Hi everyone,
Thanks for being part of Mike’s support group these past two years. His arrival time was changed to 4:41 PM, on Saturday. See some of you there.
Claudia
Subject: Time to leave
Dear Family,
Well... this feels weird. I have very mixed emotions about going home. ''This is like going to Disney World on the day your dog died'' said Elder Jacobsen. The reality started to hit me yesterday and a lot more today. And once I get home Ill start to miss it even more. Ive made so many friends here. the members and investigators and the missionaries. Its been a wild ride.
I just want to thank you all once again for your prayers and support. You dont understand how much youve helped me these past two years. I honestly wouldve have been home a long time ago if it wasnt for all of you. Im kinda short on words right now. Im sad to leave, but excited to go home. Im nervous and at the same time excited about the future. I just still cant believe its over. Ive learned so much and made changes out here that I never thought were possible.
Now to answer some of your questions. Im kinda nervous about eating a lot when I get home, cuz Im probably going to get sick. But I would really love some cinnamon rolls haha. And just a normal Sunday dinner. whatever you guys want to eat (apart from rice) is fine with me.
Well I cant think of anything else to say haha. I love you guys and will see you soon.
Love, Elder Michael David Wilson
Jun 21, 2010
E-MAIL FROM EMILY FOX
* This is an e-mail we received from a girl in our home ward. The world sure seems small when things like this happen.
hi wilson family! as you probably know, coincidentally, i am in the same town as michael! i came here to do volunteer work with a micro finance org. i am staying at the house of one of his investigators. i have seen the missionaries a lot, as i´ve gone to ward activities, i had lunch with them and the investigator family, i also joined them in a lesson for the investigator family. he is a great teacher, and such a good obedient missionary! i just wanted to tell you and send you some pictures i took of him, in the act of being a missionary. :) i guess you´ll see him soon enough as he comes home shortly! anyways, i hope you are all doing well.
lots of love, emily fox
6-14-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: El Pinultimo
hey everybody, sounds like all is well in the states
OK, so maybe you alreay know, but I still want to tell the story: So we knock on these investigator´s door, and a white lady comes out of another room.. I look at here and say to myself ''maybe shes American'', then she says in English ''I thought it was you''... it was Emily Fox. She works with a Non Profit Organization from Seattle... and she just happened to be sent to my area, and shes living with a family Im teaching. It was so funny. She took a picture of me and my companion as evidence and said shed send it to you guys.
Anyways, well this week was way better. I got a mouthful of Elder Smiths elbow playing basketball to start off the week, but then it got better. We were a little worried cuz the World Cup has started(oh by the way I realy like soccer now) and everyone is watching it. But we were able to get a lot done even though the games were on. We found a lot of families this week, so the Elder that replaces me will have a lot to work with. Having such little time left is actually helping me to work harder. I want to end strong. I just keep saying ''I only have a few days more to be able to be a full time missionary''. My companion told me he was worried about me being trunky but a few days ago he said '' it didnt happen''.
we had ward conference and activities every day of this week.it was pretty cool, the members got to know the investigators, and everyone opened up a lot more. Now we are going to have a small activity every Tuesday to help everyone become closer.
Reynaldo came to church, he'll get baptized the day I get home. We really gained his confidence this week, we taught him about the law of chastity and the word of wisdom. He told us the problems he has been having with this and that he is going to change. Hes a cool kid.
so... funny...well wierd story: we met a guy named Julio Cesar, he had this dog and he called it as the ''practice dog''.turns out hes a vet and he has to operate on the dog for practice. We looked a little closer and he was missing and eye, an ear, and had scars all over the place. ''what happens if it dies?''... ''i get a bad grade''. do they do that in the states? I dont remember that place anymore.
Valynn-swimming, thats a good sport, my buddies Elder Gonzales and Elder Duncan play water polo. I dont think I start school till September.
EE-I thought Dani got married a long time ago.
dad/mom-Ill get to work on the talk. Thats good that Josh had a good time. We should go camping. Brian is looking more like Kaylene. They told us they were making changes in the teaching in the MTC, I think its the same thing that Elder Nash has taught it about questions.
Kim-the drama is worse here I think. Well at least here more people go inactive when they get upset.
Crystal-sometimes I feel like Im more mature... sometimes
Well... see ya soon... cuídense
con amor Elder Wilson
hey everybody, sounds like all is well in the states
OK, so maybe you alreay know, but I still want to tell the story: So we knock on these investigator´s door, and a white lady comes out of another room.. I look at here and say to myself ''maybe shes American'', then she says in English ''I thought it was you''... it was Emily Fox. She works with a Non Profit Organization from Seattle... and she just happened to be sent to my area, and shes living with a family Im teaching. It was so funny. She took a picture of me and my companion as evidence and said shed send it to you guys.
Anyways, well this week was way better. I got a mouthful of Elder Smiths elbow playing basketball to start off the week, but then it got better. We were a little worried cuz the World Cup has started(oh by the way I realy like soccer now) and everyone is watching it. But we were able to get a lot done even though the games were on. We found a lot of families this week, so the Elder that replaces me will have a lot to work with. Having such little time left is actually helping me to work harder. I want to end strong. I just keep saying ''I only have a few days more to be able to be a full time missionary''. My companion told me he was worried about me being trunky but a few days ago he said '' it didnt happen''.
we had ward conference and activities every day of this week.it was pretty cool, the members got to know the investigators, and everyone opened up a lot more. Now we are going to have a small activity every Tuesday to help everyone become closer.
Reynaldo came to church, he'll get baptized the day I get home. We really gained his confidence this week, we taught him about the law of chastity and the word of wisdom. He told us the problems he has been having with this and that he is going to change. Hes a cool kid.
so... funny...well wierd story: we met a guy named Julio Cesar, he had this dog and he called it as the ''practice dog''.turns out hes a vet and he has to operate on the dog for practice. We looked a little closer and he was missing and eye, an ear, and had scars all over the place. ''what happens if it dies?''... ''i get a bad grade''. do they do that in the states? I dont remember that place anymore.
Valynn-swimming, thats a good sport, my buddies Elder Gonzales and Elder Duncan play water polo. I dont think I start school till September.
EE-I thought Dani got married a long time ago.
dad/mom-Ill get to work on the talk. Thats good that Josh had a good time. We should go camping. Brian is looking more like Kaylene. They told us they were making changes in the teaching in the MTC, I think its the same thing that Elder Nash has taught it about questions.
Kim-the drama is worse here I think. Well at least here more people go inactive when they get upset.
Crystal-sometimes I feel like Im more mature... sometimes
Well... see ya soon... cuídense
con amor Elder Wilson
Jun 13, 2010
6-7-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: Time flies
hey everybody, Im glad to hear everybody is doing well at home. We had a pretty tough long week. The highlight was a new family we found coming to church yesterday. The dad has a pretty crazy work schedule, he rests for a month, then works for 4, so hopefully we can help him progress before he leaves. We have a lot of great people who can not be baptized because they have complications licenses or divorces. its really frustrating. It doesnt look like anyone will be able to be baptized while Im still here, which is a bummer, but the the important thing is that they will be baptized. The highlight of this week was meeting a man named Celso. He was sitting on the curb and we went up and started talking to him. He started to talking to us about just how sad and lonely he was, I just felt so sorry for the guy. But we were able to share some scriptures with him and invited him to church. He doesnt live anywhere close to our area, nor other missionaries so we couldnt visit him or send anybody else, but we'll give him a call later to see how hes doing.
We had the best service project ever this week. We thought we were going to help people move into a new house. But what we didnt know is that first we had to tear the old house down so they can build another one. So we just broke things for 2 hours. I really love the members here in this ward. Ive grown really close to them in just 2 months, Im going to miss them alot.
Valynn- Elder Maynes is my Mission Presidents big brother.
Dad- Im not a zone leader any more haha. the packages arrived this week.
Kim- training is just a different experience. my first one was just a stud, this time... its a process.
Grandma- youre so funny and sweet Grandma
Crystal-Thats a crazy pic you sent, that was a long time ago. I sent pics a long time ago, it might be those ones.
EE-Im trying to leave with a bang
KK- I might look different to Brian haha. My arms are tanned, if you compare them to my back and chest that havent seen the sun in 2 years.
ok gotta go, love you all,
see you soon-Elder Wilson
hey everybody, Im glad to hear everybody is doing well at home. We had a pretty tough long week. The highlight was a new family we found coming to church yesterday. The dad has a pretty crazy work schedule, he rests for a month, then works for 4, so hopefully we can help him progress before he leaves. We have a lot of great people who can not be baptized because they have complications licenses or divorces. its really frustrating. It doesnt look like anyone will be able to be baptized while Im still here, which is a bummer, but the the important thing is that they will be baptized. The highlight of this week was meeting a man named Celso. He was sitting on the curb and we went up and started talking to him. He started to talking to us about just how sad and lonely he was, I just felt so sorry for the guy. But we were able to share some scriptures with him and invited him to church. He doesnt live anywhere close to our area, nor other missionaries so we couldnt visit him or send anybody else, but we'll give him a call later to see how hes doing.
We had the best service project ever this week. We thought we were going to help people move into a new house. But what we didnt know is that first we had to tear the old house down so they can build another one. So we just broke things for 2 hours. I really love the members here in this ward. Ive grown really close to them in just 2 months, Im going to miss them alot.
Valynn- Elder Maynes is my Mission Presidents big brother.
Dad- Im not a zone leader any more haha. the packages arrived this week.
Kim- training is just a different experience. my first one was just a stud, this time... its a process.
Grandma- youre so funny and sweet Grandma
Crystal-Thats a crazy pic you sent, that was a long time ago. I sent pics a long time ago, it might be those ones.
EE-Im trying to leave with a bang
KK- I might look different to Brian haha. My arms are tanned, if you compare them to my back and chest that havent seen the sun in 2 years.
ok gotta go, love you all,
see you soon-Elder Wilson
Jun 3, 2010
5-31-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: ''we arent talking about... Hucklebery Finn!''
hey everybody, Well this week we had zone conference... my last zone conference. I got to see Elder Ramirez there, he is now with an Elder who has had many problems with obedience in the mission... hope that doesnt rub off on him. Me, Elder Meredith, Elder Smith, Elder Cope, Elder Alder and Elder Jacobsen all gave our last testimonies. I actually was the one that had the hardest time giving it. I remember listening to Elder Melander give his, and just having the perception that I would never ever give mine, that'd this would never really end. Its crazy how fast this has all passed.
