Bring on the Storm

June 2, 2014

Family,

It has been raining since 2:30 Sunday and they say it is a 72 hour storm.

We also watched another step in the Corte process, it is a HUGE process. 

Wednesday May 28 I better understood the quote "I once complained because I had no shoes then I saw a man with no feet" Only this time it had to do with cinderblocks. We passed by twice where some men were sending up one block at a time with a pulley system to the third level. I wondered if there was a better way. Later that night we saw a huge pile of blocks at the base of a Mount Everest sized hill. It was so steep. We recognized the lady would need help and we offered a hand. They weighed a ton. It was an hour and a half of hard work. But well worth it to help.

May 30, 2014 Celebrating THE BEST TWO YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hard to believe. It felt like a birthday where you know something special is going on but you don´t physically feel different. But I know I have grown spiritually and in many other ways. Two years in the mission Two years of working with all my heart might mind and strength Two years of being away from my family so others can be with theirs for eternity.
We spent most of the day doing what Justin calls look ups. We ate Philly Cheese Steaks and apple pie with ice cream at a restaurant. It was surprisingly good, and who knew that Xecul had that stuff?

We went down in a bus to San Cris and went to a baptism. We sang a special number “Nearer My God to Thee”. 

We went to visit J. and S. We taught about why Christ instituted the sacrament. We need to remember Him. We read the sacrament prayer. We shared our love and concern for them. We explained that we invite them to read the Book of Mormon and to go to church not for us but for themThey both were at church the next day. 

After church we talked to them and J. said “Yes” to baptism. We put the date for the 7th. 

I realized with 2 years of retrospect that I believe the same, but the strength of the conviction has been fortified immensely. 

Thank you so much for your love and support. 

Love,

Elder Wright

One step in the Corte process

Apple Pie- "The Best Two Years" so far!

Week of Miracles

May 26, 2014

Queridisima Familia,

There are many who will say it was just a coincidence or luck but for those that are familiar with the workings of the Lord and know how to recognize His hand will know that it was simply His divine purposes coming to pass.
We bought a mirror for Q3. As we walked it fell out of its plastic cover and smashed to pieces. I gathered it up and noticed a lady pulling the starting cord on her Molino. I offered my help and it fired up. Her husband, Cristobal, from the tienda that was right in front of where the mirror broke, took the mirror pieces and said I have #3 but this is #2. I had no idea what he was talking about. He went to the back room then opened the garage to his window and mirror shop. Cristobal works with mirrors!!!! “What are the chances!??" We exclaimed. We bought a bigger one and got a return visit.

We left the house and waited for a bus. Finally one came and I had three pamphlets. I got on and first thing talked to the whole bus. I then passed out a Plan of Salvation and a Gospel of Christ pamphlet and was left with a Word of Wisdom one. I sat next to a 25 year old and her 8 year old daughter. They seemed interested in learning more about the pamphlets and the gringo that was giving them out. I began explaining it was a health code that the Lord reveled to a prophet. I told her we were missionaries and that we were going to a meeting in the church in San Cris. I got her number to go visit them later and her more or less address.

We got off and were about an hour into the meeting when someone came to the door. Elder Moncada went to see who it was then called me back. R. was standing there holding the pamphlet and a cell phone that looks like the one I carry. I hadn´t even noticed but it had fallen from my pocket. She came to return it. It is important to note that a lost cell phone is a quick Q20 when they sell it.

One afternoon four member and the other elders came to work with us. I went with E.C. it was fun and we found some fairly positive people. We made sweet pulled pork burritos for lunch. They were delicious.
Today we went to see Lago Atitlan from a lookout point. Some believe it is the Waters of Mormon. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I am reading it once again. I am strengthening my testimony and hope you all know I know this is true.

Love,

Elder Wright

Lago Atitlan

You´ll never guess what happened

May 19, 2014

Familia,

This week all across Centro America was Family Week. Every night there was an activity that focused on families.
Monday night was a family home evening and all the members were encouraged to invite a family and have them in their home for the Family Home Evening. We had Family Home Evening with a less active member and and his family (No one else in his family are members). We sang, shared a scripture and played some games.
I went to Nahuala for the first time in my mission for the district meeting. It is really pretty up in the mountains and bigger than I thought. We got another less active to come to the family workshop that night in the church. The message was good about taking time for the family. Helping us to make evaluate if our time is spent or is it invested. When time is invested both the parents and the children are blessed.

This area has been a challenge, yet we are hard at wrok. We had a bright spot we met A. She listened to us at the door. She was excited about learning more about the plan of salvation.
Friday May 16 I got a phone call from Elder Bloom he told me my companion had changes, they told us at 8:00 am and at 1130 we had to be in the office. My new companion is Elder Rodgerson.

