Baptism This Week!

We had a baptism this week!

This is my zone.There are quite a few of us huh!

Dear Mom,

I am glad you guys are having fun with Grandma Polly. Send her my love. I am stocking up on some cool stuff to bring home to you guys. I know every single thing that is on that list. I will see what I can do to get him hooked up. We had a baptism this week! We also found a family of like 15. That is the hard part about ending my mission. I am contacting and setting baptismal dates for people that I won't be able to baptize =( 

Tomorrow I have my going home party with president Archibald. We are going to the center of Lima, to a really fancy restaurant, the temple and his house. I am excited for that.  I sure love you!


Elder Hackleman


On Mon, Mar 9, 2015 at 4:17 PM, To Grant

First off, FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS GRANT!!!


On Sun, Mar 8, 2015 at 10:43 PM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder,

The last email was the shopping list, this one is the weeks events. Grandma Polly arrived here safe and sound. She forgot her suitcase on the plane, but we were able to find it so all is well.

We have been having a good time together.

Nathan's show choir took first place at the competition yesterday. He did awesome! He is quite the performer. Grandma Polly loved it. She could hardly stay in her seat she wanted to get up and dance:)

Nathan is on the right.

Friday we went to the temple. Grandma Polly did a great job even though it does scare her since she struggles so much with her memory.

The Sidney boys basketball team made it to state. They will be coming to Lincoln this week. I think the Siler's might be coming and staying with us. It will be so nice to see them. I haven't seen them since right before you went on your mission.

I'm still sticking it out with my math class although each week is more painful than the last. My class has a facebook group page and this is what I posted on it:

"If I had the choice of ice picks being shoved under my fingernails or doing Algebra, I would pick the ice picks. Ha Ha. 

Did I tell you I broke my pinkey finger. Seriously, what is my deal? I think it might have happened while I was having a nightmare. Tim said he heard me mumbling in my sleep, something about x's and y's were chasing me. Those darn Algebra terms are coming after me in my dreams. What's next, the parenthesis and fractions joining the gang of thugs? It's scary stuff ha ha.

Thank goodness I have four boys who do not have my brilliant math skills. I can't get my homework done at night until my own personal tutor helps me along the way, thank you very much Nathan.

The worst thing is I was working on a sewing project and I realized I could use an Algebraic term to figure out the dimensions of the cut I needed to make, but since I like to cut off my nose to spite my face, I did it the old fashioned way instead. Maybe someday, when my math class is over and I stop having nightmares about it, I will actually use some of what I am learning:)

I thought you would enjoy a meme I created. The picture in the background is one Seth took in Mexico. Just a little milk humor.

I sure love you. Tell me all about your week. Even though you are getting home in two weeks, I still love to hear the stories.

Love,
Mom

Letter from the mission office

Dear Hackleman Family

We write to inform you of the return of your missionary. We are so grateful for his dedicated service during these past two years. If you have any questions, please let us know or ask your missionary on Monday. Their itinerary is attached.

Thanks,





Elder Lara

Secretario Personal

Misión Perú Lima Oeste

Lima West Mission - My District

My District

They're The Best!

Guess which one is me?

My companion and I work hard

But we also remember to have fun along the way.

The Day in the Life of a Missionary in Peru

Hey mom! 

We have baptisms planned. That's what we do out here. =) hehe I am doing great. 

I can't believe it's March.....It is so surreal. 

I hope there is still snow when I get there!!! PRAY FOR SNOW! 

Jake told me he's gonna get his ticket. You´re gonna love him. Haha is he gonna get there before or after me? 

I didn´t know Tayson was gonna have a baby. Good for him. Kira as well. haha 

I can´t believe Grant is gonna be 14! That kid is growin up too fast. 

I wanna go to the zoo. =) 

I love you momma!

Elder Hackleman


On Mon, Mar 2, 2015 at 11:16 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder Hackleman,

How is it going? What is new in your neck of the woods? I can't believe March is here! What do you have planned for your last month in the mission field?

It is still very cold here, but I guess it is supposed to warm up a little during the day at least later on in the week. We still have a little snow outside in patches. We might get some snow today and tomorrow, but just flurries.

Mom get's here on Wednesday. I am hoping all goes well with her flight. It's always a bit scary having her fly by herself.

I forgot if I told you that Tayson and his wife are expecting a baby and so is Kira and her husband. Both due this summer I believe.

I have still been chatting with Jake. He is booking his ticket this week for coming out.

Just a reminder, it is Grant's birthday next Monday. He will be the big 14.

Nathan had his one Saturday off yesterday. The rest of the month of March he will have performances every weekend. 

We ended up going to the zoo. It was very cold so we stuck with the inside exhibits and the movie. I love going to the zoo. I could go every day ha ha.

I sure love you!

Love mom

Wrong is Never Right

On Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 8:48 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder,

What was your week like? I would love it if you could get some more pictures of the scenery of Peru.

Nathan has an appointment today to get his wisdom teeth holes checked. He is having a rough go at it. I think he has infection. His cheek is bruised on the outside. He looks like he's been in a boxing match. Hopefully he will turn the corner this week. He ended up only going to school on Friday last week. He did go to the show choir competition this weekend. His choir took second place. They really did a great job. It was so fun to watch.

Grant had his last church basketball game on Saturday. He really stepped up. Nathan and Adam weren't there so Grant had big shoes to fill. As I was watching the game I kept thinking, who is that getting all the rebounds, boxing out, and controlling the pace and then I would realize it was Grant. I can't believe two months ago he told us he wasn't going to play church ball because he wasn't good enough. I made him and Nathan go to the church and practice dribbling, shooting, bounce passes, and drills. I did a drill that he would run toward the basket and I would throw the ball from the 3 point line with him on the run. He would then need to grab the ball, take one bounce and make a layup. I made him and Nathan practice this over and over from all different angles. He would get so mad at me and couldn't figure out what good it was doing. Many days we left the gym with Grant not even talking to me he was so mad. Well, it really paid off because during the games he would recognize fast break opportunities all the time and feed in some great passes. His game play and coordination really have come so far in a short amount of time. Before Nathan had show choir on Saturdays the two of them were unstoppable. They both could pass and receive fast break moves to the board with ease.

