Monday, 3/21/11

We'll I'm doing fantastic. I heard from Darrin Harvard. He's doing just fine. Said that he got made a Senior companion on his 7 and 1/3 transfer. They sent a ton of the missionaries serving in Northern Japan down to his mission. I also heard from Scott Shuman. He's doing really great. Loving the area he's in. He says it’s so hot there. 

I don't have much to say this week. We had a really amazing training meeting Thursday - Friday. It was all the zone leaders, district leaders, assistants and the President in one room. We were having such good discussions on how to be better leaders in the mission. I really felt the spirit there. So many answers came to me about how to improve the area I get to serve in and how I can better lead the missionaries in the district. It really boosted my spirit on the work that we can do. 

Elder Stone and I had a meeting with the Bishop on Sunday to see what we could better do to help him. It went really well. (pride alert) Bishop said we were some of the best missionaries that have served in this area. Now I'm not letting that go to me head. Neither should anyone else. All we are doing is working hard and being obedient. It’s not my way but the Lords way. With out His help we would be nothing. Now more than ever I realize that. 

I'm so grateful to be in the Ohio Cleveland Mission. I'm glad it’s starting to get warm out. The sun it’s what makes ya smile! 

Love you so much!

Elder Yukish 

March 7, 2011

Thanks for all the letters this week! It always makes me so happy to hear from my family! Every one of your letters is so precious to me.

My week has gone pretty well! We are staying rather busy and having fun doing so! I love the members of this ward! They are being so helpful with the work here! Its just fantastic to see when people make friends in the church and progress toward baptism! Really the key in the work that we are doing is to have the members be involved. The members stay in the ward and will always be there for the people that are joining the church. We missionaries move so fast that its tough for them us to be there support all the time.

It’s amazing to see the calendar of how long I’ve been on my mission. I remember that about a year ago I was riding my long board down the street and in the warmth. It snowed here last night. What a bummer! Haha. I keep thinking that winter is over then it keeps coming back. But we all know the song (with an Ohio twist) "Snow flakes keep falling on my head, that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turning red, crying’s not for me" Haha Love that song! The sun just peeked out of the clouds!

So this week I've been thinking about Brigham Young and his nickname "The Lion for the Lord" or at least I hope that’s right. I've been thinking about what that means. He was really a great example of hard work and dedication. As he brought the pioneers across the plains he was the first one up in the morning and the last one to go to bed to make sure that everyone was doing well and to see if he could help anyone. He helped the saints be happy with singing and dancing every night. He really was a fantastic leader as well as a Lion for the Lord. He was persecuted and scorned for everything he did. Yet he persisted on and made it. He did what he was asked and helped bring this church to pass. My goal is to be more like him and be a good leader.

Well this week it’s going to be a short letter and I’m sorry. Will continue to send letters in the mail because I love doing that! I would like to know birthdays for the rest of the year. I feel terrible that I’ve missed so many since I've been out. And if I have I am truly sorry. I know there are a few this month and I will be writing to them.

Thanks for everything you all do for me. I am truly blessed to have such great family to back me up and keep pulling me along that iron rod. With out your support and love I'd be lost. I truly feel unworthy of all that I have been blessed with. I've never been a great person at showing how grateful I am. I love you all from the very bottom of my heart and soul.

Love Elder Yukish

February 28, 2011

WOW!! What an amazing week! It sounds like every one had a pretty decent week too! Elder Dillard Congrats on your mission call! That's very exciting to hear that you’re going where Grandpa went. It’s going to be cold as the dickens but it will be amazing! I thought that Ohio was cold but man -22. Shoot! That's cold!

I was so glad that it seemed like a pretty decent week! Things around here are going fantastic too! Last night was crazy! I was up almost all night! There was a really crazy storm. It started raining about 10:15 and its still raining! At about 2:30 I woke up and was having a conversation in my sleep with my companion. He was sleep talking to me and I was sleep talking to him! It was hilarious. From what I heard we were role playing how to extend an invitation about reading the Book of Mormon. I woke up and had no clue what was going on then I realized and just started laughing! I went back to sleep and about an hour later I woke up to the sound of thunder! I was half awake for about a half hour when I saw a huge flash out our window and then instantly there was a huge CRACK noise! It was so loud that it shook out tiny little apartment like jello! I was so awake after that. My companion woke up with a startle and asked what was going on. It was an awesome experience!

So this week we have been working our buns off! It’s been so rewarding. We had kind of had 1 investigator at the beginning of the transfer. Now we have 8 very solid potentials. A bunch of family's with on person that is a member that we have been working with this week. We also have a really cool guy that we’re working with. He's good friends with Stacey Miles. You probably have no clue who that is. So you should YouTube his video. He's in our ward. He used to play for the Seahawks. Really great guy. We are seeing some really great success.

