So my companion, (who's hometown is more north than where we are now) was confused about why I was so excited but I've never had the opportunity to walk on a frozen lake before. When the temperature gets so cold the inside of your nose freezes you've got to appreciate the experience.
Besides that we're about to push down to brampton. A trip that will take about three days (including the meeting there)
#roadtrip
Besides that we got the opportunity to go around and do some Christmas visits. I don't know if I've mentioned it before but we got a crazy good chocolate chip cookie recipe (my companion hates when I make it, drives him out of his mind, makes me feel worthwhile though :)
So using said recipe we dropped by and talked to quite a few people about the Light the World initiative. It's been amazing. Especially considering that 90% of the people we talk to are totally behind it. Christmas is in full blow and everyone can feel it. The Spirit of Christ runs through the streets. It's a wonderful time of year.
Loves, I'll talk to you soon :)
Elder Wolford
steven.wolford@myldsmail.net
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Monday, December 11, 2017
Missionary Letter #66
So this week we had the trek of a lifetime. Let me tell the story.
The only thing connecting the North to the rest of the Province, that thing is Highway 11. So on the day of interviews and a live district meeting (because our district meeting are normally conducted over skype) we prepared in the morning to make the 2 hour journey south.
2 hours is easy.
As we're just about to reach North Bay we get caught in traffic and are told that it's closed for the entire day. Call up the ZL's who tell us that we need to get it and do whatever it takes.
So instead we drove up above the Lake, through Quebec and through polar bear territory. Luckily we had some coke and sunglasses so they let us through.
I'm telling this because while going north we ran into a vicious storm. Driving in snow is fun, especially with snow pelting into the vehicle at ridiculous speeds.
:) It was awesome
Besides the 7 hour trek we ran into a very interesting person that... wants to be baptized.
Results forthcoming, we're still trying to figure out what's going on.
Loves
Elder Wolford
steven.wolford@myldsmail.net
The only thing connecting the North to the rest of the Province, that thing is Highway 11. So on the day of interviews and a live district meeting (because our district meeting are normally conducted over skype) we prepared in the morning to make the 2 hour journey south.
2 hours is easy.
As we're just about to reach North Bay we get caught in traffic and are told that it's closed for the entire day. Call up the ZL's who tell us that we need to get it and do whatever it takes.
So instead we drove up above the Lake, through Quebec and through polar bear territory. Luckily we had some coke and sunglasses so they let us through.
I'm telling this because while going north we ran into a vicious storm. Driving in snow is fun, especially with snow pelting into the vehicle at ridiculous speeds.
:) It was awesome
Besides the 7 hour trek we ran into a very interesting person that... wants to be baptized.
Results forthcoming, we're still trying to figure out what's going on.
Loves
Elder Wolford
steven.wolford@myldsmail.net
Monday, December 4, 2017
Missionary Letter #65
So after a full year of waiting it finally happened this morning.
That's right eggnog was at the Walmart for the very merry christmas this year.
But besides that. Christmas, mostly right now we're working with something called the Light the World initiative, which is where there are 25 ways of service to help people in 25 days leading up until Christmas. If you're not hyped look it up and let the Spirit get you hyped. Cause it will.
Besides that this week we were trying to get out to see all them members and get them stoked for Light the World when we heard that one of the members lost his father that week. We decided that it would be a good idea to see if we could stop by. This was foreshadowed by quite a few people telling us that perhaps we should wait or put it off until after Christmas. BUT THE PROMPTING WAS THERE!!!
We went up and said hi while he was working in his computer store. Had a great talk and let him know that if he needed anything we'd be there.
At first we didn't know if it had been worth it but when we talked to people that had went to the funeral they said it really helped and that they felt loved.
It's all that counts this Christmas season, how much love we can have for each other and the service that we can give. We've talked to a lot of people this week and whether or not the listen most of them love to hear of what we're doing this Christmas. It's inspired.
Elder Wolford
steven.wolford@myldsmail.net
That's right eggnog was at the Walmart for the very merry christmas this year.
But besides that. Christmas, mostly right now we're working with something called the Light the World initiative, which is where there are 25 ways of service to help people in 25 days leading up until Christmas. If you're not hyped look it up and let the Spirit get you hyped. Cause it will.
