Gage Family Blog

Elder Brent Gage Nov 2011

2011-11-21T12:39:00.003-07:00

We finally got a camera card from Brent! The very first one! He is loving his mission! He is in Murfreesboro right now. He loves his comp, Elder Lewis. Brent just got made district leader! He has learned and grown so much from this missionary experience! We are so proud of him!!!

Brent's Missionary Blog

2011-09-09T14:49:00.002-06:00

This is Brent's first posting of his new missionary blog! IT IS AMAZING!!! PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ IT!!!

His blog is, The Missionary Mind. Funny, he signs it Elder B. Melvin Gage.

Be a Man!

"Oh come on! Be a man!"

How many of us have heard this one? My three brothers and I flung this challenge at each other constantly while growing up. Always watchful for another's sign of weakness, we would throw out the challenge "Be a man!", and whoever was called out would have to step up: "What do you mean you don't want to jump off the cliff? Be a man!", "You can only do how many push-ups? Be a man!", "You only had three bowls of ice cream? Oh come on! Be a man!"

Needless to say, my view of what was a 'man' was was a little off.

Over the years, my insight into what a man really is has changed and grown. When I was younger, I would look to the action heroes and say to myself, "Now that is a man!" I would see their 'strength', their daring, their disregard for safety, and for others, and I would believe that that was the ideal. I would strive to be like them; emulating their attributes I would behave as I thought a man should behave. And I believed that I was heading down the right path.

My friends, I was wrong.

I believe that society has distorted what the ideal man is. With movies, music, and TV, the image of what a boy should hope to become has changed from what it was intended to be. Today we are bombarded with images of men gratifying their own desires, violently striving for their own pleasures, and seeking to tear others down so that they may have what they want. They commit to nothing. They think of no one but themselves. A family is the last thing on their minds, especially if they already have one. In short, I believe selfishness has been the downfall of true manhood.

In "The Family: A Proclamation To The World" we are taught that "By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families". Fatherhood is a divine office to hold. I want all of you fathers to think of that for a moment. You are entrusted with the stewardship of your family. You are to love them. Guide them. Provide for their needs. Protect them. Teach them. And these responsibilities are appointed to you by the Divine Father of us all. The Creator of the universe has entrusted YOU with some of His most prized possessions: His children.

How great is your calling!

Now, I have realized a different source to look for examples for what a real man should be. I have been blessed with the incredible example of my father, and the inspiring example of my grandfather. My father is the hardest worker I know. He's a tough guy. He's worked at the same factory job for nearly 25 years, trying to give us a better life than he had. He's got leathery hands, and a soft heart. His family has always been first in his life. I cannot express the gratitude I have for my father. My grandfather has also been an example I will always cherish. He has 10 children, and raised them all on a machinist's salary. He's worked the same job for over 40 years, working long days and often returning home just to work some more. My grandfather is humble, yet a genius; hard working, yet gentle; strong, with the biggest heart I've ever known. If I could become half the man my grandfather is, I would have lived a life well spent.

The ultimate example of manhood is our Savior Jesus Christ. If there ever were a question as to how a man should be, we need look no further than the pages of the New Testament. In everything He did He displayed the divine attributes of the perfect Man. He was humble. He was hard working. He spent His life in the service of others, taking no thought for His own needs or wants. And at the end of His mortal ministry He made the ultimate sacrifice; atoning for our sins and giving His life so that we may have life eternal. "Greater love hath no manthan this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" -John 15:13 (italics added). Should we not all look to the example of the world's only Perfect Man for the example of the Ideal Man?

“What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.”-3 Nephi 27:27
“Behold the man!”-John 19:5
“Arise from the dust, … and be men.”-2 Nephi 1:21

In a recent general conference talk, Elder D. Todd Christofferson issued the invitation "Let us be men", and I wish to re-sound that call.

My friends, let us be men.

Let us put others before ourselves. Let us deflate our puffed up hearts. Let us find joy in serving others. Let us work without complaint. Let us love without reserve. Let us treat those we love with respect. Let us put the things of God before the things of men. Let us give our lives to our families. Let us bring peace to the troubled. Let us be the strength of the weak. Let us give hope to the hopeless, and kindness to the downtrodden. My friends, let us be men, as Christ was.

Bishop Lifferth & Elder Gage 5/15/11

2011-05-15T14:55:00.002-06:00

Got home from church today and this was on our email! What a blessing to have my son in my hometown!!

BEST MOTHERS DAY EVER 5/8/11

2011-05-15T14:50:00.002-06:00

For Mother's Day, we got to skype with Elder Gage! He drove to my mom & dad's house (which is only 5 min away!) and skyped with us from there! He looked so good! He sounded to happy! He loves being a missionary! We are so proud!

Elder Gage finally pictures!!! 4/22/11

2011-04-27T22:53:00.005-06:00

YAY!!! We finally got some great pictures from Brent (These are some of his MTC pictures, I will add others later)! He looks great! His emails are so happy and uplifting! He says he loves being a missionary! WE ARE SO PROUD OF HIM!!!

Last Sunday, April 24, 2011, was an AWESOME Easter Sunday! I got double the pictures of Brent! First, Darren & Sarah & girls were in Tenn visiting and just happened to go to church in Brent's ward...I wonder how that happened?!? Brent passed the sacrament to their family and took some great pictures with him afterwards. Darren said his girls wouldn't stop hugging and kissing on him! Brent loved it! He said in his email, "seeing them really cheered me up"!

Then my sweet friend Beth, had Brent and his comp over for dinner! And she sent me pictures of him at dinner! Then she texted me later and said Brent and his comp gave the most spiritual message! That just warmed my heart!

Elder Gage March 14, 2011

2011-03-14T22:55:00.003-06:00

My sweet friend Beth delivers again! Yes, thanks to Beth, Brent got more homemade goodies! And I got another pic!

This is the only way I have gotten pictures of him! .....for heaven's sake could ya throw a camera card in the mail already!?!

Mikaela's Junior Jazz Championship Team 2011

2011-02-24T11:49:00.003-07:00

I coached Mikaela this year in the 5th & 6th girls Junior Jazz league. THEY are the UNDEFEATED CHAMPIONS! Kaela was the highest scoring player on the team, she even swooshed some 3-pointers!