We had an amazing Zone Conference this week. We were taught an awesome principle. That is "The Blessing of Obedience is Obedience". That was such a weird concept for me to grasp. I had an amazing experience on Thursday night driving home. It came to me all at once. I totally understood what it meant. We, especially my generation, are so focused on the instant gratification part of life. Microwaves, super computers, TV, plastic money. All of these things are expected by us now.

When thinking about being obedient you expect great blessings to come on top of that. It really doesn't work that way. "We have been blessed with the skills and talents necessary to fulfill our calling... These [things] are predicated on obedience." We don't receive more blessings by doing what were supposed to we get to act on what we're already given if we are obedient. Now don't think I'm some great scalar or anything of that nature, I simply acted on faith and asked to know what it meant and it came to me. The Lord showed me tender mercies by showing me new knowledge. It really is by His hand that all things are possible. It’s amazing what you can learn from your Mission President!

Well thank you all for writing me and I always can’t wait to hear from you next week. I'll be sending some letters out via snail mail this week too. I just feel like I’m in the writing mood.

Love you all so very very much and pray for your strength and safety in all that you face.

Love Elder Yukish

Letter on February 21, 2011

Alright!

So this week went really well. We had our baptism on Friday! It was truly amazing! We headed to the church about 2:45 to start filling up the font and take some time to plan some appointments for the next week. Everything was going very smoothly and I got a little leery. Sure enough at about 3:30 we got a call from Brother Henretty who was set to baptize Jole. He called and said that he had gotten into a car accident on his way home from Cleveland and he wasn't going to make it.

Well Elder Stone and I (oh yeah and that's my new companion) went to our back up plan, because as missionaries you learn to always have a back up plan. We ran back home and I got my baptismal clothes and headed back. We got back and made our final preparations for the baptism. All of Jole's family was there which was amazing in itself. His two kids are members but not active, and the rest of their family are not members. It was such an amazing experience. We had the Stake President talk too. He's in our ward and went and taught with us at his house. It was simply amazing.

We'll yes my new companion is Elder Stone. He's great! We have been working really hard since he got here. We came out together so this is the second companion from my transfer that I've served with. We have really buckled down and gotten to work too, which is great and is really bringing the spirit back into my life. I love working hard and seeing the results that come from it.

We went tracking on a street the other day and had an old referral to stop by to see if they were interested. We knock on there door and they didn't live there anymore. So we went knocking on the next door and it was a part member family that we got a return appointment with. Then the next door was a lady that had talked to missionaries when she lived in Michigan and had a Book of Mormon and would like to meet with us. It's simply amazing what happens when you put forth the effort and faith to go out and work and be diligent. I have really high hopes for this transfer!

We'll we have Zone Conference again this week! I'm super excited. I always love Zone Meetings with the President and the Assistants. It’s always a great time and lots to learn.

I really love the package that you sent me! All the socks and candy and the puppy were great! The socks smelled like home! Hey by the way I was wondering if I could get some money. I'm in need of toiletries and they are expensive! haha I hate asking...

We'll we have to detail the car out today. We’ve got to get it checked out on Wednesday at the conference. It’s going to stink! But it’s nice to have a really nice clean car. So I’m going to go but I'll be sending you some pictures in a little while i just forgot my card reader. I got a bunch to send!

Love you so much and can’t wait to hear back from you!

Love Elder Yukish

Letter of February 15, 2011

OK, so I have some amazing story's to tell you! This week or rather the past 24 hours I was in a serious state of panic. Our investigator who is set to be baptized on Friday this week had his interview last night. We asked the district leader from the Tallmadge to come interview him. It started out when they were an hour late to get to our area.

So we were an hour late to our interview. We were stressed out. When we got there they went straight into the interview. It was going on for about 30 mins before I went and peaked in to see how it was going. I could tell instantly that it wasn't well. They had to cut the interview off because our investigator had some skeletons in his closet that came up. We found out that we had to have him interview with President. We called President up and asked him what we should do. He was upset that we hadn't taken care of it sooner. He flipped things around in his schedule and came down this morning from Cleveland.

We got up this morning and called our investigator to see when we could pick him up to take him to his interview. We had the impression to call the ZL's to ask if we could take him in the car with us and there answer was no. So now it was 8 and he had to be at the church at 9 and it’s a half hour away. SOOO we stressed more. We had to call our ward mission leader to have him come pick all of us up and take us there. Brother Packer is one of the greatest men to help us out ever and he's a great ward mission leader.

Well we got to our investigators house to pick him up and he looked like he was going to pass out. He was nervous as all get out. We took him to the church. President called us and told us he was about 10 minutes away. We decided to take him into the baptismal font and show him around. It really helped calm his nerves out. When President got there he was pretty calm. President took over and excused us. We came back about 10 minutes later and to our relief they were both smiling! President said the key words "let’s get this man baptized". I was so excited! It was just an amazing day! The biggest lesson I've learned is that there truly is opposition in all things. Before the sunshine comes the hurricane. But man when that sun comes out it is the most beautiful thing in the world!

Its transfer week but don’t worry I’m not going anywhere. Elder Trammell is though. My new companion is an elder that came out with me. So this will be the second comp from my transfer. Pretty crazy!

