Editor's note: Roland will have but one more email opportunity from the MTC as he leaves for Texas on September 8th. This is your last chance to write him a letter before he leaves the MTC. Also remember that his birthday is on September 14. You should post any packages to him to the McAllen Mission Home. I will post that address after I look up the appropriate zip code. (At the end of this letter Roland says he won't have another email opportunity at the MTC, but if he leaves on the 8th as his address implies, he should have one more email opportunity.) If you send your letter via DearElder.com, they actually post the letters immediately to the MTC and he gets your email letter via Provo post. So, that is one way for you to be sure he gets your letter before he leaves Provo, even if he doesn't have another email opportunity.
Roland's letter:
Dear Family,
This week has been pretty normalish, except for a few instances, I guess. Most of them were at the beginning of this last week, right after I sent off my last email.
To start off, last Tuesday night we had Jeffery R. Holland come speak to us! It was awesome! One, because Elder Holland is known for his rousing speeches, and two, because he is the first member of the Quorum of the Twelve we've had speak to us. His remarks were filled with great quotes and inspirational reminders. He stressed that there are three things that missionaries don't do well. First, they don't study well together with their companions. Second, they don't plan well enough, really scheduling every bit of space and having backup plans for appointments that fall through or if something goes amiss. Third, they don't teach with the power and authority that is given to them in their calling. This past week I've been trying to work on all of these and really do as Elder Holland directed, and waste none of the Lord's time. He stressed the importance of exact obedience and how in order to teach with power and authority we need to obey all of the mission rules, so that the Spirit of the Lord can be unrestrained when trying to work in us. Probably the best two quotes that he gave were first, when speaking about mission rules, "You can't do it your way! This isn't Burger King! We don't hold the pickles!" And second, when speaking about diligence, "You've got to work hard and talk with everyone. Every step, every day, every person, all the way!". Those are just two among many, many good quotes that were given to us by Elder Holland, most of which are recorded in my study journal back in my class.
The other really cool experience that we had this week was our TRC (Teaching Resource Center) investigator. She was the mother of a young woman who comes regularly and volunteers at the TRC, but she herself had not come before. Elder Lybbert and I had a fantastic lesson with her about the Plan of Salvation and the Word of Wisdom. The Spirit was really strong, and you could visibly see it working in this mother. Her eyes would start to tear up and then she'd start crying when we were testifying of the life and sacrifice of the Savior, as well as the opportunity she has, through Him, to live with Him and her family forever. It was a great lesson and really was a great confidence booster for these last couple of weeks at the MTC.
I've only got a few minutes left on my email, so I'll relay one last short story and then send just one or two more in a letter home. I was talking to one of the Counselors in our Branch Presidency, who was talking about just how hard it was to walk so far every day in the mission field. Walking up to six or more miles a day really took a toll on his body, and he was trying to warn/scare us for how hard it could be. When I told him that I had done the Alonzo Stag hike in Virginia and had done 50 miles in a day, a surprised look popped onto his face and he said, "Oh, okay, well I guess you won't have a problem with that one ha-ha!" So, I'd just like to give a quick thanks to Rene and the Young Men leaders for getting me to go on that. And now that I have had that experience, I have no need to complain about how dead my legs are because I can always refer back to that experience and the fact that it doesn't hurt as much and I'll be able to walk the next day.
As far as the calling card goes, I can buy a $5 one here, which should be fine, but if Mom could send me the phone numbers and addresses for the kids that would be great. I won't have another chance to email before I leave, so I'll need that in actual mail. Also, the address for the mission home is: 200 W La Vista Ave., McAllen TX (and then the zip code for that area, can be Googled).
10 seconds, gotta go!
Love you all!
Elder Wood
August 31, 2010
August 30, 2010
August 17, 2010 (P.S. to written letter)
Oh. Tell Dad that I'm the second cleanest person in my Zone here at the MTC. The only one ahead of me is an Elder out of the Naval Academy, so he doesn't count. :)
Love you!
Elder Wood
Love you!
Elder Wood
August 17, 2010 (Letter posted to 4510 N. 35th St.)
Dear Family,
I did the big event of my being called to ZL in the Email home today, so hopefully in this letter I'll be able to talk about what has happened so far this week.
In the past week's Devotional on Tuesday there was a really good message. The speaker was Elder Evans of the first quorum of the Seventy. His message was mostly about getting our investigators to read the Book of Mormon from the beginning, as well as encouraging us to not being afraid to invite someone to be baptized. However, for me, the coolest part of Elder Evan's talk was in his testimony at the end. He said, "It is not faith for me anymore my friends, now I know." As a missionary I am called to strengthen the faith of others in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, but we are also counseled in Preach My Gospel that "You cannot convert someone beyond your own conversion."
I am grateful for the fact that I can say, "I know". When I testify of the Savior and his Atonement, I can say "I know". When I testify of the Restoration, I can say, "I know". And I'm grateful for that because it will help me to be a better missionary and also to be better at serving the Lord and bring more people back to Him.
This last week when teaching our "investigators" with Hermano Maughan, he had us do splits where companionships split up and taught different investigators. It was pretty interesting. I taught with Elder Covington and his "investigator", Yoel who had a drug problem. It was quite a challenge to try and teach to a new investigator with a concern I haven't ever really researched or studied for, but it was a great opportunity to practice and went over fairly well.
The other thing that was pretty cool for this week is that we had a new teacher for about a week, Hermano Solberg, who also served his mission in Argentina. This past week he has acted for an investgator for us too, "Bernardo". Bernardo is a very prepared individual who readily accepts most of our ideas like prayer, a loving Heavenly Father and the Restoration, but lacks faith a little bit because he gets very upset over small principles. For example, he had a big hangup with Nephi killing Laban in order to get the brass plates, and refused to listen to anything else until we could explain it to him. We did a pretty good job of it and kept the conversation from becoming contentious. It seemed to resolve his worries. Ultimately, he accepted the commitment to be baptized, which is awesome! Also, this past week with Hermano Maughan's "investigator" Jorge, we taught him about the Restoration and invited him to be baptized, which he accepted. Overall a great week for our practice investigators. I have learned a lot about teaching and how to help my investigators.
That's pretty much all of my lesson news for this week and other than that the only cool thing that has happened that I haven't mentioned concerns soccer. When I got to the MTC, I was horrible at soccer. For the past week or so I've been playing during gym and I have gotten way better. So far I have two goals and my footwork and passing are starting to get better. Hopefully I'll be decent by the time I get to McAllen so I don't embarrass myself in front of the Hispanic members :).
