Happy Mondayy everybody. Hope everybody is doing great. This week has
been pretty great. I was able to go on exchanges with an Elder
Parkinson. He is from Idaho. We decided to walk all day in his area
and we walked for about 15 miles or son. It was a long way. We were
walking along a road and I looked down and found an Elvis Presley
tape. And I kept it. I'm gonna see if it works someday.

Sister Russell is doing pretty great. We had a lesson last week on the
law of chastity. Went well cause she totally understands it and is
perfectly willing to live it. She came to church which was great. We
also had dinner with them Saturda night and it was really good. We
were able to get to know them more and have some good laughs. Her only
probables is still smoking. Please keep her in your prayers so she can
quit smoking. We haven't been able to meet with Brittany this week
either. She has been sick. As well as the boys Zach and Brad. Weren't
able to meet with them.

I'm going to send a video along with this email. Today we have been
with the Seaford Elders and we were able to go to this members
neighborhood and they have a beach in it and we were able to go to it.
Hope you enjoy it.

Love Elder Shumway



You're welcome for the hand written note. I thought it was
appropriate. It feels like it has been a long time. I'm pretty sure
and hoping that these last 6 months go by fast and well. Mom told me
you've been under the weather a little bit and also have found out
some of your allergies. Hopefully you will feel better now that you
know those things. That's nice how both the trailer and the tracker
fit snug in there. I always enjoy ward council. Both great messages
that were shared. Courtney comes home tomorrow! That went by fast! I'm
sure tomorrow will be a fun day. Have fun at the ball games. I'm sure
Carson will do great.

Love Elder Shumway


Good morning mother. So the picture that was sent to you was sent from
our investigator Susan Russell. We had dinner that night at their
house. We do get fed a good amount. It's been picking up recently for
whatever reason. I think it's because people know that Elder Fifita
will be leaving soon. Um I'm not sure how many families are in the
branch. We only have about 3 active primary children. A lot of the
branch is old members that have been here for a long time. Yes this is
Elder Fifita's last week. He will be going home to Tonga. 18 hour
flight.

I thought it was appropriate for me to write a hand letter. Seems like
everybody will be coming home these next several months. Super
exciting. I got an email from Torie and she was saying that she's
excited for all her friends to come back home from their missions. Wow
Courtney will be coming home tomorrow huh? That's really exciting. I'm
sure her family is really excited for her to come home. I'd love a
clip of it.

Sister Russell is doing good. We've been trying to make a better
relationship with her recently and it's going pretty well. We had a
good time at their house Saturday night. Unfortunately she is not
on date and really never has been. We are going to be talking about
that this week with her cause we are almost finished teaching her
everything. The boys are still a no show. We weren't able to have a
lesson with them this week at all and they didn't come to church.

I don't think I've ever heard tanner speak. That's great that he can
talk now. That's great for Kristen! I'm sure she's feeling a lot
better without that weight and is able to help her kids more.

Paul is doing good. He's been very busy recently. Also you can call or
text him anytime.

I'll be sure to get a picture in my suit soon enough. And yes I was
able to go back to kohls and get the gray security thing off.

We have gone to DQ. That's big news about dad? I think the dairy thing
is about dad. At first I thought it was about daisy but I hope not
cause I don't think she eats a lot of dairy. Anyways that's pretty big
news. I hope him staying away from dairy will help him feel better.

When is teryn expecting his call? Jed's call is going to come this
week huh! That's great. I would love a video of that.

Wow just the three of you did all of it huh! That must of been a lot
of work. That's sad about the garden. I wish it would look better. The
tracker and the trailer fit where the pop up trailer used to be?

California huh? That's sounds like a lot of fun. I remember when
around my spring break 2 years ago I was getting my wisdom teeth out!
Super fun!

Have a great week.

