The Monk Bunch

Feb. 13 ,2012

2012-02-13T11:39:00.001-08:00

Hey Mom!

Well, no pics again this week... we are at a different FHC and thereare no slots, and I forgot my card reader.... SORRY! I'll send some next week.

Sounds like there’s a lot going on! Sam did email, and he saidthey're having a boy! WOO! That’s so exciting. Good for them! They’re in myprayers.

Umm we moved, the apartment is so nice! I'll be sure to send ya somepictures. I'm still sorry for that! Its fun for me to send pictures, becausethen it feels like you can see into my life! Haha

We have ZLC tomorrow in Ventura, so that will be good. Did I tellyou I’m still a zone leader? Senior zone leader at that? I'm so blessed though,I have the best companion. He is from Ririe actually, but went to school inRexburg. We have so much fun! We also got Zone T shirts made that have the LAtemple with "Thousand Oaks" across the top and down the side it says,"We're legit" Haha! The last elders had them made, and they just camein. we're blessed!

We spent a couple days either moving in, or setting gals withcompanionships. We went with every companionship and set 3 goals they want toachieve before the end of the transfer, took their picture, and put them all upin our apartment, so we can see them and their goals, and follow up with them!It’s great. Off to a good start!

On the 3rd of March, Brother Heaton from the MTC is coming to ZLC,so that should be awesome! He's the director of MTC stuff for the church.Crazy!

I did get your package!!! Thanks so much!!!! I love you. It wasgreat! I loved the pictures so much. THANKS! Do you think I could still getsome new white shirts? Mine are now more of a "Poop" color. You arethe best! I really appreciate all your help.

Last transfer was probably one of my hardest. I have felt sounconfident, and its been so weird! I don't know where it came from, but theadversary has been working hard on me. Elder Brodie went through a lot of thesame stuff, so we have been helping each other SO Much. I know that PresidentCastro is called of God! I see it in my companion. I am SOOOOOOOO blessed. Iwish you could just see inside my head and understand how i feel. There aren’twords for it!! The Church is true.

Yesterday at Church, a former investigator (That still comes withhis girlfriend) came to us and told us that he has been working thru a lot ofstuff, and set his own baptismal date of March 31. Wow! We are going to workwith him and help him get there! Miracles left and right.

Tell Natalie to stop being a pile and write me! I miss her tons!! Iwant her advice and encouragement. I love hearing from her because she knowswhat i'm going through. Tell her!!!!! Thanks:)

We went to Brittany Spear's house last week on our drive throughLake Sherwood! It was fun! :) hahaha sooo many famous people here! And we wentby Jackie Chan's house as well on our way to Malibu Lake. FUN FUN! :) I'mblessed.

Well, that’s about it for me! Sorry no pics... I’m working on it!Thanks for all you do! I love you and miss ya tons! Keep in touch!

Love,

Elder Matthew Monk

California Ventura Mission

Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

From Matt

2012-02-06T18:21:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 6, 2012

HI Mom!

Well, lots of changes today. So Elder Cook is going home tomorrow,so is Elder Christensen. Also, the church bought us a new apartment, so we'removing out of our foursome. Yikes! The apartment is SICK. It's brand new, newcarpet and paint, everything. One bed, one bath, washer and dryer, porch,underground parking, everything. Wow! All at a cheap $1,650.00 a month! WHOO!We are so blessed. My new companion is Elder Brodie - his family lives inRigby. :) Another Idaho Companion! And he is already serving here in theWestlake ward, so not too big of a change! Haha! He is a really greatmissionary, and I am so excited! :)

JOHN GOT BAPTIZED THIS WEEK! We baptized a man from communistBeijing China!!!!!!!!!!!! That’s pretty exciting! Guess what else? That morningwe had our stake president's meeting and President Castro came and brought JoseL. Alonso of the 70. WHOA! Then the whole Castro family came to the baptismwith Elder Alonso! There was also the stake president there, and 3 or 4 highcouncilmen! There were probably 60 or so people there. It was an amazingexperience. The spirit was so strong! We got to confirm him on Sunday, and itwas so cool. After his baptism he read his testimony to everyone in English. Itwas so sweet, and so sincere! He is definitely amazing. Last night he told usthat he wants to go on a mission. WOW! There are not words to describe thefeelings. That was definitely the highlight of the week. Crazy crazy.

Well today is just packing and moving! I'll send pics next week.Thanks for the shirts and the wallflower in advance. I love you so much, and Iappreciate your sacrifices to help provide for me! I couldn't do it withoutyour love and support. I LOVE YOU!

Elder Matthew Monk

California Ventura Mission

Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

Matt's letter for January 30, 2012

2012-01-30T20:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom -

It has been a good week! So update: I bought new shoes - Clarkes!They are different from the last ones. They are Black Slip On, and I love thema lot! Elder Cook has some just like it, and he loves them. They are good! Sothanks!!!! I also got insoles for them on Friday. They are better than the lastones – a lot firmer, so it feels pretty good. Things are getting better! I'llkeep you posted.

We have met with the Bentleys a lot. Robby leaves for his mission thesame day as Elder Cook, and Bre got her Patriarchal blessing yesterday. Socool! We went to Robby's farewell yesterday, and he quoted us in his talk! Itwas a really neat experience. We went over last night to play a board game thatwe made for them, and He invited us to come see him get set apart on Friday(They are diving to Provo on Saturday). Woo! They are a great family. I lovethem lots! Bre texted last night and said how much she loves us, and that weare her best friends besides her family. Woo! I love them so much.

Our apartment is SO Trunkey. It’s terrible. Elder cook isn't thatbad, but Elder Christensen who goes home the same day is WAYY Trunkey. He'sbeen packing his stuff for about 2 weeks now. His companion elder Hamilton ishaving a hard time with it. He doesn’t want to be here anyway, and has almostgone home like 3 times now, so its crazy tough. Its even hard for me! I don'teven want to go home, but i find myself thinking of home a lot, because that’sall anyone ever talks about! Grrr... I think they should not tell the missionarywhen he is going home, then call him the night before and say "There's aplane ticket fro you at 9 am! Get Packed!" It would be so much easier forthe companions. Anyway...

I hope the journal paper comes quick! I am running out! (And that’sgood) maybe 5 sheets left. I'll conserve. So far I have kept my resolution towrite everyday. (Not write everyday, but have an entry for everyday) :) so itsgood!

Would it be too much to ask for a couple new white shirts? Thepockets are falling off of a couple. I've fixed them a couple times, but it’sgetting really bad... If not, its ok. You just have a JC Penney there and Iknow they have the ones I like. For your information the tag says:

Stafford

Performance

The Supershirt

Athletic

They have the stretchy neck and short sleeve. And the material isreally thin (I think broadcloth?), not the thick heavy stuff. No worries, I’min no rush! Sorry that I ask for so much stuff. It just seems that latelyeverything has been disintegrating, falling off, tearing, or catching on fire.Hahah! You are the best mamma jamma!

I'm glad you got your card! I hope your birthday was AWESOME! And sorryabout the card... It was the best one! :/ We're going to the templetomorrow with the Knapps. I'll be sure to take a bunch of pictures foryou!

Life is pretty good for me. Thanks for all you do! I love you.you're in my prayers!

Elder Matthew Monk

California Ventura Mission

Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

A really cool bridge in Moorpark! It’s really cool!

We found a scenic vista on an exchange!

Beautiful!

We had lunch on top of a parking garage in TO for Elder Christensen birthday.

This is the view!

A guy in the other ward won an emmy! He let me hold it.

Wowow

Making the game...

-a work in progress...

The game!

It’s the tree of life, with the spacious building and a dirty fountain.

We just made a bunch of cards - move forward if good,

back if bad. It’s pretty silly, but way fun!

We laugh so hard when we play it!

It is great.

Missing Matt

2012-01-28T22:39:00.000-08:00

Feeling kind of home sick for Matt today.

Oh my, I miss that kid so much.

I got the cutest B'day card from him

in the mail, it made me cry.

Since I turned 52 years old,

he listed 52 things that describe me to him.

So cute even if the card had an old guy

in glasses on the front with the words,

Another birthday and still going strong!

On the inside it said,

And more often.

Have a Good One.

(Sounds just like Matt doesn't it?)

Matt has been gone for over a year now.

Last year on my birthday,

he flew to the Ventura, California Mission.

(I often think I need to change the music
that goes with my blog but then
I hear Ventura Highway and my
heart sinks, it just goes with
Matt's mission and I can't
change it).

I am in such awe of all my kids serving missions.

As I think back of when I was 19 years old I don't know that

I would of chosen to go on a mission. Yah, I had a

testimony but I don't know that it was strong enough

to leave everything I knew behind and go serve

the Lord for two years.

I feel very blessed to have kids with such

strong testimonies.

I believe the Lord did save his best for last and that's

who will lead our church and that's who will

raise the next generation.

The church IS true and I'm proud

to be part of it!

My B'day

2012-01-25T14:28:00.000-08:00

Just had to share about my birthday this year.

Yah, I kind of don't like my birthday very much.

Now, I love everyone else's special days

but I really don't like the attention.

But, I love it when I do get treated like

a queen on my special day.

On Sunday, my dear Mother had a special

dinner for me. I loved the fact that

I didn't have to fix Sunday dinner.

All my kids were there except for

Natalie, she had the flu, and of course,

Matt. My Aunt Pat, who shares

the same birthday as me, Uncle Sam,

my sister, Jana and my brother Paul

were there. Nothing like good food

and wonderful company to make

the day.

Then, on Tuesday, my actual birthday,

Brooke wanted to take me to lunch.

I was looking forward to having a fun

lunch date with her and the kids.

Tuesday morning she called and asked

me come over to their house

when I got off work, they

had a surprise for me!

I was so excited!

After work I headed on over and Emily

greeted me at the door in her

Cinderella dress and holding a

special card she had made just

for me.

(Smile)

As I went into their house I could see

the surprise! Brooke and Emily

had prepared a "Tea Party"

for us for lunch.

It was the cutest thing I have

ever seen.

Brooke had borrowed a tea set

from a friend and it was

just beautiful.

We had heart shaped sandwiches and

Emily poured each of us some "tea"

(apple juice).

We had a wonderful lunch together and

I felt so special.

It was the most wonderful thing

and I enjoyed it so much.

(The people I work with kept asking,

this is your daughter-in-law? They

couldn't believe a daughter-in-law

could treat her mother-in-law with

such love and grace).

I'll tell you, I couldn't be more

proud because I have the most

wonderful daughter-in-law and

grand daughter in the world.

Thanks to you both for making

my b'day so special.

I simply loved the Tea Party!

I'll never forget it.

Emily loves to play Tea Party

and every time she comes to

my house we play with

the little dishes.

She got a kitchen for Christmas

and plays with dishes at her house

constantly.

A Tea Party for Grandma's B'day

was the perfect gift!

Oh, this is not the end.

My in-laws came from

Rigby and took Wynn, Natalie

and I all out to dinner.

We went to the Hong Kong

and it was so good.

I got lavished with so many wonderful

gifts. For not liking my birthday, I

sure have a huge smile on my

face today because yesterday

was the most perfect

birthday ever!

from Matt

2012-01-23T14:17:00.001-08:00

Dear Mom!

Let me answer your questions first:

That is some splint you have to wear at night. Is it helping? Yes. It's awkwardto wear, but I think it is helping. it just keeps my feet at an angle to stretchthe tendons. yup!

So, are you seeing a different dr. than the one you saw before? Yes. That wasbishop Kesler in Bakersfield. I am seeing Doctor Benson here in TO.

Who is paying for it? Doctor Benson. Missionary Medical pays foreverything (but a $10 co-pay) but he has picked everything up for me. I askedat the counter last week if I needed to pay, and the receptionist said that itwas taken care of. I am so blessed!

Is our insurance supposed to take care of those things? Nope!

Did you get you some new shoes? I will be today. I just haven't hadtime yet! Haha

Is it just one foot or is it both that are giving your fits? Both.But we're getting it worked out!

I hope that answers some of your questions for you! Elder and sisterZwick were amazing. I feel very blessed to have been able to meet him! We had aZLC with him on Tuesday, so that was a pretty personal meeting. We got to talkwith him one on one a little, and it was great! He asked us "What are youwilling to Change?" and that was sort of the theme for the day. We alsotalked about our calling and lots of other stuff. I wish I could tell you allabout it, but there are just no words. In my journal I talk about it, but all ican say is, " It was so good." Over and over. Haha! I'll write todayand tell you more about it.