It was so great to hear from every one! Mom I’m sorry to hear that you sick! I hope you get better soon and be safe while Tod's gone. Just like I was talking about with our investigator there is opposition in all things. There are such greater blessings from being in the gospel than being in the outside world. Dad, thank you for your study of that scripture. It was funny to hear the commentary. I’m sorry to hear about your friend. He is in a better place. Grandpa and Grandma Thanks for your email and the poem it was very lovely!

Well I’m going to go help pack some more.

I love you all so much and pray for you all the time

Love Elder Yukish

The Assistant's Visit!

Sorry for not writing last week. Just didn't get around to it because the library was closed on Monday and just got busy the rest of the week.

It was a really great week though! We got our 20 lessons that we were trying to reach. It actually snuck up on us. Last night we got back to our place and thought we were only at 19. So i was pretty excited because that's the most I've taught in a week. But when i called in numbers for the district i recounted and we had 20! That was really exciting.

We have been having a lot of fun too! We are really enjoying our area and the people in it!

We had the Assistants go with us this week. We kind of thought it was because we were doing something wrong. One Assistant came with us and the other went to another area. It was really fun. We learned a lot from him and got a lot of inspired ideas for lessons. It was really great. I still don't know the reason they came with us, but it was great.

Were going to run out to Medina for PDay and maybe play some basketball or something.

Love you all so much have a great week!

Love

Elder Yukish

Called to be District Leader

Called to be District Leader

It’s wonderful to hear from you all this week! It sounds like everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year! It’s exciting to hear that the scriptures are a big part of this New Year! That is what makes me smile! When you put forth that time and grab hold of that opportunity, the Lord will "open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

It’s been another cold snowy week here in "The Ohio". Cold but warmer than ever! My companion and I have had a really good week. We are having Heavenly Father’s children thrown in front of us. We are not doing anything amazing to try and find new people to teach, they are just calling us and telling us they want to be baptized. The members of this ward are amazing! They always have someone for us to go see or teach. It really makes our job easy!

In addition to all of the wonderful people that we get to meet with each week, we have new people following the examples their friends are showing them and joining us in the lessons. The other day my companion and I went on splits with some members. It was a lot of fun! While my companion was teaching a lesson at this couples house, their roommate joined in and had a lot of really great questions. We have been over there many of times. Each time he has been sitting in the kitchen listening to our lessons but when we invite him to come listen he never wants to. The last time we went over we taught the Plan of Salvation. He was listening. We left a pamphlet on the table for them to study from. He had picked it up and read through it. When Elder Trammell was over there this last time he came and sat down and listened to the lesson and asked questions and wanted to know a lot more. So because of the change he was seeing in our investigators life, and by the great work of my companion and the member he went with, we have another Child of God ready to come back to the fold. It’s amazing. We don't understand what is going right, but we are going to continue to work hard and be worthy of the blessings.

So this last week was transfers. They white washed the other missionaries in our district/ward and put two new ones in. I really love them. One of them has been around for a long time and he has been in the same Zone as me since I got here. He's a hard worker and a really obedient missionary. He has the opportunity to train this transfer. So his companion is a greenie! He's great too. He's a Spanish speaking missionary and is very charismatic! He too is a hard working missionary. He's half Mexican and he became my best friend yesterday. He taught me how to make chicken enchiladas in like 15 minutes and really yummy and healthy. I'll attach a picture to this. They were very yummy. They also called me to be the District Leader. So this is a great district and it seems like were all going to get along very well.

So we’re having a good time here. Loving life and trying to stay warm in the 8 or less degree weather :) We have shoveled like maniacs! Its supposed to be snowing for like the next week so yeah, should be fun! Well It’s time to go to a Zone Pday and get to know everyone!

Love you till next week

Elder Yukish

"The White Rhino"

 

1st Baptism and Other Awesome Stories!!

WHAT”S UPPP!!!!!

So it’s transfer week, that's why this letter is coming to you from the frozen tundra on Tuesday!  I am not getting transferred this time so don't worry. My companion and I are staying together for at least another one which is awesome! This week was the first of many baptisms to come. Had a lot of fun and a lot of really good learning experiences.

First things first!  The baptism! It was on Saturday the 1st. It was awesome. We had some crazy things happen to us. First, the Sunday before, we realized that the baptism was that Saturday, and had to scramble to tell people and get the preparations done. Good old me and my forgetfulness. So we told everyone we could and put together the program and hoped for the best.   We had called the Bishop on Friday night because we couldn't get into the closet with the baptismal clothes. We were scared that no one had the key to it because it wasn't supposed to be locked at all. Any ways so we finally found someone with the key and let us in.

