Week 38: Soaked & God wants to help us!

It's raining a lot!!!

Group 4-25-2017

Well this week was something else!  It was pretty fast and fun. Let me

just say I felt like I am at home because it rained every day this

week and I got soaked pretty much every day. Monday was fine because

we played basketball indoors then went and bought food at Price Mart.

That night was pretty chill too because we visited a recent convert and

a cool investigator.

Wednesday we had splits with some other Elders. I went with Elder

Gonzales from Panama. We had a good time and had some good

appointments. We are talking with members a lot because they know the

people here a lot better. I encourage all the members who read this

to think of your friends and which one do you want to receive the same

happiness you do, and invite them to a church activity or church.

We have a investigator who is doing really well! She says she can

feel the happiness from repentance and feels ready for baptism! She

will be baptized this coming week on the 6th of May. Something I have

seen a lot here on the mission is how hard the devil tries to tempt the

people we teach once we start talking to them. That is the hardest

part because the devil knows our weaknesses and he has this country

pretty darn good. I know a lot young girls here that have had kids as

early as 11 years old. That is why we stress the importance of prayer

so much because God wants to help us and all we have to do is ask.

 We have also been teaching a less active for about 2 weeks now. We

got his trust and he told us that when he was baptized he didn´t feel

anything because didn´t really understand the things and felt

pressured. We have been sharing repentance and the role of the Book of

Mormon and it has been going really well. The reason why he didn´t go to

church was because he didn´t know if it was true and didn´t have the

desire. He finally came to the church for the first time since his

baptism this week! He said he doesn’t want to miss again! Super cool

to see and hear that.

Oh another cool thing that happened is we are getting the girls we

are going to baptize to sign up for what is called ¨SOY¨ here but it is

basically EFY. It is in July but she is signed up for it and went to a

kick off for it on Saturday.

It was an alright week but pretty wet. My jacket worked but my legs

got pretty dang wet. It is still raining right now but tomorrow should

be fine. Thanks for everything!

Elder Wolfe

Spot the Oregonian

Zone Hike

Week 37: How is God going to help you if you don´t ask!

 A neighborly visit!

 Apartment Tour

 His apartment, top floor.

 He loves rice pudding.  Rocio will be happy!

Tan Line?

This one is for Jason.

Group 4-17-2017

Hey friends and family! I have been writing my emails home to you guys like a journal and includes most of what I do and I never really liked to do it that way. I would like to change it up and write something that is A LOT shorter and has more meaning to it. Tell me if you don´t want me to change it.

I would like to tell you guys about my last P-Day because it was totally awesome!

Monday: Today we had an amazing P-Day. It was probably the most fun one yet. We actually had to start at 6:00 A.M. We went to climb a mountain as a zone. We started a little late but it was great! There was a couple mountain summits but we only knew of one that had an actual trail to the top. There was another mountain that was much taller but did not have a trail. Elder Nelson, Alder, Coles, and I took this as a challenge. We pointed to the higher mountain and started to make our own trail. We bush wacked, jumped fences, climbed on our hands and knee, trying to make it to the top. We climbed for about 3 hours until it got very sketchy and was getting late so we came back down. We did at least get higher then the other group. It was so nice to be out there in the country and feel like I am at home for a second. We also got up & down a lot faster then the other group, so we went home and were able to talk with home in time. It was a super fun activity. After we e-mailed we just went to a family of investigators and talked with them. They are fairly young and aren´t the closest relationship so we where helping them out. It was super funny actually because they didn´t hold anything back and I was just laughing the whole time because of the looks they were giving each other! They were better though before we left. We came home and I was DEAD. I slept so hard that night!

On Tuesday we had a rough day because pretty much all of our appointments fell through. We did visit one investigator in-specific that is starting to enjoy the teachings in her life and she is doing really well! We can see the change in her house and her happiness. The other companionship we lived with got changed today because it is transfer day. Elder Nelson got his third Mexican. He is super cool and likes to play sports too! He will fit right in here and likes to work. Anyway it is the start of what is called here ¨Semana Santa¨. It means holy week but it is far from holy. It is like there spring break here. People just leave for the beaches and rivers and drink hard core and a lot of hookah going on. That is why are plans fell through.