Thanks for the letter and all of the emails! Its fun to hear aboutall the friends. Bridger also wrote me, so that was good! Sounds like all iswell. Also, thanks for calling me fat! I'm hurt and offended. Haha JK! I stillweigh about the same, it has just moved to my face, I think. We eat out A TONhere, and we cover 2 really big stakes, so we drive a lot. We are working onexercising more, and parking the car lots, so it’s a work in progress. :) Loveyou!

Yesterday we had stake conference. It was all of Sothern California,and Elder L Tom Perry spoke, s o it was a wonderful meeting. It was broadcastfrom Salt Lake to here. So cool! We are so blessed.

We had an amazing lesson this week. We have been working with a familynamed the Bentley's. Their son Robby is going on a mission in 2 weeks to D.C.and their daughter Breanna is just coming back to church, so we have beenteaching them. Their parents are so-so, but coming along (Dad had an affair amonth or two ago, and they are working things out) but the whole family wasthere! We started teaching Bre and Robby, then mom came in and was askingquestions about his mission, than dad came in and joined in, then we startedtalking about the holy ghost and revelation. It was one of the most amazinglessons ever! Everyone was involved, and Bre even started to cry. After weleft, Bre texted and said thanks, and that we are amazing. The spirit was sostrong! it was amazing. They had us for dinner a couple days later (We had BBQtri-tip!) and they invited 2 non-member friends that may be meeting with ussoon! It has been a great week.

We are going to the temple next week! Woo! It will be so fun. It iselder Cook's birthday and Elder Christensen, so we all 4 get to go down. I can'twait! It is going to be awesome.

It has rained here a little lately! But we're glad for the moisture.No complaints here.

If its not too much, i need a couple things... I am almost out ofjournal paper (Which is a good thing, because i have started to write again! :)so that’s good) and a new wallflower thing would be super cool. (I love thatthing - it makes our old apartment smell nice) Thanks for all you do for me. Ireally really appreciate you!

Well, I think that’s it! Here are a couple pictures! These are eldercooks birthday at the Bentley's. So good! They are sweet! :)

I hope you know I love you! Keep in touch! Thanks for all youdo!

Elder Matthew Monk

California Ventura Mission

Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

From Matt

2012-01-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 16, 2012

I did get your package! Thanks so much. I love the quote book! It isfor women, but most of the quotes are for everybody. I love them! :) Thanks somuch.

I am attaching pictures for you! I'll have to send a couple emailswith all the pictures!

So we had dinner with the Knapps yesterday. They live in LakeSherwood just outside of Westlake. It is Crazy! They took us on a drive throughthe gated community that they are looking to either buy or build. You have tohave a name, a password, and ID to get in! There are guards and everything.It’s on a country club that costs like $40,000 a year to be a member. There’s apicture of will Smiths gate and Wayne Gretskies house too. HOLY COW! You cannotbelieve the money that is in there.

Well, This week we had a good one! Did you get the Fat picture of mefrom the Knapps? You should text them back! They were wondering why you didn'tanswer! Haha We had dinner with them at the Macaroni Grill that night. They areso sweet!

We had a baptism yesterday! Her name is Jessi Bell, and She gotbaptized in Rancho Cucamunga, where her family lives, and her boyfriend’sfamily baptized her. She was taught here, but baptized there. We heard it wasgood though! :)

Our Chinese investigator, John, is in China until the end of themonth, so we can't teach him. We wanted to Skype or email, and Presidentthought it was a good idea, but it’s against the Chinese Law to do any sort ofproselyte. He is solid though, so it will be ok.

Elder Craig Zwick is coming to our mission this week! We have a zoneleader meeting with him tomorrow, and a conference with him Thursday. I’mpumped! It will be a lot of fun.

We had a meeting with the stake presidency of Newbury Park andPresident Castro on Saturday! It was good. President also told us that nextmonth when we have the same meeting a 70 will be visiting just presidentCastro, so he will be bringing him along to the meeting, then to Johns' baptismright afterword! Holy cow! Haha

Umm Elder cook is amazing, We have so much fun! It seems like all wedo is laugh. We get along so good. We are looking for more people to teachright now, so we do a lot of less active work. It is good!

Mom and Dad! I think you should be temple workers! You can just doit once a week! It would be soo cool. A lady in the ward that got baptized ayear ago is doing that, and she LOVES it! It’s like a mini mission. Think aboutit!!!

Thanks for all you have been doing for me! I appreciate yousending money. It means a lot to me. I am so thankful! Thank you.

So this week I have been thinking about how powerful prayer is. Itis a direct communication with God! We get so caught up in life that we forgetwe have that and we get lazy. God is our Father in Heaven, and just like a realdad, wants to hear from us. I love being able to pray! It is a huge blessing. Ialso know that Jesus is the son of God and that he Lives! He loves usperfectly. I know that we are lead by a living prophet today, and i know heloves us and wants us to be happy. The Gospel is purely made for us to behappy. That’s why I love being a missionary and a member of this church! Itmakes me HAPPY! I love you all at home, and I pray for you daily. Thanks foryou loving support and prayers! I appreciate and need them. Keep em comin! :) Iknow that church is true! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Well, I hope it is an amazing week! I love you! Thanks foreverything!

Love,

Elder Monk

Thousand Oaks stake center

My bed

My district

The splintI have to wear at night.

Will Smith's gate

The Country Club

A huge house

Monday, January 9th, 2012

2012-01-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Mom!

Well, it was an awesome week! I will try to answer your questions:

I'm anxious to hear all about Thousand Oaks.
*Are the members as great there as they were in Bakersfield?

No. But the church is way strong! we cover 2 stakes (YSA). The Thousand Oaks Stake has a big stake center (Everyone calls it the TO Temple - It is MASSIVE! 2 Chapels, 2 gyms, 2 floors, and really new!) it is a great area.
*How often do you get dinner from members?

Maybe if we are lucky once a week. But there are some families in other wards that usually have us over weekly. The Knapps have us over every Monday. They are awesome!
*How is the Ward Mission leader?

Way good. His name is Chris Davis and he is like 23. Nice guy, and SUPER involved.
*Are there lots of rich people there?

TONS. The Knapps live on Lake Sherwood a fake lake where rich people live. Will Smith lives there, and a couple other rich people.
*If the people are rich, are they as receptive to the gospel?

Uh, so so. Everyone we talk to is way nice. There are a lot of Jews, but everyone is way nice. We work mostly off refferrals.
*How close to the coast are you now?

About 20 min. you can't see it, but we get coastal breezes.
*Didn't you say you were over a young single adult branch again? Do you like that?

Yes I am. It is way fun! Really Spread out, but fun.

Hope that answers some of them! I am doing good. We are at the Library, so I have to hurry so Elder Cook can have a turn.

So I went to the doctor again for my feet. The doctor gave me a perscription for a better anti-inlammitory thats like 10x stonger than the old one. They also taped my feet and they will be making me new orthodics and getting me night-splints. WOOO! hahha, but he said that this will take care of it. He also told me that if i want to get better that I need new shoes.. So......If it's not too much, I might need a little money for those. I'm sorry! He said they are just worn out. I don't want to! But he said i really need to. Please don't be mad.. I am going to buy pants today (Mine are shot) probably 2 pairs, so maybe (I don't know know how much shoes cost...) maybe 50? or whatever you think. thank you so much for all your help mom. I didn't know this would happen.

We had a Dia de los Reyes (Day of the Kings) party at a recent converts house on Friday. It was so sweet! I will send pics soon.

Do I need to have my new atm card activated? Or does it do it automatically?

GOSH! Everyone here is so crazy rich. A guy in the other ward pulled up to church yesterday in a brand new Maserati. Yikes! He invented bluetooth. We went past Jackie Chan's house the other day too. And Brooke White (3RD place in american idol with DAvid Archuleta and David Cook) is in the Westlake ward too. We are having dinner at their house soon. Her name is Brook Ray - she got married. Haha! Its a crazy time here.

We are teaching a Jew named Courtney. SHe is so sweet! Her family is super loaded, but she is so sweet. The work is going great here!

Sounds like things are going good for you! I hope everyone is doing well. I pray for you often. I LOVE YOU!
--
Elder Matthew Monk
California Ventura Mission
Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

From Matt

2012-01-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 2^nd, 2012

Hi Mom!

Well, things are good for me. I loved our phone call! Thanks forbeing amazing.

So Thousand Oaks (TO) is awesome. It’s been about 75 degreeseveryday

I’ve been here. WOW! It’s beautiful. We're like 20 minutes from L.A.

and lots of stars and rich people live here. Brook White - the one

from American idol that got like 3rd place with David Archuletalives

here! I met her husband at church yesterday. Brother Ray - White is

just a stage name.

There are a ton of Jews here! Agoura Hills has like California's

population of Jewish people. We are teaching a Jewish Girl that is

getting baptized soon. Woo! One of the recent converts here (Thatjust

left to BYU) was also a Jew. Woah! Crazy time.

I'm glad you had fun with Brother Johnson. He is so nice! I wish Ihad

time to talk to him... But it’s ok! :) Glad you enjoyed the almonds!

They are tasty. The CD's are actually just cases. I have all theCD's

here in a binder. And I just don't use those speakers very much. The

battery always ran dead. So sorry! Thanks for putting all that stuff

away. I’m sure there will be more! hahah

So I live in Thousand Oaks on Avenida De Las Flores. It is abeautiful

place! We live with two other elders and it is way fun. One is struggling

a lot and has only been out 2 months or so.His

companion Elder Christensen goes home in 5 weeks, as does mine,elder

Cook. Elder Cook is a BLAST! He is from Gettysburg, PA. I haven't

laughed so hard since I was with Bridger. We have tons of fun. I'mso

lucky!

We cover the West Lake Village YSA ward, and it is a blast. We had

dinner with a member in Malibu Lake last weekend and their house is

LEGIT. Oh man, it is crazy rich here. Idaho boy is blown away. Imiss

our little house! Haha but its pretty cool.

We have a zone leader training meeting starting today in Venturauntil

tomorrow, so that will be fun. On the 17th or 18th we will be havinga

zone leader meeting with elder Zwick of the 70. That should be fun!

Woo! Rubbin' shoulders with a general authority! :) haha

Krissa Hegsted? Woo! That was fast. Haha I kind of expected that.Good

for her! Tell them to send an announcement my way that would be fun.

Can you believe that hump day is Thursday?!?! HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!!Haha

It is crazy how fast time goes. Can you believe it???!?!!! I hope to

see some camels in the mail! So yeah! Be thinkin of me! :) I'm

always thinking of you. I hope you know how much I love andappreciate

you! You are the best mom I could ask for.

I don’t think there’s anything else! I'm working on some pics, sostay tuned.

Elder Matthew Monk

California Ventura Mission

Jan. 2011 -Jan. 2013

Pictures from Matt

2011-12-26T15:57:00.000-08:00

We got a short e-mail from Matt today.

Talking to him yesterday, he expressed that

he thought he could possibly be transferred

today. Well, his suspicion was true, he

is now going to Thousand Oaks. It

is closer to L.A. close to the coast.

His new companion is from out East

somewhere. He is still a zone leader.

He was looking forward to a change.

He loved Bakersfield but felt it was

time for him to move on.

He did send the following pictures.

Chases baptism on Dec. 17th.

I think this is the mission presidents kids.

Matt said that at a ward party, the members

had made each of the Elders scarves for

Christmas.

Matt and his companion and the other set of

Elders in his apartment pulled their

mattresses into the living room so they

could sleep near the Christmas tree.

Matt's Christmas loot.

Yesterday when we spoke with Matt, he expressed

just how much the members there take care of the

missionaries. He said they had so much

Christmas stuff from them.

It was so fun talking to him yesterday. I kind of feel down

today because it is over. I was looking so forward to

just hearing his voice. Comforted to know that he is

still the same Matt just a bit more mature and a

fabulous missionary.

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-26T12:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning we got to go over

to Steve and Brookes and watch the kiddo's

open their Christmas presents.

Emily was thrilled with her new kitchen!

Camden loves cars!

Emily also got a cash register and all the fixings

to play store. She loves it!

Natalie got a beautiful snow globe from Steven and Brooke.

I have never seen one quit so beautiful.

Camden got a new soccer ball from Natalie.

Steven and his family.

Santa really did come to our house this year.

It was kind of a "different" Christmas with no kids at home.

Natalie must of came to our house while we were at

church and filled our stockings and left presents.

I thought that was so thoughtful of her.

It made my day. She will probably never know

how much I appreciated that kindness, it meant

so much.

After church the kids all came.

Wynn had to go to work for a couple of hours but

planned on being home for when Matt would call.

Camden loved his sled from Grandma and Grandpa.

Actually, Emily and Camden both loved

to have us pull them around in the sled.

The kids were so much fun!

Always time for a nap!

Oh my, we got treated so wonderful for

Christmas this year.