Love Elder Shumway

Dear Dad,

Good afternoon. Mom told me it has been raining quite a bit there.
Here it's been pretty mild. Been some rather warm days which I'm
pretty happy about. I hope the tracker will run well. Thanks again for
all you do for our vehicles. Mom told me a little bit about the
Shumway reunion. I always felt awkward at family reunions cause I
didn't know a lot of people there. Mom told me about the gift she had
gotten for you for Valentine's Day and how she thought there was 100
reasons in the book but only 90. She also told me about daisy. Sad to
hear. I hope she perks up more and will be healthy for a long time.
The best thing about the week. Well I got a new suit! Also got a
pretty good looking tie for free. I'll have to send a picture of them
to you and mom. The only probable with the new suit is they forgot to
take off that gray plastic thing and so I'm gonna have to go back to
kohls and have them take it off. Thanks for all the sports updates.
Cousins went to New Orleans huh? Who did Sacramento get? Sorry kenly
wasn't there. Ring around the rosy is the greatest! I would totally
fall down if I was in your class. So transfers will be the 7th of
March. So about two weeks. Thanks for your prayers. Have a great week.

Love Elder Shumway

Good morning mother. It hasn't been raining here. It's been pretty
nice. The weather is warming up very nicely. Shumway family reunion
huh? I always felt weird at those cause I didn't know a lot of people
either. I wish we could have done some like games as an entire family
to get us to know each other better. Maybe like a huge game of
football. I'm sure Dan and Kristen are very busy with their kids. They
are probably growing up really fast. Tanner talks now? He wasn't
talking before I left. I'm excited to see how much he talks.

I'm glad Paul is more than welcome to call. He loves to call people
who are parents or family of missionaries. I guess you had been
texting him his week too. Carson told me last week a little bit about
the volleyball team. He should get a lot of playing time.

Well Elder Fifita doesn't really know how to cut hair. He's just watched people
do it and gave it a try and I let him. He did a pretty good job. I
think it was also his first time. He cut it with the clippers that I
have.

Church went pretty good. We had a good amount of attendance. Not for
investigators but for members. Only Sister Russell came. Yeah it's
been super frustrating having them not show up to church. Not sure
what else we can do we've tried pretty much everything. We haven't
been able to teach the boys for a few weeks because they've been
"sick". That's what their mom says. I hope Sister Russell comes around
too. She is still smoking. We do teach her at her house. She lives
with her husband who is a member. Her house does smell like smoke but
it's not that overpowering. She usually just stays in one spot and
smokes there.

I wish I could have been with you to protect you from the  Cindys "hood". It's
probably safer for a man than it is for a 14 year old girl. I'm
excited to hear what you guys are going to do during spring break.
What might you do in California? When is spring break?

Yep my package did come and I'm grateful for it. So I gave most of the
candy to elder Fifita and he's eaten all that I gave him. I've eaten
like one or two of them, so not much. We haven't used the gift cards
yet. There's a Dairy Queen pretty near us so we are going to go
sometime soon. Haha did you laugh because you miss counted on the book you made dad? Hopefully
it will come in the mail soon. Wow Jill got a vacation to Hawaii!
That's nice.

Yes I did get a new suit. One problem is they forgot to take of the
gray plastic thing on my suit. And they are super hard to take off. I
noticed it when we were about to go to church yesterday. So I'm gonna
have to go back and have them take it off. I like this suit a lot. I'm
going to try and keep it really nice.

Wow so it looks like teryn got in a fight huh? Did he go to the doctor
that I went to?

I have been wondering what you are going to do with that extra space
now that you sold the trailer. I'd move the trailer over there and also the metal stuff. At
least the big stuff.

That's super sad about daisy being sick. I don't know what you should do. If she
gets really sick and there's not much we can do. I don't think you
guys would remove the mass or anything like that would you? It would
probably cost a lot of money. Glad to hear puggles is doing well.


Love Elder Shumway


Happy President day everybody! So not much to report this week. This
last week we had a great lesson with Sister Russell. What probably
made it really good is that she was asking some really great
questions. We had taught her the plan of salvation and it went really
well.

