Awake and Alive!

Last night at about 11:00 PM, I received a call from ZIMBABWE! 

It was Sister Cook telling me that because they decided to let Elder Beadle spend the night with the Assistants, he was close enough that when they realized it was time to take him to the hospital, they were close enough to take him to the best hospital in Zimbabwe. She was waiting with him at the hospital for the surgeon to arrive and she would text or call throughout the night to let me know his status. Of course, it was daytime there.  Somewhere in that conversation were the words "we thought he had a stomach virus but it turns out he has acute appendicitis." I guess he had been vomiting for a while. 

Nothing like the helpless feeling you have when you are 9,728 miles away. I felt okay about it, especially since Sister Cook is a mom and she assured me that she was making sure he got the care he needed. I slept pretty soundly, and I slept right through Sister Cook's call the next morning. When she did reach me, though, she assured me that he was being well taken care of. She had met the surgeon and was very impressed by him. They did the surgery laparoscopically so he only has 3 small holes in his tummy instead of a big incision like I have in mine. He should be home (his apartment? the mission home?) by Tuesday and then he will need to take it easy for a week or so. Only then did she tell me that when she asked him if he wanted to call me himself, he said no, that he'd call me on Wednesday. It was also not until now that she told me that he had been in a lot of pain before the surgery. 

Then she sent me this picture of a-cute missionary post-appendectomy: 

Karlee says, "they have a nice hospital there. I thought it would be bricks and mud." 

Merry Christmas 2013

Goodbye Elder Nyagomo

Hello Elder Gumbodete

My new house

dear family.

i sure do miss all of you this christmas season. 

i don't have much to offer and i can't say i know much but i can say i love you all and miss you and what i can offer i say now..

remember who you are and don't kiss girls(Wade) or boys(Megan) and be the best person you can be.. remember to be yourself. do good to everyone that you see. remember the spirit of christmas. be the one that people want to be like. give a good example and share what you have with others.. especially the gospel. 

invite your friends to church. and go with them. be their friend. love everyone. and remember that God loves us that is why he sent his son Jesus.. so that we can return to be with him. i love you all. 

merry christmas. 

love elderbeadle

Glenview

My new comp, Elder Nyagomo and Elder Sakala.

dear mom  

it is so good to hear from you.

i am glad that you are all having some fun. 

without me..

it is okay though. i am loving zim and i am getting fat. 

physically and spiritually. i am dense with the spirit. 

i love it .. i am learning so much about the gospel in just a few days i am able to increase my knowledge about the gospel. i think it comes from teaching.. when the spirit teaches. everyone is edified.

i have some pics.

i was thinking for christmas you could send me that small blender to make smoothies. it would be awesome. 

anyway.
i love you so much i will work on some spiritual experiences to send. 

keep it up. 

ELDER BEADLE

 A family that we helped get married. 

 Family. That's what it's all about. 

Zebra Skin!!

Right after Will got to Africa, Landon was missing him so William bought him a surprise with some zebra skin on it. We didn't know what it was so we just referred to it as "The Zebra Skin." He sent it home right before Mother's Day with a woman who said she would bring it to Landon when she came back to Utah. Almost every day, he asked me when his zebra skin was going to come. Every day for 3 weeks, I said I didn't know and we kind of gave it up for lost because we hadn't heard anything from the sister who brought it back with her. Still, every so often, he would ask me when his zebra skin would get here. 

This last week, I received a phone call from an unknown number and the voice told me that she was a humanitarian missionary who had just returned from Zimbabwe and that she had a package for me. Well she brought it and while Landon was tearing it open, the mail came... with a letter from Will for Landon and a Zimbabwe 10 Dollar Bill and an apology that the zebra skin had never come. 

The Zebra Skin was a leather-covered Book of Mormon with a zebra skin inlay in the shape of the continent of Africa. 

Always remember to read your scriptures, Buddy.

OREOS and PORK JERKY!!

i got the package with oreos and pork jerky. thank you so much. that help me out a lot. however i am now pushing 87kgs for you americans that is 190lbs. aash i am gaining like crazy. i think i am aiming for 195-200lds (lbs hehe) i run every morning and am doing pushups. but the diet here is strange.(maybe we can all send dehydrated diet food?) i am still adjusting but i am fine. 

Thanks for the pictures. i love them so much. they lift me up so often. i love you all so much. i love hearing from the home. i wanted to write my stories. ugh.. i found a dog with his skull smashed in.. ugh. i wanted to die.

i love you all i don't know all what to say,.. i don't need anything. just prayers thank you for your thoughts and prayers already. ..

i love you and am so grateful for this calling to serve. i have such a great view of our battle with the adversary. i can see so much further. don't stress too much about me. keep your family strong. sorry my letter to dad was so short. let him know that i sustain him as the family leader and i love him. he is inspirational.

i need to think of some good stories to send home. ugh.. never mind. i had some good thoughts during the week .
but i forgot. love ELDER BEADLE   

i ate boar's head... gross. i am going to learn how to make sadza and bring some home.