We are starting to see more results from our work with members. We have tons of people who have potential, few came to church yesterday, but theyll get baptized. We had two people accept fecha yesterday, Shirley and Faustino. Faustino will be getting baptized b4 I leave.
I had a good interview with Pres Maynes on Saturday. We talked a lot about how I need to keep up all the good habits Ive made on the mission, Ill think youll all be surprised with how different I am. And we also talked about how I need to make sure I dont just go back to being the same old Mike from b4 the mission. Then he said something that made me laugh really hard. He gets really intense when he talks, and we were talking about living what we study and he said : ''people dont understand, the Savior was an actual person, its not like we are studying about... Hucklebery Finn!''...you had to be there.
Mom-Dad: Tell Shayne hi for me, cant believe hes home already. Here in Bolivia there arent flood drains, so you can imagine how it is when it rains. Im excited to be able to see Beau when I get back... havent seen him for almost 3 years
.Crystal-Happy Birthday. I wonder how Ill react when I get home... cuz right now I live in a place very very different.
Grandma- Tell Cherie congratulations. Atleast this time around Sister Wright has an idea of how fast the two years fly by.
Elise-Happy Birthday, does Beau come down often now?
Ok everybody, you all take care, I love each and everyone of you
Elder Wilson
hey everybody, Well this week we had zone conference... my last zone conference. I got to see Elder Ramirez there, he is now with an Elder who has had many problems with obedience in the mission... hope that doesnt rub off on him. Me, Elder Meredith, Elder Smith, Elder Cope, Elder Alder and Elder Jacobsen all gave our last testimonies. I actually was the one that had the hardest time giving it. I remember listening to Elder Melander give his, and just having the perception that I would never ever give mine, that'd this would never really end. Its crazy how fast this has all passed.
We are starting to see more results from our work with members. We have tons of people who have potential, few came to church yesterday, but theyll get baptized. We had two people accept fecha yesterday, Shirley and Faustino. Faustino will be getting baptized b4 I leave.
I had a good interview with Pres Maynes on Saturday. We talked a lot about how I need to keep up all the good habits Ive made on the mission, Ill think youll all be surprised with how different I am. And we also talked about how I need to make sure I dont just go back to being the same old Mike from b4 the mission. Then he said something that made me laugh really hard. He gets really intense when he talks, and we were talking about living what we study and he said : ''people dont understand, the Savior was an actual person, its not like we are studying about... Hucklebery Finn!''...you had to be there.
Mom-Dad: Tell Shayne hi for me, cant believe hes home already. Here in Bolivia there arent flood drains, so you can imagine how it is when it rains. Im excited to be able to see Beau when I get back... havent seen him for almost 3 years
.Crystal-Happy Birthday. I wonder how Ill react when I get home... cuz right now I live in a place very very different.
Grandma- Tell Cherie congratulations. Atleast this time around Sister Wright has an idea of how fast the two years fly by.
Elise-Happy Birthday, does Beau come down often now?
Ok everybody, you all take care, I love each and everyone of you
Elder Wilson
5-24-2010 E-MAIL
Round two
hey everybody,
Well Elder Ramirez left, and I’m training again. No one from my group is a zone leader, and almost all of us are training. My companion is from Antofagasta, Chile. His name is Elder Âlvarez. The word I would use to describe him is flamboyant. Hes a good guy, I need to help him a lot with his teaching. I knew that Elder Ramirez was a stud, but I took for granted how well prepared he was b4 he came. But we’ll just keep practicing and studying. It was pretty wierd getting the change news and realizing Im in my last area, with my last companion, it made things all the more real.And today they told us that tommorow we have zone conference. Its my last zone conference I have to give my last testimony... thats so crazy. but then I remembered, its probably the last time I am going to hear President Maynes for a long time... not too happy about that.
Funny story. Elder Jacobsen, Elder Cope, Elder Smith and I all stayed here together and all of us are training. But Elder Jacobsen's companion showed up a few days late, so he stayed with us. but we didn’t have another mattress... so he slept on our desks... poor guy.
We are making more of an effort to work with members, we've already seen results. we met a guy named Gary who lives with a member family, he acecepeted a date. I just realized I have very little time to end this letter haha.
Mom, there are a couple breakables in my bag, I’ll wrap them
Crystal-yes I remember Athena, were did she go?
EE-Tell Beau hi
Dad I need to get in shape
Kim-I remember I hated suits a ton b4 the mission
KK-hey its progrees.
Love you bye bye Eder Wilson
hey everybody,
Well Elder Ramirez left, and I’m training again. No one from my group is a zone leader, and almost all of us are training. My companion is from Antofagasta, Chile. His name is Elder Âlvarez. The word I would use to describe him is flamboyant. Hes a good guy, I need to help him a lot with his teaching. I knew that Elder Ramirez was a stud, but I took for granted how well prepared he was b4 he came. But we’ll just keep practicing and studying. It was pretty wierd getting the change news and realizing Im in my last area, with my last companion, it made things all the more real.And today they told us that tommorow we have zone conference. Its my last zone conference I have to give my last testimony... thats so crazy. but then I remembered, its probably the last time I am going to hear President Maynes for a long time... not too happy about that.
Funny story. Elder Jacobsen, Elder Cope, Elder Smith and I all stayed here together and all of us are training. But Elder Jacobsen's companion showed up a few days late, so he stayed with us. but we didn’t have another mattress... so he slept on our desks... poor guy.
We are making more of an effort to work with members, we've already seen results. we met a guy named Gary who lives with a member family, he acecepeted a date. I just realized I have very little time to end this letter haha.
Mom, there are a couple breakables in my bag, I’ll wrap them
Crystal-yes I remember Athena, were did she go?
EE-Tell Beau hi
Dad I need to get in shape
Kim-I remember I hated suits a ton b4 the mission
KK-hey its progrees.
Love you bye bye Eder Wilson
May 17, 2010
5-17-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: I thought you were going to be like Abû!
Hi everyone,
This was a pretty great week. it started out with me and Elder Smith doing an interchange. we are both training, so we thought we shouldnt leave our companions together, but President Maynes told us we should. It was so fun, we've both improved our teaching a ton while training, and we just laughed all day as we were walking... Then a monkey bit me. Ya, one of our investigatores has a niehbor with a monkey, and they really love sun flower seeds. But I got a little too close and he chomped down on my finger. I was not happy. but the monkey doesnt have rabies so we're good.
After that whole thing we had a conference with Elder Marcus Nash, the President of the area South America North West, and before that he was president of our area... you guys probably knew that, But I was oblivious to it back then. He's amazing. We all met him and shook his hand, I told him I was from Pasco and he says ''I remember you!''... I had a conversation with him about that 2 years in Lima, it was cool he remembered. He taught us about a new way to teach, with questions that really make people express themselves. We tried it this week and really had some great experiences. People have been sharing with us more about thier hopes and fears in this life. Its really helped me develop more love for the people. Now when I meet someone, I think more about the chalenges they face.
After the conference I talked a little more with Elder Nash. He started raving about the Tri Cities, and about President Montierth. Im supposed to give him a hug for Elder Nash when I get home.
The area is coming along slowly, we talked more with the Bishopric yesterday about how we can help them with their worries, so that they can help us too. With their help we'll see more progress.
So I only have 5 Sundays left, and today I start my last planner... it's still not real. I talked to my friend Elder Anderson, who leaves in a few days... he still doesnt believe that hes going home. Im probably going to be the same.
EE- I have tons of people to meet when I get home haha
Valynn- it actually says in the manual that a missionary needs to be alone when in the bathroom... I dont want to know why the leaders had to put that in writing.
Mom and Dad- Im starting to realize that ending the mission doesnt mean I get to relax (well maybe a bit). But Im staying busy, but mondays are a bit hard to keep focused with four other Elders from my group. Oh and I tihnk if I stop working Pres Maynes would send me home without honor a day early.
Grandma- Im excited to see all the changes. But Im still not happy about the new high school.
Kim- my companion is doing really well. We find out on Wednesday if we stay together or not.
Crystal-Im still haning in there, i learned a ton from Elder Nash that i havent been doing for most of my mission, so Im trying to end well using the things he taught.
Ok fam, talk to you next week, love you, keep safe
Elder Wilson
Hi everyone,
This was a pretty great week. it started out with me and Elder Smith doing an interchange. we are both training, so we thought we shouldnt leave our companions together, but President Maynes told us we should. It was so fun, we've both improved our teaching a ton while training, and we just laughed all day as we were walking... Then a monkey bit me. Ya, one of our investigatores has a niehbor with a monkey, and they really love sun flower seeds. But I got a little too close and he chomped down on my finger. I was not happy. but the monkey doesnt have rabies so we're good.
After that whole thing we had a conference with Elder Marcus Nash, the President of the area South America North West, and before that he was president of our area... you guys probably knew that, But I was oblivious to it back then. He's amazing. We all met him and shook his hand, I told him I was from Pasco and he says ''I remember you!''... I had a conversation with him about that 2 years in Lima, it was cool he remembered. He taught us about a new way to teach, with questions that really make people express themselves. We tried it this week and really had some great experiences. People have been sharing with us more about thier hopes and fears in this life. Its really helped me develop more love for the people. Now when I meet someone, I think more about the chalenges they face.
After the conference I talked a little more with Elder Nash. He started raving about the Tri Cities, and about President Montierth. Im supposed to give him a hug for Elder Nash when I get home.
The area is coming along slowly, we talked more with the Bishopric yesterday about how we can help them with their worries, so that they can help us too. With their help we'll see more progress.
So I only have 5 Sundays left, and today I start my last planner... it's still not real. I talked to my friend Elder Anderson, who leaves in a few days... he still doesnt believe that hes going home. Im probably going to be the same.
EE- I have tons of people to meet when I get home haha
Valynn- it actually says in the manual that a missionary needs to be alone when in the bathroom... I dont want to know why the leaders had to put that in writing.
Mom and Dad- Im starting to realize that ending the mission doesnt mean I get to relax (well maybe a bit). But Im staying busy, but mondays are a bit hard to keep focused with four other Elders from my group. Oh and I tihnk if I stop working Pres Maynes would send me home without honor a day early.
Grandma- Im excited to see all the changes. But Im still not happy about the new high school.
Kim- my companion is doing really well. We find out on Wednesday if we stay together or not.
Crystal-Im still haning in there, i learned a ton from Elder Nash that i havent been doing for most of my mission, so Im trying to end well using the things he taught.