This Wednesday we did find someone who is really cool! We contacted his wife about a week ago and visited with her but he was always super busy so never got to share with him. We finally got to talk with him and it turns out he is a member. He was baptized about 8 years ago but has been inactive for awhile due to his job. He is a really cool guy and is very intelligent. He still really likes the church so it will be really cool to see if we can connect this family together and teach his wife who isn´t a member.

Thursday I was listening to general conference at home while I was cooking french toast and a phrase caught my ear that I would like to share with you guys. He said ¨We may need to let go of the world, so we can hold on to the eternities¨. This is now probably one of my favorite quotes of all time! It hits a very key point. The world can’t bring us salvation, nor happiness that lasts. Relying only upon the things of our Lord Jesus Christ is how we can have a joy that will never leave and be saved. I agree that it is hard to keep your eye on salvation because this world is very distracting. The great thing is, if we keep hold on to the iron rod, or in other words, keep on that straight and narrow path that our God has prepared for us, He will bless us a lot here on the earth! He will give us salvation that will last for the eternities.  We did have a rough afternoon. We were going to our first appointment and the Lord guided us to one of his lambs that was lost. He is a recent convert trying to overcome alcohol but fell hard today. We fought with him trying to get him back to his house and getting him to sleep for 4 hours! It was a good fight but we completed the mission and pulled out of him that he doesn´t pray! How is God going to help you if you don´t ask! At least we know why he wasn´t able to overcome it.

Friday morning we had an activity at the church. We had a really good turn out actually. We missionaries had a special hymn and it didn´t turn out terrible. After, I just played a lot of basketball and volleyball with the members. It was a super fun morning. We went to go buy food but everything was closed! We got all the way there and it was closed! In the afternoon we went to an investigator who wants to be baptized but doesn´t want to prepare. We were very confused because she didn´t talk about why when we asked what was wrong. That sucked but it happens.

Saturday was pretty normal. We did have the opportunity to go play some ¨Dominios¨ with some members. Played a lot of basketball in the morning.

Sunday was also normal. A lot of people out of town. We did get 8 less actives to church! Lessons were alright. We had a very solid investigator we had to drop today. She still doesn´t want to be baptized for a reason we don´t know and she wouldn't tell us how we can help her.  We are going to wait 2 weeks until we pass by again. We at least ended the day with a great family. Talked with them about the Book Of Mormon.

This week was really fast. It was great to remember that our old brother, the Savior of the world, the Son of God, resurrected on the third day, overcoming death for all that lived and will live. I invite you all to show your thanks by keeping his commandments and coming closer to him.

Love,

Elder Wolfe

Week 36: Mother's Joy for Their Daughter's fatih, Corn Pizza & "to be honest'

Monday: Today Elder Nelson and I didn´t want to have a super busy P Day. We just wanted a chill laid back day. The other guys went to another zone for an activity but Nelson and I just stayed home. We first started the day off by cleaning the house and washing some clothes. We made oatmeal then we went to the church after a bit. We just hung out there in the AC and played some games then came back to the house to email home. Sounds like spring break was pretty fun for the most of you guys. After that we went and visited two families we are teaching and getting to know. After them we went to another awesome family we are teaching that was a referral from a member. They are at the point to pray and listen for an answer to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God and he really restored the church that Jesus Christ established. After that we went to the members house and she fed us dinner. A well needed P-Day.

Tuesday: This morning was normal. We just studied then left to go talk with a investigator. She is really starting to change and seeing the blessings of living the gospel of Christ. After her we went to the church to print stuff off them came back to the house for lunch. We left for a couple appointments at 2pm but then came back to our house to meet some other Elders that needed Elder Moradel to do a baptism interview. I went with Elder Gonzalez from Panama to a couple of my appointments. After a bit my companion met me in my area and we were back to normal. We had some pretty good appointments today. Specifically we taught a daughter of a member that hasn´t had much interest in the church. Some missionaries have tried before but it didn´t go well. Well Elder Moradel and I tried and we had success! The first time we just took it slow and tried to be as friendly as possible then just put another appointment for today. We taught the need of a Savior and the blessings of repentance today and she really liked it and even asked when we can come back. When her mom heard her daughter say that she wants to learn more she looked at me with such joy! I will never forget the look on that mothers face! That was the best appointment of the day but we did have some other ones that went really well with families in specific! 