I loved each and everyone of my presents.

I have such thoughtful kids.

But, the best present of all was getting to talk to Matt.

We put the phone on speaker and we all just

sat around and listened to him talk.

It was very entertaining.

He is doing so well and was so happy.

Warmed my heart to know he is okay.

I knew he was but something about

hearing their voice I just got the

reassurance that he is just fine.

Mother's Day is along time from

now.

Then. . .

Drum roll please. . . .

While we were on the phone with Matt

Sam announced to us all

that Hailey is pregnant! I was so

surprised and yet so happy for them.

So fun how he told us when everyone was

there to hear the news. Yup, July 7th,

we'll get a new little grand baby.

We couldn't be happier. They

will be great parents.

We then enjoyed the movie

Mr. Poppers Penguins.

It was a perfect day!

My heart is so full and I feel so thankful

for all my many, many blessings.

Family is everything and I'm so glad

we got to spend this special day with them.

Wynn's Mom and Dad were with us,

My Mom, my Aunt Pat and Uncle Sam.

I'm so grateful for a wonderful family.

Steven and Brooke are off to Island Park to spend

some time with Brooke's family.

Sam and Hailey are off on a 5 day ski trip.

My Mom went to Utah to see my brother and his

family.

I guess we'll just settle in and get some

things done around the house.

Christmas Eve at Grandma Hayes'

2011-12-26T12:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve Eve, (Friday night) Wynn took us all out to

a Mexican dinner and then we

came to our house and watched

a move. It's always nice to be

around family.

Every year, we spend Christmas Eve at my

Mom's house in Rigby. All the cousins, Aunts

and Uncles get get together.

This year we did lunch which freed the

evening up so everyone could

get ready for Santa Cause.

It was a great plan. . .

Natalie bought all the stuff and her and I

made penguins to share.

Aren't they so cute?

They were a huge hit.

(olives, cream cheese and carrots)

This year we had four different types of soups,

homemade bread, green salad and pie.

The $5 gift game is always so fun.

Everyone brings a $5 gift. We put them in the

middle of the floor. We start with the youngest

and they get 1st pick. Then the second

youngest chooses a new gift or one that

is already chosen. Get it?

It's always fun.

Steve, Brooke and our little Emily.

Sam and Hailey

Aunt Pat and Uncle Sam

Every time Camden sees a camera

he says, "cheese."

Oh my, he is so cute!

After a fun afternoon, Wynn, Natalie and I

went with Steven and his family

to view the Christmas lights

around town.

4th B'day!

2011-12-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

December 21st was

our little Emily's

4th birthday!

What a fun day. . .

Brooke hosted the cutest

birthday party for Emily and

her little friends.

It was a ladybug party!
Emily loves ladybugs!

They played a ladybug

bean bag toss!

They made ladybug princess wands and they

even had ladybug masks.

The ladybug cupcakes were

just the cutest!

Pin the dot on the

Ladybug.

(Camden loved it too)

Then on Wednesday night

we had a family

party for our little Em's.

More presents!

I can't believe Emily is already

four years old.

She has brought so much love

into our lives.

We love you Emily!

Steve and Brooke gave Emily

the cutest trunk for her

to store all her

princess attire in.

Camden loved being inside it.

I feel bad I didn't get a picture

of Emily in the princess dress I

made her for her birthday.

My battery went dead before I

could get one. But, here is

a picture of the dress without

the princess.

Our Special Day. . .

2011-12-20T16:49:00.000-08:00

Today was a special day. . .

Emily will turn 4 years old tomorrow

and so today I got to spend most

of the day with just her!

No Mom, no Dad, no Camden just

Emily and Grandma Monk!

We started our day by visiting the

visitor's center at the

Idaho Falls Temple.

Emily loved the nativity.

As we entered the visitor's center,

it warmed my heart as Emily said,

"Look Grandma, there's Jesus."

Emily loved playing on the computer and

coloring temples from all over

the world. We looked at the temple in England where her

Dad Steven served his mission. We looked at the New Zealand temple were Uncle Sam served and we also looked at the

Los Angeles Temple were Uncle Matt is serving his mission.
We couldn't find the Finland temple where Aunt Nat served her mission nor could we find the Portland temple where
Emily's Mom and Dad were married.

Emily wanted to know is Jesus was

awake in these statues.

The bronze statues were just beautiful!

Off to the Museum of Idaho where we enjoyed

an Old Fashioned Christmas.

Emily loved all the different Santa's there.

We even found the Grinch.

The Gingerbread man was so cute!

We had to wrap Em's up in a blanket because she

forgot her coat. It worked, we would just wrap her

up when we were outside and then off the blanket

would come when we went inside.

Then... off to Grandma's to make our very own

Gingerbread house.

Isn't it so cute? I loved how Emily would so carefully

place each piece of candy. She took such great

care in decorating her masterpiece!

Wouldn't be a complete day if we

didn't color!

We took turns and isn't it a beautiful picture?

Off to the basement for just some "play" time.

Wouldn't be a day at Grandma's if we didn't

have a tea party.

I love you Emily!

You are such a special girl.

Thanks for spending the day with me.

Can't wait for your birthday party tomorrow.

Love,

Grandma Monk

Monday, Dec. 19, 2011

2011-12-20T12:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Mom!

Well I'm glad you got my email. Haha! It took me a while, so i was hoping you would like it. SOunds like Christmas is in full swing at the monk house! WOO! I'm so happy for ya'll. Yes I did get the package! Thanks so much. The presents are under the tree. I did watch the DVD though! Haha mom... that's so you. I wish you would have done pics from the whole year! But i love it all the same. I will give the Johnson's your number. They'll be in touch! :) As a zone leader we just oversee the zones affairs and do numbers and report them to the assistants and all that stuff. As a district leader i have a district meeting each wednesday morning and we do exchanges with them. We also do exchanges with all the district leaders in our zone (2 other beside me). Its alot of fun! Let me tell you about our week..........

Monday: P Day. Pretty relaxed, nothing crazy. Shopping laundry, etc. \

Tuesday: The assistants came and did exchanges with us. We were with elder Cuartas who is going home next week. It was really good! We put passalong cards n businesses and stuff, so it was exciting! :)

Wednesday: Exchanges with Olive Knolls. I got to ride a bike all day. Pretty fun! We had a good exchange. Elder Denison is from Rexburg.

Thursday: Exchanges with Highland Manor. Pretty good. The elder I was with is really blah and doesn't care alot... So our day was kinda blah too. No big deal!

Friday: (Weekly Planning) We get a call at 9:30 that one of our missionaries is freaking out on the other and we need to get there ASAP. We run over and they had gotten into a fistfight and one had called the police. We listened to both sides and called president Castro. He told us to let the Police sort it out and call him as soon as they left. We wait and the police come and read them both the riot act, an tell them if it happens a gain they are both going to jail. We call president, we go on an exchange with them until he can get ahold of SAlt Lake to make a decision. I take the one to an urgent care place because he thought his arm was broken. 5 1/2 HOURS LATER we leave with no damage done. President Calls and tells us to bring them to Oxnard by 930 in the morning (The morning of Chase's baptism at 2).

Saturday: We drive down (Leave by 6) and president meets with them individually and together, then us, then all of us. They called their parents and ex[plained what happened and president told them it would be ok to be together until he got ahold of another General Authority to make a decision. We drive home and pull up to the church at 1:58 (no joke) and Chase GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!! IT was so amazing. He took me aside and said how he owed it all to me and how much he loves me. It wasn't me! It was the Lord. I am SOO blessed. We took the missionaries home and went to dinner with Chase and Angela, then started to do our weekly planning at the church (Saturday - 7 pm). President Calls and says that he talked to a GA and the elders couln't be together to do an exchange ASAP. We get them and go. President calls at 10:30 and tells elder Udy that the one he's with is going home the next morning, not to tell, and to call me in the morning.

Sunday: The next morning he gets his stuff packed and we take him to a church in the so stake and a senior couple takes him straight toLA. We went to our PEC, then take the missionary to the church, then go confirm Chase (He said the spirit was SO strong! He cried too!) One of our Less Active members that hasen't been to church for almost 15 years came to church yesterday! Afer Sacrament (Which we caught the tail end) he was on his way out and had a seizure in the foyer, so we took him outside and sat him on the curb. He started having harder ones, and Chase's mom (Who is not a member and goes to an anti- mormon church) came and helped him. It was so nice! Garrett was ok (It's a routine thing) and he said how much he enjoyed church.Afterwords, chase's mom gave us both big hugs and expressed so much joy for Chase and Angela. She said she has been praying for this for a long time! :) Such a miracle. then go to the Snow ward's ward council (Elder Garns of the 70 as there visiting! :O Woah!) then to their Sacrament, home for some lunch, back for preisthood , over to the So Stake center for YSA correlation, then president calls the other elder we were with and tells him he's leaving in the morning to get transferred to Santa Barbara. We got to 2 dinners (Filet mignon, and tri-tip), then pack the other elder up, go to bed, get up, take him to the church, and 2 other missionaries took him down this morning.

And that takes us to now! Whew! What a crazy week! Probably the craziest of my mission! Maybe even my life! We have sent home 2 missionaries in 2 weeks. The snow ward has gone through 4 missionaries in 11 weeks. Holy COws.

So Chase had an amazing experience. I for got to bring my camera this morning, but i will send you some pics later. They look so cute!!!!!!!!! I love them so much. I can't believe the changes that have happened for them! It has been so quick. AGGHHHHH! I love them. Alot of miracles this week! Thanks for the package! I love you all so much. I can't wait to talk on christmas! I'm lookin forward to it alot. Tell everyone i love them!

Love,

Elder Matthew Monk
California Ventura Mission
Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

Family Christmas Party at the Lodge

2011-12-18T21:46:00.000-08:00

This week end we got to go to the annual Monk Family

Christmas party at Leslie and Blaine's Lodge

in Lava, Idaho.

Along with good food, we loved getting

caught up with everyone and exchanging

fun Christmas gifts.

The highlight of the evening was the

"Minute-to-win-it"

games!

David and Colleen did a great job hosting!

Go Lindsey!

Stack those ding-dongs!

So fun seeing the little kids.

They were so cute running all over the place.

A great party, we had tons of fun!

See you all again next year. . .

December 12, 2011

2011-12-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

Hi Mom!

Ok to answer some of your questions:

I Serve on the White Oak YSA Ward and The Rosedale Ward. We go to church at 11:00 in Rosedale then we leave after sacrament meeting and go to the YSA Ward that starts at 1:00 and stay for the whole thing. We live in the Rosedale ward and its probably about 3 miles by 3 miles since they split it. It used to be one of the biggest in the mission! Now i think its probably the second smallest, but we have the most members! Haha. The YSA ward is a tri stake ward, pulling leadership from all stakes. It is based in the East Stake, but we meet in the South Stake. We cover the Bakersfield Stake. The YSA ward is the biggest ward in California (Area wise) with probably 700-1000 eligible members. Some choose to go to their home ward, so its a little different. We have the biggest Zone in the mission, Covering 11 Wards and 1 Spanish Branch, and 26 missionaries including us. It’s a lot of work!! :) I love it.

It is about 2 hours from here to Ventura. We take the 99 down over the "Grapevine" which is just a huge road going over the mountains. It is WAY steep in a lot of parts. It’s so fun to drive! There are TONS of trucks going over it all the time. It’s like 4-6 lanes each way. The mission home is up on a hill overlooking Ventura and the Channel Islands. It’s beautiful!

There are no temples in our mission, so we can't go except once a year (In our birth month) or with investigators that we have baptized that are going to the temple, or with our companions on their birthdays, etc. It wall works out! For most of the mission we go to L.A., but up here in Bakersfield we can choose L.A. or Fresno. Part of our Zone actually covers some of the Fresno Mission, so last week I was in Brennan's mission! It was way cool.

As for Christmas:

To: All Missionaries

You may telephone your parents or guardian on Christmas Day (Sunday, December 25th). These phone calls should be kept “short (preferably no longer than 30 or 40 minutes)” (see Missionary Handbook, 37) and should not distract from your missionary service. Please follow the guidelines below when you call home this one time:

If Calling Within the United States

You are authorized to use the mission-provided cellular phone to make your call.

DO NOT USE INTERNET VOICE OR VIDEO OPTIONS LIKE SKYPE (PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR EXCEPTIONS) ·

As always, these calls should not create an inconvenience to members or others. Neither missionaries nor members should purchase any additional equipment in order to make these arrangements. Weekly letters home should continue to be by postal services or e-mail only.

This is just what President sent us today, so we will probably be calling around the afternoon sometime, since we have church from 11:00-2:00, we will probably be calling around 3:00 - 4:00. We're having Christmas at Bishop Kesler's house, and apparently we can use our phones and theirs, so we can do it pretty quick. Sound OK?