Ok fam, talk to you next week, love you, keep safe
Elder Wilson
May 11, 2010
5-10-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: 6 hours
sooo... I hope you guys got me email last week, its showing right now that its only saved.. but whatever, Ill be talking to you today. It was really wierd dropping under 50 days left.
This week went pretty well. We are teaching a lot of lessons, so thats nice not having to just knock doors all day. But we would like to see more progress with our investigators. Ana is so ready to get baptized... but she needs to get divorced first and marry Felipe. Her hubby lives 8 hours away and they aren’t exactly buds. But their son is on our side and said he’d talk the dad into coming down... if he doesn’t come down, I’ll probably be married before them (which is a LONG time away).
I got to play wedding counselor again this week with Guisela and Abraham. Its tough cuz we aren’t supposed to give advice about relationships to people, so we have to do it through gospel priciples, teaching about Attributes of Christ. But we helped them out. Guisela is starting to gain a testimony, she'll be baptized once things cool down between them.
I met a guy named Mauricio, he’s really cool. He told us ''ya, I use to listen to the 7th day adventists... in prison''. He had a really rough past, got shot a couple times, and use to use drugs. He's kinda a differnt guy, but seems sincere, I think he'll progress.
we are trying to work more with members, I’ve never been very good about that in my mission. But it’s our only hope here in Estacion.
Crystal- Yes they celebrate Mother day here, but its on the 27 of May.
Valynn-My comp is really great, he showed up really prepared (10000 times more than i was). His only problem is that he gets really nervous when he teaches, and that makes the people nervous. We’re working on that with him. ¿Are we going to Florida or California?
EE- A Store?
Kim-we'll give the cell phone a shot. I’m glad you guys had fun on your trip.
KK- Emily looks ummm.... gordita in the pic.
Dad- Cool, I’ll get to see Bretts wedding, and a ton of the cousins.
Ok- talk to you guys in 6 hours.
love, Elder Wilson
sooo... I hope you guys got me email last week, its showing right now that its only saved.. but whatever, Ill be talking to you today. It was really wierd dropping under 50 days left.
This week went pretty well. We are teaching a lot of lessons, so thats nice not having to just knock doors all day. But we would like to see more progress with our investigators. Ana is so ready to get baptized... but she needs to get divorced first and marry Felipe. Her hubby lives 8 hours away and they aren’t exactly buds. But their son is on our side and said he’d talk the dad into coming down... if he doesn’t come down, I’ll probably be married before them (which is a LONG time away).
I got to play wedding counselor again this week with Guisela and Abraham. Its tough cuz we aren’t supposed to give advice about relationships to people, so we have to do it through gospel priciples, teaching about Attributes of Christ. But we helped them out. Guisela is starting to gain a testimony, she'll be baptized once things cool down between them.
I met a guy named Mauricio, he’s really cool. He told us ''ya, I use to listen to the 7th day adventists... in prison''. He had a really rough past, got shot a couple times, and use to use drugs. He's kinda a differnt guy, but seems sincere, I think he'll progress.
we are trying to work more with members, I’ve never been very good about that in my mission. But it’s our only hope here in Estacion.
Crystal- Yes they celebrate Mother day here, but its on the 27 of May.
Valynn-My comp is really great, he showed up really prepared (10000 times more than i was). His only problem is that he gets really nervous when he teaches, and that makes the people nervous. We’re working on that with him. ¿Are we going to Florida or California?
EE- A Store?
Kim-we'll give the cell phone a shot. I’m glad you guys had fun on your trip.
KK- Emily looks ummm.... gordita in the pic.
Dad- Cool, I’ll get to see Bretts wedding, and a ton of the cousins.
Ok- talk to you guys in 6 hours.
love, Elder Wilson
5-3-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: Shopping
hey everybody,
yeah so its May now. Reality is starting to set in a little bit. Deep down I really don’t believe I’m ever going home, but now that President Maynes even talks about it, its starting to sink in a bit. I’m starting to say I’m only going to do this one more time, for example fasting on the mission, going to zone conference. In the next confernce I’ll be giving my last testimony... thats so wierd.
I learned a lot about of lessons about my weaknesses and how much I still need to improve. We had zone conference and President Maynes talked to us about charity, and that part of it is looking at the potential people have, and not judgeing them. I realized I do that a lot, sometimes before we even teach them Im already doubting they will even be at the house, let alone progress. So I made an effort these past couple days after the conference to be more positive about people, it works out waybetter. We know that faith without works is dead, but I found out works without faith doesn’t work out either.
After the change in attitude things got a lot better, we've found a lot of people through references and have a lot more people listening to us. So things are looking up in Estacion. Ana is really excited and we are doing everything we can to get her divorce to go through.
My companion is doing really great. He came really prepared, his only problem is that he doesn’t teach simply, and so no one really follows his lessons. We've been practicing a lot one being clear, simple and direct, it works WAY better.
So Saturday I had my interview with President Maynes, we started talking about the things I learned from the conference, and I told him about charity. His answer was ''good elder, you work on that... for the next 55 days''
You'll all be happy to know that you all have presents now. What I bought for Kaylene and Josh is my personal favorite... I just hope none of it breaks on the way home. I also ran into one of my favorite people on the world Elder Meridith today... love that guy.
And I talked to Pres Maynes and I’ll be calling next Monday the 10th. But tommorow Ill do the precall I think, so well confirm everthing.
Valynn-Tell Jamen and Kateyln and Tyler good job
Grandma- are they spliting the stake?
Mom- Ill be home to help with chores in a bit. HAve you talked to Elder Puglisi's parents about houseing?
Matt- todavia no se jugar el futbol.
EE I cant believe I stil dont know Liam
Kim- Im still working hard, training keeps me motivated. Just on P-day I think about it. Jace is huge
KK tell cec Im proud of her.
bye bye
Elder Wilson
hey everybody,
yeah so its May now. Reality is starting to set in a little bit. Deep down I really don’t believe I’m ever going home, but now that President Maynes even talks about it, its starting to sink in a bit. I’m starting to say I’m only going to do this one more time, for example fasting on the mission, going to zone conference. In the next confernce I’ll be giving my last testimony... thats so wierd.
I learned a lot about of lessons about my weaknesses and how much I still need to improve. We had zone conference and President Maynes talked to us about charity, and that part of it is looking at the potential people have, and not judgeing them. I realized I do that a lot, sometimes before we even teach them Im already doubting they will even be at the house, let alone progress. So I made an effort these past couple days after the conference to be more positive about people, it works out waybetter. We know that faith without works is dead, but I found out works without faith doesn’t work out either.
After the change in attitude things got a lot better, we've found a lot of people through references and have a lot more people listening to us. So things are looking up in Estacion. Ana is really excited and we are doing everything we can to get her divorce to go through.
My companion is doing really great. He came really prepared, his only problem is that he doesn’t teach simply, and so no one really follows his lessons. We've been practicing a lot one being clear, simple and direct, it works WAY better.
So Saturday I had my interview with President Maynes, we started talking about the things I learned from the conference, and I told him about charity. His answer was ''good elder, you work on that... for the next 55 days''
You'll all be happy to know that you all have presents now. What I bought for Kaylene and Josh is my personal favorite... I just hope none of it breaks on the way home. I also ran into one of my favorite people on the world Elder Meridith today... love that guy.
And I talked to Pres Maynes and I’ll be calling next Monday the 10th. But tommorow Ill do the precall I think, so well confirm everthing.
Valynn-Tell Jamen and Kateyln and Tyler good job
Grandma- are they spliting the stake?
Mom- Ill be home to help with chores in a bit. HAve you talked to Elder Puglisi's parents about houseing?
Matt- todavia no se jugar el futbol.
EE I cant believe I stil dont know Liam
Kim- Im still working hard, training keeps me motivated. Just on P-day I think about it. Jace is huge
KK tell cec Im proud of her.
bye bye
Elder Wilson
4-26-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: Perseverar hasta el fin
hey everybody,
Ya, well this week was... just a trial. We have a lot of investigators, but we had a really tough time finding time with them, so we spent a lot of time looking and knocking doors. I had a really cool experience one afternoon: It was about 4 pm and we hadn’t gotten into a house yet, we were walking down a road and I said a little prayer for guidance. I got a feeling we needed to cross the street and knock at a house. The man who answered was named Jenaro and he accepted a baptism date, it was super cool. But he didn’t come to church yesterday haha, so we need to find him again.
My companion had his first experience praying about the Book of Mormon with an investigator, it works everytime. He also participated in his first blessing of health. He blessed a girl while she was throwing up (wish I had a camera), and about 20 minutes later she was fine.
Its finally starting to cool down, it feels so nice. I went to Santa Cruz on Saturday to get my warts frozen off and on the drive there I let the autumn air blow on my face, it was nice. And contrary to what most people think, having cold air blow in my face didn’t make my lungs explode (I have so many stories about stuff like that when I get home).
But ya I went to Santa Cruz for that wart treatment... Liquid Nitrogen hurts A LOT! We'll see if I can get these bad boys taken off b4 June 26th at 1:32 pm...pacific standard time.
We are really going to be working more with our members this week. We’ve had some results with our own efforts, but we are going to be visiting more families this week and meeting with the leaders so they can give us a bit of guidance. I got pretty frustrated this week, so we need to change things up a bit this week.
Ok well.. I love you guys, pray for me.
-Elder Wilson
hey everybody,
Ya, well this week was... just a trial. We have a lot of investigators, but we had a really tough time finding time with them, so we spent a lot of time looking and knocking doors. I had a really cool experience one afternoon: It was about 4 pm and we hadn’t gotten into a house yet, we were walking down a road and I said a little prayer for guidance. I got a feeling we needed to cross the street and knock at a house. The man who answered was named Jenaro and he accepted a baptism date, it was super cool. But he didn’t come to church yesterday haha, so we need to find him again.
My companion had his first experience praying about the Book of Mormon with an investigator, it works everytime. He also participated in his first blessing of health. He blessed a girl while she was throwing up (wish I had a camera), and about 20 minutes later she was fine.
Its finally starting to cool down, it feels so nice. I went to Santa Cruz on Saturday to get my warts frozen off and on the drive there I let the autumn air blow on my face, it was nice. And contrary to what most people think, having cold air blow in my face didn’t make my lungs explode (I have so many stories about stuff like that when I get home).
But ya I went to Santa Cruz for that wart treatment... Liquid Nitrogen hurts A LOT! We'll see if I can get these bad boys taken off b4 June 26th at 1:32 pm...pacific standard time.
We are really going to be working more with our members this week. We’ve had some results with our own efforts, but we are going to be visiting more families this week and meeting with the leaders so they can give us a bit of guidance. I got pretty frustrated this week, so we need to change things up a bit this week.
