Dear Family,
This past week has been another bit of a small struggle with investigators here in Laredo. Overall, everything is stilling going along well. We managed to find a few new investigators that have some promise, so hopefully we'll have the blessing of being able to work with them more as the weeks go on.
I was very excited to receive Mom's Easter package. It was very much appreciated. There is an Elder Wilde that lives in the same apartment as I and my companion. He was amazed at the package that I was sent. He is just a short two months from finishing his mission and going home. He is the oldest in his family. He marveled that my Mom had the sense to send me new socks, shoelaces, conference talks printed out, along with a bit of candy and pictures from home. I attribute it to the fact that I'm the sixth missionary Mom has sent out, so she knows what missionaries need and enjoy, while perhaps his parents are still trying to figure it out on their first try =).
Easter was an interesting day. We didn't get any invitations to go to a barbecue and fiesta at a member's house like some of the other missionaries did. However, we did get the chance to watch the broadcast at the church about the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was played in Spanish done by all Hispanic actors and all, which made it a pretty cool experience. I've never seen a play in Espanol until now, so that was pretty interesting.
After the play we went out and tried knocking doors for a while, thinking that maybe on a day centered around Christ's resurrection, that people might be a little bit more open to hear a message about God. However, I think that idea wasn't too sound because out of the doors we knocked on, nine of ten were outside making carne asada with all of their cousins and were too busy to sit down with us. The other one of ten was over at their cousin's home making carne asada and wasn't at home. So we scrapped the idea of tracting and decided to swing by and visit a few of the investigators we'd found earlier in the week. We ended up finding one of them who had been called into work that day who got back late enough that his family was already at their ranch an hour away and it was too late for him to go over and join the party. So we were able to have a lesson with him and that was pretty good. It was nice to help someone focus themselves a little bit more on God.
Today we went into the business district of Laredo and found a couple of cool stores that had some neat, cheap things to buy. I got a Mexican blanket, a poncho and a smaller set of horns. That store did have some pretty neat other things though, so if anyone wants a Mexican purse, ponchos, blankets, dresses or things of that sort, you can just shoot me an email and I'll see what I can get. We'll probably be running up there again later on, so I'll try to think of some gifts to buy for the family.
The work is going well and we're putting in a lot of effort. Unfortunately, we didn't get any investigators to church on Easter which was kind of a bummer. I'm sure the success will be coming soon as long as we endure the trial well and continue working for the glory of the Lord.
I hope everyone had a great Easter experience and had at least a little bit of time to reflect on exactly what Jesus Christ did for them. There was no event more important than the event that we remember on Easter Day, becuse it marks the day we remember when death was conquered and we were given the opportunity to return to the presence of God. If anybody didn't get a chance to reflect on that, I'd encourage them to take a little bit of time over the next few days to do so. I can promise it will strengthen your faith and help you to feel the Spirit of the Lord more abundantly. I hope everyone has a relaxing week after all of the events going on and gets to rest from their labors, at least a little bit.
Love,
Elder Wood
April 27, 2011
Mon, Apr. 18, 2011, email post from Laredo, TX
Dear Family,
This last week in Laredo has been an interesting week, filled with a few adventures. Overall, nothing crazy has happened. Something that I learned over the past two weeks I've been here in Laredo is that the people that drive in Laredo are the worst drivers, seconded only by the drivers from outside the Edinburg city limits. I guess that's what happens when nobody is legal and doesn't go through drivers ed or anything. We haven't had really any close calls or serious crashes, but the number of times I've seen people run red lights, pull out too far and cut in front of other drivers is just a little too high. Nonetheless, Mom shouldn't worry because we're driving defensively and so forth and haven't had any problems so far.
This past week has been kind of rough because we spent a lot of our time with investigators that are not progressing. I figured that it might be a problem when I came into the area and learned they had been teaching people for six or more weeks who had never come to church. Spending our time with people that are willing to listen to us but are not willing to act and begin their repentance process seems to be a concern in this area. I hope that soon we can overcome it. It is difficult because my companion loves these people so much and really wants to help them as best he can, but at some point we have to decide which is a better use of the Lord's time. I brought this concern up with President Trayner when we had interviews this week, and he confirmed to me what I thought we needed to do. He said that one way Satan can slow us down is by having us teach people that are not willing to take the actions they need to bring themselves closer to Christ and make progress. We could be doing something ultimately more effective. He encouraged me to have a lesson with these investigators telling them that we couldn't come by anymore until they were willing to keep their compromisos (commitments). I felt that this is something we should have done a while ago, but I brought it up with my companion and we had a good talk about it last night. He is still unsure about what he wants to do, but hopefully soon we can work past this concern.