Besides that this week we were trying to get out to see all them members and get them stoked for Light the World when we heard that one of the members lost his father that week. We decided that it would be a good idea to see if we could stop by. This was foreshadowed by quite a few people telling us that perhaps we should wait or put it off until after Christmas. BUT THE PROMPTING WAS THERE!!!
We went up and said hi while he was working in his computer store. Had a great talk and let him know that if he needed anything we'd be there.
At first we didn't know if it had been worth it but when we talked to people that had went to the funeral they said it really helped and that they felt loved.
It's all that counts this Christmas season, how much love we can have for each other and the service that we can give. We've talked to a lot of people this week and whether or not the listen most of them love to hear of what we're doing this Christmas. It's inspired.
Elder Wolford
steven.wolford@myldsmail.net
Monday, November 27, 2017
Missionary Letter #64
Journal Entry 153: My life seems to be a church themed version of Ice Age. Pretty sure my companion is actually a saber tooth tiger that's leading me somewhere... Reasons are uncertain.
I'm only mostly joking... mostly.
Temiskaming is not only one of the farthest points north of the mission. It's a compilation of a dozen small towns. From Cobolt to Temiskaming to Kirtland Lake. The travel time from each of these varies on if we need to get the sled dog team out or not.
Besides that it's pretty peachy. Nice and warm. On the way up it went from no snow at all to half a foot then to two feet in about 1 hour. Probably one of the most gorgeous drives you can take if you're not bored by a whole day of driving North. Slowly bumping the heater up in the car and putting on extra layers.
The branch is nice. I forgot how much I missed serving in a branch. Where you know everyone's names within the first week and it's pretty easy to keep everyone straight. It's a fun little group, it avoids the pitfall traps that wards frequently fall into, the big one being that awkward silence during a teacher's lesson in Sunday School. When you've got only five people in Elders Quorum everyone needs to comment.
Besides that I know that the recent missing of pictures has the fan base in a "crucify him!" kind of feel but I promise that pictures are forthcoming, I've misplaced my camera charger (again, I've got to put a tracker on it, because that cord disappears more frequently than my nametags)
Loves!
Elder Wolford
I'm only mostly joking... mostly.
Temiskaming is not only one of the farthest points north of the mission. It's a compilation of a dozen small towns. From Cobolt to Temiskaming to Kirtland Lake. The travel time from each of these varies on if we need to get the sled dog team out or not.
Besides that it's pretty peachy. Nice and warm. On the way up it went from no snow at all to half a foot then to two feet in about 1 hour. Probably one of the most gorgeous drives you can take if you're not bored by a whole day of driving North. Slowly bumping the heater up in the car and putting on extra layers.
The branch is nice. I forgot how much I missed serving in a branch. Where you know everyone's names within the first week and it's pretty easy to keep everyone straight. It's a fun little group, it avoids the pitfall traps that wards frequently fall into, the big one being that awkward silence during a teacher's lesson in Sunday School. When you've got only five people in Elders Quorum everyone needs to comment.
Besides that I know that the recent missing of pictures has the fan base in a "crucify him!" kind of feel but I promise that pictures are forthcoming, I've misplaced my camera charger (again, I've got to put a tracker on it, because that cord disappears more frequently than my nametags)
Loves!
Elder Wolford
Monday, November 20, 2017
Missionary Letter #62
Alright so I realized looking on my past emails that I have totally failed you...
Totally. Failed,
I blame myself, partially because when I think of my week it's mostly like "Well we were on the bus a lot, I remember there being a lot of people and I think there was a crazy guy or two"
That's it,
When in reality I should have been telling about how we've been preparing two investigators for baptism next week. Like, not sometime in the distant future. Next week. Boy has it been a wild ride getting them ready.
The first is named Okey (prounouced O.K) (Side note every time I say his name I think to myself "Ok how are you?" "I'm ok, thanks!" "No I know you're Okey but how are you?" Cracks me up every time.") He appeared out of no where, coming straight out of no where to blow Toronto sky high.
The next is Franco, he's one we've worked with since I've been here, he found the church through ordering a free bible, and has a wonderful testimony of God leading him along the path. It's been wonderful to watch him advance in the gospel. Something I'm very grateful for his his curiosity. He always has a question, no matter how big or small..