 Keeping with the week of family we went to the activity that night with R. and her daughter. it was good and the chicken was delicious. In other events I offered to help an older lady carrying a wheelbarrow full of weeds. I got behind it lifted up and ripped off the handle. It was funny and the lady thought so as well which was better. Turns out it was the same older lady that 5 days previous slammed the door in my face. 

That night there was a fireside broadcast from the capital with the area presidency. It was in Toto and A. and her three daughters V.,  A., and S. all came. They were people we contacted one time so that was special. It was so good to see all my previous friends and members in Toto. I was recognized by many and felt very loved. Mama C. said I looked really skinny. She is a good woman and helped me to realize she really cares about me. 

Thank you for your prayers and love and support. For those that may be struggling with a problem remember that all answers can be found in the Book of Mormon. Read it, ponder it and pray about it. I promise as a representative of Jesus Christ you will be blessed with the personal revelation of how to overcome your particular problem.

Love,

Elder Wright

Elder  Rodgerson

Lots of Contacting

May 12, 2014

The Lord blesses us for being a little persistent. Monday night someone whistled. I returned to the door at the small tienda. We began talking and they interrogated me where I am from and all that fun stuff. They tried lying about who whistled. We set up a return visit to play Jenga on Thursday.

We taught our 18 year old investigator that wants to be baptized about the word of wisdom. 

We were at it again contacting people the whole day. We were able to teach a man about the restoration he doesn’t believe there are prophets on the earth today. We bore testimony of the fact there is. At one last house we found a lady who let us sit on her porch and listened to our message. 

Later in the week we played Jenga with the Family from Monday that we met. They have many kids. As we were teaching one of their little girl understood and began teaching her little cousins it was neat. Then they brought out food and more food and more food.

We taught about the Book of Mormon to J. at least reinforced it. She is reading it and hopefully she can gain a testimony this way.

It was great to see you and talk to you on Mother’s Day. The party here was in the Central Park and all of the mothers were there. The mayor gave gifts. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY. Thank you Mother Dear and the other mother´s that have made a difference in my life.

We went with the mission leader and did visits to two contacts. 

Sunday someone asked me, “How come I am so happy?” I guess I just love being a missionary!!! I love all aspects of it. New people, gospel study, being close to God and the spirit. I love it. I live the gospel and there is a quote from President Hinckley that says, “Want to be happy.....live the gospel of Christ." 

I love you so!!! Thank you for your love and support. I will be living the dream for the time that is left to me. 

Elder Wright

Elder Wright

Donde esta Elder Wright‏

May 5, 2014

Familia,

Wednesday April 30, 2014 I had changes. I was half hoping I would return to Tojocaz but it wasn`t to be. This place is close to Xela. They talk Quiche as their primary language. And without joke over 50% of the women are Maria. My companion is Elder Chuquibals who now goes by Zumba because the people couldn’t say his name. He is from Peru. The sky literally fell down and it rained super hard. The climate is really cold here. 

My first night we visited a family. Their father died a few years back. We taught about the plan of salvation. They are close to baptism. I have been busy since my arrival. On Thursday I gave the message in district meeting to give all our heart might mind and strength to the Lord.
I am in San Andres Xecul. (sheck cool) It is close to San Cristobal Totonicapan. I go to the branch of San Cris. I am about 5 km away from San Cris. There are about 8 members in San Andres and 2 active ones. So we contact ALOT! The city is a maze no joke!! It is so crazy. It is beautiful. The streets are small and confusing. We will go forth and do the work of the Lord.

It has been raining, and I haven`t seen the sun for about 4 days literally.

Love,

Elder Wright

Elder Chuquibals or "Zumba"

San Andres Xecu

San Andres Xecu Another View

Thus ends the time of the "Brasiliano"‏

April 28, 2014

Querida Familia,

A missionary that is finishing said, "From the mission we are to take what we need to take and leave what we need to leave." Basically take a stronger testimony, life lessons, patience, and leave pride, and bad habits behind. A Sister missionary finishing her mission bore her final testimony. She taught that the Lord loves us and gives us trials to teach us obedience and faith, then the miracles and baptisms will occur. Both were good.

We played paintball for P-day which was fun.

We went three times to Centro this week. We went to visit a man to set up a visit, to start divisions with Calvario, then to end divisions. It was pretty nuts.

We visited our investigator that had just returned home from having her son in the hospital. She was very tired. She still wants to be baptized, so that is good.

This week as we worked with members to invite their friends to meet with us, we got a member to invite her neighbor over to make sticky buns. Elder Garcia said, “God sees our efforts and helps us, He sees our intelligent efforts and gives us success."

We found another investigator she is really prepared. She had missionaries a few years ago and they really changed her life. We met up again and I testified about prayer. She has not been praying which is rare. I was able to explain the scripture Matthew 16:15-19 to her. Flesh and blood have not revealed it to you. The words from the spirit seemed to touch her. 