Everything else has been going well here in Laredo. There is a Spanish branch and a small English branch as well. The English branch has been struggling in terms of active members for a while now. Just this past week we had an amazing meeting with the Branch President where he gave us a large number of less-active members that he wanted us to go and invite back to church. We had a lot of success this last week with a good seven or so less-active members coming back to church at the invitation of all the missionaries. For just having two days to go and visit them and invite them to church, that was an amazing number of returning members. Hopefully, they will continue to come and help strengthen the branches here.
Today during P-day we're headed off to a store to try and buy some longhorn bull horns. Apparently, they are amazingly cheap and you can get a set of six foot horns bought and shipped to Utah for $50 - $60. So, if Christian has a large package show up to his house in the next few weeks, just throw it under the stairs for me, please =).
I'm excited to be here in Laredo and I'm certain that soon, we will find someone who really wants to progress towards being baptized. As of right now, our investigators are either in the early stages or are yet to be found.
I got the pictures from Khand's wedding. It looks like it was a great occasion and that they managed to overcome the weather difficulties, too.
Also, congratulations to Nathan and JoAnn on finding out that they are having a baby boy. That's awesome! However, I must admit that I'm not a huge fan of the name, Riggins. I have little say in the matter, though, so I'll just stick with "congratulations"!
I hope everybody has a great week. I'll write again, soon.
Love,
Elder Wood
This last week in Laredo has been an interesting week, filled with a few adventures. Overall, nothing crazy has happened. Something that I learned over the past two weeks I've been here in Laredo is that the people that drive in Laredo are the worst drivers, seconded only by the drivers from outside the Edinburg city limits. I guess that's what happens when nobody is legal and doesn't go through drivers ed or anything. We haven't had really any close calls or serious crashes, but the number of times I've seen people run red lights, pull out too far and cut in front of other drivers is just a little too high. Nonetheless, Mom shouldn't worry because we're driving defensively and so forth and haven't had any problems so far.
This past week has been kind of rough because we spent a lot of our time with investigators that are not progressing. I figured that it might be a problem when I came into the area and learned they had been teaching people for six or more weeks who had never come to church. Spending our time with people that are willing to listen to us but are not willing to act and begin their repentance process seems to be a concern in this area. I hope that soon we can overcome it. It is difficult because my companion loves these people so much and really wants to help them as best he can, but at some point we have to decide which is a better use of the Lord's time. I brought this concern up with President Trayner when we had interviews this week, and he confirmed to me what I thought we needed to do. He said that one way Satan can slow us down is by having us teach people that are not willing to take the actions they need to bring themselves closer to Christ and make progress. We could be doing something ultimately more effective. He encouraged me to have a lesson with these investigators telling them that we couldn't come by anymore until they were willing to keep their compromisos (commitments). I felt that this is something we should have done a while ago, but I brought it up with my companion and we had a good talk about it last night. He is still unsure about what he wants to do, but hopefully soon we can work past this concern.
Everything else has been going well here in Laredo. There is a Spanish branch and a small English branch as well. The English branch has been struggling in terms of active members for a while now. Just this past week we had an amazing meeting with the Branch President where he gave us a large number of less-active members that he wanted us to go and invite back to church. We had a lot of success this last week with a good seven or so less-active members coming back to church at the invitation of all the missionaries. For just having two days to go and visit them and invite them to church, that was an amazing number of returning members. Hopefully, they will continue to come and help strengthen the branches here.
Today during P-day we're headed off to a store to try and buy some longhorn bull horns. Apparently, they are amazingly cheap and you can get a set of six foot horns bought and shipped to Utah for $50 - $60. So, if Christian has a large package show up to his house in the next few weeks, just throw it under the stairs for me, please =).
I'm excited to be here in Laredo and I'm certain that soon, we will find someone who really wants to progress towards being baptized. As of right now, our investigators are either in the early stages or are yet to be found.
