Brock Ploeger

My Stories!

June 10, 2025

Dang does time actuallt fly by. I cant believe we are half way through 2025. These past two weeks were super fun and I cant wait to see what happens this week. 

Some highlights: 

• Sergio got baptized

• Found my new favorite resturant

• Had an awesome new recent convert 

• Had a good devotional with President and the whole IE. 

• Hopefully having 3 this week. Pray for Luis, Omar, and Juan 

We had service on Saturday which was so fun. I need to get the video but we handed water for a marathon and we were hyping everyone up and it was so fun. 

One of my favorite things about missionary work is seeing the moment when someone wants to change and gets the Gospel. Like really gets it. Its so amazing to see and be a part of and I love it so much. When someone finally realizes that they do have a Heavenly Father that loves them and there is a plan for us. These past two weeks have been hard but these moments make hard weeks be better. This is what makes missionary work so fun. To see friends, members, and other missionaries find their why's. 

I encourage everyone to find your why. 

May 20, 2025

Hola todos! 

Dont have too much to say this week but hopefully everyones doing amazing. Some highlights of this week were:

• We are teaching this awesome part member family who are progressing towards baptism. 

• We got gifted a car so thats nice not to be on bike after 6 months. 

• We were in a parade and got to see a bunch of really cool old restored cars, and then at night all of them out and with lights bumping music. 

• We have been really working with inactive part member families and have met a bunch of really cool people. 

• Food...eating so much good food im getting a little bigger. 

Just been a super busy two weeks but we are feeling so good and ready for miracles. 

Spiritual Thought: 

Everything is the Lords timing wether we like it or not. Trust in this timing. He knows you better than you know yourself. Even though it is hard, rely on him and he will guide you. We are clay in his hands, and he already knows the final piece...just let him mold you. 

I love you all! 

Prayers from Colton CA, 

​

May 5, 2025

I finally killed the every other week emailing. Last full week of the transfer and we were so busy. 

This week was Malakais baptism. He is so awesome. Hes been going to church off and on for a while but he just needed that extra push from us and especially his friends who are members to get him baptized. His mom told us after his cheeks are going to hurt cause he was smiling so much. We now play pool once every week with him and all his friends, members or non members. 

Other highlights:

Found a taco resturant in a garage. The best tacos ive had up here.

Started planning for a parade we are going to do in Grand Terrace

Learned how to make some more Mexican food 

One thing I've been thinking about how Satan uses comfort as a weapon of destruction. We always think comfort is a good thing, but on a mission we see how it can be so destroying as well. When we are comfortable and like being in this state we cannot change because to change means to go out of your comfort zone...so however awkward it is dont be too comfortable all the time, be comfortable being uncomfortable. 

Love you all, 

​

April 29, 2025

https://photos.app.goo.gl/o1sFLuBGws4BVHrR6

Aprils already over??! How can that be real. There is only one more full week of this transfer and I am sad. This week was filled with so much good and light but also some sad and hard times. but with every day, there is always more good things than bad and that is what is amazing about being a missionary.

¨Abuelita pt. 2¨

I love her so much so I am deciding to talk about her again. Unfortunately she was super sick this week so we didnt get to see her much but she made us some cinnomen tea water stuff one day we did get the chance to talk to her. We did give her a blessing and she said she felt the imidiate effects of it. She has so much faith and this faith is what made her decide to get baptized May 4th. So pray for Carmen!! 

¨Outdoors=best Pdays¨

We have had some of the most fun Pdays wih the coolest zone ever. We have made smores and pickleball but also with the other Elders gone on hikes and made some music videos up in the moutains. This week do something active outside, it does help your mood and God gave us this world for a reason. 

God really wants his work to progress at a very fast pase which means we need to be ready and changing and being more like God at a faster pase. There are so many distractions in the world so lets not let these distract us from what is really the most important thing, and who can bless us more than anything on this world. 

Love you all,

Elder Ploeger 

If you want any of the songs lmk

​

April 8, 2025

I am actually getting good at these emails...I promise I will be better. I officially left Indio. Such a sad day but now I am in Colton! In the Rialto area in the Rialto 3rd ward! This is known as the best ward and I can see why, even only after a week. The people here are so kind and love to be in the work with us. But I am still on bike. I have officially been in both Spanish bike areas but it's been a blessing. 

The work is going good. We have a bunch of cool families that are progressing at a rapid pace. We had two cool miracles I wanted to share:

Erik and his family live with his mom in her back house. He's had a really hard live but one day we decided to randomly go to the train tracks and his house was right there and now we are starting to teach his whole family, they watched general conference, and are starting to be in the process of getting baptized. 

We are teaching this inactive dad's kids and they are getting baptized soon. He didn't want to watch general conference becuase he felt like he was too far off the path....we turn on conference and the exact talk that just started was about coming back to Christ wherever you are. So amazing 

God knows what we are going through and what we need. We just need to put in effort in the things of God and we will find answers. 

