Trading one Elder Sedlacek for another

Well, Elder Jacob Sedlacek arrived safely home on July 28th! He served to the best of his ability, and we're so proud of him! Thanks to everyone who followed along with Jake's experiences in the Washington Kennewick Mission!

Then exactly 8 days later, Elder Jared Sedlacek went to the MTC before heading to Ohio in a few more days.

This blog is going to transition from one brother to the other. Stay tuned for the experiences of Jared in Ohio!

I'm so thankful to be serving a mission. I have loved every day!

 

What's up Mama,

Sounds like you had a great week. How ya doing?

 

I am doing really good. I have been settling in to Milton. The ward is starting to catch a vision for the missionary work. This past week we met with the Bishop, and our Ward Mission Leader. 

 

Things are going good with Elder G. Things are good as DL. I love how often I get to serve the missionaries in my district. This week, one of the Sisters had a dog bite her leg, so I went over to give her a blessing. It was really good. Going in I honestly had no idea of anything I was going to say, but I just went in like I usually do to blessings, and just cleared my thoughts. It was cool. When I started, I just said a silent prayer in my heart that I would know what to say to give her some comfort. It ended up being a really good blessing. It just flowed right from the start. It must have worked because she cried. Isn't that how women work haha?

 

All afternoon Saturday I was doing baptism interviews in Pendleton. It was good, because it's all worth the time with baptisms. Those sisters up there in Pendleton do some awesome work!

 

The weather in Muddy Frogwater has been awesome. It couldn't be a better spring, honestly. It has had the perfect amount of rain and sun. Down here in Milton we get more rain than Tri-cities does, so its nice to see some rain for a change.

 

I am honestly doing pretty good. I don't really need anything at the moment.

 

Dallin is going to Bolivia?!?!?!?! That's awesome! Wish him good luck for me. That would be super cool if I got to see Dallin in the airport. That would be fun. So Dallin's mom is going to be the sad Mama, and you're going to be the happy one right? haha. Hopefully it's not the other way around haha.

 

Thanks for doing the school stuff for me. I don't have a clue of what math to take. I don't want to waste time and money taking a class that is too easy, but I also don't want it to be too hard that I don't know how to do it at all. What do you think I should do?

 

Mama: Son! Of course I will be the HAPPPPPYYYYYYYY Mama!!!!

Good job on the blessing. Yes, a woman crying in a blessing is probably a pretty good sign that you said something she needed. haha

 

I will think on the math and also ask Nicole.

 

Hey, there is news on Jared’s call this morning!! He's been assigned and is in the mail. Probably coming in the next day or two or three.....and don’t worry. Mamas have their ways of letting missionary sons in Oregon know asap. 

 

Elder Sed: Oh ok good. I was thinking it was that way haha.

I figured it was a good sign hahahaha.

Oh okay ask Micoe. She's "SMRT" with that kinda stuff.

OOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH BOY!!!!!! Jared's call is coming on its way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What is your guess to where he's going? 

 

Mama: It definitely is that way haha. I’m waiting for my hug and it better be a good one!

 

As for where for Jared.....I don’t really know. You are in Washington, and that is a place I had never even thought of for you, so it’s probably going to be somewhere I haven’t thought of. That being said, Jared REALLY REALLY REALLY wants to speak Spanish. I think he will be Spanish-speaking. My official guess is Washington DC South, Spanish-speaking.

 

Elder Sed: That would be cool for him to learn Spanish. I could see him going Spanish. It will be awesome to find out the big news. Oh you better believe I will give you all a good hug haha. Who wouldn't?

 

Yea, that will be interesting to see what he does and where he goes! My official guess is Wyoming, but what's wrong with Yakima or WKM!!!! haha. That would make me so happy if he really did end up going to Warshington. It would also be cool if he went to DC south Spanish speaking.

I have to get going now Mama. You're awesome for all that you do for me! Love ya tons! Let me know if there's anything I can do for you, even though there isn't much I can do at the moment haha but still. You get the point.

 

You're the best Mama! Keep being the best Mama ever!

Love ya!

-Elder Jake Sedlacek

 

 

Whaz up Dad,

This week was great! I will just start with the update of my week.

 

So this week we had zone training meeting where the ZLs and the DLs train the zone. It was pretty good. I felt like my training went really well. I talked a lot about building a vision with planning and goals. The vision needs to be our eye of faith, with our goals and daily and weekly plans supporting that vision we gain from the Lord. Everyone really liked it, so I guess it was good.

 

The next day after that we had interviews with President Ware. I got my new temple recommend that's signed by him so I will have to keep this one I have now. President is awesome. He's definitely called by God. I know that for sure.

 

This week I had the privilege of giving lots of priesthood blessings. Some to the members in the district I have, and some to members of the ward. I just love to be able to give people blessings by the priesthood of God. It's so cool how you can feel the guidance of God in what to say. I love to feel the love God has for them. I just love to serve His children!