Wednesday: Today we started off with a nice run. It was just an Elder from Mexico & I. We ran quite a ways but then ended at the house of Barrio 3´s house so one of the Elders there could cut the hair of the Elder from Mexico. We then ran back to our house which is only about 15 minutes away and got cleaned up and studied before we went to our weekly district meeting that went fairly well! We then went and ate out then headed back to the house to prepare to leave for the day. We started talking with some less actives that are really progressing very well. We talked about the power of prayer and how important it is and the blessings. We then went and returned to some contacts we had the other day. Lets just say my testimony of contacting and how it isn´t effective was strengthened. We then went to a family we have been thinking aren´t quite ready to accept the restored gospel. We got there and in the end we think that we will give them one more chance. They understand the need of a restoration but don´t show that they want to follow it. We then went to a recent convert and shared with her the blessings of service in the church then went back to where we where earlier today. We talk with a family of investigators who are really cool! They don´t have a great relationship with God but are showing a desire to change starting with prayer! I was so happy to hear that! After him we just went and finished the day off at once again a less active. Long busy day!

Thursday: We started today playing some basketball with a couple of the young men. That was really fun because I won! After that we just came home and started to study and plan the week. After that we had more time to chill here at the house because we were going to a members house for lunch at 1:30. We went and ate with a young men preparing for a mission. He said his neighbor can make a really good pizza so we said why not. To be honest it was probably some of the worst pizza I have ever had... It was just bread and corn on top. It didn´t have much sauce or any cheese and then just a TON of corn. Like the whole thing was covered sparing no room! Well that was a learning experience. After that we went straight to work starting with visiting less actives. One of them relapsed on drinking and was SO hammered! To be honest he was really funny because he can speak English and Spanish too.  He was hoping back & forth between the too. After him we went to our best investigator. His name is Walner and he is from Haiti but has been living in the Dominican Republic for about 8 years now. We have been teaching him for about 3 weeks and has been progressing very well! He has been to church every week and is preparing for his baptism for the 22nd of April. I think he will be ready by then. He has been reading the Book of Mormon and said that he can feel the Spirit when he reads it! I am so excited for him! After him we went to a family we have been teaching. They are super cool and we just finished the restoration with them and are now praying to know the truth! After them we just went to the church for a meeting. Bishop kept us waiting for about an hour.  I left with Elder Nelson so we could go back to work and Elder Solis and Elder Moradel, my companion, stayed to wait to talk with Bishop. We just saw a couple families that Elder Nelson and Solis are teaching then went home. Alright day but not the best.

Fridayl: Today we started off playing soccer at the church. The sun is starting to rise earlier and it was SO hot! I sweated so much! After that though we just came back home and got cleaned up and I listened to a couple of the conference talks and read some of ¨The Red Porsche¨. It was a very good morning and then I got to cook lunch. After lunch we had a member leave with us. We went and started at some less actives and talked about the story of King Benjamin. He is a great example of the blessings we receive when we put our trust in the Lord. After him though we went to the other side of our area that is about a 30 minute walk to get there. We started talking with some less actives and inviting them to some activities. We then went to my favorite appointment of the day. We talked with the daughter of a member named Alexandra. She has two kids that past missionaries tried to teach but didn´t go well. Elder Moradel tried the other day with the daughter who is 14 and had success, and today we did too. We talked about the need of a Savior and how we have the wonderful blessing to be able to repent of our sins. She really liked the lesson and even at the end asked about if she can go to church this Sunday! You guys should have seen the look on the moms face again! After her we only had one more appointment on that side of town. Due to complications of planning, we were invited last minute to a dinner of an investigator in the other missionaries area. That wasn´t the problem. The problem was that we were about an hour away walking and there wasn´t public transportation to take. We did the walk and walked way fast for 50 minutes. I guess it was between 3 and 4 miles. At least the food was amazing! Pretty fun day though!