We asked bishop how long it takes to fill the font up.  He told us about a half hour so we were like sweet! So we showed up only about an hour early to fill the fount up - which went against all of the advice I've received before my mission.   Needless to say, the font takes about two and a half hours to fill, so when 9:45 rolled around - 15 minutes before the baptism, we had to use every available pot and pan we could find in the kitchen to fill it up. It still only got half full and was pretty cold. It was hilarious! Despite all of that funny stuff it was the greatest experience ever. The lady being baptized was crying the whole time. Her son - who I baptized, was so excited and we really saw a huge change in him when we went in the water. It was a great ending to the story.

My companion and I have learned a few good lessons this week too. A huge one that I really had to humble myself and realize was that I can't do it alone.  More than ever I have had to rely on two brains rather than just my own dumb self to get things done. There are reasons that we work in pairs, you just have to be smart enough to realize that Elder! Also the other thing that I've never been good at and really had to humble myself to do was communication. If you are not communicating your problems and concerns, then how in the world is your companion going to know to change. Lifelong lesson for all of you out there! So I've obviously been rebuked pretty hard by the spirit this week but just like the song: “Rain drops keep falling on my head, but that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turning red” I've learned to take the lessons and use them to change!   It’s making life GRRRREEAT!!!  :)

So it’s been sunny and kind of warm here... well 34 at least. It’s nice seeing the sun shining when we go out to work!

OOOHHH!! A really cool experience that has been happening this week. OK OK so this guy is the husband of a member in the ward.  Missionaries have been coming over for the past about 15 years teaching and trying to help him to want to be baptized. He's stubborn as a mule! Every time the missionaries try and even suggest picking up the Book of Mormon he cuts them off and says “don't waste your breath,  I'm not doing it.”   So when I got here I tried to get him to do the same thing and sure enough got the same result. I didn't know what to do because I knew he needed to do it. We'll you know me I can be just as bull headed as he can be.

 So, I went home and prayed about what to do. We went back and he told us that he had been having a dream where he'd been waking up reaching out for something. He couldn't figure out what he was reaching for but he wanted to know.    Well, I asked him again to pray and read the Book of Mormon and got the same "no thanks” response.  Well before he could finish talking, I turned to his wife and said “will you read it?”  Man, he got humble really quick and chimed in that he wanted to read it with her. So we challenged them to read every night together. We came back about a week and a half later and got talking to him. I could see that there was a light turned on in his eyes. It was amazing. We asked if he had any questions. He wanted to know about the Iron Rod. So we started to talk about it and I had a huge prompting to go out to the car and get the Gospel art book. I flipped open to the Tree of Life picture and showed him the story with the picture. He looked at it and I told him to just study it. All of the sudden he broke down and cried. And I'm pretty sure this was the first time in ohh a very long time that he had cried. He looked up at us and said "this is the answer" meaning that this was the answer to his prayers. The answer to why he was reaching out in his dream. It was THE Single most spiritual experience that I think I've ever felt in my life. We committed him to be baptized, and he told us “Yes! Absolutely!”.

It’s just really amazing that I get to be here watching the Lord work. It's not me it’s all Him. I just get the privilege of being around watching the miracles unfold before my eyes. I love it.

Oh man and yes the pepper that is in my finger is a Habanera. It was HOT !!  enuff said....

Well I’ve rambled for long enough. Till next week!

Write me and I will send you something too!

Love

Elder Yukish

Christmas Phone Call Summary

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas from all of us.  I hope you have had a wonderful day celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Other than a stomach flu bug that we have had at our house the past 2 days, we had a great day.  Brock is in heaven with new Iron Man toys and Lego's, and a new bike. 

We were able to spend a lot of time on the phone with Jordan today.  I thought I'd just share some of his conversation with you.  He is so sweet, and spiritual.  He has really matured, and sounds so fluent and strong in the gospel. 

He said he has several investigator's  that are all lined up for baptism.  He said two of them should be baptized within the next 2 weeks, and then a few others after that.  One great story he told me was about a woman who is a member who asked them to come teach her non-member husband and 8 year old son.  They are the two who will be baptized in 2 weeks.  The father apparently had an accident at work that has left him with a slight learning disability, and has had a difficult time grasping all of the gospel concepts.  Jordan said he got the idea to have the father actually study and teach the 8 year old son the lessons.  The father got very excited, and because he has to study and learn the lessons to teach, it has really increased his retention and sped up his learning process.  He said it was pure inspiration to have him teach the son.  The father is so happy he and his son get to be baptized together.

As part of Jordan's Christmas package, I made a pan of chicken enchilada's and a pan of beef enchilada's.  I froze them and sent them overnight to Jordan.  He told me today that he was so happy to get them and they tasted so good.  He said that the investigators who are getting baptized are fairly low income.  He decided to take 1/2 of each pan of the enchilada's over to the investigator's home tonight for dinner.  I thought that was so great that Jordan was so thoughtful and willing to share his gift from home.  It also made me feel amazingly good to be feeding one of Jordan's investigators on Christmas night!! 