Also something that was a pretty big milestone I would say on my
mission happened yesterday. Yesterday I achieved 18 months in my
mission. Man the time has sure gone by fast. Can't believe I only have
about 6 months left in my mission. It really has gone by very fast.

Anyways love you all and hope you're doing great. Have a great week.

Love Elder Shumway

We asked Braden to send us a picture of his new suit and tie.  He did.

Happy Monday everybody! This week has been pretty great. We started
this week last Tuesday with a zone conference way up in Newark,
Delaware. It was quite a hike. But we got there safely and had a great
meeting. Our mission president is definitely an inspired man. We had a
really great meeting. Was able to see some missionaries I haven't seen
for quite some time.

As far as our investigators go not much has happened. Had a lot of
cancelations and not too many people came to church. We did have
Sister Russell come to church though which was great. She is
progressing pretty well. She is still struggling with her smoking and
is trying to quit. Keep her in your prayers please. She really needs
them. We also had a zone training  Friday  in Dover, DE. That was a

really great meeting too. I have a picture I am going to send.

Hope everybody is doing well. Hopefully I'll have more to tell you
next week. Hopefully more people come to church. Stay warm out there.

Love Elder Shumway


Hi dad. Today is going well, hope your day is going well too. Not
surprised that KD got bood a lot at his return. I assume it wasn't a
great separation between him and OKC. Golden state seems to be a
really good team. Lots of talent. I guess baseball will be starting up
soon. Mom told me you had been working in the trucks a little bit.
Thanks for doing that. It would be nice if everything went quick and
easy and inexpensive. I guess you guys had sold the trailer. What are
you planning to do with that extra space now?

It looked like nursery was a lot of fun. Mom sent me a couple of
pictures. I guess you were a sunbeam! And blew many bubbles for the
kids. And also did ring around the rosy. So the Merrill girl is kind
of a cryer huh? Seems like you have some great little kids in your
class. I remember the Goodman girl being a tiny baby when I left for
the mission.

Not a bad topic to speak about. It reminds me of the conference talk
that Elder holland shares. I think he says something along the lines
of that the first great commandment is to love God with all our
hearts, mights, minds, and strengths. But the first great truth is
that God loves us with all his heart, might, mind and strength. Great
topic to speak on. And loving your neighbor is also a great
commandment and yes they both fall into place to all other
commandments. I you really want to tell me what you hot mom you can
tell me in a separate email. I have no idea what mom got you she
hasn't told me yet.

Love Elder Shumway

Hi mother. How often do you talk with Paul? When is a good time for him to call? He's never sure when is a good time. So could you give me some days and times of when you are not busy and you guys can talk? Is this ok with you? He says sometimes that he feels he talks too much. Yeah something is up with the weather. But spring should be right around the corner. I'm going to be sending home some things. Mainly old mail and some socks and beanies and stuff like that that I'm not needing and probably won't need the rest of my mission. 

We will just do regular Pday things during those extra two hours. Today I got a haircut from my companion and he did a pretty good job. I actually did feel pretty rushed before we got more time. I'm glad we have more time now. Hopefully I will be able to go to Philadelphia. I haven't asked President Randall yet. I will ask him in one of our next interviews though. Elder Fifita's family doesn't write him a lot. They write him every now and then. He has kind of said no more emailing him cause he says he will just see them in a few weeks. 

So Brittany did not come to church yesterday! She had to work. The boys didn't come to church either. They were "sick" again. It's not a surprise cause their mom is a member and is not active at all. She says she wants to be but she lacks the effort part. 

That is a good month for them. How long have they been married? I have been in contact with Cindy a little bit. Guess she still isn't feeling good. That's too bad. Wow you went to cindys house! Were you scared cause it was in the dangerous city of Phoenix!? Seems like the play could have been a little more exciting for you and Lila. I'm sure the dancers are very talented though. Thanks for the picture. Man does Lila look different!