I'm hopeful, but hesitant. I pray everything goes as planned. :)
Loves
Elder Wolford
Totally. Failed,
I blame myself, partially because when I think of my week it's mostly like "Well we were on the bus a lot, I remember there being a lot of people and I think there was a crazy guy or two"
That's it,
When in reality I should have been telling about how we've been preparing two investigators for baptism next week. Like, not sometime in the distant future. Next week. Boy has it been a wild ride getting them ready.
The first is named Okey (prounouced O.K) (Side note every time I say his name I think to myself "Ok how are you?" "I'm ok, thanks!" "No I know you're Okey but how are you?" Cracks me up every time.") He appeared out of no where, coming straight out of no where to blow Toronto sky high.
The next is Franco, he's one we've worked with since I've been here, he found the church through ordering a free bible, and has a wonderful testimony of God leading him along the path. It's been wonderful to watch him advance in the gospel. Something I'm very grateful for his his curiosity. He always has a question, no matter how big or small..
I'm hopeful, but hesitant. I pray everything goes as planned. :)
Loves
Elder Wolford
Missionary Letter #63
Seems like a multitude of prayers were answered this week. For the past little while the weather has been dropping like a falling anvil and we've busted out our winter coats. I presumed (to my own disadvantage) that as transfers were coming this last Sunday that I would be getting my winter things back out.
I'll refrain from telling what I'd hoped would happen this transfer and instead tell you all what my dear father wanted this transfer. Here are a few excepts from his letters
"When are the next transfers? Are you ready to go to the great white north for winter?"
"When do you get transferred to the great white north? "
"Hope you're enjoying your new area. Big cities are super fun. I also hope this sets you up to the coldest area in your mission for the winter. It would be super cool to go up north when it's forty below. You'd have stories for the rest of your life. "One time it was so cold my snot froze!" Deacons love that when you're in the young men's presidency."
I could go on but instead let me confirm. I am indeed going to the great white north for winter. You can actually see my next area from space. Here it is
So if you carefully examine you'll see that the north pole is where Hudson's Bay meets with the Icy River of Leif Erikson and travels down through where all the Canadian Maple Trees pump out the elixir of life- maple syrup. If you look you'll see a little mark of green, that's my area.
Oh you don't see it?
How bout now?
Yes, that light green birthmark is my next area. From downtown Toronto to the North Pole. I'll have to learn how to drive again in sub-zero temperatures while hail the size of baseballs fall from the sky of northern lights. Upside, there are northern lights this time of year so that should be really cool to see. And also I get a series of nice heaters in order to keep from becoming a Wolford popsicle.
Besides the frozen north we did baptize two of our investigators this week. TWO! The service went wonderfully and the spirit was so powerful. It was probably the best baptism I've ever gone to. It was really good, everyone had a good time and the missionary that first found one of the guys being baptized came, which really was sweet for him.
Any questions for Temiskaming?
Loves
Elder Wolford
I'll refrain from telling what I'd hoped would happen this transfer and instead tell you all what my dear father wanted this transfer. Here are a few excepts from his letters
"When are the next transfers? Are you ready to go to the great white north for winter?"
"When do you get transferred to the great white north? "
"Hope you're enjoying your new area. Big cities are super fun. I also hope this sets you up to the coldest area in your mission for the winter. It would be super cool to go up north when it's forty below. You'd have stories for the rest of your life. "One time it was so cold my snot froze!" Deacons love that when you're in the young men's presidency."
I could go on but instead let me confirm. I am indeed going to the great white north for winter. You can actually see my next area from space. Here it is
So if you carefully examine you'll see that the north pole is where Hudson's Bay meets with the Icy River of Leif Erikson and travels down through where all the Canadian Maple Trees pump out the elixir of life- maple syrup. If you look you'll see a little mark of green, that's my area.
Oh you don't see it?
How bout now?
Yes, that light green birthmark is my next area. From downtown Toronto to the North Pole. I'll have to learn how to drive again in sub-zero temperatures while hail the size of baseballs fall from the sky of northern lights. Upside, there are northern lights this time of year so that should be really cool to see. And also I get a series of nice heaters in order to keep from becoming a Wolford popsicle.