Saturday 26 There is always a special feeling around a baptism. This was not different, our investigator said her brother tried to talk her out of being baptized, and she has experienced challenges and trials up to the last minute. When they did her interview they left her with a scripture to pray about and shortly thereafter she texted saying they would be baptized and no man would stop them. It was really special to me. The baptism went smooth and I was blessed with the opportunity to baptize her. On Sunday she was confirmed.

Earlier that day we did service cleaning up pine trees and making empanadas.

The changes were a literal shock. I thought for sure I would not have changes. I echo Nephi´s words, “I will go and Do.” It is my last change and I want no regrets just to Live the Dream!!

The conference With Elder Don R. Clarke started at 8am and finished at 3. He taught about how to be more effective missionaries. Among other things he said we can go to sacrament meeting and do 4 things as we take the sacrament. 1- Pray to remember the Savior and his Atonement. 2- Receive forgiveness of sins. 3- Pray to know the church is true 4- Get solutions to problems (work marriage etc...). 

I will be leaving Brasilia today to spend the night in Xela. But according to the changes exactly one year to the calendar date April 30th my time finishes in Brasilia. In total the 2 months the first time and 4 and half now i was in Brasilia 6 1/2 months. I am excited for what the Lord has in store and I am sure you will all be anxious to know where I am. I humbly ask for your prayers in my behalf that I will be able to finish strong, and I learn all I am to learn. I love you all!!!

Elder Wright

Service- Cleaning Up Pine Branches and Needles

Making Empanadas

Semana Santa and a Trip to the Emergency Room‏

April 21, 2014 

Familia,

We are helping a new investigator understand that this is Christ’s church. She doesn´t believe Christ formed a religion. She also had a friend that told her after studying the Bible for 12 years, that he believed Christ had committed errors. We testified that He did indeed establish a church, and He did live a perfect life. At the end our member that was helping us testified and I felt inclined to ask her to pray. I did, she accepted and after thanked us for the opportunity to pray because for the first time in a awhile she did it with a true heart according to her.

We met a lady that has a daughter with Down Syndrome. She talked about her problems and responsibilities. I felt the need to talk about trials that we can overcome with Christ. We all gave our comments on how trials help us be stronger. It was a blessing that she was able to open up.

Our investigator with the 8 month old sent a message in the afternoon. That the child was very sick, with a cough, phlegm, and fever. He was not improving. We decided a trip to the hospital would be necessary. We thought of R. the new bishopric member. We called him, he answered and came. The miracle is R. left his phone in the truck all day and was with his in laws. They invited him to stay for dinner but for some reason he refused. He opened the door to the truck just as we called. The Lords timing is perfect. Because it was Easter just about every main street in the center of Huehue was blocked off so the people could make their rugs of dyed sawdust and sand. I am on the east side of town more or less and all access to the west where the hospital is was completely blocked unless you went way out of the way to circle around it. We got there got him in and evaluated. They said if we would have waited longer it is possible he could have suffocated or choked on his own phlegm. He has pneumonia.

Earlier I had  been given some bread with jelly that I was able to give to V. so she could spend the night. Another miracle of the day!

Every day I recognize more and more how much the Lord is in the details of our lives.

I do have a testimony that the Lord lives. He lived a perfect life. Through His atonement we can be clean and strengthened. I know He loves us and that death was swallowed up in Him.

"Death is conquered man is free, Christ has won the victory." I am so grateful for Him and His eternal Sacrifice!!!

Love Elder Wright

Easter Decorations

ER Visit

I Love to See the Temple

April 14, 2014 

Familia,

This week we got a phone call in the middle of the soccer game for PDay. It was a reference. We went that night to visit a lady that lives in a small village. She is the owner of her own business. She is looking for a church to get closer to God. She had three younger brothers die for what she described as "weird reasons." We taught her about the plan of salvation.

In other news another lady and her three daughters we were working with accepted the invitation for baptism.
Our Zone was able to go to the temple this week. I love to see the temple and love even more being inside and feeling the peace and the comfort. I felt like a kid on Christmas day waiting to open and play with the new toys. I was reminded that we can be clean of sin by our loyalty and faithfulness.
We made the noche de hermanamiento the most memorable one yet. We played live Mario Kart with all the members it was a blast. 

We did divisions with Chinacá. Elder Flores came with De Leon and I worked in Brasilia. The sun was roasting. I think it is about 80-85 degrees. We had some appointments fall through. In the afternoon we taught our investigator about the Book of Mormon. It was a good lesson. Then we taught three others about the Restoration.
One of our investigators came to church the other two didn’t come one was sick and the other, her 8 month old son was sick. We gave them a blessing and hope that they can recover quickly.
I just want to thank you all for your love and support. For you letters and emails each week. I love you all. I love this gospel.
Elder Wright

Mario Kart with the Members

Temple Trip