I was the lead teacher this week at my Pathway gathering. It turned out fine. It wasn't as comfortable as teaching seminary, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be either. I of course started with an object lesson because that is how I roll ha ha.

Your dad is in the thick of things with his classes. He is doing such a great job.

The bishop has asked that you speak the first Sunday after you get home:)

I sure love you! I hope we get your flight information soon.

Love Mom

Hey mom! It is so funny to read your letter when you talk about basketball. I have come to realize that I failed you and dad cuz I never even gave basketball a shot and you guys both played. Oh well. Haha I will get some pictures of everything I can this week. I will tell you what. I am pushing myself so hard to end. I am leaving Perú Monday night at like 11 at night so you will expect me Tuesday in the afternoon. I sure love you mom! I can’t wait for you to meet Jake. You are gonna love him.

Love

Elder Hackleman

On Mon, Feb 23, 2015 at 8:37 AM, Tim wrote:

Dear Elder!

How was your week? Have you been able to teach any families? How has church been going? I've been meaning to ask you if you're still playing the piano?

We had a great Sunday yesterday. We had some wonderful talks in Sacrament meeting about the difference between home teaching and ministering. How ministering is way more in depth than just visiting. Also, about how you have to be in tune with the Spirit in order to know when and how to minister. Then we had a lesson in Gospel Doctrine about Christ's miracles. It was a great Sunday all the way around.

I hope you have the best P-Day ever today!!

I know this is short, but I know you are super busy. Just tell us what's happening and maybe send some pictures!!! ;)

Te amo hijo.

Papá

Hey dad! I have had more spiritual experience these last few weeks than in all of my mission. I can´t even begin to explain them, but I got them down in the journal so don’t worry, you guys will hear all about them in....a few short weeks! Can you believe it?? I do play piano once in a while.

Love Elder Hackleman

My Companion and I Right Now

My companion Elder Rivera and I....right now. Haha

On Mon, Feb 16, 2015 at 9:58 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder,

Ok, so now you can tell me, what is your new companion like? Where is he from etc?

We had a good week. Nathan had his first show choir competition on Saturday. He did a great job. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of him. I was videoing the entire production but didn't take a picture. Don't worry, I will get one next week. He performs again on Saturday. He wore a blue tux with a green tie and the girls wore green dresses.

They sounded and looked awesome.

Church yesterday was great. We were sitting on the front row during sacrament meeting and I had my head bowed. I saw out of the corner of my eyes the deacons walking past and I noticed one of them was wearing pants that were way too short. I thought, boy who is that, so I looked up and to my utter amazement it was Grant. It appeared he had grown a couple of inches in a week, either that or he has been wearing high waters for a while and I just haven't noticed. I guess we are going shopping this week for some new church pants for the poor guy.

Grant played great during the church basketball game. He actually played center for a while. He has never played that position before so he didn't really know where to stand but he is one of the tallest players on the team when Nathan isn't there. It worked out perfectly, because Nathan performed first thing in the morning so I was able to hurry over to the church after Nathan's performance and still catch most of Grant's basketball game. Anyway I was looking at Grant out on the court and thought to myself, he seems taller than last week, but then I shrugged it off almost as fast as I thought it. Obviously I should have considered it further. I hate to say it, but he might be taller than Seth already.

Well, we are getting ready to head out for Nathan to get his wisdom teeth removed. His appointment is at 11:00. It's nice because the boys don't have school today because it is President's Day so Grant gets to go with me.

The big thing happening this week is I am the lead teacher at Pathways. I never usually get nervous teaching, but I have been having anxiety about being the lead student since it is math and it's not my favorite subject. Luckily we are discussing spreadsheets and I am not too bad at that. We'll see how it goes. One good thing is I have learned a formula for calculating Celsius into Fahrenheit so I can figure out the temperature for you if you ever need me to. I am supposed to be able to transform pesos into dollars as well, but I'm not as good at that. Sorry. If you ever wanted to know the formula for temperature conversion is: C=5/9(F-32). 

Temperature Conversion Formula

I sure love you. Have a wonderful week!

Love, Mom

Mom, I love you so much. I hate to be a jerk, but I have known that formula since I was but a wee one.....=) I am so proud of you though. Next time I need the temperature converted I will definitely consult you before taking the time to do it myself. I can’t believe grant is so tall. He hasn't past me has he?

My companion is awesome! He is one of my favorite companions. His name is Elder Rivera. He is from Guayaquil Ecuador. We were best friends from the get go. We teach and contact so well together. I would love to have 2 or more transfers with him instead of just one. =( Mom. My mission is going by so fast! They are buying my plane ticket already. AHHH!!! I can’t wait to see you guys though. I love you!

Elder Hackleman

I got a few pictures of Nathan before and after his wisdom teeth surgery. Crazy kid wanted to show me he wasn't in pain so he ran around the car the second after the nurse put him in the car after his surgery. I was so mad at him. The bleeding had clotted and stopped before we left the Dr. office but due to his run around the town, it started bleeding profusely. Dang it all. He thought he was so funny. Ya, he won't be laughing when he gets dry sockets. I thought of letting the pain meds wear completely off to teach him a lesson, but then after thinking about it for a while I realized he was still under the influence of the meds so I need to give him a break. He claims he counted down to 94 before he fell asleep. I forgot to ask the nurse so I can't confirm that number. I will double check on our follow-up appointment.

Love Mom

He was goofy before they even gave him any Meds.

Ice Packs!

On Mon, Feb 16, 2015 at 8:55 AM, Tim wrote:

Dear Elder,

How were transfers?!?!?!? Tell us all about your new companion! You have the opportunity to show him what going out in style really means!! I know you have a lot of Zone work to do, but were you able to teach anyone this week? Something that came to me at church yesterday. I was sitting in PEC and we were talking about home teaching and the struggles that we have doing it and reporting it. Then we started talking about the people who request no contact with the Church. How do we deal with them? The church strongly discourages and dissuades names being removed from the records. My thoughts turned to the parable of the lost sheep of course. But then it occurred to me that, much of what we need to learn is the "process of seeking." So much of the time we go to an address and find that they've moved. So we diligently try ways that seek them out to have their records follow them? Anyway, I just thought it was interesting that sometimes it's not just the act of doing, but learning from the act of doing.