Besides the frozen north we did baptize two of our investigators this week. TWO! The service went wonderfully and the spirit was so powerful. It was probably the best baptism I've ever gone to. It was really good, everyone had a good time and the missionary that first found one of the guys being baptized came, which really was sweet for him.
Any questions for Temiskaming?
Loves
Elder Wolford
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Missionary Letter #61
We set goals at the beginning of this week with the firm resolve to see them happen. It was pretty intense when throughout the week through our work we did see miracles happen in small and simple ways that lead us to finding people that were prepared to receive the gospel.
For example. Thursday was a busy day, we had just gotten out of service and had a dozen things we had to do that day. Because of the Transit system we had to decide what was worth our while, either we could stop by the church because some of out investigators were coming to play basketball and we hoped to get a lesson in, or go to another church on Don Mills and Eglinton and bring a different investigator to that.
We prayed about it, and felt like trying to get a lesson before basketball was a better option. We went, and we talked and started a lesson with our investigator named Jade, when he invited two of his friends to join. The first left pretty quickly, but the second stayed as we talked about what repentance really was and how it applied to them. We had intended to teach only one, but this other guy was so fascinated we asked him if he was interested. He said he was, because his father was a Mormon back in the Philippines, he took a Book of Mormon and said, "My mom will be surprised, I'm not a very religious person." I asked him if his mother would be upset and he said, "No, just surprised, she's wanted me to come to God for some time."
One reason I love Toronto is because the people that come here from all over the world are so humble. They have had experiences that have kept them remembering God and are willing to come unto him. It was really a miracle.
That and the other investigator turned out not being able to make it anyways. #inspired
Anyways sorry for such a long story but I thought it was great, and to finish it off we totally had a fantastic Zone Meeting where Elder Pearson, who's a Seventy, came. Really good and really spiritual. Probably the best rebuking I've felt in a long time. Rebuking is good with love, Whomsoever God loveth he chasteneth.
Loves!
Elder Wolford
For example. Thursday was a busy day, we had just gotten out of service and had a dozen things we had to do that day. Because of the Transit system we had to decide what was worth our while, either we could stop by the church because some of out investigators were coming to play basketball and we hoped to get a lesson in, or go to another church on Don Mills and Eglinton and bring a different investigator to that.
We prayed about it, and felt like trying to get a lesson before basketball was a better option. We went, and we talked and started a lesson with our investigator named Jade, when he invited two of his friends to join. The first left pretty quickly, but the second stayed as we talked about what repentance really was and how it applied to them. We had intended to teach only one, but this other guy was so fascinated we asked him if he was interested. He said he was, because his father was a Mormon back in the Philippines, he took a Book of Mormon and said, "My mom will be surprised, I'm not a very religious person." I asked him if his mother would be upset and he said, "No, just surprised, she's wanted me to come to God for some time."
One reason I love Toronto is because the people that come here from all over the world are so humble. They have had experiences that have kept them remembering God and are willing to come unto him. It was really a miracle.
That and the other investigator turned out not being able to make it anyways. #inspired
Anyways sorry for such a long story but I thought it was great, and to finish it off we totally had a fantastic Zone Meeting where Elder Pearson, who's a Seventy, came. Really good and really spiritual. Probably the best rebuking I've felt in a long time. Rebuking is good with love, Whomsoever God loveth he chasteneth.
Loves!
Elder Wolford
Monday, October 30, 2017
Missionary Letter #60
Man, it seems like all the normal people in Toronto have been replaced. We've seen at least
15 cats,
20 witches
200 crazy people... #doesn'tmatterwhattimeofyear
and one battle ax wielding viking...
So even though Halloween's not until tomorrow it's still been really good. We've really been enjoying the weather here, cold enough for us to wear sweaters but not cold enough to bust out the coats. Perfect.
In other news, we found a guy this week that was First Nations, he walked up to us and said "Hey I hear God hates Indians," referring to himself we told him that quite the contrary, and that we actually had a book about his ancestors. After that he really opened up and told us he was trying to quite his addiction to achohal because it's totally tearing him up. We told him we could totally help, and set a date for this week to come.
After that he was like, "Alright thanks guys, I'm going to go get drunk now..."
It's a work in progress, should be fun.
Anyways I hope you'll all have a fun Halloween.