Saturday: Today we started with doing nothing. I wanted to go play basketball but no one else did so I just studied. It was a very lazy morning. When we left in the afternoon it was alright. We went to an investigator and talked about dress and appearance with her! Super fun! After her went to a less active that is all talk. After him though we went to a recent convert and wanted to try to talk with her daughter. The past missionaries had no success with her but I wanted to take a swing. It was a swing and I got to first base! (Mom insert: I’m sure he’s not talking about the same “first base” I’m thinking of in this sentence.) It went really well to be honest! We talked and gained her trust and shared a short little message. After them though we went to what is called a ¨Pascua Blanca¨. It is to start what this week is called ¨semana santa¨. It is like spring break but they do it easter week and so a lot of people leave which will suck. So the Pascua Blanca our zone planned a bunch of baptisms for this day. I had a couple planned but they were not quite converted. I thought it would be better to wait. We should have some baptisms this month though. After this activity we just went and saw a family we haven't seen in a while then came home. Alright day.

Sunday: Church today went very well to be honest. We had some key less actives show up today and also our two best investigators came. The two that will be baptized before the end of this month. After church though we ate at our Bishop’s house. That was fun to talk with them and shared some key things with him. After that we had a activity with priesthood holders. We received some help from the ward by them leaving to visit less actives and contact for us. It went really well! I left with a young men for an appointment I had. It also went great and we talked about baptism and the Holy Ghost. We then talked with some people there wanted to know more about our church. They thought that just faith can bring salvation. I have learned a lot about patience here on the mission. After them though we went back to meet with the group and talk with the people they contacted then left for one more appointment. It went alright but over all the day was good! 

This week was super fast to be honest and another transfer is down! I will not be moved and I will have the same companion fyi. We are planning to work quite a bit with the ward this transfer.

(Mom insert: He says "to be honest" a lot!!)

Week 35, 8 months! Rough Week! All Talk.

Monday: Today was pretty rough even though it was a P-Day. It is day 2 with my worst sun burn in all my life. I just slept in because I woke up a few times in the night and drank a TON of water. We just went to the chapel and we watched a movie as a district. We then came back to the house and cleaned a little and slept. We then went and emailed home. All is good there.  Then we went to an appointment and then a family home evening. We are doing more family home evening with the members because they don't do them much here. 

Tuesday: In the morning we were told we could help a lady paint but she wasn't home. We just went back to the house and changed to go visit an investigator. We taught her the law of chastity. That was interesting. In the afternoon we went to some new investigators. They were pretty good to be honest. We had quite a bit of time to contact. We didn't find anyone great. Contacting... In the evening we talked with a less active we are helping out that is really cool to  be honest. We finished the night though at a family we are teaching that are awesome. They are really accepting but lets see if the go to God with these teachings. Alright day though.

Wednesday: Still couldn't do anything like exercise in the morning. I just studied a little more and kept putting stuff on my chest haha! Lucky my back isn't sun burnt so I can sleep on my back. In the afternoon we went to the other half of our area called the imbi. We started at a members house and we just talked with them and they gave us a nice smoothie of a fruit tree they have close to their house. After them we went to a another member we don't know very well. She is pretty cool and hope she can help in this work of the Lord. We tried to find a couple new people over there. We then went to teach the sister of a recent convert that was really cool because she is super smart. She will really take these things to heart and have a great conversion. We ended the night at some less actives. Pretty good day.

Thursday: Today we had a Zone conference. We didn't have to get up early at least but we just headed out the door at like 7am then got in what is called a "carrito". It is like a taxi that is on a route and they are like 50 cents. To get there we had to take two different carritos. We got there in good time because the traffic was better then normal. We just ate empanadas there and then they opened the chapel up. The first part was for the zone leaders and district leaders so my companion was in that meeting and I just talked with people. The conference itself was great. They shared with us all about the best way to teach repentance and the key points. If we teach repentance then the investigators will have a greater desire to be baptized with someone with the authority. I can't wait to apply in the way I teach. They also shared a little about the Book of Mormon and how converts need to feel the love of the Lord through repentance and a firm testimony of the Book of Mormon. After the conference we got word that our money arrived so we went to Price mart. The nice thing is that there is a bank right in front of Price Mart so we can do it all right there. We bought a ton of food again then called a taxi home with all of our food. We didn't get home until 7pm so we just dropped the food off then headed right to the streets. We had a lot of appointments so we hoped right into it. We had fairly good appointments and we taught this family and all of their 5 kids sat down and where reverent and participating! That was a miracle! 