 

As far as our investigators go, we had some good lessons with them this week. We now have two on date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! F***** is on date for the 25th of April. It's probably going to be pushed back just because he is going out of town for his baseball team. We are just praying that we will be able to figure out a weekend where he will be free to be baptized. He is super excited! He came to church yesterday and guess what? He stayed for the whole block and the Spanish sacrament meeting too. He was just so excited to be at church.

 

The other on date is J****. He's doing awesome too. He is a guy who is kinda rough around the edges and not afraid to say what's on his mind. He's really cool. He told us this week that if he didn't have real interest in being baptized, he wouldn't talk to us. I liked that haha. We put him on date after he said that, for July. It's kinda far away, but he is just so busy every weekend and his wife is pregnant and due in May. I hope everything works out with him too.

 

Other than these two investigators, we do have a couple others, but we are working on finding a bunch more this week. Wish us luck!

Great job with work, Dad. Sounds like it's going good. Save the church some money haha.

 

Oh, you got lots of yard work done it sounds like. Trimming trees is a pain. I know that much. You're going to move the garden to the middle section? That sounds like a good idea. I like how the size of the garden has gradually gotten smaller and smaller as time goes on. I remember when it was the whole bottom section haha. I guess you're just getting old. ;) Just kidding, Dad. You're still super young, strong. Like Nephi, right?!

 

Sounds like you had a fun time just playing with the truck haha. That is super funny. It's like your brand new toy haha. That stinks the ATV isn't starting. I bet it is the carburator or something like that.

A brand new guy won the Masters? That's cool. He sounds like he's amazing! I would like to see him play.

I did hear from Mom that Dallin got his call to Bolivia. That is super cool!!!!! You will have to wish him luck for me. He's going to do awesome I would bet. That's kinda funny that he leaves the day that I get home. Probably won't see him for a while then, unless for some reason we see each other at the airport, but I doubt that too.

 

I heard good news on Jared's call. That is exciting!!!!! You guys will have to let me know asap when you find out. I will be excited to find out where he's going! Hopefully in Washington somewhere. That would be cool.

I am so thankful to be serving a mission. It's been a wonderful time! I have loved every day! I love being able to devote all my time and attention to serving the Lord and his children. I love the Lord! I love his children I have been sent to help! I know this is His church! He leads and guides us as we let Him. I am grateful for the gift of the spirit and what it does to my life. I know the priesthood is on the earth to bless all others besides myself, but I know there are people who are able to help me when I need it as well. I know the Book of Mormon is true!

 

You guys are awesome for all the support you give to me. I know it's a blessing some don't have. I love you guys! You're all amazing! You guys keep up the great work at home! Talk to you later!

-Elder Jake Sedlacek

No matter where we are or who we are

Elder Sed turned the big 2-0 in Pasco

 

Whaz up Mama,

I can't believe its p-day already haha. This past week went by super fast for me for some reason. It was a good week though, so it was fun. We have found a couple more new investigators and we have a couple of our current investigators doing well too. Sadly, yesterday we weren't able to get anyone at church even though there were a couple that said they would for sure come. Life happens sometimes, I guess, which sucks haha. I also can't believe that it's almost Halloween. Time is going by fast haha. Too fast sometimes.

That's good that the video of me splitting an apple worked. I had another apple split right off just a couple minutes before that video was taken. The video one just took longer because it was a tough one haha. I am glad that it eventually split haha. That is funny Jared haha. I was betting Jared was going to try and split an apple once he saw the video haha. Oh, the things you learn in Warshington haha!

I don't think I need anything though from home right now. Basically, what I have now is what I am going to have for the rest of my mission I would bet. I am doing pretty good. I did get a package from Grandpa H with a Mission belt buckle if that is the one you are talking about. Is it?

I bet Dad had lots of fun with that kind of wedding planning haha. Did he go out and buy a nice chainsaw to do it? I bet the wedding reception will look super cool though with all the outdoorsey stuff. My kinda wedding haha.

That is cool that you get to stay put in your calling. I bet you don't mind not having to be re-trained in your calling. You must be doing good at it because they kept you in it :)

I like the thought that Ana shared about the apples and seeds. It relates really well to Warshington haha. That is really cool too with her and Nate. That would be a really cool thing to have as a parent too.

I want you to know that I love all you guys tons! I am happy to be serving a mission at this time and in the Washington Kennewick mission! I love the gospel! I know it's true!
I hope you all have a great week in all that you do.

-Elder Sedlacek

What's up Dad,

I am happy you had a good birthday first off. That card took a while to send it sounds like because I had sent it so it would get to you a couple days before your birthday but it sounds like it worked out for you haha.