Ok well.. I love you guys, pray for me.
-Elder Wilson
Apr 19, 2010
4-19-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: Prresident Maynes.... I LOST him.
Hi everyone,
So training is just... just funny. I wonder how Elder Dodds didnt ever laugh at me, actually I think he did. Im just trying to teach my companion to RELAX. He gets so nervous when he teaches. But he has made a lot of progress in just one week. Maybe Im trying to teach him too much at once, but he'll be such a better teacher once he gets a hang of teaching simply and sincerely, with good scriptures and good questions. But its a work in progress.
The area is really picking up in our area, its called Estacion for those who are keeping score. We have ten people that are showing a lot of potential. We've just been trying to stay positive and keep being obedient and diligent I just kept saying things will get better, and they did. We had some rough days of just walking up and down the streets trying to find members houses and people to listen to us. But we've found some neighborhoods on outside of the center of town, and people are just nicer there. We found a guy named Victor who told us that the Elders visited his family 15 years ago and that his family was so much happier than, hes super cool and want to get baptized. A new convirt named Felipe just got reunited with his wife(well, girlfriend) and his two kids. He use to be an alcholholic but she heard about how hes turned things around and came back... problem is now they are breaking the Law of Chastity... kinda an important detail. But they are making plans to get married.
So funny story para explain the title. So me and comp are in a hurry so we jump on moto taxis. My comp asks '' where are we going?'' and I just say ''just follow us''. Problem is he gets stuck at a red light, we pull over to wait for him, but they dont see us, and we dont see them pass. So then I realize whats going on, my companion is on a mototaxi, speeding down the road, cuz he thinks that we are way ahead of him, and we are speeding behind him, trying to catch him. And the whole time I’m just imagining the conversation con President Maynes '' I just flat out lost him!'' But we caught him, all is well.
Mason- We've had some great experiences already this week. We have to depend a lot more in the spirit.
EE-sounds like Liam is getting big.
Dad- The missionaries had my ward and the ward where Elder Smith is. But they worked more in Elder Smiths area, so we didnt have much to work with when we got here.
Crystal-what is Matt studying again?
Mom- haha, ya Idk what I’m going to do about work. Idk what the deal is with the package, the first one you sent hasn’t shown up yet.
Grandma- I almost felt bad for Bonderman, than I remember hes a millionare.
Valynn-I honestly think I was easy to train. And being trained by an American made things nice too, no language barrier. My companion is from Peru, a city called Trujillo (''True'' ''he'' ''yo''). I have to be extra obedient and diligent to show him a good example, and if not, I get to have a ''talk'' with Pres Maynes.
VAlynn-I dont even know if i can ride a bike anymore, cuz I was pretty bad before the mission.
kk-IDK what ever excuse you can give them.
mom-um... I dont really want to call on P-day. I might be able to do it on Tuesday.
Ok guys, thanks for your prayers, love ya, gotta go
-Elder Wilson
Hi everyone,
So training is just... just funny. I wonder how Elder Dodds didnt ever laugh at me, actually I think he did. Im just trying to teach my companion to RELAX. He gets so nervous when he teaches. But he has made a lot of progress in just one week. Maybe Im trying to teach him too much at once, but he'll be such a better teacher once he gets a hang of teaching simply and sincerely, with good scriptures and good questions. But its a work in progress.
The area is really picking up in our area, its called Estacion for those who are keeping score. We have ten people that are showing a lot of potential. We've just been trying to stay positive and keep being obedient and diligent I just kept saying things will get better, and they did. We had some rough days of just walking up and down the streets trying to find members houses and people to listen to us. But we've found some neighborhoods on outside of the center of town, and people are just nicer there. We found a guy named Victor who told us that the Elders visited his family 15 years ago and that his family was so much happier than, hes super cool and want to get baptized. A new convirt named Felipe just got reunited with his wife(well, girlfriend) and his two kids. He use to be an alcholholic but she heard about how hes turned things around and came back... problem is now they are breaking the Law of Chastity... kinda an important detail. But they are making plans to get married.
So funny story para explain the title. So me and comp are in a hurry so we jump on moto taxis. My comp asks '' where are we going?'' and I just say ''just follow us''. Problem is he gets stuck at a red light, we pull over to wait for him, but they dont see us, and we dont see them pass. So then I realize whats going on, my companion is on a mototaxi, speeding down the road, cuz he thinks that we are way ahead of him, and we are speeding behind him, trying to catch him. And the whole time I’m just imagining the conversation con President Maynes '' I just flat out lost him!'' But we caught him, all is well.
Mason- We've had some great experiences already this week. We have to depend a lot more in the spirit.
EE-sounds like Liam is getting big.
Dad- The missionaries had my ward and the ward where Elder Smith is. But they worked more in Elder Smiths area, so we didnt have much to work with when we got here.
Crystal-what is Matt studying again?
Mom- haha, ya Idk what I’m going to do about work. Idk what the deal is with the package, the first one you sent hasn’t shown up yet.
Grandma- I almost felt bad for Bonderman, than I remember hes a millionare.
Valynn-I honestly think I was easy to train. And being trained by an American made things nice too, no language barrier. My companion is from Peru, a city called Trujillo (''True'' ''he'' ''yo''). I have to be extra obedient and diligent to show him a good example, and if not, I get to have a ''talk'' with Pres Maynes.
VAlynn-I dont even know if i can ride a bike anymore, cuz I was pretty bad before the mission.
kk-IDK what ever excuse you can give them.
mom-um... I dont really want to call on P-day. I might be able to do it on Tuesday.
Ok guys, thanks for your prayers, love ya, gotta go
-Elder Wilson
4-12-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: ''These guys think we are perfect''
OK, lots of stuff happened this week. First off, I’m not with Elder Gonzalez anymore. I’m still in Montero, but I’m opening an area across the street from La Pampa... and... I’m training. My new compañion is from Trujillo Peru, his name is Elder Ramirez. When we went to go pick up our new campanions President Maynes pulled me aside and said that I was getting the best one and that he expects big things this transfer. He told all of us who are training (there are 19 new missionaries, and most of the Elders from my group are training) that we WILL have 42 lessons a week and we WILL have 140 conversations in the street. I found something really cool too, Elder Allan from my group is training in Villamontes. Pres Maynes said that there are 8 people with baptism dates there, Pres Maynes looked at me and said '' you contacted all of them''.
My buddies Elder Jacobsen and Eld Smith and also training here with me, its pretty sweet, there are 6 companionships, and 5 of them have someone from my group. Me and Elder Smith stayed together one night as we were waiting for our comps, and Elder Smith said ''man... these guys are going to think we are perfect''. And now, I’m WAAY better than I use to be, but man, now I have to be perfect!!
Eld Ramirez really wants to learn and watches and copies EVERYTHING I do. But its a good time and I like introducing him to things, his first lesson, first contact first planning session(that one was rough). Our area is kinda tough( ''Tough is relative''-Pres Maynes) but we have a few people that the other Elders left. And we were able to find a really great kid named Daniel who showed a TON of interest. But we are going to need a lot of help from members.
I had some great experiences this week. First off, we had lots of prayers answered. First, when we went and got our comps, Elder Jacobsen lost his bag in a taxi, it had his journal, his camera, his money and his passport. Im sure all of were praying for him, and the next day the taxi driver turned it in with everything. I have also been praying that we don’t have to knock doors all day, and that my comp doesn’t have to start his mission with out having lessons. Each day we are increasing our lessons, even though we still dont really know anybody.
But my other experience was in the priesthood session, Elder Rashband spoke about picking mission calls. It really wasnt anything he said, but during the entire talk, I had this overwhelming feeling of surity(is that a word) That i was supposed to be here, with these people, these missionaries, and with Pres Maynes. We actually all felt it together, pretty awesome.
Mom I gave Pres Maynes the ecliastical endorsment hes going to fax it. Thats crazy about flight plans, I’ll talk the next day, just let me know the topic b4. Send me a couple 15 1/2 inch shirst for my comp, he has like 3.
Valynn- sounds like I’ll have lots of activities to watch when i get home. we have been playing B-ball and soccer a lot latey. But Im still terrible
Crystal-thanks for your email. IDK how I made it 2 years haha.
Kim- 8 years... wow
Ok love you guys, talk to you later, pray for me and my comp
Elder Wilson
****Just to let everyone know, Mike arrives June 26th at 1:32PM!!!!!****
OK, lots of stuff happened this week. First off, I’m not with Elder Gonzalez anymore. I’m still in Montero, but I’m opening an area across the street from La Pampa... and... I’m training. My new compañion is from Trujillo Peru, his name is Elder Ramirez. When we went to go pick up our new campanions President Maynes pulled me aside and said that I was getting the best one and that he expects big things this transfer. He told all of us who are training (there are 19 new missionaries, and most of the Elders from my group are training) that we WILL have 42 lessons a week and we WILL have 140 conversations in the street. I found something really cool too, Elder Allan from my group is training in Villamontes. Pres Maynes said that there are 8 people with baptism dates there, Pres Maynes looked at me and said '' you contacted all of them''.
My buddies Elder Jacobsen and Eld Smith and also training here with me, its pretty sweet, there are 6 companionships, and 5 of them have someone from my group. Me and Elder Smith stayed together one night as we were waiting for our comps, and Elder Smith said ''man... these guys are going to think we are perfect''. And now, I’m WAAY better than I use to be, but man, now I have to be perfect!!
Eld Ramirez really wants to learn and watches and copies EVERYTHING I do. But its a good time and I like introducing him to things, his first lesson, first contact first planning session(that one was rough). Our area is kinda tough( ''Tough is relative''-Pres Maynes) but we have a few people that the other Elders left. And we were able to find a really great kid named Daniel who showed a TON of interest. But we are going to need a lot of help from members.
I had some great experiences this week. First off, we had lots of prayers answered. First, when we went and got our comps, Elder Jacobsen lost his bag in a taxi, it had his journal, his camera, his money and his passport. Im sure all of were praying for him, and the next day the taxi driver turned it in with everything. I have also been praying that we don’t have to knock doors all day, and that my comp doesn’t have to start his mission with out having lessons. Each day we are increasing our lessons, even though we still dont really know anybody.
But my other experience was in the priesthood session, Elder Rashband spoke about picking mission calls. It really wasnt anything he said, but during the entire talk, I had this overwhelming feeling of surity(is that a word) That i was supposed to be here, with these people, these missionaries, and with Pres Maynes. We actually all felt it together, pretty awesome.