The Iron Rod- Tabernacle Chior

I am Barabus- Josiah Queen

Elder Carey....Jim Carey...not proud of this one

​

March 25, 2025

Hopefully everyone is ready for March Madness! I know I'm going to miss it but it all good I still made a bracket even though I won't watch a minute of a game. Almost to the end of this transfer and I cannot believe how fast it's been flying by. I always feel like there's so much to do and not enough time, which is good but also is kind of stressful. It's starting to get to the summer heat and I am not excited for it at all. Today it was 95 and being on bike isn't a good mix. We are starting triple digits this week so pray for me.

"Chris? no, solar people?"

I don't know why the most funny or odd stuff happens Monday nights but it happened again. We were walking (becuase a bike tire popped and didn't have time to fix it) and a car honks and yells at us out the window. A Civic, thinking it was a member who drives one named Chris, we wave back. This person then tells us to stay and they drove next to us and it wasn't Chris. It was two 20ish year old guys who knew we were missionaries and wanted to say hi. They were here doing Solar sales, one from Provo. We talked for a second and they kindly gave us water and a lift to our next appointment. 

"La gente"

The people down here are amazing. They are so nice and have so many cool stories. I love the ward I'm serving in. Everyone is so welcoming and our friends right now are so cool. We have a family and we gave them a little lesson and then got ice cream and shared a bit after too. Then a few days later we made arepas and listened to bob marley. I couldnt be more blessed to be in this area with these people. 

Spiritual Thought: There is a analogy about a farmer growing crops. You might be at rhe stage where you are planting, watering, or harvesting the crops. This is a analogy we use for missionaries and we can apply to our lives. In missionary work you might be planting the seed (gospel) with someone, or helping them learn and grow, or baptizing and helping them make their first covenent with god. This can be applied to ourselves and our growth in other things. We never know where we are in this process because its all on Gods timing. We just need to trust in the Lords timing and do our best and God will bless our efforts wherever in the process we are. 

Wild Trip-DENM

Haz el Bien (Choose the Right) 

Please Pray for: 

Antoni and his family

Lupita 

Áaron

Evelyn

​

March 11, 2025

I'm starting to get very good at these every other week emails. Not a good start if this is where I am at after 6 months. Hopefully everyone is doing amazing and ready for the warmth. It is already getting to the 90s so that's going to be fun in a few months. 

"La obra" 

I love Indio with all my heart. There is so much to do down here always. We have so many cool friends and recent converts it makes me so happy seeing them continue to grow their testimonies. 

"White wash" 

If you don't know this term it's basically when two new missionaries go into an area and have no idea what they are doing. This basically happened to Indio/LA Quinta/ Palm Desert. There is the Indian Wells Open right now and there are so many people going to watch...and mostly are old and white which isn't great for us Spanish missionaries. Makes for some funny conversations though. 

"Service with a smile" 

One of the recent converts that got baptized right before I got here, Hno Jhon, has had a rough life. He has a weird arm that he can't really use so people don't hire him. But someone did about two months ago and they were in this apartment with 12 other people barely having enough money. But they just moved into a house they are renting only with one other couple! It did take us 4 hours to move them but it was awesome to see how excited they were to show us their house and to start their lives. 

"Today we met a tennis player"

We were just biking down this dark road and there's this massive AirBnB with a bunch of UBER cars with the Indian Wells sticker....so as a missionary and knowing somethings here we of course knock. The door opens and a bunch of French dudes, blasting music, ask us what we are doing and we say we are sharing messages. They didn't want to listen but we got to meet two players! 

Ella baila sola- Eslabon Armado

Paz en Cristo- Spanish Hymn 

Spiritual Thought: this week I've been thinking a lot about having a positive attitude and how that can affect your outcome. There is a lot we can do or put in a ton of effort but if we do not have a good attitude that effort will not be blessed. I have seen this week that as I have a positive attitude we are more likely to find people but also have a good time doing it. I know that as we try to have a positive attitude the outcome of our actions will be in a positive way as well.

Hasta en dos semanas! 

​

February 25, 2025

Dont worry I am not dead...yet. Just didn't have a crazy exciting week so I thought I could do one email for two weeks. I am still in Indio but moved apartments so nothing crazy there. I have a new companion who is a transfer from the Costa Rice San Jose West Mission, shoutout Elder Stutz! The work has been progressing but crazy different than it has been the past two transfers. We have been doing a lot of tracting to find new friends because it is hard to get follow up lessons with people. Other than that its been pretty fun and I love my area so much.

"Emirs Baptism"

A friend of ours, Emir, got baptized and he is so cool and going to the temple on the 1st! He is so excited and has suh a strong testimony. He is a nephew of some converts who now lives with them so he is in good hands and is actually teaching the house haha. 

"Ward Full of Missionaries"

This ward is so fun but so hectic. We have 2 sets of Elders and 1 set of Hermanas in this ward which makes for fun but crazy Sundays with lots of friends. People are always commenting how this ward is just full of missionaries. And not just us but other Ward missionaries and etc also. Also something so exciting is one of my recent converts asked me about serving a mission and that was a proud missionary moment. She would be such a good missionary and I hope she figures out whatever the Lord wants her to do! 