I had a really good week. First off, we have an "on date!!!!!!!!!!" Her name is M*** and she is pretty interested in the church right now. She had promised to come to church yesterday, but her boyfriend got called into work and she didn't want to come alone. We are going to have a member meet with her this week, and then a church tour so hopefully next week she will come, even if her boyfriend does get called in.

Another lady we are teaching is T***. She is totally awesome. She loves to read the assignments that we leave her and she is really, really interested right now. The only problem is that she works two jobs and is really busy most Sundays with work and her two daughters. She is really cool though. We have 11 other people we are working with, but these two are the fastest progressing right now and I don't have time to write about all 11 of them haha.

This week I had my first district meeting and supposedly it went well, because they all liked it. I also realized that I know a lot more about missionary work than some of the other missionaries, just because I shared a simple thought/training of something I had heard lots before and all the missionaries were like "wow" haha. I just have heard lots and lots of trainings by now that some of the newer Elders and Sisters haven't heard yet haha.

We had a Zone breakfast on Saturday and that was fun. There was a thought shared by the Stake President that I really liked and hadn't really realized before. It is from 3rd Nephi ch 13, where the Savior comes and teaches the people. He comes back the next day and in between the time when He left and came back, the people who had listened to him the first time ("members") went out and invited lots of others to come listen to Him. So the number of people was 12 times greater the next day because of the members' invitations. It is one of the best stories of member missionary work in the scriptures. Kinda cool to think about what the members can do. If we involve the members, the number of converts can be 12 times more than if it was just us doing the work.

That is a cool mission story of Ana's, of just leaving stuff behind. I could see that working in this area since there are lots of people who just walk everywhere. It's kinda sad when I have people who come up to me with literally nothing and they ask for money and I can't give them any. Sometimes I really feel sad for them and the situations they are in. There are lots of people out there that need the gospel though. I know that for sure!

The sports news is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO UTES!!!!!!!! #19 baby hahaha. I just hope they can beat USC. That sounds like it will be a super tough game. Good thing it's at Utah from what I have heard. Sounds like BYU is stinking it up without their QB. That kinda sucks for them. It looked like they had great season going for them, but not now haha.

That sucks that the 9ers lost and the Chargers too. 

It will be fun when I get home to see all the changes that have happened. It will be crazy I am sure for me haha.

I am so happy to be serving a mission right now at this time in Kennewick. You are right that my testimony has grown so much. I know the gospel is the message that will bless everyone's life no matter where they are or who they are. WE are all children of the same being who loves us all perfectly! I love being able to represent Christ and bring souls closer to him--including my own. The gospel never ceases to amaze me. I love it! I love you guys too! Thanks for all that you do for me. You're all amazing.

Have an awesome week Papa at work and what not. Love ya!

-Elder Sedlacek

Happy Birthday, Elder Sed!

What's up Dad,
Thanks for the birthday wishes. I did get the package and I really
liked it. I don't know if you picked out anything for it, but I liked
it haha. The temple was amazing this morning. I just love being able to
go to the temple. It's always good.
Things are going pretty good. We are in the finding stage right now,
with being dropped by G and not really being able to catch the
Ukrainain family. The LA family you are talking about came back to
Pasco this week, so the baby is home from the hospital. He is still on
a feeding tube though. We are going around to the members of the ward
giving them a lesson. We watch a Mormon Message titled "Waiting on our
own road to Damascus" by President Uchtdorf. We ask them about their
conversion and how long it has been since they have read and prayed
about the Book of Mormon. Conversion is not a one-time thing, so it's
good to do it multiple times--every time we finish the Book of
Mormon. All of you should take that challenge too. Read and pray about
the Book of Mormon and ask God if it is truth and it will help you to
feel more of the Spirit of the hastening in your lives. I promise
that.
I had heard that the Chargers beat the Seahawks, which I was happy to
hear. That is crazy that USC lost too. I hope Utah does good over in
Michigan. They can beat them. I don't think they (Michigan) are that
good this season.
You're going to have to study up on Isaiah haha. I bet you will learn
lots from your lesson though. It will be good for you.
I am glad that you liked the pics I sent.
I did find a new pair of shoes too. I would hope that the new ones can
last the rest of my mission. I will be sure to keep the old pair of
shoes.
That is super funny that you got roped into the wedding shopping. I bet you
won't make that mistake twice huh haha. You should tell Jeff that he
does owe you big time haha. That would be funny.
It's good that things are going good with all the siblings. I bet Jared
is loving his job. That is awesome Mia did such a good job, and that
Nicole is doing good. I bet Sarah is amazing at debate haha. That is
her calling from the very beginning. And Libby is just awesome.
What Dad turned down fruit??????????????? Has he died and gone to
heaven????????? nah, I'm just kidding dad. That is good though haha. I
bet the wimpy Utah apples are nothing compared to the Warshington ones
haha. I just had an amazing apple that was huge the other day, so it's
apple season already. That is crazy. I love the fall weather though.
Here it's been still up in the 80s so it hasn't felt that much like fall
yet. The mornings are a little cold though which I really like. I
didn't even know that there were northern lights visible, so no. I didn't see
them haha.
Well dad, I hope you have a great week. Thanks for all that you do! You da bomb.
I love serving the Lord on a mission. It's amazing.
Love ya tons!
-Elder Jake Sedlacek

I love you guys so much. Remember that!