Mom I gave Pres Maynes the ecliastical endorsment hes going to fax it. Thats crazy about flight plans, I’ll talk the next day, just let me know the topic b4. Send me a couple 15 1/2 inch shirst for my comp, he has like 3.
Valynn- sounds like I’ll have lots of activities to watch when i get home. we have been playing B-ball and soccer a lot latey. But Im still terrible
Crystal-thanks for your email. IDK how I made it 2 years haha.
Kim- 8 years... wow
Ok love you guys, talk to you later, pray for me and my comp
Elder Wilson
****Just to let everyone know, Mike arrives June 26th at 1:32PM!!!!!****
Apr 6, 2010
4-5-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: highs and lows
Hey everybody, Well to be honest, this was a pretty tough week, our investigators have had a lot of problems this week. A few have even told us that they are just not ready to keep progressing. Its sad because they recognize that this is the truth, but still find excuses for why they cant do it. But we will visit them from time to time to see how they are doing.
This whole week has been La Semana Santa ( Holy Week), I dont really know if Catholics do that in the states. But it was pretty hard to find people in their houses, all day they had activities and at night they were in the cathedral. So ya, a pretty slow frustrating week. We are looking really hard for new investigators, cuz our other ones are now baptized, or are not progressing. We had some luck last night with the time we had to work and found one couple and an older man that seem promising. Yesterday we were locked in the house all day for elections. Some times things get a little heated, and being a big gringo doesnt help, so all the Elders just stay in the house. Speaking of politics, Evo Morales had a rally half a block from our house a few days ago. There was a crowd of about 500 people, so we went and saw him for a second. But I felt like everyone was staring at me so we left pretty fast. But ya FAMOUS PERSON.
We werent allowed to have church this week, so they taped conference and we'll
watch it next week. We have changes again next week, I really hope me and Elder Gonzalez stay together, but we'll find out ina little while. Its been a really fun change with him, and we have worked really hard too. Today we are going to start souvenir shopping, that should be fun. Mom sister Maynes is helping me find that Nativity set, we'll see what we can do.
Thanks for the BYU info. I need that eclesiastical endorsment. Mom it would be 100 times easier if some how you could do it for me. But Im going to print off a copy and do it with pres Maynes, its just going to take a really long time to get it to the States.
I dont really know what classes I wanna take. I kinda wanna start off slow. I want to get a chem degree, so science classes would be good, bio, physics and chem. Also math classes, and religion. But talk to the counselor and you can just suprise me.
Valynn- ya time is really starting to fly now, now that its April the reality is setting in a bit more.
Grandma- thnak you for the news, I be waiting to hear what happens.
Kim- they dont to a ton for Easter here, they go fishing cuz they dont believe in eating meat.
Kk- We dont get to watch conference till next week.
ok gotta go, love you guys.
Hey everybody, Well to be honest, this was a pretty tough week, our investigators have had a lot of problems this week. A few have even told us that they are just not ready to keep progressing. Its sad because they recognize that this is the truth, but still find excuses for why they cant do it. But we will visit them from time to time to see how they are doing.
This whole week has been La Semana Santa ( Holy Week), I dont really know if Catholics do that in the states. But it was pretty hard to find people in their houses, all day they had activities and at night they were in the cathedral. So ya, a pretty slow frustrating week. We are looking really hard for new investigators, cuz our other ones are now baptized, or are not progressing. We had some luck last night with the time we had to work and found one couple and an older man that seem promising. Yesterday we were locked in the house all day for elections. Some times things get a little heated, and being a big gringo doesnt help, so all the Elders just stay in the house. Speaking of politics, Evo Morales had a rally half a block from our house a few days ago. There was a crowd of about 500 people, so we went and saw him for a second. But I felt like everyone was staring at me so we left pretty fast. But ya FAMOUS PERSON.
We werent allowed to have church this week, so they taped conference and we'll
watch it next week. We have changes again next week, I really hope me and Elder Gonzalez stay together, but we'll find out ina little while. Its been a really fun change with him, and we have worked really hard too. Today we are going to start souvenir shopping, that should be fun. Mom sister Maynes is helping me find that Nativity set, we'll see what we can do.
Thanks for the BYU info. I need that eclesiastical endorsment. Mom it would be 100 times easier if some how you could do it for me. But Im going to print off a copy and do it with pres Maynes, its just going to take a really long time to get it to the States.
I dont really know what classes I wanna take. I kinda wanna start off slow. I want to get a chem degree, so science classes would be good, bio, physics and chem. Also math classes, and religion. But talk to the counselor and you can just suprise me.
Valynn- ya time is really starting to fly now, now that its April the reality is setting in a bit more.
Grandma- thnak you for the news, I be waiting to hear what happens.
Kim- they dont to a ton for Easter here, they go fishing cuz they dont believe in eating meat.
Kk- We dont get to watch conference till next week.
ok gotta go, love you guys.
3-29-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: Tres
well another week has gone bye, and March is basically gone. I think you all can notice that my English has improved...a lot... I couldnt think of a bigger fancier word. But ya, that happens with an American comp, and never having time to study Spansih.
Well we started off this week with a zone conference. I got to see my buddy Elder Meridith... I just love that guy. The conference was great. President Maynes taught us about virtue and how it relates to the after life, but it turned into a Question and Answer session where we just picked President Mayne's brain. Hes a smart guy. I am really going to miss not seeing him. We also got to have interviews with him. We talked about a lot of interseting things... mostly about my plans after the mission haha. We talked a bit about what I want to do for a living, now Im not as dead set on being a dentist, but I need to weigh out a ton of stuff before I make that decision. We had a really cool little moment together, we were talking about how being a zone leader and being a trainer, Its like how a ward needs a good bishop, but also a great Scout Master. he told me ''if you really want to make a huge impact in the life of a person, be a scout Master''. And after he said that I felf the spirit in a way I normally dont feel, and Pres Maynes then said '' And the spirit is testifying to both of us that its true''.
We also ended the week with Elsa, Victor and Ronald being baptized, that was great. We've been working with the Family Torrez for about 15 or 16 weeks... man, totally worth it. We had some unfortunate things happen to us, and two of our investigators who were also going to be baptized arent looking so great right now... but we'll be helping them out. But we still have a TON of people here that are ready for baptism... there are 7 people who could do it in April... thatd be so great.
Me and Elder Gonzalez had a moment when we both said '' WHERE IS A CAMERA?''. So we get caught in a rainstorm, soaking wet, with an apointment to go to across town. But people here are afraid of rain, so theres almost no taxis. But out of nowhere our misson leader shows up on his motor taxi. So we jump on, elder gonzalez, and me hanging on tight behind him. Problem is there are huge puddles, so I need to lift my legs way up so the water doesnt splash all over me. It looked like on Dumb and Dumber when Harry is frozen to Loyds back... just trust me, it was funny.
We went to Santa Cruz today to have a little Language training thing. All the latin elders are going to study english and earn a certificate from BYU, so thats pretty cool. We also got permision to go eat in the center of the city... I went to ..... SUBWAY, I havent eaten that in 21 months.... it was just... just .. SOOO GOOD.
Chris- Thanks for the news.
Dad- The members do a pretty good job of befreinding people. It still feels hot here, the sun is just super strong. The wart war... eh... its going still, Im going to get liquid nitrogen treatment next month.
Mom- No package yet. Tell Quintin congratulations and to read nothing but the Preach My Gospel and the Book of Mormon while hes preparing. Im just figuring out how amazing those two books are.
Crystal- Thats actually something Ive been thinking about lately, how different Im going to seem for you guys... even like taste wise. For example... I LOVE spicy food now, I eat tomatoes, onions, even celery... even celery, still not that great. Ha, and beats, I love beats haha.
Grandma-Thats going to be wierd to see Elders after the mission in my house. There are RMs here that just try and burn us all the time and tell us what we are doing wrong, I hope I dont do that.
Kim- Ya, time is really flying by. The reality is starting to set in... Im not going to be doing this that much longer.
KK- Its still so weird to think there are 4 more members of the family I dont even really know.
Ok people, I love you all, happy Easter, not sure when it is really. Hasta la próxima semana
-Elder Wilson
well another week has gone bye, and March is basically gone. I think you all can notice that my English has improved...a lot... I couldnt think of a bigger fancier word. But ya, that happens with an American comp, and never having time to study Spansih.
Well we started off this week with a zone conference. I got to see my buddy Elder Meridith... I just love that guy. The conference was great. President Maynes taught us about virtue and how it relates to the after life, but it turned into a Question and Answer session where we just picked President Mayne's brain. Hes a smart guy. I am really going to miss not seeing him. We also got to have interviews with him. We talked about a lot of interseting things... mostly about my plans after the mission haha. We talked a bit about what I want to do for a living, now Im not as dead set on being a dentist, but I need to weigh out a ton of stuff before I make that decision. We had a really cool little moment together, we were talking about how being a zone leader and being a trainer, Its like how a ward needs a good bishop, but also a great Scout Master. he told me ''if you really want to make a huge impact in the life of a person, be a scout Master''. And after he said that I felf the spirit in a way I normally dont feel, and Pres Maynes then said '' And the spirit is testifying to both of us that its true''.
We also ended the week with Elsa, Victor and Ronald being baptized, that was great. We've been working with the Family Torrez for about 15 or 16 weeks... man, totally worth it. We had some unfortunate things happen to us, and two of our investigators who were also going to be baptized arent looking so great right now... but we'll be helping them out. But we still have a TON of people here that are ready for baptism... there are 7 people who could do it in April... thatd be so great.
Me and Elder Gonzalez had a moment when we both said '' WHERE IS A CAMERA?''. So we get caught in a rainstorm, soaking wet, with an apointment to go to across town. But people here are afraid of rain, so theres almost no taxis. But out of nowhere our misson leader shows up on his motor taxi. So we jump on, elder gonzalez, and me hanging on tight behind him. Problem is there are huge puddles, so I need to lift my legs way up so the water doesnt splash all over me. It looked like on Dumb and Dumber when Harry is frozen to Loyds back... just trust me, it was funny.
We went to Santa Cruz today to have a little Language training thing. All the latin elders are going to study english and earn a certificate from BYU, so thats pretty cool. We also got permision to go eat in the center of the city... I went to ..... SUBWAY, I havent eaten that in 21 months.... it was just... just .. SOOO GOOD.
Chris- Thanks for the news.
Dad- The members do a pretty good job of befreinding people. It still feels hot here, the sun is just super strong. The wart war... eh... its going still, Im going to get liquid nitrogen treatment next month.