I got the pictures from Khand's wedding. It looks like it was a great occasion and that they managed to overcome the weather difficulties, too.
Also, congratulations to Nathan and JoAnn on finding out that they are having a baby boy. That's awesome! However, I must admit that I'm not a huge fan of the name, Riggins. I have little say in the matter, though, so I'll just stick with "congratulations"!
I hope everybody has a great week. I'll write again, soon.
Love,
Elder Wood
April 18, 2011
April 11, 2011, email from Laredo, TX
Dear Family,
Well, after reading through Warren's post on the blog, Mom's letter, Dad's short letter, Christian's email and JoAnn's email, I'm not left with too much time to write this week. First and foremost, I think that it's most important I express my excitement and gratitude over the miracle our family experienced last Wednesday. Although I am sad I couldn't be with the rest of the family during this experience, I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity that I've had to be a part of it. Most of the people we are surrounded by day to day, as I have come to know on my mission, lack faith. They profess belief, but have no real trust or heartfelt confidence in God. I'm grateful that my family is not that way. The Lord has done a great deal to protect and provide for our family during these last few months. Calvin's delivery is just another part of the long list of the blessings He has given us.
I was touched by Warren's letter and that throughout it, both prayer and Priesthood were involved. I was especially touched by his blessing which got me thinking about the Priesthood and its involvement in the situation. We learn that through the Priesthood, Godly power is manifest (D&C 84:21). And so, I can hardly think of a place where the power of God would be more present than in a place where tender blessings are given by the Priesthood, the process of the creation of life ends, and a spirit son of our Heavenly Father enters mortality. I am grateful for the support and protection God has given our family, and I have reason to hope, that through our faithfulness and according to the will of God, that God's help will continue through the trials that are now starting with JoAnn and Nathan.
Like I said, I'm low on time to write, but so far, Laredo has been great. My new companion is Elder Anderson, from South Jordan, Utah. he's pretty quiet, but we have been getting along pretty well so far. The branches here in Laredo (an English branch and a Spanish branch) are very small. That's all the more reason to work hard and do our part so that can soon change. I fully expect to look back some years from now and find Stakes here in Laredo. So, I'm determined to do my work now to move that process forward. Like I said, I'm low on time to write, so I'll try to get in a little more about all this next week. Here is my new address in Laredo. I'll try to put on some pictures as well.
Elder Roland Wood
1917 S. Milmo Ave., Apt. #8
Laredo, TX 78043
Good luck to everyone and I hope you have a great week! Good luck with the wedding!
Love,
Elder Wood
Well, after reading through Warren's post on the blog, Mom's letter, Dad's short letter, Christian's email and JoAnn's email, I'm not left with too much time to write this week. First and foremost, I think that it's most important I express my excitement and gratitude over the miracle our family experienced last Wednesday. Although I am sad I couldn't be with the rest of the family during this experience, I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity that I've had to be a part of it. Most of the people we are surrounded by day to day, as I have come to know on my mission, lack faith. They profess belief, but have no real trust or heartfelt confidence in God. I'm grateful that my family is not that way. The Lord has done a great deal to protect and provide for our family during these last few months. Calvin's delivery is just another part of the long list of the blessings He has given us.
I was touched by Warren's letter and that throughout it, both prayer and Priesthood were involved. I was especially touched by his blessing which got me thinking about the Priesthood and its involvement in the situation. We learn that through the Priesthood, Godly power is manifest (D&C 84:21). And so, I can hardly think of a place where the power of God would be more present than in a place where tender blessings are given by the Priesthood, the process of the creation of life ends, and a spirit son of our Heavenly Father enters mortality. I am grateful for the support and protection God has given our family, and I have reason to hope, that through our faithfulness and according to the will of God, that God's help will continue through the trials that are now starting with JoAnn and Nathan.
Like I said, I'm low on time to write, but so far, Laredo has been great. My new companion is Elder Anderson, from South Jordan, Utah. he's pretty quiet, but we have been getting along pretty well so far. The branches here in Laredo (an English branch and a Spanish branch) are very small. That's all the more reason to work hard and do our part so that can soon change. I fully expect to look back some years from now and find Stakes here in Laredo. So, I'm determined to do my work now to move that process forward. Like I said, I'm low on time to write, so I'll try to get in a little more about all this next week. Here is my new address in Laredo. I'll try to put on some pictures as well.