Anyways, that's just about it for the week. I hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for keeping me informed on how things are going. I hope everybody has a great coming week!
Love,
Elder Wood
I did the big event of my being called to ZL in the Email home today, so hopefully in this letter I'll be able to talk about what has happened so far this week.
In the past week's Devotional on Tuesday there was a really good message. The speaker was Elder Evans of the first quorum of the Seventy. His message was mostly about getting our investigators to read the Book of Mormon from the beginning, as well as encouraging us to not being afraid to invite someone to be baptized. However, for me, the coolest part of Elder Evan's talk was in his testimony at the end. He said, "It is not faith for me anymore my friends, now I know." As a missionary I am called to strengthen the faith of others in Jesus Christ and his Atonement, but we are also counseled in Preach My Gospel that "You cannot convert someone beyond your own conversion."
I am grateful for the fact that I can say, "I know". When I testify of the Savior and his Atonement, I can say "I know". When I testify of the Restoration, I can say, "I know". And I'm grateful for that because it will help me to be a better missionary and also to be better at serving the Lord and bring more people back to Him.
This last week when teaching our "investigators" with Hermano Maughan, he had us do splits where companionships split up and taught different investigators. It was pretty interesting. I taught with Elder Covington and his "investigator", Yoel who had a drug problem. It was quite a challenge to try and teach to a new investigator with a concern I haven't ever really researched or studied for, but it was a great opportunity to practice and went over fairly well.
The other thing that was pretty cool for this week is that we had a new teacher for about a week, Hermano Solberg, who also served his mission in Argentina. This past week he has acted for an investgator for us too, "Bernardo". Bernardo is a very prepared individual who readily accepts most of our ideas like prayer, a loving Heavenly Father and the Restoration, but lacks faith a little bit because he gets very upset over small principles. For example, he had a big hangup with Nephi killing Laban in order to get the brass plates, and refused to listen to anything else until we could explain it to him. We did a pretty good job of it and kept the conversation from becoming contentious. It seemed to resolve his worries. Ultimately, he accepted the commitment to be baptized, which is awesome! Also, this past week with Hermano Maughan's "investigator" Jorge, we taught him about the Restoration and invited him to be baptized, which he accepted. Overall a great week for our practice investigators. I have learned a lot about teaching and how to help my investigators.
That's pretty much all of my lesson news for this week and other than that the only cool thing that has happened that I haven't mentioned concerns soccer. When I got to the MTC, I was horrible at soccer. For the past week or so I've been playing during gym and I have gotten way better. So far I have two goals and my footwork and passing are starting to get better. Hopefully I'll be decent by the time I get to McAllen so I don't embarrass myself in front of the Hispanic members :).
Anyways, that's just about it for the week. I hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for keeping me informed on how things are going. I hope everybody has a great coming week!
Love,
Elder Wood
August 17, 2010 (Email from the MTC)
AWW! I can't believe I had to miss one of Dad's talks. I always enjoy hearing him speak and learning from his experiences. He's a great speaker and I can always pick out something to work on myself by the time he's done.
I'm sorry for all your computer troubles. That sounds like an annoying hassle. I'm glad something good came out of Christian's computer problems and that he'll be able to get it mostly restored. The new semester is coming up so hopefully it won't be a distraction to him. I'll get on sending you the papers about Grandpa Hall. Just be sure that you put them somewhere where I can get to them when I get back. I've enjoyed reading them very much. Well, now I guess it comes to the events of the week.
It was my first week not as District Leader. It's amazing how much more time you have when you're not running around doing interviews or filling out reports on Thursday night. However. . . that didn't last too long, because on Saturday night My companion and I (Elder Lybbert) were called as Zone Leaders. I thought that I would get a Sunday without any meetings, but the Lord has seen fit to have me humble myself in that manner and I'm now in even more meetings on Sunday than I was before! The ZLs before me, Elders Paulsen and Whitaker, were both really great Elders, and I learned a lot from their examples. Hopefully, I will be a better Zone Leader because of it. It's quite a change from being a district leader, in my opinion, because it really drives you to be the best example possible and to be friendly and loving towards everyone. I've always tried my hardest to get to know people and ben an example, but when you're responsible for introducing, befriending, comforting and training the new missionaries it gets a little bit more intense. I don't think I've ever been more concerned with how clean my room is, because as ZL my room is supposed to be the example for all the new missionaries that we will have coming in on Wednesday and also for anyone who chances to see it. So I've made a habit of never having a piece of clothing ouch the floor, and my bed is made as soon as I get up--which I'm sure Dad would appreciate. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to serve as a ZL because when I look back, the two companionships of ZL's I've had here were great examples to me and helped me to set the tone of my study and service for the first few weeks. I hope that I can do that same thing for the Elders we have coming in. I can remember just how much I looked up to the ZLs when I arrived.
That has been the big event of the week, and other than that it has been studying Spanish and teaching to "investigators". I'll relate most of those experiences through my letter home this week since I can write that with my journal on hand. it will help me to remember exactly who I've taught and what happened.
In other news for this week, on Sunday we had a big reunion and picture taking with the Elders in the MTC who were from my old BYU ward. It was quite remarkable to see twenty or so of my old friends who were now committing themselves to serving the Lord. I got a big group picture as well as one with Elders Moody, Johnson and Moss who are some of my really good friends. I'll send some copies of those pictures home this coming week to be put up on the blog.
Other than that, I'm not sure too much has happened this week. Due to my wonderfully limited email time, I'll be relating more of my experiences of the week in my written letter home. Thanks for writing me and keep encouraging others to write. I'm always happy to receive and reply!
Love,
Elder Wood
I'm sorry for all your computer troubles. That sounds like an annoying hassle. I'm glad something good came out of Christian's computer problems and that he'll be able to get it mostly restored. The new semester is coming up so hopefully it won't be a distraction to him. I'll get on sending you the papers about Grandpa Hall. Just be sure that you put them somewhere where I can get to them when I get back. I've enjoyed reading them very much. Well, now I guess it comes to the events of the week.
