What a Week

Family and Friends,

This week has been super fun and interesting. So I guess I will start from Tuesday after we got done emailing. Pdays are Mondays here but it was Labor day so the library and some of our favorite places to shop were closed so we did some proselyting on Monday to make up for the time we would spend emailing and shopping on Tuesday. Anyways, The spanish missionaries moved out and didn't have a car so we took them to go shopping with us. There is a sweet place called Aldi's out here where the food is dirt cheap. A dozen eggs for 89 cents, milk for a buck 20, so we missionaries really like it. After our shopping we took the Spanish Elders back to their apartment and as we were leaving we noticed some groceries by the main entrance and a tv and a woman struggling with her baby in a carrier, so Elder Berthold held the door while I offered to help the lady. Then her husband sees us and says you better never come back here again. Interesting. We were all pretty confused so the Spanish Elders said oh Sir we live here. He didn't care. He said I don't care I don;t want to see you. I guess he might of thought we were knocking doors. Anyways, Elder Berthold left the door cause he heard the guy yelling and swearing at us and he passed him and said have a god day sir and the guy said get the heck outta here. So Elder Berthold just laughed cause it was an interesting situation and the Guy ran back and said you want to laugh kid? ill call the cops. Elder Berthold said why? And he said for being a punk (bad word) kid. Anyways, Elder Berthold dared him to call the cops and despite them being face to face in this heated argument no punches were thrown... it was so strange cause there were five of us Elders and one of him, and he was begging Elder Berthold to hit him. And it ended with us leaving and the guy cussing us out. The moral of the story is that Satan has people prepared to stop us just as much as God has people prepared for us to teach. So who knows whats going to happen and when. It was hard for us all to feel the Spirit for atleast an hour after that though. But it slowly come. Elder Berthold just isn't the kind of guy to be challenged and just let the guy swear at him and stuff. He never had intentions to fight with the guy he just wanted argue his case I guess. It could have been a lot worse but I was ready to jump in there and protect him if I needed too. Well, Cedar Rapids is absolutely beautiful. The more we drive the more I think Id be ok living here even if there are no mountains. We had a chance to teach Anthony this week. His mother is less active and he has two younger siblings. We taught him the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Which consists of faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end. He's 13 and an absolutely fantastic kid. He loves us all to death too. His mom sits in on every lesson and I know that she feels the Spirit when we teach. Anthony has really progressed. He madeit to church on Sunday for the second week in a row so he is good to be baptized now. His date is October 12th, to see a baptism that quick on my mission would be amazing. he wasn't going to make it to church because he had to babysit while his mom worked, but we told him he could bring his brother and sister. So, we had a member pick them up and that is the most courageous thing Ive seen Anthony do. Not only did he come, but he brought his family. Which is remarkable for a 13 year old too. Isabelle his younger sister who is 7 absolutely loved church. She loves it! So I hope they can come again. We still haven't been able to meet with Laurie since we committed her to baptism though. But thats probably due to her health mainly. And her work. Because she got kidney Stones she had to work on the day we had scheduled to meet with here and then she went out of town. But she gets her schedule today and will let us know when we can meet. I really do love this gospel. It brings so much happiness and I can see that. I think the main thing Ive noticed is that without this knowledge life becomes so much harder. just with trials. As we have this perception of how they cause us to grow and where we are headed the things of this world don't matter anymore. I love the verse in Doctrine and Covenants that says, set aside the things of this world and seek for the things of a better. Im teaching people to do that. And that has brought me so much joy. Keep attending church. I promise you that as you do you will feel that joy that Im speaking of. You will see the blessings flow. And attend the temple. That is the closest place to heaven on this earth. Long to be there. And long to feel the spirit there. I love you all. And I love this work. Thanks for your prayers. and the love and support. You make me happy :) Keep going. And I will too!

Love,

Elder Wardle

Mission home address

The address for the mission home in Caleb's mission is
Elder Caleb Wardle
Iowa Des Moines Mission
8515 Douglas Ave. Ste. 19
Urbandale, IA 50322-2924

Feel free to send him letters to this address or the other one that was posted earlier today. This address will remain the same throughout his mission and the other one will change as he moves to different areas. It is recommended that you don't write him to his apartment address close to transfer days (every 6 weeks) as he may be going to a different area and won't be there to receive your mail. If it is near a transfer day we recommend that you send it to the mission home. I'm sure that he would love to hear from all of you!

This is awesome!