On the home front, Nathan is getting his wisdom teeth out for real today. We'll let you know how that went next week. I attached a couple pictures of your silly brother. One is while he was at the kitchen table over the weekend. He was working on one of his many "experiments". The other is of him at the UNO hockey game with me on Friday. And by the way... I gave him a haircut on Saturday after I saw these.

I can't wait to hear all about your week!!

¡Te amo tanto!

Papá

Grant at the UNO Hockey Game

Hey dad! I got my new companion this week. His name is Elder Rivera. He is from Ecuador and is one of my favorite companions of my entire mission. From the second we were put together we just clicked. He is so awesome. We love to work hard but have fun doing it. We have been in meetings almost all week but we are going hard this week because the people we find this week will potentially be my last baptisms. =( I will send a pic of him in a sec....p.s. I am living in a peruvian oven right now but I still love life. How can that be......Haha Love you dad!

On Mon, Feb 16, 2015 at 4:04 PM, Tim wrote:

It's only 80 degrees there!! :) Plus, there's no way it's worse than two-a-days in Buenavista, VA!!

Dad

That thermometer is lying. It’s gotta be 110. Haha and air conditioning doesn't exist here. I have two of my buddies writing me from SVU right now saying they walked on at Weber state. One of them is in Jake Kitchen`s Spanish class! Haha

See that ye serve with all your HEART

Note from mom: The letters home are getting shorter and shorter each week as Elder Hackleman's time in the mission field is drawing to a close. He told me not to worry, he is just working harder than ever and he promises he will tell us all about it when he gets home.

Dear Mom,

I hope the snow stays!!! We just got transfer notices today. I am staying here! It will officially be my last area. I don´t get my companion until tomorrow though. Elder Quezada is currently on the plane home right now. Crazy. I am six weeks away! I can’t believe it.

Gotta go momma. I am really pushing myself to the limits these last few months. Love you! You worry about the planning stuff for when I get home and I will worry about baptizing a ton of people and getting home as soon as I can!

Love Elder Hackleman

On Mon, Feb 9, 2015 at 9:57 AM wrote:

Dear Elder J Hackleman,

Tell me all about your new companion. Where is he from etc. How has this week been going for you?

Nathan didn't end up getting his wisdom teeth taken out on Friday. He went to seminary and while there he forgot and ate a cookie. Because of this they had to postpone the surgery. No food after midnight, not even a little cookie. He was so bummed. He ended up having to go to school. Everyone was wondering why he was there. He finally told a teacher he was there because a cookie just jumped in his mouth and before he knew what was happening it was going down his throat. They all had a good laugh. He is scheduled for wisdom teeth surgery a week from today. Now he is probably going to have to miss two days of school since he won't have the weekend to recover but we couldn't do it on a Friday because he has show choir performances every weekend from here on out for the next couple of months.

Saturday night he had a little party with some friends over. They watched "The Maze Runner."

Grant is sure getting taller. Everyone keeps telling me he is looking like you now. That sure makes Grant happy.

We ended up having two snow days last week because we got so much snow, but Saturday and Sunday it warmed up to the 40's so it is melting. It is about half way gone and most likely won't make it to the end of the week, melting a little here and there each day. It's not exactly a heat wave, but it warms up just enough to melt a little here and there.

What is happening in your neck of the woods?

I sure love you!

Love Mom

Letters from Peru This Week

Hey dad, I forgot to tell you last week, but I sure hope you recorded the Super Bowl.
I want to watch it when I get home.
(Oops, we recorded it all right, but deleted it this morning before we got this message.)

Hey dad! 

That is awesome that you got your classes all underway. I don´t know anything more about when I get home other than the day. That it will be sometime the 23rd of March. Whatever that Tuesday is. My companion goes home this week so next Tuesday I will get my next, and last companion. 

We had a baptism Saturday! 

Elder Hackleman

On Sun, Feb 1, 2015 at 10:57 PM, Tim wrote:

Dear Elder,

How was your week? We got snowed out of Church yesterday. A huge blizzard rolled in and laid 8 inches of snow all over. Then there was the wind and more snow. It was a good day to stay in, but we went and helped four families in the ward shovel their driveways. 

Have you received any details about your travel? Everyone is sure getting excited!! I am so proud of you for putting your shoulder to the wheel and pushing along. Every one here is doing well. Nathan has to have his Wisdom teeth pulled on Friday. He can't get his braces off until he does. Well, at least he will already have them done before he leaves for his mission.

Patriots won the Super Bowl. It was probably one of the best Super Bowls that I have seen. Football season is officially over. 

I taught my first Advertising class at Midland University. It was really fun. It will be a fun class to teach. Now that I got the first one under my belt, the rest should be a lot less stressful.

Well tell us what has been happening. What are you guys going to do for p-day today? When do you get a new companion? I know you are busy, so make the most of the little time you have left in that wonderful country.

I love you son!

Dad

On Mon, Feb 2, 2015 at 10:55 AM, Grant wrote:

Yo Yo what's up dog how's life in the big city dog didly I can't wait till March cause it's my birthday oh and your coming home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah i'm pretty excited can you tell? most of the stuff that happened in my life can wait for when you come home. But what about yours bro? Have you been keeping a recipe book? I bet you have.  Oh did I tell you your coming home in like two months yeah it's pretty dang spantaculisous just sound it out if you don't know my vocabulary it upped like two words when you were gone... I'm pretty proud of myself for that. Nathan and I are going to go shopping with you so you can get a new wardrobe when you get home. But we're only going to get you like I don't know like maybe $100 stuff not that much these days but you know that. But anyways I'm going to have to shovel the snow out side so I'll talk to you in a little.

Lov ya bro hawk
From Grant Hucklbarrie

Dear Grant,

Hey buddy!!!! I am pretty stoked to get home too. It will be a little bit after your birthday but still pretty close! I haven´t kept a recipe book but I remember all the names of the peruvian foods I like so we can google them and make them when I get home. I cant wait to get new clothes. I love being a missionary but its time to add a little color to my life. Haha Love you big guy!