I'm not sure what this is... burning garbage?

oh i threw a party for my district leader Elder Hans. by myself kinda.. haha it was good. we had cake and ice cream and i used megan’s balloons !!! thanks megan

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Family Camp... without Elder Beadle. Weird.

 We don't know that guy in the front of this picture but all the rest of the awesome people here belong to the LeFevre Clan... Mike, Lyndee, Jacob, Ethan, Adam, Alex and Wade. This was taken during our annual family camping trip and published on the front page of The Herald Journal in Cache Valley on June 29. We missed having Will with us. It's strange. Feels like the beginning of the end.


 Why do kids love camping so much? no baths?

 This was a little crevice in one of the wind caves that Wade discovered and climbed up to...

Not so easy to climb down, he discovered. Especially with tread-worn shoes and slippery rock.  Stuck.


  Not sure why this picture makes me want to giggle. It was a little precarious and I wasn't entirely sure we would get him down in one piece.



Logan Canyon

That empty shirt in the front belongs to Will. 

 Uncle Mark catches a snake. Good thing we are going home in about 10 minutes!

 
Logan Canyon looks great i miss those trips. and all the fun we had. i am happy to see the family just moving on so great. i love seeing my prayers being answered. I am so blessed with such a great family. I can feel the power of those who have gone on before and i am gaining strength as i move along.; your prayers are felt. and i love it. here is a little experience that i had:

so we were traveling along this back road one evening the sun had gone down and vision was a little low and we were just minding our business when this dog started chasing us and just barking and growling like crazy and foaming everywhere. 

we just ran. and the dog was chasing us! my comp grabbed my arm we stopped and he picked up a rock and threw it at the dog. he missed but the dog stopped chasing us. my goodness i almost died from a heart attack. so anyway a week passed and we were going one the same road. it was still 3 o clock and plenty of daylight so with no fear we go on minding our own business.. we hear a deep growl and out of the corner of my eye i see the dog jump out of it's curled position and ran at me like it just doesn't like my own business. this time i was determined to hold my ground and kick the dog in the face or in the ribs. (haha i laugh at my courage now.. i am not very quick and that dog would have torn me to shreds). but the dog stopped, still growling and barking but i stared at him and just saw a poor baby abused and hungry, his ears were torn and bloody from fights with other dogs, flies buzzed around his head from the smell of raw flesh (Nyama is flesh in Shona). i almost wanted to help him out but he was Angry and even worse he recognized us as the people throwing rocks . AGH! we didn't run away just backed up slowly eyes locked with the dog. haha what a thrill.

i am trying to remember all the fun things that are happening here. but i can't remember them all. but i love all you and miss you.

Love ELDER BEADLE

hey i forgot.. happy birthday to all my family who is having a birthday. just the other day we invited a sister to be baptized and we committed her to prepare for the 27 of july. she paused and she said a little emotionally, "that's my birthday!" what a wonderful thing to be Reborn and cleansed from sins. 

Will you...

Here is a quick message from my Grandma Beadle: 
in Sacrament meeting we heard a mission report from an Elder who served in Eastern Europe. The mission was tough... because the people (though kind and friendly) didn't believe in religion any more. During the 2 years he was there only 6 people that he taught were baptized.

In one town 4 missionaries lived in the same apartment.  Since their apartment also served as their chapel on Sundays, he learned that "Sacrament meeting can be found in a small box" - for that was where they kept a sacrament tray and cups - a song book and a lesson manual.  Though the location was humble the Spirit was always strong.

He learned that the most important two words for a missionary were:

"Will you....."

Will you meet with us at church this Sunday?
Will you take this book and read it?
Will you pray about this?

"Will you" is an open invitation that touches the hearts of those who are sincerely seeking truth.

His talk sure made us think of you, and the things you're learning in the mission field.

***

yeah it is actually cold here i am wearing a beanie and my fingers can't type too quickly.. it isn't that bad it is nice but what a shock to find that africa actually gets cold.

here is a joke... what do you get when you mix gadianton robbers and nephite cows?... the answer is in 3 ne 2: 13  haha i came up with it on my own. it is lame but oh well..

So many people got baptized on the same day that we ran out of white clothes:

This is a creepy picture of Winnie the Pooh:

My companion and I with one of the ward missionaries:

Lake Chivero:

I was seriously tempted to go boating:

We had a wedding. I actually set up a wedding. Can you believe it? Call me the Wedding Planner.

They lay these blankets down and everyone cheers and shouts and sings in Shona while the bride walks to her seat.

Dear Family,
My mission is moving forward, i am already 3 months out! I cannot believe how time flies.
Africa, is still a completely new world and i am still seeing new and exciting things each and everyday . The people here are very religious, i thing everyone here in Zimbabwe goes to some kind of a church.
Right now i am in an area called Chitungwiza. It is suburban... imagine Bountiful, Utah but more dusty and fewer cars with chickens and dogs wandering the streets and street-side vendors that sell cheap corn snacks called jiggies, and little kids yelling "how are you!!" all the time. 