After we went to the house of a Jehovah Witness. We came out of a appointment the other day and he was sitting there and it looked like he was waiting. He asked us to come by his house today and to bring the Bible. I wasn't excited because all the people that have done this before with me just wanted to contend. He had some comments about the Book of Mormon and he was trying to prove that it is contrary to the Bible. We explained it the best we could and he just didn't understand fully but I told him we need to go to another appointment and he wanted us to come back another day so we will be going back the next Thursday. 

After him we went to another family we are teaching. We taught the restoration in a very good way and they were participating and at the end we asked them if they find these things to be true if they would be baptized by someone with the authority and they said yes! Good way to end the night but we didn't leave that appointment until 10pm in the night! We left the house at 7 in the morning! 15 hour day! It went really fast for me though.

Friday: This morning started off really chill. We went and played soccer and my sun burn was still pretty sensitive so I didn't play much. I got some really good study time in and I am reading a book called "The Red Porsche, You’re Worth It! & Other Topics for LDS Youth” by David J Ridges.  It is really good and I would recommend it to everyone who reads my letters. In the afternoon we had a really good lesson for a 19 year old guy. He was recently baptised but not converted. We are helping him have his own conversion right now and had an awesome lesson on repentance. Repentance is a wonderful blessing! We can be perfect no matter how many times we fall but that isn't a excuse to just go and sin. Gods mercy is so wonderful and I am so grateful he sent his son Jesus Christ to pay for our sins on the condition of repentance. 

After him we talked with some less actives and a really cool investigator of ours. We ended the day though with a recent convert family I haven't seen in a while but was really nice to go back and catch back up with. Pretty good day in general though.

Saturday: Today was great because general conference is starting up. In the morning we went to the church and played a little ball with the young men. After we just came home and showered and ate some bomb pancakes. We put peanut butter and bananas on it! After we went and found an investigator we haven't seen in a week. That was a big big relief. We then went to the church to watch the conference. We got there like 10 minuets early and no one was there! We had to get it already super fast! We all watched the first session in Spanish. The talks were really good like always! I would say my favorite one was by M. Joseph Brough about happiness and repentance. In between the sessions we just went to what is called "Pica Pollo". The translation is spicy chicken but in reality it isn't spicy and all it is just Chinese people who deep fry chicken haha! We took it back to the church and ate it there. We got another computer set up so the “greengos” could watch it in English. I understand the Spanish but it just isn't the same to watch an American and not hear it in English. The second session was awesome also! There where some really good speakers! My favorite one for this session I would say was Russell M. Ballard about goals. After this session we had a appointment so we went to that and it was pretty good. We found a guy named Oliver who is 17 and is really cool. I am trying to get him into this stake basketball club that is starting up right now for this year. That would be awesome! We then went back to the chapel to watch the Priesthood session. It was a very good day. Laid back and listening to the Prophet and Apostles! What more can a missionary ask for!

Sunday: Today was something else. We started the day off good with a good breakfast and chilled because conference here doesn't start until 12:00 A.M. We went and found some investigators to walk with to the church. That kind of sucked because the mom couldn't go but she still sent the little ones. Lets just say the first session I babysat the whole time and didn't get to listen. That sucked and luckily we just took them home between the sessions. We also had "ward council". This is a monthly meeting and well lets just say it is the first time they have done it in my 3 months here. This ward, to be honest, is very corrupt. That is a big thing about the country. The people here don't really know how to run it here. I gave some advice today on how to help them out. The thing is that these people are all talk. They have good ideas and stuff but don't follow through on their word. 

After we went straight into the last session of general conference. We had some better investigators come to church and even an inactive! I really like that session. I really liked the talk Elder Cook gave. After we just came home and ate a little because we didn't have the opportunity to eat lunch. We then took off for the streets for a couple hours. Rough day to be honest. I spared some details but lets just say this mission is a very big learning experience that will make me a better person in the long run.