Family and Friends,

This week has been an amazing first week in the field. We woke up ridiculously early on Wednesday morning and 30 missionaries arrived in Des Moines at around 1:30. We got to meet President Jensen and his wife and the Assistants to the Presidents at the airport. I love Pres. Jensen and his wife so much. They are fantastic. We at some food and got some training on how the mission works and then got to bed at around 10:30. I stayed with the AP's since the mission home wasn't big enough to hold us all. The AP's place is sweet and I forgot my camera or Id send pictures. They have name tags of all the missionaries who have lived in that apartment before them which I got a picture of. Anyways, we woke up at 6 and then headed to Iowa City for our transfer meeting and to meet our trainers. It was good to hear from the mission presidency. They are a great group of men and I love them. So for the news everyone wants to hear.

My new companions are elder Berthold (my trainer) and Elder Tanner. And I love them to death. Im basically elder bertholds twin. He says that we are both hilarious, handsome, like the same music, are consistently border lining insanity, and love the Lord. He does say he is better looking though. And I would have to agree. He is a handsome man. Anyways, I love Elder Berthold. this is his last transfer before he heads home though. But its been great getting to know him. We have been sharing an apartment with The spanish missionaries who are hilarious as well but they moved to there new apartment this morning. Elder berthold and I have been able to go running everyone night from about 9:30 to 10:30 and it's been great to be able to talk with him about his mission and family and working out and all the fun stuff we did in Highschool. We will most likely be friends for the rest of our lives which Im looking forward too. Well, after meeting my companions we my junk in a members van and headed to Cedar Rapids. Cedar Rapids is gorgeous. We live in a little town called Hiawatha just outside Cedar Rapids though. Our area is huge and although we are in the Cedar Rapids 2nd ward we don't cover CR. We cover all the little towns outside of it. The Zone Leaders are in our ward and they cover most of Cedar Rapids. The Spanish missionaries do as well. So at church on Sunday there are 7 Elders which is ridiculous. Anyways, when we arrived in Cedar Rapids we headed straight to an appointment. I hadn't even seen the apartment yet. But we went to go see a referral named Luarie hansen. Luarie works for a companie named Fanzz which is a Mormon owned sports memorabilia store. And she siad that there are two types of people in the company. The mormons, and the people who drink. And she feels very comfortable with those who are LDS. So she wanted to know more about where we came from and what we believe. And we were able to teach her the Restoration and how we have the Restored Gospel. I was able to recite Joseph Smith's first vision and the spirit was amazingly strong. Anyways, things went flawlessly and she commited to be baptized on September 21st and commited to church on Sunday. She didn't make it because she was battling Kidney Stones. It's interesting how things like that would happen. But we did warn here that Satan would try to bring her down. Anyways, its amazing to see how Father has prepared people so well. She was so ready to hear our message it was unbelievable. Im so excited for what the Lord has in store for me and the people of Iowa. The area Im in is fairly new so we hope to really spread the word as much as possible here. We have some potential investigators that really could turn into something great. I look forward to teaching and to be able to share my testimony with others. This is something that has brought me such happiness and I want the whole world to know why I have literally never not been happy in my life. My course is set, the questions are answered, and I know my purpose. To make it back to Father and to bring as many people with me as I can. There is truth in this work. When we tract most people seem uninterested but encourage us because of what we are doing. They say, keep working hard, everyone needs Jesus. And that's what I love most about Iowa. I know everyone says that the mission they go to is the best, but mine truly is. And Ill tell you why. The Des Moines Iowa first ward leads the American continent in convert baptisms per year. Our mission set a goal of 400 baptisms in 2012 and they reached that goal on the very last day of the year. Our goal this year is 550 and we are at around 315 with plenty of time to continue. The goal reminds me of a scripture in Phillipians 4:13 I believe," I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Its so simple yet so true. I truly can do this. And the mission can as well. Every morning at 9:50 we pray mission wide for help in accomplishing that goal. And I know with hard work we can achieve it. I love this work and miss you all. I hope the best for you. Your in my heart and in my prayers. Thanks for all you do. Im safe here. And thinking of home helps me remember my purpose. To bring souls unto Christ. I hope I can achieve all that the Lord wants for me. I hope through love and patience I can show these people the path. I love them all so much already.

Love,

Elder Wardle

P.S.

Send stuff here if you want to write me and get it here quick. But each transfer ill update my address so you know where to send stuff. October 12th is our next transfer date so don't send things after the 9th cause I may not get hem. Anyways, here it is:

125 E. Boyson rd. #602

Hiawatha IA 52233

My MTC experience comes to a close

Family and Friends,

Thanks for all your love and support. Its been great to hear from you.