 

 

What's up mom,

Turns out I was able to email from the church today.  Sounds like everything is going good back home. That is good that Nicole is going to be able to get into surgery tomorrow as was planned. I will pray that everything goes ok with that. I would have fasted Sunday too if I had known that all of you were doing that. That's what limited communication does haha.

 

It is way crazy that it's already September. I also found out that Elder C's sister got married while he was on his mission. They did a card board cutout of him and when you take the picture it has to be done with a profesional camera, otherwise it looks terrible. There is a member that he knows that does the pictures and sends it to you for free. I just need the wedding tie before I get transfered out of this area, which could be next month who knows. Just a thought.

 

That is good that you got the pics from the Myers. They are a really cool family and they took us out for dessert. I am glad I look good haha. What do you mean that you really mean it?

 

My week was pretty good. Monday we found a super awesome family from Ukraine. They have super awesome questions about the plan of salvation. Wednesday, we had a good lesson with a LA family in the ward. A couple weeks back we met with them and I felt like I should challenge them to read the Book of Mormon as a couple everynight and they have been doing it. They came to church yesterday too for the first time in a long time. Friday we had a zone breakfast where the stake feeds all the missionaries breakfast in the zone. It was super fun and yummy. One of the stake presidency shared a thought that I really liked on what he called the divine paradox. Missionaires come out to the field and time feels like it is super slow, but as we get older and wiser the time goes super fast. He related it to the scripture where the Savior says whosever will lose his life shall find it--if you know what I'm talking about. When we lose our life and stop caring about ourselves time just flies by. It is so true from what I have seen.

 

That is super cool that the nectarine tree is growing good. That sucks about the peach though. I really liked those peaches. I bet you're having so much fun canning all the junk that dad brings up too, huh haha.

 

That is super cool that you had a great experiance like that in the temple. Isn't the temple the best. That is why I am so excited for the 16th, because we get to go to the temple in the morning and I have the rest of the day to just have fun on my birthday. Awesome!

 

I love being able to email home and find out what's going on back at home right now. I hope you have an awesome labor day! You need to do something fun in the evening. You need it. I can tell. I love serving a mission right now! It is awesome. I learn so much everyday and really want to make my mission experience be the best I can. I know the Savior lives. He loves everyone of us and is involved in our lives. I know the atonement is real and its power blesses our lives. The gospel just wows my mind constantly. It's so cool!

Have a great week. Don't forget to send me a letter or something letting me know how the surgery goes. I will be praying for all of you guys and her. Tell her good luck for me and not to be nervous. I love you guys so much. Remember that! Talk to you guys soon

-Elder Jake Sedlacek

 

 

What's up dad,
       I had a good week. I already gave some of the updates of what I
did to Mom so I won't talk about those. You did ask about G and I
wish we were able to meet with him this week. His family is taking all
of his attention right now. He is still
reading and studing from the Book of Mormon though, which is really
good. He just needs to keep that up even if his life is busy. The La
family is still up in Seattle and their son isn't doing very well
sadly. He is stable but not improving like they would hope. I really
hope everything works out okay with them. It will be super hard on the
family if they lose the baby. Keep praying for them. They need
all the prayers they can get. I will be praying for you guys too with
Nicole's surgery going on tomorrow. I hope everything goes well!
       Ever since last week, which does to me feel like it was
yesterday, I have been working on that challenge you gave to me on
Mathew 19:20. I have really felt like I could be more centered on
Christ throughout my day so I have been working on that ever since
Monday. I really feel like it helped me. I studied up on Preach My Gospel ch 8
which is the Christ-like attributes chapter, and I have been working on
developing every one of those. It's just helped me realize that Christ
is everything in all that we do. We need to involve him in our life
and he will help us out but if we get selfish and think we can do it
all on our own we will figure it out the hard way soon enough. I think
that is what may have happened to me the past couple weeks. I found
that as I involved him more in every decision, my day went by so much
better and smoother. Pretty awesome huh.
       I am glad that work is going good for you. Seems like its
always busy which is a good thing I would suppose.
       Having withdrawals haha. I like the way you put that. I would
be having withdrawals too without Sunday football. We don't get ESPN on
the Roku? I would think that we would since there is a ESPN channel on
it. Maybe you should look into that, or maybe I have no idea what I am
talking about. I have mission brain so bad hahahaha. I am hopefully
not going to be too awkward though when I get home.
       I think that is awesome that Sarah is going to the Bountiful
games. Is Jared not going to them? if not he should be since it's his
last year of them. That is cool though
that Austin got some interceptions. He sounds like he is really good.
I like your spiritual thoughts from church and what not. They are
pretty good insight. I love the scriptures. That is one thing that I
have come to love on my mission. I really do everyday want to read in
them for at least 10 minutes when I get home. I will always be sure to do
that one. I have a testimony of scripture study. I love it and the
strength it brings. It's awesome! I love my mission as well. Thanks for
the sacrifice that you give up to keep me out here and going. Love you
guys so much!
Let me know how the surgery goes with Nicole.
Have a great week dad and fam.
Love ya again!
-Elder Sedlacek
 

