Nine

That's how many months Elder Trace has been serving his mission. That's how many new types of foods he's tried (believe it or not. That's how many times we pray for him every day. The time seems to have gone by so fast for he and all his friends serving missions. He continues to write us every week. We love that we can start our work week on Monday with word from our Elder. We continue to marvel at how much he has grown and changed. We were impressed with his diligence to serve an honorable mission when he came home for a few months to better prepare himself to dedicate his life fully to the Lord. Since he's been gone we've been able to see how his commitment has blessed his life and the lives of others. We see through his letters how his patience has grown, his acceptance of others, his work ethics, his love for the people he is serving for and with, and most of all we have see how his testimony and love for the Lord has grown. He left still a teenager, not quite an adult, and now we have seen how he has grown to become a man. Pride is probably not the best word to use but we are beaming just the same.

Well another month has passed. Trace has remained in the same area he started in. He and his companion have done amazing there. They have already surpassed the mission goals and have seen more baptismal success in the past four months than the area that was once considered one of the worst areas. He reports his language is coming along as is his appreciation for the people of Texas and his knowledge of the gospel.

We were thrilled to talk with him at Christmas and listen to the stories of mission life. It was funny to hear how his English accent has changed since he's been speaking Spanish. They are very close to the border of Mexico (about 10-15 minutes)and often hear gun fire from the disputes that happen with law enforcement and those working in the drug business. He says its different to live so close to a war-like zone but he feels safe and most of the time is too focused on the work to worry about it much. Here is a little something from his last letter about his P-day.

"p day yesterday was LEGIT. we played basketball for like 3 hours. then we went to a members house and had a bbq. after that we went "tie diggin" down here in texas they have these huge warehouses full of used clothes, and you can buy like ten pounds of clothes for a few bucks. almost all these places have ties too. i have no clue where they get them from, but they have tons. most of them are pretty dirty but if you just oxiclean them there are as good as new. yesterday i grabbed like 4 tommy hilfigures, like 3 donald trumps, a few geofferry beans, some jones new yorks, some calvin kleins, and a bunch of others for like 3 dollars. i wouldve spent like 400 bucks brand new. yep, thats life next to mexico. i'll send you some ties one day dad, and when you come to pick me up we can go diggin."(We remember the time when we took over an hour to find just one "perfect" tie."

We are very proud of him and are delighted to see him grow into a great man. One who loves the Lord.

Elder Covington has just starting his sixth month as a missionary. He loves the work and the people he is working with. He continues to stay in his original area and we think this is where he'd like to be for now. The area has not had a baptism in a couple of years and now there are 5 or 6 schedule for this month. He and his past 2 companions have worked tirelessly in visiting members who are not active and reactivating as well as teaching the gospel to those who have not had the opportunity. Here is an excerpt from his last letter.

"this week has been nuts. we have 18 baptisimal dates!!!!!! i dont know how many will make it to the end but im still way excited. we set our december goal for baptisms at 3.... we might get 5 or 6! i sure hope so. me and elder graham pretty much spent the last transfer turning the area around but now its up and running again. one of our baptisimal date is a 17 year old named justine. she is way cool. she asked me if i had a girlfriend and if not, are missionaries allowed to have girlfriends.... awkward!!!!! but she is way solid she is gonna get baptized for sure.... end up going to byu.... and have a bunch of little mormon kids that go on missions. thats pretty neat to think about. her mom was an inactive for about 20 years. her name is letti. we set letti up with this guy in our branch and they might get married!!! way cool."

They have a family getting baptized this Sunday. A husband, wife, and their kids. Too exciting. It's so great see how Trace has grown in his testimony of the gospel and as a missionary. Our favorite part of the week is reading his letters home and being able to feel a part of it.

