Week 75: So I guess I'm 20 now

My birthday was this week! That was pretty fun. It was on the day of zone conference. The STLs gave me a birthday boy pin that I had to wear the whole time, and then a crown for lunch. My district is so fun. So I've been in a trio for a week now. I still have no news about my new companion, so I'm still working alone in my area. That's kind of weird. But it's been really fun, and we've been working hard, and having lots of incredible lessons. We had 8 friends at church, and Yaline is incredible. She's such a good new member/missionary. We've had a join us for a few lessons, and her testimony is so powerful. 

I want to share something I've been experiencing this week. I think sometimes I read the Book of Mormon too slowly (which is sometimes really good), but it think I've been limiting the effect that the Book of Mormon had been having on me. I recently set a new goal to read the whole Book of Mormon before this transfer is done, so that's about a month. I'm not writing anything. I'm just reading and highlighting everything that points to or testifies of Jesus Christ. So far, every page is marked multiple times. It's interesting, because it the 3 days that I've started this new goal, I've already felt a dramatic decrease in temptation. I'm not saying the temptations aren't there, but my interest in them is so much weaker. I don't think I've ever fully felt the power of the Book of Mormon like this, but it's great. So please read the Book of Mormon, and you don't need to make it hard to read by trying to mark too much. Just read it with an open heart and see what happens. If it's true, it's true. And if it's true, it's powerful. Love you guys! Sorry I didn't have much else to write!!

Week 74: Training to Trio

So we dropped off Elder Boyle this week. I'm gonna miss him big time. I was told I should be getting a new companion, but while I wait, I'll be in this trio! I'm with the other 2 Elders in our district, and they are so much fun. They're hilarious. I don't think I've ever laughed so much in one week.

Something super special this week was we had Yalines baptism. It was an experience I will never forget. She had asked me to be the one to baptize her, and it was a sweet sweet experience. I traded ties with Elder Boyle before he left, and I decided to wear his tie to the baptism on his behalf, and it also happened to match her dress! It was a powerful service. She was super excited and nervous, and when I pulled her out of the water, I heard her gasp and saw tears rolling down her face. I swear, I don't hug women on the mission, because its against the standards, but I did not have a choice here. Please forgive me. She said later that as she came out of the water, she saw incredible light everywhere. The spirit was so strong. Her testimony of Jesus Christ, the Church, and the Book of Mormon is so so strong. She is so elect and it was a privilege to get to teach her.

Anyways, it's been amazing here in Odessa! Please keep praying for Elder Boyle, and that I'll get a companion quickly (preferably Elder Boyle). I love you all!!

Week 72 & 73: transfer news

Sorry I didn't write last week, I lowkey forgot. We got transfer news and Elder Wages left me! I also got a greenie! It's been great to get to know him and we've had a lot of fun together. We had some incredible lessons, and it's been so cool. He is going home this week for some medical things, but we're praying he will come back soon to finish his training with me. He's just got to take a few tests, so were hoping the results all come in good. Please pray for him that he can come back out quickly and be my companion! Because I love him. Prayers for Elder Boyle!

Week 71: been a good week

I'm sorry I can't write a lot today. It was a good. I will share something cool though. So Yulieth was baptized about a month ago, and in out last two visits, we were able to start talking to her mom. She's always been kind, but never joined lessons, and never really been interested. But she's started reading the Book of Mormon, and she came to church! Yulieth said that she wants to get baptized, so we'll have to talk to her about that. So please pray for Diana!

- Elder Wride

Us recording a scene for our video

recording audio

Us eating with Yulieth and her family

The Sisters's AC broke, lol.