So nothing like bountiful actually but still ... it is home... for now, and it is full of people ready to come to the fullness of the gospel, but i just have to go find them. that's the challenge.
Transfers are coming soon and i am excited to find out if i stay here in Chitungwiza or get moved to a more rural part of zim.
here are some of the events happening right now in Zimbabwe..
-Elections are coming soon. the pres. who has been in office for 33 years is hoping for another term of ... who knows how long.. and i hear rumors that the peaceful zim doesn't stay peaceful when voting season comes around.:O

-A Prophet surnamed Makendiwa came to visit his church building (which is massive) in chitown (Chitungwiza). thousands of people flocked to see miracles performed. healing of the blind, people made taller, loss of body fat in seconds and babies created and birthed within 3 days. I will leave it up to you to pray and ask God if he is the true prophet..but the crowd of thousands who do believe wouldn't shut their mouths all night. just screaming and crying for 4 nights in a row.. 

you cannot imagine the amount of money, cars, and houses the people pledge to him(click here to see an article I found on this guy).
-And The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is moving forward.

We now have 5 stakes in all of Zimbabwe. Unfortunately one of our bishops was hit by a motorcycle and killed. But thank goodness for a knowledge of the plan of salvation. Fortunately, his family is sealed together forever and i think they will make it alright. 
Well Family, these few months have proved to be a challenge and also a pleasure. No matter how many hardships i have had or challenges i have though out this mission, i know i can draw on the strength of those who have gone before. And I have learned more than ever before, ATTITUDE points the way. I miss you, I love you and i thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Love ELDER BEADLE

Sorry this post is so long. Skip it and look at the pictures if you don't have time for all our family news. 

 
9 June 2013 Wade is wondering what the pass code is to your iPod. He's pretty sure that you are unconcerned about worldly stuff and you won't mind. :) if you don't want him to use it, say something now. Love Mom

10 June 2013 tell wade to leave it alone. i don't even remember the code anyway. haha

Dear Will,
Oh, ha ha. Did I send the picture of Wade with the cops? He locked his keys in the Subaru. We can't find the spare. 2 cops had to come and get him out. Then their tool got stuck and he had to take the door apart. :-(

And now Wade wants to know if he can also use your iPod.
I am working on getting you some music. I will figure it out. Do you want primary songs? It is our 13th anniversary today (Sunday). Crazy. I sent off another package (#4). It has more medication in it. I didn't send the blue yarrow. I didn't want to send that in the same package as the imiprimine. I'll send that next week.

SUMMER VACATION!! Our calendar is filled up every week. It is either Summer School for Wade or art class for Megan or family camp or BYU education week or Youth Conference or Girls' Camp or I think we are going to try to go up and see Monica this year for a road trip. Gramma and Grampa might come with us so we can afford to rent a little cabin on the Oregon Coast. The thing that is good about Summer Vacation is that I don't have to be as strict about schedules. The thing that is bad about Summer Vacation is that no one thinks there is a schedule and I never get to sleep.

Our Youth Conference is going to be amazing. We are going shooting up at the lion's club and we will do a service project there. We will then head to MarDiene's cabin in the hills. We will camp there and have devotionals and yummy food. Friday we will go to Rockport for Boating and JetSkis. Then more spiritual stuff and games and a movie. Saturday we will hike part of the Mormon trail and have pioneer stories about standing firm. Then we will go home, shower and come back to the church in dress clothes. We will go to the JSMB and see the film and have dinner and a fireside in a private room at the Roof Restaurant, courtesy of our contact in the department of Temporal Affairs downtown... well, and the ward budget for youth conference, which is bigger than any other item in the ward budget.

Wade leaves to wrestling camp tomorrow. If he gets the dishes done. And if he can find his mouth guard. And if he figures out how to get there. One of the dads has been hyper-diligent in arranging carpool but we just realized today that the carpool leaves at 1:00 and Wade is supposed to teach in Priests' Quorum at 3. So now there is this guy flying up there at 3:30 and Wade didn't bother calling him until 10:00 P.M. on Saturday night so we'll see how that works out. Don'tcha wish you were here?  yeah. I get to drive to Afton, WY next Saturday to get them. He ended up flying there after Priests' Quorum with the Dad of one of the other wrestlers. How awesome is that?

Megan says "tell him that I said, 'hi' and that I love him."

Ebenezer passed away this last week. Carol is doing ok, she says. They buried him in James' backyard. several nights ago, I was reading a scripture and I was touched by it: 3 Nephi 22:7-11, so I circled it on my bookmark. Then i was trying to figure out why I had it circled, went back and read it and thought of Carol. That was probably about the time that Eb passed. Anyway, v. 11 made me think of her because even though Sapphire is my birthstone, it is Carol's color and reminds me of her, but it is interesting about the comfort part, too. I mentioned it to her, but I don't know if it will mean anything to her.