As for this week, it was pretty good! We had ZLC and it (as always) was wonderful. We watched part of the video they showed at the Christmas Devotional - the one with Mary - the we had a great evening with the Castro's. They are so sweet! I can hardly wait for you to meet them. We had a great discussion the next day, and enjoyed learning from President and the assistants.

We went to Delano for an exchange there and it was WILD!!! Delano is Crazy, and I think the church is a little less true there. Haha just kidding. It is just a predominately Spanish community and its very backwards. I saw a 19 year old breast feed her 3 year old. I quickly put my tiny book of Mormon over my eyes! Its a different place. When you come to visit, we will NOT go there. :) We also sent home a missionary for "Medical Issues" this week. That was tough, but it' what he wanted. So, we got a new one on Saturday! Its great.

Umm as for Christmas. I don't think i really want anything. I know I mentioned a camera? But i understand if that’s asking too much. Don't worry about it. I think thats it, just whatever else you think! :) Thanks so much momma! You are the best.

I'm sending home a package in a little over a week. Our wad mission leader is going to Rexburg for Christmas, so i'm sending home some junk that i want, but don't need right now. I'll also send some stuff for you guys. I love you all so much! Any requests? hahah!

I’m loving the 25 days of Christmas things! It is so much fun! :) Thank you so much.

The Pictures are of Beehive and the destruction and also the decorations we put up, and sister ricks. There were two mirrors in the back room where we emailed and i walked past and my coat caught them and the just tipped over and shattered in 1.672 Billion pieces. The Billboard is one in Delano. That should give you a taste of how the city is.

Well, that’s all for this week! Chase came to church with the kids all by himself! Miracle. He is so ready for Saturday. :) I'm happy as a clam. I love you all!

Elder Matthew Monk

California Ventura Mission

Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

Brooke's Birthday Party

2011-12-05T15:46:00.001-08:00

Saturday, Dec. 3rd, was Brooke's Birthday.

We celebrated on Sunday afternoon.

We had dinner and visited.

Always fun to have the family together.

Emily loved handing Brooke her presents!

Every time Camden sees a camera he says, "Cheese."

Oh, so cute!

Steven and Brooke

Brooke's sister Breanne and her husband Grant and

their baby Luke.

Steve and Brooke and their little family!

A birthday isn't a birthday without blowing out the

candles.

We love you Brooke!

So glad you are part of our family.

We wouldn't be the same without you.

Thanks for being the best Mom in the

world to our perfect little

grand babies.

Matt's news

2011-12-05T13:20:00.001-08:00

Monday, December 5, 2011

Hi Mom!!!

Well, it was anotheramazing week in the Great California Ventura Mission! Bakersfield is on fire,and I love life. My companion is good, and we are having a ton of fun together.We loved the SpongeBob pillowcases!!!! Thanks so much. :) That’s why I loveyou!

Soo.... This week wascrazy. Monday (as I’m sure you heard) I broke 2 big mirrors at beehive book,then on Wednesday I broke a big table full of books at beehive. But wait, itgets better! Thursday we were on exchanges and i was driving our car anddrifted over into a median and bent up the plastic hub cap on the car.. Yikes!Then I accidentally drank elder Udy's milk from the carton and butchered thepiano during elder’s quorum in the YSA ward. WhoooO! Crazy week. Satanworks hard! But I kick him in the face and kept going.

Other than that, it’sbeen a good one!! We helped Garrett in our ward work on his bathroom. You bothwould have cringed, because he always says,” It’s good enough!” or "Youwon't be able to see it!" and so it’s hard. But its looking good, and wegave him a blessing. Crazy thing - While I was putting oil on his head, he hada seizure. Satan was doing everything he could to stop that blessing! But wegave it to him, and afterwards he said that he felt ALOT better! WOO!Blessings.

Last Monday we got togive a blessing at one of the hospitals, then on Wednesday we got to giveanother one! It’s crazy because the hospitals are owned by other churches. Oneis Adventist, and the other is Catholic. Its fun! One we gave was in the ICU,so we had to suit up and everything. Fun!

We had zone conference onTuesday and I thought of you! :) I love you! At Zone Conference we got newphones (nicer!) and a little black box in all our cars that monitors ourdriving speeds and stuff. It also makes calls I found out! (On accident Icalled Jessica. its like an on star thing.) His name is Tiwi, because that’swhat’s written on it.

We had a meeting withPresident Castro to discuss a missionary in our zone. He blew out his knee andwent home, came back too early, and is now needing to go home. This time theywon't let him come back. So that’s too bad, but it’s for the best. Work isreally hard for him.

Angela came to churchyesterday with the kids! And Katie bore her testimony! How cute. Angela’s phonealso went off and I'm pretty sure it was Pink. Natalie will tell you who thatis. haha! Chase is still on track for the 17th! I can hardly wait. He gets homefrom work on Thursday and is getting interviewed that night. WOOOO! He is astud. Keep them in your prayers!

We got a new investigatorin the YSA ward - Corinna - and she is quitting smoking and is working to getbaptized on the 31st. YEAHHH!!!

I went on exchanges withElder Lifungula this week. He is from Oregon (Actually the Congo in Africa, andwas adopted. Very cool story! I’ll TELL YOU SOMETIME.) But we had a ton offun! :) He’s as black as they come!

We are going to Venturatonight for ZLC, so that will be fun. I love it!

I'm glad that Austin isdoing well! I LOVE HIM! He's my best friend too. :)

Well, I think that’sabout it! If there’s anything I forgot, just let me know. I love you a million!

Elder Matthew Monk

California VenturaMission

Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

2011-11-30T20:53:00.001-08:00

Today the phone rang and the caller ID said the call was from

Beehive Book. I answered and the lady asked if I was Sister Monk.

I said yes and she said she was Sister Ricks from Beehive Book

in Bakersfield, California. Oh my, my heart sank!

Yip, she said Elder Monk had helped her decorated her

store for Christmas today. She went on and on about how

much she loves my son and what a great missionary he is.

She even asked if she could adopt him! My response was

he is not available for adoption. It sure felt good to visit

with her and to know that Matt is doing well.

She thanked me for raising such a wonderful son

and for his service.

Thank goodness for the Gospel and for

other Mother's that know what it is like

to have a missionary in the mission field.

2011-11-30T20:25:00.001-08:00

I got to babysit the kids today.

Just had to share what we

did. . .

There is nothing better than

being a Grandma to the

best kids in the world!

I sure love my grand babies.

From Matt

2011-11-28T20:04:00.001-08:00

Matt's new address after Dec. 12 is:

Elder Matthew Monk

California Ventura Mission

3301 West Gonzales Road

Oxnard, CA 93036

Monday, November 28, 2011

Hey Mom!

Well it was a good week. Sorry! We don't have lots of time.

I was thinking about Christmas. I would love a new camera! I knowit’s a lot to ask, but mine had been having trouble. Maybe if someone isgetting a new one i could just steal their old one? Or you could get arefurbished one? Just an idea. Don't worry about it though. That’s the onlything I could think of that a really want. But no worrries.

We met with Chase and Angela a couple of times this week! They are sosweet. We had our Ward Mission Leader Bro. Johnson come with us, and it was agreat lesson! Chase is gone to work for the next 2 weeks, then he is gettingbaptized on the 17th!! He is right on track and absolutely SOLID. I can'twait!!! I am so happy.

Sister Ricks (The lady who owns beehive) gave us a tree for ourapartment! It is awesome. You would love it! We helped the Swainstons decoratetheir tree on Thanksgiving and they gave us some poop to put on ours. Fun! I'lladd pictures. (In the Swainstons pic - Sis Sainston, Nathan, Sarah, Mandy, MeBro Swainston.)

We have been doing a PMG activity with some members, watching PMGvideos and it is AWESOME! You should ask the missionaries to show you thedistrict 2. You would love it!!

We had thanksgiving at the Scafers (Bishop of the YSA ward) and theSwainstons. It was a ton of fun!

There was a baptism in our zone on Saturday - a 72 year old black expreacher! He is in a motor scooter and they had to have 2 missionaries help himget baptized! It was such a sweet experience!

I did get the package! Thank you so much! I love the wallflower andthe apple cider. MMM! Thanks so much mom! It means so much to me. You areamazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you!

Well, I think that’s it! I hope I covered everything. My feet are...struggling. But it's ok! I’m on an anti-inflammatory and I’m getting insoles.Its good! We're working on it. I'm so blessed! You can cut and paste some stufftogether for the newsletter. Or remind me next week and I can write somethingthen. Thanks mom!

For the mission office stuff, just make sure everyone who sendsstuff knows that it's changing soon. Thanks so much! I love you!

Have a swell week! I love you tons.

Elder Matthew Monk

California VenturaMission

Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

This is a picture outside our apartment! It gets super foggy in the morning here. Its so cool! :)

This week letter from Matt

2011-11-21T15:52:00.001-08:00

Monday, November 21, 2011

Dear Mom!

Well it's good to hear from you! This week has been good. Elder Udyhas been out 17 months and was a zone leader in Simi Valley, so he's prettysolid. He is way fun! We get along super well! He's from Cache Valley Loganarea. I haven’t got the package (Unless it came today - We've been out). Gift cards would be awesome. Or even better, you could just put some cashin my debit account, and I could get those supplies/ pants. Thanks mom! Ithought long and hard over what I should ask you for, but I don't really wantanything. I already have so much and I am so blessed, what more could I want??But those things would help. I would love a candle warmer though. It sounds wayweird, but elder Schiess loved candles, and I guess I got it from him. haha!

So for this week! Well, we had transfers on Tuesday and we barelygot our rides figured out by about 10:30 Monday night, and it was crazy. Bro.Deason from our ward (He served here 15 yrs ago!) took olive knolls down. Wehad a good transfer meeting (I lead the music... badly) and then elder Denison(Olive Knolls) couldn’t find his new comp. We talked to president and he toldus he was having some anxiety issues and we would be in a threesome for acouple days. Yikes! We went home and elder Baratta joined us on Thursdayevening. We were happy to get him! He is a good missionary, just a littlescared of being in charge. He replaced me in Carpentaria and was companionswith elder Searcy. He is way nice.

Did you get that photo from the Swainstons? Haha that was awild night. I accidentally left my pass along BOM outside when we were playingwith the dog and he ate it! haha

We met with Chase and Angela twice this week and we are meeting withthem today! They are great! We also helped them clean out their garage. It wasfun to work with them! They are the sweetest people ever! He is gettingbaptized on the 17th of December! We are soo excited! He is gold.

We got to chip tile out of a kitchen and entryway on Saturday! Itwas crazy hard and we had these big vibrating shovel things, haha I’m way sore,but it was a lot of fun! It was a member family in the ward, the Issertels.They are so sweet! We have some awesome members. Then later that day we put upChristmas lights for the Deasons. MY DREAM! Haha it was fun!

We had a Thanksgiving feast at the YSA word on Friday night. It wasa lot of fun! And I got to hang out with elder Schiess. We have a great ward,and out Bishop and his wife are AMAZING!!!! I'll get a picture with them. Wetalked to Joey about coming, but he had family stuff. But he's reading the BOMand praying, so he is on track! He's going to be gone to Santa Cruz for 2weeks, but we'll meet with him soon.

I got the newsletter! Thanks so much. And for the little loving yousent. I really appreciate it. Its was good to hear from everybody! Sounds likethey are doing well.

I got elder Moore a birthdaypresent on Saturday. He was born in New Zealand and we have a world marketstore, so I got him Tim-Tams and some Australian licorice, and he LOVED it! I'mworking on him! :)

I had a doctor’s appt with Bishop Kesler today and he took someultrasounds on my feet and I have plantar filitis or something like that, so heprescribed me some anti-inflammatory and is having some special insoles madefor me. He is the coolest guy ever! We had dinner with their family last night.They are the sweetest ever. They have pictures of their family's feet up ontheir walls! My kind of people! :)

My feet have been bothering me for about 2 months or so. Ithink its just a normal thing, he told me my shoes were fine, but that its liketendonitis in your heels. It just makes walking really sucky. It’s just a dullconstant pain in my heels. But it’s ok! I'll get those pills today and be onthem for a month or two then get those insoles in a couple weeks. He is good.

Why did Dad and Nat go to Phoenix? Update me! Glad you had fun atZone Conference! I can’t wait for the socks and sweater!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Seriously!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I love you. We're havingthanksgiving at the Schafers (Bishop YSA) and then at the Swainstons (1stcounselor Rosedale), so we will be taken care of! Deep Pit turkeys at theswainstons! :) :) Love it! Let me know how everyone's doing! I love you all.

