anyone who will come and enjoy and take a minute. The working is coming here, we have an area so huge we seriously have to split it up into days because we cant walk it all in one day, so we spend a day in one part and another day in other part, and we rotate from there! So we can invite all to come unto His fold and partake of these blessings! 

Well family sounds like you all are doing great and that makes my heart so happy and full of joy!! How was dinner with the Smuins,  the Missionaries, and the rest of the family??   How was conference for you all???   It was such a blessing, a real treat for me!! I learned so much and received so many answers to my prayers!  I hope it went just as well for you all. The Priesthood session for me is what really got me and I absolutely loved it!!!!! 

Well family that is about it for the week! 

I love you mom to the moon and back and then some, I love you all and miss ya like crazy!!! 

Take care of yourself and have a great week!!! 

Te Amo Mucho!!!

Su hijo, amigo, jungle Missionary,

Elder Leatherow

And Yes I found it!!!!! It is so expensive though, so I highly doubt I will be buying it though.

MOM:Where did you find the Mtn Dew?  If I could send it I so would ~ I think about you everytime I buy it.

WES:Its in a store here but its in the wieirdest place ever!! I just happen to walk past and I smelled and ran to it!! (; 

MOM: It was calling your name. 

Wes: ya so I had to buy it it tasted so good. a Long time without!!

Wes:Hey mom!!! (: How was your Birthday?????

MOM:OMGosh!  It seriously was one of the BEST.  Your pictures took my breath away.  THANK YOU!  The girls at work decked my office out in black balloons and made me feel special.  Dad and the boys took me to dinner at Pizza Pie and gave me flowers. and Tess and kids brought me in balloons and flowers.  And Debby brought me over the cutest wall hanging.  I seriously felt amazing.

THANK YOU again for the pictures.  I loved them.

WES: GOOD!!! I am so glad! You deserve it mom!! How is work going?? Busy?  sorry don't mean to bother ya I just had a minute so I wanted to talk- I miss chatting with you!

MOM: Are you kidding me?  no bother!  I miss you like crazy.  Work is starting to pick up but we have some super slow days as well and today is one of those.

Today was are enjoying some blue sky and sun! 

Did I tell you that Kyle took another position at the bank?  His last day with me in Friday.   Sad but a good move for him.

WES: What is he going to be doing???????? 

MOM: He took a position with our Trust Department.  He will work Part time here in Ogden but will eventually move to SLC full time.  He will be able to use his degree and maybe just maybe see some more $$$

WES: WOW!!! Good for him!! Dang he won`t be there when i get back then....): But I am so glad for him and that is so smart and better for his future though, which is best!!!! Good Luck to him and Congratulations!!!    

MOM:You look so grown up!  Seriously you look AMAZING.  I love to see your smile.

Elder Can has a great smile.

WES: Don`t tell me that, I don`t want to grow up just yet.....(: 

MOM:  Ok not that grown up.

WES:  okay thank you!  (: I will be growing a full beard though for the 2015 hunting season though like duck Dynasty so just you all wait!!! (;

WES:  I have to go though mom! I love you to the moon and back and then some!! have a great week and know that I am here praying for you and am here if you need anything!!!!! 

DAD:  What's up buddy?

WES:  Hey dad!! How are you???

DAD:  Hey, can you show them the movie, Nacho Libre? Everyone loves Jack Black. Have a great week bud. I got to get back to work. Love Ya

WES:  Ya that would be sweet. My area by the Way USULUTAN. Have a grat week day I love ya!!!!

Activities, talks and Changes ~ O my!

Dear Family,

Well this is the last week for this change here, and I am positive that I will be staying here in my area which I am so excited and grateful for cause I don't want to go, but I am sad to say I believe that Elder Hernandez will be leaving, we will find out tomorrow in the night what will happen...That is okay though cause with change comes progression and that is what we need and strive for every day of our lives to continue and strive to be better than we were the day before even its only a little bit that is what our purpose is in this life to continue to be better! Its through the Atonement of Jesus Chist we can do that! I know that every one has the equal opportunity to do that! I say that in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

For you guys back home, you having this great opportunity to share the gospel for our neighbors! That is so awesome and I pray that it all goes well! My only advice is that you pray for the guidance of the Lord with it, becuase He knows what they need and how you can best help. That is my only advice and I have complete confidence you guys and being able to help this family. You guys are my heros, keep it up!!!

This week we planned our activity and oh man! Did that cause for some long days and some moments beyond stressful and especially with my spanish trying to command people or explain things, but I enjoyed it when it all was said and done!! The Activity turned out great! We had about forty people show up and people were thinking only 20 would show, so we were able to double that number! We are now planning the next one and trying to get this to be a regular here, to strengthen the branch and the people here! I will be sending peictures so you can see! I also gave my first talk this week as well in church! That was so nerve racking not talking in front of people but the spanish part! It went good though cause the bishop had to tap the back of my leg to tell me I went over my 7 minutes, so that was an okay sign, even though it gave everyone a chance to sleep cause they couldn`t understand. 

This last part is going out to the best Mom in the whole world!!!!! Who has a birthday tomorrow, so please everyone wish her a happy birthday and give her a big hug for me! Mom know that I am with you and I am celebrating from good ol El Salvi for ya!! I love you so much and hope your day goes great and its the best birthday ever!! I stole your idea sorry, you will understamd when you see the photos!! 

Well that is about it for this missionary for the week folks! Have a great week I love you all, especially you mom to the moon and back and then some!! Have an amazing week and may the spirit be with you all! Con mucho Amor!

Su hijo, amigo, jungle missionary,

Elder Leatherow

Pictures of the activity and the wonderful members

Check out the member sporting the REAL Salt Lake Jersey.

Happy Birthday to my mom!!!!!

Have a great week!! Te amo Mucho!!! I will write next week and have a great birthday tomorrow!!!! I love you to the mon and back and then some!!!! (:

it was a good thing I was home alone when these arrived because I bawled like a baby.  I feel so blessed beyond measure for my boys and for Wes to remember and take time to show me his love; I just felt special.  I truly have the 3 BEST sons! ~ doesn't he look good ~ not chubby at all.  He is so worried about his weight. Crazy boy!