Its been a really busy week. The days are long but the spirit strong. I leave in the morning for Des Moines. I have to be at the travel office at 3:30 am which means waking up at 2:30 am. SO that wont be fun. My flight leaves Salt Lake around seven and then we have a layover in Colorado and then off to Des Moines. Im stoked. Im so ready to serve the Lord. I thought was ready before I came but apparently I have a bunch to learn. Ive really been able to feel the love my Heavenly Father has for me. He truly does answer prayers. I got to go to the temple today. We did Endowments as a District and Elder Dumais and I did some Initatories as well. It was good to be reminded of the blessings. I love the temple. It truly is the house of the Lord.

We as a companionship had a fantastic teaching here. I learned how to ask inspired questions, follow the spirit, and ultimatley learn what my purpose is as a missionary. Im so greatful for the experiences we have had here. Its been a great learning experience. I wish every member, missionary or not, could spend a couple days here. The growth is immense and the blessings uncountable. Being District Leader here was challenging but rewarding. I loved being able to ask the Lord about the individuals in the District and how I could help them. Last night three of the sisters in our district left for Washington Everette where they are serving. It was hard to see them go. The Elders in the District with my Direction were able to give blessings of comfort to each of the sisters before they left. I was glad that we could do that for them. We had our last prayer as we knelt together which was tender but exciting since we would be leaving so soon. I love them all.

We sang hymns as well and I have plenty of pictures but dont have the capability of uploading them here at the MTC so you can expect those next week.

Im excited to meet President Jensen. He sent us an email which said that most of our trainers will have only been there for a transfer. So we aren't supposed to expect them to be perfect. Im just excited to serve. Its something Ive always wanted to and I know I will be blessed.

My laundry is just about done so I better go. I love you all. I pray for you and wish the best for you

love,

Elder Wardle

I love you all

Family and Friends,

This is honestly the best place on Earth. Besides home of course. I don't know if you have received my letters yet as the mail room is super backed up. I haven't gotten yours either but I hope to read them. I can't describe it here. The spirit is exhausting. Im consistently tired which I dont think I have ev er felt in my life before. The foods good but kinda just runs through me. I love my camponions, (yes two) Elder Raddatz and Elder Nelson. they are Zone Leaders and I am the District Leader. I have had some extremely spiritual experiences. Some I will share and some I cant due to lack of time and the more personal ones I will keep to myself. 

First off, being the District leader is extremely rewarding. I have never prayed so hard in my life. I say three prayers each morning and night, a personal prayer, companionship prayer and a residence prayer. And although I love praying with others, I find that the revelation comes the most when I pray at night on my knees in bed (I'm on the top bunk). For the first time ever I asked Heavenly Father specific questions and got specific answers immediately. But not immediately after. The revelation come with asking the question whcih was super stange for me. Heavenly Father, what attribute can I study to more fully have the character of christ? And as i asked I envisioned myself flipping through the Bible Dictionary to Charity. So if that's not revelation I dont know what is. I pray for all of the members of the district (District 64C) as individuals, companionships, and a district as whole. I pray to know and discern what they need and how I can best help them. What I can teach, What goals we can set and it's extremly rewarding to help them. Ive given a blessing and can't explain how much being able to hold the Lords priesthood means to me. Today we went to the temple and for the first time I was able to go with a question and feel that it was answered. 

We teach investigators in the Teaching Resource Center (TRC) and that was an experience. We were assigned to teach Belinda who lives in Singapore. Some of the people we teach are Non Members, reactivated members, and some are actually not members of the church. So no matter what you are trying to improve the investigators testimony. It feels real. Anyways we were supposed to pretend we were in Singapore as the missionaries there which was cool. Belinda has no Christian background and really doesnt believe in God. Sghe asked us "Why does it matter if He's real? If I know he is real then I tell peple he is and life goes on, if he's not I tell people he isn't and life goes on." That was a tough question. And all though during that lesson we didn't teach much doctrine, We did teach her how to pray and she committed to do that. Belinda was a tough cookie. It seemed as if she didn't care. She was referred to the church by an inactive friend. And remarkably she showed up. (Atleast this is the "story" as we heard it) The branch president contacted us and we got her adress and showed up. WE discussed God and how he has a plan for her. We asked her how do you know what's good and bad in the world? And she says well my father told me what to do and I did it. We related that to Heavenly Father and He has a plan for her. She agreed with that I guess. She then asked us if we were happy and we said we were happy because we knew the Lord. She then said ok, if someone hands you some food and you try it and you like it do you get more? We all said yes... and then she said that's not me. I take two bites and send it on over to the next person. So basically her point was that you can either be happy or sad. Its black and white. Theres no in between. To combat that we said Belinda all that we ask is that you try the food we have to offer ( our message) and if it doesn't make you happier then send us on your way. So she agreed. Before we taught her how to pray she asked us if we had ever eaten monkey brain... I said no but Ive always wanted to try it (as to not offend her culture) and she said don't. The monkey is still alive while you eat its brain... We then told her that we agreed that thats disgusting. Hows that for an experience? Thats enough about Belinda