P.S. The Church is MOST DEFINITELY true. No Doubt.

Elder Matthew Monk

California VenturaMission

Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

Phoenix

2011-11-21T15:45:00.001-08:00

Last week Natalie and Wynn went to Phoenix to see

the US Women's Soccer team play New Sweden.

They left Thursday morning and came home Sunday morning

just in time for our Stake Conference.

They had plenty of time for some

sight seeing.

Sounds like they had a great time.

(I enjoyed having some time to myself and I got so much done!)

With a brother in California on a mission

this license plate deserved a picture!

2011-11-14T17:07:00.001-08:00

November 14, 2011

Hi Mom!

Ok for this week! Well, lots has happened... Here's the low down! Wehad a great lesson with Don and Karen (Our old Catholics) and watched a MormonMessage with them. It was so good! I love them lots.

A girl from our YSA ward went to Rexburg and Idaho Falls this week!She used to work at the mall. There are so many Idaho Connections here! Ourward mission Leader is from Rexburg! :0 I love it.

We tracked into a 20 year old kid a couple weeks ago, had a lessonwith him on Thursday, and he came to church on Sunday! He is also going to FHEtonight, so we are excited! His name is Joey.

It was our Stake conference yesterday! It was so good. They talkedabout missionary work, so everyone is basically on fire! We are so excited!Chase and Angel were there, and Chase LOVED IT! He has to move his date back acouple weeks because he didn't know about coffee, but he dropped it immediatelyand is on track!! You should put their names in the temple if you get a chance.THANKS!! And Angela is getting refellowshipped too!! WOOOO!

President Castro is awesome. I love him. HE couldn’t come to Stakeconference yesterday because a missionary in Oxnard dove to catch a Frisbee andshattered his jaw and knocked out 10 teeth. He had to have surgery and his momcame out. He has to go home, but only for 6-8 weeks.

You said you wanted a Christmas list? Well, I puzzled until mypuzzler was sore, and I couldn’t think of anything I want. But some things thatI could use....

-New Razors and Shaving stuff

-Shaving cream

-Old Spice Body Wash (Cypress - it's in a white bottle) + thematching deodorant

-A Toothbrush

-Toothpaste

-Shampoo

-The old "olive Colored" flowery tie from my closet, ifit's still there

-a 2012 calendar (You could make one with pictures of the family andfriends on the i photo stuff? That would be fun)

-Maybe a candle warmer? We have a bunch, but we can't have fire(Mission rule) and our apartment reeeeeks.

-a sweater that you knitted me

-socks that you knitted me

If I got some of that stuff, it would be super sweet! That would be aload off my back, and very much appreciated! :) But do whatever you feel.Thanks so much! You are the best family ever!

For the Thanksgiving Package Situation, I would LOVE some ChristmasMusic. Anything is good, as long as it's not bad. haha! Just use your goodjudgment.. If you can feel the spirit while listening to it, then its ok. Andusually if they are Christmas hymns (Angels we have heard on high, etc) thenits ok. I REALLY WANT SOME CHRISTMAS MUSIC! Thanks so much momma!

Ok so to answer your questions: Transfers are every 6 weeks, sotomorrow is transfer Tuesday. Elder Schiess is going to the South BakersfieldStake (We are both Zone Leaders, and I'm also a district leader) and I amgetting a new companion - Elder Udy - he's a zone leader already too, and he'sway cool! I’m excited, but WAY sad to leave elder Schiess. :(

WEll, that’s about it from here! I love you and miss you! Call mesoon. HAHA Don't call me! that’s illegal! I'm glad you like my camera! Use itevery so often! Just don't drop it in the toilet :) Thanksgiving we are justeating at member’s homes. It will be fun! Haha i love you! Have a good one.

Elder Matthew Monk

California Ventura Mission

Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

2011-11-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 6, 2011

MOMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy cow. I cannot tell you how UNBELIEVEABLY Happy I am. The workis amazing, My companion is amazing, everything is perfect. Let me tell you!

Ok, so we went to Ventura for Halloween, and Hannah was Hermionefrom Harry Potter, and she was SO cute! It was Samuel's birthday on the 3rd, soI got him a CTR tie tack, and so Hannah didn't feel left out, I get her aReturn With Honor bracelet. Her and Samuel wrote elder Schiess and me a little lettertoday, and it was so sweet! Hannah colored me a picture, and Samuel wrote me anice thank you. I love them so much!!!

ZLC was so good. I added a picture for you. We had a lot of fun!!Our mission president is DEFINATELY called of God! I have a testimony of that!He is amazing and inspired! I am so lucky to be able to work with him soclosely!

We have had some changes with how we work lately. President made aStandard of Excellence for our mission - goals that we strive to reachevery week, as well as daily. (Read the last paragraph on pg 146 of PMG) We hadto tell our zone, and it didn’t go over well ha ha! But it was ok. So while wewere at this ZLC he mentioned that it didn’t go over well in a couple zones,and I guess from what he said that our zone was the worst haha! (Ok i have tointerject this... I did my district meeting on Wednesday, and it was sassy. Wehave a couple really strong personalities that kind of dictate how things go,and they were especially sassy. I was bummed and I had to call president for aquestion that some elders had on going to the temple, and while we were talking- I didn’t even bring it up - he asked about my district meeting. I said it wassuckish and that a couple people were sassy, and I was thinking of 3 specificelders. He said, "Ok, was it elders ______,________, and _______?" Iasked how he knew, and all he said was basically, "Well, Elder Monk, Iknow. From how people talk and what they write in their presidents letters, ijust know." !!!!! HOLY COW! He proceeded to tell me that I can takeconfidence in knowing that I have done my best, and if they choose to rejectthat, it's their fault. He is so cool. I love him!) So things have been goingbetter!

We had a couple good exchanges this week! We came home from VenturaTuesday night and immediately went out with the Meadows Ward. Iwent with Elder Brinkerhoff, and it was so good! He is a pretty new missionary,and he is on fire! He is so happy and excited, and it made me feel so excitedabout missionary work.. AGAIN! Haha it was good. Then on Saturday we went toDelano (About 40 min north) and went in Tri-panionships with Elders Marcano,Ainsworth, Richards, and Lyons. It was really good! Delano is probably around85% Spanish, so there was a lot of Spanish flying around! And no I'm notpicking up too much Spanish, just some greetings and stuff. Ex: Hola! Somo losMisioneros de la Iglesia de Jesuchristo de los Santos de los Ultamos Dias. Hi!We are missionaries form the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.That’s really it haha! But I did get to try this Spanish corn on the cob! Theyslather it in Maionaise and butter, then put parmesan cheese and chili powderon it. Sounds nasty, I know, but it was actually pretty good haha! :)Multicultural, huh?!

Our YSA ward is so legit! We had a great Fast meeting yesterday,then after church we had a Break the Fast! YEAH!! So good! And they sent ushome with food! :) haha i love it! Then later last night we went to the bishopof the YSA wards house. Bishop and Sister Schafer are SOOOOO SWEET! I lovethem. Sister Schafer reminds me of you, mom! I told her about the ThankfulJournal (WHICH I LOVE!!!) and she loved it. She fed us pumpkin bread and hotchocolate. MMMM! They are super super sweet!

Chase and Angela are doing so good! Thanks for the prayers andstuff! It means a lot, and I feel that it is working a lot! We talked to Angelaand she has been wearing her garments a few times! (She hasn’t worn them for acouple years - she's been disfellowshipped) and she met with the bishopyesterday about getting refellowshipped and what its gonna take! WOOOO! And Itold her that you put their names in the temple, and she thinks that is SOOOOSWEET! So thanks! :)

I've been doing the thankful journal everyday! Thanks so much mom! Ireally think it has made a HUGE difference in my days! :) I love it!

Christmas requests... Hmmm.... I do want some Christmas music. Ialready got the new David Archuleta/MOTAB CD (Sister Ricks gave it to me!) Buti would like: Josh Groban, Noel; Anything MOTAB (Except Ring Christmas BElls -got it), and really just anything good. Nothing too rockish or wild or modernplease. Sorry if I’m being sassy! The pants? Umm anything black. Stripes wouldbe cool if you could, but if not, whatever. You choose what would look best! Itrust ya. Gosh, I don't know. Whatever. Maybe a bunch of stamps... pictures....I don’t know! I don't really need anything. I'll think about it.

The weather has been a lot cooler here (50's at night or colder,60s-70s daytime) so it feels IMMACULATE! :) I'm thinking of buying a nice PeaCoat - it's what all the missionaries here wear!!! They are nice. Maybe alittle money for that for Christmas would be good. (I'm thinking like ROSS kind- discount and cheap.) It's like a wool trench coat, but shorter. haha! I justlike the style!

Anyway, I think that’s it! Good luck at the ZOne COnference! Enjoyit!!! I hope they sing called to serve for ya! Thats what we do at our zoneconferences! :) I love you Mom! Have a good week! Merry Christmas!!!

Elder Matthew Monk

California VenturaMission

Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T18:23:00.000-07:00

Our little Halloween cuties!

2011-10-31T16:05:00.001-07:00

Hi Mom! Monday,October 31, 2011

Well thanks for thepackage!!! I loved it so much! And the GPS will be

such a big help. THANKYOU!! You are really the best Momma ever! Well,

I have to make it quick today;we have to leave for Ventura by like

430...

Sister Hodges wrotetoday! She sent a nice letter and a blank card for

Christmas. She is sendingBridger 25 cards for each day of the month,

so I filled it in andsent it back to her. How fun! She is so sweet!

I got to help lay tile again!I’ll send a picture hopefully soon!

Haha dad would be proud!The guy just wanted it done, so he didn't

care that we messed up..Haha! It actually looked really good, and I

got to grout a lot of ittoo! Thanks dad for teaching me how to build

and fix things! I loveyou all!

We went on some exchangesthis week! They all went so well. We went

with La Puente and Fifthward. Both times I stayed and Elder Jones and

ELder Lundell. We had a lotof fun! They are both good missionaries.

Andelder Jones is amazing, what else can I say?

On Saturday when we wereon exchanges with Fifth ward we went to a

birthday for a little kidin our ward to get some food for lunch. We

came at the end, so wecleaned up a lot of stuff for them, then fixed

their screen door. It wasgreat! And we got Star Wars goodie bags. :)

Haha! Brother and SisterDeason are awesome! And Brother Deason served

his mission here! He isway good to us.

Our bishop asked us to goto the ward Trunk or treat and give out

Pass-a-long cards andstuff, so we decorated our trunk and gave out

little fold-up forstrength of youth pamphlets and pass-a-long cards. We

carved a pumpkin and itswas SICK! I'll send pics.

While we were at thetrunk thing, I asked Bishop Kesler about my feet

(They hurt a lot) and hesaid I have some weird something-itis, so he

is buying me specialinsole things and is going to get me a weird

anti-inflamitorymedication to help it get better. I'm pumped because

they hurt so bad all thetime. I'm not complaining! I just have to be on

my feet a lot. So thiswill make things a WHOLE lot easier! :)

The 5th and 6thmissionaries living in our apartment finally moved out

this week! The place isso quiet; you can actually feel the spirit

again! Needless to say Iam happy as a clam. And it’s clean and tidy

again, so the spirit willhave a lot easier time dwelling there! :)

Good times. We are soblessed.

Chase and Angela aredoing well. Chase is as work for 2 weeks, but we

are trying to regularlycheck up with him on his reading and prayers,

so things are going well.We are way happy, and so blessed!

Well, I think that’s allI can think of.. My pant size?? Well my jeans

are 34-30, but i thinkthe dress pants are more like 32 or 33 - 30.

If you get them and theyare wrong, our Ward mission leaders wife will

fix the for me. (They areboth from the Menan-Rexburg area!) So thank

you! And Black withpinstripes and dark brown (With pinstripes too,

Maybe) would be ideal. Ilove you so much. Thank you!!

I hope you know how muchI love you! Have a good week!

Boo at the Zoo

2011-10-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

Wynn and I got to take Camden and Emily

to Boo at the Zoo last night.

It was so fun but way too many people!

The kids got all dressed up in their

Halloween costumes and they were so cute.

Emily was a ladybug and

Camden was a spider.

It was a pleasant evening, not too cold.

Fun to just have a nice evening with the Grandkids.

From Matt. . .

2011-10-24T15:21:00.001-07:00

Monday, October 24, 2011

Hola Familia!

I got Grandma's letter. It was so sweet! I'm writing her a little

letter today hopefully.