He said he is amazed at what is required of missionaries.  He has been put in many situations already where he has had to act as a counselor.  He is currently helping a couple that is living together but not married to get married so they can join the church.  They are really excited to be baptized, but can't until they get married.  He said they don't have much money, so Jordan and his companion are doing a lot to help them arrange the wedding.  He has had two investigator's give up smoking already, and one that had to give up drinking.  All of these are close to being baptized.   He said miracles are happening, and he is so happy to be a part of them.

He said the weather isn't bothering him too much.  He was standing outside in 18 degree weather for quite awhile during our conversation.  I asked him to explain the Kirtland Temple Zone Conference they had recently.  He got emotional and told me a wonderful story of the day.  He said first of all that the relationship between the owners of the Temple, and our church is friendly and workable because of years of befriending by President Gordon B. Hinkley.  Our church does still have to rent the building, but the church that owns it now is very friendly with the Mormon's and has allowed them to use the building on a few very special occasions such as Mission President conferences, and First Presidency Meetings etc.  He said President Monson is there frequently, and in fact had been there two weeks prior to their zone conference. 

This zone conference was unique in that it was the first of it's kind for the missionaries.  They were able to get very special permission from President Monson, as well as the owners of the Temple, to actually have the Sacrament administered during the meeting.  Jordan said that he got to the Temple in one of the first groups and sat near the front.  He was relishing in the Temple and feeling the thinness of the veil for quite some time.  He said he then turned around to see the whole room filled with suits and name badges of about 120 missionaries.  He said he was so moved to be in this special group.  They had several special speakers and the final one was his mission President.  Jordan said they came fasting and he personally had many questions that were very clearly and vividly answered there that day about his area, and the other Elder's he is working with. 

He told me another story about Kirtland that I thought I'd share also.  When he first arrived to Cleveland, the Mission President took the new missionaries on a tour of Kirtland.  They were fortunate enough to get the tour of Kirtland from the Kirtland Stake Patriarch --Carl Anderson.  He apparently is quite a historian about Kirtland.  Jordan said Carl Anderson is known to have every detail about everything that ever happened in church history in Kirtland memorized.  While they were in the Kirtland Temple, Carl Anderson asked the missionaries who in the room had ancestors with a history in Kirtland.  Jordan and a few others raised their hands.  Carl asked each of them to tell him who their ancestor was.  Thanks to Susan's inspiration and help prior to Jordan leaving on his mission, when Carl asked Jordan about his ancestor, he was able to tell him David Evans.  Carl Anderson knew David Evans' story very well, and went on to tell Jordan what a great man he was, and gave many details of his life.  Jordan felt so connected and happy to have the knowledge of his Great Grandfather's work in Kirtland.   

On this same tour while they were in the Revelation Room in the Newell K. Whitney store, Carl Anderson suddenly stopped his story and looked over to Jordan and asked what he was seeing and feeling at that very moment.  Jordan described how he was seeing Joseph Smith walking around the room touching each of the missionaries on the shoulder giving them a special blessing of comfort.  Patriarch Anderson said that he was seeing that exact same thing. 

Jordan is having some phenomenal miracles.  He is a leader already in his companionship.  They call him a "greenie breaker".  He's not a trainer, but the one right after the trainer that the new missionary goes to.  He said he is to break them of bad habits, or finish training in anything that hasn't been taught.  He said after Elder Saunders got injured and had to go home, they sent Elder Green in with Jordan.  He said they were both called "greenie breakers", and were to break each other.   He is now with a companion that is being "greenie broken".  He is still not getting along with the District Leader he is under, but has learned how to cope with him, and said "I salute him for his title and calling, but I don't like his behavior".  (Dad, he heard your advice and is applying it!)

He told me more about the day Elder Saunder's was injured.  He said he had been warning Elder Saunder's over and over that he as going to get hurt.  Apparently Elder Saunders refused to buckle the clip of his helmet.  Jordan said when Elder Saunder's crashed, he saw his helmet roll off and down the hill, and heard such thud of his head hitting the pavement that he was sure Elder Saunder's was dead.  He said he had been taught in the Mission Home by Sister Sorenson (the Mission President's wife - who is a nurse) what to do in the case of an accident.  He said he just knew what to do because she had told him when he first got to Cleveland.  I guess President Sorenson was kind of givingJordan a hard time for not forcing his companion to buckle his helmet (Remember that Elder Saunder's was Jordan's trainer).   Jordan explained to the President that he had warned Elder Saunder's to the point that it was becoming a conflict and interfering with their relationship and work. 

Jordan is learning a great deal about leadership, and about walking the fine line of getting along, while trying to follow all of the rules.  He sounds so humble and patient. 

Well, anyway...I could go on all night.  We actually talked 3 times today for a total of about 3 hours.  He is so sweet and loving.  I couldn't be more proud of him and the obedience he is showing.  We talked a lot about his joy and attitude for his missionary work.  He said he truly does love the work.  He takes every situation and finds joy in it.  He wasn't even homesick or sad that he is away for Christmas.  He sends his love to you all, and misses everyone.  He also said he appreciates and feels the love and support from every family member.  He was so grateful for all the packages and letters that family members sent.  He said to let you all know how grateful he is for you.