I will be looking forhe package. It might be in our mailbox now. I haven't checked it yet. If it is there I'll let you know. I do have a better week knowing that I am going to receive something in the mail. It should fit just fine. The mail box is like the one back home. 

Good, grandma has gotten my address. That's sad to hear about Chandler. I wish things could be different with that family and everybody else. 

Teryn told me he got his wisdom teeth out and he sent me the video of him "not crying". It was pretty funny. Great to hear that Sister Whis came to church yesterday.

Those pictures are really cute. I love the one where dad has a sunbeam around his face. And of the one where he's blowing bubbles. 

Sounds like a very stressful week at work. I'm sure you did not enjoy answering the phone calls. So did you have to like listen to the people who called or were you able to just hang up? I would just hang up. 

That school is probably years away anyway. Which one is closer? 

Great to hear Carson is busy and doing well. Who asked him to the dance? I'm sure his sleeping habits will catch up to him someday. I'm grateful that dad takes care of our cars. I'm glad I will be able to have one when I get home. Lila is still doing really good again in school. She always has. I guess Sam also made some cookies yesterday all by himself! He looks so tall in that picture! What did you get dad for Valentine's Day? 

Well I think $1000 isn't too bad for that trailer, considering what shape it was in. Wait you sold the brown bunk beds too! I didn't know that! That's weird how the tire blew. I don't think it ever blew out on us when we were driving it. What are we going to do with that extra space now? 

Sorry to hear about daisy. I guess when dogs get old they get old. That's great she still enjoys doing dog like things. She does need a haircut. 

Love Elder Shumway

Something else I wanted to tell you. A while ago I had used the desert schools debit card to buy a GPS which I was in need of. I don't know if you knew that. But I'd like to ask if the card can have $200 dollars put back on it. Cause I'm thinking of getting a new suit. And I really do need a new one. Would that be ok?

Mom- Yes you can get what you want.  When I transfer money I transfer from your account.  You have close to $3000 in it for when you get home.  If you need a new suit were would you buy one?  I will make sure I get you up to that much money when I get home.  Are you suits worn out or just not fitting well?  You can let Paul know he can call anytime in the evening.  He does talk alot but I am fine with it.  He is super nice.  Have you been able to go to Chilis yet?  Bryndee has been married over a year.  And yes Lila is looking older.  Going into high school soon.   What happened to the GPS that you had before?

Braden-Great thank you. There is a kohls near by that I think would be good. So some are worn out and some don't fit and I need one good one that isn't worn out and fits well. Anytime in the evening. What if you guys are at a game or something or mutual? He is super nice and he does live to talk. We have gone to chilis. So my gps that I was using broke because it was old. I got it from Elder Murphy when he went home.

Mom-Tuesday we have scouts and volleyball game till 8

Thursday we have volleyball games game till 8

Friday and Saturday probably not the best

monday is ok if we are done with FHE

Wednesdays are good

I think you do need a nice suit that is not worn and fits great.  You should do it.  Let me see if I can log on my phone and make sure you have the funds.  I will let you know.  I am glad you got nice shoes and a nice hair cut. 

Braden-So maybe he could do like a weekly thing on like Wednesday evenings? I don't think he works Wednesday evening so it would work out with him.

Sounds great to me.

I'm thinking I'm gonna get a black suit. What do you think?

Black would be nice.  I just transfered money so you  have $200 in there I will keep checking this week to make sure there is money in there just in case you use it.  Also there is $20 coming from me in your package and $20 coming from G and G.  Hopefully you will be able to find a good deal.  If you can't I will look around here if you get me your size. I am willing to help with what you need. love you mom

I should be fine with what I have. I've gotten the money from grandma already and also from you. Just checked the mail and it was in there, 

Well do you like it

I do. I am very excited for this DQ gift card!