Ok first off our big news... So I have to preface. We all know (AndI

have recently gained a stronger testimony) that when there isthe

GREATEST good, there will be the greatest opposition. Right? Wellthat

has been the case this last week. We went on exchanges with Highland

Manor (Elder Penrod and Elder Gamache), and it was really good! Iwent

with elder Penrod, and he is way good! I’m glad to have such good

Missionaries in our district. Wednesday we went with the Assistants-

Elder Bowen came with us, and it was a lot of fun, plus we learned a

ton from him! He is such a solid missionary!! Thursday we went with

the Olive Knolls elders (Tate and Denison), and it was so good. Weare

consistently impressed with how good those two are. Great thingswill

come from them! We have been having lots of troubles with someElders

this week... Lots ofopposition. They have been

clashing, and we have done all we can to correct their behavior(Lots

of disobedience - not by us!) and nothing has worked, so we called

President and set up interviews for them. Hopefully things will be

working out better. But amidst all this turmoil and anguish of soul,a

miracle was to be had. Remember Chase and Angela - the family thatjust

got married and is prego? Well, we had two lessons with them, andone

with them and Angela's brother that got home from his mission last

week, and we... Invited Chase to be baptized! He accepted, and is

getting baptized on November 19th! Regardless of whether he actually

does on that day, he is SUPER excited to do it, and he REALLY wants

it! The desire is there, so it will happen. He came to church

yesterday by himself with all the kids (Angela had to work)! He isso

GOLD!!! Please pray for them! This is his time! We know it!! If you

happen to go to the temple this week, would you put their names onthe

roll? Chase and Angela Atkins. No worries if you don't, though. :):)

:) :) :) I'm so happy.

So that’s about it for our excitement! Elder Schiess gotdear-johned.

He'd been dating her for about 2 years. She is engaged. It was too

bad, but he is actually way happy! Haha he is a good missionary. We

had fun throwing away all the "Jen" stuff haha!

I got a nice package from Victoria! It was so sweet! She sent me a

Staff shirt from Cedar Badge, a bunch of M&Ms and some picturesfrom

Cedar badge! She is a super sweet girl. Would you say hi to her on

Facebook? She would like that.

Ummm.. I think that’s it! We'll email next week like normal, even

though it's Halloween. So, no worries. We're also going to Ventura

that evening for zlc. WOO! Haha, I'm pumped.

Thanks for the pictures! I love them all. Send my love to everyone!:)

I also got the newsletter. I loved it! I'm glad that the Walkers are

doing well. Would you get Taylor's info for me? Thanks mommy!

I hope everything is well. I love you all so much! Thanks foreverything!!

Elder Matt Monk

Camden's first Birthday

2011-10-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

There is just nothing like that

first birthday!

Look at those eyes, don't they

just melt your heart?

Camden got so many fun toys!

So fun to shop for a one year old.

I think Emily had as much fun as Camden did.

Oh, I just love this little boy!

My beautiful daughter-in-law, Brooke with the

birthday boy!

What a cutie!

I love you Camden Wynn Monk.

It feels like you were just born yesterday.

You have brought so much love

into our family.

So glad you are ours!

Brooke made darling cup cakes!

I'll tell you, the pizza Brooke made and served

at this party was so delicious!

Blow Camden!

Frightmares at Lagoon

2011-10-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little ONE year old!

Camden

Wynn and I took our kids to Lagoon yesterday, Oct. 22, 2011.

Oh my, it was so much fun.

Matt's birthday is Oct. 13th and we used to take

Matt a lot to Lagoon for his birthday.

We had lots of fond memories of that and decided

we would try it again with our kids and grand kids.

It made me miss Matt so much. He loves

Halloween and all the decorations and

fun things that have to do with it.

He has since he was just little.

Halloween time is just a fun time and Lagoon is all

decked out. It is decorated so cute!!!

Brooke was a bit nervous about taking the kids

because she could remember all the Halloween monsters

roaming around the park and she didn't want

Emily spooked. The good news is we

kept the kids mostly in the kiddie part

of the park and when it was getting evening time, they

left. It was perfect timing and I think everyone had a

great time.

Brooke rode Emily's first ride in the park,

the Merry-go-round!

I think she liked it.

Off to the boats!

Camden and Emily both loved this ride.

That little Camden was so happy, he just squealed.

He loves steering wheels.

A perfect ride for him.

Such sweet little kids!

The Dragon Roller Coaster was next. . .

Steven and Emily loved it.

Emily even put both hands above her head.

Both kids loved the cars too.

A kiddie Tidal Wave, can't remember the name but

so much fun!

Wynn and Emily ready for their ride.

Nothing warms the heart more than giggles

from a sweet little grand daughter.

Smile!

Emily was a little nervous of the witches.

We introduced ourselves and showed Emily

all the beautiful make-up on these girls.

She was a little reluctant but did let me

take a picture. The witches then

gave her a treat. These were nice

witches, not scary at all.

Just so much fun.

Steven and emily ready for a ride.

Emily was so brave and I believe she had a

great time. We just might want to make

this an annual event.

Darling metal flowers decorated the park,

I loved them! I think I could grow

these in my garden.

Camden, Hailey and Natalie waiting

for Emily, Brooke and Steven who were

going on a ride

One of the head stones that adorned the park. Oh, it

is decorated so cute.

Sam, Hailey, me, Natalie and Wynn.

We got to the park earlier than Steve and Brooke. We got

to check out some of the WILD rides before they came.

Then when Steve took his family home at 6:00 ish we stayed

and did the spook alley and such.

We enjoyed ourselves and each other.

It was fun.

I wish I was this skinny!

Can't wait till next year!

(Oh, I miss Matt so much)

My new favorite cd. . .

2011-10-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Matt sent us this cd because he wanted us to listen to

the same music he was.

I must tell you that it is the most amazing cd!

I love that I can feel so close to Matt

as I listen to it. If you have a missionary

you really should get this cd.

I recommend it!

I love the song called Just For Me.

It is about a boy who knows the church is true

and he tells how he is expected to go

on a mission but just before he goes, he

pleads with Heavenly Father to let

him know what he is doing is right.

Oh, I'm getting choked up just writing

about it. It is amazing!

Lots of good feel good music.

I LOVE IT!

Matt's news. . .

2011-10-17T16:01:00.001-07:00

Hi family! October17, 2011

Well, thank you all so much for the birthday wishes! It really mademy day. It was a great birthday! Mom, I love the scriptures! They are soperfect! And i loved the socks and everything! You are the best.

Congrats on your 5K! I'm so proud of you mom! And also Natalie! Hahathat’s so much fun! Are you going to do a marathon next?? 26 miles! YOU CAN DOIT! A lady in our ward just did the St, George marathon and loved it. Now she'straining for the Santa Barbara Marathon! All you have to do is run it inunder 6 hours. :) Think about it.

Well, yeah, as you heard last week, we were in meetings most of theweek. ZLC was good! I love president so much. He is so cool! As for the rest ofthe week, we went and looked at an apartment with Elder Curtis (Our officeguy), so hopefully we'll get out of ours pretty soon. (You remember that there’s6 in ours now) So yeah. I'm excited for that.

A guy asked me to help me teach him how to sew. Thanks for teachingme that mom!

We are teaching a young Vietnamese couple that live in our apartmentcomplex. They are so cool! Their names are Minh and Joey. We're pretty excited!They made us some pretty good Vietnamese food. They won my heart with that!haha

Mom, if you wouldn't mind, I would like you to take out my iPod andcharge it then play it until it runs dead, then put it back, then take out myNikon and put the battery in and snap a couple pictures, then just put it back.That will help the mirrors to not get dirty and stay good. Thank you so much!!!Let me know how it goes.

Did I tell you about sister Rasmussens birthday present?!?! We got aprofessional Photographer in the ward to take some pictures of her kids, andthen she edited them and matted and printed them for her! They look so good!I'll attach a picture of them. I LOVE THEM!! The one on top is Mosiah, thenLiberty and England (Ty). They are awesome.

Elder Moore - a missionary in our apartment - Has pneumonia. I tookhim to the doctor this morning, and he's quarantined for 2 days, and on someheavy meds. Yikes. Pray for us.

Hmmm... Well, I think that’s about it! I hope to hear from you soon!I love you!

Elder Matthew Monk

California VenturaMission

My first 5k

2011-10-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Oct. 15, I ran a 5k.

I know, you are so surprised!

(so am I)

My friend Carla and I have been training.

We go running at 7:00 every morning.

Well, actually we walk and jog.

I'm not very good but I sure feel better.

Here we are with Moses from the Biggest Loser.

He actually walked the whole 5k.

Becca, Melissa Thompson, Moses, Me, Natale

Lindsey Walker

So glad Natalie came and ran with me.

She was such a good support!

She stayed right with me and I loved that.

It was so cool because at the end, Natalie

sprinted and went in front of me so

when I came over the finish line everyone

was cheering just for me.

Made me smile. ;)

But, the best part was the 5k was for

the Make a Wish foundation and

there were two darling little boys, oh,

probably 5 yrs. old, in wheel chairs

giving us a high five as we came over

the finish line.

Oh, it was a great day!
(Don't know if I should post this but it
took me 40:42 to run 5K)
I'm slow but steady!

Matt's letter for this week. . .

2011-10-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

Just barely got Matt's letter for this week. I worry so much when I don't hear from him. There is always an excuse so all is well. Enjoy. . .

Hi Family!!

Well to start off... I GOT YOUR PACKAGE MOM!!! Thanks so much! It made my day!! I know.... I should have waited till tomorrrow, but i was too excited!! :) I love the scriptures and especially the pictures. I miss you all a ton!! So thanks! And i was so sad to hear about Brother Walker.. That's too bad. I have their family in my prayers..

So! This week was hectic as you can tell. We had a two day ZLC in ventura on monday and tuesday, so we're getting a half a Pday today. We went and had training on how to be more effective leaders, giving correction, and being more christ-like, then sister Castro and the family had a mini birthday party for all the birthdays! Haha it was fun. we played pool and ping pong and foosball at the institute with Joseph, Sam, and Hannah. I loved it! And we had cake and ice cream. Woo! what great leaders we have in our mission! I am so blessed. On Tuesday we got up and had a morning devotional about pride and how to stay away from it, and read a talk by Elder Kim Clark (BYU IDaho) and then watched President Uchtdorf's 2008 talk on "Lift whewre you stand." it was so good! Then we had a regular ZLC and counciled and talked about our mission and missionaries. One thing that really stuck out to me was that as leadership in the mission, it's not really anything special. We are no different than an AP or a regular missionary. We are all callled to the LORD'S work. We are tools in his hands (2 Nephi 20:15). I love being able to learn from our president. He is called of God! I am soo blessed.

Dinner at Don and Karens was GREAT! Represented were: Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopalian, and Mormon. HAha! It was a great discussion! We basically gave them the first lesson an dtaught them about authority. There was some difference of opinions, but in the end it was good. Right at the beginning one daughter asked, "Is it true that you believe that only Mormon's go to heaven?" We answered "No..." and explained simply about our loving Father in Heaven and authority and Joseph Smith, then (you could almost see the dot's connecting in her head) she said, "So you believe that only you have the authority to baptise?" ... "Yes." ... "So it IS true that you believe that only mormon's go to heaven." ... So we taught about baptisms for the dead. Haha! It was a toughy, but they really enjoyed it! Haha it was SOO good. I love them. I believe that they are who I need to be here for. They are the ones I need to baptise! AGGHHHHH!! I JUST NEED TO GET THEM!! Haha

Anyway... I'm so glad Shara came over! I love her! Tell her hi!!! I miss all my friends so much. But I'm doing something pretty important! and the lord always comes first. :) Missionary work is the bomb.

Please don't worry, mom! Things are really good! Like you said in your letter, it's just hard being with someone 24/7. You see EVERY flaw in them and they see every flaw in me... But its a process that we have to go thru to be ready for longer-term commitment in life, like marriage and families. A mission is just a time for you to prepare for eternity with a companion of your choosing... right? But I do appreciate your advice, and i know it will help. I know i can always go to you for help mom! you are the bomb.com! Just nod your head like yeah! Move your hips like yeah! (Drop a little Miley quote for ya!) ahah!

With the gps... Thank you so much! When you send it, don't forget the car adapter! and if you have the windiw mount, that would also be ideal... THANKS YOU!! You are the BEST parents in the world!!!!!!! I hope you know how much i love and apprecite every sacrifice you make for me. It never goes unnoticed! i love yoU!

If theres anything I can do for you, let me know! i love you soo much.

Im so glad everyone is doing well. Please send my love. I pray for you everyday!

Elder Matthew Monk
California Ventura Mission
Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

Our Moab trip

2011-10-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

Since there was no school last Thursday and Friday,

Oct. 6th and 7th, we decided to make it a

Moab week-end.

Since we bought our little red RZR,we

have been just waiting for an excuse

to go for a ride. . .

Day #1. . .