Elder Roland Wood
1917 S. Milmo Ave., Apt. #8
Laredo, TX 78043
Good luck to everyone and I hope you have a great week! Good luck with the wedding!
Love,
Elder Wood
April 4, 2011, (last) email post from Edinburg, TX
Dear Family,
Well, this week was quite an eventful week in the way of news. Ten hour of conference made for an exciting weekend, filled with inspiration and revelation. I'll try to get down some of the parts of conference that I enjoyed the most and a bit of what I learned, after the biggest piece of news for the week. Transfer information is in, and despite my belief that I was gong to stay in Edinburg North, I'm actually getting moved to Laredo, tomorrow. I'll be in the south part of Laredo, (aka the ghetto) in an area called Larga Vista. I wasn't expecting to move, but I will admit I'm thoroughly excited to go to Laredo. I've always heard good things about that area and hopefully I'll be able to find someone there that I was sent to teach. My companion that I'm leaving, Elder Arens, will be training a greenie in this area. This is starting to make a weird pattern, considering that the last two companions I've left have trained. I'm excited to get to Laredo. I'm sure I'll have some good stories to tell soon, as I've already heard quite a few from that area. For example, Elder Figueroa, another Elder that lives with us was there and has a video of him eating chicken feet stew. Hopefully I won't have the same story to tell, but I'm sure I'll get something soon.
This past week we found a couple of new people to teach that I guess I will be handing off to the new missionary when he arrives. One lady we have been teaching, Nora, is a single mom with 7 kids under the age of 10. Needless to say, she is very stressed. The noise in the house often reminds me of growing up with many other little Bedlamites (yay, Elder Holland). She wasn't able to attend Conference this weekend not due to any fault of her own. Hopefully, she'll be able to attend this next week. The investigators that I am really sad to leave behind are Jacob and his wife, Brenda. They are the brother and sister-in-law of Alex's mother-in-law. Jacob has had some really powerful experiences with the Church before, such as witnessing healings by the power of the priesthood and has often felt the spirit that surrounds his sister's family. Jacob does struggle with serious depression and has trouble motivating himself to act for himself. Because of that, he has had trouble deciding to join the church because his wife, Brenda, struggles with a family commitment to the Catholic church. Jacob has trouble doing anything that Brenda doesn't do. However, this last Sunday, Jacob came to Conference and said he is ready to start doing what he wants to do, such as coming to Church and being baptized--even if Brenda doesn't support or follow him. We promised him that what he was doing was the right thing and that if he follows through with it, Brenda will see a change in him and his great example and will soon follow him by making steps into the Church. Sadly, I won't see the end to that story, but I intend to follow up with Elder Arens and whoever takes over for me in this area to find out what happens with Jacob.
Well, I'm starting to get low on time to write, but I guess I can write down a few things that I remember from Conference. I loved Elder Christofferson's talk on "divine chastening". I've heard the story about Elder Brown and the bush before from our mission president, but this time it struck me with a bit more force. I'm planning to make myself a quote wall from Conference on some things that I want to remember and apply while I'm in Laredo. One of them will be, "I am the gardener and I know what I want you to be!" (In my mind that's being said with a dramatic Elder Christofferson voice) as well as some others. I especially liked Elder Oak's talk about desires and actions determining who we become, as well as the role that they play in our priorities and our choices. One talk that I plan to print out and study is the talk Elder Bednar gave on receiving revelation. I thought while he spoke about the investigators that I have had so far in the mission and how some have gone through both processes to gain a witness of the truth of the Church. Some have had lightbulb moments, where direct and specific revelation comes to them, while others have been through a long course of study and learned line upon line, precept upon precept, until they finally realize that the sun has risen, and it's a new day.
Be sure to give my best wishes to Khand at her wedding, and make sure Dad keeps Mom from stressing out too much. Oh, and for Dad as well, I did meet with Gustavo for a little while during this week and we had an altogether positive exchange. Sadly, I will be moving to Laredo and be out of the valley, so I will not be here to take him up on his offer to tour the station. If you can, please express to him my gratitude for the time he took out of his schedule to show me around. He is a very kind and very impressive man, of that I have no doubt.