"9 lives" 

I swear bike Elders have 9 lives. I have almost been hit probably 15 times and has maybe 5 really close calls....including one about 3 hours ago. So this always makes my days really fun and make sure I am paying attention cause who knows when a 20 year old lady with her suped up Jeep comes rolling around the corner on her phone ready to take out a representative a Christ....if I was her I wouldn't try to kill Jesus. 

Spiritual Thought:

I have been reading a lot about why bad things happen to good people and there is a video on the Gospel Library app about the Refiners Fire. It explains to us that God allows us to go through hard times so that we can be better, more suited to help, and have empathy for others and ourselves. And this is so true. We will always have trials, its a way of life. We can either be the cow who dies from the rainstorm because it tries to run away or be like the bull to takes it head on and survives. We also will grow and help others in the future. And we got this cool friend named Jesus who knows what you are going through and will be there for you every second of the day.

This little light of mine- Hymns 

Free- Zac brown Band 

Love you all, 

Elder Ploogie (shoutout twin!)

​

February 11, 2025

I don't even know where to start this one. This was the last full week of the transfer and I will know on Wednesday if i leave or stay on thursday. Yes we find out the day before. I love it because I can stay focused till the last day of the transfer. And with it being the last week it was a grind. We worked ourselves so much but it was awesome and we saw the Lord bless our efforts everyday. 

"Marriage and Music" 

We had a marriage!! Yay! Our friends Danyi and Yoel got married so they could get baptized the following day. It was such a nice wedding and so fun to have some people there to support them. Recently my go to question is what's your favorite music, or if they speak English and Spanish, what music do you prefer? And these work so well because I love music and it always ends with a dance party where ever we are. 

"Culture, Comida, y Compromisos" 

Anyone who's served around the Latin people you know they love their culture and country. And in Indio, so many different people live here, which makes for some crazy interactions. We have a friend from El Salvador who's not a fan of Mexicans. We didn't know this until we were talking to him trying to give him a ride to church from a member named Isias who is from Mexico. Right after we told him he starts saying "I am not getting into a car with him" (leaving out the language) And so he compromised walked to church this week haha. Just strong cultures that class for some reason. Or get a Columbian and Venezuelan in the same room. No one is ready for that, everyone is yelling and talking so loudly over everyone sounding like the world's most hectic argument but it's mostly just a conversation. We also got to try some fun food including chicken feet. They were surprisingly good and one way to get brownie points with them is using the talons as a toothpick haha. 

Spiritual Thought: I would be lying if I said missionary work was always easy. It gets hard sometimes or even just hectic. But the Lord will always bless you and you will see the effort pay off, if not right now, later. This can be for every aspect of life. Just hold on and keep peddling because you will see blessings as you rely on Him and his gospel. You are all stronger than you think. 

Rainbow- Kacey Musgraves

Amazing Grace- Forest Frank

Love Yall

Elder Ploeger 

​

February 4, 2025

How is everyone? Already another week down and transfers are next week! That is insane and already into Feburary. I don't know how that is possible. This week has been full, like FULL, of odd encounters and interesting lessons and interactions. So if you want to know more, email me. I don't really want to type out every story and that would be a really long email no one would want to read. 

"La Migra" 

I never knew how big of a scare this is for the community down here but it is. Everyone is not going outside....like not even to buy food. And also people don't know the laws so people have permits and papers and they are also scared and so it's been crazy to try to help people change fear into relying on God. I haven't seen them on the streets tho so who knows. 

"The 24 layer cake" 

A little backstory as missionaries we like to play games while out tracking because we get bored sometimes. And so we created this game and we get points for doing certain things and we got 240 points. For every 10 points we got a layer of cake. Entonces we had a cake that was 24 layers. We even had to use dowels from Home Depot. You can say there was more cake than we needed for 24 missionaries. 

"3 Crazy Dudes" 

Because I have so many weird interactions I might just have a spot for crazy stories at the end of every email. The first guy was homeless and he stopped us wanting a book of Mormon. We gave him a book of Mormon and he said he wanted to go to church and so we asked him where he lived in other information. He said he was homeless but his wife was living in a house and the only reason he was homeless was because the government wanted him to know what Homeless was like before being in the Supreme Court. And I low-key believe him. He even told me where he got his degrees and everything it was crazy.

The second guy was a dude we found in front of Food 4 Less. There was a bunch of cop cars and we asked the dude what had happened and he said someone was dead. I guess someone got shot and there was this whole scene with a bunch of people around. We got to talking to him and he said he wanted to go to church but would come high. We told him he should come but maybe not high. He proceeded to bike off into the middle of the intersection screaming at the people honking at him. Hopefully we see him again so we know he's not dead.

The last dude we actually met today. His name is Stefan. He is a little interesting. We were biking and he was walking and we invited him to church. After 20 mins of walking with him and exchanging signs, numbers, and a bunch of awkward interactions and comments, we bike off and he texts us to come by tmrw. We are scared. 