Players left to right: Lydia, Coach Susan, her daugher- Megan, Brooke, Mikaela, Allison, Kennedy, Tessa, Me

Valentines Package for Elder Gage 2/23/11

2011-02-23T21:36:00.002-07:00

Thanks to my BFF Beth, Brent got a Valentines package delivered right to his door! She was out here and asked if she could take anything to Brent. I didn't have his address in time to send a Valentines package, so I sent one with her. I made homemade cookies with Valentine M&Ms. I also sent someother valentine treats. But he got them the day after I made them thanks to Beth!

And she sent me a picture of him when her and her kids, Brierra, Blaise & Lexie, delivered them to him!

Elder Gage in Nashville!

2011-02-14T22:53:00.002-07:00

Sunday Feb 13, I was in primary, picked up my phone to check what time it is and what do I see?!?! A picture of my son Brent in Tennessee! My sweet friend Beth saw him at church and took a picture of him and his comps in front of the Nashville Temple! MADE MY DAY!!!

Brent's first MTC Pictures 1-18-11

2011-01-18T22:54:00.003-07:00

We finally got some pics of Brent in the MTC. He looks so happy! It makes us so Happy! He said he is having a blast! We feel so blessed to have Brent in the MTC and lovin' it!

Brent is a man of very few words. So this is what we know:

*He is the district leader
*His comp is Elder White from Texas

*He and only 3 others from his district are going to Nashville. (the others are learning Spanish but are going to other cities in the US)

*He learned to juggle

*He is in love with the gospel (haha, he told this to Steph. He told her not to be jealous, haha)

WE ARE SO PROUD OF BRENT! HE IS ALREADY A GREAT MISSIONARY!

ELDER BRENT GAGE-MTC 12/8/10

2010-12-08T20:52:00.003-07:00

We took Brent to the MTC today. We are so proud of him and his decision to serve our Heavenly Father for 2 years. He will spend 2 months in the MTC learning Spanish. He will leave for Nashville,TN on Feb 7, 2011.
We took the whole family over to the Provo Temple and took pictures. Then we drove to the MTC and dropped him off at the curb. It was much easier than taking him in, but it still hurts a momma's heart :'(.

2010-08-10T12:47:00.000-06:00

Elder Gage August 2010

2010-08-10T12:41:00.003-06:00

We were so excited to have Dave home in 2 months. But happily for him, he extended. He was called as AP. To be able to accept this, he has to stay through October to train the AP coming in after him. So of course, he accepted! We are so proud of him!

Mikaela Receives the Mayor's Award 8/3/10

2010-08-09T22:44:00.004-06:00

Our sweet Mikaela was nominated by her 5th grade teacher, Miss Roach, for the mayor's award. This award is presented to people who give a positive contribution to the community. This is what Miss Roach wrote about Mikaela, "Mikaela is a 5th grade student at Brookside. She is the youngest and only girl in her family. She is quiet and kind to others. All through her years at Brookside, Mikaela has shown good citizenship and always tried her best to be successful." We are so proud of our amazing daughter!!!

Elder Brent Gage 6-28-10!!!!

2010-07-01T23:35:00.003-06:00

Brent was ordained an Elder on Sunday, June 28, 2010. We are so PROUD of him! He is an amazing young man! Thanks to everyone that came and supported him! WE LOVE YOU BRENT!!!

Brent's Graduation 5/26/10

2010-05-27T16:07:00.003-06:00

2010-04-26T22:33:00.000-06:00

2010-04-12T22:43:00.000-06:00

2010-04-12T22:40:00.000-06:00

2010-04-12T22:37:00.000-06:00

2010-04-12T22:15:00.001-06:00

Some older pics of Elder Gage!!!

2010-04-11T23:06:00.001-06:00

Even more pics....

2010-03-28T16:27:00.002-06:00

Pics from Elder Gage 3/21/10!

2010-03-21T19:24:00.002-06:00

Ruby's Inn Retreat 3-6-10

2010-03-09T21:40:00.002-07:00

Super Bowl Party at the Gages 2010

2010-02-16T23:16:00.001-07:00

Gages & Zurawski's take Las Vegas Jan 29, 2010

2010-02-16T23:04:00.002-07:00

We had a great time in Las Vegas with Shauna, Jeremy & sweet baby Clara. We picked them up from the airport on Friday afternoon. We worked out in the gym and then went swimming at the Cancun resort. We had a tasty dinner at The Rio Casino buffet. Then we drove down the strip.

Then on Saturday, Shauna, Jeremy, Don & I all dressed up real crazy and were on the "Let's Make A Deal" game show! Bizarre, I know! We had a great time. Jeremy was the only one of us to win something. Watch us on Mar 26 and April 6!

Elder Gage 1 Year Mark! Oct 8, 2009

2009-12-25T12:08:00.003-07:00

He enjoyed burning his shirt to celebrate!

Christmas Eve 2009-We got a package from Dave!

2009-12-25T11:55:00.004-07:00

This is the best Christmas ever! We got a package from Elder Gage on Christmas Eve! Wow! A Christmas miracle! He sent us some Samoan t-shirts, maps of Samoa, Samoan money, lava-lava and my favorite....3 camera cards!!!

Halloween 2009

2009-12-02T20:54:00.002-07:00

No need for words....

Making Pizza for Family Night! 11/16/09

2009-11-19T22:37:00.003-07:00

Elder Gage is now in American Samoa

2009-11-03T20:29:00.003-07:00

Dave's email this week said he had been transferred to American Samoa. This is only his 3rd area to be in and the first time to be in American Samoa. He has already been to Carls Jr, McDonald's and Pizza Hut! His new companion is Elder Michael McKell from Orem, UT. (I've already looked them up and talked with his mom! Sounds like they will get along just great!). Elder McKell has been out for 4 1/2 months, so Dave is the senior companion. We got his really sweet letter from the mission president letting us know this.

Dave is in Tafuna, Tutuila, American Samoa. He said in his email, "Our house is on a families land, on the side of their house. And our house is really nice. Its big for missionary houses and its got tile and stuff in the bathroom. The only thing is, it doesn't have hot water. For 6 months in Pesega, I had hot water for showers, now I'm back to cold showers and I feel like a wimp, haha. We have a washing machine place right next door to where we live, so this morning was the first time in about 10 months that I've used a washing machine."

He also recently said that he is very comfortable with the language, English or Samoan it feels the same.

He ended his email saying, "I was nervous coming to a whole new island, in a new area that we are going to be opening, with a new comp, that I will be training. But I am really excited because it is going to be such a great experience. I'm really excited! I hope I can be a good influence on my comp". "Neither my comp or I are familiar with this area, so it will be a fun little adventure."

It has been over a year and I can't believe the diffence in the way I feel. It was so hard at first! My heart ached for him daily. But now I feel wonderful! I feel so happy that Dave is in Samoa serving a mission for our Heavenly Father! We have had so many amazing blessings! It has been worth it all!!!

Elder Gage's email 10/12/09

2009-10-12T18:18:00.000-06:00

Hey Family,Yeah I can't believe it. I have past the one year mark! Its gone by so fast. But its also kind of sad feeling that I only have one more year. but on the other hand it is nice think that I will see you guys in less than a year. Time is just going by too fast. I didn't celebrate much on the 8th because we were so dang tired. but i did take a few pictures of me holding a paper that said one year on it. It has been a crazy week. This week we went to those areas that were hit by the tsunami and helped out. We drove down tuesday, wednesday, and thursday (and thursday night was my one year mark). And tuesday night too we were up most of the night helping with the unloading and storing of all the stuff the church set on a huge DC10 cargo plane (that was a cool looking plane!). I got a total of 4-5 hours of sleep that night if you total all the little naps we got to take. Then on wednesday at 9 am we drove right back out to help. I took a lot of pictures and videos. There is so much destroyed down there. It looked like a war zone. houses and hotels are non existant, sheet metal wrapped around trees like paper. It didn't seem real. its like the stuff you see on tv but I was right there. It was so weird seeing how powerful the tsunami was. it would take concrete walls string them out held together only by the rebar in side. Its hard to describe but just seeing the damage you realize how powerful the wave was. but we would help gather the sheet metal in piles, gather all the scrap would and stuff and pile it up and burn it. Then on Thursday we went up towards the mountains where families were now living, living under thrown together houses and tarps. We helped dig holes for people to use as bathrooms, and any other things we could help with. It really just felt like a dream seeing all this. and there was actually another tsunami warning while we were there helping on Wednesday (we hurried inland) but nothing ended up coming. And all this work we did we did wearing missionary attire because president wanted people to see us, and see that we are from the LDS church. News people also got videos and pictures of us helping, so i hope that all these things will help prepare others to accept the gospel. But wednesday after all the work, a bunch of us got together and bought and ate pizza in the mission home and afterwards one of the Aps played guitar and they sang some good classic songs. So im just gonna consider that or make that my 1 year celebration since i didn't do anything the actual day ( I was so tired). Thinking about my one year mark, Im motivated to make this next year even better than the last. Jordan, I am so happy for you! What an amazing experience. I was actually just reading mine earlier. Be sure you read it often jordan, use it as your iron rod. I need to be better at reading mine often. Dad, you talk about ice on the windshield as i'm here sweating as I email. I would love to feel some cold right now :) I'm not sure about transfers. We have interviews with the president on wednesday so i might find something out. but i think its in another couple of weeks. Also, on Saturday we had a really good baptism with a 22 year old girl, Sunema Nise. She has been through so much (like her exhusband abused her, and threaten to kill her if she got baptized), it was such a good baptism. Im loving the work. Well I better go. I love you all so much, and thanks for all the prayers and support. have a good week.Alofa atu,Elder Gage

Adorable Elle Grace

2009-10-05T11:44:00.002-06:00

More TN pics...

2009-10-05T11:37:00.002-06:00

Mikaela, Laura, Shala and Brennley Go to TENNESSEE!!!

2009-10-05T11:10:00.003-06:00

Don bribed Kaela with tickets to Tennessee if she would not do Stadium of Fire again this year (he barely made it through one Miley Cyrus concert!). So we flew to Tenn on 9/22/09 and came home 9/29/09. It was a blast! Especially getting to be with Shala, Shauna, Brenn and Clara the whole time! WE LOVE 'EM!!! Brennley and Clara are both adorable and perfect little angels! And Shauna & Shala are not only my sisters but my best friends!

It was so awesome to get to snuggle with baby Clara and baby Parker! Both adorable, sweet lil babies! Their blessings were inspiratonal.

One of the best things ever was all 3 of us sisters getting to spend to much time together with our mom! She is amazing and an incredible example to all if us!

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family!

ELDER GAGE IS SAFE IN SAMOA after Tsunami 9/29/09

2009-09-30T15:49:00.001-06:00

This is the email we got from Dave:

Hey family,I've got to be quick but I'm perfectly fine, please do not worry at all. We felt the earthquake, but we are on the complete opposite side of the island from where the tsunami hit. So not that much exciting news. and whenever there is a warning, our zone gets picked up really quick, and we go way high up on the mountain. So please, please do not worry about me. Just remember its on the complete other side of the island, so we are just hearing about the other side. The gave us an option to either call or email our families, and I hope you'll understand but I don't really want to call (I'm sure you understand dad). But its kind of boring for us on this side nothing has happened at all on this side. I've just heared some crazy stories from other missionaries on the side of the island where it hit. but just remember I am completely fine, and I am and was so far away from any danger. right now I just hope that we can go over on that side and help people. But I'll talk more on monday about it. Love you guys, thanks for all your prayers. Just remember I am perfectly fine, mom, please do not worry. Just pray for all those families that have lost there homes and loved ones. Love you all,Elder Gage

Dave and his fav comp, Elder Williams

2009-09-08T20:15:00.003-06:00

9/8/09 Pictures from Elder Gage

2009-09-08T19:51:00.003-06:00

We got a package from Dave! It was received at our post office in mid July but we didn't get it until now. It came while we were on vacation but the notice was not put with our mail they were holding. Oh well, it was worth the wait! We got a camera card full of great pictures and video clips, lava lava's for the whole family, really cool Samoan battle axes for the boys, Samoan t-shirts for dad, hand woven purses for mom and Kaela, and hand painted hair clips too!

Dave said in his recent email, "On Saturday we baptised, Falaniko. A 20 year old kid, and its cool because a couple of months ago I baptized his younger brother." "Today here in Samoa, is the official day that they have switched the roads. Instead of driving on the right side of the road (like in america), today they've switched it to the left side. None of the ZLs are allowed to drive today." "This week, Elder Williams came back from Savaii with other zone leaders to pick up the new right-hand drive vans. And man, I miss Elder Williams. He was such a fun, great companion."

Hobble Creek Half Marathon 8/22/09

2009-08-27T10:39:00.003-06:00

This was a great day! Me, Jordan, Brent, my lil sis, Shala & her hubby, Pat and my brother, David all ran the Hobble Creek half marathon. Thanks to Pat & Shala for talking us into doing it. I have always wanted to run it because it is just up my street. And it is a incredibly beautiful run. Coming down our canyon is a truly breath-taking experience. We are so blessed to live here! The weather was perfect. I felt better than I did at the Music City half in Nashville 2 years ago and I had a better run time, 2hrs 30min(I know I'm slow...but I did it)!

Brent and Jordan did only 1 practice run and beat the family record! Nobody in the Lifferth/Gage/Stephens/Zurawski families have ever been able to break the 2 hour mark and they did it!!! Jordan and Brent did it in 1 hour 58 min!!! I'm so proud of them!

Elder Gage, More Samoa!

2009-08-04T20:07:00.003-06:00

These are just more of the pictures Dave sent us a while back. In his last email, he sadly said that Elder Williams got transfered. So sad! But he is moving on to bigger things, a zone leader in Savaii! Good luck Elder Williams! Dave and us will miss you!

Dave's new comp is Elder Tolley from Oregon. He said he is a good missionary! And they had baptisms planned for last week but they got sick, so hopefully it will happen this week!

Dave told us of some recent experiences with opposition, he said, "...its like my whole life I've been surrounded by nothing but support for my testimony and beliefs but now on the mission all the sudden I'm encountering opposition and its a test of testimony. It really is such a blessing to have these experiences, to see really how strong your testimony is. Guys, prepare now for the mission, it really is the best, I love it!"

Lake Powell-July 2009, A BLAST!!!

2009-07-27T17:31:00.004-06:00

We went to Lake Powell for our summer vacation! It was awesome, huh Rick! The only thing that would have made it better would be to have Dave with us. But he is doing bigger and better things in Samoa!!!
We brought our trailor down and camped at Statton Creek with Uncle Karl and Aunt Paula, their daughter Jen and her husband, Jeff and their adorable kids, Jake, Julianna and Adalyn. Crazy cousins, Craig and Darren, their Uncle Skip, who is now officially our Uncle Skip too! My cousin Rick, his wife, Sherry and their cute girls, Sheridan and Natalie, all the way from Oklahoma!

Lots of fun: tube wars (especially with Craig on the megaphone!!), sking-especially Jake, Julianna & DON!!, sea dooing-thanks to Rick, late night mafia, Paula's yummy cookin', cliff jumping, rainbow bridge, hiking the big crack in the wall, Uncle Skip's words of wisdom, speedos, etc. GOOD TIMES!!! GOOD TIMES!!!

2009-07-27T17:25:00.001-06:00

More Lake Powell!!!!!

2009-07-27T17:08:00.003-06:00

Mikaela's Softball Team takes 2nd in State Tourney

2009-07-10T09:31:00.003-06:00

Mikaela's softball team did awesome this year! They went undefeated through the regular season and took 2nd place in the state tournament. They played so good and only lost 2-1. I was one of the coaches and I was so proud of Mikaela and her team!

BRENT'S HOME!!!!!

2009-07-10T09:10:00.003-06:00

Brent is a sweetheart! He surprised us and came home early from his summer adventure to be here for Mikaela's state softball tournament! We were soooo happy to have him home! Here are some pictures of his adventure....

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6/30/09 More Samoa Pictures, finally!!!

2009-07-01T23:05:00.004-06:00

We were so excited to finally get another camera card from Dave! It had some amazing video clips that I'm hoping to get small enough to add to the blog. Enjoy!

Dave's Email 6/15/09 and 6/22/09

2009-06-24T20:57:00.006-06:00

We got two awesome emails from Dave in the last 2 weeks. Still no pictures but Dave said he has sent us another camera card, so hopefully new pix soon!
He sounds so good in his emails! I can tell he is so happy and loving his mission! It really helps to have a fabulous comp, Elder Williams!!! He talked about how great it is to work so hard right along beside him. He's told us how fun it is to have long talks with his comp just about life. He has shared some of his amazing experiences with him.
He told us of his strong testimony of fasting and the many blessings from it. He told us of an experience of fasting, how hard it was since they were proselyting and he was so hot and thirsty but the miracles that came from it were incredible, new investigators names coming to them and investigators that they already had became more accepting of the gospel.
His testimony of the temple was greatly increased when they had a zone conference inside the temple. Their mission pres and the temple pres both spoke to all of them. He said the spirit was so strong, he just didn't want to leave. It also helped him understand more about the temple. He said, " I wish I could keep the spirit of the temple with me all the time".
He said he had some investigators ask some questions that he had to think hard for the answers, then he realized that the answers were in the Articles of Faith and the scripture mastery. So of course he told us he wished he would have worked harder on memorizing them. He challenged all of us to get them memorized!
He also told us he put all of our names in the temple while he was there for the zone conf. I told him in his last email that was an inspired thing to do because it saved his brother Jordan's life. He was learning how to ride a motorcycle this weekend and took it, at full speed over a 15 foot cliff and landed in a creek. He walked away with only a full scratches and bruises. Another miracle for the Gage family! We have been so greatly blessed with Dave serving a mission!

Brent's Summer Fun!!!

2009-06-01T20:56:00.003-06:00

Thanks to my brother, Darren and his wife, Sarah, and kids, Brent is spending his first week of the summer on the beautiful beaches of Florida. My brother, Jon and his wife, Lauralynn and kids met them down there. Here are some of the pictures they sent us! We are all jealous!

GREATEST Mother's Day EVER!!!

2009-05-28T21:24:00.008-06:00

WE GOT TO TALK WITH DAVE!!! It's been a long time since we've got to hear his voice. Maybe you won't understand this, but as a mother it makes my heart happy just to hear
his voice! Just hearing him talk...I can tell how he is doing! AND HE IS HAPPY!!! I could just tell from his voice. He sounded so grown up. His voice was deeper. He sounded more mature (if that is possible with Dave).
But we only got to talk for 70 min. Which was way too short compared to our long December conversations. We got to talk for a long time when he was at the airport. Our Christmas talk was over two and a half hours and $1150 dollars...yes, its true. But it was worth every penny! So our measly 70 minutes seemed way too little, eleven hundred dollars cheaper but way to short!
He is having great success with his comp Elder Williams! They cover 3 wards and have had baptisms almost every single week since they have been together! What incredible blessings! They have been very grateful for the hard working members who help them with referrals. He has been so impressed with how loving the Samoan people are. He said he wants to be more like that.
He shared his testimony with us in Samoan. It was so touching! And it was truly amazing. He only started learning the Samoan language in October, and he sounded great! Dave said that in their new area some people speak English. So he was teaching a lesson in English and was really having a hard time with some words, which is so funny...English is his native tongue!

He was also very excited to get to start working out again. There is a gym close by and for their exercise the mission president is allowing them to go there. He told us that Elder Williams said he will have Dave benching 225 in just 5 weeks! (Too bad his little brother Brent is already benching 215!!!) You better get to work Elder Gage!

His advice to us was to love each other. He told his brothers and sister not to fight, just love each other. Great advice for all!
He also said to read and study the scriptures, everyday! He was very impressed that his brother Brent has read all of the standard works, something he has not finished yet. But is working on it right now. He also encouraged his brothers to study, Preach My Gospel, everyday too.
He said he loves his mission! He is learning and growing so much. It's been the best thing in the world for all of us! WE LOVE OUR MISSIONARY!!!

Elder Gage and Elder Williams!

2009-04-27T22:48:00.002-06:00

These wonderful pictures came from my sweet missionary mom, Becky Williams! Thanks!

Brent's Prom 2009

2009-04-26T21:45:00.002-06:00

Brent took his adorable girlfriend, Camylle to Prom on Saturday April 25, 2009. Brent and his 3 best friends, Nick, Josh and Mitchell took their dates ice skating then to Build-A-Bear. Then they took the girls home to get all dressed up and then went to the Spaghetti Factory for dinner. After dinner, they went to the prom at the Historic Utah County Court Building. They had a blast!

Elder Gage is now in Pesega,Upolu!

2009-04-20T18:18:00.002-06:00

We just our weekly email from Dave. He got transferred for the first time since he has been in Samoa. He was sad to leave Sili, Savaii and shed some tears as the bishop's family gave him a "ie" and another family gave him a "Ulu", a necklace type thing. But he was so excited to find out that his new comp in his new area was Elder David Williams! Some of you know him, he is the son of my new friend/missionary mom that I was so blessed to find before Dave left on his mission. Her name is Becky Williams and she has been an angel sent from above to me! She has had so much wonderful advice and suggestions for us and she has been a great support to me! And now our sons our companions!!! What an incredible blessing!!! Dave was so excited about it, finally a comp that has the same excitement and desire to share the gospel as him! One of the first things he said was that Elder Williams is a great comp and wants his cousin to call off her wedding and marry him!
Dave also said he got to eat cereal, pizza and Chinese food for the first time in 4 months! Dave loves food so this is a thrill for him I'm sure!
The area that he is now in is near the Samoa Apia temple and the mission offices. Elder Williams told him this area is on fire, having 23 baptisms in the last few months. Dave said, "I'm excited to be here and really push the work forward in this area. Also, some of the people here are fluent in English. It took me off guard when families are throwing in all this English in conversations. Also, it was funny because I wasn't used to seeing so many cars. Because in Sili, hardly any cars would drive past and then my first night here we were crossing the main road, it was pretty busy and Williams looked over at me and I was kind of hesitant crossing the road, he and I laughed about it later!"
We are so proud of Dave! He is loving his mission! He also said in this email, "everyone should go on a mission!".

Don and Brent-Moab Motorcycling!

2009-04-20T00:09:00.002-06:00

Don and Brent took a trip down to Moab with their motorcycles. They rode the "White Rim" 100 miles in one day. (They have both done this same trip but on regular bicycles.) I think the motorcycles were more fun!

Dave's Dinner....

2009-04-20T00:06:00.001-06:00

Looks appetizing!!!

Dave's First Baptism!

2009-04-20T00:03:00.002-06:00

This is the very first person Dave got to baptize!

Latest Pictures from Elder Gage!

2009-04-19T23:52:00.004-06:00

We got these the first of April. Sorry it took so long to post them!

Ruby's Inn Retreat March 2009

2009-03-24T19:38:00.002-06:00

Our family had a blast this weekend down at Ruby's Inn thanks to my awesome Uncle Gary and Aunt Sandy, thanks guys!!! We got to hike through Bryce Canyon with Uncle Karl, cousin Jen and her kids, Jake, Julianna & Addie and of course the coolest, cousin Zach! It was beautiful! The kids had a blast swimming at Ruby's Inn. And of course, late night poker with the peeps....

Elder Gage's email 3/2/09

2009-03-04T12:10:00.002-07:00

I hope you all have enjoyed the new pix from Samoa! We sure have! It is so nice to be able to see where our son is and see his smiling face!
In his email this week he explained what the food was that had a small claw, he said, "that claw hoof thing that we were eating was the arm/shoulder of a "size 2" little pig. That is how they serve it to us. They say its a "size 2" for the ones that are only about 1 foot tall from the ground."
He also said, "Since my new companion came we don't shower out of a bucket anymore. We use the shower inside now. The shower fixture is broken, so we use pliers or a nail stuck through the hole in the broken stem to turn on the water. It comes out the side of the wall in a stream a little bigger than the size of the water coming out of a drinking fountain and its cold water. There is no such thing as warm showers here." " Some exciting news, we have another baptism on Saturday! His name is Neemia and he is 11 yrs old. Also, some more exciting news, they are redoing the church and the fale (house) for the missionaries, so we are going to be living with a family who lives behind the church. I'm excited to get to live more like the Samoans!" " But things are really going great here. I still think it feels like a dream everyday. Things are great with my new companion, we were laughing and joking last night, things are really good"
His advice to us, "listen more when you have family scripture study and Mom, please don't cry."

2009-02-28T11:04:00.009-07:00

Finally, we got pictures from Dave. It took the mail 5 weeks to get here but it was worth the

wait.

Elder Gage's email 2/23/09

2009-02-24T13:14:00.002-07:00

Still no new pictures from Dave. But here is some of his awesome email from yesterday:

"Thank you so much for your love and support. The work is going great here! I'm able to feel the spirit so much more because I'm not continuously worried about troubles with my soa (companion). This last week was sweet because for service we helped with a "umu" and making the food. I learned how to make "palusami" and we chased a chicken and the kid hit it with a rock and then I was able to pluck a chicken for my very first time. It was so cool (his southern folks will be so proud!). Also, lately my Samoan has really been improving and I've been able to talk and joke more with people. It feels so cool! The work is great and I'm loving the work! The food is great and I'm learning to eat like a Samoan!"

We are not sure what "umu" and "palusami" are but we will try to find out and let you know!

Pix from MTC exit and Departing for Samoa 12/9/08

2009-02-17T22:15:00.003-07:00

We haven't got any new Samoa pix so here are some leaving pix...

5 more baptisms!!!

2009-02-17T21:56:00.002-07:00

The email from our missionary this week was fabulous!!! He had 5 more baptisms! He said it was amazing! It was a family who has waited a long time for it. He said he baptized the father, Taulima, first. After he baptized him he just stood there and hugged Dave for a long time, he was so happy the day had finally come!
Also, Elder Gage was real excited to let us know he got a new comp. His name is Elder Alofa, which means Love in Samoan! He said..."Elder Alofa is a great companion. He is a convert to the church and he is almost 23 yrs old. So I know he is here for the right reasons. I have never felt the spirit this much or felt this good since I've been in Samoa. Elder Alofa is teaching me the right way and it feels so good! Also, he won't speak English to me! He is really patience with me and will slow down and explain things for me in Samoan. My Samoan will really pick up this way! Things are really going great!"
We continue to feel an amazing missionary spirit in our home! It is awesome to be blessed with a missionary serving the Lord! Keep praying for him!

Elder Gage's First Baptism!!!

2009-02-04T18:17:00.002-07:00

Dave's email this week was awesome!!! He had his first baptism! The guys name is Salevao Laumata but they call him Isaako Laumata (Dave said the Samoans have many different names). He is 19 years old. He came to live with his uncle who is the ward clerk, while he went to school. Dave and his comp were the ones to teach him. Dave baptised him and his comp confirmed him. Dave said they do have a small baptismal font at there church. Dave said, "it was a really awesome experience, even though I was kinda nervous and shaky. I said the prayer in Samoan and I didn't have to repeat it-which I was really happy!" "...with the baptism it made me realize how little I did in the whole process (not only because my skills in Samoan is limited) but that its the Lord and the spirit that do all the work. The Lord really prepared him, all we as missionaries had to do was to show up and teach and bear testimony."

He said they had another missionary join then because they had to shut down one of the areas because of lack of investigators. He said they had a district meeting and just as the missionaries who were in that area got in the car to leave it starting raining really hard. Dave said, "the thought came to me that this was God's way of crying over the closing of that area."

We told Dave that this is the Lord's time, we had him for 19 years and now you have only 2 short years to give your all to the Lord, so make the best of it!!! Please keep praying for our missionary!

Don & Laura 20 years and still in LOVE!

2009-01-26T12:32:00.002-07:00

For our 20 year anniversary Don planned a fabulous little get-away for us! He is too Sweet! He arranged for my sister and her husband to stay with the kids while we were gone, THANKS SHALA & PAT! We drove to Las Vegas and he took me right to the Las Vegas temple. It is a beautiful temple and this was the first time we had been there.

Don got down on one knee and proposed to me again...with an amazing diamond ring! I said "YES" of course! The next day we went out to dinner at a 5 star restaurant, Craft Steak, then we went to a David Copperfield show, which was incredible! We had so much fun being away together, just the two of us!

This is me wearing my new 20 year anniversary ring! This is the beautiful fruit basket that was waiting for us at the hotel. THANKS to Don & Anna for all their help to make our anniversary so special!

We feel so blessed to have each other and to still love each other so much after 20 years of marriage!

FUN FAMILY NIGHT OUT!

2009-01-26T12:29:00.002-07:00

DAVE'S FIRST SAMOA PICTURES

2009-01-20T22:24:00.002-07:00

We got our first pix of our sweet, adorable, fabulous son, Elder Gage in Samoa!!!

2009-01-11T20:29:00.002-07:00

We got a really long email from Dave this week. It was about 1 1/2 pages! But we are still anxiously awaiting his letter because it has a camera card in it. Not just any camera card but THE first camera card from Samoa!! So as soon as we get pix from Samoa we will post them.
Anyway back to his email, he said that it is so cool in Samoa because everyone there treat the elders like kings and everyone invites them in because they all believe that the missionaries are "disciples of Christ"! But everyone is also deeply entrenched in their own religion that they don't see the need to change. Dave said, "it is easy as a missionary to teach the general stuff that everyone else believes but I want to teach those issues, like a modern prophet, that really sets us apart". He has had a few experiences that have shown him that baptizing the world is not as easy as the MTC makes it seem. But he does have 5 baptisms coming up, they are just waiting on birth certificates.
He also said that he "is really going to miss Sili when I get transferred. I'm loving my study of the scriptures, but its hard for me because I love my studying so much, that I end up running out of time to study language".
We love Dave so much for serving the Lord! Keep praying for him!

2009-01-05T11:20:00.002-07:00

more TN pix....

2009-01-05T11:10:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year to all!! Here are some pictures from our fabulous trip to Tennessee!! We LOVE the Tennessee Lifferths/Zurawskis!!!

2008-12-28T21:50:00.003-07:00

We got our first email from Dave the Monday after he got to Samoa, (Mondays are p-days). It was very short but good. He said "I'm showering out of a bucket and we have to cross the river to visit with members but I'm serving the Lord in a tropical paradise so it is all good"!
But we didn't get an email the next Monday so we were bummed. We thought it would tell us when and how to call him on Christmas. But....
HE CALLED US!!! On Christmas Day we were in Tennessee and he called on our cell phone. He called from a members cell phone (cell phones are very popular in Samoa). We got that cell phone number and called him back from my mom & dad's home phone,(THANKS mom & dad!!!) because my cell doesn't allow international calls. We talked for about 3 hours!!! HE IS DOING GREAT!!! It's all new to him and definitely taking some serious getting used to but "its all good". He lives in a small 20x20 shed behind the church. His comp is nice. The food is good but the same thing for almost every meal and got some tummy issues from that. He said he sent another camera card home, so as soon as we get it we will add pictures with more details.
It was so hard to say bye knowing we won't talk again until May. We cried and prayed for Dave after the phone call. WE are so PROUD of DAVE and we feel SO BLESSED TO HAVE A MISSIONARY!!!

Dave's There!

2008-12-12T21:31:00.008-07:00

Good news, Dave is actually in Samoa. We got an email from the mission office tonight with some pictures and info. He is in Western Samoa on the island of Savai'i in a little area called Sili. It is so small we can't even find it on a map and google earth just shows us rain forest. (Sorry, we had a mother of a missionary in Samoa send us a map. Look to the lower center for Sili. Thanks to Becky Williams for the map). The mission home said to send all his letters and packages to:

Elder David Gage

Samoa Apia Mission

P.O. Box 608

Pago Pago,

American Samoa 96799

We think his companion is native. His name is Elder Masaniai. This is exactly what he wanted. We are feeling so blessed. Here is a copy of the letter:

12 December 2008

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Brent Gage
2625 East Canyon Road
Springville, UT 84663 USA

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Gage,

We want you to know that your son Elder David Charles Gage arrived in the Samoa Apia Mission safely and in good spirits. We have enjoyed observing his enthusiasm and great desire to do the Lord’s work. We deeply appreciate his willingness to come to serve our Heavenly Father and… “cause His church to be established” among the people of Samoa. (D&C 28:8)

Weekly contact through correspondence is a great source of strength to both missionary and family. We express our hope that it will continue throughout his mission. We keep in contact with all missionaries through island conferences and enjoy a personal interview with every missionary each month.

Enclosed are suggestions for supporting and encouraging your missionary.

We thank you for supporting your son in the choice he has made to serve our Heavenly Father. May you find joy and happiness through his service.

Sincerely,

President O. Vincent Haleck
Samoa Apia Mission

Don and David Gage biking the White Rim Trail

2008-12-12T20:42:00.002-07:00

This is a fun flashback to Don and David biking the White Rim Trail near Moab, Utah.

Travel Day to Samoa

2008-12-10T12:04:00.003-07:00

Well, as of 3 hours ago, Dave arrived in Samoa. We were able to talk to him on the phone last night, Laura talked for 3 1/2 hrs. the rest of us 10 min., poor Dave's ear. He sounded great, all grown up and mature. He's really excited and didn't sleep much the night before. He said he sent a package home with some more pictures and we will post them as soon as we get them. He will be in the mission home until Thursday when he will be sent to his new area. We will post his new address as soon as we get it. Very exciting Will post more later. Don

2008-12-08T21:27:00.002-07:00

Our sweet Brent is the big *17*! His favorite part of the whole birthday party was getting to smash his birthday pie into Jordan's face!

2008-12-08T21:19:00.001-07:00

Ms Mikaela is 10!!! Guess what she got for her birthday!?!?

2008-12-08T21:15:00.001-07:00

Kaela and Ryan got braces!

2008-12-03T10:08:00.004-07:00

We got more pictures! This might be the last set of pictures for a while because Dave is leaving the MTC on Dec 9th to go to Samoa! He is so excited to go! They even have a calendar count down hanging on their door. The MTC has been an incredible experience for him and I'm sure he will miss those times but he is so ready to get out and preach the gospel in Samoa!

We sent Dave and his comp a Thanksgiving package, hoping to help with homesickness on that day. We sent them our own version of a "Thanksgiving Feast". We sent turkey lunchables with a note, "Your turkey dinner", we sent potato chips "mashed potatoes", fruit cups "fruit salad" , pudding "gravy" and a pumpkin pie with the spray on whipped topping! Then we sent Thanksgiving plates, napkins, place mats and a big paper turkey centerpiece. We also sent 2 pilgrim bonnets(Dave & comp are wearing in one of the pics) and 2 Indian headbands. We were so excited for them to get this. Then in Dave's email on Thanksgiving he said he got the package but the mail room people took out the lunchables and left a note saying that was not allowed. WHAT??!!?? We knew you can't send pizza/fast food but lunchables??? You got to be kiddin me! Dave sent us a copy of the note that said no refridgeable items. But they left the whipped topping?? Oh well....

Anyway, Dave said they had a great Thanksgiving. And he was so busy he didn't get homesick at all. They had 3 devotionals and a service project. They put together hygiene kits for Cuba and Haiti. He said it was so neat being in that room with over a 1000 missionaries putting the kits together and singing church hymns.

We would like to thank all those who have supported Dave in the MTC with letters, packages and gifts! Especially for the adorable leis from Grandpa Gage and Anna!

2008-11-23T20:44:00.003-07:00

It was just fine that we didn't get a letter last week because we got 2 letters and a package this week from our missionary!! He sent some Samoa t-shirts and individual letters for each of his brothers and sister. His letters just get more and more amazing! We can feel his spirit as we read them. And we can definitely tell he is growing tons spiritually! He is really enjoying his teachers. He said his teacher Bro Baker gave a short lesson about D&C 35:13, and told them "when we are weak we are strong" and "humility brings the Lord's power into your work". Dave said that reminded him of the scripture Ether 12:27 and how it says "weak things become strong". He continues, "I love how it says God gives us weakness so we will be humble and rely on him. And later in the scripture it says we become strong, even with our weakness, through Him". He also told us, "in our room I wrote on a paper and hung it up on the wall,Alma 26:12, "In his strength I can do all things".

We learn so much from Dave's letters. It has been so great to learn right along with Dave. It has really brought into focus the eternal perspective, which actually makes life easier to handle when we focus more on that than the day to day problems.

He is working really hard on the language. And you can tell from the video clip. He was inspired to work really hard on the language when his teacher Bro Stevens told them all that if you can speak the language pretty good the Samoan people will consider you their friends but if you are incredible with the language they will consider you their family. That just brought tears to my eyes because I know Dave wants to be their family!

It has been one of the greatest blessings of our lives to have a missionary! It's hard to even put into words the amazing happiness we have felt! We feel so blessed! WE LOVE OUR MISSIONARY!!!

2008-11-22T16:23:00.002-07:00

2008-11-16T19:56:00.002-07:00

So sad...we didn't get a letter this week! Our first week without a letter, how depressing! We were hoping to get more pictures too. But here is some cool stuff from his letter from last week:

He said he is loving it! He said the language is coming "slowly but surely". He said he gave a prayer in Samoan in class the other day and he was nervous but did it anyway and everyone said he did a good job. His comp said that "it was the best prayer so far"

He said, "There are just so many blessings I'm receiving. Being able to turn over my life to the Lord for molding is an amazing blessing. Whenever I start to feel frustrated, or impatient, or something, all I have to do is remember that I'm in the Lord's hands and immediately everything seems alright, I know that everything will work out. The eternal perspective really changes your attitude about things and I can't wait to share that with the people of Samoa."

He said he is beginning to think that the MTC is HIS mission. There is the 3rd set of missionaries in the room next to him and he is still there! He said he has to remind himself that he is actually going to Samoa on his mission not just the MTC.

He also has been so amazed at how quick and precise his prayers are answered! He told of an experience that he was struggling one day with some concerns and worries and then he prayed for help. And that day in his lessons and in a devotional his prayer was answered. In the devotional the speaker even said I feel inspired to say.... and it was the exact answer to Dave's prayer!

He also said, "I love the missionaries here from Samoa, I love having them around. They are always laughing and smiling but when it comes time to work, they really know their stuff. They have a lot of scriptures memorized." And he said they are all so nice. He told about how he was telling this one Samoan missionary how cool his shorts were and then the missionary said, "do you want them"? He was going to give Dave his gym shorts right then and there! Dave said he is amazed at how sharing their culture is!

2008-11-04T11:36:00.002-07:00

I had no need to worry about Dave's birthday! His district took perfect care of him. They got him a birthday cake and presents and sang happy birthday to him!! We have a video clip from Dave's camera card to prove it! I tried to load it on here but it was too big. But it shows his comp giving him a birthday cake,his whole district singing to him then smashing bowls of whipping cream in his face! It was hilarious!! Another one of his video clips shows him opening all his presents. It made my heart happy to know he was taken care of on his 19th birthday! He wanted to make sure I told everyone who have sent him letters thank you, he sure appreciates them! He said they live for mail! Special thanks to Kelsie Ainge and her mom for the birthday cookies!

2008-11-03T18:36:00.001-07:00

Halloween at the Gages is always a blast!

2008-10-29T09:49:00.002-06:00

Our youngest son, Ryan, was ordained a Deacon on Sunday by his father. We are so proud of him! His brother, Brent, got to stand in the circle as well as, Bishop Doxey, our hometeacher, Chris Rees and Grandpa Gage. It was a great experience but we missed Elder Gage. He wrote in his last letter that he is sad not to get to be there.

2008-10-25T10:30:00.003-06:00

YEAH! We got a 7 page letter from Dave last week and a 6 1/2 page letter this week. He is doing great! He said it is hard to write everything he wants to tell us because he was always used to telling us everything but he'll do his best....7 pages is pretty darn good!! He wrote it while doing his laundry. He said you don't realize how long laundry takes until you have to sit and wait for it. (So we are grateful for laundry! We get long letters because of it!) He said he was one of the few guys that knew how to do his own laundry. But he is also one of the few that never made his bed! So he sent us a picture and a video clip of his beautifully made bed, it shocked us all!

His companion is Elder Iuta Levy Laimaui Faamausili. He said it has been an adjustment getting used to him. They are very different. But Dave said after some talks with their district leader, Elder Pili, they are starting to understand each other better. And he is grateful to get to learn these things while still in the MTC. He companion is actually quite a crack-up, we have some hilarious video clips of him goofing around and dancing! And his accent is awesome!

He told us the story of falling out of bed...the top bunk bed. He said his alarm was going off and it is really loud so he kept trying to reach for it but he was reaching the wrong way and fell off the bed. He said the other guys in the room were still sleeping and didn't even know what had happened but later said they did remember hearing a loud boom. He said at the time he did not feel any pain but later he found bumps and bruises on him. And he is happy to report he has not fallen off his bed since then!

He has shared some amazing spiritual experiences with us! And what is so awesome is we have felt this same missionary spirit in our home and I know it is one of the many wonderful blessings we have received for having a son on a mission!! He got to hear Elder Richard G Scott speak. One of the things he told them was that "he knew Christ leads this church personally" and then he said it again very strong. Dave said there was an amazing spirit and he got chills! Then Elder Scott asked who had not shook an apostle's hand and almost every missionary, About 2,000, raised their hands. So Dave said they waited in line over an hour to shake his hand. When he finally got to shake his hand he said he looked him right in the eyes and Dave said he could feel his amazing love and spirit! Dave said the thought came to him, wow this is a modern day apostle like Peter, James and John. Dave said it was "such an amazing event in my life". He has been grateful for other wonderful talks and lessons were he has learned, he can only do his best and it only matters what Christ thinks of us, through trials we can learn and grow-like a refiners fire and he is growing stronger because of it and he only has 2 years to serve the Lord and he can't waste a single second.

We are very grateful for this amazing time in our lives to have a son on a mission! Our

testimonies have been strengthen. Our love of each other and the gospel has increased. And like I said we have all felt this incredible spirit! Love y'all! laura

More MTC pics!

2008-10-21T11:01:00.005-06:00

Well David's birthday came and went without a celebration here or any word from him so I guess that means he is gone. It's been so hard to sink in that he is really gone and gone for 2 years. Hope everyone sent him a Happy Birthday wish! We sent him a birthday cake and a box of presents. I called his branch president and left a message to make sure someone knew it was his birthday. Hopefully someone did. We sure miss him but are soooo proud he has chosen to serve the Lord at this time. Here are some pics we took with him at his "good-bye/birthday party the day before he left.

Dave's Testimony

2008-10-16T21:11:00.002-06:00

2008-10-16T16:04:00.001-06:00

We got some pics and a small note from Dave. He said:

He loves us and misses us but "when I focus on the work God has called me to do I'm not homesick" That made us so happy to hear and we feel the same. When we focus on all the blessings we have from having a son on a mission we are not too sad either.

He really likes his fun comp, especially his tattoo and gold front tooth!!

He said the MTC food is good and plentiful! That is good for Dave and his huge appetite!

He also said he has the top bunk and fell off it the other morning! We will let everyone know that whole story when Dave fills us in.

2008-10-13T22:03:00.003-06:00

Got a letter from Dave Sat. He is doing great and having a great time. He found his companion just fine. His name is Elder Faamausili. He is part Samoan, part Tongan and from Australia. He said he is 6'4 230 and sometimes is hard to understand because of his accent. He is fun loving and likes to kid around so they should get along just fine. We consider that another blessing. His letter was short because it was written on his first night there. We are still very excited and know that he is being blessed. Hope to hear from him soon. see ya, Don

2008-10-08T22:09:00.000-06:00

10-08-2008

Well, the big day has finally come and gone and our Dave is an official missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We took him to the MTC at 12 noon. It was the best of times, It was the worst of times. His MTC address is:

Elder David Gage
MTC Mailbox #97

SAM-API 1209

2005 N. 900 E.

Provo, Utah 84604-1793

He will be there until approx. Dec 9, 2008 and I am sure he would appreciate all the letters we all could send. Please know that we will miss him and love him dearly but we also know that he will be protected and blessed for his service. We are so proud of him, as we are of all our kids, and are looking forward to lots of great experiences to post and brag about. Thanks to all of you who have given and offered support both spiritually and financially to get him on his way. It is greatly appreciated. We will continue to post pictures and info as it becomes available. Love you all, Don & Laura

Welcome to The Gage Family blog!!

2008-10-05T17:37:00.000-06:00

Welcome to The Gage Family blog!

My sweet brother David set this up for us so we can report on our son, David's mission.