Happy Monday everybody. Hope everybody is doing well. I didn't hear
whether or not the groundhog saw his shadow, I hope he did cause I am
definitely ready for spring to come! This week has been good. Probably
the highlight of the week was probably our lesson we had yesterday
with our investigator Brittany who is on date for  March 18. We had
originally planned to go over the restoration lesson again with her.
She then expressed to us a few questions and concerns about the law of
tithing, so we deviated from our original plan and then taught her
about the law of tithing. The lesson went really well. Our member that
was present had some great comments. She committed to live the law of
tithing after she was baptized.

 Tomorrow we have a zone conference in Newark, Delaware. I'm really
excited for that. It's always fun to meet up with fellow missionaries
and see how hey are doing. I'm glad that I've been able to make so
many great relationships since I've been on my mission. I truly have
gained friends for a life time. Hope everybody is doing well at home.
Love you all and talk to you next week.

Love Elder Shumway


Good morning mother. All the snow is gone. It stuck on the ground for
most of the day but the next day it was all gone. I honestly don't
know what goes on across the street. Yeah it was cold! It was super
windy. I don't know how it's going with the lady at the store. I hope
things go well with her too.

Yes there has been changes to the Pday schedule. I am happy about
them. I like having a couple more hours to do things. It actually does
affect me a lot. We are able to get some more things done. I'm hoping
that my next area will be in Philadelphia.

Brittany is doing well. She wasn't able to come to church yesterday.
We did have an appointment with her around 3:30 yesterday and that
lesson went great! She is still on date. She does need to come to
church more though. The boys that we are teaching didn't show up to
church again. I wasn't surprised. But we will keep working with them.

Yeah Torie told me that bryndee is going to have a baby. When is it
due do you know? I heard from Cindy this week and am going to respond
to her today.

Yes we were able to go to Jimmy Johns. The gargantuan I think was $9.
I think. I may just have to go back and check. I will be anxiously
awaiting your package! This is a really hard area. I'm sure I will
tell you about it in more detail when we are in person.

Why do the same people keep asking me for my address? Don't you have
it? I saw that you and grandma had emailed me about this throughout
the week. So what I did was I got up and wrote a letter to grandma. I
was hoping it would get there sooner. Now she won't have to ask you or
me again now that I wrote it down for her.

I remember pine wood derbys! Those were so much fun! Sounds like it
was a great success! That's great that Sister Whis participated. I
guess that's a good sign.

Which sisters are in the ward? They are lucky to get a haircut from
you! She's 18 months huh. I really don't remember Sister Merrill being
pregnant when I left. It was a long time ago though. I'm sure it can
be the best calling when everything goes well.

That's great Teryn had a great time. I can imagine how funny it is to
talk about coach Jackson. Those were good times on the tennis team. I
tried to email Teryn last week and he didn't respond yet!  March 15 is
really soon. I hope it can happen though. I'm sure he's anxious to
leave.

I'll make sure I send grandpa a happy birthday note! I'm sure both
Jill and Grandpa liked the OJ. I know I would. Liquid candy!

Wow that is really soon for Courtney! I'm sure she's super excited and
so is her family. That went really fast I think! And she left after I
left! I do get Coltons emails.

Love Elder Shumway

I've gotten more copper.

Hey is there anyway you could send me the video of me opening my mission call?

Yeah I'm not too happy about that. I did hear about the game. I wish
the falcons could have won. I guess Brady has 5 super bowl wins now.
He's probably the best quarterback right now. All that food that you
made sounded delicious. No one invited us over for their super bowl
party/meal.

I always wonder what you guys are doing too. Mission life is really
hard sometimes. But I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
That was nice of brother demarco to ask about me. I think I would say
hi to him every so often. I think he was in the bishopric when I was a
young man. He is a good man. He looks like dr gru sometimes. I also
heard that Larry Fitzgerald decided to come back for one more year.
I'm glad he did. I'd like to watch him pay one more time. I guess
baseball will be starting soon, I hope the Diamondbacks will do well
this year.

Have a great day
Love Elder Shumway