Season 5 Episode 4: Wonderful weather for a bike ride together with you!

Merry Christmas Friends & Family,

My first Christmas away from home was quite good surprisingly! I still had a plethora of presents (some from aunts and most from my mother). All of which were very amazing! I got a few new ties and a lot of candy. I will try to control my chocolate craving for the time being.

Christmas night was also memorable, we hosted a white elephant at the Jackson building. Inside one of Elder Hallsted's packages, we shoved in roughly 25 "Indoor Snowballs" (Little cotton balls). Almost immediately as the package was opened, the entire zone erupted into an all out snowball fight. This lasted the rest of the zone activity and we all got a decent cardio session because of it.

There were 3 new ASL referrals this week!


We were able to meet 2 of them (1 didn't answer). However because of these recent events, I would like to train the zone again
on how to greet
people in ASL, so that our referrals are a
bit happier to see us.

It came to my attention that only a few people last time actually paid attention to our teaching.

On a side note, we have started an ever growing list of members and non-members alike who want to join our ASL class. We are planning more of it everyday in our spare time, and are very excited to see how it goes!






We had our first Car fast in a long time. We finally put together Elder Hallsted's bike and decided to take the afternoon to be away from our car. This was very fun, and the cool weather made it excellent! However my thighs were not appreciative of it (not being used for 5 months).

That same night we had a Family History lesson with a new friend. After starting his account, he had plugged in a few family names that he had. After a short time, the computer had enough information and was able to link his grandfather's name to someone else who had already done a lot of research. After merging his information with someone else's, we were able to greatly expand his family tree! He was very excited, and so were we! After this merger, there was a frenzy of new information that kept coming. Near the end of the night I gave him some "homework", to which he responded,
"Do it at home?? I'd rather do it here with you. You guys are cool!"
We have another appointment next week. Family History is turning out to be very fruitful, and not just for our friends!

During the lesson I was able to find some Temple names, and started a bit of research on my ancestors. I came across my 3 Great Grandfather's (John Powell IV) Journal.

 It is quite detailed about his journey across the plains, and also of his conversion story.

 Also documented with this journal is some public events connected with his life, and (my personal favorite) his Patriarchal blessing.
So far in reading his stories, I have had a greater appreciation not only for the literal pioneers, but also for those pioneers who started in a new religion away from their families traditions.

I will continue to study his journal and share any new interesting finds!

Thank you so much for the love from home! (And my Texas home)


-Elder Vance

Season 5 Episode 3: The Lock down

Merry Christmas Family & Friends,

Two for two!!

These past few weeks have truly been a culmination of our efforts. We have been able to see the fruits of the spirit and witness 2 friends enter the waters of baptism.

Harry's Baptism this week was very special. After sorting through a few questions/concerns, Harry was very excited to move forward with baptism, saying "This is my big day!" After quite a bit of adjusting in the baptismal font, (He would not let go of the handrail) we told him that it would be best if when we baptize him that he sat down to be fully immersed in the water.  

Upon hearing this he decided to sit down preemptively. After slightly more confusion, we were ready to move forward! Harry slowly submerged (fully) and when he came up he had quite possibly the largest smile I have ever seen! He waved to everyone that came and could not hold his excitement to himself.
The rest of the service was amazing, with many powerful testimonies. It truly was a "White Christmas".

Another event that happened this week was when (on exchanged with Elder Bailey) I left the keys inside of the apartment and locked the door. I immediately realized my mistake and quickly suggested that we call the building owner so we can get a spare key to open the door. We came to find out that the earliest a worker could get there was 3 hours later. We then called the mission office, who told us that the only people who had a spare key was the Hunts, and they were at the temple currently. The situation was not improving. We were supposed to be on our way to a referral for ASL, not stuck outside of our apartment!! I prayed that somehow we might be able to get to the lesson. As Elder Bailey called other missionaries to maybe get a ride, I remembered watching TV shows in which people had gotten into locked doors by sliding a card down the side of the door. Even though it would not likely work, I decided to try. I pulled out my Library Card and was able to slide it into the right position and pop the door open! Elated, I quickly grabbed the keys and we ran off to the car! The person who had installed the door knob had actually installed it backwards. Typically the bolt has a curve towards the inside of the house, to prevent exactly what I had just done. But thankfully someone years ago had installed it wrong. 

