Week 75 -

​Hey guys!

So this week was a lot better than the last two because I wasn't sick!

Monday we just cleaned the house then went shopping and emailed. Had a lesson with the Jackson's kids who aren't baptized yet. Ryan is 16 and has the desire o be baptized so we are trying to work with him. And Daeesha is 9 who also wants to be baptized. We tried to teach them at the same time but that didn't work out too well because they learn at different speeds! So we taught Ryan first then went to Daeesha.

Tuesday morning we had service for Sister Sandy chopping her back yard. It was more of like chopping her back rocky hill with no grass just weeds and rocks! After service we went back to the house to clean up and have our studies and lunch. We had a lesson with a man named Tahan who is a Pentecostal. While we were walking up to his yard one of his neighbors dogs came out and bit Elder Erickson on his heel! Didn't do damage to him but did rip his sock haha. Had an interesting lesson with Tahan then went to see Daeesha. Right as we got to the Jackson's house Sister Jackson had to leave so we weren't able to have a lesson with them. We tried to encourage them to read before we left. We stopped by Lisa's house but they had a bunch of family over so they were all wound up. We waited for them to leave but even after they left they were to wound up for a lesson so we left.

Wednesday morning the Stewart's came by to drop off new Medical Kits for the house. We had a lesson after that but we weren't able to get a hold of her. We looked around for her house and asked around for her but couldn't find her. We went to the house for lunch. Afterwards we went contacting for a little bit. We then hiked up to Sister Robinson's and has a lesson with her and her sister, Hope. We talked about the Plan of Salvation and a lot about the Atonement. After their lesson we went down to the Jackson's to see if Ryan could have a lesson but he was too busy. On our way home we stopped by the Johnson's and had a short talk with Sister Shinear Johnson.

Thursday was Zone Conference in Montego Bay so we got up and headed out at 8. It took the bus about 45 minutes to load up before we could leave then it took about another 2 hours to get there! Conference starts at 10am and we walked in the door at 11am... Oh well, it wasn't our fault. Also, Thursday was my 18th month mark! I got to spend it with Elders Harris and Morris and also Sister Jones! It was nice to see all of them on that day! Afterwards we had to taxi home and it took us another 45 minutes to have the bus filled up then another 2 hours to get home. It took all day...

Friday morning we went to St. Ann's Bay to go ministering with Brother Green. We got there and we were making a bunch of calls to see who we could see when a lady started to talk with Brother Green. He brought up the Plan of Salvation and so we taught her about the Spirit World and Resurrection. We got her number and she told us that she would meet us in Ochi! Afterwards we went to Steer Town to see a member and shared a short message with her then I had to get back to Ochi so I could Skype home for my brother's Mission Call. He is going to New Zealand! I am so excited for him! Anyways, after that we went back to the house for lunch and some studies then went back to the church for Friday Night Activities.

Saturday morning we went to try and drop off a Book of Mormon at the lady's house named Patricia. She wasn't home so we went to Lisa's house. We taught them the Law of Chastity. Most people don't believe Adam and Eve were married here! I found that out that day! Anyways, after them we went back to the house for lunch then to have Weekly Planning. After Planning we were supposed to have a lesson with Mark but he wasn't home.

Sunday morning Elder Hatch and I went to the church early for a Branch Correlation Meeting. The other two Elders went to walk with investigators. After church we took care of tithing because Elder Erickson is the Branch Clerk then headed home with some food that members made for us. We planned out our day then went to see Lisa. She wasn't prepared for us so she told us to reschedule. We then went back to the Francis's for FHE. It was also President Francis's Birthday so we floured him!

This week was pretty smooth sailing but it did have its few choppy weather moments. I am truly grateful for my Savior's Atonement. I can rely on Him to help me through all the storms or life and all of the sorrows that come with missionary work. I hope everybody else can feel our Savior's help in their life when ever they have pains, struggles, and sorrows. I love you guys! See you in 6 months!

Elder Wilding

Week 74

Hey guys!

Monday was P-Day and we did pretty much nothing except clean the house, shop, and email.

Tuesday morning we took studies, then had lunch. Went to an In-active's house to see if we could do anything for them to make it to church on Sunday but they said nothing. Had the next appointment fall through. Saw Yaya who pretty much just met with us to have us over... So we dropped her because she didn't want to learn. Went to see Sadiqua and Samoya to find out if they really wanted to learn from us or if they were just having us over. They weren't keeping commitments. We inited them to church but they never came. Went to Exchange to see a few former investigators out there. Came back that night to see Mark and taught him the Plan of Salvation and put him on date to be baptized on May 5th! He said yes! Went through the whole day barely saying anything because I could barely talk!

Wednesday we stayed home because I couldn't talk...

Thursday morning was District Meeting and afterwards we had lunch. Went back to Exchange to see some formers but none of them could see us so we went to a members house to pick up some juice they made for us. Saw Shy afterwards and read from the Book of Mormon with her. Not to sure about her desire to change yet... Again, I could barely talk.

