It's almost Easter....but it is still winter outside!!!

March 25, 2013

"So yesterday (3-24-2013) it snowed all day we got 6-8 inches it was a lot of snow! Church was even canceled again because of the snow."

"We have a Baptism on Saturday (3-30-2013) and we are also going to the temple that day too."

View outside Cole's apartment

"We are meeting up with some other missionaries to play in the snow today"

Have fun in the snow today!!!!

And now a response from Elder Grace:

"So Kara is having a baby girl?!!!!! Wow that's CRAZY! Ha,ha,ha,....what does Jay think about that! I'm sure he is so happy!"

Ahhh.... I just love how excited Cole gets with great news from family and friends. 

We sent Cole his Easter package I hope he has a great Easter!!!!!!

Happy St. Patricks Day

So Cole said he had a pretty good St. Patricks Day.

He also says the weather has been a lot better than it has been in the past.

Here are some words from Elder Graces latest email:

"We have 2 baptism dates set one is for our ward mission leader's mom (she is 89 yrs. old)

and the other baptism is for one of the family members of the family we have been teaching.

There were only 2 baptisms total for this area last year so hopefully there will be more for this year!"

This will make 3 baptisms so far for Elder Grace. Way to teach the gospel Elder Grace we are all so proud of you!!!!!

March 11, 2013

Wow I cant believe it is already March! Elder Grace has been out 4 months now.

Some new words from Elder Cole Grace:

"I am doing a lot better now. I really like my new companion!"

"Today is colder than it has been so that's not fun... I might learn how to do a back flip today, so I am excited for that!"

Don't go too crazy Cole!!!

Elder Grace and Elder Besendorfer

Elder Grace and Elder Dazley

Elder Grace and some Elders from his previous district

Elder Grace and Elder Smith at the baptism of Carissa

"I really like my new tie you sent me its awesome. I will wear it for St. Patricks day I am wearing it right now!"

I am so glad Cole gets so excited every time he gets a new tie! Ha,ha,ha...

"The ward mission leader in my new ward is so awesome he is so funny too. He has been a member for 7 years."

"My new area is much bigger than my last area...it takes about an hour to visit some people... so we ride the bus a lot."

"We currently have one family we are teaching they are the only progressing investigators we have right now..... We are working so hard to find people to teach."

"I got a package from the Schofields that was really nice. I will write them back soon!"

Now Cole has a response to all his friends getting mission calls or getting ready to leave for missions:

"Wow there are so many people going on missions... that's crazy!"

I think it is so amazing that so many good guys and gals are choosing to serve missions! You are all such strong and amazing souls!!!!

new letter from Elder Grace March 8, 2013

"I still don't have a car yet, I ride the bus and my bike everywhere. I ride the bus more than my bike."

"My new apartment is really nice. My new companion Elder Sutherland is really cool, we have a lot in common! (I'm not sure if that's a good thing)"

"My move to Edwardsville has been kinda hard on me I miss the people in O'fallon, they were so cool!"

"I know there will be areas that i like and areas that i don't like, i just have to see the good in them."

"so at transfers I saw Elder Rymer (MTC companion) I actually miss him, but his best friend was called out to this same mission and they are companions now. How crazy is that?!!!"

"The blog looks great! I love it! I'm glad people can look at it. Keep doing a good job!"

I will try my best to do a good job!!!! One more thing from Elder Grace:

"I miss Blake, you should get his address for me. I hope he is doing well!.... I wonder how Levi is doing? Is he still working at the car wash?"

I suppose Elder Grace would like to hear from Levi and Blake!! I know he loves mail from everyone else too!

Tuesday throw back

March 5, 2013

Elder Grace is now settled in Edwardsville, IL. 

He has a new companion Elder Sutherland from Kaysville, Utah.

Cole gets along well with his new companion Elder Sutherland, he is also Cole's district leader.

So Cole was able to go back to O'fallon for the baptism of a 9 yr old girl named Carissa.

Cole and his former companion Elder Smith taught Carissa, and she was baptized by a member in the ward.

Cole was so excited to attend the baptism and to see everyone from his ward in O'fallon.

Monday March 4,2013 Cole road his bike to the library so he could email home. When he got to the library he realized he had forgot  

his camera. He says he has new pictures to share and he was so excited to send them home.

So we will see those new pictures next time.

I thought it would be fun to go back to Cole's farewell......

I know Elder Grace is so grateful to have great friends and family

that love and support him throughout his mission.

Super proud mom!

We are all so proud of Elder Grace, he is so awesome-amazing!!!!! He is also such a great example and a strong missionary!!! Keep up the good work Elder Grace!