Elder Hackleman

On Mon, Feb 2, 2015 at 8:54 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder,

How in the world are you? What is new? Did you have a baptism this week? I thought you said you might be having one.

The Laws came this weekend to clean their house. Now they are officially gone for good:(

We had a major storm hit yesterday so they cancelled church and school today. It is beautiful though.

To answer your question about whether or not the couches stick to your back, the answer is no. They feel just like they did before, they just look nicer. I just re-dyed the color, which is how they were tan to begin with, it's not like that is a natural color of leather. I'm sure they didn't use wood stain to dye the original leather, but the result is the same.

I went to the temple with Albany on Friday. We sure had a good time. Her kids are counting down the days until you get back.

We ended up watching the super bowl with just our family. We didn't do quite as big of a spread as we have in years passed since Tim, Nathan and Grant spent the better part of the day shoveling people's driveways ha ha, but it was still good.

I sure love you.

Love mom


Hello Mother Dear!!!!

I had a great week. And yea! I had my baptism! I am going out of this mission baptizing if its the last thing I do. =) Wow, It looks so pretty outside. I sure hope their is snow like that when I get home. I am trying not to drown in my own sweat here right now. But whatever, I just think about how they are unwanted pounds so Its all good. =) I sure miss everybody! I love you! I can´t wait to get home!

Elder Hackleman

Hardest Week of My Mission So Far Jan. 19, 2015

Jesus Teaches Apostles

On Mon, Jan 19, 2015 at 9:32 AM, Tim wrote:

Good morning Elder J. Hackleman!

How was your week? Did familia Palomino get confirmed? We are all doing great here. Everyone is healthy. The boys have today off for Martin Luther King Jr. day. They were pretty excited about that! We had a General Priesthood meeting with our new Stake Presidency last night. It was awesome. You will really like them. Pres. Derrick (Stake President) was the Stake Young Men's president. He's like the Dir. of Innovation and Technology at UNO, so he's not afraid to use technology in his training and he relates really well to the young folks. He answered a question that I have always wanted to understand. He said that much of the battle between good and evil happens in our heads. It shouldn't be whether or not there is the absence of the battle, but whether we are battling each day to make progress. If there is a battle, then we know we are on the right side. Anyway, I thought it was pretty interesting because most of the biggest fights you’re going to face are the ones that happen in your thoughts. Not between people!

So you've probably already heard. Seahawks and Patriots in the Super Bowl. We have to start planning our menu! So excited that it's the last one you'll be missing. Maybe you'll be able to watch the next one at home!

What's happening down there? You'll have to let us know when they give you the travel plans. Are there any pictures or stories to share? I put some money in your account. Maybe take your comp out to lunch before he goes home?

Anyway, keep working hard and focused! (I know you will).

¡Te amo hijo!

Papá


Dad,

You would not believe how much that applies to what my week was like. Haha I had literally the craziest week of my mission by far. I just wrote it all down in this email and felt like I shouldn´t send it. I will just tell you about it when I get home because an email just doesn´t cut it. Two more months and I will share it with you.

I cannot believe that the Sea-hawks are going to be super bowl champs for my entire mission! Crazy. I haven´t been informed on travel plans yet. I just know the day. Thanks for sending me some cash! And don´t worry, I always share with my comp. Love you dad!

Dear Elder,

If you don't email us about your week, then you gotta write it down in your journal. Otherwise, you’ll forget the details of why this week was such a challenge!

I love you son. Stay strong and keep wielding the sword!

Papa

Dad,

Yeah it’s in my journal. I will tell you guys about it when I get home. I told mom a little. You know how she can never be left with a cliff hanger like that. Haha

Dear Jaren,

BROOO!!! How's it going??? It's your better looking younger brother again! Sorry I haven't emailed you in a while. How's life in Peru treating you? It's pretty great here. We learned all the choreography for show choir last Saturday and Sunday so now it’s just all about perfecting it haha. It’s pretty great and I’m pretty sure we'll have a performance after you come home so you get to come see me make a fool of myself! But anyways we had our second church ball game Saturday (our first one was two Saturdays ago but I couldn't make it because of the previously mentioned show choir practice). It was fun! We lost by like 20 points but I was the top scorer. I had a shot where I was a foot in front of the free throw line with my back turned to the basket because someone was guarding me, and I turned around and shot a fade away that was pretty sick and it DRAINED!!!! I'll have to show you when you come home haha. But anyways I'm going to play some more basketball so I’ll talk to you later! See ya bro!

Nathan,

Hey buddy! I am glad to hear your shootin hoops. You are a natural you know it? I sure hope you have a swing choir concert when I get home. I can’t wait to see it. Can you believe I am home in only two months???? Good guts, I cant. Haha I sure love you buddy!

Elder Hackleman

On Mon, Jan 19, 2015 at 8:45 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder J Hackleman,

Hello wonderful son of mine. Nathan and Grant do not have school today because it is Martin Luther King day. I was trying to talk them into going to the zoo, but they don't want to. They do have open gym at the church this morning to practice some basketball.

The Laws are officially in Arkansas now. As they drove away on Saturday I realized how much of a hole they are going to leave in my heart. I cried the ugly cry. It made me miss the Hadley's more as well.

I have been working hard on school. I think starting this semester has been one of the hardest things ever. My least favorite class is math, add to the fact that it is January, cold, and depressing, it makes me start to question my motives. I can't help but think bad thoughts, like why am I doing this? I would be very easy to quit, but I'm pressing forward realizing it is only one semester and then I will get to move onto English. I love English. This week my assignment at the beginning of the week was so foreign to me. It has been so long since I thought about estimating I couldn't even remember a thing about it. Luckily Nathan was able to tutor me and teach me a few tricks he had up his sleeve. By the time I went to the Pathway gathering on Thursday, I knew what I was doing and I was even able to help a fellow student who didn't understand it. I keep thinking, one week at a time. I am going to be teaching the class on the 7th week. They asked if anyone in the class knew anything about excel documents. Finally something I feel comfortable with, so I raised my hand. I have been worried about being the lead teacher during the math class but luckily I found my nitch.

During the Christmas holiday we played a serious game of Risk. Maybe we will play that again today. I attached a copy of the picture I took while we were playing.