Mom- No package yet. Tell Quintin congratulations and to read nothing but the Preach My Gospel and the Book of Mormon while hes preparing. Im just figuring out how amazing those two books are.
Crystal- Thats actually something Ive been thinking about lately, how different Im going to seem for you guys... even like taste wise. For example... I LOVE spicy food now, I eat tomatoes, onions, even celery... even celery, still not that great. Ha, and beats, I love beats haha.
Grandma-Thats going to be wierd to see Elders after the mission in my house. There are RMs here that just try and burn us all the time and tell us what we are doing wrong, I hope I dont do that.
Kim- Ya, time is really flying by. The reality is starting to set in... Im not going to be doing this that much longer.
KK- Its still so weird to think there are 4 more members of the family I dont even really know.
Ok people, I love you all, happy Easter, not sure when it is really. Hasta la próxima semana
-Elder Wilson
3-22-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: Buckle Up
hey everybody,
So we had another awesome week. I really need to keep this up to end my mission. All of the work we've been doing the past few weeks is going to pay off this Saturday. Five of our investigators are going to be baptized... thats going to be really really cool. The Torrez family and a man named José Luis are getting baptized in one ward, and Nelson and Ronald in the other. We also have the other Torrez family that are putting in their marriage papers... hopefully this very second and are getting married on Saturday also.
We had some really interesting experiences this week, three sad ones and one really nice one. We taught a young couple named Mario and Felicia, they called us into their yard one night to bless their daughter, which was really cool. But this week we actually went into their house. All they have is a hay mattress and some clothes, not much else. We came out both asking ourselves why we have so much and this family so little. Later we visited an inactive man named Claudio, they live in similar circumstances, but he has 5 kids 4 under 8 years old, and his wife abandonded him... what a terrible woman. And then yesterday we were sent to visit a sealed couple who is having marriage issues. The wife is amazing, and the husband works in the city gonvernment and has turned into just a dirty politician. We tried to talk to him about his problems and he tried to twist everything around so nothing was his fault... thing is, he did it really badly and just looked like an idiot. but there are things going on there that we shouldnt be giving cousel on as Elders, its a job for the Stake President.
But we did have a really nice experience in the little town we're in charge of, Yapacaní. we found two youth that have been going to church for 2 years. One is named Daniel, we met him and his mom. The mom started crying as she talked about how proud she was of here 14 year old son who goes to church everyday by himself.
So ya this should be a pretty great week. Tomorrow we have zone conference. Elder Gonzalez and I have a class to teach tomorrow about asking good questions... should probably get on that.
Dad- We dont ever recieve references from the church offices. I think that is put to more use in the States.
Chase- I cant wait to have my own troll some day.
Crystal- Thats good the boys like dinosaurs, cuz Im buying them little crocodile wallets... but it looks like dinosaur skin too... but lets keep that on the down low.
mom- Thanks for the ideas, I'm going to start buying presents this week. We arent going to be able to watch Gen Confer till the tenth cuz of the gonvernment stuff going Easter Weekend. If someone emails my old address it is forwarded to my new one.
Valynn- Tell Jamen to stick with leaders, that’s what I had to do sometimes. Who did Chris get to see play?
Grandma- Thats a bummer for BYU
KK- There are no possums here. Cokes all the rage here. Its basically legal here. EVERYBODY chews coke leaves like tobaco here.
We dont have hay anymore? ... well... I was planning on farming that again... oh well...
Ok everybody. please pray that my investigators can get baptized this week. Talk to you later.
Love Elder Wilson
hey everybody,
So we had another awesome week. I really need to keep this up to end my mission. All of the work we've been doing the past few weeks is going to pay off this Saturday. Five of our investigators are going to be baptized... thats going to be really really cool. The Torrez family and a man named José Luis are getting baptized in one ward, and Nelson and Ronald in the other. We also have the other Torrez family that are putting in their marriage papers... hopefully this very second and are getting married on Saturday also.
We had some really interesting experiences this week, three sad ones and one really nice one. We taught a young couple named Mario and Felicia, they called us into their yard one night to bless their daughter, which was really cool. But this week we actually went into their house. All they have is a hay mattress and some clothes, not much else. We came out both asking ourselves why we have so much and this family so little. Later we visited an inactive man named Claudio, they live in similar circumstances, but he has 5 kids 4 under 8 years old, and his wife abandonded him... what a terrible woman. And then yesterday we were sent to visit a sealed couple who is having marriage issues. The wife is amazing, and the husband works in the city gonvernment and has turned into just a dirty politician. We tried to talk to him about his problems and he tried to twist everything around so nothing was his fault... thing is, he did it really badly and just looked like an idiot. but there are things going on there that we shouldnt be giving cousel on as Elders, its a job for the Stake President.
But we did have a really nice experience in the little town we're in charge of, Yapacaní. we found two youth that have been going to church for 2 years. One is named Daniel, we met him and his mom. The mom started crying as she talked about how proud she was of here 14 year old son who goes to church everyday by himself.
So ya this should be a pretty great week. Tomorrow we have zone conference. Elder Gonzalez and I have a class to teach tomorrow about asking good questions... should probably get on that.
Dad- We dont ever recieve references from the church offices. I think that is put to more use in the States.
Chase- I cant wait to have my own troll some day.
Crystal- Thats good the boys like dinosaurs, cuz Im buying them little crocodile wallets... but it looks like dinosaur skin too... but lets keep that on the down low.
mom- Thanks for the ideas, I'm going to start buying presents this week. We arent going to be able to watch Gen Confer till the tenth cuz of the gonvernment stuff going Easter Weekend. If someone emails my old address it is forwarded to my new one.
Valynn- Tell Jamen to stick with leaders, that’s what I had to do sometimes. Who did Chris get to see play?
Grandma- Thats a bummer for BYU
KK- There are no possums here. Cokes all the rage here. Its basically legal here. EVERYBODY chews coke leaves like tobaco here.
We dont have hay anymore? ... well... I was planning on farming that again... oh well...
Ok everybody. please pray that my investigators can get baptized this week. Talk to you later.
Love Elder Wilson
Mar 16, 2010
3-15-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: Good Week
hey everyone,
Well, ya, good week. Me and Elder Gonzalez got a lot done. We are asked to be examples of the zone, and we really feel like we did that this week. We had an all Bolivian Conference last week. We listend to Elder Ballard and Pres Eyring through satelite, it was really cool. Elder Ballard talked about some miracles he had seen in Bolivia over the years, and Pres Eyring talked about how we need to just be obedient and follow Gods will. We had Elsa and Victor Torrez come yesterday, they are so pumped to be baptized, they are so great. Theres also a pair of cousins, Ronal and Nelson that are going to be baptized on the 27th. Its going to be a good month, Raul and Miliana are saying they are nervous about getting married, so this week we have to help them out with that. We got to play family counselor yesterday with an part active family. We showed up cuz we were going to go out and work with the 19 year old son, but we got there right after the dad had beaten the son with a cable. We found out later the whole thing was because the son didnt want to give his TAPE to his little sister. Ridiculous... but ya we are helping them out. It makes me appreciate mom and dad more having experiences like that.
We went to an activity in the chapel and saw this white kid playing basketball. We assumed he was from Argentina, or maybe Spain... nope he was from... MICHIGAN. Had a nice little chat with him.
We also almost saw a drunk man quick draw one night out in the boonies. The guy pulled his gun out and was threatening to kill the other guy if he stepped onto his property... its such a neat place here sometimes.
OK I need some help... I’m starting to buy presents for people, I need to know if people would use wallets, or scripture cases made out of aligator skin... to me they look awesome, but IDK if you guys would want to use them up there in Sunday school or Relief society, or in a high councel meeting. So PLEASE let my know if you really want it or not, if not I’ll find something else.
Grandma- thanks you for the news.
Dad- so you still understand Spanish? Do you speak it? It is coolin down a bit here, today its nice and hazy, perfect for soccer and BBQ. I dont have much contact with the other missionaries either, so I dont get much news about my investigators.
Crystal- ya I’ll try to avoid throwing up on the stand.
Mom- Tell Quintin good luck, hopefully I’ll get to see him b4 he leaves. You can get a good start on Spanish is 3 months. I really like beef jerky and trail mix, you could send me that.
KK- I see little kids peeing like that all the time. we speak english as much as we can.
EE- what kind of photo job do you have?
OK everybody, thanks for your support and your prayers and your emails. I love you all, talk to you next week.
oh ps, I had to change my email address, the church has made a new email service with google. Its be better to send your emails to mdwilson@myldsmail.net ... bye
hey everyone,
Well, ya, good week. Me and Elder Gonzalez got a lot done. We are asked to be examples of the zone, and we really feel like we did that this week. We had an all Bolivian Conference last week. We listend to Elder Ballard and Pres Eyring through satelite, it was really cool. Elder Ballard talked about some miracles he had seen in Bolivia over the years, and Pres Eyring talked about how we need to just be obedient and follow Gods will. We had Elsa and Victor Torrez come yesterday, they are so pumped to be baptized, they are so great. Theres also a pair of cousins, Ronal and Nelson that are going to be baptized on the 27th. Its going to be a good month, Raul and Miliana are saying they are nervous about getting married, so this week we have to help them out with that. We got to play family counselor yesterday with an part active family. We showed up cuz we were going to go out and work with the 19 year old son, but we got there right after the dad had beaten the son with a cable. We found out later the whole thing was because the son didnt want to give his TAPE to his little sister. Ridiculous... but ya we are helping them out. It makes me appreciate mom and dad more having experiences like that.
We went to an activity in the chapel and saw this white kid playing basketball. We assumed he was from Argentina, or maybe Spain... nope he was from... MICHIGAN. Had a nice little chat with him.
We also almost saw a drunk man quick draw one night out in the boonies. The guy pulled his gun out and was threatening to kill the other guy if he stepped onto his property... its such a neat place here sometimes.
OK I need some help... I’m starting to buy presents for people, I need to know if people would use wallets, or scripture cases made out of aligator skin... to me they look awesome, but IDK if you guys would want to use them up there in Sunday school or Relief society, or in a high councel meeting. So PLEASE let my know if you really want it or not, if not I’ll find something else.
Grandma- thanks you for the news.
Dad- so you still understand Spanish? Do you speak it? It is coolin down a bit here, today its nice and hazy, perfect for soccer and BBQ. I dont have much contact with the other missionaries either, so I dont get much news about my investigators.
Crystal- ya I’ll try to avoid throwing up on the stand.