Friday was Weekly Planning then we went contacting for a couple hours because we dropped quite a few people. Found some really cool people to potentially teach! Had Companionship Studies then went to see Lisa. We taught the Word of Wisdom and put her on date for May 12th. She excepted as well!

Saturday we spent most of the day cleaning the house because we were supposed to be moving today (Monday the 23rd). Went contacting most of the evening because our appointment with Mark fell through.

Sunday morning on our way to church we stopped by Lisa's to wake her up for church then went and had a meeting with the new Branch Mission Leader. We had a ton of Less-Actives make it to church this week! It was awesome to see them all come back! After we went back up to Lisa's because she didn't make it to church! Went and had lunch then tried to see Ricky but he wasn't home and neither was Akeelia. So we took studies then went to the Francis' for Family Home Evening. 

This week has been pretty rough because of me being sick. But I know that Heavenly Father has been listening to my prayers because I have slowly gotten better and we have two investigators on date to be baptized in May! I hope every one has been praying to our Heavenly Father because He WILL hear your prayers. And He WILL answer them in His own due time!

Love you all!

Elder Wilding

Week 73

Hey guys!

This week was a little rough because I got sick so bare with me.

Monday morning was District Leader Training for Elder Erickson so we sat at the church for a few hours for that. Went and had lunch then went to see a man named Ziggy back at our Branch President's house but he never showed. Then we went over to check on some investigators but they weren't home so we ended up just hiking all over the place! Gregory didn't make time for us to see him. At Fae's house we had a Plan of Salvation lesson that went really well!

Tuesday was P-Day. I don't remember what we did... We tried to see Gregory again but he wasn't home. We had to drop him.. And then we went to see Mark. Mark has been doing a lot of research on the Church and he loves the Church! He only has a problem with how small it is here in Jamaica haha!

Wednesday was when I started to feel really bad. Woke up with a sore throat and head aches. We took studies in the morning then lunch. Tried to get a Less-Active member to go teaching with us but he wouldn't. Went to see a lady named Yaya. We read the Book of Mormon with her but I couldn't really talk so I just kinda sat there. Then we tried seeing Tash but she was too busy. Went to see Sister Bridgemahan who has been giving pamphlets to coworkers. Again, I couldn't say much. Afterwards we went to Fae's to follow up with every one on their reading and the Restoration. It was really cool to feel the Spirit working through me as I bore testimony on the Priesthood.

Thrusday morning I woke up and I couldn't talk. District Meeting was that day as well. All I did that day was sleep and drink lots of water and medicine.

Friday again could barely talk so we didn't do anything but weekly plan.

Saturday I had somewhat got my voice back so we went to see some people to remind them about church.

Sunday I could barely talk but church was great. Lisa came to church as well as Mark. On our way to the church we stopped by Fae's house to remind them all about church. I had to wake up Lisa and Ann Marie! And only Lisa showed up! Anyways, after church we went to see Tash but she wasn't home so we stopped by a member that lives close by her. She was busy as well so we just headed back up to the house for lunch/dinner. On the way up we stopped by Fae's so I could let them all know that I was upset with them that they didn't come to church after the whole week they have been telling me that they were going! Got to the house, had lunch and studies then went to the Francis's house for FHE. It was a blast!

I am truly grateful for the power of prayer! I have done a lot of that since being sick and I have been able to see answers! I love our Heavenly Fathers Tender Mercies that He gives to all His children!

I love you all!

Elder Wilding

Week 72 - 5th Area Ocho Rios

Hello every one!

Monday I was in Spanish Town with Elder Burin and all day we played sports with the Spanish Town Wards for Sports Day! I got fried!

Tuesday I packed up and headed to Kingston to be transferred to Ocho Rios. While there I got to see Elder Evans, Elder Houston, Elder Harris, Elder Rasmussen, and Elder Christensen. I rode with them all except for Elder Christensen to Ochi to drop me off. It was a blast hanging out with all of the other Elders again! But the ride was short and I was dropped off with my new comp, Elder Erickson. He is from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. That day was also our P-Day due to Monday being a holiday.

Wednesday was my first full day proselyting in Ochi. It is definitely different than proselyting in Nassau! First, I don't have a car; Second, There are a lot of hills; Third, there are a lot more people out on the street smoking weed; Fourth, I was hearing Patwa again and yes I can under stand them and yes I can still chat Patwa; Fifth, I now have blisters on my feet again! Anyways, we saw some investigators that were on the verge of being dropped so those lessons were short which meant we had a lot of walking back and forth to other appointments. We did get a referral from a member! The Referral's name is Mark. He is a very sincere guy. The first time we answered a few of his questions then gave him a Book of Mormon to read along with a Restoration Pamphlet.