Elder Wolford
15 cats,
20 witches
200 crazy people... #doesn'tmatterwhattimeofyear
and one battle ax wielding viking...
So even though Halloween's not until tomorrow it's still been really good. We've really been enjoying the weather here, cold enough for us to wear sweaters but not cold enough to bust out the coats. Perfect.
In other news, we found a guy this week that was First Nations, he walked up to us and said "Hey I hear God hates Indians," referring to himself we told him that quite the contrary, and that we actually had a book about his ancestors. After that he really opened up and told us he was trying to quite his addiction to achohal because it's totally tearing him up. We told him we could totally help, and set a date for this week to come.
After that he was like, "Alright thanks guys, I'm going to go get drunk now..."
It's a work in progress, should be fun.
Anyways I hope you'll all have a fun Halloween.
Elder Wolford
Monday, October 16, 2017
Missionary Letter #59
I can't beleive I didn't take any pictures this week!
Well actually I can, cause we were really busy...
Like, really busy. There was one time this week where we had thirty minutes to breath before our next appointment. That was a good breathing moment.
All joking aside, and now that my face has changed back from blue to normal skin tones, Elder Emery and I totally rocked Toronto this week. We got a ton of solid people that are investigating the church, we got a few really good lessons in where we got a member to visit our investigator and have some super good spiritual moments.
We also got a very interesting concern from one of our investigators. I'll skip the details but it was really a fun phone call.
I'm still kind of in recovery mode so I'll leave it at that, I promise pictures will follow though
Loves
Elder Wolford
Well actually I can, cause we were really busy...
Like, really busy. There was one time this week where we had thirty minutes to breath before our next appointment. That was a good breathing moment.
All joking aside, and now that my face has changed back from blue to normal skin tones, Elder Emery and I totally rocked Toronto this week. We got a ton of solid people that are investigating the church, we got a few really good lessons in where we got a member to visit our investigator and have some super good spiritual moments.
We also got a very interesting concern from one of our investigators. I'll skip the details but it was really a fun phone call.
I'm still kind of in recovery mode so I'll leave it at that, I promise pictures will follow though
Loves
Elder Wolford
Missionary Letter #58
It's still weird to have thanksgiving in October, but I think for the most part I'm used to it. It was really sad thinking this is my last Canadian thanksgiving as a missionary. Doesn't make me trunky, I'm in the phase on my mission where I want to stay forever, I'll grow out of it when I have a month left.
We sent two great elders and home this last week. That was really hard for me. Like, really hard. Saying goodbye to someone who understands you so well but knowing you might never see them again is really hard.
Anyways as far as good news the work is going crazy good right now. Thost relationships with the members we're forging are heading at an all time high when a member of our ward named McKieven invited all his friends to a missionary discussion, and they were all interested.
ACTIVATE HYPE!!!!
We're having so much fun in Toronto, it's been my favorite place of all time. Nothing is quite like it. I made a video but it cut out before I could finish so I'll just say that we had fun this week and close it.
Loves
Elder Wolford
We sent two great elders and home this last week. That was really hard for me. Like, really hard. Saying goodbye to someone who understands you so well but knowing you might never see them again is really hard.
Anyways as far as good news the work is going crazy good right now. Thost relationships with the members we're forging are heading at an all time high when a member of our ward named McKieven invited all his friends to a missionary discussion, and they were all interested.
ACTIVATE HYPE!!!!
We're having so much fun in Toronto, it's been my favorite place of all time. Nothing is quite like it. I made a video but it cut out before I could finish so I'll just say that we had fun this week and close it.
Loves
Elder Wolford
Monday, September 25, 2017
Missionary Letter #57
Sunday be commandment is to be a day of rest...
Yesterday was not that day for us .
We'd been praying the whole week that we'd find someone ready to be baptized. Or that the Lord would change someone's heart to be willing to be baptized. We worked our guts out, which included this precious experience.
On the subway after a long day we were exhausted. I didn't feel like talking to anyone because there were so many and I didn't really know where to begin. So I looked around and this guy turned and he was wearing a Doctor Who shirt.
That was all the in I needed and said, "Doctor Who Fan?"
He was british, "yeah."
"David Tennant?"
"Of course."
We had the greatest conversation after that, he didn't commit to anything but he did believe a little more in Jesus Christ at the end of it, and that's really what I was going for.
