Elder Jared Teeples Mission Blog: I'm leaving Santa Maria

Hello!

Thank you for the addresses! It's so crazy that they [Kolby & Kyle] are into the MTCs now... crazy. And thank you about the money and the ties/garments. (: Just whenever you can is great. No stress.

How was Father's day?? It's kind of a bummer that we can't call home on Father's day... Haha we talked to a guy who goes to Calvary Chapel named Jose. He was telling us that that is ridiculous that we couldn't call home, and he was telling us to break the rules and call home anyways because our dad's deserved it... ha it's probably true, but we just told him that we think our fathers would appreciate it more if we obeyed the rules. He is a good guy! I'm definitely going to come visit him after my mission ha (:

I am being transferred! This is my last day in Santa Maria. I will be going to Solvang. Everybody says it is a really cool place there! Apparently, it is a big tourist spot! It is a small Danish town, with Danish buildings, Danish food (what I'm excited about (: ), and Danish people. I will be in a Tripanionship. Elder Clark and I will be training a new Elder! It is a new area we are going into so it should be exciting (: Elder Smith will be staying, and will be training another new Elder here.

I'm glad to hear YC was fun! I love the Manti temple (: I'm so glad to hear you had a good experience! thank you so much (: I'm so glad to hear that your proud of me. I will return honorably! It really is scary at first, coming out into the world. Everything is changed, I remember when I first got her I was pretty uncomfortable with everything. It was pretty overwhelming and stressful, but it was something that I needed, and that all missionaries need to go through. It taught me how to trust in the Lord, and to humble myself before Him. Because no matter how many things change, or how many different places I go, the Lord will always be there, and He will be unchangeable to me. I'm so grateful for that!!!!

I hope Keith and Jaxon start going to the Temple more. That is one thing I wish I would have done more was go to the temple more often. Even if it was just to walk around the Temple grounds. It wasn't until college when I realized how amazing it was. I loved going to the Temple! It is such a privilege and I hope they soon see how amazing it is, and take advantage of that opportunity.

Hahah Joseph is so cute. You can tell him I'll take him camping when I get home (: I think that'd be fun. But It sounds like Yuba was fun! I remember the times when we went as a family! good memories (:

So this week was really great. We have had a couple lessons with Jeaninne. Her and Cliff had an interview with the bishop yesterday, and they decided they are going to get married!!!! In 2 weeks! But I won't be here ): She is planning on being baptized the week after. It was such a privilege and blessing in my life to see her change! It is like she is a completely different person. This Gospel truly is amazing. It makes me so glad to know that I have always had it as such a big part of my life!

Leroy left on a 2 week trip, and he told us that he is planning on being baptized in late July. He is so awesome! It was such a privilege to teach him, and to see that change in him as well. He is an awesome guy! The purple tie I am wearing in the picture with him is one that he gave me. Nice of him, huh?(:

It has been 4 and 1/2 months since I arrived in Santa Maria. I feel like I've been here forever , but at the same time, I feel like I just got here! This transfer went by way fast. But I'm glad I am moving on to new things. I'm excited (:

Thank you for everything that you do for me!! I hope dad stays safe while he's in SLC. I miss and love you! Have a great week and I'll talk to you next week (: love you!

Love,

Elder Teeples

So these are the pictures I meant to send last week...

One of them is Elder Smith, me and Mario (The big round Native American) and right before the picture, Bro. Chamberlain who was taking the picture, said, "Mario, Smile!!!" and he said, " I am smiling." with a straight expression.. he is awesome (: he has been coming to church every week since 3 months before I got here, but he is on parole so he can't get baptized...

The next one is of Elder Smith, Leroy and I. He is awesome!

And one is of Bro. Chamberlain and I. He is the ward mission leader. He is awesome!! and he has the nicest guitar I've ever played.........