Love you. Hope all is well. Keep the faith, Elder.
Love, Mom

10 June 2013 haha that is awesome.. yeah that about covers it all the only problem i really have in my house is people who need to chew with mouth closed. and stop laughing so loud and not saying please! agh i am really struggling.. i've been praying for you and the family so i hope things are getting better.
love elder beadle

 i love the pictures haha. they are awesome. I was able to send some pictures but the 4 second video that i took of Lyndee. I don't know why I can't see it. It should be right here. 

 

 i am so happy for landon!! that is so cool. i have been thinking about him all week!
agh.. summer vacation something that i wont ever get to look forward to again. i love summer trips., i was thinking that when i get back we are going to disneyland and then i am going to take some computer courses and then go live in hawaii for a couple of months and do all this stuff.. haha i don't really know how much stuff i can do. my life seems like it is going to fly by!! i miss all the family planning. it seems that this might be the busiest summer of the lefevrebeadles yet. i kinda do wish i was there!!! hahaha. yeah
why did you have to drive up to WY? i am lost... about someone flying up where? wade needs to get things in order.. i don't know if its possible.. i love him though. i am glad that he is so busy but i was thinking that he needs to set aside a day to work with the missionaries or something that would be powerful. maybe not this summer.. but yeah he needs to get working and making some money or something..
i pray for carol thanks for letting me know about evil ebster. that was a powerful dog..

i am glad that i was able to read about the life that is happening. i love to be involved!

send me some oreos those make me feel good about myself.. haha.. but really
i don't know what you sent but i couldn't get it. my computer is in an internet cafe and the sound is cut.
Love Elder Beadle


Dear Will,
Lyndee told me this morning, "I ate all of William's can-ee." I guess she found the stash of Starbursts I was going to send. I'm going to try to attach a video of her.

Mom: Do you want to tell William anything else?
Lyndee: (nods)
Mom: What do you want to tell him?
Lyndee: (thinking)
Mom: Do you want to tell him you are going camping? or that it is summer?
Lyndee: a GREAT BIG HUG!
Lyndee!!!!! AH, she makes me laugh and cry i love her so much she is going to be soo different.. i think she is almost super human with her growth and learning.. from what i hear she is just growing more and more each week with intelligence. tell her that i would really love a hug right now. this mission is hard, not because of teaching but because of living and working with others. agh it is a struggle. but she makes me so happy. i love you lyndee!

can you get camploll cd copied for me and send it. or upload the mp3s to my dropbox. and i can get them please :) why can't i pull this together? Altoids are good. He is the most spoiled Elder, I am sure. I just send my 4th package. And I know at least one other person sent a package.
my dropbox might have some stuff on it. oreos or something... :) i love you .. you should really read Our Search for Happiness by M. russell ballard.. so good.
maybe dave and brenda mailing address. i don' tknow if i have it.
um yep i miss you all.

this is a wonderful time to be part of the gospel.

Hi Elder Beadle,

It was great to hear from you. Ok so as far as Primary goes. Everything can be found in red handbook of instructions or online at lds.org. Do you have access to these resources?

The phrase you asked about in 1 kings" Pisseth against the wall, the answer comes from institute student manual and  i quote," The Hebrew idiom originally meant " every male" The phrase is only met within passages which speak of the destruction of a family or household to the very last man. The same idea occurs in modern revelation without the offensive expression in D&C 121:15 which reads," And not many years hence, that they and their aposterity shall be bswept from under heaven, saith God, that not one of them is left to stand by the wall. Does that make sense? I hope it clarifies a little.

So will you be leaving the country? Why did the missionaries leave. Does Zim not want any americans their? That’s weird. Hope all is well with you. Tell us more of your experiences and life in Africa. Is it even cold? Do you even need that jacket that we bought you? it seems too heavy for you to wear.

This past week was busy for our family. Last day of School was Friday. Landons birthday on Thursday and he graduated from kindergarten. I met an African Family. They are from Sierra Leone on the western coast. Its amazing how many africans i run into now that you are in Africa. Lovely People they are. Hope you  are taking lots of pictures and writing in your journal.
Tuesday we went to the zoo. Remember Kindergarten Zoo I couldnt help but think of you when we saw the elephants, giraffes, tigers and monkeys. Landon liked to look at the map to see if the animal lived in Africa. Then we saw the bird show. Loved it. Anyway.....yesterday was our 13th wedding anniversary. Wow it seems like yesterday. The experiences you have with your companion is like marriage in a way. You have to learn to love and serve them.

What a blessing you are to our family. I am so proud of you. Thank you for who you are and who you represent. I feel guilty for not living up to the divine potential i have within myself. It is a daily struggle. But knowing that you are serving full time and teaching about jesus christ gives me hope and a desire to do better, love better and serve better.