So, what is happening with you? Are you staying busy? Are you writing in your journal every day telling what the Lord has done for you that day?

How is the weather there?

I sure love you!

Love Mom

Hey momma! Wow, my week was crazy. I can´t even explain it, but anyway, I am doing good. Just pressing along after the hardest week on my mission so far.

That makes me sad that the Laws are gone too. Don´t worry about school. You have a study ethic that can get you anywhere, and some pretty smart sons at home. =) It’s about time we start helping you with your homework once in awhile since that´s what you have done for us our entire lives. On the bright side, in two measly months, I will be home, and I like math a lot! Haha I don´t remember a lot but it will come back to me quick enough I think. I am doing my best to write in my journal. Satan is definitely fighting me really hard in that aspect. I don´t know why, but it just tells me how important it is. That looks like a fun game of risk. Who won? I thought dad didn´t like that game or is it clue? I don´t remember. Haha I love you mom!

Elder J. Hackleman

Pictures From Peru - Jan 12, 2015

My companion and I exploring a cave on P-Day.

We were on a bus and thought it would be funny to take a picture with a dog that was riding along.  Just before my companion could snap the picture the dog jumped off the bus.  I guess he didn't want his picture taken with me today.  I think he must be shy.

Oh, well, maybe next time.

Note from mom: (The funny thing about this, is in America this week it was all over the news that there was a dog who rode the bus by himself.  It was such a huge story.  I guess in Peru dogs riding the bus isn't a big deal).

On Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 9:47 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder J. Hackleman,

Good morning. I watched the Law kids Friday and Saturday so Becky and Tim could go to Arkansas to find a house. They found a real nice place and will be moving on Saturday :(

School is going good I guess. Math is a hard class for me. This past week our assignment was to learn our times tables by heart up to 15. That is harder than it sounds. I made flash cards and Nathan and Grant helped me. I don't know what has happened to me, but even the basic times tables have slipped my mind over the years. 8's especially went to Mars for a vacation from my brain. I have been playing a game online that helps bring them back into my memory. I still don't have them all 100% but I have come a long way in one short week.

My Book of Mormon class is still my favorite class. I love studying that book. At times I will start studying and then time goes by and I look at the clock and realize 6 hours has passed. Time flies when you are having fun.

I shared some of your ward council ideas with our ward council yesterday. Everyone was very receptive. Unfortunately it does put a lot of extra work on the Elders Quorum and High Priests. I was talking about how I had been encouraging the women to increase their temple attendance this year, but then was taught by you that this goal was not enough. The goal should be for the couple not just the women. After we discussed all the benefits of the men leading the temple attendance, it was decided that one of our ward mission goals for the year was to encourage the men to lead out in home teaching and leading their families to the temple. It really changed the course of our goals for the year as a ward. Thank you for sharing the wonderful things you are learning on your mission. I just wanted you to know that the trickle down effects are circulating throughout our ward now as well.

The bishop told a story about a similar thing that happened on his mission. The result was the same but the reason was different. He served in Australia. Most of his contacts were by walking up to people on the street. The wards he served in were struggling immensely for priesthood leadership. They had plenty of women and children, so they focused in on men only. They would walk right past women and children on the street and only talk to the men. The result was amazing. They found that when they taught the men, they would teach the entire family and when the men came into the church, entire families came into the church.

I was thinking about the counsel the mission president gave over a year ago for the Omaha area. He said that every less active family in the ward has a baptism. When you combine all these things, you end up with the outcome of what is now our ward mission plan. That is, if every home teacher in the ward took on the families they visited and helped encourage them to temple attendance with the father leading out, huge progress could be made. As a Relief Society, it will be very easy to make goals to align with the ward mission goals. We can help encourage our husbands to lead out in the gospel in our homes.

I am excited for the coming year.

Ok, let's talk about you. Last week the boys had a day out of school because the weather was so cold. While they were home, I was working on a project, but decided I would enlist Nathan and his computer skills to help me do some college applications for you. We did one for the University of Utah. We will do a few other schools as well, just so you will have options when you get home.

I attached a couple of pictures to show you some of my DIY projects I have been working on. Our kitchen table has been needing a make-over for quite some time. Also, the paper blinds I had on the upper windows in the living room had to go. I changed them out with vinyl stained glass on the side windows and reflective vinyl on the large middle window. I also made knew curtains. I love how it all is turning out. (Note to family and friends. There is a link on the right side of the page to my blog if you would like to see pictures). I have also been re-staining all the woodwork to a darker color. This house is going to be in top shape by the time you get home!

I sure love you!

Keep up the good work.

Love Mom

Hey Momma!!!!! That is so awesome to hear about ward council! It’s true, it’s not that women aren’t important in the church, but it is true that it is a package deal when you strike the men first. =) If every priesthood holder only focused in their family, and then the families that they are assigned to as home teachers, the ward would be unstoppable. Home teaching is so key. If I am a father, my family is active. Simple as that, and my home teaching families are active as well. No question.....when every priesthood holder thinks that way, the ward suddenly doesn’t have any less active members. =)

Wow!!! That table looks brand new! Haha I like it!!! I gotta tell ya. I can’t wait to get home and see you guys. I want you to know that I am working harder than ever. I am going out baptizing if it’s the last thing I do. I sure am excited for the next part of my life though. =)

Pic explanation... the first one is of my companion and I in a cave. The other one is of a dog that got on a bus that we were on and was freaking out because it wanted to get off but didn’t know how. I tried to get my companion to get a picture of me with it but right when he went to take it, the bus stopped and the door opened so the dog jumped out, but he got the tail and my foot. Haha I love you mom!

Elder Hackleman

On Mon, Jan 12, 2015 at 9:40 AM, Tim wrote:

Dear Elder,

You hit the 20 month mark! Or is it 21? That's getting crazy. Your mom and I think about you all the time. We are so happy for you! Anyway, you need to send us pictures! I don't think you told us about your new companion! We need info!! I know you are super busy, and it's getting close to the end, but you gotta keep us up to date :)

So, we sprung a leak in the Cottonwood ward. The Hadley's left a couple weeks ago for Enid, Oklahoma. I can't remember if you knew the McKee's? They were with us in the Bellevue 2nd Ward. They leave today for Germany. The Law's are leaving on Saturday!!! It will seem like a completely different ward when you get home.