So Sunday rolls around and our investigator committed to baptism after an awesome lesson. Sitting in Elders Quorem I am pulled aside by a spanish member saying "there are two non-members looking for a tiny korean"
My last companion was the tiny Korean. So I walked and there are two people I've never seen before. Jasper and Princess, they've never come to church but were being taught by the missionaries ages ago. They loved it, and after we set an appointment and it was a great reminder to me that God is a God of miracles. I get pumped just thinking about it :)
Anyways I love all ya'll and hope you have a fantastic week, remember Jesus loves you!
Ciao
Elder Wolford
Yesterday was not that day for us .
We'd been praying the whole week that we'd find someone ready to be baptized. Or that the Lord would change someone's heart to be willing to be baptized. We worked our guts out, which included this precious experience.
On the subway after a long day we were exhausted. I didn't feel like talking to anyone because there were so many and I didn't really know where to begin. So I looked around and this guy turned and he was wearing a Doctor Who shirt.
That was all the in I needed and said, "Doctor Who Fan?"
He was british, "yeah."
"David Tennant?"
"Of course."
We had the greatest conversation after that, he didn't commit to anything but he did believe a little more in Jesus Christ at the end of it, and that's really what I was going for.
So Sunday rolls around and our investigator committed to baptism after an awesome lesson. Sitting in Elders Quorem I am pulled aside by a spanish member saying "there are two non-members looking for a tiny korean"
My last companion was the tiny Korean. So I walked and there are two people I've never seen before. Jasper and Princess, they've never come to church but were being taught by the missionaries ages ago. They loved it, and after we set an appointment and it was a great reminder to me that God is a God of miracles. I get pumped just thinking about it :)
Anyways I love all ya'll and hope you have a fantastic week, remember Jesus loves you!
Ciao
Elder Wolford
Missionary Letter #56
This week I received answers to prayers I had at the beginning of this transfer.
First: I had wanted to get in to members homes.
Second: We had no food at the beginning of the transfer.
I had a couple of more concerns but this was the base. We had nothing to eat and no members that we had a good relationship with. However as I looked around our apartment this morning I realized that we had been given a ton of food by the members, and that we had had multiple appointments with them in the past week. My gratitude and faith definitely increased in that experience.
A member sent us a video of a transfer ago when I ate a pepper, not sure what it was called but something appropriately spicy like the RED DEATH, or something. I'll attach a video. Just know the pain goes on for much longer :)
The beginning of this transfer I told my companion that you never see the same person twice in Toronto, but as I was getting on the streetcar this week I saw the lady that hit Elder Steward with her purse yelling at some poor Indian guy who ran away. Not sure why I always seem to run into the crazies with Elder Emery but it sure makes every day more interesting.
Also this week we went to a meal appointment of a super rich member who rented out a penthouse for all the missionaries she knew. It was AWESOME!!! I want to be rich now and invite all the missionaries over to my penthouse :) Pretty sure that's not a sin.
Anyways for now I bid you all adieu
Elder Wolford
P.S HELLO KATELYN!!
Monday, September 11, 2017
Missionary Letter #55
Well we're almost done, we've still got to move all the furniture out and stuff, but that's been pushed off until this next thursday so I don't need to worry about that until then.
Anyways this week was wonderful. We talked to so many people this week. So many... Which was good, we also got a dinner appointment with our High Priest Group Leader. I'd never been to his house before so this was kind of a big step for us for getting a good relationship with the ward. However we didn't know his apartment number so when we got there a couple of things happened.
First off, we noticed it was a really nice apartment building, like reeeally nice.
Second, these two men at the front desk greeted us. Just to help your understanding they wore all black and when we approached we asked if we could see the Haddocks.
They looked at us, raised their hand and pushed a button that opened the double doors leading to the elevator with the elegant sentence of. "Ah yes the... ah... missionaries yes, the Haddocks are expecting you."
Never before have I felt so much like a VIP, I don't know what they're paying those guys but they should double it, they're good.
Besides that we've found a couple of places in the city where it's effective to put ESL posters (English Second Language) so we've done that as well. That's one of the things we do just while we're in the area and have our tape with us so we can put it down. This guy came up to us and complimented us on putting posters up... Not sure what religion he was from but I'm pretty sure it wasn't the same because after he looked at the poster he scowled a bit and walked away.... We thought it was fun.