I would like to add to that by expressing my love and gratitude for all of your support and love for my family, and especially for your prayers and concern for our missionary.  I am missing you all greatly this Christmas Day!

Love,

Joanne

Kirtland Visits

Oh man is it snowing here! Holy cow!  We've gotten like 2 feet. It’s crazy too because the wind here makes the snow blow everywhere! Even against our door. We had a tiny wall in front of our door this morning as we left to go do laundry!  It’s crazy to have this much snow. Oh yeah and its 14 degrees out with a wind chill of about -2   Haha awesome!

We went to Kirtland on Saturday. It was amazing! We got a fantastic tour with our investigators from the sister missionaries. They were great! They really knew how to bring the spirit. We sat in the school of the prophets and the revelation room. I sat in the same place that I did when we first got there. It really brought me back to the spirit that I felt the first time I was there. I remembered the vision I had of Joseph Smith walking around the room comforting all of us missionaries. It really helped me remember my purpose as a missionary. It got me motivated to get back on track with my companion and to not worry about the bad District Leader I have.

We got to watch the new Joseph Smith movie. It was like WOW! Very powerful. It really made me think of how he relied on the Lord when he was going through a tough time. I thought to myself, suck it up and stop worrying about what you can’t control.

I love the spirit that I felt there. There was also nativity all over the grounds. It was a great reminder of the season and the purpose behind it. I'm glad to be serving a mission during Christmas! It’s the best time of the year to be serving others.

  

It’s amazing how inspired my mission President is. We had interviews and he really helped guide me in some answers that I was seeking. It’s amazing the respect he has for me too. I love President to death.

My District Leader is still being a butt. I had some great things happen to me though. I chose to overcome the adversity. I read 2nd Nephi 2. The part about why I shouldn’t allow my enemies to bring me down to the gulf of misery and endless woe. Great revelation comes when you are obedient and call on the Lord through fasting and prayer. With His help we will be prepared to overcome all. I love being in the Kirtland Temple on Tuesday. I was so grateful to have the letters from you guys. Tod made me cry. It was very very nice to be able to remember family in such a holy place.  I was grateful for the answers to my prayers that I received in the Temple.

The Stake President in AZ sent the missionaries a letter with a picture of the Gilbert temple and a challenge to all of us to prepare ourselves to come home to that Temple and love it. I can’t wait to see it when it’s done! It looks amazing from the computer made image that I saw. It’s so exciting to have that happening at home!

Well I’m out of time so I will talk to you next week and be calling you on Christmas!

Love,

Elder Yukish

Letter to Grandpa and Grandma Mitchell

Hey!

I was going to write you guys a letter today and send it to you in the mail! I think I still will but I'm here on the computer right now so I'd just like to tell you how things are going!

I am just falling in love with teaching. I have seen some serious miracles come before my eyes these last few weeks! I moved to a new place! I'm in Barberton now. I got a new companion, but he's still from Idaho... Haha! Love giving them a hard time just because they are all funny about their state!

We have had some amazing investigators come out of the woodworks. When I got here there were only two investigators. Now we have like 10 and 8 baptismal dates! People just keep calling us and saying hey we want to join your church can you come teach us! It’s amazing! We've also been getting calls from less active members of the church that want us to come over and we had a few of them come to church again! I’ts just amazing how the Lord can work so many miracles!

The snow is coming down like crazy It dropped about 6-8 inches last night! It’s so beautiful out! Like a big white blanket covering everything! I’ts cold but its ok because I’m in a car! Haha

Well I hope you guys have a blessed week and be looking for my letter in the mail! Its going to be the one that’s soaked in snow! Haha

Love

Elder Yukish

Transferred to Barberton, OH

Hey! So this week I got transferred just north of where I was. I am in Barberton now! Yes I do have a car and it is NICE!! I’m loving being out of the cold. I haven't seen the temperature gauge get up above 32 for the last 4 days.

My new address is:

229 Lilac Place

Barberton OH, 44203

It’s a pretty nice apartment. Nothing is going to be able to compare to the Canton apartment though. I heard that was the mansion of the mission. So yeah, it’s kinda all down hill from there, but its ok!

I came to this district and caused some serious drama. Our District Leader is kind of a rebellious missionary. Because I was living with the Zone Leaders before, I had heard about how he was. I got here and found out that the stories were no joke. I have a greenie companion that has only been out for one transfer and has some really bad habits. I got here and decided to shake up the ground a little. I called the District Leader out on a few things that he was being bad about and how it was affecting my companion. I also had a long talk with my companion about what is expected of all of us and that there are going to be changes. He really agreed with me and told me that when he got here he didn’t think that this was what a mission was all about. So we agreed to make changes and fix it.