Elder Kitchens posted that he is starting school today. I'm assuming he's going to the U, but he didn't say. Tonight is the National Championship game between Oregon and Ohio State. I have to admit, I'm kinda rooting for Urban Meyer!

So I had a cool revelation yesterday in Ward Council. We were discussing faith and someone mentioned the Brother of Jared. Well it came to me that Ether Chapter 2 and 3 can be applied to missionary work. In Chpt. 2 we have to exercise faith that there is a way to bring our neighbors/friends to the gospel. In Chpt. 3, the Savior is the only one that can put the "light" into them through the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Anyway, I sure do love you. Continue to be careful, obedient and listen to the Holy Ghost.

¡Te amo tanto, hijo!

Papá

Hey dad! I hit 21! Can you believe it? I sure can’t. I sent a few pics to mom. Sorry. Dang, the very few number of families that I did know before going on my mission are leaving. I am going to give a homecoming talk to a bunch of strangers....oh well. What do ya do. Haha Oh ya, I am a true ohio state fan right now! Elder Kitchens is going to Weber state....just for this semester til I get home. Haha

January 5, 2015 Letters - New Year's Resolution

What can drop out of your life to make room for something better?

On Mon, Jan 5, 2015 at 10:47 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder J. Hackleman,

Well it snowed last night. We got snow on Saturday as well. It's not a lot, but it sure is pretty. So I have a favor to ask you. I have been on one of my remodel kicks painting and beautifying our house. I will send some pictures sometime this week, so by next Monday you should be able to see all the updates I have done. Anyway, I wanted to update some family photos for above the tv so I need a recent picture of you.

So, how are things in Peru? We are trying to get back into the swing of things. The Christmas break was sure nice, but school starts back up today, so my break is over. Everyone is back to our regular schedule now.

We sure had a good day yesterday at church. Relief Society was very spiritual. Sharon Packard taught the lesson based on a talk given by Sheri Dew. It was a lesson about Grace and what that means for us. I felt inspired to challenge the ladies to make a new year’s resolution. It is really a challenge the bishop gave each of us when we were in tithing settlements, but I felt it needed to be reiterated. The bishop asked each one of us to think of something in our lives that we can get rid of, to make room for something better. I took the bishops challenge and added to it. I feel like many of us, have a lot of items in our lives that certainly can drop out. We do not need to be so busy and stressed all the time. I decided to try and make a list of things that can drop out of my life this year, so rather than adding new daily tasks, I am making a list of what can drop out of my daily tasks. What a comforting feeling it is. Then I challenged the women to go to the temple in 2015. If they haven't been before, to prepare themselves and go this year. If they have been, go more often. Whatever their attendance was for the year 2014, double it for 2015.

I kept thinking of the counsel you gave us while we were skyping and I have not been able to get it out of my head. I feel like the Cottonwood ward could become a place of Zion if we all refocused our attention on the temple. So I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful spirit and teaching you have given to me and I am hoping to pass on to all those who will hear me.

Keep up the good work!

Love,

Mom

Hey mom! That is so great that you are challenging the relief society to go to the temple! Remember though that it’s a family commitment so if they are going to go, they need to take their husbands. If their husbands don’t have time or aren´t prepared, the answer is, ´´figure it out!” It is the most important thing we do as members of the church. Challenge them to go to the temple on their date nights as couples. That´s way better. =)

Love You

Merry Christmas From Peru

Merry Christmas to All

Some pics! this is called panetón.
It's a fruit cake basically. and I eat it. haha

On Mon, Dec 22, 2014 at 10:00 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder J Hackleman,

How are you doing today? What is this week like? Do you have a regular week with the exception of Christmas or is it different in some way.

Don't forget our skype account is: xxxx

What time would you like to skype? We are available any time you are.

We are pretty excited for Thursday. I can hardly wait to see you and Seth.

Well, the good news is, I got done with my school on Saturday and now I have two weeks off. It is a nice break. I got to A's! Ha.

I sure love you. I can't wait for Thursday!

Love Mom

Hey mom!!!! I am so excited to skype you too! My week will be the same except for when I skype home. Haha That´s awesome. I know Jake will get me hook ups. How about we skype at like 3 o´clock my time? is that ok? Woo!!! Mom get´s Christmas break too! Haha I love you!

Elder Hackleman

December 15 letters

On Mon, Dec 15, 2014 at 9:33 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder J Hackleman,

How are you doing? Did you get your package? We had our ward party on Saturday. The theme was the Parable express. We had a musical number performed by the young men and young women. Nathan and Grant both participated. It was to the Hot Chocolate song from Polar Express. It was very cute. They even had props and actions. Then after church yesterday, Nathan had his December concert at the school. It was great.

I still keep thinking of the lesson I learned from Henry B Erring about writing in his journal every single day of his life specifically making a note of how he saw the work of Christ in his life that day. I sure hope you took my challenge and have been doing this. Especially when you are on your mission, I think it will be a blessing in your lives if you acknowledge and then recognize the work of the Lord.

So I guess Seth is pretty open for a time to skype, so if you just give us a time we will nail it down with him. I guess Grandma and Grandpa are going to Uncle Jeff's this year so you will only get to skype the immediate family.

Last Sunday Daniel was made bishop. He sure is the man for the job. He will do awesome.

Jake Kitchens friend-ed your dad and I on facebook so now I am friends with him and his mom. We will be able to coordinate his trip here easily now. We are sure looking forward to that.

Saturday night at the ward dinner, Erik Jacobs made some Peruvian salsa. I was so sad I didn't realize it until it was all gone already. His wife Julia told us he would make us some this week. I sure look forward to that. Jake has been posting Peruvian dishes on his facebook and they look delicious. You need to take pictures of your food whenever you can so we can get a better idea of what you eat:)

I sure love you!