I hope all ya'll have a fantastic week, I don't know if you're getting fall down there but we're getting it up here. Loves!
Elder Wolford
Anyways this week was wonderful. We talked to so many people this week. So many... Which was good, we also got a dinner appointment with our High Priest Group Leader. I'd never been to his house before so this was kind of a big step for us for getting a good relationship with the ward. However we didn't know his apartment number so when we got there a couple of things happened.
First off, we noticed it was a really nice apartment building, like reeeally nice.
Second, these two men at the front desk greeted us. Just to help your understanding they wore all black and when we approached we asked if we could see the Haddocks.
They looked at us, raised their hand and pushed a button that opened the double doors leading to the elevator with the elegant sentence of. "Ah yes the... ah... missionaries yes, the Haddocks are expecting you."
Never before have I felt so much like a VIP, I don't know what they're paying those guys but they should double it, they're good.
Besides that we've found a couple of places in the city where it's effective to put ESL posters (English Second Language) so we've done that as well. That's one of the things we do just while we're in the area and have our tape with us so we can put it down. This guy came up to us and complimented us on putting posters up... Not sure what religion he was from but I'm pretty sure it wasn't the same because after he looked at the poster he scowled a bit and walked away.... We thought it was fun.
I hope all ya'll have a fantastic week, I don't know if you're getting fall down there but we're getting it up here. Loves!
Elder Wolford
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Missionary Letter #54
Alright well this week I totally did not expect what I thought was going to happen. Usually I have the gift of prophecy when I try to plan my week out, this week my gift was taken away. Maybe it'll come back this week... Hopefully.
So first off: We're moving apartments... Ain't much more than that, it's been super chaotic, I don't know if you've ever tried to move places without a car. It stinks, but luckily we recruited the YSA elders (with the promise of pizza-schwarma afterwards(Which has probably got some super addictive drug in it because its soooooooo good) ) to help us, and they have a car. I'm not sure about the math but it makes things way easier than taking a bus and then walking with everything.
So then the senior couple missionary came to inspect the old apartment, and right as they did the Blue Angels began an airshow over Toronto. We couldn't resist. It was super cool, especially because the Elder that came was hugely into jets and airplanes. I asked him if he planned it, because it seemed woefully fortuitous to be in the exactly right place to see a fantastic airshow... He said no but I still wonder...
On top of that we've had three members come up to us and ask us to help them move. Which has been just added confusion on top of confusion. I maintain the position however, that it needed to happen to get a better relationship with the ward members.
So after all this I still wanted to take my new companion, Elder Emery, out and work. Luckily we had a few appointments with new and potential investigators. The first was amazing, but, as seems to be my luck, was twenty five... YSA... The second was absolutely out of it, maybe a little high and probably more than a little drunk, also YSA... I won't say I was happy to hand them off but I think it'll be good for both of them. More good things :)
After that we talked to a lot of crazy people and a guy with a pit bull. We didn't ask the guys name but we did ask about his dog (I love using the dog to contact, it's such an easy in) and learned the dogs name was Odis (I wanted to ask if he knew a Mido...) but we had a good chat with him and his friend about missionaries and about what we do and our testimonies. Super great day, and to end it off we got an awesome thunderstorm. Lightning flashing literally every thirty seconds, I had so much fun :)
It's been a good week, we're working hard and having a blast. I'll send more pictures later (my device to send them has been misplaced..... but I promise I'll be better :)
Loves and have a great week
Elder Wolford
So first off: We're moving apartments... Ain't much more than that, it's been super chaotic, I don't know if you've ever tried to move places without a car. It stinks, but luckily we recruited the YSA elders (with the promise of pizza-schwarma afterwards(Which has probably got some super addictive drug in it because its soooooooo good) ) to help us, and they have a car. I'm not sure about the math but it makes things way easier than taking a bus and then walking with everything.
So then the senior couple missionary came to inspect the old apartment, and right as they did the Blue Angels began an airshow over Toronto. We couldn't resist. It was super cool, especially because the Elder that came was hugely into jets and airplanes. I asked him if he planned it, because it seemed woefully fortuitous to be in the exactly right place to see a fantastic airshow... He said no but I still wonder...