 

"The mission is what I want to be doing right now."

Transfers are this week, and Elder Sedlacek is going to be transferred to Sunnyside--known for 300+ sunny days per year, the heart of wine country, and the annual Christmas light parade with farm vehicles, which he just missed. He's looking forward to a new area and hopefully will enjoy his new companion!

What's up!

This week has been slow but great. The last week of the transfer is always slow it seems. Well, I am getting transfered on Wednesday to Sunnyside Washington, serving in the 1st ward with Elder J and I have no idea who he is. I think he is an older missionary. Supposedly Sunnyside smells pretty bad all the time so it should be fun. I am excited to go see a new area. 

 

Thank you for the Christmas packages you sent. Yes, I did get them on Thursday. I haven't opened anything except for the envelope and the tree. I did laugh at the Ensign that was pretty funny. I didn't even think to switch the covers. I will do that. Good idea mama! Tell Bro. H thank you for me. I love him too haha. He is awesome. 

 

I am glad you liked my Christmas card. It is great that JP is home. You will have to tell him hi for me. I am sure he is having lots of fun being home with his family. That will be cool if he plays football at USU. 

 

Sounds like stake conference was a good one. They usually are though. It's fun to go to the big doughnut building. 

 

 For Skype I think I use my own account, so I will set that up. I get to call home on Christmas Eve for a couple minutes and then Skype or whatever on Christmas Day for an hour. I am so excited! I'ts going to be fun to see you guys again. I don't know what member home we will be Skyping from, but I will figure that out and what time. I can tell you that on Christmas Eve when I call. 

 

It is awesome Libby and Mia's friends got baptized. I am sure it was awesome to see. So were they being taught by the Elders then? The gospel WILL bless their family. I know it will. 

 

Haha Mama, you cried reading about Vince? You are funny haha. He is a nice guy. I like him. He is going to be bummed when I tell him I am leaving. He doesn't know yet. It is only going to be a matter of time before he is baptized. 

 

Thank you for everything you do for me. To be honest, the mission is what I want to be doing right now. It is a great experience. I love it. You guys are awesome for supporting me. All the support is great to have! 

I like the Christmas card by the way. Looks good.

 

Love, 

Elder Sedlacek

A visit to the doctor

This is the birthday cake made by the other Elders in Jake's apartment from the mix and frosting I sent in his birthday package. They did it up right! They even got the right number of candles. :)

Here's Elder Sed cutting in to the amazing cake. He looks amazing himself!! I miss him so much.

This is the praying mantis that is a "guest" in the Elders' apartment, since they "can't have pets." Elder Sed says he can't believe it's still alive.

Monday 9/23/13 Email

The weather has been NICE this week. It's just cool enough to not be hot, but not too cold.

I went to the doctor down in Kennewick for my cough. I have bronchitis and swollen sinuses. I am doing good, though. I got a couple samples of an antibiotic but I don't remember the name of it.

It is really important that we pray everyday for missionary experiences. That is one thing we are challenging the members up here to do for 21 days. We call it the 21 Day Challenge. They read the scriptures with missionary work in mind, and then pray for missionary experiences. Trust me, the Lord will give you them if you ask. I have seen it bunches of times already.

It would be awesome if you guys did buy a cabin sometime--hunting land!! I'm glad you had fun and Craig and Shannon's cabin. It sounds like a good time.

Our investigator Jim drives a truck as you know, and he is really busy til Christmas, so he can't be baptized until after Christmas. There isn't a good chance of me still being here in Ellensburg by then, but it could happen. It really sucks though because he is sooooooo ready!  He was really excited, and then his work got crazy. He works two jobs.

We haven't met the 40 new investigators goal yet, but we have reached 28. Almost there! I know we can make it though. With God, nothing is impossible. We as a zone just put our faith in God and trust Him that it will work out, if we do our job.

I went to a member's house yesterday who are really big hunters. They have 4 Labradors, 3 whites and 1 black. They looked so much like Duke and Molly! It was fun to be able to pet them and pretend they were Duke and Molly haha. The dogs were so funny. They live on a big ranch, so the dogs just run around, swim and play in the mud. It was fun to watch them. I love Labs!