I hope that everyone has a great week and that Mel and the baby do well also!
Love,
Elder Wood
Well, this week was quite an eventful week in the way of news. Ten hour of conference made for an exciting weekend, filled with inspiration and revelation. I'll try to get down some of the parts of conference that I enjoyed the most and a bit of what I learned, after the biggest piece of news for the week. Transfer information is in, and despite my belief that I was gong to stay in Edinburg North, I'm actually getting moved to Laredo, tomorrow. I'll be in the south part of Laredo, (aka the ghetto) in an area called Larga Vista. I wasn't expecting to move, but I will admit I'm thoroughly excited to go to Laredo. I've always heard good things about that area and hopefully I'll be able to find someone there that I was sent to teach. My companion that I'm leaving, Elder Arens, will be training a greenie in this area. This is starting to make a weird pattern, considering that the last two companions I've left have trained. I'm excited to get to Laredo. I'm sure I'll have some good stories to tell soon, as I've already heard quite a few from that area. For example, Elder Figueroa, another Elder that lives with us was there and has a video of him eating chicken feet stew. Hopefully I won't have the same story to tell, but I'm sure I'll get something soon.
This past week we found a couple of new people to teach that I guess I will be handing off to the new missionary when he arrives. One lady we have been teaching, Nora, is a single mom with 7 kids under the age of 10. Needless to say, she is very stressed. The noise in the house often reminds me of growing up with many other little Bedlamites (yay, Elder Holland). She wasn't able to attend Conference this weekend not due to any fault of her own. Hopefully, she'll be able to attend this next week. The investigators that I am really sad to leave behind are Jacob and his wife, Brenda. They are the brother and sister-in-law of Alex's mother-in-law. Jacob has had some really powerful experiences with the Church before, such as witnessing healings by the power of the priesthood and has often felt the spirit that surrounds his sister's family. Jacob does struggle with serious depression and has trouble motivating himself to act for himself. Because of that, he has had trouble deciding to join the church because his wife, Brenda, struggles with a family commitment to the Catholic church. Jacob has trouble doing anything that Brenda doesn't do. However, this last Sunday, Jacob came to Conference and said he is ready to start doing what he wants to do, such as coming to Church and being baptized--even if Brenda doesn't support or follow him. We promised him that what he was doing was the right thing and that if he follows through with it, Brenda will see a change in him and his great example and will soon follow him by making steps into the Church. Sadly, I won't see the end to that story, but I intend to follow up with Elder Arens and whoever takes over for me in this area to find out what happens with Jacob.
Well, I'm starting to get low on time to write, but I guess I can write down a few things that I remember from Conference. I loved Elder Christofferson's talk on "divine chastening". I've heard the story about Elder Brown and the bush before from our mission president, but this time it struck me with a bit more force. I'm planning to make myself a quote wall from Conference on some things that I want to remember and apply while I'm in Laredo. One of them will be, "I am the gardener and I know what I want you to be!" (In my mind that's being said with a dramatic Elder Christofferson voice) as well as some others. I especially liked Elder Oak's talk about desires and actions determining who we become, as well as the role that they play in our priorities and our choices. One talk that I plan to print out and study is the talk Elder Bednar gave on receiving revelation. I thought while he spoke about the investigators that I have had so far in the mission and how some have gone through both processes to gain a witness of the truth of the Church. Some have had lightbulb moments, where direct and specific revelation comes to them, while others have been through a long course of study and learned line upon line, precept upon precept, until they finally realize that the sun has risen, and it's a new day.
Be sure to give my best wishes to Khand at her wedding, and make sure Dad keeps Mom from stressing out too much. Oh, and for Dad as well, I did meet with Gustavo for a little while during this week and we had an altogether positive exchange. Sadly, I will be moving to Laredo and be out of the valley, so I will not be here to take him up on his offer to tour the station. If you can, please express to him my gratitude for the time he took out of his schedule to show me around. He is a very kind and very impressive man, of that I have no doubt.
I hope that everyone has a great week and that Mel and the baby do well also!
Love,
Elder Wood
April 15, 2011
March 28, 2011, email from Edinburg, TX
Dear Family,
I was happy to hear that Mom had a good time in Provo and Arizona these past two weeks. I'm sure that Christian is enjoying all of the free cinnamon rolls and house cleaning that comes with a visit from Mom. Also, this last Tuesday I got the package that Mom sent me and have already managed to eat all of the food. The CTR ring does fit quite nicely.