Love,

Mom

Hey momma! I`m proud of Nathan. I guess if he chooses being the next famous thing in music instead of going to the NFL, he will still have a proud older brother. Haha That`s awesome for Seth. Your so funny mom. His cute face isn't going to get ruined any time soon if he keeps fighting like he is. Have you gone to watch? its pretty cool. haha. with Christmas I am really open. would you prefer calling in the morning or in the afternoon? That's awesome that Daniel was called as bishop. I will send him an email right now. I`ll take some pics of some foods for ya. have you talked to Jake's mom at all?? I love you!

Hey dad. First things first, Familia xxxxxxx came!!!!!!! They just have to go to church this Sunday and the Saturday following.....agua!!! haha we are super excited. yes I did get the package and no, I haven't opened it yet, I am exercising obedience as well......you should be proud. haha sounds like a fun week! So are we just going to skype the immediate fam? I haven't done that once yet! What are the rules for Seth in his call?

Ventanilla is great! We are on track to break the mission`s record in baptisms for a single zone this month. I told you that right? woo! That is awesome that Utah is ranked so high! I don`t know where that came from but impressive! I will be home for March madness to watch them play. haha I am staying surprisingly focused. I thought I would start getting trunky this close to the end but we are working like crazy! All is well. Love you dad!

He Is The Gift

On Mon, Dec 8, 2014 at 9:28 AM, Amy wrote:Elder J. Hackleman,

Thank you for the pictures last week. Once I saw the pictures I realized I don't know anything about your companion and very little about where you live. Are you living in a members home? Do they have children?

Also, I would love some pictures of the streets and the town you live in.

What is the plan for Christmas? Where are you going to skype from and at what time?

So this past week has been a busy and crazy one. Daniel got made bishop yesterday, so that is pretty neat.

Grant is so funny. He wrote out a big long Christmas wish list. The items he -wants are hilarious.

I like the video the church puts out about the true meaning of Christmas.  Here is a copy of Grant's list:

Grant knows he is only getting a few items on the list.
He just wanted to make sure we knew we had options to pick from in all price ranges.

Grant forgot numbers 31-39 ha ha

Some of the items really crack us up.

He was shown the video about the true meaning of Christmas.
You are never too young to learn.

Uncle Daniel Got Called to Be Bishop

Your dad is back to work today. He is not 100% yet, but he felt he could get some things accomplished so he went. He went to church yesterday too. He's a tough cookie.

I sent a message to your buddy Elder Kitchens on Facebook and invited him to our house when you get home. We have chatted back and forth a bit. It's funny because he talks just like you. I think you are twins ha ha. He is excited to come for a visit.

Tim Law got offered a new job and if they can work it out they will be moving to Arkansas. It is still top secret, but it's making me crazy. It would be an awesome opportunity for them, but I will sure miss the family. I can't imagine life without Becky! Especially losing Kelsey and Becky all at once. Uggh!

So, what's happening in your neck of the woods?

I sure love you.

Love mom

Hey mom! Holy Hannah, That´s gotta be the best Christmas list Grant has made to date....That is hilarious. I love that kid. I hope he never grows up. Haha Didn´t I send you some pictures of my area? haha I will send some more and I will send some of where we live as well. We dont live with members. We live in a house of an old lady but are room is more like its own little house connected to hers because our door goes right outside and there is no connection from ours to hers, it just kinda runs together if that makes sense. Haha I will take picks. That one of my comps birthday was just at a members house that invited us over to eat a cake.

Jake (Kitchens, I am getting used to using his first name) told me you had gotten a hold of him. Good. Mom, pre earth life friends I am telling you. We´re sure you and dad have got to be long lost siblings of his parents because we are family somehow. Haha It would be so fun to have him there when I get home. Just saying, we could tell stories for hours. You guys have no idea =)

I´m glad dad is doing good. We are a pretty tough family. We´ve got something that runs in our blood. No pain no gain. How soon are tim and becky talking about moving if everything works out? That will sure be sad. I just got the best package from them. They are the best.

Everything here is going good. Just working like an animal. Its weird, you can work so hard, in pants, in heat that can´t be described, and still love life. Only the mission is capable of doing that to a person. =) I love you!

Elder Hackleman

Watching the Christmas Devotional

Papá

Hey Dad! My week was good. Satan is making his presence known but it’s nothing we can´t handle. My companion and I are pushing our zone hard in baptisms for this month. Haha We are going to have a lot of success. Familia xxxxx is doing good. They didn’t make it to church this week either so it looks like they are going to have to get baptized on the 27th. They are going through some pretty hard times, which really is good for us because it is a great opportunity to ask for miracles.

I´m glad your surgery went well. So what we have two recliners now??? haha We have some other families that we just started teaching this week so we will see how much they progress. The tree looks soo good! Shoot, I sure hope I am there next year with a special someone as well! haha If I have it my way, it’s a given. =) So here is the deal with skype. We are allowed only a 30 minute call. Let’s face it. I am coming home. Haha so I think Seth needs priority in the call. Coordinate with him and we can work it out with me. I would love to be able to skype at the same time as him but the calls are meant for mom so if we take time away from her by doing it together, we may have to figure something else out but my mission is calling 25th of December, Christmas day. So coordinate with Seth and just let me know. Love you dad!

Elder Hackleman

December 1st Letters

My Missionary Companion

My Companion's Birthday

Nathan at the Airforce/CSU Football Game in Colorado Springs

Nice picture of the back of Amy's Head
Beautiful Day for Football

 On Mon, Dec 1, 2014 at 9:45 AM, Amy wrote:

Elder J Hackleman,

Hello. We made it back from our trip. We had a great time. I know your dad sent some pictures. The day of the game the weather was fabulous. It has turned cold again. We are freezing now, but at least we aren't trying to go to an outdoor football game in this weather. I am cooking cinnamon rolls right now, to help warm up the house.

Karen came back with us so she can be here for Tim's surgery this afternoon. I'm sure all will go well. We decided it was time for your dad to get his hernia fixed once and for all.

We sure have been talking a lot about you and Seth with grandma. She talks about all the missionaries that come and visit her and grandpa all the time. She lets them give her a message. We stayed at the Marriott in Colorado Springs and Grandpa saw The Book of Mormon in the drawer and he said he was going to start reading it but the print was too small. When we got back to Ft Collins your dad worked on grandpa's computer re-sizing things so he could read on there. We told him he could download the Book of Mormon for free and read it in large print on his kindle or computer.