Mom- Tell Quintin good luck, hopefully I’ll get to see him b4 he leaves. You can get a good start on Spanish is 3 months. I really like beef jerky and trail mix, you could send me that.
KK- I see little kids peeing like that all the time. we speak english as much as we can.
EE- what kind of photo job do you have?
OK everybody, thanks for your support and your prayers and your emails. I love you all, talk to you next week.
oh ps, I had to change my email address, the church has made a new email service with google. Its be better to send your emails to mdwilson@myldsmail.net ... bye
3-8-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: ''Everyone is going home on the normal day...cept for you guys''
Hey everybody, Well we had a pretty good week. On Tuesday we had Concilio with all the Zone Leaders and President Maynes. My buddy Elder Meredith is a zone leader now too so I was able to see him. Concilio is always a great time, President Maynes talked to us a bit about Chile and said that the first thing the church does after a natural disaster is make sure all the Elders are accounted for, I don’t know why but that really touched me. Later on he started talking about how the transfers are going to change. Before , the Elder who were ending went home a week early. He said that doesn’t happen anymore. But then he asked all of us that are going home in June to raise our hands. Then he said, ‘’all of you will be going home the week before the transfers’’. And about half a second later Elder Jacobsen shot his hand upand asked ‘’WHAT DAY IS THAT EXACTLY?’’ ‘’June 25th’’. So ya… I know what day Im coming home, that’s pretty crazy. And today I got an email asking for your email, and the closest airport to my house. Times flying by. Me and Elder Gonzalez worked really well this week, we had to make up for lost time being losing one day for concilio. Its nice though because we try and work in the most efficient way possible. We were able to find a ton of people through the member´s references, and we ended up finding just random people in the street who were really interested. We received a reference for a family named Torrez. They are amazing, they accepted a baptism date after two days. Along with them we have another Torrez family that are going to be baptized at the end of the month, and two cousins, Nelson and Ronald that should be baptized too in March. And even though it rained, we had 5 people come to church. Things are going well. Me and Elder Gonzalez are realizing that we don’t have much time left, so we are trying to find the sincere people faster. Lots of time we talk to people about baptism in the street. If they say no, we normally just move on, it seems kinda harsh, but we know that there are people who are prepared, so we need to spend way less time with people that aren’t interested. I almost got attacked by a pitbull this week. Basically the most terrifying moment of my mission. But I used my Book of Mormon as a shield until the owner could get the dog away.
EE-Having an American comp is just super. He looks latin though so they don’t really treat us differently.
Kim- the two Elder the trained me were American, so I haven’t been with one since then, like 19 months ago.
Dad- I don’t really hear from my convirts right now. After the mission Ill try and get in contact with them.
Mom-Ill be waiting for the earthquake story.
Valynn- the weather WAS cold, now its super hot and humid again. I was getting excited for a while, thinking that summer was over… but now they are saying itll be cold in … JUNE
Crystal- haha, my Spanish is already getting a little rusty. One cuz I speak more English, and two, being zone leader means I NEVER have time to study Spanish anymore.
Ok, love you guys, get well soon all the sickies.
Love Elder Wilson
Hey everybody, Well we had a pretty good week. On Tuesday we had Concilio with all the Zone Leaders and President Maynes. My buddy Elder Meredith is a zone leader now too so I was able to see him. Concilio is always a great time, President Maynes talked to us a bit about Chile and said that the first thing the church does after a natural disaster is make sure all the Elders are accounted for, I don’t know why but that really touched me. Later on he started talking about how the transfers are going to change. Before , the Elder who were ending went home a week early. He said that doesn’t happen anymore. But then he asked all of us that are going home in June to raise our hands. Then he said, ‘’all of you will be going home the week before the transfers’’. And about half a second later Elder Jacobsen shot his hand upand asked ‘’WHAT DAY IS THAT EXACTLY?’’ ‘’June 25th’’. So ya… I know what day Im coming home, that’s pretty crazy. And today I got an email asking for your email, and the closest airport to my house. Times flying by. Me and Elder Gonzalez worked really well this week, we had to make up for lost time being losing one day for concilio. Its nice though because we try and work in the most efficient way possible. We were able to find a ton of people through the member´s references, and we ended up finding just random people in the street who were really interested. We received a reference for a family named Torrez. They are amazing, they accepted a baptism date after two days. Along with them we have another Torrez family that are going to be baptized at the end of the month, and two cousins, Nelson and Ronald that should be baptized too in March. And even though it rained, we had 5 people come to church. Things are going well. Me and Elder Gonzalez are realizing that we don’t have much time left, so we are trying to find the sincere people faster. Lots of time we talk to people about baptism in the street. If they say no, we normally just move on, it seems kinda harsh, but we know that there are people who are prepared, so we need to spend way less time with people that aren’t interested. I almost got attacked by a pitbull this week. Basically the most terrifying moment of my mission. But I used my Book of Mormon as a shield until the owner could get the dog away.
EE-Having an American comp is just super. He looks latin though so they don’t really treat us differently.
Kim- the two Elder the trained me were American, so I haven’t been with one since then, like 19 months ago.
Dad- I don’t really hear from my convirts right now. After the mission Ill try and get in contact with them.
Mom-Ill be waiting for the earthquake story.
Valynn- the weather WAS cold, now its super hot and humid again. I was getting excited for a while, thinking that summer was over… but now they are saying itll be cold in … JUNE
Crystal- haha, my Spanish is already getting a little rusty. One cuz I speak more English, and two, being zone leader means I NEVER have time to study Spanish anymore.
Ok, love you guys, get well soon all the sickies.
Love Elder Wilson
Mar 1, 2010
3-1-2010 E-MAIL
Well... we see ya later Spanish
Hey there everybody,So ya things are going pretty great here right now, cuz I have my new companion. He name is Elder Gonzalez… and he's from California. It's not that I'm racist, but it's nice to live with someone from your home. It's areally good time. We are from the same group too, he goes home with me in June. We were already buddies so I was so happy when they called me and told me he was coming. He's a lot like Martin, not just the fact that he's Latin.He's super calm all the time. It's going to be a really great transfer! I've already learned just a ton from him. He teaches in a really different way,and its all rubbed off a bit on me. None of our lessons are repetative, we prepare a lot more for each situation and each lesson is geared more towards the investigator. The spirit is really strong when we teach now, which is good cuz our spanish is worse cuz we speak english ALL DAY. Our area is doing well. After 8 weeks of waiting the Torrez family FINALLY came to church. It was so frustrating, something always happened each Sundayand they couldn't come. But now they made it, and loved it. They are getting baptized on the 20th. We have quite a few people we are teach right now. We are making an effort to work more with our members. Yesterday we went to our other ward Villa Verde and made appointments with our bishop and mission leader, they are really excited to work with us to help the ward, its really struggling. And in just 15 minutes of talking with members we found two people whos family are members and want to get baptized. Our zone is also improving a ton. Last week was just terrible, but the missionaries have already found 7 more people and placed them with baptism dates, they are working hard. I got 3 more packages, thank you very much. I keep forgeting to tell you guys, but I really don't need any pens. I don't know why but I go through them really slowly. I've used like 15 in my whole mission… but I have like 50 to hold me over for these next four months. Also I'm thinking about doing a study abroad program in Spain, cuz I need to learn real Spanish before I take that Spanish exam at BYU. Cuz you just look into that a bit? How expensive it is any everything.
EE- All of the sudden the rain just stopped here. Its starting to become winter already here, the southern winds are coming from Argentina. So now my area has turned from a nasty mud hole to a dust bowl, which is better. Thanks for taking care of my FACE book, does anybody still talk to me onthere?
Valynn-haha, oh Tyler. One day you'll just be able to laugh when its his turn to have kids.
Kim-Actually we wouldn't have known about the earthquakes if it wasn't for a family in Villa Verde, they are worried cuz there son is in the mission where the quake was. Don't worry about keeping the email short, I have time.
Grandma There's a Prison Branch?
Crystal-Don't feel bad about the pictures, I don't send them to Pasco either. One year already?Mom/Dad Its tough knocking doors here. In other places the people let you know RIGHT AWAY if they dont want to listen. But here in their minds they can be saying ´´I´m never ever going to do the things you're telling me´´But then all they tell us is ´´Yes, Yes, Yes´´ and have no intentions to do it. Lots of time lost. Theres always a learning curve, even at 20 months. I've changed the way I teach about 5 time in the mission.
OK gotta go, love you guys. You should look for Elder Gonzalez´s family mom. They are from Clover City CA, I think its in LA county. OK
bye-Elder Wilson
Hey there everybody,So ya things are going pretty great here right now, cuz I have my new companion. He name is Elder Gonzalez… and he's from California. It's not that I'm racist, but it's nice to live with someone from your home. It's areally good time. We are from the same group too, he goes home with me in June. We were already buddies so I was so happy when they called me and told me he was coming. He's a lot like Martin, not just the fact that he's Latin.He's super calm all the time. It's going to be a really great transfer! I've already learned just a ton from him. He teaches in a really different way,and its all rubbed off a bit on me. None of our lessons are repetative, we prepare a lot more for each situation and each lesson is geared more towards the investigator. The spirit is really strong when we teach now, which is good cuz our spanish is worse cuz we speak english ALL DAY. Our area is doing well. After 8 weeks of waiting the Torrez family FINALLY came to church. It was so frustrating, something always happened each Sundayand they couldn't come. But now they made it, and loved it. They are getting baptized on the 20th. We have quite a few people we are teach right now. We are making an effort to work more with our members. Yesterday we went to our other ward Villa Verde and made appointments with our bishop and mission leader, they are really excited to work with us to help the ward, its really struggling. And in just 15 minutes of talking with members we found two people whos family are members and want to get baptized. Our zone is also improving a ton. Last week was just terrible, but the missionaries have already found 7 more people and placed them with baptism dates, they are working hard. I got 3 more packages, thank you very much. I keep forgeting to tell you guys, but I really don't need any pens. I don't know why but I go through them really slowly. I've used like 15 in my whole mission… but I have like 50 to hold me over for these next four months. Also I'm thinking about doing a study abroad program in Spain, cuz I need to learn real Spanish before I take that Spanish exam at BYU. Cuz you just look into that a bit? How expensive it is any everything.
EE- All of the sudden the rain just stopped here. Its starting to become winter already here, the southern winds are coming from Argentina. So now my area has turned from a nasty mud hole to a dust bowl, which is better. Thanks for taking care of my FACE book, does anybody still talk to me onthere?