Thursday morning was District Meeting with only 4 Elders and we all live in the same house. Elders Hatch and Moyes stay with us. We all walked to get lunch afterwards as well. We then took a hike to see Brother Hewit and Sister Sandy. They both are Less-Active and live right next to each other. Brother Hewit really wants the Priesthood, it's kinda scary had bad he wants it, but we encouraged him to come to church so that he can start to repent. Sister Sandy one Sunday came to church but it was right during the Sacrament so the doors were locked. She turned around and went to another church. She is a little shaky in her testimony so we will be helping her with that! We then walked to an investigators house named Sister Gaynor. She was busy but we now know where she lives so that was good.

Friday morning was Weekly Planning. Afterwards we went and had lunch then went to an investigators house to check up on them. I got to know them and they love how I can chat Patwa with them! It was a good Ice breaking appointment with them! We then hiked up to Sister Robinson's house to see them. Her fiance is not a member but he really wants to be. They are looking for someone to marry them so that he can be baptized! After them we then hiked down to see an investigator named Shy. She is 18 and she is very talkative! Right when we were about to leave, her father's girlfriend came down and started blowing some steam that had built up from her father. Just expressing that she was tired of false accusations. We shared some Book of Mormon scriptures with her to comfort her then we headed for home.

Saturday morning we took Companionship Study to prepare a bunch of scriptures from the Book of Mormon. We saw an investigator named Yaya and we taught the entire Restoration using only the Book of Mormon! It was a little choppy but it worked out! We hope that she took it all in! We also hope that we can teach every lesson from the Book of Mormon only! We then went downtown to the ATM for Fast Offerings money. On our way down we saw an investigator and said hello to her. We were supposed to see the Richardson's but Brother Richardson had work. Brother Richardson is also the one who baptized Camillot in Nassau while he was serving there! On our way home we stopped by Sister Llewellyn. She is the one who referred Mark to us. She talked to us about Mark and how she used to be a Primary Teacher or Sunday School Teacher, one of the two.

Sunday morning we walked down to the church and met 6 tourists in the Chapel. Oh, the Chapel we meet in is a rented place downtown. One of the couples was from Mendon, Utah. They gave us $20 USD to split for lunch which was nice of them. Mark also came to church! Along with Sister Sandy and Brother Hewit! After church we headed back home for lunch. I wasn't feeling the greatest so I took a power nap but the nap didn't really help out much. I think I am sick. Oh well. After my nap we went to see a lady named Tasha but she didn't really want to hear anything from us because she is stuck on the Bible and is not really willing to learn. After her we went to the Branch President's house for a Family Home Evening. They live just around the corner from us! I love that family already! I will have to send you a picture of them when I actually remember to take pictures this week. Sorry Mother...

This week I have realized that I have been a lot more bold with all the people that I have met with than I have in the past. It is really good that it is coming out now because some of these investigators have been around for a while. But I am finally understanding how the Spirit works through our own conscience. If your thought is for the benefit and edification of the person you are speaking with, it then is of the Spirit. It doesn't matter if you thought it or if the Spirit put it in your mind! The Church is True Dang It!

Love you guys!

Elder Wilding

Week 71 Back to Jamaica

Hey guys!

So this is coming at you from the island Of Jamaica! I am now back in Jamaica for my last 5 Transfers!

Monday was crazy because we had to take all of our missionaries back to the airport. We got up at 4 to get the Freeport Elders to the airport at 5 for their flight at 6:30 then had to turn back around to load the the Turks sisters up and take them to the airport at 6:30 for their flight at 8:30. We we so tired afterwards but we did get to have McDonald's breakfast so that was nice! Then went to Bay Street to shop with the Cayman Elders before they had to be at the airport at 12:30 for their flight at 2:30. The rest of the day went like this: Elder Markwalter and I took a 3 hour nap,got up in time to go to the Seawell's for dinner at 6. Drove out there for my last time and took a bunch of pictures with them. I love the Seawell's! I still wish I could have done more for them but oh well.

Tuesday we went around seeing people with the APs before they had to be at the airport to go back to Jamaica. Tuesday we spent the day cleaning the house then took another nap because we still hadn't recovered from the weekend. Went to see a few people but in all honesty I can't remember that day very well.

Wednesday, again, I don't remember what happened that day. Sorry...

Thursday I went around seeing people because I left Nassau on Friday. I took a lot of pictures with everyone!

Friday was a very sad day... I left the Bahamas for the last time as a missionary. I have spent so much time there and I wish I could go back and spend more time there but oh well. The AP's picked me up and I went to Lariston in Spanish Town; my old area. Elder Burin was waiting for me. He is Haitian so it was fun to chat some Creole with him!

Saturday we spent the day at the church watching Conference. And because of a State of Emergency in Spanish Town, we had to leave before the Priesthood session to be in before dark.

Sunday was the same as Saturday. The Moody's did bring us dinner though so that was nice!

Sorry this email is kinda all over the place but this week has been crazy. I am truly grateful for the time I had in Nassau and my heart will forever be there! I love the members more than anything on that Island! I wish them all the best! I love you all back home and wish you all the best as well!

Elder Wilding

 

 

pics coming soon...internet was being slow .. Jennie