It was my first week not as District Leader. It's amazing how much more time you have when you're not running around doing interviews or filling out reports on Thursday night. However. . . that didn't last too long, because on Saturday night My companion and I (Elder Lybbert) were called as Zone Leaders. I thought that I would get a Sunday without any meetings, but the Lord has seen fit to have me humble myself in that manner and I'm now in even more meetings on Sunday than I was before! The ZLs before me, Elders Paulsen and Whitaker, were both really great Elders, and I learned a lot from their examples. Hopefully, I will be a better Zone Leader because of it. It's quite a change from being a district leader, in my opinion, because it really drives you to be the best example possible and to be friendly and loving towards everyone. I've always tried my hardest to get to know people and ben an example, but when you're responsible for introducing, befriending, comforting and training the new missionaries it gets a little bit more intense. I don't think I've ever been more concerned with how clean my room is, because as ZL my room is supposed to be the example for all the new missionaries that we will have coming in on Wednesday and also for anyone who chances to see it. So I've made a habit of never having a piece of clothing ouch the floor, and my bed is made as soon as I get up--which I'm sure Dad would appreciate. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to serve as a ZL because when I look back, the two companionships of ZL's I've had here were great examples to me and helped me to set the tone of my study and service for the first few weeks. I hope that I can do that same thing for the Elders we have coming in. I can remember just how much I looked up to the ZLs when I arrived.
That has been the big event of the week, and other than that it has been studying Spanish and teaching to "investigators". I'll relate most of those experiences through my letter home this week since I can write that with my journal on hand. it will help me to remember exactly who I've taught and what happened.
In other news for this week, on Sunday we had a big reunion and picture taking with the Elders in the MTC who were from my old BYU ward. It was quite remarkable to see twenty or so of my old friends who were now committing themselves to serving the Lord. I got a big group picture as well as one with Elders Moody, Johnson and Moss who are some of my really good friends. I'll send some copies of those pictures home this coming week to be put up on the blog.
Other than that, I'm not sure too much has happened this week. Due to my wonderfully limited email time, I'll be relating more of my experiences of the week in my written letter home. Thanks for writing me and keep encouraging others to write. I'm always happy to receive and reply!
Love,
Elder Wood
August 28, 2010
August 10, 2010 (Hand-written post from the MTC)
I got Mom's package from Houston just now, and it is possibly the best thing I have ever received! It's like Christmas! The highlight has to be the University of Texas Snuggy, but everything in there was great, even the socks! Thanks so much for sending it. It made this P-day into a great day overall. My companion, Elder Lybert, and I are both grateful for the Texas map shirts. They're really cool.
I am now wearing the UT Snuggy, and it is possibly the best thing of ...my...LIFE! I don't think I can express just how much joy this brings me.
However, now that I am done pontificating about my wonderful presents, I can get into what has happened so far this week. Our teacher, Hermano Ortiz left this week for Texas, since his family lives there. Apparently, this is a very important time for his family and they need to be together. So we'll have substitutes for the next 3 weeks, but Hermano Ortiz will be back for our last week at the MTC.
We picked up a new "investigator," Maria at the Teaching Evaluation Place and we meet with her on Fridays. She moved here from Mexico and has two young daughters. Her husband just left her and her parents died, so her faith in God is failing. Hopefully we will be able to help rebuild the foundation of her faith through the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. We'll see how our next few lessons go. Our first lesson with her was okay, but a lot of it was really just getting to know here. We didn't have too much time for a message.
Oh, our first new substitute here at the MTC for Hermano Ortiz is Hermano Solberg from Mesa, Arizona. He served his mission in Argentina the same time as Hermano Maughan. Our first day with him was pretty intense. We learned a lot of grammar principles and then the second day (and for the rest of his time with us) he was a new "investigator," Bernado. Bernado is a divorced, retired, 55 year old man with two kids and a firm belief in God. He is devoted to God because he says God has saved his life on three separate occasions. So teaching him will be interesting and hopefully soon we can bring him into the Church.
On Sunday we had President Jackman speak to us at the Devotional and his remarks were interesting. But it was also really cool that he served part of his mission in McAllen, Texas. However, the coolest part of Sunday was right after the Devotional. Movies play in different places on the campus afterwards and the Joseph Smith movie was playing in one building across campus from where we were watching the Devotional. We knew it would be packed so we sat next to an exit and as soon as the Devotional was over we exited. As a joke, with a few other companionships, we started to run. I thought it was pretty dorky, but then after rounding the first corner we ran into about 30 other missionaries who were running. There was another mob of joggers just behind them. We got some of the last seats in the room for the movie. It was a really great experience. However, I will always remember seeing so many young men rush to see, testify, and tell about the story of Joseph Smith.
That's all I've got for this week and I'm just about out of time. Thanks for the package and I hope everyone is doing well!
Love,
Elder Wood
I am now wearing the UT Snuggy, and it is possibly the best thing of ...my...LIFE! I don't think I can express just how much joy this brings me.
However, now that I am done pontificating about my wonderful presents, I can get into what has happened so far this week. Our teacher, Hermano Ortiz left this week for Texas, since his family lives there. Apparently, this is a very important time for his family and they need to be together. So we'll have substitutes for the next 3 weeks, but Hermano Ortiz will be back for our last week at the MTC.
We picked up a new "investigator," Maria at the Teaching Evaluation Place and we meet with her on Fridays. She moved here from Mexico and has two young daughters. Her husband just left her and her parents died, so her faith in God is failing. Hopefully we will be able to help rebuild the foundation of her faith through the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. We'll see how our next few lessons go. Our first lesson with her was okay, but a lot of it was really just getting to know here. We didn't have too much time for a message.
Oh, our first new substitute here at the MTC for Hermano Ortiz is Hermano Solberg from Mesa, Arizona. He served his mission in Argentina the same time as Hermano Maughan. Our first day with him was pretty intense. We learned a lot of grammar principles and then the second day (and for the rest of his time with us) he was a new "investigator," Bernado. Bernado is a divorced, retired, 55 year old man with two kids and a firm belief in God. He is devoted to God because he says God has saved his life on three separate occasions. So teaching him will be interesting and hopefully soon we can bring him into the Church.
On Sunday we had President Jackman speak to us at the Devotional and his remarks were interesting. But it was also really cool that he served part of his mission in McAllen, Texas. However, the coolest part of Sunday was right after the Devotional. Movies play in different places on the campus afterwards and the Joseph Smith movie was playing in one building across campus from where we were watching the Devotional. We knew it would be packed so we sat next to an exit and as soon as the Devotional was over we exited. As a joke, with a few other companionships, we started to run. I thought it was pretty dorky, but then after rounding the first corner we ran into about 30 other missionaries who were running. There was another mob of joggers just behind them. We got some of the last seats in the room for the movie. It was a really great experience. However, I will always remember seeing so many young men rush to see, testify, and tell about the story of Joseph Smith.
That's all I've got for this week and I'm just about out of time. Thanks for the package and I hope everyone is doing well!
Love,
Elder Wood
August 10, 2010 (Email letter from the MTC)
Dear Mom/Family/Friends,
This week here at the MTC has been pretty interesting. I got released from my District Leader calling after serving about 5 weeks, which is the normal duration of that calling here at the MTC. Everything is going pretty well here and things are coming along nicely. I'll be writing an actual letter home later today which should have more of the experiences of the week in it since I have my journal on hand when I'm writing it.