Sunday was great. We got to attend a fantastic devotional by Vei Sikehema, who went to BYU for football and went pray. After that we watched a recording of a talk called "The Character of Christ" which David A. Bednar gave in the MTC last Christmas. This is the only place you can watch it. It changed my life more than any other talk ive heard. I would describe it to you if I could. Basically I learned that I need to always look outward not inward. And I knew that before I just never realized how important that was.

I love you all. Tuesday is my Pday just so you know. I love it here so much. Ive experienced so much growth. I challenge you all to start praying like your life depended on it. Because it does. Set aside the things of this world and seek for a greater. I can't express to you enough how much I miss you all. It was hardest on Friday. It hit me like a brick wall. Im here. I cant see them. I cant see their love. But I can definitely feel it...Send the Bishop and the ward my love. Tell them they shaped me in to who I am.

I love you all.

Elder Wardle

Letter #1: First day in MTC

August 14th, 2013

Mom, Dad, Miranda, Chubs, and Family

So it's my first night here and I can't describe how excellent my day has been. I'm absolutely exhausted and can't think straight because we woke up so early. But I'll be so energetic tomorrow it will not be even funny. So I arrived and got a bunch of information, saw where I'm staying and then went over to a classroom to meet my companions, yes I'm in a trio companionship. It's been super fun getting to know my companions. Elder Radattz is from Idaho and Elder Nelson is from Mesa, AZ. We had a chance to meet the missionaries...sorry not missionaries, well they are actually set apart but that's beside the point. So I met the MTC President and his wife and they are fantastic. After dinner we had teaching experiences where we had teaching experiences where we had to try and discern what a contact was struggling with in their life. Following the spirit can be hard at times but I know that Father will bless me for being his tool. We can't teach without him. We can't be His servant and not have His spirit. Elder Nelson has shown a lot of strength. After one of the investigators shared an experience about the death of her father with us, a group about 80, Elder Nelson spoke up and talked about the death of his brother. He was killed in a car accident that he was also involved in. The investigator was so thankful because he was so genuine with her. I guess that's what I've learned so far. That people don't care about what you have to say until they know that you care. I hope to be able to show people my sincerity. I truly love the gospel. These past few days have been extremely emotional. Because I'm going to miss you all a ton, You all do mean the world to me and I'm only out here because of you. Because I want others to have what we have. It's something miraculous. I'll write as much as possible....

Pray for me and write. I love you all.

Elder Wardle

850 missionaries arrived today
3000 missionaries in the MTC
The MTC choir is 1300 missionaries. I'll be one.

Caleb's mailing address for the MTC is:
Elder Caleb James Wardle
AUG28 IA-DEMOIN
2009 N 900 E Unit 170
Provo UT 84602

Caleb's estimated departure from the MTC to Iowa is August 28th.

Officially Elder Wardle!!!

Caleb was set apart as a full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Tuesday, August 13th, 2013.  He is now officially Elder Wardle! He will be serving the Iowa Des Moines mission for the next 2 years. After he was set apart he was only allowed to hug immediate family so he shook Natalie's (cousin) hand goodbye.

With Tony

With Miranda

With the part of the family that could be there.

With Natalie

Shaking hands with Natalie

On August 14, 2013 Caleb reported for the Missionary Training Center. His dad and mom and his siblings, Miranda, Jeremy, and Tony drove him to the airport early in the morning. His brother Mark picked him up from the airport in Salt Lake and hung out with him until it was time for him to be at the MTC.

Once Caleb starts to send weekly emails I, Miranda, will post them on here. Feel free to come back as frequently as you want. As soon as I know what his address is I will also post it on here. He would love to get letters so go ahead and write as much as you want!