The district leader really hates me now. He is in the biking area and I have the car. He had made plans for us to go shopping on black Friday at 4 in the morning. I got there and put a stop to that!  I called the Zone Leaders just to let them know there were a lot of problems and I needed to know what to do. The next morning the Zone Leaders walked into the District Leaders apartment and had a talk. That’s when he got mad at me. I know it was kind of wrong to go above his head without even talking to him about it, but President always says that the loyalty is vertical so I went up the chain to let them deal with the problem.

So long story short, I have been black listed and its going to be a long transfer.

Well I am having fun though. I like my new companion. His name is Elder Trammell. He has a lot of accomplishments in his life. He was a Dillard’s model, 7th in the world at his weight class in wrestling, and was a river guide. That kind of stuff. No big deal. Haha!! He's a great guy. He reminds me a lot of Devin. We get along great.

I would love if you would send me my blanket and also my 5x5 Rubik’s cube and my cologne (the cologne 41, cologne)! That would be sweet!

How in the world did you hear about zone conference? They send you an email? From what I've heard it is going to be amazing! It’s going to be at the Kirtland temple! I'm very excited!

Well I’m going to go try and not get my head chopped off today Haha!

Love you so so SOO much

Elder Yukish

Harvey! From Atheism to Baptism

Ah well I found out that I'm leaving Canton. I don’t know yet where I'm going, but I'm staying within the Zone so not too far from Canton. I am going to miss it. Elder Green who came out with me is training this transfer! It’s so crazy! First we are two greenies working together, now he's training another greenie! He is an amazing missionary! I really try to aspire to be like him. He's very humble and when I tell him he's great he just always says "well it's because you helped me be that way." I don’t feel like I did anything but I'm glad to have served with him.

The weather is not too bad here.  It actually got to 70 yesterday. It’s ridiculous! But there are suppose to be snow flurries tomorrow and then it’s going to be cold. I'm so excited because I got my driving card yesterday!!! I'm being transferred to a car area so I will be able to find some warmth as I go into the snow this year! Haha. But I am going to miss Canton. I had a really amazing thing happen with an investigator last night.

Harvey, a man that we met while tracting, we had an appointment with him last night. We talked with him about his concerns and helped him understand the rest of the Plan of Salvation. He came to church this week and really loved it and committed to come every week! When we first met this guy he claimed to be an atheist and had never gone to church before in his life. His ex-wife was catholic and he just didn't agree with the way they believed. He felt like he was searching for something but just didn't realize it until we met him.

He says he still doesn't know what he's looking for, but he feels that what we teach him and that we come over feels good. Well last night we set a baptismal date with him!! He's ready to be baptized! He is still lost on a lot of things, but he feels good about it!  We just keep making sure that the feelings that he feels are the Spirit and that it’s all for a reason. He prayed and said he stumbled through it, and he committed to keep doing it. He said that he also missed a day of praying and felt bad for not doing it! Haha! I was just like Harvey! You got it You have the feelings of the Spirit.  Keep doing it! I have never felt so happy in my life. The promise is true that the Gospel is the way to pure joy! I'm sad to be leaving him, but the hands of Elder Green are good and pure and I know he'll do well!

I Love being a missionary. It continues to be the toughest thing I've ever done but man, the rewards that follow the tough times... Make it all worth it!

I was reading in Enos today. I would invite everyone to read it and follow his example and pray to Heavenly Father and ask for the help and strength to carry on! Life is good! The work of the Lord will carry on! He will provide a way for us in this life! I know that He cares for each and every one of us! He knows us and knows what we need! I love the Lord. In Him my soul delighteth!

I love you Mom! I will probably have time on Thanksgiving to email again since it is our actual

p-day, and its all day, so I will let you know where I am then. And I also forgot my camera and I have some fun picture to give you, so I’ll do that too!

Love

Elder Yukish

Ward Members are helping a lot!

Oh Mom! That’s fantastic to hear! I'm so glad that prayers were answered for you and as well as for me too. I'm really excited to hear that this experience can draw you close to the Lord!

I have been having a fantastic week this week! We didn't get quite as many lessons in but the quality of the lessons have gone up tremendously! We have had so much success with working with members and being able to bring people over to investigators houses and have them make a strong connection with them. I didn't realize before when I went out with the missionaries before how vital it was for them. I feel bad that I didn’t have more chances to go before but I'm so going to help when I get back!

We got in contact with this part member family this week. The Dad has been less active since he was a teenager. The Mom just had a miscarriage and is totally ready to listen to the Gospel right now! The missionaries have tried before and with no luck but this time her heart was soften and she was ready to listen! The Dad has also started to feel a need to be back at church. It really is a answer to lots of prays and lost of hard work we put in this week.

I swear my head has hit the pillow harder than it has anytime before in my life this week. The weather has been perfect! It’s sunny and warm but not too warm. I have been in a crazy exercise mood this week and have actually dropped about 5 pounds. I feel good and pretty in tune with the spirit! This is the last week before transfers and it flew by. I'm actually dreading transfers because I might be transferred.