In my 8 months here I am learning a lot and how to teach the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I learned some things that will help me a lot as a missionary that I can't wait to apply. I am really thinking a lot how can I be a more effective missionary with my time because contacting isn't working. Its hard to work with the members because they are all talk but I am thinking how can I change that.

Week 34: How to fix a washer? No problem!

Monday we got up and Elder Nelson and I looked at our washer that has been broken for about 3 weeks. We called the office to fix it but the first guy, all he did was take our Money and didn´t fix anything. They called him back and he didn´t answer so we where just waiting. When we woke up we just thought, lets just fix it American style. We went and bought some tools & ripped out the dryer motor and some other parts that were broken. We went and bought the stuff and threw it all back together and now that thing washes and drys pretty well! After we emailed home & then had two different family home evenings planned for the same time so we did splits with some of the Young Men. Productive p-day but not the funnest.

Tuesday we hit it hard back into the work. We started off playing some hard core basketball. We played with a couple members then we came home and got cleaned up and studied. We left in the morning but had little success. We didn´t have any set appointments so that is usually what happens when you leave in the morning. We came back and ate and stuff then headed back out. We met the mom of a new family who is pretty cool and interested. After that we went to our awesome investigator, Walner. He is progressing super well and we even got a member who knows creo to come with us and they were talking in that language and it was pretty cool! After him we went to another appointment and found the wife of the couple and talked to her a bit. She is really cool! We then let the member go and went and talked with a less active we found contacting. She is the mom of this family but is the only member. She has a good family and it will be nice to teach them. After that we went to our awesome appointment with a guy, Ishmael. He is the dad of a family of 3 and his wife. They are a reference of a member and we went by to see her but only her husband was home so we got to know him. He is actually really cool! He was really open and really wants to know more! After him though we went to another family home evening. We taught a lot of people the restoration and related it to building a house. We used people to fake build a house with support columns and it turned out really good! Pretty good day in general though.

Wednesday was pretty basic. We started the day off with about a 10K run with twins for about an hour and a half! It was pretty gnarly! After that we studied and showered & went to our district meeting. That was fun as they can be haha! After we just came home and ate. In the afternoon we started off at our stake center for interviews with our mission president. After we came home and met up with the twins we ran with in the morning and did divisions. I had a really good day and all my appointments went smooth and good. We talked with a inactive and animated her to start living the Gospel of Jesus Christ again. We talked to two other investigators but then went to our fourth family home evening this week! We had another really good turn out and Bishop & his wife even showed up. I talked with all of them about how the commandments and love are related. It was a good night and they even fed us and I left barley being able to walk haha!

Thursday we started the day off at Dariely’s house. She is an investigator preparing for baptism. She is scheduled to be baptized 22nd of April. We only went to her in the morning so we came back and did the whole lunch thing. In the afternoon we started at a Young men’s house and talked with his family who live in our Ward but go to a different one because they have more friends in the other Ward. We just talked with them a little bit and gave some words of encouragement. After him we went to a less active and talked to him. We shared the importance of a testimony of the Book of Mormon and how it can also bless our lives a lot.

         

Friday we played basketball in the morning. We came home as always to get cleaned up and studied. We planned the week today and that went well and it is always good to talk about how we can improve. When we left for the afternoon we had a member leave with us. It was a pretty normal day until our last appointment. We had the Bishop and his wife with us and taught this family who were super interested and asked really good questions! It was a super long lesson because they had so many awesome questions! We will but a baptism date with them this coming week!

Saturday we started off playing some basketball. I won both of my games. After that we got cleaned up and talked with on of our more progressing investigators. After her we just went home and ate lunch. In the afternoon we worked hard. I am writing this late and I don't remember what we did but it was a fast day haha!

Sunday was fun! We had a good turn out and we got a less active that hasn´t been to church in over a year and a half to come back! After church we just ate and sat on the roof and I fell asleep and got a little toasted. After that we just went to our appointments. We started at a less actives house. We continued to share how the Book of Mormon can also bless our lives and what it means if the book is true. After him we went to Walner, our awesome investigator! We gave him a Book of Mormon and started to talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ as he prepares for his baptism. After him we went and talked to a couple contacts that are pretty cool. After them we went to another appointment we had and it fell through. We then went back to where we were before then talked with a family. It was a  pretty good Sunday!