Last week i finished the book of mormon again. I am going to start and reread it. I started with the old testament. I actually enjoy that book. It is long though and not as easy to understand as the book of mormon.
I do have more to say but i aM GOING TO A FIRESIDE WITH PRESIDENT MCMILLAN
ILL WRITE AGAIN

LOVE DAD

DAD! yeah thanks for the explanation of the old testament..

yeah so right now there are some issues with visas and the missionaries that left came from the provo mtc and had problems originally. but now we have had more leave from our mission and now have been reassigned.. i don't think it is even an american thing. weve lost kenyans southafricans so yeah it is weird.. i think i will be fine though.. the government seems to like me or God hasn't accomplished His purpose here with me yet.

Yeah zimbabwe is cold in the morning.. like camping morning cold. and the day is super hot.. that coat that we bought. is good but i would have to carry it everywhere with me and that would be so annoying. so i don't use it. but i have bought a sweater here.

that is awesome that u met with that family.. yeah these people are pretty good people. we had a harare stake conference this past sunday the theme was proverbs 22:3 or something.. about raising children in the gospel.. it was powerful but also a little ahead of my time.. i was a little board. with it.. but we met all the members in harare there were about 300 that came so that was interesting. we met all the white members in harare and it felt strange to see them here. most are from south africa. we met a lady whose husband went to the U of U and the missionary who baptized her family was from Bountiful!! .. i forgot the name though. and yes i am writing in my journal everyday.. people here don't recognize how important that is... I am completely different from every missionary here.. it seems the missionaries from Utah just have a better idea of what missionary work is.. a lot of the Africans are really lazy ... they break rules. even my comp and it is really hard. it is sad and a challenge. i know i am here to change something but right now i don't really feel empowered to do so.

anyway.. i was thinking of Landon all week and wondering what he got for his birthday. He is going to be a powerful man one day. he is already growing so fast. i love that little man so much.. I am proud of him.

yes this mission is inspiring and definitely a challenge. I can testify of the gospel but it is all the side work that is really hard for me to do. i have to live up to my trainers standard (which is high for how low he is) and i have to get the ward to like me and communication is just difficult. i know i shouldn't complain about my comp. but i have been depressed this whole week.. it really helps when people say please and thank you.

the book of mormon is so powerful.. right now i am in the war chapters of alma and it is good. i am also listening to some talks that have some deep doctrine. have you heard the witchcraft talk ? i don't know who gives it but it is definitely something everyone needs to hear. especially teenagers. i tried to send it but i think it is too big... i will try to send it over dropbox... willdbeadle@gmail.com \ 12wbeadle1993  that is the code you use to log on to dropbox and access the talks if i can get them on..

the scriptures are wonderful .. thanks for emailing keep on sending thoughts and thinks that you have i love them..

love Elder beadle

Elder Beadle,

So we just got back from fireside with President McMillan. He talked about the church in the middle east. It was awesome. The opening song, I thought of you participating in this great work spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Hark All ye nations, it reads,"
Chosen by God to serve him below,
To ev'ry land and people we'll go,
Standing for truth with fervent accord,
Teaching his holy word.

We had a priesthood leadership meeting this morning and one of the things they talked about was all callings come from God. It is our Job to Learn our duty and ACT.
I know you don't have time to write but let me know how the work is going, your investigators, are you in the same area or a new area. Send pictures of your companion.
We went to a Mediterranean restaurant for anniversary it was good food. Best chicken i've had in years.

I hope you have a great week. Transfers are coming up do you think you will stay. You may have to buy Landon a zebra skin again, havent seen it.......yet

Praying and thinking of you always

Love, Dad

to Dad:
I love pres. mcmillan he is a powerful teacher and friend. i wish i spent more time getting to know that family. and the same with all my grandparents. anyhow.. yeah i will try to get landon zebra skin again.. agh.. that is a bother. I think i am staying but at the same time i could move anywhere.. i really want to train to pass on my thoughts and attitudes. maybe.. idk.
thanks for the thoughts and prayers. i love you
love elder beadle

We usually end up writing to him several times on Sunday and during the week because we think of things we forgot to say. I love email.
What Stake are you in and what is your wards name?
I have someone who lives in Harare and they wanted to know your name
so...let me know and Ill see if you are close to them maybe i can send something home with them
for you.

Dad


to Dad
Chitungwiza ward. In Harare stake. yeah i think that is it.

 I'm not sure who these pictures are of, nor why he sent another picture of his toilet unless that is a flame and not sunshine sitting on the back. I certainly hope not. :)

I love hearing what the kids say to Elder Beadle and what he says back. 
 
2 June 2013
Dear William, 

This is the last week of school. On Tuesday we're going to the zoo. And then on my birthday I graduate from kindergarten. We are going to 7 Peaks for my birthday and we are having chocolate cakes that are shaped like Gracie and Rosie. Justin and Maya in my class at church are moving.