Valynn-haha, oh Tyler. One day you'll just be able to laugh when its his turn to have kids.
Kim-Actually we wouldn't have known about the earthquakes if it wasn't for a family in Villa Verde, they are worried cuz there son is in the mission where the quake was. Don't worry about keeping the email short, I have time.
Grandma There's a Prison Branch?
Crystal-Don't feel bad about the pictures, I don't send them to Pasco either. One year already?Mom/Dad Its tough knocking doors here. In other places the people let you know RIGHT AWAY if they dont want to listen. But here in their minds they can be saying ´´I´m never ever going to do the things you're telling me´´But then all they tell us is ´´Yes, Yes, Yes´´ and have no intentions to do it. Lots of time lost. Theres always a learning curve, even at 20 months. I've changed the way I teach about 5 time in the mission.
OK gotta go, love you guys. You should look for Elder Gonzalez´s family mom. They are from Clover City CA, I think its in LA county. OK
bye-Elder Wilson
2-22-2010 E-MAIL
Subject: ...I wanna be jr comp hahah
Hey everybody... well its been a really interesting week. I thought I was only going to be with Elder Castillo, who has 2 months, but I am with another Elder too. So we are three missionaries working in three areas all at once...yaaaa. A tad bit stressful. Silvia and Juan Carlos were confirmed, that was a huge relief for us. Turns out Silvia came having only slept 2 hours, thats some great faith for a 16 year old, who met us 2 months ago. We also had a really great experience with a man named Alejandro. He went to church with his wife whos a member, so we went to visit them about a week ago. Only the wife was home, but she was really upset, she told us that in a few hours she was going to take the kids and abandon her husband. So we talked to her for a little bit, and the husband happened to show up. We gave a short lesson, but it wasn't anything special and he really didn't feel anything, but said he'd listen to us again. The next time we came, we knelt down with him and he prayed about the Book of Mormon and got his answer, now he wants to be baptized. This family was about to destroy itself a few weeks ago, but with a simple prayer everythings all better. We had a fun time for Elder Vasquez´s last day, but not on purpose. We spent about an hour trying to find a way to make it to a lady´s house in a part of our area that was full of water. Some little kids helped us out and brought this shipping crate thing and let us use it as a boat. It was great, I attached a pic of it. Now Im just waiting for my comp to get here, haha.
Mom- You should put this picture up in chapel, way better. Im trying to be a better leader. I dont really act like myself out here, Im waaayyy to serious.
Crystal-I actually saw like 2 seconds of the Olympics, some dude was bobsledding.
Valynn- This week was actually terrible haha. We only worked for a few days,and we are 3 Elders short. My actual comp will be here on Thursday... I think. I will be waiting for cinamon rolls when I get home. Are you sure Jamen is in high school?
Kim-I actually have two comps right now, Elder Castillo and Elder Lopez...with their time in the mission combined I almost double them. They look at me sometime as if to say ´´what do we do?´´... sometimes all I do is look right back at em cuz I dont have a clue either haha.
EE I am so jelous you got to see Colbert and Michael Buble.
Grandma- Yes I sing the hymns now, problem is I hardly remember them in English. And Im going to be really out of rythm in church back home, cuzhere they like singing the hymns at different beats.
KK-ya three days in the house with nothing to do but read... not that great.
OK, love you guys, next week I let ya know who my comp is.
Elder Wilson
Hey everybody... well its been a really interesting week. I thought I was only going to be with Elder Castillo, who has 2 months, but I am with another Elder too. So we are three missionaries working in three areas all at once...yaaaa. A tad bit stressful. Silvia and Juan Carlos were confirmed, that was a huge relief for us. Turns out Silvia came having only slept 2 hours, thats some great faith for a 16 year old, who met us 2 months ago. We also had a really great experience with a man named Alejandro. He went to church with his wife whos a member, so we went to visit them about a week ago. Only the wife was home, but she was really upset, she told us that in a few hours she was going to take the kids and abandon her husband. So we talked to her for a little bit, and the husband happened to show up. We gave a short lesson, but it wasn't anything special and he really didn't feel anything, but said he'd listen to us again. The next time we came, we knelt down with him and he prayed about the Book of Mormon and got his answer, now he wants to be baptized. This family was about to destroy itself a few weeks ago, but with a simple prayer everythings all better. We had a fun time for Elder Vasquez´s last day, but not on purpose. We spent about an hour trying to find a way to make it to a lady´s house in a part of our area that was full of water. Some little kids helped us out and brought this shipping crate thing and let us use it as a boat. It was great, I attached a pic of it. Now Im just waiting for my comp to get here, haha.
Mom- You should put this picture up in chapel, way better. Im trying to be a better leader. I dont really act like myself out here, Im waaayyy to serious.
Crystal-I actually saw like 2 seconds of the Olympics, some dude was bobsledding.
Valynn- This week was actually terrible haha. We only worked for a few days,and we are 3 Elders short. My actual comp will be here on Thursday... I think. I will be waiting for cinamon rolls when I get home. Are you sure Jamen is in high school?
Kim-I actually have two comps right now, Elder Castillo and Elder Lopez...with their time in the mission combined I almost double them. They look at me sometime as if to say ´´what do we do?´´... sometimes all I do is look right back at em cuz I dont have a clue either haha.
EE I am so jelous you got to see Colbert and Michael Buble.
Grandma- Yes I sing the hymns now, problem is I hardly remember them in English. And Im going to be really out of rythm in church back home, cuzhere they like singing the hymns at different beats.
KK-ya three days in the house with nothing to do but read... not that great.
OK, love you guys, next week I let ya know who my comp is.
Elder Wilson
Feb 20, 2010
2-17-2010 E-MAIL
Its gonna be a interseting week.
Hey everybody, so ya sorry Im writing late, the 14th 15th and 16th we were stuck in our house during Carnival. Carnival is basically a nation wide water fight. Kinda cool but the people start playing a little rough so we dont work for those days. But it was kinda nice being able to relax a little bit. I cooked the mashed potatoes that you sent me, thank you very much. So we've had pretty intersting week. The rain has been giving us a lot of problems. On Saturday a girl named Siliva was baptized, but she didnt come to church on Sunday cuz of the rain. Right now we have two people that haven't been confirmed, so today we need to find them and make sure they understand how important the confirmation is. We got burned by the assitstants over all this, and I know I shouldn't make excuses... but come on! I cant control the weather. We've had a ton of rain here, one day I forgot my poncho in my pensions house, not a good thing. We had the baptismal interview with Silvia too, so we had to book it through the rain and lightening, it was scary but funny too. But it doesnt really flood here, the first day I was here in Montero it flooded but after that, nothing. Last week I did divisions with my buddy Elder Thompson, that was a great time. Him, my comp and another Elder in our zone are going home tommorow, and last night they told us that Im not gettiing another comp for a week. Whats going to happen is Elder Castillo (who Elder Thompson was training) is going to be my comp for a week. So I'm going to be the lone zone leader for a while. we'll see how that goes. We had an interesting experience this week: We saw this little old lady hitting this guy with a whip thing (they make little whips out of rope to beat their kids, its lovely), and we just assumed that the kid had disobeyed his mom. But later that night he showed up at a members house, so we started talking to him. The lady was his mother in law, and she didnt want him to come visit his new born baby. We ended up haveing a really good visit with him and sent the missionaries to his house in Santa Cruz.
EE-It doesnt really ''flood'', but some streets are tough to get through.But its alright now cuz Elder Thompson is going to leave me his boots when he leaves, thats going to help a ton.
Crystal- whats going on at your work?
Mom- I imagine the heavy flooding is in a place called Beni. Its more towards the north of Bolivia.Tell Vince and Cyd hi. Are they dating anyone? That's good the Olsens are in our ward, hows Parker doing? I think I got all your packages, thanks a lot. I can't think of anything I really need right now.
Valynn- They dont really celebrate St. Valentines here, instead they have Carnival. Tell Jamen and Tyler good job.
Dad- ya. Im need to work on being a better leader.
Ok, well wish me luck, thank you so much for your prayers and your support. I'll let you know who my new comp is once I know.
Love, Elder Wilson
Hey everybody, so ya sorry Im writing late, the 14th 15th and 16th we were stuck in our house during Carnival. Carnival is basically a nation wide water fight. Kinda cool but the people start playing a little rough so we dont work for those days. But it was kinda nice being able to relax a little bit. I cooked the mashed potatoes that you sent me, thank you very much. So we've had pretty intersting week. The rain has been giving us a lot of problems. On Saturday a girl named Siliva was baptized, but she didnt come to church on Sunday cuz of the rain. Right now we have two people that haven't been confirmed, so today we need to find them and make sure they understand how important the confirmation is. We got burned by the assitstants over all this, and I know I shouldn't make excuses... but come on! I cant control the weather. We've had a ton of rain here, one day I forgot my poncho in my pensions house, not a good thing. We had the baptismal interview with Silvia too, so we had to book it through the rain and lightening, it was scary but funny too. But it doesnt really flood here, the first day I was here in Montero it flooded but after that, nothing. Last week I did divisions with my buddy Elder Thompson, that was a great time. Him, my comp and another Elder in our zone are going home tommorow, and last night they told us that Im not gettiing another comp for a week. Whats going to happen is Elder Castillo (who Elder Thompson was training) is going to be my comp for a week. So I'm going to be the lone zone leader for a while. we'll see how that goes. We had an interesting experience this week: We saw this little old lady hitting this guy with a whip thing (they make little whips out of rope to beat their kids, its lovely), and we just assumed that the kid had disobeyed his mom. But later that night he showed up at a members house, so we started talking to him. The lady was his mother in law, and she didnt want him to come visit his new born baby. We ended up haveing a really good visit with him and sent the missionaries to his house in Santa Cruz.
EE-It doesnt really ''flood'', but some streets are tough to get through.But its alright now cuz Elder Thompson is going to leave me his boots when he leaves, thats going to help a ton.
Crystal- whats going on at your work?
Mom- I imagine the heavy flooding is in a place called Beni. Its more towards the north of Bolivia.Tell Vince and Cyd hi. Are they dating anyone? That's good the Olsens are in our ward, hows Parker doing? I think I got all your packages, thanks a lot. I can't think of anything I really need right now.
Valynn- They dont really celebrate St. Valentines here, instead they have Carnival. Tell Jamen and Tyler good job.
Dad- ya. Im need to work on being a better leader.
Ok, well wish me luck, thank you so much for your prayers and your support. I'll let you know who my new comp is once I know.
Love, Elder Wilson
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