I haven't received Mom's package from Texas yet, but I'm sure it will get here soon. I'm excited for whatever is in it--candy, blankets, whatever!
I'm really excited for Mark to get here. I've talked to a bunch of our old friends from BYU and we're all waiting to see him on Wednesday. Most of the new missionaries all file in like a bunch of confused tourists during diners on Wednesday nights, so I'll be watching for him to come in. I'm also very curious about this new haircut he has, and I'm sure it will be quite a laugh. However, even funnier I think, is that I've heard that when the missionaries going to Peru arrive there they shave their heads first thing. I don't think words can express how much I'm waiting to see a picture of Elder Johnson with a buzz cut!
As far as Christian's job goes, I hope he will have better luck this time with the Census. Hopefully, he'll get some better hours and the fact that it si only in Provo should help with the job a bit. I can't wait for the moment when he knocks on one of his friend's houses and has to chastise them about not filling out their census forms.
A lot of the people here come from part-member families, or families that were less active at one time. It has made me really grateful that I come from a family that is strong in the Gospel and have all faithfully fulfilled their callings and assignments. Mom, good luck with your meetings with all the other wards. I know you're doing a lot of good and people you may not even suspect are grateful for your performance and faithfulness in serving within the Church.
I am really glad that Jonathan and Emily are doing well It is awesome that Jonathan is receiving such great acknowledgment and respect for the work that he does. It's always great to have such hard workers in your family who set an example for you of how to buckle down, work hard and provide for others. However a more important accomplishment than his job is his new baby girl! It's amazing how big she is. I'm fairly certain that Jonathan and Emily are going to have the biggest grandchildren out of anyone, but who knows?
The weather here is nice, cool but not too hot, even though we're indoors most of the time anyway. I'm normally outside for gym time one hour a day and then outside for maybe two of the four hours I have for study time every day. It really is a beautiful summer here, especially with the mountains and the great weather. I know Texas will be hot, but hopefully I'll be able to be focused enough on my work that the heat won't bother me too much. With five weeks now here in the MTC, I'm getting the urge to go out and get to work, but I know that I'll need the extra four weeks of Spanish practice. Hopefully, I'll use them to their fullest potential.
Anyways, like I said, you'll get a snail mail letter with more of the experiences in the week, but until then, just hold tight. The Gospel is true and is the most important work now and in eternity!
This week here at the MTC has been pretty interesting. I got released from my District Leader calling after serving about 5 weeks, which is the normal duration of that calling here at the MTC. Everything is going pretty well here and things are coming along nicely. I'll be writing an actual letter home later today which should have more of the experiences of the week in it since I have my journal on hand when I'm writing it.
I haven't received Mom's package from Texas yet, but I'm sure it will get here soon. I'm excited for whatever is in it--candy, blankets, whatever!
I'm really excited for Mark to get here. I've talked to a bunch of our old friends from BYU and we're all waiting to see him on Wednesday. Most of the new missionaries all file in like a bunch of confused tourists during diners on Wednesday nights, so I'll be watching for him to come in. I'm also very curious about this new haircut he has, and I'm sure it will be quite a laugh. However, even funnier I think, is that I've heard that when the missionaries going to Peru arrive there they shave their heads first thing. I don't think words can express how much I'm waiting to see a picture of Elder Johnson with a buzz cut!
As far as Christian's job goes, I hope he will have better luck this time with the Census. Hopefully, he'll get some better hours and the fact that it si only in Provo should help with the job a bit. I can't wait for the moment when he knocks on one of his friend's houses and has to chastise them about not filling out their census forms.
A lot of the people here come from part-member families, or families that were less active at one time. It has made me really grateful that I come from a family that is strong in the Gospel and have all faithfully fulfilled their callings and assignments. Mom, good luck with your meetings with all the other wards. I know you're doing a lot of good and people you may not even suspect are grateful for your performance and faithfulness in serving within the Church.
I am really glad that Jonathan and Emily are doing well It is awesome that Jonathan is receiving such great acknowledgment and respect for the work that he does. It's always great to have such hard workers in your family who set an example for you of how to buckle down, work hard and provide for others. However a more important accomplishment than his job is his new baby girl! It's amazing how big she is. I'm fairly certain that Jonathan and Emily are going to have the biggest grandchildren out of anyone, but who knows?
The weather here is nice, cool but not too hot, even though we're indoors most of the time anyway. I'm normally outside for gym time one hour a day and then outside for maybe two of the four hours I have for study time every day. It really is a beautiful summer here, especially with the mountains and the great weather. I know Texas will be hot, but hopefully I'll be able to be focused enough on my work that the heat won't bother me too much. With five weeks now here in the MTC, I'm getting the urge to go out and get to work, but I know that I'll need the extra four weeks of Spanish practice. Hopefully, I'll use them to their fullest potential.
Anyways, like I said, you'll get a snail mail letter with more of the experiences in the week, but until then, just hold tight. The Gospel is true and is the most important work now and in eternity!
August 3, 2010 (hand written, posted letter)
Dear Family (or Everybody),
I trust you got my email, which had my response to some letters and emails, so this letter will just be me telling my stories from this week.
My first story from the week is about our TRC (Teaching Resource Center) on Wednesday. We had to follow up on commitments with an "investigator," get to know them and their family and arrange to pick them up for Church, all in Spanish. Overall, it went really well! Our Spanish was great, and then at the end we taught him the second lesson about the Plan of Salvation in English. The lesson went over really well too, and the "investigator" told us how much he felt the Spirit. it's always really nice to see just how far you have come as a missionary and see how your teaching skills have improved.
So, the TRC went over well, but the more interesting story from the week was our lesson with Hermono Maughan as our investigator "Jorge." His family was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver, and we've been working to help him feel peace and happiness again through the Plan of Salvation. We taught him about the ability to live with his family again and the peace that forgiveness can bring. We had some scriptures and questions prepared for him, which highlighted the necessity and joy of forgiveness as well as the effects of the Atonement and the importance of following Christ's example. The lesson went over well both in the aspects of having the investigator feel the Spirit and speaking our Spanish well and understanding Jorge's Spanish. We committed him to pray for peace and strength as well as coming to church with us this Sunday. Overall it was a really great lesson that strengthened my confidence in the help of the Lord as well as the growth of my Spanish abilities.