Spiritual Thought: Be confident. In all that you do. I've talked to so many people lately who know the gospel is something they need or want to be better but they don't have the confidence to jump in and do it with no regrets. Know that you are a son or daughter of God and that you should have confidence in that knowing you are doing the right thing.

Raise Me Up- Any version (Josh Groban tho)

Dead Sea- The Lumineers 

Elder Ploder (poder)

​

January 28, 2025

It rained!!! Finally the first day in the mission where we have seen rain. And of course I am biking 30 minutes away from my house to be welcomed by it. We were wet the rest of the night but it made for a fun time. And also helped the smoke clear from the fires. This week can basically be summed up in one word....Prepare. 

"Mawage...is what brings us together today"

We have a family who wants to get baptized and two parents of kids who are recent converts that want to get baptized as well but the problem...they aren't married...and so...with the power not invested in me...we prepare to get them married. With the help of a member we got one married today and one on Wednesday so they can be baptized this week and next. So awesome to see things change and families grow closer cause of Jesus Christ. 

"The dreaded week" 

Well okay it's not dreaded like bad but just we don't have tons of time to find new people and visit everyone. Last week we got news that this upcoming week was going to be filled with President meetings, temple trip, District Council (always), ans a doctors appt in Redlands. All of these things are good just means we have to use our time wisely. And so this week we were finding and visiting like crazy because our time next week is precious. But we found some really cool people like Emir from El Salvador. He's 19 and loves Real Madrid. He came to church and the baptism for the other Elders and wants the same for himself. 

"I move this here"...

One fun thing about being in Indio is that most people don't speak a lick of English and want to really bad and so we like to teach English and the Gospel together. There is this one house we teach that has two really cool guys, Carlos and Julio and they are trying really hard to learn English. So we were going over phrases that are useful and they came up with this one when moving things during their job...ok. Also another phrase "I left the door open". Let's just say we laugh a lot with them. 

God loves all of you. I am so blessed to be able to have the ability to see a sliver of this love that he has for these people. He truly wants all of us to come back to him and to do the little things so he can bless us. If we put in a little effort each day he will bless us and I can promise that. 

​

Trenches- Byu vocal point

Bandoleros- Don Omar 

Love all of yall 

Elder Ploogie 

​

January 21, 2025

Hola todos!!! Hopefully you are all doing so well and watching a lot of football this week and in the upcoming. Dont worry the fires are not getting to me anytime soon, just the smoke a little but not too bad. I have grown to love the unknown and weird down here in Indio. There is always something unexpected that happens or an encounter that leaves me pretty speechless. But in reality the work is so amazing and I am now in the swing of things as my Spanish skills and knowledge of the Gospel increase. 

"Newest CSBM bike Elders!!"

No joke. This is real. I got a call from another set of Elders that said they were going to give us their bikes and take the car Sunday, so I was thinking, "okay they take our car sometimes so maybe they needed it for sunday". Then I get a call from the ZL's who live in our house and they said they have some amazing news.....oh no. They told us that we are permanetly bike Elders now. Whelp. So this was a bit of an adjustment for me this week as we had plans for all of these people this week and we had to reschedule them so that we had enough time to bike from one house to the next. Which is still pretty far but we can only get to about 25ish percent of our area on bike in 30 mins. So the work has been centralized but we have seen so many miracles becuase #bikeisblessed. Only sore every night from the on-average 20 miles a day.

"Crazy Encounters" 

There is some very odd people everywhere but I bet the ones here are even odder. I have had the weirdest conversations with some of these people. From making Lebron "pay" to the most confusing family tree. From getting asked for and offered drugs to crazy girlfriends of our friends. These never get old and are some of the funniest and life-giving encounters for such long days. 

"The Castillos" 

This is possibly my favorite family in my area. Abrahaan, the oldest of three kids, was baptized right before I got to the area. We baptized his brother, Isaac. Then there is the cutest little girl ever, who we teach funny fistbumps and games too. But yesterday something amazing happened. A miracle. We have been talking to the mom for some time because she wants to be a part of the church and start taking lessons so we started to teach her. But the problem, with all of our friends is they need to get married. And the dad was not wanting to do anything with the church...until Sunday. We get out of sacrement meeting and there he is with his girlfriend/wife and little girl. The boys were sick so I wasnt expecting them to come. But here they were. They stayed and watched the other Elders baptism and then after they pulled me and my comp aside and said they wanted to get married so they can both get baptized!!! What a miracle for their family to be able to go to the temple and everything after they get baptized...so pray for them as they embark to Las Vegas to get married!

Spiritual Thought: Miracles are everywhere. Just today one of the hermanas friends Daniel was telling us about when we gave him a blessing and how he couldn't feel the pain anymore after he stepped one foot out of the door of the church. I told him that blessings work according to the faith and diligence of the person and how he had so much faith in that moment that it was that quick. These miracles are everywhere and we need the faith that they will happen, not that we hope, but they will and we will be able to see them more clearly everyday.

Songs:

When I am baptized-Childrens Hymnbook

Witness- Jordan Feliz

Les amo mucho!