Love, Landon

dear landon,
seven peaks!!! i remember that place. cakes shaped like rosie and gracie? make sure you actually eat the cake and not the dogs haha.

have a great birthday landon. i hope you have lots of fun at seven peaks and the zoo. you are going to be a big man when i come back.
love elder beadle

***

Dear William,  We are going swimming on Tuesday at the Rec (for school). We are having a luau on Thursday and I get to go because I made my AR goal every term this year. We get to have fun at school this week. We are going to sign yearbooks. I am not going to miss school at all but I miss you. I wanted to have Mrs. Stringfellow next year but apparently she is retiring (Mom says transferring to Spectrum). We are going to send you some other stuff, like Hi-Chews. Mom has a box but she never sends it because she is slow (iGGy says: and forgetful). I want to spend more time with you. Mom is sending me to Africa in a box. ha ha ha. Dad and Mom are giving us clues to tell us where we are going on our Family Vacation this summer. We haven't figured it out yet. But it is about 1000 miles and one clue is Return of the Jedi. We are driving in a car (not flying). I will have to go to the bathroom a lot. ha ha ha. I went to the dentist and we had Dexter and Dorian last week.
Karlee

Karlee: so you are on vacation now? wow that is fun. return of the jedi? have you figured it out yet? that is awesome that you passed your AR goal. keep on doing good in school. i miss school. one day you will miss it too. i miss you i wish we spent more time together before i left. you have so much fun okay? keep on writing me and tell mom to send that package! :) love you!

 ***

Dear William,  Is it really winter in Africa right now? When does winter end? this is the last week of school. I am more awesome so Mom is sending me in a box and not Karlee, obviously. Who is your new companion? Do you have a picture of him? I only have 14 more things to pass off before I get my faith in God award. I miss you. I finally saw Star Wars episodes IV and V. Now I am a cultured child.
Love iGGy

IGGY: you finally saw starwars!!!! yes now we can talk on the same level. LUKE I AM YOUR FATHER!!!!!! hahaha just kidding . you keep on working hard in school and i want both of you in the box that mom sends haha. but i don't have money to take care of you here. so you'd have to work for your money ahaha maybe set up a lemonade stand with karlee i heard she makes good juice.
keep writing! love you.

***

... I don't like the kids wandering the neighborhood, especially at night. I didn't even like it when you were young and it was the McMillans and the Barnecks. I guess I am a mean mom, but when the kids come knocking at 8:30 on a school night, even on the last week of school, I say no. Summer is going to drive me crazy! 
Love, Mom

MOM: you are the mean mom... i think you need to embrace it. hahaha that is good tho.. someone needs to be on the watch.. night games are sketchy.. here in zim you are home at 8 or 9. any later and you get caned.. whipped.. beaten.. yeah and yelled at.. we see children get beaten on the side of the road constantly and i can see how their translation of the bible accepts that. it is sad. i want to run up and shove them over but it is part of the culture. haha.. some of the stuff that i get to run into is funny. we met a Methodist who told us about their leader who met Jesus in an underwater cave and Jesus told him to start a Methodist church.. yeah people are a little lost.

yeah i miss my family.. so how is Greg doing? I left him with a broken ankle. How are the Johnsons? they are so faithful. God loves them for sure.

tell Wade that girls are trouble. imagine how much they will respect you if you keep a little distance and especially after mission when you are all manly and stuff the girls will want to marry u and quick. be smart make sure you find someone who is far ahead of you so that you have to catch up when you come back from mission. and she can pay for you to get through college. and no kissing seriously... Wade you silly boy. anyway

i will send Marilee a thank you letter but you tell her that i love her more than anything. she is amazing.
love elder Beadle.. btw are you sending more photo copies of family history? i love those. i hope grandma b is still working hard on our family stories and our forefathers stories like William the conqueror!! you tell them i love them .. everyone and if anyone asks how i am tell them i am doing better than okay and tell them i miss them and thanks for asking..
i will try to write a general family letter soon. maybe a ward letter as well but idk if the bishop likes those. :|s

***

Will asked how a ward runs. I'm not sure if they are asking his help or if he is just frustrated that it is not run like he thinks it should be.

2 June 2013
Elder Beadle,

How are you. I hope you had a good week and I hope you have a great day today. It always makes mondays bearable when I get to hear from you first thing in the morning. My current calling is in the Stake High Council. My assignment is to work with all of our wards and help them get missionary work started in the individual wards. I have a correlation meeting each Sunday at 7:30am. I have spotty attendance and the premise of the meeting has always been to hear who the missionaries are teaching and then see how we can help the missionaries. Recently as of this month the missionaries focus is on the individual wards and how they can help us. It is really important for the wards to already be organized and working on their own. As far as the ward functions, if you have a red handbook dated 2010 that is the most recent handbook and explains everything. The bishopric has a gray and red book. Are you in a branch presidency? or just trying to help the ward?
So how is the work going? it is hard work but very rewarding and you will miss it when you are not doing it full time. Keep working the lord will bless you. Tonight we went to a youth fireside for our youth. The speaker was Tyler Haws from the BYU Basketball team. It was a great fireside and he said some things that may help you so here are my notes:
Be on the Savior's Team. "Suit Up" for Jesus Christ and serve him full time. I love the Suit up part so remember that when you are getting ready each day.
1. Be your best self. Be yourself
2. Don't get stuck going thru the motions
3. There is opposition: The best defense is a good offense. Be anxiously engaged in something good
4.Pure love of Christ never fails: Look for opportunities to help and serve. Find the one and make a difference in their life
5. develop relationships with companion ( i added that :) )with god and Jesus Christ and with the scriptures
6. D&C 121:45 to be on the saviors team one must be virtuous.