This last Sunday here at the MTC was Fast Sunday which means that we had Mission Conference. All of the Presidency of the MTC spoke, but I think by far the most interesting talk was the talk given by President Smith (the President of the MTC). Basically, to sum up his talk in one sentence, he reminded us that our loyalty is first to the Lord, second to our Mission President and third, to our District/Zone leaders. It was a nice message because it reminded me that as District Leader, my loyalty isn't to protect, coddle or shield my missionaries, but to further the work of the Lord. I only have about a week or so left of being District Leader, but I intend to fulfill my duty to the Lord with all my heart, might, mind and strength until I am released from my calling as a missionary.
The Gospel is true. There is no more simple statement than that to declare the truth and necessity of my purpose. I will do all in my power to bring people to a knowledge of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the reality of his infinite and atoning sacrifice. I will strive to bring all people to the possesion of a real and powerful testimony of the truth of the Gospel. Bringing them to faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, repentence, baptism, the receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and encouraging them to endure to the end is my great honor and responsibility. I am excited and ready to declare the truth of the things revealed to Joseph Smith and declare the presence of a true Prophet on the earth today.
It's good to hear from everyone and I hope everybody will continue to let me know what's happening and going on in their lives. I hope everyone has a great and productive week!
Love,
Elder Wood
I trust you got my email, which had my response to some letters and emails, so this letter will just be me telling my stories from this week.
My first story from the week is about our TRC (Teaching Resource Center) on Wednesday. We had to follow up on commitments with an "investigator," get to know them and their family and arrange to pick them up for Church, all in Spanish. Overall, it went really well! Our Spanish was great, and then at the end we taught him the second lesson about the Plan of Salvation in English. The lesson went over really well too, and the "investigator" told us how much he felt the Spirit. it's always really nice to see just how far you have come as a missionary and see how your teaching skills have improved.
So, the TRC went over well, but the more interesting story from the week was our lesson with Hermono Maughan as our investigator "Jorge." His family was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver, and we've been working to help him feel peace and happiness again through the Plan of Salvation. We taught him about the ability to live with his family again and the peace that forgiveness can bring. We had some scriptures and questions prepared for him, which highlighted the necessity and joy of forgiveness as well as the effects of the Atonement and the importance of following Christ's example. The lesson went over well both in the aspects of having the investigator feel the Spirit and speaking our Spanish well and understanding Jorge's Spanish. We committed him to pray for peace and strength as well as coming to church with us this Sunday. Overall it was a really great lesson that strengthened my confidence in the help of the Lord as well as the growth of my Spanish abilities.
This last Sunday here at the MTC was Fast Sunday which means that we had Mission Conference. All of the Presidency of the MTC spoke, but I think by far the most interesting talk was the talk given by President Smith (the President of the MTC). Basically, to sum up his talk in one sentence, he reminded us that our loyalty is first to the Lord, second to our Mission President and third, to our District/Zone leaders. It was a nice message because it reminded me that as District Leader, my loyalty isn't to protect, coddle or shield my missionaries, but to further the work of the Lord. I only have about a week or so left of being District Leader, but I intend to fulfill my duty to the Lord with all my heart, might, mind and strength until I am released from my calling as a missionary.
The Gospel is true. There is no more simple statement than that to declare the truth and necessity of my purpose. I will do all in my power to bring people to a knowledge of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the reality of his infinite and atoning sacrifice. I will strive to bring all people to the possesion of a real and powerful testimony of the truth of the Gospel. Bringing them to faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, repentence, baptism, the receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and encouraging them to endure to the end is my great honor and responsibility. I am excited and ready to declare the truth of the things revealed to Joseph Smith and declare the presence of a true Prophet on the earth today.
It's good to hear from everyone and I hope everybody will continue to let me know what's happening and going on in their lives. I hope everyone has a great and productive week!
Love,
Elder Wood
August 3, 2010 (Email from MTC)
It was great to hear from you and catch up with what's going on with the family!
It's too bad you couldn't find anything out about my teacher, but yes, I'm certain he's from Honduras. He is a very good teacher and one of the funniest people I've met. He has a good sense of the Gospel, how to teach, and is also quite good at motivating and inspiring us to do well. Recently another District had him as a substitute and they were practicing door contacts with him. It was pretty hilarious because after a couple times of failures because the missionaries couldn't stop laughing it just turned into a series of jokes. Once he opened the door holding a dry erase marker, huffing and puffing like it was a cigarette. It made for an interesting conversation at the door. The next time he opened the door and pulled out an imaginary gun yelling, "Are you the cops? I don't want any police," but in Spanish of course. However, upon finding out they weren't cops, but were missionaries, he put away his gun and invited them in for a lesson, which made for an interesting turn of events.
I haven't seen too many pictures of Allison, so maybe you could send me some of those or something, since I haven't had a chance to see my beautiful new niece!
I'm glad that Christian had a good birthday. Be sure to tell him Happy Birthday for me! I did remember on Sunday that it was his birthday, but unfortunately I couldn't send him a letter or e-mail since it wasn't my P-day. But I was thinking of him and said a little happy birthday for him in my room Sunday night. I'm glad Christian's place is looking good! Hopefully the construction will continue to go well and soon enough he'll have an even sweeter house! (He'd better not be getting rid of the hidden washer/dryer though. If he does, I'll never forgive him;-).
And yes, his renter's brother is in my District, Elder Raynes. He's a good missionary and works hard, and I'm grateful to have him in my District.
I have met quite a few of my old college friends here at the MTC. To list a few, there's Elders Glover, Hopper, Moss, Moody, McDowell, and Burdette here now and I ran into Elders McKay and Romney and probably quite a few others that I can't remember now before they left for their missions. You can tell Mark that Elders Moody, Moss, and I will be waiting for him on the day that he shows up, and hopefully find him in the Cafeteria the first night he gets here. Elder Moody won't be here for too long after Mark gets here--only a week or so, but Elder Moss and I will be here for about another month. It's always great to see friends from BYU who are still strong in the Gospel, and are on their way to spreading the word of the Lord. I am strongly reminded of Alma and the sons of Mosiah who rejoiced in the fact that they were still brethren in the Lord.
I'm glad the reunion was so fun and I am truly grateful for the choices of my ancestors, and Dad, to join the church. It has directed and inspired my life, giving me a sense of purpose and belonging that a lot of people don't have. And that is exactly why I am here at the MTC and going on a mission, to try and spread that purpose, peace and happiness to all who are willing to accept it. Hopefully, soon I will be able to help another family have the joy of an ancestor who joined the church and was faithful in it and blessed the lives of his posterity.