We drove out by the airport there in Moab

and drove a trail out to

Tusher Tunnel.

It was beautiful.

It was such a nice day, a little cool but so beautiful.

Here Wynn is at Tusher Tunnel.

Such unique scenery!

Peek-a-boo!

Had to pose while we set the timer on the camera.

Monitor & Merrimac

Uranium Arch

Day #2. . .

Fins & Things

I used to think Fins & Things was a trail for the little kids or

maybe a warm up trail. But, it was a very challenging ride.

As the day went on, we did get better though. . .

Hell's Revenge

Can you see where we will be going? It was so

scary but so much fun.

That little RZR of ours just crawls right up the hill.

It really was fun.

Wynn usually goes to Moab with the boys and they

ride dirt bikes. It was fun to see where they

usually ride and to hear all about their

trips on these same rides.

Escalator on Hell's Revenge

I couldn't believe that these guys would ruin their outfits

just to go up the Escalator.

It was nice to get away and have a week-end with just Wynn.

It is so great having him feel so good.

Matt's letter for Oct. 3rd, 2011

2011-10-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Mom!!

Well, it was a great week. A lot of good happened. We have been doing lots of tracting and finding and Declaring the Gospel to people! Its been a ton of fun. We are so blessed up here in Bakersfield! I really loved General Conference a lot - It was neat to be able to learn from our prophet! You are so lucky that you got to go! Haha I looked for ya! I really loved that talk (I can't remember who?) where he talked about his first day as a 70 and he was on the elavator and President Monson got on and told him "It's always better to look up." I loved it! And President Monsons at Preisthood was fantastic! He is so animated! :)

As far as everything else goes! Things are really good. We have been so blessed lately. We are going to Don and Karen's house tonight for dinner. They are some catholics that we tracted into and hauled some wood for, and they want to have a "Roundtable" of religions with them and us and their daughters that are grown. WOO! We are pretty pumped for that. They are so sweet! I pray everyday that they will be that family that I can touch! I want to bring them into the church so bad!!! You prayers help too!

A young family in our ward - the Hills - had us over last night and they made us each some CD's with their favorite music on them, and a SUPER sweet card for each of us! I love them so much! They are super super sweet! I love the people here so much!

I think I am sending you a package today! Haha sorry it's taken so long... Count this as anniversary and such... I'm sending you... well i'll just let you see! :) Just a token of my appreciation for you and Dad. I love you both so much! I really missed going to Jackson or somewhere for conference and Preiesthood especially with dad. I remember all those times going in jeans to some random church! I loved that. I love you both so much!

I would love your GPS. Thank you so much! It will be such a help and it be used well! And I hope you found the scriptures. I love you! Thanks so much for everything.

I'm glad Steve is doing well! Send my love to Him and Brooke and Ems and Camden. I love them lots!

Also tell Hailey happy Birthday for me!

Hmm... Well I think thats it! I love you so much, did I mention that? Hahaha but seriously! You are the world to me! Also I do love pictures (prints) if you want to throw some of those my way sometime! :) Tell everyone Hi for me and tell them I love em!

Elder Monk

Hailey's birthday

2011-10-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we celebrated Hailey's 24th birthday.

Her birthday is actually on Tuesday but

Sunday seemed like a great day to get

everyone together.

I feel so blessed that Hailey is part of our family.

She just has fit right in right from the start.

She is so easy to love.

The main reason I love her so much is because

she makes Sam so happy.

I couldn't ask for anything more.

2011-09-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the Email! It makes my day to hear from you! I also got a nice email from Sam, so please send my love to him. I really appreciate it! It sounds like their summer has been prety eventful! And thats too bad about chip... Makes me really sad!

About the scriptures... Just get the darkets color you can. But I don't really want black. Sorry! And If i could ask for one more thing. Now before you say anything think of this: We cover a large ward (About 300-400 people) and we cover 1/3 of the biggest ward in california - no joke. Sometimes it's rather hard to find people just looking at the map, so we are lucky that Elder Schiess has a GPS. But... Elder Schiess is most likely leaving nest week, so i'm gonna be stuck here! Haha, so my requesdt would be (If it's not too much) a GPS? Gosh, i'm sorry! I know how much you are sacrificing for me, and how much you already do, and I hate to keep asking for more, but this is a HUGE help. Rarely a day goes by when we don't use the GPS, and I really think it would be good. If you want to switch and do the scriptures some other time (later or whatever) that would be fine. And I don't really need anything fancy or crazy, just a simple one. So yeah. Do what you think. Thank you so much Mom! I love you and I hope you know that I appreciate everything you are sacrificing for me to be on a mission. It means so much to me! I hope you know how much it means to me! It really means the world to me.

Anyway, enough begging. This week has been great! Alot of exchanges and such, but it was good. The only hang up: I went with The second ward on Saturday with elder Burns, and they just got their car taken away, so we had to walk A BILLION miles. It wasn't to bad (I like walking).Then they had a Baptism and their bishop took us to dinner. I loved it! I like to work with the ward leaders and stake leaders here.

We also went with the Olive Knolls elders. Elder Denison came with me, and we had a GREAT exchange! He's from rexburg, and is a way good missionary. We had a really good time, and accomplished alot! I feel really good when exchanges go really well, and we can do alot of good work.

We had a FANTASTIC lesson with that one pregnant lady and her non memeber boyfriend this week too. He went to church with her parents last week because she was at work, and they talked about temples and stuff, and he told us he LOVED it and wants to go to the temple! WOO! I am so pumped about that!!! It was a miracle.

Yesterday they split our ward and made a new one. So currently we are covering 3 wards. Yikes! The new ward is the Snow ward - Named after snow road. (Haha ironic for Bakersfield) There was a special conference and they discussed bounderies and such, but it was way good! We are hoping for alot of good things from it! :) Haha success.

Hmmm... Well, i think thats it. Alot goes on , and i just forget.. I'm working on that! We are so busy that it's hard. But I love you dearly and I think the world of you! I hope you know that! It would be fine to add Greg as a friend, I think. No worries. Thanks for Bro. Clarks address! I really appreciate it. And The miller guy from menan is the one! His brother is in our ward - And somehow he is related to grandma Hayes. I don't know, haha! Tell every one hi for me! I will send Sis. LEavitt a letter today. I love you all! The church is true.

Elder Matthew Monk
California Ventura Mission
Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

32 years and counting. . .

2011-09-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Wynn and I celebrated our 32nd wedding

anniversary. In some ways it doesn't seem

like it has been that long but in others,

it does. A lot has happened in those 32 years.

I feel so blessed that we have been together for that

long and we still love each other.

Ten reason why I STILL love Wynn. . .

10) I love how he always has the desire to be learning something new.

9) Wynn can fix anything and everything. If something doesn't work,

he'll engineer a new and better way.

8) He is such a hard worker and always has been.

7) Wynn has the best sense of humor, he is always making me

laugh. He can lighten up a tense situation.

6) Wynn is the best Dad in the world. He adores our

children and loves to spend time with them. He has always been

a great example to them.

5) He honors his priesthood and serves in many ways.

4) Wynn supports me in all I do and listens to me

when I need to vent.

3) He always wants to be with me and wants

what I want.

2) He loves me just the way I am but supports me

in changes I want to make.

Drum roll please. . .

1) Wynn has been my best friend for 32 years and

hopefully we'll have many more years together.

Matt's letter for Sept. 19, 2011

2011-09-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

Hola Mommacita!

This week was a good one! a lot is going on here for us, so i'll try to let you know whats up:

Ok first I have a request. A missionary from our mission just got home a while ago, and I have to tell you how much I love him! His name is Greg Stoecker (Spelled like that) and he is AMAZING! Will you do something for me? Look him up on Facebook and message him for me. What would be Ideal is if you would take him to lunch or something after conference. He is going to school at BYU and is from virginia, and grew up in England. Please oh Please? Haha it's only if you can! But he would love to talk to you and I'm sure you would absolutely love him! He wrote me and told me how much he loved me, and it made my day! He was a zone leader in Santa Barbara.

One more: Could you find Brother Clark's address for me? He was my mission prep teacher at BYU - Idaho. My idea is this: Get on the BYU I Website and look at the faculty and it might have an office address i could send to at the school. Im not sure on his first name, but ask natalie. Im sorry! If you can't find it, no worries! Thanks!

Anyway! What's going on? Hmmm.. We've had like 3 exchanges this week. On Tuesday I Elder Islas in the La Puente branch came to rosedale with me, and we had a fantastic day! We got to teach a few lessons, and we had a great time together! He is a great missionary, and I loved working with him! On Thursday Elder Cuartas (One of the assistants) Came with me and Elder Bumgardner went with La Puente, and Elder Schiess went to Highland Manor with some elders in our district. We got alot done that day! We covered alot of area! Haha! But Elder Cuartas is a good missionary! He is a great leader, and he truly feels love for all the people that he serves with. I fell very blessed to be able to work with him! I learned so much. While we were at dinner that night, Bro. Miller asked me if I knew of Treasure Mtn scout camp, and I told him I did, and he pulled up a picture of his brother that worked there with Steve along time ago. How cool! Later that night as we were exchanging, he calld me and told me that he talked to his brother who had just gone to Grandma's house (I Guess?) And that we are 3rd cousins! Hahah! Small world. His grandpa Gneiting and grandma are 1st cousins i giuess! haha Im not sure on the relation, but thats cool! I called him "Cuz" at church yesterday! The other exchange we went on was with Highland Manor. Elder Gamache came with me, and we had a GREAT day! I've had some trouble getting through to elder Gamache, and our exchange was fantastic! I really feel like i eraned his trust that day, and made a better friend. He is such a good missionary. I work alongside some WONDERFUL missionaries! :)

Hmmm... A guy from the stake presidency came to our ward yesterday and told everyone that they are making a new ward between us and another ward here! What a cool thing! I'm pretty excited to see what happens nest week! Haha! Alot of growth here in Bakersfield!

I did get the newsletter! I loved it! Tell sis. Frei thanks for me! I can't wait for the next one! :)

As for pants? Hmmm.. I don't remember... These ones don't have a tag inside them.. But I think they are between 32 - 34 and i know they are 30 long. Would the reciept have the size on them? You probably don't have it from that long ago! Im sorry! But yeah. Thats the best I can do.

Oh yeah...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

I have a little present for you two, but I just need to get it off... Its hard to get to the post office! Its a ways away, and It's just a pain, but I will get it out soon! But anyways, congrats! I love you and dad so much! I am so blessed to have righteous parents that love and support me. Thank you! Please know how much I love you! I pray for you everyday! I love you I love you I love you!

Elder Matthew Monk
California Ventura Mission
Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

My Garden

2011-09-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share pictures of what I picked out of

my little garden this morning.

(I'm so proud)

Bird hits window

2011-09-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Wynn and I were sitting up to the bar

in the kitchen when a bird flew right into our window.

We were so surprised to see what was left on

the window.

I looked outside thinking the bird must still

be around but he was nowhere in sight.

Girl's Week-end

2011-09-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Every year at about this time, all the girls on

Wynn's side of the family get together.

This is time for the kids to play and the

Mom's and Grandma's to craft.

We always go to Leslie & Blaine's Lodge

at Lava.

As usual, it was a fun time. . .

Emily, Addyson and Mercedes.

The little girls had so much fun.

This is the whole group minus Lindsey, she had already left

when we took this picture.

Here is just one of the fun crafts we did.

Wouldn't be a great week-end without food.

Brooke, Melanie & Jerrica.

Sweet little Carter.

He got to come even if he was a boy.

The girls just working on their craft.

It was a great week-end.

Always fun just to get away and enjoy

one anthers company.

I just love you guys!

Matt's letter for Sept. 12, 2011

2011-09-12T16:44:00.001-07:00

Hi Mom!

I’m sorry, its going to be a quick one... A set of 4 Elders shared acar, and it got taken away, so we have to fandangle rides for emails. I’msorry! But I’ll try to answer your questions:

Yes there are 4 elders in our apartment. Elder Tate (FromMesa) and Elder Dennison (From Rexburg) and us. We love it! They areway cool. We are pretty lucky.

My allergies haven't been bad at all. I did get a little cold theother day during ZLC, but I got over it pretty quick. Elder Dennison got strep,and had to stay in for 2 days, but he got antibiotics, so we were all ok. Theair quality is pretty bad here (A lot of smog - 400,000 people, and we get TONSof smog from L.A.) Sometimes kids can't go out for recess because of the badair! Haha! But we are doing fine. It rained a little this weekend, so thatcleared it up a lot. And the temperature has been dropping lots! It’s usuallyaround 98 or so during the day now! A lot better than 110 or 115. And it'll getdown into the 70's at night instead of the 80s or 90s. its great!

