13 PaGeS LoNg

WhErE tHe PaGeS oF tHiS bOoK nEvEr EnD



Sunday, August 7, 2016

Summer is coming to a close...even though it is only mid August


Well, the children are slowly trickling back to Utah. Marissa & Brody headed out on Wednesday, Matthew, Kimber & Jack left last Sunday, Dallin, Jaclyn, Scarlett and Spencer on Monday. Zachary & Abigail leave on Tuesday. We will be down to just Tory, which will be nice in a way. I am anxious to have some quiet time with him and talk about his mission, future plans and just him in general.

We had a crazy good time all together. Having Grandchildren on vacation was very different for us all. They run the show! I loved going from one grand baby to the next for 2 solid weeks! I feel like I got to know each one a little better and grew to love them even more.

This picture just sums up Scarlett, full of energy and a love for everything!

Jack is a cutie with his baby blue eyes. He doesn't have much time for chit chat he is on the go!

Brody is just filled with pure joy! He is the happiest little guy all the time!

Spencer won't even know he has been to Gammy and Paw Paw's. But he has grown leaps and bounds since they have been home.

We have the most beautiful family inside and out. Everyone is at different places in life and doing so well, each having their own challenges and facing them head on.

Dallin & Jaclyn are in West Virginia. He is heading into his second year of grad school, doing physical therapy. They have made a beauiful little home there. They are big contributers in their ward also. They have the sweetest family and work so hard at teaching them the gospel.

Matthew & Kimber are in St. George Utah right now. They are about to have some big changes in their lives. Matthew starts grad school here in NC at Wingate University to do Physical Therapy also. They have enjoyed being in St. George with Kimber's family and little Jack is going to miss his buddy, Pa Pa Mark. I am sure that they will spend a lot of time on Face time with them. But we are soooo excited to have them close by and have a chance to spoil them a bit. Matthew & Kimber are wonderful parents. It brings me a lot of joy to witness my children teaching their children the Gospel and providing them such a happy place to live.

Zach and Marissa leave Utah at the beginning of the new year. Zach will be graduating from BYU and heading to Charlotte to work at Ernst & Young! We are beyond thrilled to have them back this way. Zach & Marissa a great parents to Brody. They are a power couple and complement each others strengths as parents. It is a joy to witness. I look forward to kissing on Brody. Its nice that they will be here with Matthew, Kimber & Jack.

Abigail goes back to BYU where she will hopefully finish up this spring. She is doing Recreational Therapy. She is enjoying school, being social, and serving in her calling in the RS Presidency. She is a pretty special young woman. Some man is going to be swept away by her. He will just have to watch out for her brothers.

Tory just completed his mission in Long Beach, CA. He will be heading to BYUI next month. I look forward to driving out with him,, my Alma mater! I have not seen that school in 30 years! He is excited about starting school and meeting new people and catching up with old friends. It has been so sweet to see how he has grown. He has a very calm spirit, he is so gentle and sooo funny! Great thiings ahead for that boy!

I am going to try to keep up with this family blog of ours. It is so strange to know that there will be no more missionary post. That was the whole point of this when Dallin left for his mission, back in 2008. Wow how time flies!


I have been blessed beyond what I could even begin to write about. So I will write about the blessings the struggles, our home, Steve and mines adventures (we better be having some of those!) Maybe this can be my way of journaling, who knows. till next time...

Monday, July 18, 2016

Last email...

I Love You All... I'll See Ya Tomorrow!

Monday, July 11, 2016

Famous Last Words...


Hey There Everybody, So I decided to kill two birds with one stone this week. The Mission asked me since I'll be going home in a week to leave the mission with a short testimony. Of All I can say about the last two years I felt these words sum it all up.


In The Words of Elder Holland, "God Loves Us, He Is Good. He Is Our Father... And He expects Us To Pray And Trust And Be Believing. And Not Give Up And Not Panic And Not Retreat And Not Jump Ship When Something Doesn't Seem To Be Going Just Right. We Stay In, We Keep Working, We Keep Believing, Keep Trusting... Following That Same Path. And We Will Live To Fall In His Arms, Feel His Embrace, And Hear Him Say... I Told Ya It'd Be Okay, I Told Ya It'd Be Alright."


These Things I Have, Through Experiences,Come To Know For Myself. They Are True.The Lord Has Been Patient With Me Over These Past Two Years. He Has Encouraged Me. He Has Strengthened Me. He Has Helped Me Change. He Has Given Me Hope, He Has Allowed Me To Find Joy In All Circumstances Imaginable. His Love Is Real. To Those reading This Who May Be Having A Hard Time, Take The Testimony of His Apostle and Know That Everything Will Be Alright, The Lords Got Your Back. Keep Trusting In Him, Keep Doing Your Best And You Will Come To Know Him Better. I Have Loved Serving Along Side The Savior. He Has Been A Faithful Companion. I Love Him, I Have Come To Know Him Better.