Well, I am doing good up here in Ellensburg WaRshington (everyone up here pronounces Washington as WaRshington). I hope you guys are doing good too! I love you guys!

Love,
Elder Sedlacek

Sedlaceks in Kennewick?

Today's email session with Elder Sedlacek was interesting. At first it was great, and then I started getting a few coming through two and three times....and then his final email came through at 2:15--about two hours after I knew he would have left the library. Strange happenings with the connection today!

Elder Sedlacek: What's up Mama! I am doing good except that I have been sick all week and it sucks. I am tired of it. I called Sister Ware (mission president's wife) and talked to her. She told me to buy some tussin DM, so I did and I tried it but it hasn't really done anything. I just feel like crap all the time. This week wasn't the best. It's kinda hard being sick and having to do stuff still. We have had a couple of pretty solid investigators move away this week, so that also stinks. 

Mom: I am so sorry you are sick! Have you gotten some Emergen-C or some vitamin C tablets? I think it would help. Don't worry about your investigators moving away. At the least, you have planted a seed that they may remember later, or else they may look up the missionaries in their new area and keep going. 

Elder Sedlacek: That is cool about the house painting and you are welcome for the [James Taylor/MoTab] tickets. That is cool that you got good tickets, too. You guys deserved them. It would be nice if you sent up my black coat from last winter. It will be cheaper to do that then try to buy a new one up here. I'm glad you went to the Blue Lemon. That place smells good from when I have walked past it before. I want to go there sometimes. I also want to see some pics of the house. It sounds like it looks nice. [I sent some in reply.] That looks really nice!

Mom: Okay, I will send up your black coat from last year. Do you need gloves? Which of your investigators moved away?

Elder Sedlacek: Okay, that will be great. I don't need gloves right now but if I do I can buy some crappy ones from the dollar store or something. The 'gator that moved away was a student named Kaitlin. She was awesome, and she was progressing really well. I think she is going to look for the missionaries where she moved to. I am sure that she really will.

Mom: Then I am sure she will, too. Everyone is coming over tonight for my birthday. I told them if they wanted to include anything in your birthday package, to bring it and I will put it in. So you should get a good package at the end of the week haha. Something to look forward to! I also talked to Elder T yesterday, one of the Elders assigned to our Stake. He is from Kennewick! In fact, he said he's front right smack in the middle of Kennewick. He gives you his best and said to look up his family if you get assigned to Kennewick.

Elder Sedlacek: I hope you will have a great birthday party by yourself haha. I'm gone, so we can't share for once. I am sure it will an awesome package. You guys are the best! That is cool that Elder T is from Kennewick. I will have to look for them if I ever get the chance.

Oh guess what? I had an interesting thing happen the other day. We were tracting, and we knocked on a door, and a guy opened the door, read my tag, and said, "So you're a Sedlacek?" and he said our name perfectly. Turns out he knows some Sedlaceks back in Kennewick. We are probably related somehow. 

Mom: Sedlaceks in Kennewick? That is awesome. We are the only ones in Utah, but there are lots in Nebraska. Interesting that there are some in your mission. 

Elder Sedlacek: Yeah, "Sedlaceks in Kennewick?" that is what I thought too haha. The guy even said I look really similar to them. Maybe he is crazy, but maybe there are Sedlaceks in Kennewick. I want to meet them if there is! 

{The following is in answer to an email Jeff sent Elder Sedlacek}

Teaching college students is hard because they move around a lot. We had another pretty solid investigator move this week. Hopefully, she will continue to have the lessons. We taught Jim this week and he really wants to get baptized. He has almost quit smoking. He is sooo close! We are also teaching a woman named Kayla. She is going through a rough time right now with her family. She is doing alright with the commitments, but needs to follow them a little better. She has a hard time reading and praying on her own. Other than that, we have done a lot of tracting trying to find new investigators. It is really something I don't like doing when I am sick. 

That is awesome about the Utes. I hope they do a lot better this year than last year. Keep me updated on the scores. You're doing good at that but keep doing it. I love to hear the updates.

There really aren't orchards up here in Ellensburg. It's hay fields, and yep, the farmers are working on getting it all dried and bailed. I bet the fruit [from our fruit trees] was yummy. I always liked the peaches and nectarines.

I have to go now. I love you guys! Keep writing me letters and emails. It's nice to receive both. You guys are an awesome support to me. 

Rodeo Week in Ellensburg = 300,000 extra people to teach

Here is a separate email Elder Sedlacek sent to his Dad.

Dear Dad,

This week up in Ellensburg was rodeo week. I don't know if you happended to see ESPN this Saturday and see the bull riding, but it was supposedly on. It is crazy though! They said like 300,000 more people were up here in Ellensburg and I believe it. We talked to sooo many, but most were not interested. That is cool about Kelsey. I am sure she is a great missionary.

 

Hearing about college and NFL football will never make me homesick. I love hearing about the scores. That is good that you got new tires and fixed up old blue {the car that's been through Nicole, Jake, and now Jared}. That car is a trooper. It just keeps going, which is good.

 

For my b-day I would like some ties for a start. I am kinda getting sick of the ones I have. I don't really know what else but I will keep thinking about it and let you know. And yep, you're old. I always tease Elder P for being old, but you on the other hand are old haha. Just kidding. You're awesome. I hope you have lots of "fun" doing all that fun stuff around the house.

 

Pres Ware said the other day that he is 99.9% sure we will be part of the technology mission stuff so maybe with your new job you will get to hear the insight. I hope you do good with your new job and love it. It would be cool to work for the church. Well, I love you and look up to you. You're awesome dad!

Elder Sedlacek

The kind of news that every Mom wants to hear

Elder Sedlacek's study area in his apartment.

 Today's email was exactly what every Missionary Mom wants to hear!

Elder Sedlacek: Well this week, we did a lot of tracting. It was really cool. It's funny to see some people who get so tickedoff when we knock on their door. We had a guy yell at us "don't knock on my door like that, and don't ever come back again" then he slammed the door in our faces. It was really funny. I just started laughing and walked away. Some people these days haha. Religion makes them angry, which is the exact oppositeof what it is supposed to do.We alsocame across a guy named David and his girlfriend Meagan. They are awesome people from what I saw of them. We are going back to see them tonight so we will see what happens.They offered to feed us right off the bat as soon asthey opened the door,and they aren't even members. Talk about charity. I don't thinkifsome stranger cameand knocked on my door, I wouldimmediately offer to feed them.We didn't eat from them because we had just ate but still, that was awesome to hear. We are also starting to teach more and more college students which is so awesome. They are all so cool. Its great to be there and see the spirit work in them and change them. the only problem with teaching students is the crazy schedules. Its sometimes really hard to meet up with them. Yesterday we went to a member's house and had the most amazing dinner I have had in the field. Huge steaks, mashed potatoes, and the sweetest corn on the cob I have had in my life. It was so yummy! That is the thing about living in a farming community. The farm food is always really fresh. We are still working with Jim, and Jay and trying to get them to quit smoking. They are making progress though, which is good. Other than that, we are just tracting and teaching investigators. Everything is great here in Ellensburg. I sent a letter with a memory card in it so you should get it today. Hopefully the card isn't smashed though. I would send it in a padded envelope but its like 2.50 every time you send it just for the little card. So I thought I would try to send it in a regular envelope.

Mom: It is so great to hear from you! I am glad you got such a yummy dinner yesterday. I will watch for the SIM card. I hear that JP always sends his in a regular envelope, so it should be fine. Love you tons, tons, tons!  Do you need anything? You sound great! Was there something great that happened this week?

Elder Sedlacek: Thank you love you too. I don't know if I really need anything right now. I am not really sure. I will write you though if I think of something. This week we taught Dave and we taught him about the priesthood. He really liked it, but as to an experience that made my week, really the whole week was great. I can't really think of some specific story to tell you right now. Just the whole week was awesome! I really liked what you said last week, to just take it one day at a time. It really helped me. Before I talked to you last week, I had been praying for comfort because I just felt like crap. I was really overwhelmed with all the things of the mission, all the things I have to remember and I was expecting to learn it so quick, and step into that perfect missionary role right off the bat but it was just overwhelming me. I learned that I was comparing myself to others too much. I need to just be myself and everything would be great. So I did, and now I haven't ever been happier. Its awesome. It was really an answer to my prayers. I had been praying for comfort and I got it. I know Heavenly Father hears our prayers.

 

Mom: You have just made my week! You didn't sound terrible, last week, but you do sound so much happier today. Everybody went back to school today. Jared even drove himself. :)

Elder Sedlacek: Oh believe me I am soooooo much happier.

I remember those days of the first day of school. Never a fun memory haha. Jared is going to wreck old blue haha. Hopefully he doesn't though because that wouldn't be good. Obviously he got his license.

Mom: Yep, he got his license. He didn't get a job yet, but he is still trying. He is following your example in lots of ways. You are really a great example to all of us.

Elder Sedlacek: Well, I am leaving now so I will talk to you later. Love you. Keep me updated about the family. I love hearing about what is happening when I am gone.

Keep praying for all the missionaries

Letter dated 8/17/13

Family,

How is everything going?

Everything is good here in Ellensburg. It is so much harder out here than the MTC. It has been kind of hard, but good.

Ellensburg is a really small town. There is dog and horse crap everywhere, which is kinda gross. I don't think I would ever live here. There are lots of people to teach though! I have learned that success is mainly through members' help. Without members the work would be really slow. I would encourage you guys to help prepare others for the missionaries, because teaching is not exactly the best method. That is why the technology movement is happening. Here in the WKM we will get to use it, which will be cool.

