December 5th

Ethan getting the lights ready to put up! Next

Christmas he can do ours!

Good Afternoon to all!
It has been a fantastic, and absolutely blazing fast week. I feel like the last week was missing 2 or 3 days. In spite of the speed of the week, we were able to accomplish quite a lot. On Tuesday we had the office meeting as always, and on Tuesday we took Elder Tapia to complete a little bit more of his passport work. This week they will finally get it to him. Later on we took the Bible to Daniel, the guy that we contacted last Sunday. He is very excited to learn...but is very hesitant to go to church. He is a lot like the First Counselor in the Bishopric and so we'll be taking him in this week. We also visited Rosa and Arleth. Now Rosa's son, Raldi is also listening. Rosa and Arleth both went to church on Sunday and loved it. They are progressing quite well and are truly experiencing a change of heart.
Also, I am going to the Temple next Wednesday, so my P-Day won't be until Wednesday the 14th. That same night, Priscila will be getting baptized. Her family has strengthened my testimony so much, seeing how blessed they have been as they keep the commandments. Jose, the dad will be baptizing. The date was moved from the 10th to the 14th so that the whole family could attend. President will be going, the Eickbushes, and hopefully the Stake President. The Young Women will be preparing a special number for the baptism. It will be great and we are quite happy for them. On Saturday...we moved! Quite a nice surprise! We are now living in the same Apartment Complex as the Santo Domingo Stake President. It is nicer, and, it has hot water. Que bendición. It is a little farther from the office, about 7 away. I'm still sore from the move...that's what you get when you don't work out...whoops! That night we had a training meeting with the Stake Oriental, and that was great. It got over at about 9:30 and we got home around 10:30ish. On Sunday we had the Devotional at the CCM with the new missionaries. It was great, then as they began the Christmas Devotional we went home. We will be sending out DVD's For the Zones to watch the Devotional on Christmas Eve or Christmas.
I love this work. I haven't ever been happier. I pray for you all and pray that you are well.
I love you all!
Love Elder Mecham

FLIGHT PLANS!!!

ETHAN IS REALLY COMING HOME!!!!!

We got Ethan's flight plans and he is scheduled to come home on January 31, at 4:45 pm..

YEAH!!

BYU Game..Ethans Mission President and his wife.. on the right
Kairi colored this Turkey for Ethan.. She wanted a picture of it :)
BYU Baseball Game
Elder Green and Elder Mecham

BYU Baseball

Ethan and Elder Warren

The BYU Baseball team was in the Dominican Republic last week. What a fun day it was for the missionaries to have them there. Here is what Ethan said about it:

...BYU is in the DR! Today a few of us were able to go to the Yankees Stadium and watch the Yankee Recruits play against the BYU Baseball team. After a heated final 9th inning with the bases loaded...we came out with 3-6...BYU. It was a lot of fun and we were able to speak a lot after. GO BYU

The ball almost hit me...so I get to keep it! It's signed as well by Jarrett Jarvis

Oct-Nov Update

Elder De Jesus - Ethans Companion
Ethan Eating a Halloween Cupcake
A Barbeque Dominican Style

Chillin on the Freeway

A guy hitching a ride from a bus.. Hold On!

Wow I cannot believe how fast time is going by, it seems like I just update Ethans blog and then it has been another months.. So here is a short update, but mostly pictures.

Ethan is doing great, and now has a new companion. His former companion, Elder De Jesus, will be going home Dec 20th so he has been transfered to a different area for 6 weeks. Ethans new companion is Elder Green. He is from Bristol England, which is where Zane Served his mission.. Pretty cool

Sept- Oct Update

Ethan and Elder Cornish, Sister Cornish and their son Reed.

Elder Cornish spoke at the Oct conference
Brother and Sister Whitaker visiting-
They served in the Mission Office
Ethans Narly socks.. Gross
He said that they are stiff and full of holes!! Elder De Jesus getting rid of Ethans Shoes!
I guess they had a ceremony of some sort!! LOL
Romilda, Ariel, and Eliana ..They were just baptized

This is the Van that Ethan drives when they do their visits and

pick up new and leaving missionaries.. He LOVES it!