In response to Dad's email, I called Gustavo again yesterday, and we should be meeting sometime on Tuesday in the afternoon. I'm supposed to call him tonight to find out the actual time that we can do it.
This past week was a good week though we didn't manage to make any huge strides with anyone in the way of missionary work. We have been pushing to try and get referrals from the members in this area in the hopes of finding some new people to teach. We had some success with this, but we haven't found anyone so far that is on their way and progressing towards baptism.
This week is the last week that we have before we find out about transfers on Saturday. I will most likely be staying in Edinburg, but my companion has been here for a while and will probably be leaving. Transfers are basically the biggest deal in the life of a missionary besides baptisms. Saturdays before transfers are normally a pretty high-energy day with everyone stressing out to find if they're going anywhere or not.
We had quite a large miracle this week with our recent convert Juana Maria. She has been struggling to pay the rent on her trailer lot for while now, and is currently living without electricity or water. During this last week she wasn't going to be able to pay the rent on her lot, and they were going to kick her out unless she paid. She was ready and willing to live out of her car, as she has done before, but for the nine people that live in that trailer it was a bit of a scary situation. So, we brought up her situation in the ward co-ordination meeting that we had, and the ward put itself to work finding a way to help her. The members pooled together here and gathered $300 to pay her rent for this month. She was very thankful and expressed her gratitude for the miracle that she received to the members. She is also determined that once she's back on her feet more, she'll be searching for an opportunity to pay back the miracle that she received and help others in the ward with their problems.
Overall it was a great week filled with missionary work, miracles, zone conference and a lot of fun. I'm sure that next week won't be too different. I hope Mom stays safe as she goes back home and also that everything goes well with Mel and the pregnancy. Thanks for everything! Oh, and be sure to wish Dad a happy birthday for me. All of the other missionaries already know about my amazing, quirky father and the many stories he has given me to tell.
Love,
Elder Wood
I was happy to hear that Mom had a good time in Provo and Arizona these past two weeks. I'm sure that Christian is enjoying all of the free cinnamon rolls and house cleaning that comes with a visit from Mom. Also, this last Tuesday I got the package that Mom sent me and have already managed to eat all of the food. The CTR ring does fit quite nicely.
In response to Dad's email, I called Gustavo again yesterday, and we should be meeting sometime on Tuesday in the afternoon. I'm supposed to call him tonight to find out the actual time that we can do it.
This past week was a good week though we didn't manage to make any huge strides with anyone in the way of missionary work. We have been pushing to try and get referrals from the members in this area in the hopes of finding some new people to teach. We had some success with this, but we haven't found anyone so far that is on their way and progressing towards baptism.
This week is the last week that we have before we find out about transfers on Saturday. I will most likely be staying in Edinburg, but my companion has been here for a while and will probably be leaving. Transfers are basically the biggest deal in the life of a missionary besides baptisms. Saturdays before transfers are normally a pretty high-energy day with everyone stressing out to find if they're going anywhere or not.
We had quite a large miracle this week with our recent convert Juana Maria. She has been struggling to pay the rent on her trailer lot for while now, and is currently living without electricity or water. During this last week she wasn't going to be able to pay the rent on her lot, and they were going to kick her out unless she paid. She was ready and willing to live out of her car, as she has done before, but for the nine people that live in that trailer it was a bit of a scary situation. So, we brought up her situation in the ward co-ordination meeting that we had, and the ward put itself to work finding a way to help her. The members pooled together here and gathered $300 to pay her rent for this month. She was very thankful and expressed her gratitude for the miracle that she received to the members. She is also determined that once she's back on her feet more, she'll be searching for an opportunity to pay back the miracle that she received and help others in the ward with their problems.
Overall it was a great week filled with missionary work, miracles, zone conference and a lot of fun. I'm sure that next week won't be too different. I hope Mom stays safe as she goes back home and also that everything goes well with Mel and the pregnancy. Thanks for everything! Oh, and be sure to wish Dad a happy birthday for me. All of the other missionaries already know about my amazing, quirky father and the many stories he has given me to tell.
Love,
Elder Wood
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