Oh also, JoAnn wrote me a letter but didn't put her address on it, so I'll do a really quick response now. That story about Avalee was hilarious and really brightened my day. I was glad to hear it and it also definitely sounds like Lincoln. Things are good here and I can't wait to hear from your kids. Thanks for the letter and next time, put your mailing address in it so I can send you a real letter back.
I do have a few interesting stories from this week that I want to tell, but I only have 3 minutes left of email time, so I'll put those in my written letter that I send to the house in Virginia. I hope everyone has a great week and that everything goes well. Love you all!
Elder Wood
It's too bad you couldn't find anything out about my teacher, but yes, I'm certain he's from Honduras. He is a very good teacher and one of the funniest people I've met. He has a good sense of the Gospel, how to teach, and is also quite good at motivating and inspiring us to do well. Recently another District had him as a substitute and they were practicing door contacts with him. It was pretty hilarious because after a couple times of failures because the missionaries couldn't stop laughing it just turned into a series of jokes. Once he opened the door holding a dry erase marker, huffing and puffing like it was a cigarette. It made for an interesting conversation at the door. The next time he opened the door and pulled out an imaginary gun yelling, "Are you the cops? I don't want any police," but in Spanish of course. However, upon finding out they weren't cops, but were missionaries, he put away his gun and invited them in for a lesson, which made for an interesting turn of events.
I haven't seen too many pictures of Allison, so maybe you could send me some of those or something, since I haven't had a chance to see my beautiful new niece!
I'm glad that Christian had a good birthday. Be sure to tell him Happy Birthday for me! I did remember on Sunday that it was his birthday, but unfortunately I couldn't send him a letter or e-mail since it wasn't my P-day. But I was thinking of him and said a little happy birthday for him in my room Sunday night. I'm glad Christian's place is looking good! Hopefully the construction will continue to go well and soon enough he'll have an even sweeter house! (He'd better not be getting rid of the hidden washer/dryer though. If he does, I'll never forgive him;-).
And yes, his renter's brother is in my District, Elder Raynes. He's a good missionary and works hard, and I'm grateful to have him in my District.
I have met quite a few of my old college friends here at the MTC. To list a few, there's Elders Glover, Hopper, Moss, Moody, McDowell, and Burdette here now and I ran into Elders McKay and Romney and probably quite a few others that I can't remember now before they left for their missions. You can tell Mark that Elders Moody, Moss, and I will be waiting for him on the day that he shows up, and hopefully find him in the Cafeteria the first night he gets here. Elder Moody won't be here for too long after Mark gets here--only a week or so, but Elder Moss and I will be here for about another month. It's always great to see friends from BYU who are still strong in the Gospel, and are on their way to spreading the word of the Lord. I am strongly reminded of Alma and the sons of Mosiah who rejoiced in the fact that they were still brethren in the Lord.
I'm glad the reunion was so fun and I am truly grateful for the choices of my ancestors, and Dad, to join the church. It has directed and inspired my life, giving me a sense of purpose and belonging that a lot of people don't have. And that is exactly why I am here at the MTC and going on a mission, to try and spread that purpose, peace and happiness to all who are willing to accept it. Hopefully, soon I will be able to help another family have the joy of an ancestor who joined the church and was faithful in it and blessed the lives of his posterity.
Oh also, JoAnn wrote me a letter but didn't put her address on it, so I'll do a really quick response now. That story about Avalee was hilarious and really brightened my day. I was glad to hear it and it also definitely sounds like Lincoln. Things are good here and I can't wait to hear from your kids. Thanks for the letter and next time, put your mailing address in it so I can send you a real letter back.
I do have a few interesting stories from this week that I want to tell, but I only have 3 minutes left of email time, so I'll put those in my written letter that I send to the house in Virginia. I hope everyone has a great week and that everything goes well. Love you all!
Elder Wood
July 27, 2010 (Email from MTC)
The computers at the MTC wigged out today and I spent most of my time sending an email to James and another missionary friend from college. You will get a handwritten letter from me today, so just be expecting it sometime this next week. I'm not sure where everybody is, but I'm going to send this a letter to Christian to his house and then the big letter to the house in Virginia. I hope that's right!
Elder Wood
Elder Wood
July 20,2010 (email from MTC)
Well, Mom, I'm very glad you've been updating me on things as they happen in Utah. I wrote a long letter today along with a few pictures in it, so you should get that soon. This email won't have too much to say in it since I already said most of what I was going to. I'm also going to see if I can attach pictures to this email for you to put on the blog. But we'll see how that goes in the end, I guess.
A couple of people besides family have written me so far, so that was good. Paul wrote me, as well as one of my friends from college. Mail really is one of the most important things here at the MTC. You'd be surprised how many missionaries are always standing behind me when I go to get the mail just to see if they got a letter, even though they actually get distributed at night.
Both the pairs of jeans fit reasonably well, so I'm very grateful for that. I seem to be dong well on the things that I need, although maybe if you get a chance you could send me a couple of t-shirts from my box in Virginia when you get back, as well as a few normal socks. When I was packing I forgot about gym time stuff, so I've worn old socks a few times to go work out. But thanks a billion for all the things you've already sent me. The package was very helpful and uplifting. It's always nice to get something from home to boost your spirits.
It's crazy how much work you're doing on Christian's house. Hopefully it will work out and come out just that much better, soon. I'm sorry about your hand. Give it some rest and if it keeps hurting, maybe go in to see a doctor and make sure you didn't strain a tendon or something. For a mom, seamstress, cook and quilter like you, hand damage could be really unfortunate if it gets worse.
I'm glad Rose-Ellen's eye surgery went well. Hopefully, she'll be able to recover quickly and get back on her feet. I've never watched someone go through the recovery process for lasik, so I don't know how bad it will be. I'm curious about how difficult the healing process is for getting your eyes zapped with lazers. Give her my love and I hope she'll heal quickly. Oh, and my asthama's doing fine in the hot weather.
Anyways, I said most of what I had to say in my letter that you will get soon, and I want to use a bit of my email time to email a friend who is out on a mission and I don't have his address. Love you, and I'll write you again soon!
Elder Wood
A couple of people besides family have written me so far, so that was good. Paul wrote me, as well as one of my friends from college. Mail really is one of the most important things here at the MTC. You'd be surprised how many missionaries are always standing behind me when I go to get the mail just to see if they got a letter, even though they actually get distributed at night.
Both the pairs of jeans fit reasonably well, so I'm very grateful for that. I seem to be dong well on the things that I need, although maybe if you get a chance you could send me a couple of t-shirts from my box in Virginia when you get back, as well as a few normal socks. When I was packing I forgot about gym time stuff, so I've worn old socks a few times to go work out. But thanks a billion for all the things you've already sent me. The package was very helpful and uplifting. It's always nice to get something from home to boost your spirits.