It's been a couple of weeks since I've written. Trace had sent a couple of emails and to our surprise his camera chip that had all his mission pics and a video. Loved it. It was sooo good to see him. He took us on tour of his apartment. It's very humble and we are impressed that he doesn't complain about it. He looked pretty good and sounded happy to be there. We did, however, watch 95% of the video with our heads tilted 90' to the left because he was filming himself with the camera on its side. Ha Ha. It was great anyway. He's adjusting to the food, which is an answer to all our prayers, including his. In fact, he seems to be enjoying the whole experience. At one point Trace reminded us that before he left on his mission we suggested he might want us to pick him up from his mission. At that time he was very against it. Didn't think he'd want to "vacation" in the area he was a missionary. Didn't think he'd want to prolong his stay. Figured he just want to get home and back to "life as usual"... Well, he now says he thinks it'd be cool if we were able to pick him up. Says that Port Isabel is actually and nice little community. We'll see what we can do about picking him up but we'll see about it in another year or so :). Elder C got a new companion 2 weeks ago. Says he's okay but apparently they have a different sense of humor. We're confident that he'll adjust. Trace is working on reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish. He reports that he is slow but getting it done one word at a time. Before long he will only be using his Spanish scriptures. He says his testimony with the "gift of tongues" is growing. Says that his Spanish is improving all the way around but is 10 times better when he is teaching a lesson or sharing his testimony than in regular conversations. He says they really working hard at getting inactive members reactivated. They have between 25-35 active and about 75 inactive. He says as far as new members they are few and far between and this is why this area is considered one of the worse areas to work in. In the past two years they've had only 4 people baptized. But Trace is confident that things will change. They have gained peoples trust and this has made a big difference. They have a goal to baptize 6 people over the next 2 months. We're excited to hear that Trace isn't worried about the reputation of the area. We predict he will have much success in his personal growth as he helps this area grow. On a funny note. Trace does admit that knocking on doors has its challenges. He says the most powerful people in the area are the police and the missionaries. When either travel down the streets all the people scatter :) Here's to changing that.

Tomorrow Trace ought to receive his box of about 5 dozen cookies and beginning a three day sugar high. Yeap, We think he'll enjoy them. In his last letter he said when they eat at home he does okay with the food. He lives on toaster waffles, instant mashed potatoes, and tortilla shells. Notice the lack of green - although that's not different from him being home : ) Mostly, it's his lack of motivation to cook for himself. He is craving my brown sugar meatloaf, homemade mashed potatoes, and fresh broccoli (just for garnish of course) about now. On Saturday he and his companion went to a taco stand where you can eat all you want for $7. He said he ate 20 tacos. Said he won some competition and could have eaten more but they had an appointment to get to. Trace has shared how cool it was to see a sister be baptized after overcoming a lot of struggles with drinking, drugs, and other lifestyle choices that ultimately made her unhappy. She's the perfect example of how it's never too late to repent and change your life to be the life that God intended you to have. He is also getting a kick out of teaching a guy who sits on him porch most everyday and waves and calls out "Hello!" to EVERYONE who passes by his home. He even does it while they are trying to teach him :). The most challenging thing for Elder C now in actually not the food :) it's their lack of investigators. He says they could sure use the support of the members to help the missionaries find people to teach. Tracking is mostly unsuccessful. Always has been, statistically, but all missionaries do it in hopes to find someone who was waiting for them. And there are those times when a door is opened and the person answering has been waiting for them to come. However, by far the best way to find investigators, is with members introducing the gospel to others through example and invitation. Trace really emphasized this and encouraged and asked us all to be mindful and diligent in sharing with everyone. Neighbors, those at work, and even those we associate with on the soccer field at our kids games :). There are a lot of missed opportunities that our missionaries don't want to pass by...for them, for us, and for those who do not have the gospel in their lives.

Trace has actually taken the time to write more than three sentences. He actually wrote on three pages, both sides. After we picked our jaws up off the floor we thoroughly read it word for word and then read it again just in case we missed something. He seems to be doing very well. He mentioned that the time is passing quickly. He still misses home on P-day but the rest of the time he is busy and doesn't have time to think about it. We can see him grow as a missionary and grow in his testimony. He reports in the last three months he has read the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the New Testament. Says he loves reading and studying the scriptures and wishes he had discovered its validity when he was growing up (instead of whining that he HAD to read with us as a family - ha ha). His commitment to missionary work, he promises, will not end after he returns. He encourages us all to me missionaries and share the gospel. He also challenges his younger brother and sister to share their testimonies next Fast Sunday. We'll see if that happens :) Trace narrowly escaped a viscous dog attack when a dog ran out from underneath a car and bit him. (no skin broke) Trace said it scared him so bad that reacted by kicking at the dog like a football. Sadly, the dog was only as big as a football :) After landing the dog ran off and both he and Trace moved on (waiting to meet another day) Trace has learn to eat more foods. WOW?! Not actually liking more foods but had figures out how to swallow without looking like he is in pain somehow. Trace shares that the Port Isabel area in lovely and he and his comp will run a couple of times a week along the shores. Not bad scenery for exercise, eh? Their investigation pool is small but their hearts are big and even with the doors getting slammed in their faces, they continue on everyday wanting to share what they know to be true and what brings them happiness, in hopes that others can know too. What an amazing Elder he becoming.