I really have mixed emotions about it. On the one hand I came into this area after it was dead. We opened it and now we are really seeing success. There are a lot of things going on and solid people that were teaching. On the other hand its getting in to winter and not having a car is going to be stinky. So I'm definitely leaning more towards staying but I’ve been here for 2 transfers and that’s usually about how long we stay in an area so I don’t know.   We’ll se what happens

There is one missionary that is in Massillon which is the next area over in our district that is going home this next week and is just checked out! He’s so trunky. They took away his driving privileges and also his companion just lost his too so they are just getting nothing done. Its kind of sad because he's going to look on this week and probably feel bad that he left on such a low note. He's been a DL and a ZL and is one of the greatest missionaries I know but just is ready to go home. If I start getting like that at the end of my mission I hope someone slaps me.

Oh yeah so they don’t have my driving record.. So could you send that in for me this week? I asked them about it and they said they didn’t get them. I don’t know what happened to them but I'm making sure they get them, and all my stuff, now.

Well I hope you have a great week and I love you guys lots! Send me pictures! Journey wrote me and said that Brock has gotten taller and thinner! He's going to be all grown up when I get home!

Love

Elder Yukish

First snow...and 18 lessons

Whoa! Crazy! I was wondering why Bishop McBride hadn't written me back.  How is this new Bishop?

I believe that the mission has my records but I'm not sure I will be calling them later today and finding out so I can get in a car!! I finished all of my qualifications for driving this week and I want to drive now! Haha!

It’s getting bitter cold here! I woke up one morning and it had actually snowed! I was like NOOOO!!!! And then we got on our bikes and went riding...

I came down with a cold this week and so the cold weather hasn't been helping much but I'm doing a lot better now. I do really like it here! The ward is fantastic and I really feel accepted here and am making great progress this week. This ward has like the best ward mission leader in the mission (so I'm told) and he really knows how to make our life easy as missionaries. We are supposed to teach 20 lessons a week and last transfer we were teaching on average 12.   This transfer we have been averaging 14,  and then this last week we actually had 18! Sooo close and the Bishop was very happy to see that and really was impressed with our efforts.

Elder Green and I have really felt accomplished this week.

I really like my Zone leaders we live with. The new one that came in this transfer actually started his mission in the Canton area on bikes just like me! He hooked me up with some great winter gear that he had that is very useful to use when you’re riding a bike! I was very grateful for that too because it saves us a lot of money and don’t have to worry about buying junk. It’s already proven to be good! I really didn’t like him at first he was a lot different from Elder Thornton who was an AP and knew how to follow the rules and really was obedient. It was a bit different how the new one acted but we've learned to respect each other more now

We'll its time to go play basketball once again! Haha

I'm so glad to hear that you guys are back in AZ and are loving the warmth! I know there are a lot of tough choices out there and I just encourage you, as I do everyone I meet, to take your questions to your Father in Heaven and ask for the guidance and don’t be afraid to sit quietly and listen for the answer. It will come as you continue in faith and involve Him in all you do. I know it works and I know that He hears and answers prayers!

I love you guys so much and I keep you in all my prayers

Love
Elder Yukish 

Love your investigator

Hey Mom,

This week was great! We worked pretty hard and got some good results. The weather has turned from cold to colder with a wind chill. I still like riding my bike but I'm starting to feel worn out by it. It’s uphill everywhere and the cold gets to your face and ears like crazy.

We have an investigator with a baptismal date and she is progressing. We just haven't been able to get her to church. She doesn't have a car (as many people in Canton don't). She's great though! They talked, in the MTC about loving your investigators and wanting the best for them. She is the first person that I've been teaching and have really felt that love for. She hasn't had the best life. She is a 50 year old grandma that just wants joy and we have that joy for her! I have to admit I cried during one of our lessons, and you know what - I'm totally OK with it!

We also have been teaching that guy that we found at the convenience store. He claims to be an Atheist but he keeps calling and asking questions that sound like he wants there to be a God. We have been meeting at the church because he's got some roommates that are not so great, which is OK with us because it’s really close to our house and we can always have a member with us!

Brock looks so awesome with his Iron Man costume!

In Ohio the State “rule” is that Trick-r-Treating is only done on the Sunday before (or the day of) between 3-5pm. Other than that there isn't supposed to be anybody out. It’s so weird, just not the same as Washington's Trick-r-Treating (Giant chicken).

This week I'm investing in some thermals. I finally bought a long john shirt and wore it, life was soooo good! I'm trying to find some pants to go along with it, but just haven't found them yet. It’s not so much that it’s cold just the wind is what gets to you here! I've attached a picture of myself at like 7:45 at night going tracting in the freezing rain! It was probably the best night I've had all week. I think I just lost my mind because the whole time that Elder Green and I were out we were just laughing.

I love you guys so much and I feel of your prayers all the time! They really help me keep going and help remind me of my purpose as a missionary. I’m going to need the support when the snow starts falling! HA HA! My companion always calls me a baby because I'm always cold! 

I put some other pictures up that I took this week hope you like them! 

Love you all and keep you all in my prayers and heart!

Love 

Elder Yukish