Week 69: Temple Trip Take Two

So last week I wrote about Alexa getting baptized right? Well last Saturday we all went to the temple. You know how last time we went for Yulieth, they closed as soon as we got there because the plumbing was backed up? (It's a 2 hour drive there and 2 hours back) Well we got to go with Yulieth again and got to bring Alexa this time. They drove up together and we rode with another member who went earlier, and so we got there in time for the endowment session as well. It was my first time doing any ordinances in the temple in 15 months. It was so good to be back. After the endowment we got to do baptisms with Yulieth and Alexa, and they both shared their testimonies in church yesterday about their experiences. It was so cool. It's incredible. I wish everybody was like them. They actually kept commitments and decided to plant the seed to see if it grows. It makes me think of Elder Bednars talk last conference, speaking about the message of the restoration, he said "I invite all to learn about and prove this message." I remember having doubts before the mission for a time  and then during the mission, and I don't understand why I spent so much time just wallowing in darkness and doubt. Like, do you really wanna know if it's true? Prove it, test it, read, get moving.

Anyways, looking back, I still think those struggles were necessary, and I wouldn't remove them if I could, but I also dont want to go back to where I was. I'd rather stay in the light.

Yesterday we went to the hospital to give someone a blessing, and as we were walking in, this guy stopped us to chat. At first we thought he was a member, cuz he seemed really familiar with missionaries, but then he was like "have you guys ever studied protestantism?" And then started trying to bash us. It lowkey just made me laugh, but I also just think it's funny to watch people try to defend solascriptura. We didn't talk long, but he got our number and said he'd send us some videos.

Also we have another friend named Yaline who is just so amazing. She knows a lot about the Bible, and is getting baptized next month! She loves the Book of Mormon and last visit we taught her the plan of salvation, and the kingdoms of glory. It was so awesome, because it was all completely new bit so powerful. It was funny because after teaching all of it, her friend came over, and then she was like "teach all of that again. That was beautiful." She's awesome. Please pray for her as she prepares for baptism!

- Elder Wride

Week 67 and 68: Alexa was baptized!!

The past 2 weeks were great! Sorry I didn't write last week, but I didn't have much to say. But Alexa was baptized this week! It was so fun to teach her. She and her husband have been married for about 9 months, and her husband is a member. It was so fun to teach them, and her husband baptized her on saturday. So that was awesome. She had come to church for like 2 months before we ever started teaching her, and in our first lesson she talked about wanting to be sealed in the temple. I've loved it here in Odessa, both of the people I've taught and that were baptized have been the most prepared people I've taught on my mission. Yulieth and Alexa are the best. The Bishop gave Yulieth a ward calling after her baptism, and now she makes the pictures for each person's baptism. So she made a picture of Alexa being baptized on her program. The heater for the water doesn't work though so we had to boil multiple pots of water in the kitchen and pour those in the font.

Week 66: PS, one more thing!

I forgot to write that I became an uncle this week! When I started my mission, none of my siblings were married, and now two of them are married, and Joe and Eliza just met their baby girl.

Week 66: Odessa take 2

So I spent 4 transfers in my 1st area, 3 transfers in my 2nd area, and 2 transfers in my 3rd area, so part of me thought I was going to one and done here in Odessa, but I'm staying here! The pattern is broken. My comp is staying too, so nothing changed for us. Our district barely even changed at all. I honestly don't have a lot to write today. But this transfers taught me a lot about patience, humility, confidence, etc. We were able to help Yulieth get baptized and go to the temple, and our friend Alexa is planning on her baptism on the 10th. Her husband is preparing to baptize her, and it's just awesome. I love teaching prepared people

The other Elders don't have a wash and so they have to use ours and then they spilled laundry detergent everywhere. Spent a while cleaning that up. And dumped ice water on my head because I was nominated for the USC speak your mind challenge

- Elder Wride 

Week 65: because I forgot to send it last week

So we went to the temple which was good! It was kind if unfortunate because the plumbing got backed up, so we werent able to do any ordinances or anything, but Yulieth got there early enough to do 3 confirmations, so it was worth the 2 hour drive. We're so spoiled in Utah, we have so many temples. It's the best. We have 2 other friends on date for baptism, which has been pretty fun, because they're all so prepared. One of our friends who we just put on date brought 3 other people to Church on Sunday, and they all loved the Easter service. Anyways, it's just amazing to be out here. Not much else to say, other than his work is rolling forth here in Odessa Texas. Love you guys!!

- Elder Wride

Week 64: GUAU, I guess prayers get answers...

Thank you everyone who prayed for Yulieth! I have to say I was blown away with how this week went. Yulieth was baptized 2 days ago! And then she brought a friend to her confirmation and was welcomed into the ward yesterday. It was crazy, because right after 1st hour, Bishop did her temple recommend interview, and she's going to the temple this Saturday with the ward... she literally got her temple recommend the day she was confirmed!! We called out mission president, and Elder Wages and I get to go to the temple with her!! I'm literally so happy, I haven't been to the temple since the MTC. And I've been out for 15 months. Literally I haven't been inside a temple for over a year. The baptismal service wasn't perfect, but I loved it so much, her mom came too, and then her Mom came to church for her confirmation too. We hope to be able to teach her soon. The members have been so helpful though, and it's been incredible. My Dad invited me to write down my prayers in a journal, and I wrote a lot down about Yulieth, her baptism, her confirmation, etc. And every prayer was answered, and then some. It's crazy, because we are so undeserving, but God truly trusted us with one of his elect. Anyways, I Love you guys! Send me an email if you get the time, I'd love to hear from y'all

- Elder Wride

Week 63: Prayers for Yulieth!

Im so sorry but I don't have time to write right now! But please pray for Yulieth, and add her to the temple prayer roll. She is getting baptized this Saturday!

Also I loved conference. I love the idea how we can be whole while still waiting for healing. Our overarching eternal goal is perfection, but our goal in this life is to turn to Jesus Christ and find wholeness in him. Lots of other things I liked, but that's what I'll put in here. I love you all!