I'm so excited for the newsletter! Tell sis. Frei thanks a milliontimes for me! I am so excited! And tell Natalie to get o n it! I want to hearfrom her!!! And if I recall, she still owes me a package ;) Haha!

This week was pretty anti-climatic. We went to Ventura on Mondaynight and didn't get home till late Tuesday, so it was good. We had a ton offun! There are a lot of really good missionaries in our mission! And Presidentand sister Castro are SO SWEET! We had home evening with their family, and itwas tons of fun!! :) I love them!

The lady who owns Beehive - Sister Ricks - Gave me a bunch of CDDemos that she gets to play in the store. So I got some really good music! Buti do have a couple requests when you get a chance (Hopefully soon rather thanlater): Jericho Road, Sunday Morning (and anything else by them!), Return to Edenby Paul Cardall (I cant get enough Paul Cardall!!), Sacred Cello 1 and 2 if youcan, and Reflections of Christ 1 and 2. If you could, the original is totallypreferred, but if you buy it, a copy is ok. but the original is the best!Thanks mommy!

Umm we got to do a service project for project linus - some ladiesget together and make a million blankets for less fortunate kids. It was fun!Hahaha lots - ladies.

If you could get me a couple more pairs of pants, i would love them!I have the Perry-ellis portfolio ones. Preferably black or dark brown, and ILOVE PINSTRIPES. Haha but seriously, no rush. I know I’m asking a lot, butthose are my needs. :) I love you!

Hmmm.. I think that’s it! I love you very much; the church is true,yada yada... Just Kiddin! Haha oh and PS We spoke in church yesterday. I toldeveryone how much I love you all! Send my love around. . Thanks so much mom! I love you so much!!!

Mom's Birthday

2011-09-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Aug. 31st was my Mom's 79th birthday.

We couldn't let it slip by without a

celebration.

We had a little get together and it

was so fun to have everyone come

and wish her Happy Birthday.

Thanks everyone for making Mom's day so special.

(Grandma to some and G.G. to others)

My nephew Kevin and his son Taylor and Mom.

(Taylor has the cutest dimples I have ever seen. He is so cute!)

Mom helping Tay down the slide.

Mom, me and my darling grand children!

It's not a birthday without the birthday girl in her princess crown.

(thanks to Leah for sharing her crown)

G.G. with Emily and Camden.

I feel bad I didn't take better pictures.

Wish I would of taken some of all the grandkids that

came.

Next year we are going to have a HUGE celebration for

Mom's 80th.

I love you Mom, you are the best friend and the best example

a girl could ever have.

Your awesome!!!

Labor Day Week-end with the Monks

2011-09-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day Week-end we went camping to

8-mile Creek out by Leadore.

It was beautiful!

I wish Natalie would of be there to make our

trip complete.

Steve, Brooke, Camden, Emily,

Sam, Hailey, Wynn and I had a

great time.

On Saturday Wynn, Steve and I went on a ride. Steven

rode his motorcycle and Wynn and I were in the RZR.

We went to Devil Lake. (above and below)

It was beautiful but man was it a rocky ride!!!

We had a hard time getting back after getting there.

Wynn promised me he would never take me on a

ride like that again. It was terrible.

Here, Steve is fly fishing.

No bites but the lake was crystal clear.

We saw a huge fish but he wasn't hungry.

Oh my, Camden is all boy!

He loved sitting in the RZR and "steering."

Whenever a bike or 4-wheeler would start up

he was looking for it.

He truly is his fathers son.

Here we are at Everson Lake.

We went here on Sunday but Steve, Brooke and Emily

visited this lake on Saturday morning.

This is where Steve proposed to Brooke.

So beautiful and not as bad as a ride as

Devil Lake. Still really rock but better.

We had a nice week-end. Fun to be with the

kids and enjoy one anothers company.

P.S. I really do have the best kids in the whole world.

Wynn and I were just commenting on how proud

we are of each and everyone of them.

WE ARE SO BLESSED!!!

Sept. 5, 2011

2011-09-05T16:12:00.001-07:00

Hi family!

Sorry, we're gonna be a bit rushed today, because Elder Schiess and I are going to Ventura at 5 for ZLC tomorrow. Sorry!

We had interviews with president Castro on tuesday, and we got to teach our whole zone with the Assistants. We taught the ABC's of missionary work (Attitude, oBedience, and Companionships) It was so much fun! We did attitude and i did mine from the talk "Finding Joy in the Journey" By Thomas S. Monson from the Nov 2009 ensign. It went really well! I loved it. And President Castro is so cool! He spent time with all the missionaries, and Elder Schiess and I and the assistants got to go out to lunch with him. I love him! :) He also gave Elder Schiess and I blessings, and asked me to assist in giving another missionary a blessing. He is really powerful when he speaks! Gosh, I feel really lucky to be able to serve so closely with him! Im very blessed.

We did alot of work this week! It was a good one. On sunday one of the less active families that we have been working with came to church! The Rasmussens are so sweet. The mom is single - her husband died - and she has 3 kids, Mosiah(17), England(16), and Liberty (14). They are amazing! Mosiah got up and bore his testimony and told how the missionaries had been coming over every week and how he really liked it. Thats a huge breakthrough because he's been a toughy! Sis rasmussen is so sweet! But if the kids arent on board, she really can't be. So miracles have been happening! We are so blessed. We told Mosiah how when you eat, you dont gorge yourself one day then not eat the rest of the week, you feed yourself each day. And its the smae with the scriptures! You cant go to church on sunday and call it good, you have to read and pray everyday! :)

We went on exchanges on saturday with the Meadows ward Elders - Moak and Peacock. I went with Elder Moak to meadows. We got to help a recent convert family - the Haners - do some service, so it was way nice! We spent time in Oildae or as everyone here calls it, The 'Dale. Its probably the most ghetto part of our mission except like delano or tehachapi. Tons of drugs and gangs, and I mean TONS, but the work is hoppin! We love it!

It sounds like your vacations have been super fun! Hows the Subaru treating you? Do you like it? Hows the Razer? And I loved the pictures! I really do miss Idaho! There are not really lots of mountains here... Just hills. And we're in the desert! So I love to see mountains!

Sorry it's so short today! We just have to get done quick. But theres a quick overview of the week! I hope you are all well, and i LOVE YOU TONS!

--
Elder Matthew Monk
California Ventura Mission
Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

2011-08-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

August 29, 2011

hEY MOM!

Good to get your letter. Im so glad things are going so well! And thanks for the card. It really made my day! :) Tell the Kinghorns hi for me! I miss them and love them all!

Ok i have a list of things to write, so bear with me...

Grandma Monk sent me a card and she said she went to Megan Monk's and Davids reception. Did Megan get married? Haha i was just wayy confused. She also sent a picture of her and all her kids. Fun! ;) Haha tell her i loved it!

We got a new elder in our apartment: Elder Dennison from... REXBURG! haha 3 idaho boys tearing it up! :) Its alot of fun. He's a way good missionary, fresh from the MTC.

Ummm... we got to go to a meeting with all the ward mission leaders in the stake and a couple people from the high council and stake presidency. It was so good! They sat and built us up for a bit and then we all talked about ways to help our missionaries. I love to be in this position! Its so much fun, and i love to be a leader. I'm not very good at it, granted, but I love it! :)

A couple weeeks ago we went to see a less-active sister that just moved in, and when we knocked on the door, she cane outside and told us she was hoping we would come over! She is living with her boyfriend and she is pregnant (She has 2 kids from a previous TEMPLE marriage - her husband died) and he has a kid. He wants to learn about the church, and she is 100% committed to come back. She's had a rough go at things lately, but her family in the neighboring ward is SUPER strong. It was such a miracle! And she also asked us to give her a blessing when we met with her and chase least week, so that was a way nectar experience. BLESSINGS!

We went to see a less active brother in our ward as well on saturday. His girlfriend just moved in with him, and she wants to get active in something. They showed us their boat they are fixing, their garden, and their house, loaded us up with veggies, then as we got into the car, they came out and asked for a BOM for Casey. They are WAY solid! It was so cool.

We have been making cookies and giving them to select people in the ward as thank you's and we-really-want-referral gifts. We dropeed some off to our young womens pres. Sis. Meeks last night, and she almost cried! It was so sweet. when you go out of your way to make other people happy, that's when the Lord blesses you. We also gave some to a less active family that has us over to dinner, and they totally loved it! And promptly invited us over for home made burgers! :) Blessings.

yesterday they formed the new YSA ward! It was a 2.5 hour meeting and all the stake people spoke. It was real neat! and way long... But good. Its the biggest ward in California! We cover just our whole zone, and there are 2 other sets of zone leaders that cover their zones. So its a tri-zone, tri-stake ward. Its HUGE! about 1500 people on record, 200ish active. Lots of work! :)

Hmm thats pretty much it.. Pretty busy week! Elder Schiess and I are having tons of fun!

Ummm... Why dont you just put together a paragraph from this letter? Is that ok? I think that would be fine. But i would love to see that newsletter! :)

The scripture thing:

Brown Leather

Small

Gold Pages and lettering " Elder Monk "

Snap cover

Small bag, dark in color, not blue.

The bag is just to keep them nice. I know they have a cover, but yeah, I jiust prefer that. Thanks!!! I love you dearly. Thanks for all the support, and I LOVE YOU!

Also mom.. for my birthday. Could I get some brown socks? Mine are all gone... I feel silly with black one on! Haha thanks mommy! I love you tons! Also tell brooke i will write soon. I dont have time today!!! Tell her i love her and miss them dearly. Thanks

Elder Matthew Monk

California Ventura Mission

Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013

Tate in our kitchen.

We live in a private gated apartment complex called Polo Villas.

My District.

Me, Elder Scheiss, Tate, Peacock, Gamache, Prete, Williams, & Lee

Us goofy!

A guy in our YSA ward works at channel 17 and gave us a

tour and took us to lunch. :)

I thought you might laugh at this!

Elder Schiess and I at news channel 17.

A card we made for our ward mission leader, Br. Larson.

Matt & David Morely.

He's leaving on his mission in a week!

He is such a cool kid.

Matt's letter for Monday, August 22, 2011

2011-08-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Momma!

Well another great week! Only one hang up... Ashley didn't get baptised. Her mom in New JErsey put the hammer down, and she went home on saturday... We had the programs all made and everything ready even! But she has a good foundation and tons of support from her family here and friends, so it's ok. I know it;s the Lord's will, not ours! No worries!

Other than that, it was FANTASTIC! We had a pretty busy week. Lots of finding and teaching, so good. On sunday they dissolved the Kern River Branch (The YSA branch we are in) and they are making a tri-stake singles ward next week. So, we will be covering our whole zone as far as YSA goes, and there will be 4 other missionaries in the ward. They will each cover their respective zones. It's gonna be way fun!!

Have i ever told you about our ward? Its fantastic! The membership is around 600-700ish and about half active. Seriously it looks like our stake conference every sunday! Just a teensy bit smaller. Its way fun! And there are 2 primaries, and such. Its crazy! We have alot of fun remebebering names.

On satuurday night we went to find a less active member that is on the "No hometeacher assigned" list. we had to drive almost 30 minutes out into the wasteland west of Bakes. We got almost to Buttonwillow! But we found her, and she told us that she just got married a year ago, and wants to have missionaries over to teach her and her husband abou the church so they can get something to ground their family. WOO HOO! It was neat.

Tomorrow is transfers and elder Schiess and I get to stay together again!! :) Its good. we are getting a couple new missionaries in our district and zone, so it will be fun to have that happen tomorrow! And ZLC is next week, so thats a blast and a half! I love it! We also get to meet with the zoneleaders in the area tomorow night with the stake president and President Castro, so that will be fun.

I'm glad blake is out! If you can tell him congrats for me! I love that man! Nad get his mission address for me from his mom, would you? Thanks!

Umm.. i was thinking abou the scripture thing.. If you wouldn't mind finding a simple case for it, that would be much appreciated, preferrably blak or dark brown. Thanks! And if you wouldn't mind leaving them in the box, i would like that! Thanks momma! I sure do appreciate all that you do for me. It's such a blessing to have my mom behind me 100% of the way. And the rest of the family too! Thats a blessing.

Could I also request 1 more thing? I would LOVE pictures and prints. I love the email ones, but hard copies would be sweet. I have a pretty big photo album that i got at a thrift store for a nickel, so i can keep them. :) I just like to have them! Especially Ems and Cammo! :0 I love them! Send my love

Well, I think thats it for me! We had a great week. The church is true! It never cease to amaze me. I hope you know how much I love you! Good luck at school!
--
Elder Matthew Monk
California Ventura Mission
Jan. 2011 - Jan. 2013