Well those are my notes hope something helped., inspired, lifted.

So.....have you eaten any more caterpillars? is your comp from africa? how is the work?
 this week is the last day of school on friday. landon turns 6 on Thursday( maybe his zebra skin will show up) he also graduates from kindergarten Thursday. on Tuesday he goes to the zoo. Megan had her 5th grade program and she represented the state of new york. The famous person she did was Lucille ball. She was perfect. The songs were all about America. Landon said that when he watched the assembly he cried during one of the songs. Even a 6 year old can recognize truth. The spirit bore witness to him of what they were singing. Love that Boy.
I hope all is well. Do you need anything? I love you and pray for you and think of you daily. A lot of people ask how you are doing. Thank you for serving. It blesses our family both collectively and individually.

Love you, God Bless

 From: William Beadle <william.beadle@myldsmail.net>
 Date: June 3, 2013, 3:09:44 AM MDT
 To: Michael Le Fevre <lefevre.mkl@gmail.com>
 Subject: Re: Greetings From America

 hey Dad!! it is so good to hear from you. Thanks for the info. I love that kid. America is a great place, for sure...

 here are some names of people here...
 primrose
 godwishes
 godswill
 tinashe
 tichiona
 tafadzwa
 nomatter
 gift
 precious
 patience
 zebadiah
 nkosilathi (gos latt ee)

fun huh??

 thanks for emailing. i love you and thank you for the thoughts and prayers.
 love Elder Beadle

Sorry if it seems a little scattered. I cut out a lot of stuff. I try to leave only the stuff that would be interesting to everyone.

Caterpillars. Yum!!

I'm sure he's going to want to bring some children home with him.

we baptized Arnold.

yes those are caterpillars. called madora. it first feels like beef jerky then the inside is chewy soft and it taste like bland beef. or something. yeah.

Do you think this kid wants a package? I have sent him 3 packages and he has gotten 2 of them, but with only caterpillars to eat...

also, you could send oreos, ritz crackers, hand sanitizer. but they go through packages sometimes so i might not get it. remember that the packages can't be too big or we have to pay a lot of money to get them. 

It is a challenge with less active people here. it seems like everyone is so passionate about their church but not about the lds church. our members are just going through the motions. i need to know how to teach these people i just don't know how. agh...

I still have confirmations to remind me that God cares. trust me i can doubt like no other. so it is good to have those sudden breakthroughs. i like those experiences. i kind of understand why you'd always ask me what i was thinking. people have these things go through their heads and it is nice to see how far they are coming. like right now it is p-day and all i can think of is playing zelda... and how much i love my family and stuff and how much this gospel is blessing people here.

...we need to have faith in Jesus Christ that is what leads us to do anything like going to church and prayer and repentance and everything. we can know there is a God not because we see him and hear his voice... but we CAN know he is there because we see his creations and we hear his Gospel now founded by Jesus Christ. (Alma 30) everything denotes there is a God.

anyway that was my thought for the past couple of weeks.

I love you all .. how is aliyah?? that is so awesome that she played for the entire ward. i love you all i love it when you share your experiences...

love Elder Beadle

He's getting better at answering my questions... and stuff people could send him if they wanted to.

Two recent letters: 

yes, tell vicky I have a fridge.
i got a package on may 13th with my insoles.
The letters with the different stamp values got here the same time.
I got the medicine you sent, thanks.
Thank you so much for those treats. i loved the cracker jack. and the insoles and the hi chews.. maybe just send me one package full of those haha..
I have some ideas for some stuff you could send to me if you wanted to...
-granola bars
-cracker jack
-dried fruit (mangoes or something)
-chocolates (mmm) I'm thinking these aren't going to travel well. Maybe sealed in a zip-loc bag?
-pork jerky or beef
-justin rich: send me some chinese candy
-chocolate chips
-gum (lots)Do missionaries chew gum? With their mouths closed?
-hi chews
-any other surprises you can think of.
of course i have two years so you don't need to send all of that in one pack or at one time but i love a little boost of sweets and stuff. haha thanks so much for the package i will check for more today.
okay. maybe hire blake to get mp3's of hopper sisters, camp loll songs, and other stuff like cool voice recordings or something haha and put it on dropbox. Okay, so his mother never capitalizes the word "i" but does that give him permission to hardly ever use capitals? We aren't picking on him for grammar and spelling, are we? We are just glad to have his letters. That's the truth.