I Love You. Always Have Always Will. See You In A Weeks Time.

Love, Elder Page


(The members take such good care of them. The Finley's filled their cupboards with food!)

Monday, July 4, 2016

Times of transition...


Hello Hello,
I want to go ahead and say Happy 4th of July!!!! We are having an awesome P-Day. The ward had a pancake breakfast here at the church this morning and so that was a scrumptious way to kick off the holiday. Email has been good, and today we have plans to do some fun things, so I cant complain. This past week was a really good one. I have really felt that I am preparing myself, or at least trying to prepare myself to continue doing the things I have done on a mission even after I go home. There are a lot of things I have done and learned to do on this mission that honestly I will probably only have the chance to do while I'm a missionary, but this week I have really felt that we took part in things that I will have the opportunity to do the rest of my life and things that bring me a lot of joy. We have done things like, help members of the ward move, we have offered more service, planned and unplanned for the place we have been going for the past month or so, we have had the chance to give needed blessing to people, and ultimately help those we've been around feel the spirit and feel the Love we have for them and that god has for them.


These things are things that I know my entire life will help me fulfill my calling as a priesthood holder, bring me closer to the lord, and help me build lasting relationships with people. I am grateful and happy to have learned how important and meaningful some of these things can really be, while I've served here in Long Beach. I Love being a missionary and doing the things only missionaries can get away with doing, but the things I will be able to take home with me will be the things that I will continue to do for others and for the Lord.


That's about it for this week, I Love You All. And I cant wait to give more detailed stories of the mission when I return home. Until next week, Godspeed!!!


Love, Elder Page

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Find My Sheep...


Hello Hello,
Its been a great week. Elder Poirier and I have done our best to stay busy and to spend time where we are most needed. Its been a week of finding new people to teach. That's been a focus for us recently, I always like leaving areas better than I found them, and when I got to this area it was already doing really well, so for me it was a tall order, but I have tried to do my best and Elder Poirier and I have worked really well together. I want to be able to leave this area and know that Elder Poirier and his new companion will have plenty to do and many people to teach and help.
The Lord blessed us with a family this week. We made a goal to find a family and its funny how it happened. We decided one afternoon to go by a girl that we had talked to on the street my very first day in this area, but since then we could never catch her at home. But we went by, and turns out she happened to be home, as well as her aunt who shes living with and her uncle was there too. They welcomed us right in and we sat down. Fernanda the girl we initially spoke with and taught speaks English and Spanish but her aunt and uncle speak hardly any English. So at first it was tricky. But with faith we said a prayer and just began teaching them. Fernanda was translating for us, which was nice. It was just one of the coolest experiences I've had teaching on my mission because as we spoke Fernanda was able to really process what was being said and teach it back to her aunt and uncle. Elder Poirier and I were even pullin' Spanish out of who knows where. It had to have been the gift of tongues. I was remembering vocab that I learned in high school from almost 5 years ago. After the lesson which was simple and powerful because of the spirit, we had Fernanda say a prayer half Spanish and half English. In her prayer she truly spoke with her Heavenly Father. She thanked him for the spirit that she felt and said that it was very nice to have that in their home. We left filled with the spirit. It was a lesson and experience I will never forget. I've already forgotten what was said, but the feeling will always remain.
I Love the spirit! I have recently gained a stronger testimony of the spirit and his role in the Lords work. And just in our everyday lives as well. The spirit and that companionship is everything. I am grateful for it, I would not be able to do what is needed to be done here without it. This mission isn't slowing down, the work goes on, and I am happy to be alive. I Love You All. I Love the support and the emails and packages and prayers from everyone. Its been Real.

(Service day)

Until Next week. More sweet stories to come!

(With President & Sister Tew, the last week in the mission)

Love, Elder Page

(Putsin, it is a Canadian dish, so Will will probably eat this alot)

Monday, June 20, 2016

The Ultimate Cliche...

Hello Everyone,
this week was definitely one of result which is refreshing and sweet. So for starters, Elaine Came to church yesterday for the first and second hours! We are making progress with her. Just the night before church we talked a lot about the sacrament and why its so important that we are there at church to receive it weekly. The sacrament is something I've been trying to understand and appreciate more recently. I've felt that as I've taken the time each week to really think about what the sacrament is for me and how it helps me I have the spirit more with me throughout the week and then I am better able to share my testimony of it to the people we meet with.
Also yesterday a less active member that we've been working with that has been inactive for the last 13 years gave a talk in sacrament meeting. He has come for the last month and he did a great job! It made elder Poirier and I so happy to see him up there sharing his testimony and making those steps to grow in his faith and testimony of the church.
Lastly, a recent convert that we've been meeting with, Brother Hoke, was interviewed by the stake president yesterday for the Melchizedek priesthood. He has been making a lot of big steps lately to grow spiritually. Family History work, going to the temple and now the priesthood. He is such an awesome guy! Its just been a blessing for Us lately to see all of these people who we care about doing things and making choices on their own to draw nearer to the Savior.
I've caught a glimpse as a missionary how Heavenly Father must feel when we do the things that bring us true joy and bring us closer to Him. I Love being a missionary, I know its the ultimate cliche to say that, but its true. I guess cliches are cliches for good reasons. I am Happy, and I know that the Lord has more great things in store for the remainder of this mission. Until next week, never doubt yourself, trust God, and be diligent.

Love, Elder Page

P.S. President and Sister Tew gave their final trainings yesterday at a specialized training. They cried , I cried, pretty much every one cried. It was sad, but one of the most spiritual moments of my mission. It was after a long testimony meeting where we were able to get up and share thoughts from the trainings and after all was said and done President Tew Got up and closed the meeting. He said, "This will probably be the shortest testimony I've ever given... It makes me happy to know that you can teach one another better than I can teach you... Sister Tew and I always have... and always will... Love You. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." I Love them, like their my own family.

Monday, June 13, 2016

Let the Holy Spirit Guide...



Wow, the first week of my final transfers already down. I'd like to compare the last few weeks of a mission to rolling down a hill in a shopping cart with no way to stop or slow down. You know that your journey will end soon and you will be able to free yourself from the cart, but the means by which you will exit the cart will inevitable be hard and most likely painful. I am actually beginning to now face reality. It's the hardest thing to believe that two years have passed. Going back to my grocery cart analogy. Although the end may be hard to face the ride until that point is none the less sweet! The Lord has continued to bless me, he has continued to stay by my side, he has continued to answer the prayers of members, investigators, and my own. The more I think about the principle of enduring to the end, the more it occurs to me that the Savior truly is the perfect example of one who endures to the end. Not only will he continue strengthening us, and comforting us and blessing us, he Cannot Stop. It isn't his Character to stop. He will always endure our trials with us, He will always be there to Love us and to Heal. I just have a strong belief in this, because my mission although nearing its end has continued to be as Sweet to me as it always has been, because of the Blessings which are being given and received. Elder Poirier has continued to teach me french and I love it! We have continued to get to know each other and rely on one another for help and for advice and strength. I know that we are meant to be companions at this point and time in each of our missions.


One last thing, before I have to go. I have so much I want to share and talk about, but I'll just share this story because it means a lot to me. This week we began giving service for a non profit organization that helps provides for the homeless. We sort clothes, shoes, clean the facilities, and help with meals for the people. Its been a very humbling thing. So the other day as we were doing service there, there was a homeless man who didn't speak much English who was waiting outside to go in for the dinner they were preparing. He looked at me and I didn't know what he was saying but by his motions I knew he was thirsty and need water. So, I went inside, got him a cup of cold ice water and he smiled as he drank it. Just a matter of seconds later he looked at me and without saying anything I knew he wanted more because his cup was empty, So for the second time I took his cup and refilled it and brought it back to him. He was just as grateful the second time as he was the first time. To make a long story short, this happened about 4 more times where he would want more water, I was amazed not only at his ability to down 6 cups of water in a 5 minute period but I also surprised myself. Each time he would want more water I would Gladly take the cup and go refill it for him. I wasn't impatient at all in doing this, I didn't feel nagged or annoyed. I think because I saw that it was something he truly needed, but couldn't do it for himself, I was more than happy to help him. And as soon as I saw this in myself I then had a strong revelatory experience that Heavenly father is like this with each and every one of us. He has the power and the ability to provide the spiritual water for all of us! And he doesn't only do it as we ask, but he already knows before we ask what it is we need. He loves us, he is happy to help us and to provide for us. I just felt blessed that the Lord would allow me to have a small spiritual experience to help me better understand the Lords Love for me.


I Love what the mission has taught me. I Love The Lord. I Love My Companion and I Love You Guys, All of You Reading this. Until Next week, Patiently Wait.

Love, Elder Page

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Last Leg...


Well, I never thought I'd Be able to say this, but it is now the start of My final transfer. 6 Weeks is not a long time at all. It is a pretty bitter sweet time of my mission. I am having a lot of emotions, but one emotion that has remained constant throughout these two years is the true joy that has come through the sweet and the sour moments. The Hard and the easy, the good and the bad, every moment, really has been good regardless of the circumstances. I can say that because I know that the Lord has been with me every step of the way and everything that has happened has been for my good and for my experience. I Love what I do. I Love Missionary Work, I Love the missionaries I've served with and the ones I currently serve with. And I Love Heavenly Father.


This week has been really great! But I have to say the highlight of it all was the mission wide meeting we had. Two general authorities came. Elders Gent and Gay. They both spoke to us and gave us inspired advice as to how we can get more out of our missions by giving more. I Loved what they had to say, but even more so what the spirit had to say. The Spirit is the best teacher there is and he is honest. It was really nice to be able to see every companion that I've had that's still on a mission. As well as other missionaries I've come to know and love. President and Sister Tew go home in 4 Weeks, so it was nice for them to be able to have all the mission together one last time before they finish their missions. It was a tear jerker that's for sure. I Love President And Sister Tew Like their family, because that's what they are. They have done so much for me and for this mission. They will be missed by everyone, but it will be nice to know the New Mission president (Pres. Patterson) for a couple of weeks.


Its been good, The weeks are just passing me by but they are fulfilling. The work is smooth, it is rich and I am happy. I cant complain, nor have I ever really been able to. The Lord is directing the path. I Love You All! Until Next Week. Keep Smiling!


Love, Elder Page


P.S. Elder Poirier & I are staying together!!!!

Monday, May 30, 2016

Alma 13:6...


So this past week was definitely one of revelation and learning. I made more of an effort this week to receive answers to questions and guidance during personal study. I've noticed as I've simply made an effort to get more out of personal study I have been given more. I know that as we seek we really do find. The Spirit of Revelation, that communication between God and his children is a very real thing. The Lord is So patient with us its ridiculous. Without fail as we humble ourselves and turn to Him, He is Always there, ready to help.


I had an experience where I was having a tough day and as I took the time to just get on my knees and pray it was as if the Lord was in the room with me, looking at me and asking, "Are You Ready To Talk?" He Listens, and then gives us the answers, comfort and joy we need and ask for, if we're ready to receive it.

California is Nice, it is near perfect weather everyday! I can't complain other than the fact that I've had this for the last 2 years. I think I'm ready for a little change in season. I look at my surroundings everyday and just think, "Man, this really is my home." I really do Love it here.


I'm starting to get to know the ward pretty well. The Members here are so nice, and willing to help out with anything, and they accept our help which is nice. One thing I'm really grateful for as a missionary is to be able to see so many happy families and know that one day I'll be able to have that same happiness with a family of my own, as we live the gospel. There's really no secret to living a happy fulfilled life, its simple. Live the Gospel, trust in the Lord, and serve and love others. I've found that this in my life and the lives of others brings the most joy. I'm grateful for a simple plan, for blessings on the daily and for trials that increase faith. Well, that's about it for this week ladies and Gents,
Until Next Week.
Love Y'all!


Love, Elder Page

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Big Week...


So this week has definitely been one to remember. I made a list of things I wanted to mention in today's email because there was so much that's happened and I didn't want to leave out any details.


So for starters, We went again to the LA Visitors Center, this time with our investigator Elaine and her daughter Frances. They now know me at the visitors center on a last name basis. It was quite an experience. Elaine is normally pretty closed off when it comes to showing emotion and its hard sometimes to really know what shes thinking or how shes feeling, but the visitors center broke her down and softened her up like a soggy piece of bread! It was Awesome. She cried multiple times, she said over and over again how much peace she felt there and she expressed how much she loved and cared about us and what we'd done for her. It was a surprise to us to see how much she really did care about us and our visits. The spirit was strong and Elaine felt something, so therefore our mission in going there was accomplished!

Jessica our recent convert is also doing great still. Earlier this week we set up a meeting with the family history sisters here in the mission and help Jessica get started on her family history and temple work. She is so excited to go to the temple and do baptisms for her family ancestors. We got to do some sweet service at this place called Centro Salom. Basically what it is is a non profit organization that helps homeless people find work and provides food and clothes, and other things like that. Its pretty humbling going into a place like that and offering service. One thing I know for a fact the mission has done for me is help me get on peoples levels, whether it be physically spiritually or mentally, I really feel like I can talk with and love and get to know anyone. Its the savior and his example that helps all of us as missionaries become better and more like the people the Lord Needs us to be.


We had something really cool happen to us this week. We were walking down the street and we came across a woman who was clearly in distress and so we asked how she was doing, she said "Okay..." and then I said, "Just Okay?" She then began to explain why she wasn't having the best day. We sat down next to her and began reading scriptures from the Book of Mormon that we felt like would help. As we read the spirit just took over. We didn't have to say more that what the scriptures were already saying. She cried, she smiled, she laughed. It was amazing to see this change that took place in her just over a few minutes. Her name is Aeisha, she expressed thanks and we set up another time to be able to go back and see her. I Love being a mouthpiece for the Lord, and being able to do what he would do if he were her walking these streets. I Love these people, even the crazy ones. Long Beach wouldn't be the same without them. We have just seen miracle after miracle and as soon as I think it cant get any better, it does. It just keeps getting better. I Love You Guys! I love your support, and your care. Thank You.

Love, Elder Page

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