The lesson we went to was fantastic! We met Jacky, our new ASL friend. She is incredibly smart and loves the stories about Jesus. After talking over a few of them, she was very happy to hear stories that she had not heard before, some from the Book of Mormon. It may be too early to tell, but we are best friends now!


We had a referral from earlier in the week, for someone who had an interest in Family History. As we acquainted ourselves with the program, we were able to explore some of the earliest records on "FamilySearch". Elder Hallsted found that he is related to "Romulus of Rome", the founder. Also for some reason, the Mythology of Romulus' story is also on "FamilySearch". Directly after Romulus, was Juno and Hera. I believe that someone must of had a sense of humor putting in those records. Regardless, the lesson was a success and we were able to motivate our new friend to continue his quest of seeking out his ancestors.


Also this week, we had a new service opportunity found by Sister Andersen and Basset. We all gathered and sang carols in a care center. As we sang, the different languages decided to all have a solo. First all of the Hermanas sang, then the Chinese Elders. Then Elder Hallsted and I led everyone in a sign language song. After the first ASL song everyone liked it enough to want to continue signing. We did so near the front of the Center and as we did, a lady wheeled up to us and looked very happy. We soon found out that she was Deaf and had had no one to talk to when she first came to the Center. She saw us signing and immediately went to talk to us. It is sometimes hard for Deaf people to find others who know ASL, so when they do they often talk for a long time, or about many topics simply because they have limited conversations with people. We will meet with her again this week and see how her Christmas is going. Maybe we can even carol to her again!!





I believe that is all of the main events this week. Of course, zone conference was amazing.
As I was interviewed by President, He asked me about the "Book of Mormon Challenge" (a mission challenge to finish the BOM before Dec 15). I told him of what I had done and how I had completed the challenge some time ago. He then asked me if I could share a 3-5 minute talk/testimony at zone conference because I had finished it. I thought he was being Rhetorical so I said "Yes! of course". He then put a star next to my name and my heart dropped. So it turns out he was completely serious and I then gave a 5 minute testimony at zone conference later that week. I was actually pretty excited to do so, but equal parts nervous. It ended up being very good and my voice did not crack!


I hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas!! But please don't forget to serve as Christ would.


Happy Holidays!
-Elder Vance

Season 5 Episode 2: The Reason for the Season

Hello Friends & Family,

We had a baptism this week!!!

Our friend Kelly has been taught by the missionaries for a long time, but finally decided that she wanted to be baptised!! After a (very) late interview, Kelly was ready to be baptised this past week. She was baptised by Elder Larsen (who started teaching her) and was confirmed on Sunday by Elder Hallsted. It was a very amazing experience to see how much she truly changed and how much happiness the Gospel has brought her. She already had some amazing moments with the Spirit, and was eagerly awaiting to have the Constant Companionship of the Spirit.

My (fantastic) Mother has asked me to write about our ASL sacrament meetings. I will briefly explain what it is like. For starters, you may think it is quiet, it is, and it isn't. Because Deaf people have limited ways of getting other people's attention, they sometimes slap the pews in order to vibrate them and notify someone. This surprised us greatly during our first few weeks.

Also, many of you may be wondering how we do Hymns. There is a projector that we have which shows a man/woman who signs the song and we all follow along. Some people sing, (roughly 3-4) so there is a bit of awkwardness around it. I often find myself humming along, then signing a little bit and looking around my companion and I will break out into song.
Yes, everyone has their eyes open for the prayers (including the sacrament).
If anyone else has questions, feel free to send them my way and I'd be happy to answer.

I went on an exchange with Elder Clifford this Saturday. After a short nerf fight, and a lot of study, we went out for the day. We had a bit of success, but we did get free street tacos and pizza! Also I got to use to OE's queen size bed again (which Is amazing)! The exchange was very good and we have 3 new potential ASL friends to teach.




Sunday we attended and annual "Messiah Sing in" in which many talented musicians come and perform George Frideric Handel's music. It was very interesting to see the faces of those who soloed the music. I could almost swear the Tenor could unhinge his jaw...
Regardless, it was really nice to see so many people of varying faiths join together to worship the Savior. Ultimately, all religions anywhere in the world worship God, and also believe in forgiveness. It truly strengthens my Testimony to see how many people are doing their best to follow Christ, no matter what church they are!







I would again like to share a quote from my favorite author James Talmage. This comes from his book " The Articles of Faith". I recently read this passage and would like to share it (and also to make my email look long)
(Article 4)
"Belief may consist in a merely intellectual assent, whilst faith implies such confidence and conviction as will impel to action.  Dictionary authority justifies us in drawing a distinction
between the two, according to present usage in English;
and this authority defines belief as a simple assent to the
truth or actuality of anything, excluding however the moral
element of responsibility through such assent, which is em
braced by faith. Belief is in a sense passive,—a mental
agreement or acceptance only ; faith is active and positive,—
such a reliance and confidence as will lead to works.

 Faith

in Christ comprises belief in Him, combined with trust in
Him. One cannot have faith without belief; yet he may
believe and still lack faith. Faith is vivified, vitalized, living
belief."

All of us may declare a specific belief, but what are we doing to show faith? Are we trusting in the God whom we worship? Are we those who declare his word, or those who actually practice it?

I would ask anyone reading this to ask themselves how they can better their faith in God and his son Jesus Christ. How can we change our proclamations to actions?
If I may give one suggestion, use this christmas season to your advantage!! Go and serve those whom need help! There are so many charities or organizations that provide us with an ample supply of service opportunities. So go and use them!


Remember the Reason for the Season  


-Elder Vance

Season 5 Episode 1: Eyes Closed, Shins Exposed

Friends & Family,

Missionaries often have unique ways of entertaining themselves. One such way for our area is occasionally playing a game called "Sandman". This game involves a playground, and 1 person who is "it". As that person steps onto the playground, he must close his eyes and attempt to tag someone else. If anyone is on the ground as the Tagger says "Sandman", they then become "it". This game is

simple in scope, but very elaborate when it comes to the precautions you take to avoid becoming "it". As our new Elders (in the zone) have played it with us, they have invented new ways of dodging, including some that they will never repeat. Elder Hobson in particular has been demolishing his shins as he has (at times successfully) ran away. One such time he lept from a ladder with his eyes closed and landed rather harshly. Luckily he quickly rebounded and no harm was done.

Harry has passed his interview!! He is on date for Baptism on Dec. 21st. It is my opinion that he will likely need 2 people to baptise him (because of his age), so we won't have to fight over that. His testimony is continuously growing, and he truly understands how faith works.
In his own words

"I don't know everything, but I know I need to go forward with faith, and so baptism is the way"

On a side note, taking the new Elders (incoming missionaries) temporarily was a very fun experience! It was very interesting to talk about their perspectives coming directly from the MTC. To them, I seemed like an old missionary. "You've been out here for 5 months already??" they would say. It feels as though I just got here. We took them to an ASL home visit that we had scheduled. It was very funny to watch their reactions as they realized that their first lesson in the field would be one in which they don't know the language. It went quite well though!

With all the new Elders in the zone, we have many new questions about ASL. It seems that everyone is in a rush to learn Sign Language. Hopefully they can refer people to us.

My Mother was extraordinarily nice and sent me 6 Christmas packages. Each package was ornately filled with individually wrapped presents that I open each day leading up to Christmas. My Mom then informed me that some gifts are actually for me to give rather than to accept myself. I always enjoy the creative ways my mom has found to serve those around her, and I will admit I am very spoiled from her. (That is my job as the youngest child)

I recently got my hands on a copy of "The articles of Faith" by James Talmage. If there is any scriptorian's out there, or anyone interested in the basic beliefs of the church, this is a fantastic approach that is both easy to understand, yet rich in depth.

"9. Man's inborn consciousness tells him of his ownexistence; his ordinary powers of observation prove the
existence of others of his kind, and of uncounted orders of
organized beings; from this he concludes that something
must have existed always, for had there been a time of no
existence, a period of nothingness, existence could never
have begun, for from nothing, nothing can be derived. The
eternal existence of something then, is a fact beyond dispute ;
and the only question requiring answer is, what is that
eternal something; that existence which is without begin
ning and without end? The skeptic may answer, "Nature;
matter has always existed, and the universe is but a mani
festation of matter organized by forces operating upon it;
however, Nature is not God." But matter is neither vital
nor active, nor is force intelligent ; yet vitality and ceaseless
activity are characteristic of created things, and the effects of
intelligence are universally present. True, nature is not
God ; and to mistake the one for the other is to call the edifice the architect, the fabric the designer, the marble ■ the sculp
tor, and the thing the power that made it. The system of
nature is the manifestation of that order which argues a
directing intelligence ; and that intelligence is of an eternal
character, coeval with existence itself. Nature herself is a
declaration of a superior Being, whose will and purpose
she portrays in all her varied aspects. Beyond and above
nature, stands nature's God." (Articles of Faith, Lecture ii)

I would share the entire book, but typing isn't as fun as I thought.

Anyway, onto the invitation!!
1. If you haven't watched "The Christ Child", Please do so ASAP. It is a wonderful video that really brings the spirit into any situation.
2. Sign up for "Light the World"
3. Keep reading the scriptures!!! (Muy Importante)


Thanks for all the emails and also for the (many) (Many) packages!!


-Elder Vance

Season 4 Episode 6: Wet Turkeys

Hello friends & family,



Thanksgiving has been a wild ride!!


To start us off, we had the largest flash flooding I have ever seen! There were giant puddles lining the streets, and to top that off, our zone activity that day was to play football!
We decided to play games inside and hope the weather cleared up. After hitting people in the head with a kickball for a bit, the rain continued! We played a few rounds of Chair soccer, and then everyone decided it would be memorable if we went outside. And memorable it was!




The grass in the field was flooded. Large mud puddles covered the playing area. At first, all of us were trying to stay as dry as possible, but then after puddles began to fill my shoes, I jumped around and got other people soaking wet. We all then individually (and mutually) decided to not care for dry clothes anymore and fully embrace the mud. What happened after that was the funniest game of football I have ever played (Pictures included).
There were many slips and falls. No clear winners were decided, however when Elder Lea exclaimed "LAST POINT WINS!" we did score the final touchdown, so.......
We had lots of fun though!!

Later that day we were very blessed to have a member in the Arlington ward host us for dinner. There was a large assortment of your typical thanksgiving day food. Somehow the conversation we were having turned into a laugh fest.
It was a fantastic Thanksgiving day!

News about Transfers!! Elder Hallsted and I are staying in the same area. We are both very excited to do so! We have many friends who have a baptisimal date for this month as we prepare for a "white christmas". (White like the jumpsuits for baptism)
We are both very optimistic for this transfer and the Friends who are progressing.


For those of you who are not yet aware, the Church is putting on a large worldwide event known as "Light the World". This campaign is to serve those around you as Christ did (or would have done) everyday! If you go to the website "Lighttheworld.org" you can sign up for a text reminder that tells you everyday of a random act of service that you can do!!

Matthew 5:14-16
"14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Also if you have the oppourtunity, watch the video called "The Christ Child" it is a short 15 minute video of the Nativity story. It is very well made and very powerful in the message it shares.

Thank you all for the letters
(and many, MANY packages)
-Elder Vance