Just so you know, Elder Jastal's mission is being split, and Elder Jastal will be transferring to the new mission . . . the California Irvine Mission.  As of the first of July, his new address will be:

Elder Devin L. Jastal
California Irvine Mission
23 Lake Rd.
Irvine, CA  92604 

2013 June 17th

My week has been pretty good. The weather is warming up and all that, but they have this thing out here called June Gloom. Pretty much it's just coud filled skies where you can't see any of the blue from like 6-11 or 12. It is nice this way cause it doesn't warm up that quick during the mornings but as soon as the skies clear, it heats up like an oven. Which just means that it heats up super fast until it gets into the 70's and 80's.

 

Sounds like Saturday was fun though (referring to the Chrysler Jeep open house). I bet it was funny to watch Vara going around to all these different places at the Carnival.

 

By the way, before I forget, Elder Beckstead says hi and that he loves and misses all of you.

 

That is good that you get to skype with Brandon. I bet that he is going to love being able to do that. the only thing that you would have to figure out, is when he would be able to do it over there and what time it would be at home, because that is like almost exactly half way around the world for you all isn't it?

 

As far as what I would like for my birthday, I think I would love to have a larger tie collection than what I have already. But other than that, I think maybe some more pictures of family and friends and anything else you would want to send me in a picture. Also, Gift cards are fantastic. Speaking of which, I did get the gift card and the other stuff that came with it. Maybe some more cookies too, if that would be do-able. Especially the pumpkin cookies that you make. Those things are super delicious.

 

As far as spiritual experiences that I can tell you about, I think one of the things I am still learning to do is pick out the small whisperings of the Spirit. That is something that I have never tried to do and so the only spiritual experiences I might be able to think of are the ones where it is super obvious and strong. But one that I can tell you about was when I had only been out for maybe two or three weeks. . . . .

 

Elder Lund and I were just about to do some roleplays to finish up our comp study and I wasn't up to it. Something just wasn't clicking in my head and he was just sitting there waiting for me to start when all of a sudden he asked me if I knew the hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour". I said that I did and he told me he wanted me to start singing it with him. And then he started singin and I couldn't get any of the words out cause I got all choked up because right when he started singing, I started to feel the Spirit sending me the Love of my Heavenly Father. He got maybe halfway through the first verse and I just started crying. That was an experience that taught me that I can't do this by myself and that I needed to learn how to get out of the way of the Spirit and let Him Teach trough me rather than him just testifying to what I had to say, even if it was true. That is quite possibly one of the best experiences I could share right now.

 

Congratulations to Zach! (referring to 8th grade) He made it through alive!!! That is so crazy that he is already going to be a Freshman. And Seminary!?!?!?!?!? Holy Schneikes!! That kid needs to slow down. He is going to be almost a Junior by the time I get home. I guess that is okay though. As long as he is doing good he will be just fine.

 

I haven't heard from Grant in a couple of weeks though so you will have to tell him to e-mail me soon. I want to hear all about his fight. DId he win, or are you gonna let him tell me everything?

 

How is Sensei doing? How about everyone else at the Dojo? I have gotten a couple of e-mails from one of the people there, but no one else has told me anything. Can you tell them all that I miss them and would love to hear from them?  

 

Well I probably have written quite enough for one email and as a last comment, could you some how get Thomas my email address and ask him if he wouldn't mind e-mailing me?

I love you all and hope nothing but the best happens while I am away,

Love,

Elder Jastal

2013 June 10th

That is soo exciting that Dylan is almost there. I have high hopes for him. 

It sounds like you had a good block of meetings Sunday. How is the ward doing? Are there anymore people getting ready to move out? How are the Westphals? Tell them that California is quite an interesting place.

I am absolutely positive that my testimony has never grown quite as rapidly as it has out here; and I know that it will continue to grow so much in the two years that I have. I am so very grateful for this chance that I have to have been called to serve in the army of our Lord and Savior. Not a day goes by that I do not reflect on the magnitude of such a calling, and realize that I am indeed the one wearing the name tag when I see that face in the mirror.

I hope and pray that my calling can be an example to all those who know me and all those who need a testimony builder. This has been an example to me, and a testimony builder in so many different ways.

I love you all and am keeping you all in my prayers.

2013 june 4th

Yesterday was transfers and Elder Lund went home. I got a new companion named Elder Tietjen (tea, gin like the drinks). He is super cool and he knows a lot about cars. He is from Texas and I already know that we will be able to do great things together for this work. 

I am absolutely amazed that Brinya is doing so well, but I can't say that I am suprised that Heavenly Father is answering my prayers. I know that it isn't just that though. I am sure that there are lots of people praying for her. 

I think I have have gotten a couple of e-mails from Gabe and I think he is doing well, but he hasn't told me very much so I don't know. I am keeping him in my prayers as well. 

 

Anyways, Take care. I will send you some more emails of pics and I will pray that God will be with you all.

Love,

Elder Jastal.