It's crazy how much work you're doing on Christian's house. Hopefully it will work out and come out just that much better, soon. I'm sorry about your hand. Give it some rest and if it keeps hurting, maybe go in to see a doctor and make sure you didn't strain a tendon or something. For a mom, seamstress, cook and quilter like you, hand damage could be really unfortunate if it gets worse.
I'm glad Rose-Ellen's eye surgery went well. Hopefully, she'll be able to recover quickly and get back on her feet. I've never watched someone go through the recovery process for lasik, so I don't know how bad it will be. I'm curious about how difficult the healing process is for getting your eyes zapped with lazers. Give her my love and I hope she'll heal quickly. Oh, and my asthama's doing fine in the hot weather.
Anyways, I said most of what I had to say in my letter that you will get soon, and I want to use a bit of my email time to email a friend who is out on a mission and I don't have his address. Love you, and I'll write you again soon!
Elder Wood
July 13, 2010 (email from the MTC)
Well, I have officially reached my first P-day, and I am also just short of a week here at the MTC. The experience has been great, but it's definitely a lot of work. The first day arriving here was quite hectic, but somehow through the madness I was able to get situated and meet the rest of the missionaries in my District. My companion is Elder Brock Lybbert, whom Dad would probably like because he's from an area in Washington near Tri-Cities, Moses Lake. We are getting along well as a companionship so far, but it's only the first week. People don't really like to be confrontational early on. I'm sure something will come up that will cause a bit of tension, but I'm confident in our ability as a companionship to effectively sort those issues out.
As you might already know from the letter I sent to you (I don't know if it's gotten there already), I am the District Leader for my group of missionaries. So far it hasn't been too much work, besides a bit of organization, some meetings, and picking up everyone's mail each day. However, it might get a bit more difficult starting later this week because I am conducting interviews with the senior companions in order to see how the missionaries are meshing together. If any issues come up with that, I might have a bit more of a job ahead of me. I am excited for the opportunity I have to serve my fellow missionaries, and I know that the Lord is strengthening me as I try to fulfill my leadership duties as well as my regular duties as a missionary.
My teacher for class is Hermano Maughan, who is perhaps, the greatest person on this earth. He served his mission in Argentina and he is a wonderful Spanish teacher. However, more important than his ability to speak Spanish is how well he knows how to invite the Spirit. His stories and testimonies are very moving, and the Spirit seems to follow in every lesson that he teaches. Even when he speaks Spanish, saying things we don't really understand, the confirmation of the Spirit is felt by everyone. He recited the Joseph Smith story in Spanish, and even though I didn't understand every part, I know that what he said was true, and I hope to be able to bear testimony as powerfully as he can.
So far, learning Spanish has been a challenge, but the Lord has helped make me equal to the task. We have learned how to conjugate regular verbs, subject pronouns, and how to pray and testify in Spanish fluently. It is truly a beautiful language, and I am eager to use it to further the work of the Lord. So far, this is my testimony in Spanish, and I'll translate it afterwards so that everyone can understand it.
(Editor's note: I don't know how to find and use the diacritical markings for Spanish, so I will ignore them.)
Tango un testimonio de Jesucristo. Testifico que Jusucristo es nuestro Redentor y Salvador. Se que somos encontrar la vida eterna a traves de la expiacion de Jesucristo. Testifico que Dios ama a usted y todo las personas de la tierra. Se que las familias pueden estar juntas para siempre. Se que podemos por medio del Espiritu Santo que Jose Smith fue un profeta de Dios. Se que Thomas S. Monson es un profeta de Dios oy tambien. Se que El libro de Mormon es un otro testamento de Jesucristo y contiene la palabra de Dios. Testifico que el Libro de mormon es verdadero y contiene la plentitud de el evangelio de Jesucristo. Se que esto es verdad al sentir de el Espirtu Santo. En el nombre de Jesucristo, amen.
I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I testify that Christ is our Redeemer and Savior. I know we are able to find eternal life through Jesus Christ. I testify that God loves you and all the people of the Earth. I know families can be together forever. I know through the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know Thomas s. Monson is a prophet of God today, also. I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and contains the word of God. I testify that the Book of Mormon is true and contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know this is true through the Holy Ghost. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Anyways, now that I've said all that I want to, how is everyone doing? Has Utah been interesting for your visit? And how has planning for the reunion been going? How is Allison and the rest of the grandkids? You should have a letter that has my address written in it by now or soon. Be sure to post that on the blog and then encourage anybody who wants to, to write to me. I'll send pictures next week. Thanks a lot and write back soon!@ Oh, dearelder.com is great for writing me letters.
Elder Wood
(Further editorial note: We have had multiple problems with the Internet and crashing computers at 4510 and in Provo at 1009 Briar--Christian's home. This has led to postings out of order and incomplete. Further, I am having issues with finding and posting the pictures that I have managed to download to my computer, but can't seem to get up on the blog. I will call in somebody younger and smarter than I and see if I can't post some of Roland's pictures in the coming week.)
As you might already know from the letter I sent to you (I don't know if it's gotten there already), I am the District Leader for my group of missionaries. So far it hasn't been too much work, besides a bit of organization, some meetings, and picking up everyone's mail each day. However, it might get a bit more difficult starting later this week because I am conducting interviews with the senior companions in order to see how the missionaries are meshing together. If any issues come up with that, I might have a bit more of a job ahead of me. I am excited for the opportunity I have to serve my fellow missionaries, and I know that the Lord is strengthening me as I try to fulfill my leadership duties as well as my regular duties as a missionary.
My teacher for class is Hermano Maughan, who is perhaps, the greatest person on this earth. He served his mission in Argentina and he is a wonderful Spanish teacher. However, more important than his ability to speak Spanish is how well he knows how to invite the Spirit. His stories and testimonies are very moving, and the Spirit seems to follow in every lesson that he teaches. Even when he speaks Spanish, saying things we don't really understand, the confirmation of the Spirit is felt by everyone. He recited the Joseph Smith story in Spanish, and even though I didn't understand every part, I know that what he said was true, and I hope to be able to bear testimony as powerfully as he can.
So far, learning Spanish has been a challenge, but the Lord has helped make me equal to the task. We have learned how to conjugate regular verbs, subject pronouns, and how to pray and testify in Spanish fluently. It is truly a beautiful language, and I am eager to use it to further the work of the Lord. So far, this is my testimony in Spanish, and I'll translate it afterwards so that everyone can understand it.