Ethan, Elder De Jesus, Elder Linares, Elder Ellis

Elder Ellis, Elder Linares, Sister and President Hernandez,

Ethan, Elder De Jesus

Wow He must really be doing some walking!!

Wow I cannot believe how fast time is flying by! It seems like I just barely write Ethan and then it is Monday again. I am so proud of Ethan and how much he loves his Mission. He is always so grateful he has been able to serve, and love his Savior so much! He is currently the AP to President Hernandez, and has been very blessed with this opportunity.

Since I am so behind on all his letters, I will just update with pictures. Ethan is doing well, his companion is Elder De Jesus and is from the Dominican Republic. Elder De Jesus will be leaving in December 20th and Ethan is very sad about that. He has said that he is the funniest guy he knows, and has loved serving with him.

As of today Ethan has 3 months 1 week left..

We Love you Ethan!

August Emails

Elder Farnsworth and Ethan
Elder De Jesus and Elder Mecham
Temple Day..
Elder Linares, Elder Ellis, President Hernandez,
Ethan, and his Companion Elder De Jesus

Elder Farnsworth's going away party..
August 29th
Good Afternoon Mecham Family! ¡Saludos de la Republica Dominicana!
Everything is well here...I myself am doing great, and so is my companion. We have been busy between working with President Hernandez and keeping up the work and our own area. Well...this last week was much more calm than the week before...we were busy, but it was more because of things we were doing following transfers than anything. The week before we were running around outside of the office. SO I received the package!! Thank you SO MUCH! I loved everything! Loved the pictures of the family at labarge and Whitney! I also love the shirts! I remember receiving my shirt from last year as well! My companion and I have pretty much made our way through all of the goodies...the fruit roll ups didn't have a chance once the box was opened! Well, It is suprising, and slightly heartbreaking that we are already entering September soon...I can't believe that. It truly does pass you by way to quickly
Well Mom I hope that all is going well. I pray for you as well as for the whole family daily and am so grateful to know of the safety and the health of all of our family. Keep pressing forward! This is His church! This is His Gospel!
Love you all,
Elder Ethan Blaine Mecham

August 24th
Well we were protected by the Lord yet again with hurricane Irene..and we are truly grateful for that. THank you so much for all that you do mom! Thank you family for your support!We didn't really receive anything from the Hurricane...just some wind, and a little bit of rain. Just like Emily it got pushed off its normal track...and from what I can see it is going to thrash on the Bahamas. Elder De Jesus and I are doing good here in Gazcue , We are continually tracting and looking for news...since time can be short...we are taking advantage of every moment here. I myself am feeling great and healthy...couldn't ask for more! Glad to hear that Grandma and Grandpa are getting a little bit better. I am praying for them. Let them know I am concerned for them and that they are in my prayers! Sunday us missionaries will be talking here in the ward...and singing Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy. But usually we just are there waiting for investigators to show up!

August 15th
Hey there! Sorry it is taking so long! We have our hands full and I haven't been able to write until now. Well...we will be heading out at about 8 o clock tonight to pick up the missionaries that are coming straight from the MTC in Provo and are coming straight to the mission. Then we will come back to take the missionaries that are going home to the hotel to spend the night...while the ones we pick up from the airport will be staying at our house. Then we will be up around 3 in the morning to take them all to the airport and drop them off. Then tomorrow after we get back, we will go to pick up the elders from the CCM and will be in meetings with them and their trainers until about 12 30 or 1 o clock. So we will be busy! Sorry...gotta go

August 8, 2011
Hello Mecham Family!
Well...it has been a great week...very warm. Elder Farnsworth is heading home tomorrow...and from that moment on...for the next 2 weeks we will be busy as can be. We have transfers coming up...and we will be making about 5 or 6 trips to the airport until tuesday. WHOO! Very little sleep will be had in this small time period. We will be leaving from here at 4 in the morning for most of these flights. Tonight is Elder Farnsworth's going home interview and dinner...and we will be having dinner at President's house. Puerto Rica style!
Listen to this...now every companionship is receiving a portable DVD player...so that they can watch the Preach My Gospel DVD's and other church approved videos. A couple weeks ago we received a shipment of over a hundred mini dvd players...so that's a pretty notable change that will be taking place.
Love Elder Ethan Blaine Mecham