On a different note, how are you doing? I was thinking I don't know what your companion looks like. I am not sure if I have seen a picture of your current companion.

I sure love you!

Love,

Mom

Hey mom! Here is a pic of my companion. The one is of his birthday that was a few weeks ago. That is so awesome that grandma and grandpa are familiarizing themselves with the church. One thing´s for sure, nothing is impossible. We can always put our money on the book of mormon. If grandpa starts reading it consistently, it will change everything. My testimony of the Book of Mormon has grown SO much.

On another note, I forgot cinnamon rolls existed until just now, I miss them SOOOOO much! Put that on the ¨must eat when I get home¨ list. Haha I sent an email a little longer to dad about what is going on in the zone and everything. You will have to go read it. =) Your son is working hard down here. Well, both of them are, because both of them are ¨down¨ from where you are. =) haha I can´t believe we are already in December!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Time is really starting to fly now...You need to get in touch with Jake Kitchens, He was my trainer that I always talk about. I want him to make it out to Omaha when I get home so that he can meet you guys. I love you!

Elder Hackleman

On Mon, Dec 1, 2014 at 7:36 AM, Tim wrote:

Dear Elder J Hackleman,

How was your week? I know I start off with that every single time, but you wouldn't believe how excited your mom and I get on Mondays!! We truly love hearing about your work. We had a wonderful visit with Grandma and Grandpa for Thanksgiving. It was really nice. Wednesday night we went to the CSU vs. Wyoming volleyball game. CSU won the Mountain West Conference Championship that night. Then we had a nice relaxing Thanksgiving. On Friday, we went to Colorado Springs too watch the football team play Air Force. The Falcons won with a last second field goal. It was a great game even though CSU lost. Then we went out to dinner and spent the night there and went back to Ft. Collins on Saturday. Finally we came home last night. Grandma rode home with us so that she could be here for my surgery this morning.

We have been so blessed! Tell us about your week! How is familia Palomina doing? Are you teaching anyone else? How is the Zone doing? How is your companion doing? What was the name of your area again? Are there a lot of stray dogs there? Seth says that they are everywhere in Veracruz but they are all tame. I forgot. What do you do for meals there? You just have to get me back up to speed. I know you told me a lot of this stuff already. Speaking of Seth. Do you hear from him every week? I know we don't get his emails until Monday even so you probably get them a week behind. I know I asked a lot of questions! :)

I'll tell you how the surgery goes in my next email!

I am so proud of you son. Keep working hard. The Lord has blessed you and your family with tremendous blessings because of your faithfulness.

¡Ámele hijo!

Papá

Hey Dad! This week has been a roller coaster, but an awesome one just like always, our zone is making ground breaking moves, we are on track to break the record for the most baptisms in a single month in the history of this mission. My companion and I are pushing them hard =) I am so proud of our missionaries though. President Archibald is going to be a general authority I know it. We are making big strides. 

I have a pension for lunch and my companion and I are on our own for breakfast and dinner. Familia xxxxxx is doing great. They didn't make it to church yesterday but we have a family home evening tonight with them and we will get things set straight. =) We have whats called a noche blanca which is White Night in English. haha the 20 of December, we as a zone are going to have around 20 baptisms! In one night! And familia xxxxx is going to be part of it as well so we are stoked. We have some others that are awesome that we are teaching that we plan on getting in the water this month as well. All in all. Miracle month. =) My zone´s name is Ventanilla and my area´s name is Los Alamos.

 

I do talk to Seth almost every week so that's good. It sounds like he is doing awesome. =) The kid already knows Spanish like a champ. I knew he would pick it up quick. Well Sure love you dad! Looks like you guys had a fun thanksgiving week. I forgot all about it.....haha Love you!

Elder Hackleman

Are you OK? No email this week

On Mon, Nov 24, 2014 at 10:55 PM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder,

I think there has only been two weeks in your mission that I haven't heard from you, so of course I am wondering if everything is ok? We heard there was an earthquake in Peru. Maybe you lost power. We never heard if you got transferred. HMM. I love you.

Mom

Tues, Nov 25, 2014

Nope. I didnt get transferred. I think I might finish my mission in this area. We will see. Haha I just had a zone leader meeting yesterday =)

Letters November 24th 2014

On Mon, Nov 24, 2014 at 3:17 PM, Amy wrote:

Kimber had her baby last night. Also, Koty gets off his mission on Tuesday.

Kimber's baby

Seattle Seahawks Sign FB Stanley Havili to Practice Squad

On Mon, Nov 24, 2014 at 10:57 AM, Amy wrote:

Dear Elder J. Hackleman,

How in the world are you? We had a good week even though it is cold around here. We went to another hockey game Friday night. It sure was fun. It was just your dad, Nathan Grant and I. Once again we had a suit so we felt very pampered :)

So I guess Stanley got cut from his football team because of his shoulder injury. He did get picked up by another team however. He is now with the Seahawks. I guess we need to root for the hawks now ha ha.

We are gearing up for heading to Fort Collins on Wed. We are renting a van to make the drive. The weather looks like it is going to cooperate so that is good.

Roger got us volleyball tickets for Wed evening at CSU. I guess they are ranked 12th in the nation right now so it should be a great match. I am excited.

Your dad's online class he is teaching officially starts today. That is pretty fun. I will be doing my homework at night while he is grading other peoples homework. It's sort of ironic.

As I was studying my lesson last week, I was watching a video of a talk given by Henry B. Eyring and I realized it not only applied to me, but it also applied to you as a missionary. So on that note, I have a challenge for you. Here are some quotes from the talk:

Choose this day, Henry B Eyring

1. Choose to serve the Lord this day.

2. If you choose to serve you will feel his love and grow to love him more.

So the challenge I have for you is this:

Write down a few things that happen every day.

Never miss a day no matter how tired you are.

Ponder this question? Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us today?

Then, return and report:)

I sure love you! Hope all is well with you.

Love Mom


Hey mom! Sorry. Yesterday, we had a leadership training with president so we didn´t get our pday until today. That sounds like it will be a fun colorado trip! I hope the weather stays safe. I will take your challenge =) I don´t have a lot of time. Got tons of stuff to do. Haha I sure love you!