(Editor's note: I don't know how to find and use the diacritical markings for Spanish, so I will ignore them.)
Tango un testimonio de Jesucristo. Testifico que Jusucristo es nuestro Redentor y Salvador. Se que somos encontrar la vida eterna a traves de la expiacion de Jesucristo. Testifico que Dios ama a usted y todo las personas de la tierra. Se que las familias pueden estar juntas para siempre. Se que podemos por medio del Espiritu Santo que Jose Smith fue un profeta de Dios. Se que Thomas S. Monson es un profeta de Dios oy tambien. Se que El libro de Mormon es un otro testamento de Jesucristo y contiene la palabra de Dios. Testifico que el Libro de mormon es verdadero y contiene la plentitud de el evangelio de Jesucristo. Se que esto es verdad al sentir de el Espirtu Santo. En el nombre de Jesucristo, amen.
I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I testify that Christ is our Redeemer and Savior. I know we are able to find eternal life through Jesus Christ. I testify that God loves you and all the people of the Earth. I know families can be together forever. I know through the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know Thomas s. Monson is a prophet of God today, also. I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and contains the word of God. I testify that the Book of Mormon is true and contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know this is true through the Holy Ghost. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Anyways, now that I've said all that I want to, how is everyone doing? Has Utah been interesting for your visit? And how has planning for the reunion been going? How is Allison and the rest of the grandkids? You should have a letter that has my address written in it by now or soon. Be sure to post that on the blog and then encourage anybody who wants to, to write to me. I'll send pictures next week. Thanks a lot and write back soon!@ Oh, dearelder.com is great for writing me letters.
Elder Wood
(Further editorial note: We have had multiple problems with the Internet and crashing computers at 4510 and in Provo at 1009 Briar--Christian's home. This has led to postings out of order and incomplete. Further, I am having issues with finding and posting the pictures that I have managed to download to my computer, but can't seem to get up on the blog. I will call in somebody younger and smarter than I and see if I can't post some of Roland's pictures in the coming week.)
August 6, 2010
July 27, 2010
Dear Everyone ( I guess),
This past week has been an interesting week and there's a lot of things I want to include in the letter. I've only got an hour or so to write it, so I hope I can fit everything in.
I guess I'll start off with the Devotional we had last Tuesday. I can't remember who came and talked, but I can remember a few of his points that really interested me. Missionaries have a lot of rules, as I'm sure most people know. Some things you aren't allowed to say, other things you aren't allowed to do. I've never had problems with any of these, but some missionaries do. The most interesting idea from the Devotional was that those extra rules, which we don't like to follow, are there to give us extra blessings. By taking them as commandments, we are able to have greater rewards for following these extra commandments. Also, the idea was posed that as representatives of the Lord, Jesus Christ, when we extend an invitation to someone, for example, to pray or read the Book of Mormon, we are extending to them additional commandments, and along with that, additional blessings if they follow them. It's a kind of interesting idea to ponder about. It really makes you think over and ponder what you are going to invite people to do, and highlights the importance of encouraging them to keep those commitments.
My companion, Elder Lybbert and I had our weekly appointment at the teaching resource center (TRC). This week we had to contact doors in Spanish and set up our appointment to come back. Then at one of the doors we did, we came back and taught the first lesson about the Restoration of the Gospel. Our lesson was great! Both Elder Lybbert and I taught really well and the Spirit was really strong. At the end of the lesson, the man we were teaching stood up and said, "That was great. You two are going to be very powerful missionaries." That was a great confidence booster because you always go into teaching appointments so nervous.
We've started having Spanish only lessons with our teacher where he plays a different investigator for each companionship. Our investigator is Jorge', a middle-aged Spanish man who was an Evangelist, but one day on the way back from church his car was hit by a drunk driver. The crash killed his wife and two kids. Teaching him in Spanish has been interesting because there are so many things you want to explain to him; forgiveness, eternal families, the plan of salvation, but you only have a limited vocabulary with which to talk to him. It's really an amazing experience to try to teach to someone's needs as they try to find a way through their trials and tribulations. Even though it's only a practice, it often feels very real and it is really motivating to teach well.
Two of the missionaries in my District just left for the Guatemala MTC, where they will continue their studies before going out into the field. So our District is down from 14 missionaries to 12. We might actually have room to move around in our classroom, now. I will really miss the two Elders who left, though. They were great missionaries and I'm confident they will do a fantastic job preaching the Gospel in Guatemala.
On a lighter note, there were some interesting happenings in the residence halls this week. A few of the Elders in my District made a "Taser" out of disposable camera and an extension cord. Basically, it just shocked you and made all your muscles tense up. It wasn't really painful or anything. But it was pretty fun to run around the halls finding people who would let themselves get shocked and then hear them freak out when their arm went really tense. However, I assure you, the rest of the time we are diligent, hard-working missionaries.
Today was the first day the Provo Temple was open after being closed for the past little while. It was also my P-day, so my Zone and I all got to go. The temple is an amazing place. I love it so much. Whenever I go, I feel peace and the Spirit. Today was especially cool since the temple was filled with 19 and 20 year old missionaries. It's a sight I'm sure you don't get to see very often, but it was really an amazing place to be.
I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I know that he performed the Atonement for us that we could be cleansed of our sins and have a chance to live with God again. I know that he loves each and every one of us and knows us individually. I am eternally grateful for his sacrifice and for the next two years I will do everything in my power to proclaim the message of the Atonement to these people so that I can bring them unto Christ.
With love,
Elder Wood
P.S.
Dad, I'm glad everything is going well. I'm doing well, too. I haven't gotten sick yet but a few people in my District have been sick, so I might be changing that statement soon. I'm sorry that Rebecca has had trouble sleeping. Hopefully, she'll sleep better soon. I'm sleeping pretty well here, but not the best I ever have. Sometimes it's hard to get out of bed at 6:30 a.m., though I haven't failed to get out of bed any morning so far. Hopefully, that will continue. I'm glad the reunion was fun for you and you had some time to talk with relatives. I'm sure you enjoyed that. I hope Rose-Ellen's Lasik went well. I'm sure it's a good thing Mom is with her to help her. It's also really cool that you could talk about Elias like that.
Christian, It's too bad that my computer died, but other than the music, there was nothing on there I can't get back, so no biggie. I'm excited about the construction work you are doing on your house. It must be really cool and the leather couch is going to be sweet, I'm sure. The guy who is going to be in your basement has a brother who is in my District, by the way! Craziness. Elder Raines, right? Adios!
(Note by Mom: I don't know how to use the marks for Spanish, so you will just have to imagine that I got them in.)
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