July 31

July 25th
Well...this week has been great! It was kind of a rough day in church since Mendoza was going to get baptized if he went this week...but he didn't. That was sad. But we are going to keep working with him! Well I don't really have a ton to inform you about. We did have a funny event the other night. On Thursday night we got a call from President...and he was like...I need a favor of yours...my wife is lost and does not know how to get home. Haha so we called here, got her directions, found her on google map, and went and took her home. Haha but we were kindly rewarded with cake! That was quite nice! :)
This last week we haven't had a ton of time in our area...we have been running around doing a lot of things. We have done a lot of driving...and believe me...driving here is addicting...haha every man for himself.
We are going to San Pedro and La Romana this week for interviews. It is about and hour and a half to go there depending.
I am making a lot of pancakes now...instead of Peanut Butter and Jelly day and night...I make a small salami sandwich and toast it at night...and in the morning I make Pancakes...Blueberry...they aren't anything like Grandpa Calls...but they are pretty good! *My digestive system has been much kinder to me since I left the Peanut butter...milk, bananas, cheese, and eggs. I'm a slave...can't eat anything...oh well!
WEll I hope La Barge was great and that everything went well! Love you and hope that all is well!
Love Elder Mecham

Ethan and his new companion Elder De Jesus

July 18th
¡Saludos de La Republica Dominica!
Today we went with the Mission President to interviews..We usually wouldn't go with President but since he doesn't know the streets here...we have been going with him and with the Stake Presidents. I have been to Alma Rosa and Villa Mella which were both my Stakes at one point. This past week I had a neat experience...since I accompanied President to a meeting with a Stake President...it was my first area...Alma Rosa...and I was able to see Gabriel, someone I baptized, graduate from seminary. I can't even convey how incredible I felt to see that. What a blessing.
Well I know you are all curious to know what President is like. He is an incredibly funny guy. He likes to joke around. Of course he isn't like that in meetings...but we are able to see him outside of meetings and what not...and he is really funny.
I am emailing from the office listening to church music, instead of rap from the streets...it's nice..very nice. We live about 2 minutes away from the office in an apartment building of 5 floors. We live in the 3rd floor. We don't go with the Couple Missionaries at all...but we are with the President and his wife quite a bit.
Nope! Eating with the members is not permitted here. WE eat at a restaurant in front of the mission office all the time. But since each zone has been coming for their Interviews and eat...we also eat...so We have hardly spent any money. That's cool!
Wow! sounds like labarge will be quite the experience this year! I hope you can get in without problems! I will miss it for sure! Be sure to send me plenty of pics, and tell the whole family I love them and AM GRATEFUL FOR THEM!

My Desk
View from the Mission Presidents house President Hernandez and Ethan
Sister Eickbush- She works in the mission office
The Truck Ethan will be driving.. Oh he loves that!
Elder Farnsworth

July 11th
What a exciting week for us it has been. Ethan was called by President Hernandez and asked to be his Assistant. We are so pleased with Ethan and the progress he has made and proud that he has accepted these reponsibilities. Ethan is a awesome missionary and he loves loves loves his mission! He is very excited about being able to drive in the Dominican and said that it is quite the excitement. Each man for himself! :) As a mother I surely wouldnt want to see that since I have been there and know how wild it is on the road! Ethan is being trained by Elder Farnsworth who will be leaving August 9th. His new Companion is Elder De Jesus, and Ethan has said that there are few people funnier than him. He has said it's basically liking working in the states...rich, and sometimes difficult to get into doors. It has been great though. My house...has 24 hour light... hallelujah! But our water runs out a lot...and that's a problem.

Ethan is now serving in Valiente.. July 4th

Ethan and Elder Martinez
Ethan is pointing with the pen to the
new Area he is serving in. It is right on the Coast.

June 13, 2011

I guess he was left on the highway

and didnt

have a way home! LOL

Okay so boys will be boys! Please tell me

there weren't any snakes there!

Wow what a view!!

Ethan said that it is so so hot there right now. He has sweated more in the last week than he has the last 6 months.. not even kidding, HOT and HUMID.. He said his companion Elder Frame and himself traveled for 2 hours to get to this spot on their PDay..

He said it was so awesome there

May 30th and June 6, 2011

Ethan and his Current Companion Elder Frame
This is in front of Ethans apartment. The former missionaries

feed this dog, so now she greets them everynight.

His words were actually
Smelly Dog Greets them..LOL

Ethan and Elder Ellis
Ethan and Elder Mercado at the baptism of Carmelo and Rey

My New companion is Elder Chandler Frame. He goes home in September. He has been out 20 months. we are working our tails off...even though it has been raining constantly lately. It is pouring outside right now! We are finding more people everyday and trying to help them make it to the waters of baptism! The work is going great...the Zone is doing good...and hoping for better The Mission President goes home on the 28th I believe...and we have a conference with them on wednesday...but we won`t be doing anything out of the normal...I believe they will be living in Provo. Yes being Zone Leader is definitely teaching me a lot. It is a great experience. President said that he will be changing almost all of the Leadership out when the new President comes...so that he will have a clean slate...he made it seem like a lot of us will be senior companions after...we`ll see what happens! Love you all and Thank you for your support..

Elder Ethan Blaine Mecham

April 25 - May 23 2011

Ethan on his PDay - They went to the Dr for his companion Elder Mercado
Ethan dug up this whole field, to plant a garden I am guessing
His mother doesnt live there so he has to do the laundry! haha
Ethan showing off his pants he had made by a local..Pretty Snazzy!!
Ethan Lives on The 2nd Floor..

Well, good to hear from you all...I am in Mega Centro right now. (Right next to my first area) it`s the big mall I told you about...and the center is air conditioned. And there are not loud motorcycles driving by...it´s so peaceful Well we have 2 baptisms this weekend...Rey and Raynier...they were ready as we found them and stoked to be baptized.
P.S. I found a mouse under our stove top today...and chased it out...after about 15 mins of chasing it down...diving and missing...mind you this is tile floor...I finally trapped it....It was pretty good sized! Then we taped it shut and put it in the garbage...haha =)

May 2, 2011
Hey mom! How is eveything? I´m doing great here! As you can see...it has been quite a great Pday! We left at 7 to go to the doctor to have the doctor look at Elder Mercado´s knee...but the doctor wasn`t there....so then we were close to the sea and just sat and watched it for awhile....oh! and that was after eating at mcdonalds. =) then I took some fabric I bought last year to a place to make pants....some of these pants are falling apart...and I`ve never really liked them anyway. The pants will cost about 15 dollars to make...but this guy is really good. Only one got baptized this week...the other wasn`t ready...the two in the picture are cousins, and I have my hand on Maximo, the one that got baptized. His cousin baptized him.
Well....It has been a WET week! Things are getting quite wet. But we continue!
Yes I got your package and loved it! Everything! Thank you so much! Thank you!
Sorry this is so short...but I love you all and continually pray for you!

May 23, 2011
OKay! Transfers...I am staying....and Elder Mercado left this Morning...to fly out tomorrow...I gave something to him to deliver to you...it is nothing big.i thought you would like that since I have never been able to send you anything like that. He left at 9 30 and I am with E. Ellis and E. Molina. for today. They are both leaving su area, whitewashing it, and two others are coming in. E. Frame, one of our District leaders will be coming to be Zone Leader with me...so I will be training him as Zone leader. Also...E. Mercado and I traded back packs...and it will make the rain season SO NICE for me...it has an attached rain poncho...which will save me SO much heartache this season. It is a Low Alpine Air Zone Active 28. VERY NICE. I am wearing it in the pictures...if i can get them to send. Oh...and he may be getting surgery...not sure though...

My health is good. My cooking is also getting way better. I can make what is called a Moro. It is cooking beans and rice at the same time in the same pot...and so now i`m going to start making it with meat as well =). I LOVE my pants. SO comfortable...and the pair I am wearing today are snazzy as we would say. Tell Kairi I will go give her a big hug!
Elder Frame is a great companion and He is from California

Rey and Carmelo got baptized on Saturday. It was great! =)
Love you all, and thank you for your support and prayers
Elder Mecham