Elder Plugart

​

January 14, 2025

I am so sorry for not writing an email last week it was such a hectic P-Day and then I forgot that night so I am sorry and I won't let it try to happen too much. But now that I have 2 weeks to talk about stuff it'll be more interesting. 

"New Beginnings"

As the parties for New Years started and people start to make choice decisions, all of the missionaries have to go inside....at 8pm. This made for a fun night of games and talking which you don't normally get to have all that often but there were fireworks, music, and partying all night from our neighbors so we did not get a ton of sleep. But also this means people start new years resolutions. This is really awesome because people are looking for ways to better themselves, and not what a better way than to turn to the perfect example right? One of our friends told us recently that he wants a "new year, new me" and he has been changing and growing ever since and it is so awesome to see.

"Transfer Talk"

We have a thing in our zone that if anyone was being chismoso (gossipy) about transfers they had to do pushups. This didn't go on for too long. Me and my two companions had a secret operation. My one comp, Elder Davison, is the new AP and he had to do some training so we had to sneak him up to Redlands, 1 hr drive, and then fake like he was with us everyday. You know how hard it is to fake like someone is there when you talk to people all the time, like its your job. Very difficult but now I am still in my area here in Indio with Elder Lapray and it has been so fun full of craziness and miracles. 

"Utah sized families and a singing pastor"

This week we have been focusing on finding new people to teach. We found this new apartment complex and wanted to give it a try. After a few hours across two days we found 4 families with 4 or more kids. I don't think I wouldve seen any families that big here in California but I guess they exist. I am so excited to help these families get closer to Jesus and each other as they go to church and progress. One family in particular, the Correas, are amazing and want the blessings of the gospel and love the gospel so much already. They even wanted to ride the bus or walk to church! But no worries, we have members that took them, but this shows how dedicated they are to the gospel. Another day we stopped by this inactive members house named Maria. So we knock on the door and here comes a big guy, 60s, and jacked. Definetly not Maria...but in fact a singing pastor who wants to come to our church, great addition to the choir here! 

I love all of the emails you guys send me and if you ever want more stories I have so many just not enough time to write them all, email me for them :)

Music:

Nearer my God to thee- PD and Yucca zone choir (no bias)

Because I have been given much- Nashville Tribute Band

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December 31, 2024

https://photos.app.goo.gl/o1sFLuBGws4BVHrR6

Dang last week was the last full week of the transfer which means this Thursday is a new transfer. I don't know if I am staying or leaving yet but I have loved this time down here. Even only being here for a month I've gotten so attached to our friends, members, and even random people on the side of the road. I'm not one to go out of my way to talk to random people that look like they don't want to talk but so many funny conversations have been had. 

"My little Spirit Guy"

Where I am in Indio and Cochella, there is a lot of people who love the magic grass. Everywhere you go and every house usually has the iconic smell. But there was this one guy that we talked to last week that didn't really go anywhere but we decided to stop by and talk to him. This guys name is DeAundre, and he is from Atlanta. Only really speaks English but esta bien. He walks out of his house, half asleep and smelling like that magic grass. He's like, "Why haven't you called? We have been waiting for you guys to invite us to church or to come over!". We continue talking about different churches and why some are just corrupt or looking for money and he said he has this "Little Spirit Guy" that tells him if he feels God in the church or not and he has only felt God twice in two different churches. So we invited him to come to our church to see if his Spirit Guy knows that God is there. I guess lesson learned not to leave a stone unturned. 

"lil Isaac, mi mejor amigo, and the doppleganger of Joseph Smith"

We had 3 baptisms this week out of the 4 projected which was really good. Lil Isaac is the little brother of a recent convert, Abrahaam who works out with us twice a week. Yaider, or mi mejor amigo, is a 19 year old Venezuelan who lives at this home with his mom and four other families. He is awesome and says I'm his best friend. He came caroling with us, family home evening, and also to the missionary Christmas party for our Zone. He already says he wants to serve a mission as long as his mom is in good financial stability for him to leave. Franky Smiths the last and his story is crazy. He came here with his family and found a home in Indio. His dad is a part of one church  and his mom is a part of another and he is confused about which is the right church, hmmmm sounds like someone else....oh and he is 14....and last name Smith! Crazy huh? But he is so cool and always asks questions, even gives us homework to research questions for the next time we go to his house. 

Spiritual Thought: I know this is long so this will be short but Ive been thinking a lot how the Lord and the Holy Ghost works in mysterious ways that we can't even comprehend sometimes. It is incredible to see so many little promptings turn into blessings or even miracles if we just listen to those little promptings from the Holy Ghost. 

Songs:

God is Good- Forrest Frank

Because I have been given much- Hymnbook

Have an amazing week yall

           -Elder Cougar hahaha (I didn't know this was possible)

​

December 27, 2024

Crazy how fast the weeks fly by but the days themselves feel long. Sorry for the late email too we didn't have Pday till Christmas so we could have Monday be a day to go out and find more people! 