The hardest part about being out here is not knowing what happens anywhere else. It helps keep me focused though, I guess. Keep praying for all the missionaries. It's nice to feel the support of the church behind us. I look forward to reading your emails and letters.

I love you guys so much!

Elder Sedlacek

The Eagle has landed!

Elder Sedlacek is now safely up in Washington, probably at the mission home in Kennewick tonight.

Before boarding the plane, he was able to call us at home, and we got to talk with him for almost an hour! It was really great to hear his voice--especially since we probably won't hear it again until Christmas.

He is doing well and was excited to get going and "start teaching real people."

While we were talking, he mentioned a couple of times that people were walking by and "staring" at all the missionaries. I don't blame them...there were 38 just going to Kennewick. No telling how many others may have been flying out to other locations today. It must have been quite a sight. :)

Elder Sedlacek's 2nd P-day. Only 4 more days in the MTC to go!

This week has been good. I have learned a lot about the gospel and Jesus Christ. Dad had asked if me and my comp are going to the same mission, and if I have seen anyone I know here. Yes, we are going to the same mission with about 38 others who are headed to Kennewick on the same day. I have seen a ton of people that I know here at the MTC. I have seen PJ, and a bunch of other kids who I went to school with. It was cool because when I got to the MTC and went to my residence hall, I saw PJ outside and I was like, "PJAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!" It was awesome to see him, and I see him around once in a while. 

The classes are all about the Doctrine of Christ and it blows my mind learning about it. I don't have a culture class because it is the same.

P-day is like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing. It is amazing!! It is so great to be able to relax and do my laundry. I never thought I would say that, but I do like doing laundry. Gym time is also one of my favorite times of the week. It gives my brain time to un-mush and actually be alert again. 

Thank you for the package you guys sent me, and Mama, I will be expecting that Dunkin' Donuts package haha. My whole district would probably like one too--there are six of us. :)

I am sleeping like two hours a night because one of the elders is noisy. I am always tired but I pray for energy and I never seem to be dragging. The elder that is noisy loves to sing and hum while he goes to sleep, and after he is asleep he still hums, whistles and snores. He is pretty talented to be able to do that while he sleeps haha. Oh well though. The ear plugs are a blessing! I gave my whole district the idea to get some, and they love them too. 

The days here at the MTC seem to go by like weeks and the weeks seem to go by like days. We are in class all day and then at 9:30 we have time to get ready for bed. Besides gym time, p-day, and personal time, I really don't have a lot of free time. I am always having to go somewhere every second of the day. It keeps me busy! I haven't even been homesick since I got here. The hardest part for me is the long days, but it's alright because I learn a lot. I love the MTC, but I am anxious to get out into the field and teach real people. 

I am getting kinda tired of role plays and lessons, but I did have a cool experience in one of the role plays. My comp and I were teaching our investigator, Dave, and he wasn't getting why Jesus Christ had to die for him. I shared with him D&C 19:16-19. He read it out loud and the Spirit was so strong. He said he never thought about it that way, and how the Savior had his choice if he wanted to go through with the Atonement. He really helped my testimony of the Savior to grow. We challenged him to get baptized and he accepted. Even though it wasn't a real investigator, it was still a way cool experience. 

I love the MTC and I love being able to serve a mission. Keep writing me because I want to keep up to date on what's going on at home. 

Tell everyone I love them.

Elder Sedlacek

Off to the MTC!

On Wednesday, July 31st, we delivered Jacob safely to the Provo MTC (Missionary Training Center).

First, we made a trip to Sammy's for delicious burgers, chicken strips and shakes. We also dealt with a carsick kid. But all-in-all, it was a good trip. Note--if you haven't been to Sammy's, just know that this is the CLASSIC DIVE-Y HANGOUT. I mean, complete dive at its best--dumpy looking place with great food.

{To see what happens at the MTC, go here.}

Now, taking our oldest son to the MTC to begin a two-year mission for our LDS faith was a little harder than we thought it would be. Our oldest hasn't lived at home full-time for almost 4 years, but this is different. She can come and go and we can call or text her anytime we want. LDS missionaries are restricted to answering their mail on their once-per-week P-day (p is for preparation). They don't text or call family, except on Mother's Day and Christmas, as allowed by the mission president. We can email or write to Jacob every day if we want, but he can only answer on his P-day.

It's a little bit to adjust to, not seeing him everyday, but we are happy that he decided to serve a mission. No one should wonder if his parents or church leaders made him do it--the answer to that would be a resounding NO. Jacob CHOSE. He WANTS to do this. He has a testimony of Jesus Christ and wants to share it with the world--at least the section in Kennewick, Washington. :)

So even though we miss him, we are happy to see him doing what he has wanted to do for a long time!!