I lied. By popular demand I am being forced to blog again. This time it is about our church history tour. Not really a blog. mainly pictures

Sunset in b/t horses and Mississippi River

Nauvoo Temple

Adam-ondi-Ahman

flower thing

Far West Temple site

unsuspecting mom

Liberty Jail.

Community of Christ Temple (RLDS)

What more could I ask for?

This will most probably (definitely) be the last blog that I (Zach) will post on this blog for at least 739 days (thank you uncle Paul for the atomic countdown clock). What should I write about for my last post? I could try to be funny or I could be sappy.

SAPPY IT IS.

It has been a pretty emotional week for me. I had to leave BYU and all my friends. It was definitely the best time of my life. I now have to say goodbye to all my Napa/Benicia friends, I am saying goodbye to FB pretty soon, and soon the cell phone. I am not too worried about these things actually. "Going Monk" as Hansel from Zoolander would say.

Anyways, what I am really trying to say is I am excited to go on my mission. It's not really going to be that long. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where I have a divine calling to specifically teach the elect of God who are willing to follow Jesus Christ. I cannot wait to see the impact that the gospel will have on those of Texas. And knowing that I am going to be a part of that process makes it so much sweeter.

I am so grateful for my family. They always tell me how awesome I am and what not, but without my family I would be nothing. I have learned so much from each one of my siblings, my parents, and my brother's/ sister in law. I love them so much. I am so lucky to have been given a family that really has shown me true love. What more could I ask for? I too often take them for granted and hope they all know how much they mean to me.

Sometimes I wish I had been an older sibling because I feel like I have missed out on all the good times of growing up with the kids. I can't remember really any of my siblings as being young kids(except that one time we went to Jamaica and all the girls had crazy hair). But I know that the experiences I can remember are just as awesome.

I know that my mission is one of the greatest things I could ever do to give back to my Savior who has given me so much, and I am going to work as hard as I can while I am out there. But I will always remember what is most important.

Love, Elder Wagner

P.S.

Attention all siblings attempting to contact me in person on my mission:

AKA These guys:

The only way to see me is if you want a missionary discussion :)

Baby Brother

As I sit looking out my 5th floor window at the taxis and business people flowing up and down the streets, I can't help but feel sadness that very soon I will be saying farewell to my little brother for two whole years. I know it's where he wants to be and that he will gain so much from his experiences. I am not at all sad for his adventure and time in Texas, I am just sad because I will miss him so much. Not sad that it will be hard for him out there, because I know he will have an amazing time, have lots of support and meet some lifelong friends. Sad because I am selfish and want him to be at every holiday like he always has been. Selfish because I want him to pick up the phone when I call or be on the other end when I skype. Even sad that he won't be around to make fun of me on facebook photos or send me youtube links.

But when all is said and done, and when the tears dry, I cannot adequately express to you how lucky I am to have a little brother who is so deserving of all this love I have for him. He is the best, most supportive and loving little brother in the world. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for making it all the way to six.

I am so proud of you, Zach and I love you SO much.

Goals for mission:

1. baptize a family and see them go to the temple

2. Grow closer to Jesus Christ

3. understand and become familiar with the promptings of the holy Ghost

4. Receive pictures of nieces and nephews all the time in the mail

5. become fluent in Spanish

6. be able to grow a mustache by the time I get back

7. Work as hard as I can and follow all the rules

btw this is zach

xoxo (copied from Cory)