Week # 1 ~In one word Awesome!

Hi everyone!!  

It’s been so AWESOME here at the MTC!

It's temperature is kind of hot here sometimes, but its cool at night.  My apartment is really nice, there are four elders living in the apartment with me.  My apartment doesn't have any air conditioning in it and some one left a half empty gallon of milk in the fridge.  

Yesterday after class ended there was a giant thunder storm right above our heads! It was super cool.  

The day after that (it was a Friday) my district composing of six Elders played volleyball when it started to rain a lot!  We were soaked!  

Today is Saturday, its our P day.

 It took a while to figure out how to work the washer and dryer for the first time but it’s working.  

The food here is awesome, you can have pancakes or eggs with toast for breakfast with chocolate milk and even an ice cream whenever you want!


I forgot to mention.  I am  leaving on September 4th to go to Nebraska, I  have to leave for the  airport at 4:30 A.M. 


My comp is Elder Martinez he is awesome!

Love you all and I will write you next week.

Wish Preston, Makenzie, and Tyson good luck with school this year!

Love ,

Elder Vance

The DROP!

August 21, 2013   2 p.m.

Elder Vance slept in until at 9 a.m. and had a relaxing morning.  At noon he zipped up his bags and loaded into the truck to head to Provo.  With calm confidence and a relaxed personality, Auston was able to take a little nap on the way to MTC.  We had a nice family lunch where Elder Vance gave his last hugs and good-byes.  At the MTC Elders met us at the curb, Elder Vance introduced himself and unloaded his luggage.  With a HUGE smile and no tears, he hugged Mom and Dad one last time and said," I love you".  As we drove away he stopped and waited with a smile an a wave.  Our boy is an Elder now and on his way to Nebraska.   With NO SOBBS from mom!  The whole ordeal took us exactly 2 minutes 52 seconds, according to Preston's watch.

                                           We are so pleased with his great choice to serve!

Called to Serve

May 7, 2013

Dear Elder Vance,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Nebraska Omaha Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.

You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, August 21, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president. 

You have been recommended as one worthy to represent to Lord as a minister of the restored gospel. You will be an official representative of the Church. As such, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance by keeping the commandments, living mission rules, and following the counsel of your mission president. As you devote your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs, the Lord will bless you with increased knowledge and testimony of the Restoration and of the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Your purpose will be to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. As you serve with all your heart, might, and strength, the Lord will lead you to those who are prepared to be baptized.

The Lord will reward you for the goodness of your life. Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord in this labor of love among His children. We place our confidence in you and pray that the Lord will help you become and effective missionary. 

You will be set apart as a missionary by your stake president. Please send your written acceptance promptly, endorsed by your bishop.

Sincerely,

Thomas S. Monson

President