"Mi chamo"

One fun thing about my area is there is so many different nationalities and cultures around. Lots of our friends are Columbian and Venezuelan and they love sharing their cultures. They tell us the history, different food and of course their own dialect or frases. They are so unique per city in these countries it's so hard to keep track of them. But if you learn them and use them right, instant friends. They just laugh and dap us up if we know certain frases in their regions. 

"First baptism!" 

We had our first baptisms of the mission, 3 of them. Two brothers, Jacob and Joseph and another friend Isaac. They are all so awesome but the two brothers especially are crazy. They would ask us to dance, sing, and watch videos with them every time we went to their house. They also use phrases like "skibiti rizz power". I'm so happy for all of them and how much they've changed and how they will continue to. 

"Never off SIM" 

My companions gave me the Sim card so that I can learn and be a master at contacting and texting our friends and members and keeping the schedule in check. If in person spanish is hard just try to have a conversation to a busy Spanish speaker on the phone.....nearly impossible. I'm getting better at understanding them but the first little bit was hard. We also had a 2 hrs round trip drive for package delivery for Christmas and I was contacting most of the time and by the end my brain was fried. 

"Tamales and Tocando" 

I know this spanish is wrong but it kind of rhymes so bare with me. We went caroling Christmas Eve and it was so good. Friends, members, random people, it was such a good time to bring people together but also teach people. And we sounded pretty good as well. One Elder, Elder Jeetan played his saxophone. But the problem was every time the people asked us to eat something little. But all people have is tamales. 2 and a half hours and 12 tamales later we arrive at our house and we all feel so terrible. Such a crazy experience and probably don't want tamales anytime soon. 

Noche de Luz- Himno 127

Mary did you know- pentatonix 

Love yall, quidense 

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December 17, 2024

Week 2 in el campo misional! I think I am finally getting into it and being able to understand more and speak a little bit more to people. It's crazy how different some people's accents are, especially people from Columbia like a member named Jhon. He's so cool but speaks so fast and my comp said his Spanish is pretty choppy but I wouldn't know cause I can't even understand half of it. 

"Grind until 9" 

This is a saying my mission president trademarked that we need to be out and working hard until 9.....or 9:30. We have been out almost every night till at least 9:30 teaching people and dancing/singing with them. So fun but some days become a little late. 

"Tiny Titans" 

We are mostly in Indio and Cochella because that's where most Spanish speakers live and there are tons of apartment complexs. Going into these is like a little war between you and the tiny titans, also known as Chihuahuas or dogs like them. Every house has a small dog and they are usually outside and will try to defend their territory with any force necessary haha. Not really they are small but bark a lot and act all tough it's pretty funny. 

Spiritual Thought: We have seen a lot of people start changing and find the iron rod again and it's amazing to see how peoples lives can change with this amazing gospel and the light of Christ in their lives. It's amazing to see people when they first feel the Spirit and read the Book of Mormon. The Holy Ghost is truly the converter and us missionaries are just trying to help people recognize the Spirit and help them find it. 

Music: 

Paz en Cristo ay (Peace in Christ)

For Ethan- The Christmas Song (Nat King Cole) 

Adios todos! 

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December 10, 2024

Back to the 80 degree weather in sunny Indio, California!! Sorry it has been a little bit since an email, 9 weeks almost, but I went home and am back out and at it again with my foot on the gas! 

"Mondays are not for the weak" 

Last monday I was waiting to hear from the mission department of what day I would leave and didn't hear anything back in the morning so my Mission President said that we wouldn't hear anything till Wednesday, that was not the case. I was playing a game and my mom runs down telling me I am leaving Wednesday at 11am. To that I put everything down and ran to the store to get last minute things than my mission president told me, "I told you to be able to leave at the drop of a hat, and I want you here tmrw at 11 instead of Wednesday. So I said okay and quickly got packed and on a plane.

"No time to waste" 

While at home, I was continuing to stay in touch with my mission and their goals and what they are doing each week. This year we have a goal to get 1001 baptisms by the end of the year and we need 74 more on the year and projeted to hit it and even surpass it. I am so excited because me and my two comps have 7 people on date right now and 2 more we are trying to put on date quickly. The Lord is for sure hastening his work and blessing us everyday with miracles. 

"Started your mission in the best place, only downhill from here"

This is a quote from one of the families in our ward. Their family is awesome and this was the first thing she told me and I can see why, even after only a week of being here. My ward is so awesome and so many different personalities and such a culture that it makes us missionaries want to bring everyone and we dont feel nervous about the ward cause we know they are so welcoming and amazing to everyone, no matter circumstances. This Sunday we got 10 of our amigos to church with a total of 25 in our ward that day. There is three sets of missionaries in our ward so it makes it for fun Sundays and times to see and help each other be produtive and our best we can be. 

"Middle of nowhere Thermal (feat. Rex)

There is a city in my area called Thermal which is bascically fields of desert and a few houses. We had a lesson down here so we put in the address, or so we thought. The address we were given was wrong and she did not live down there but we were down there, too far to make it to that ladies house so we tried to make the best of it and knocked some houses. One was interested and got his contact, another wasn't and said we were trespassing. One was quite unique, we knocked, the door opened slightly. With metal knocking on the door he asked for a name, and we said we are missionaries. He then opened the door the full way, machete in hand and said, "Pense que era policia". Bro thought he was going to fight off the police with a 7 inch machete haha. We also found an awesome dog who began following us for the rest of the time.

Spiritual Thought: I've been thinking a lot about the 10 leapers and how their lives can be like ours sometimes. Sometimes we have something that we are bearing that we feel is the end of us, that we cannot go further, cannot progress. This is not true, you just need to have faith and trust in the Lord that he will help you. Jesus tells us to take his yoke apon us and he will help us with our burdens. It also makes me think of the one that went back to thank Jesus and how I want to be that one that recognizes all the things Jesus does for us and gives us. 

Songs: 

Houdini- Eminem 

Trying to be like Jesus- Church hymnn book 

Love yall, 

Elder Powger 

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October 2, 2024

Lo siento por la correo corto. The CCM is amazing but very hard to mix each day up. One week left and we are just trying to get through it and get to California. We are so excited and can't wait to get out there and use what we have learned and grow even more in the field.

"New Beginnings" 

This week two guys in my district went home. It is hard to see amazing missionaries go but also I know Christ is with them and guiding them to what they need to do and the best thing for them. I am so grateful to have shared experiences with them and they've taught me a lot.  

"La Celebración"

It was one of our maestras birthdays and we celebrated it. For some reason my dad and I had a funny idea to bring a bunch of random stuff so I had balloons so we used those. We surprised our maestra and she started crying. She is amazing and she has been such a good teacher teaching us Spanish. It's been so awesome to get to know her and have fun conversations. 

Spiritual Thought: 

2 Nephi 8:6 - "Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner. But my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished." 

This stood out to me this week because this is an imperfectly earth but it is all okay because our Savior, Jesus Christ is and will always be there for you. No matter what. He loves you more than anything and wants all of us to be happy. 

Follow Me- Uncle Cracker

Fuentes de mi bendiciones- Hymn Book 1001 (Spanish)

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Love yall, 

Elder Ploeger (no funny ones this week)

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September 26, 2024

Hello everyone! Hopefully everyone is doing well. It's officially been a month as a missionary and it couldn't have flown by and felt so long at the same time. Once you know your schedule at the CCM you kind of get into a groove and each day almost merges with each other. Every day is basically the same other than Sundays and Wednesday (P-day) 

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"The Grind" 

Each day consists of 6 hours of Spanish now that we are on week 5, food, lots of studying, and the occasional Devotional or workshop. It can get boring or long sometimes but we like to find opportunities to be funny or do something different even if it's small. Me and my comp (Elder Petersen) are continuing to learn Spanish and we are starting to speak sólo español. It's hard but it will help us in the end. 

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"Three Amigos" 

It's been fun to be at the CCM with two of my best friends Elder Sorenson and Elder Stutzneggar but sad to see them leave. I know they are going to do great things and be blessed in their efforts. I also got to call Elder Pennock. He is at the Manila MTC in the Philippines and it was so cool to hear from him and know he is doing well. 

"The Greatest Devo Yet" 

Usually spiritual thoughts don't get a title but this definitely needs one. We got to listen to a Devotional talk to missionaries from Elder Holland and I don't know if anything has hit me as hard as this did. 

"Screen Window Schenanigan"

So my comp and I might have been out of our room (but in our house) till 11:30 and our entire room fell asleep and we forgot a keycard....long story short we had to take the screen off of our window outside and boost Petersen in to unlock the door. Don't worry no one woke up. 

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Nephis Courage- Children's Songbook

Ghost Town- Benson Boone

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September 18, 2024

Already two weeks and I cannot believe how fast time flies. I am so blessed to be here and learning Spanish. It isn't easy but I know God is with us and the gift of tongues is true. My comp and I have a saying "Estoy Mejorando todos las dias", we are getting better every day. 

"La Trabajadores de la CCM"

There are so many workers at the CCM. From cleaners to landscapers to chefs. I always try to say hi to them and be friendly because who knows how many times people walk past and not even acknowledge them. One day me and my comp were doing mock lessons and my comp and I decided to teach a worker instead of another missionary. His name is Alberto and he'd so cool and nice to listen to us and little did we know he wasn't really active and told us he would go to church on Sunday. Cool experience while still in the CCM.

"La Grito"

A couple days ago it was Mexicos Independence Day. It was so cool to be a part of it with a mariachi band at dinner, a cultural dance by the First Counselors Daughter, and the "Grito" which is basically a shout of Independence. So awesome and kinda funny to see a bunch of Americans screaming "Viva Mexico". Elder Petersen got a cool video while on my shoulders haha. If the video on my Google photos album doesn't work email me and I'll send it. 

"Who is your favorite Disney princess?"

At 9:30 every night on the dot our house gathers in the living room of our house and has a Devotional. They are so good and spiritual and I love hearing from all of the other missionaries. At the end of the Devotional we have a question to get to know everyone better. I bet you can't guess what the question was a couple nights ago that started an hour long convo. Yes, who was everyone's favorite Disney princesses? We haven't laughed and argued more but at the end of the day, Jasmine and Repunzel won. 

Spiritual Thoughts: I have two this week sorry I couldn't choose one: 

1. We had a Devotional from Moises Villanueva yesterday and it was amazing. He told us about his story and how his single mother wanted nothing more than for him to go on a mission, that that would help her the most and it did, so many blessings came their way. I know that if we are lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ than we will be blessed with everything we need. 

2. I had a thought while in the temple today and think it would be good to share. I was thinking and pondering about being on a mission and how learning a new language is hard. It can get stressful sometimes and you feel like you are not progressing as fast as you like. This is the same for everyone. Life, jobs, and stresses of the world can make people stress and doubt their abilities. The thought was we need to put in effort and if thats not enough, God will help with the rest. He will make up the difference. You can do it, you can prevail.

Songs for this week: (sorry forgot last week cause I forget everything)

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I Choose You- 2023 Youth Album 

Where We Are- The Lumineers 

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Love yall, 

        -Elder Polgier (had to start this again too)

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September 11, 2024

First week at the CCM and I couldn't be happier. This place is so fun and its so cool to meet up with so many guys I've known before the mission. Getting here was rough. Saying adios to my family, a longish flight, and then waiting at the airport for a few hours before an hour drive to the CCM wasn't very fun for a first day. After the first day its been all smiles, jokes, and the gospel. This place definitely has the Spirit always. 

"The compound" 

The CCM is basically a compound out of a movie. Big walls and a tight schedule, every missionary their first few days feels like they are in some sort of prison. But after the first few days you begin to love it. It's nice to have a schedule so you can start learning how to keep a schedule without having to schedule it. I also don't know why people say the food is terrible, it's actually not bad at all. Some days it's better than others but it's actually decent most of the time. There are occasional fireworks though, Mexico is always partying! 

"3 Weekers"

Just like the Provo MTC for English, at the CCM there are a TON of native speakers who are only here for 3 weeks. They are good to talk to to learn Spanish better but only at the expense of being called "gringos" or anything like it. I've been talking to them more and hopefully gaining some street credit. 

"Salon de Comida" 

My room consists of 6 elders which makes for some fun and interesting nights. Also we all brought a lot of snacks giving us the nickname salon de comida. While people know we have food, the only thing that they can see is Elder Tulis 21 Nutella packets he steals every morning during breakfast. 

Spiritual Thought: As we were celebrating President Nelsons 100th B-day we saw clips of him and how much hes done. He then talked about the Savior and how he represents him in all that he does. I think that we are blessed by being obedient and doing what the lord would do.

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September 4, 2024

Last day of Home MTC!!! This day couldn't have came any sooner. This has been one (if not) of the most rewarding, challenging, and reflecting times in my life. And I am only two weeks in. 7-9 hours of zoom meetings could not be more exhausting. I bet these emails will get longer and more interesting as I am with my district and in the field but here are just a few cool and funny experiences this week:

"The Bugatti" 

One day in the middle of August, right before I was starting Home MTC a massive packages shows up on our doorstep. I went to look at it and it said "Lego" on the side. Low and behold a 43000 piece Lego Bugatti was waiting to be built. My dad surprised me with this because I love cars and it would be fun to spend time talking with him and doing something fun. This was such a fun project and the finished car is so cool. The best part was the conversations and bonding moments over this. But it is seriously so cool. 

"District 9H" 

One of the coolest things about Home MTC is that you get to meet your district that will be in the actual MTC with you, including your companion. My district is full of so many different people, all over the country, but we couldn't get along better. We make jokes, laugh, and have super deep and spiritual conversations daily. It is really cool to feel how strong the Spirit is with them and how much we've already grown and learned together.  I will definitely be sharing more stories about these guys later in emails but they are amazing. We have pulled some funny pranks on zoom calls including one where after a break we all put on sunglasses and changed our backgrounds to a beach. In revealing this to the sisters and our teacher, Elder Tulimesealii comments; "Look guys I am back home!!". His smile and happy nature will always be a highlight to me. My companion couldn't be better for me. He loves the same things as me and we mesh together so well. We both help each other get through the days and laugh and mess with each other when we need a little bit of light heartedness. 

Spiritual Thought: 

This week I have really been thinking about the nature of Jesus Christ and how he is inviting us all to use him and his atonement. Elder Kearon says it best in his talk this last General Conference that Jesus Christ is not a cop at a road block turning you away. He is always waiting for you to make the next step, to give you a high five, and to tell you to keep going because he wants everyone of us to use his infinite atonement that is always there you just need to use it. 

I love music and hope to share my love with y'all and maybe even add a few songs to your playlists so I am going to add a song each week that reminds me of my week, and one that I found or loved that week that is more toward Christ. Y'all get to guess or decide which is which :)

This week:

Final Countdown - Europe

Lord and Savior - Sam Rivera & Limoblaze

(P.S. I love hearing all the pronunciations of my last name so I am going to sign off every email with my favorite of the week how the person says it)

Love you all, 

Elder Plooyer