MOM I love you, I pray for you, I pray for the family every night. i thank God every morning for you guys.
everything with be alright. tell wade i loved his poem and his letter. tell him to keep me updated on how he is doing with mission prep. and other events etc.
I am happy to hear that karlee is enjoying Piano. That's going to help her later in life and now of course music is enjoyable. I havent touched a musical instrument in so long. agh! i am dying. i never thought i would miss piano.

I feel your prayers I feel your Love I thank you for all the things you are doing for me i am so glad to hear from grandpa b I am going to write Grandma Hopper i miss her for sure.

I miss all of you it was sad to hear about pres. monsons wife. but that is the legacy of the prophets i guess. the wife goes first. if you see Pres. monson tell him i love him. i love all of you and am glad that i have such a great family. i sent you a letter today so you'll get it some time soon. thanks for everything.

talk to you next week. did wade get M.priesthood?

love Elder Beadle

to Dad

We live like a quarter mile from the meeting house. yeah this work isn't easy. but since when was salvation easy? right?


some more Shona words:
Ndinoda (Dinoda)-  I need
Kudya- Eat
Kurara- sleep
Handidi- i don't want
Shamwari- Friend

love you
elder beadle

Dinner Appointment

     The Shona, or African culture is very service-oriented, especially if you are a woman. You cook, you clean, you care for the young and you do everything your husband tells you to do. Now this mama, she is old in age and has her three grandchildren. Their parents are either gone because of death or they have gone to South Africa to work.
     Her name is Gogo(grandma) Makoni. and she lives about a 4 hr walk from our meeting house. Her home, like many of the homes here, is a small 14 ft by 16 ft room. Her bed, made from old crates, boxes, and many blankets piled on for padding took up half of her living space. and the buckets of water stored for the week and the other belongings took up more of the space, leaving a spot of walking space about 5ft by 6ft.
     She doesn't use magetze(electricity) because of the cost. she cooks with paraffin(propane) and the room was thick with the smell of the used gas. As the 4 of us came in we scrunched together and sat down Indian-style on the ground and she wiped off the nicest plates that she had and gave them to us (now when you give something here, you don't just hand it over [like we do in America]. You kneel down and with both hands respectfully as you put the gift forward and wait for them to receive it).  She got down on her age-worn knees and gave us each a plate and then proceeded to wash our hands (now... over here, you don't have a sink to wash your hands. The woman of the house comes to each person and with a pitcher of water and bowl to catch the water. They pour the water over your hands and wait for you to say thank you before they stop.). As she was kneeling, she held the bowl under each of our hands and poured (as she rinsed our hands, I couldn't stop myself from thinking of how the Savior is there to serve us and rinse our unclean hands. This is the same ritual in everyone's house where we eat). Each time she had to retrieve something else for us she would get up and again kneel down. and don't even think of offering to assist. that would be ungrateful and rude.
     She again knelt down with the pots of food. She served us all that she had and as we ate, she waited outside with her children offering whatever amount of space that she could for 4 full-grown men.
     As we left her home that night she called each of us her children and with a smile on her face and almost a tear in her eye she thanked us for blessing her family with our presence and for sharing with the people of Zimbabwe what she thought of as the most wonderful thing in her life which is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
 

BEST MOTHER'S DAY EVER!

I admit, I was nervous.
I'm not much of a phone talker.
It's usually just business for me on the phone and even that all went out the window when I heard his voice.
It took a few tries to get through to him, since I have not ever made a call to Zimbabwe before last Sunday.

After we had discussed how he was doing and how I was doing and how was the weather and some umming and errring, I handed him off to Michael and all the kids. Then I remembered that I needed to ask if he had received any of our packages (he didn't know yet, since he hadn't been to the mission office). And then we got him talking and sharing some of the amazing experiences he is having. It was much easier to just let him talk because then we weren't overlapping conversations with our delayed questions.

It was really nice to hear his voice. Made me really happy. And I think it lifted his spirits as well. I was worried that it would make him more homesick.

Then I got looking at my cell phone history online and realized we had talked for a total of 87 minutes. I'm not sure if he's supposed to talk that long. When we asked, he said, "There are rules and there are rules. I could talk all day to you and not feel guilty." Anyway, when I visited my local cell phone store, the gentleman (young boy) there who helped me told me that my call had cost me $234.00. I didn't even bat an eyelash. It was totally worth it, but he kept working his computer and pre-dated my new "international calling plan" 5 days so that it only cost about $48.00. Bonus blessings!

I was also worried that after a phone call, we wouldn't have anything to write in our weekly letter, since we write that on Sunday evening. Not so. Still plenty to write.

And he sent us some great pictures:

Proof that he is still alive

My first experience with The God-Makers. Evil stuff.

Some of the amazing families who have joined the fold of God: