Dear Family,
Well I love all the letters and support. I've sent a letter en espanol so don't worry its coming. Its mostly my testimony in Spanish. First we learned to pray in spanish and then how to testify. I can do a basic approach in spanish. Every friday we have a teaching appointment where we teach the first lesson. They are volunteers from around Provo. Its awesome. Last week Elder Oaks came. I've learned so much already about the Gospel and tons of spanish. Its strange to think its only been two weeks. I'm feeling way better right now than i did last week so hopefully my letter is better.
My companion, Elder Richins is from a lil town called roberts Idaho. he says its like 10 miles north of Idaho Falls. He is funny. His spanish is coming along but he struggles with it. He is pretty shy but has opened up. we don't have roommates so its nice an spacious in the dorm. not that we are ever in there. We eat, sit, eat, sit, gym, eat, sit, sit, sleep. And somehow we learn more than we ever have.
My district is great. there are eight of us. the other six are going to San Bernadino spanish speaking. E. Gardner is the district leader, from indianapolis. E. Priest, his companion, is from springville, ut and is one of the most enthusiastic elders i've ever met. E. Salazar is from midway, ut and his companion E. Clark is also from indy. E. Lawrence from SLC and his companion E. Caraway is from south carolina. They are all great.
Elder Elison and Elder Scott Carter (Both from Bakersfield) both left monday. E. Elison had to go to arizona b/c his visa to peru didn't come through. E. Carter was the first to go to mexico on time. Elder Frye (From Napa) is doing great and he said his grandparents are fine, he saw them in the hospital. He is in advanced espanol with all native speakers.
I see many elders I know here. Lots from school but Elder Jordan Turner left before I got here. E. Derek Hodges is just about to leave.
Well the spirit is amazing here. here are some random spiritual thoughts. K. look up 2 Cor 4:18 and apply it to alma 32:21 on faith. It helps me to understand that faith is deeper. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the 'greatest gift' and we should try to keep it with us all the time.
Random lesson we had in a zone conference. 4 things that stop us from changing (becoming more converted): 1. don't need the message 2 . don't listen to the messenger 3. I can't change 4 . .... I can't remebe rthe last one. Well I'm almost out of time. Keep writing and the church is true. I wish I would have used the opportunities I had in high school to share the gospel more. Be a light to all those around you. Don't fear man. Fear God. He is all that matters. The church will bless everyone who embraces it so be bold in sharing it. love,

Elder Kevin Shaffer Wagner
PS means 'post script' k riley!

August 20th

Dear Family,
I'm writing this letter just in case you all don't get the email. So it might be a repeat. I still have to set it up and it's really busy so I don't know if it will get in this week. The MTC is amazing! Brother Garner was right :) when he said that 'the Spirit attacks you here.' The days are long but worth it. Right now I'm kind of sick (I have a head cold). It's getting better though. I'm really glad you packed all that medicine mom! (This is Judy talking---Jim and Kevin gave me such a hard time for packing all the medicine in a first aid kit!! Good thing I followed the letter from the MTC!!) Other than that, it's been awesome! My comp, Elder Richins is really opening up. He is a really hard worker. Espanol es muy bien. It's all coming back. Dad, you were right: They teach you how to pray first. We also are testifying en espanol. Friday we have to be able to do a contact in Spanish. We also teach lesson 1 to an 'investigator.' Yesterday Elder Dallin H. Oaks came and spoke with us. It was on the Sacrament and we need to use it to "always have His spirit to be with us." It was cool. My teachers, Hermana Evans y Hermano Beesley are awesome. They are great teachers. My district is very cool as well! All is well and I'm fine. Oh, there are so many elders I know here. It's very cool to see them again. The gospel is true! I wish you all could experience this.

Con much amor,
Elder Kevin Wagner

Just send snail mail & dearelder.com

Family-
Okay if anyone gets this make SURE YOU TELL MOM!!!! K riley and marissa. Well I couldn't remember/find the list of email addresses mom sent to me so sorry. I can only check email on wednesdays so yeah. dear elder is best i think while I'm here... I'm sending a snail mail letter today as well. I only have 30minutes so I can't read too many so dear elder is best. I'm doing great! Its amazing here. I have to get my laundry but there is more in my other letter... I have a cold right now so I can't think straight. Elder oaks came yesterday. His talk was great. I love it here so much. Espanol es muy bien.
Love Elder Wagner

1st letter from the MTC

Dear Family (especially Mom),
I've been instructed to write you at the end of my first day. Its pretty awesome here. My companion is Elder Richins. He is from a little town about 10 miles north of Idaho Falls. I'm very tired but it's only supposed to get harder. I can't wait to start working on my Spanish though. Oh, I saw about 5 guys from my floor at BYU, it was very cool. Well our Zone Leaders are awesome! Dearelder.com does a free mail service so check it out. I can set up email on my Wednesday P-Day. They keep you busy here and I'm excited to have a real day here.
Con mucho amor,
Elder Kevin Wagner

P.S. The church is true.
P.S.S. The food is JUST LIKE the Cannon Center!!!

One last photo with Mom & Dad

Definately a proud papa and mama!

The MTC

The whole family getting ready to enter the MTC. No tears yet!
New Missionaries Enter Here!
Yes!! The official missionary tag!
And the important orange dot!

(This lets everyone know that he's a newb!)

Elder Wagner made it to the MTC!!