Trace flew to Texas on Monday, September 6th. He was able to call us while he waited for his plane at the airport. It was great to hear his voice. He was excited and nervous at the same time. He's heard so many great things and some things that sounded dangerous, involving the drug trafficing, but all in all he seems to be antipating the good. We were sad that we had to say goodbye when we did so we could go to work but we know he is where he is suppose to be and know we will talk again soon through letteres. We, along with Tamber and our grandchildren, made Elder Trace a large care-package with a lot of goodies. We're crossing our fingers that it arrives undamaged and dry. Trace told us that his area has had a lot of rain. We got a letter from his mission (Pres. and Sister Trayner) on Wednesday letting us know that Trace had arrived and was doing well. We also recieved a letter from Trace. He reports that it had been raining non stop for the three days he'd been there. His apartment is about 1 1/2 hours away from the mission office but he can see the ocean from his front door. He said he was surprised with how green everything was. He had expected it to be like the desert. The town he is in is a little fishing town, Port Isabel Trace is not a fan of fish so dinner appointments will be interesting. His first teaching appointment was that first night and we was looking forward to that. His new address is listed on the side as is his mission office address should anyone want to write. He loves letters and packages. We're looking forward to more letters and pictures to come from him and will be sure to post weekly for those who are interested.

No, No, it's this way...


I like to call it..."Breakfast"


a.k.a "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego"

It's hard to believe that Trace has been at the MTC for 6 weeks now. He reports that his language is coming along great. He has had the chance to see and spend time with other missionaries who left from our area. His companion at the MTC is the District Leader and is a "no fun","no frills" kind of guy. This we find humorous because Trace tends to be an "all fun" kind of guy. Perhaps their differences will help them both become better within themselves. Trace shares that he is happy to be where he is at this time and is very thankful to all those who have written him and sent him care packages. Apparently the packages are great for "bragging" rights. Time has passed by quickly for us. Trace is good about writing us weekly and we here are committed to writing him a couple of times a week. Once in a letter and again when we send him his weekly care package with goodies and ideas for impromptu lessons, talks, or spiritual thoughts. He's in our daily thoughts and therefore our daily prayers. We've seen the blessings of having a missionary already. Maybe it's because our prayers have become more specific and earnest in his behalf; maybe it's because we know the challenge that mission life can be; maybe it's because we are trying to improve our own testimonies as he is sharing his; or maybe because it's because we know the worth in the work he is preparing to do ...whatever it is we find ourselves feeling closer to him and closer to our Savior and Heavenly Father each day.

Before he was Elder C. ~enjoying the jokes and laughter







Elder Covington has been at the MTC for 2 weeks. His first letter there was hand written instead of the normal email system because the system was down. We were thrilled he took the time to write at all :)He tells us the Spanish has come right back to where it was when he left last Fall. His teacher tell he and his fellow elders that they will be fluent in Spanish before they go into the field. His companion comes from a military background with his father being in the army for 40 years and the elder served in the navy for 3 before entering the mission field. Elder Covington says his comp. tells him there is no time for joking and laughter at the MTC but we are confident our elder will change his comps way of thinking before too long:). Elder C reports he has never been more tired and will find himself waking up in the middle of class without realizing that he even fell asleep. Elder C. has enjoyed all the letters and packages he has recieved and tells us they help make the time go by faster. He says he feel like he has been there for a long time. This is good. He will be even more excited to head for Texas when it is time. We love our Elder and are very proud of him. We know he will be the best missionary (especially when he has the ability to stay awake)!

WE LOVE OUR ELDER!

Trace has been back at the MTC for 24 hours now. He was set apart as a Missionary on the 6th with his family present. After a brief goodbye to some of his family members he returned home to finish packing and spend a little more time with his friends. On the morning of July 7, 2010 Tim and Misty took Trace to the airport at 4:30am. No tears this time (although eyes might have been a little damp with pride) Trace was a tired Elder but excited to get back to the MTC. He's been ready to go for some time now. Some of his last statements on the ride to the airport were "you can start letter writing" and "I'll look forward to those packages". Not wanting to disappoint we went home and had a care package of cookies sent that same day through dearelder.com. We love that company. Makes letter writing and sending care packages easy and quick.

So, we'll do our best to keep every posted weekly with updates and photos that he sends us. Please keep in your thoughts and prayers.

Photo from the past:

I chill ... I will... I am...















On November 17th Trace flew home from the MTC. While he was there he had not only learned Spanish but how to recognize the Spirit and follow the promptings. After being at the MTC for a few weeks Trace began to feel that he needed to come home to finish some things and prepare more to be a missionary. He will be home for six to nine months before returning to the MTC and completeing his mission in Texas. We thank everyone for supporting Trace thus far and hope that you will continue to do so over the next few months while he works toward returning to the field. We know he is doing the right thing and are proud of his decision to come home for a season in order to be the best missionary he can be.

Photo from the past: Check out my ride...I'm trading up for a bike...






Another week has passed by. Trace tells us that he loves all the letters and encourages us to continue with the care packages. He loves them and they're great for "bragging rights". Spanish is coming along. He says that he's learned more in the past two weeks than he did in the two years he took it in high school. Amazing what one can do with the Spirit and person study! As he is learning the language he is also learning about the mission in his area from return missionaries teaching him. Come to find out...missionaries are not able to drive at night, after dark, because of the methods that gangs initiate new members. The "new member" to be drives around at night with out their lights on until some other unsuspecting driver brights him (to tell him to turn them on) then the gang initiatee follows that car and shoots the driver. Trace thought this story would be fun to share...we are glad the missionaries in this area ride bikes:).

MTC Week One

Photo from the past: Trace, never to shy to star in a picture, asks the photographer if he's ever seen a baby quite as handsome as himself.



Trace has been at the MTC for one week. He tells us that the days are flying by and the Spanish is going well. Confessing that classes are more challenging because they teach them in Spanish but he's hanging in there. Thinking himself rather clever he gave us a few lines of his testimony in Spanish for us to interprete. We managed and love that he wrote us this way. We are now inspired to learn Spanish ourselves. This may or may not be a surprise to anyone but Trace is having a bit of an adjustment to the MTC food. He welcomes any food packages anyone may feel inclined to send his way:) And true to form...Trace looks forward to gym time and playing basketball. He shared a funny story, well funny to him but not the other elder, who sprained an ankle playing basketball and as he was leaving the health center area a basketball, intended for Trace, was hurled through the air, Trace misses it and the speeding ball is stopped successfully by the limping elders head - cut to elder dropping to the ground. Bad day for the elder. A funny memory for Trace. Both will never forget it.

First Letter Home

Picture from the past: Trace in one of his earliest adventures...the STAIRS.





So Trace has been in the MTC for a little less than a week. His Preparation Day or P day is on Thursday so this will be the day that does his laundry (yes it is now a scheduled event) and is able to have a little free time doing missionary appropriate activities like playing a little basketball or writing letters to family. He has already sent us one short letter. He shares that it is more difficult than he expected but still fun. He is there with one of his best friends who is going to Japan and in a room close to his. He also said that letters would be great! This is new because before he left he said he wasn't much of a letter kind of guy :) While he is in the MTC others are able to write him letters using the website http://www.dearelder.com/. They will hand deliver the letters for free every day to missionaries at the MTC. They also have carepackages that may be purchased and sent that same day or the next while he is in the MTC. Trace said he'd love to hear from us!

The last week home

It's been busy these past couple of weeks. We've continued getting items and tasks completed before Trace leaves. In true Trace-Face form, he waited until the last minute to get things done (just in case the list changed and he didn't want to do things twice). On the 17th Trace entered the Sacramento Temple to take out his endowments. It was the first of many spiritual experiences to happen this week. It was great because one of his older sisters, Tamber, was in town and able to attend. Great experience and we were to honored to be able to witness such an important step in his life.

(A familiar sight when on family vacations. The three kids sharing the back seat. Last time for the next two years.)

The following Tuesday Trace received his Patriarical Blessing. His 3 parents, 2 siblings, and 1 grandparent were in attendance. It was wonderful to hear of the love that our Heavenly Father has for Trace and the blessings that are awaiting him as he choses a righteous life. It's hard to put to words the feelings that come from such an experience but I think gratitude will do for now.

On Thursday evening Trace was to be set apart as a missionary. Before hand we took he and his brother and sister to an indoor miniature golf place that has a halloween theme year round. It was fun to see them get along and enjoy themselves. The place used black light so all of our whites glowed. After he was set apart his mom took him, the kids, and some of Trace's friends to dinner. Trace said it was weird because now that he was an Elder...he was not able to be out late and ended up going to bed before midnight (a first in a very very very long time).

Goodbyes were said on Friday morning to Trace's mom, Tashly and Tevin. We headed out to Utah about 10 in the morning. The trip was pretty uneventful and we were glad to arrive at Uncle Shaw's house safely. We could feel the temperature change immediately. Utah was great. We had a get together with the Covington side of the family. Although not members, they are so incredibly supportive of Trace serving a mission. Sure is a family with lots of love. We went to Utah 4 days earlier than we needed to so that we could finish purchasing clothes and items that were required of Trace before he entered the MTC. We managed to have just enough time for that and for a little fun too. Of course it rained and snowed (to the chagrin of Trace) which was a reminder of how much we love California although it's nice to remember how pretty it is when the snow falls.

(Dad chasing Trace...a regular activity growing up...during Ultimate Frisbee game)

(Cake that Tamber made for Utah get together)

(Trace with his big sisters- now he's taller than them)

(Trace showing his nephew how to set up the toy set that use to be his. He had a little bit of a hard time letting go :) )

(Monday night we went to Temple Square in SLC and walked around the visiter center. Great view from the ground. Better from inside)

Wednesday was the big day. Trace was packed and ready at 9:00am, we drove to Provo and met his older sisters, niece, and nephew for lunch before dropping him off. In recent months the MTC stopped having a family goodbye meeting due to the swine flu being spread so ramped. Now it is a curbside drop off. Literally, we have time to get the luggage and the missionary out of the car, take a couple of photos, a quick hug and off he goes. I suppose it was nice to have it quick like that...no need to pull that "goodbye band aide" off any slower than it was. We said our goodbyes than jumped back into the warm car with our eye a little misty with tears. They were good tear and short lived as we talk of how proud we were and excited for this next stage in his life. He's sure grown up fast.

(Our goodbye photo)

(Watching Trace walk towards the MTC doors with an escort pulling his bags - It's official - He's a missionary!)

Until next time ...

Four More Days!!!

Last week we co-hosted an open house for Trace and one of his best friends, Parker, so their friends and families to get together to say their "good byes" and "good luck" for the next two years. It was great fun with tons of food and laughter. One of the highlights (next to Mayloni's brownies and Heidi's petitfours) was the Tuttle girls singing their version of "I hope they call me on a mission" with lyrics specific for the soon to be missionaries. The next day they both gave their farewell talks. Very impressive. No doubt they will be amazing missionaries. This week was all about the Temple. Saturday Trace received his Endowments. It is fair to say that this was greatest experience, thus far, towards his becoming a missionary. Such an thrill to be there with him. Over the next four days we are looking forward to being witness to him receiving his Patriarchal Blessing and then on Thursday evening he will be set apart as a MISSIONARY! Sure love this kid. Our sense of pride is causing us to breath more deeply each day.

Trace contemplating how the word "fireside" will mean something else in Texas.

Doing best to prepare for his mission by getting plenty of rest

(wonder if he knows you can't store it)

We drive Trace to Utah four weeks from today. We met with him on Tuesday to talk about what he had left to do or purchase before entering the MTC and in his oh-so-familiar-relaxed-way he assured us all was cool and would be taken care of (i.e. partriarical blessing and endowments appointments). In our encouraging yet "knowing" how he procrastinates way, reminded him that he is to enter the MTC in five weeks, this prompted him to involuntarily suck in air with a gasp and his eyes shot open with reality. Yeap, that did the trick. He tells us he is excited as are we. Proud doesn't describe how we feel but it will have to do for now.

The Call August 7, 2009

"I will go where you want me to go...but please please...not spanish speaking"

Family and friends are all able to be "there" thanks to cell phones and webcams. See the two laptops? One is Tawni and Dan the other is Tamber and her family. Technology is AWESOME!

This is Trace and his friends reactions when he continues to read the letter and realizes the Lord actually wants him to speak spanish (What? Spanish? Didn't the Lord hear him?) No hay problema Trace... espanol es facil. Vas a estar bien!