On top of that we've had three members come up to us and ask us to help them move. Which has been just added confusion on top of confusion. I maintain the position however, that it needed to happen to get a better relationship with the ward members.
So after all this I still wanted to take my new companion, Elder Emery, out and work. Luckily we had a few appointments with new and potential investigators. The first was amazing, but, as seems to be my luck, was twenty five... YSA... The second was absolutely out of it, maybe a little high and probably more than a little drunk, also YSA... I won't say I was happy to hand them off but I think it'll be good for both of them. More good things :)
After that we talked to a lot of crazy people and a guy with a pit bull. We didn't ask the guys name but we did ask about his dog (I love using the dog to contact, it's such an easy in) and learned the dogs name was Odis (I wanted to ask if he knew a Mido...) but we had a good chat with him and his friend about missionaries and about what we do and our testimonies. Super great day, and to end it off we got an awesome thunderstorm. Lightning flashing literally every thirty seconds, I had so much fun :)
It's been a good week, we're working hard and having a blast. I'll send more pictures later (my device to send them has been misplaced..... but I promise I'll be better :)
Loves and have a great week
Elder Wolford
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Missionary Letter #53
I have a confession to make, I have been sick.
It's been terrible. Don't ever get sick. You think you don't smell like a sick person but in reality you do. Especially when it's so crippling that thinking about your own name gives you a headache (also headache sounds so petite compared to how I felt, I think a better term would be headcompressor)
Luckily I have prayed and gotten over it, with the aid of the mission's insurance card (which was awesome, I walked into the doctors office and was like. "Yeah I need to see the doctor, and I'm an American." and the little asian ladies at the desk were like , "130$ just to see doctor." and I said "I've got an insurance card," and they said "We don't take those' and I threw it down and they looked at it in awe and said "We take that.")
Apparently the only other people who use the insurance the church uses is NHL players. So I was treated very well. I told the Doctor I thought I had strep, she said she didn't think so, took a swab and tested it and then came back and told me I did have strep...
So I've since gotten over it, but it's been a long recovery process, I finally told my companion that we needed to go and do something because if I followed that doctors orders for another minute I was going to lose my mind, so we went out and had some great missionary experiences, we talked to this guy named Davis for probably twenty minutes on the street about his relationship with God. Super fun, great guy.
Anyways, now to transfer news, I'm staying, and bringing a greenie to the field. I'm so excited. I've told President I wanted to train for so long and now finally I'm going to!!! Honestly I can't wait for this transfer, I haven't even met who my new guy is but I'll be sure to send plenty of pictures next week so you all can see my son :)
I hope all ya'll have a great week.
Loves
Elder Wolford
It's been terrible. Don't ever get sick. You think you don't smell like a sick person but in reality you do. Especially when it's so crippling that thinking about your own name gives you a headache (also headache sounds so petite compared to how I felt, I think a better term would be headcompressor)
Luckily I have prayed and gotten over it, with the aid of the mission's insurance card (which was awesome, I walked into the doctors office and was like. "Yeah I need to see the doctor, and I'm an American." and the little asian ladies at the desk were like , "130$ just to see doctor." and I said "I've got an insurance card," and they said "We don't take those' and I threw it down and they looked at it in awe and said "We take that.")
Apparently the only other people who use the insurance the church uses is NHL players. So I was treated very well. I told the Doctor I thought I had strep, she said she didn't think so, took a swab and tested it and then came back and told me I did have strep...
So I've since gotten over it, but it's been a long recovery process, I finally told my companion that we needed to go and do something because if I followed that doctors orders for another minute I was going to lose my mind, so we went out and had some great missionary experiences, we talked to this guy named Davis for probably twenty minutes on the street about his relationship with God. Super fun, great guy.
Anyways, now to transfer news, I'm staying, and bringing a greenie to the field. I'm so excited. I've told President I wanted to train for so long and now finally I'm going to!!! Honestly I can't wait for this transfer, I haven't even met who my new guy is but I'll be sure to send plenty of pictures next week so you all can see my son :)
I hope all ya'll have a great week.
Loves
Elder Wolford
Missionary Letter #52
So this past P-Day we had the chance to go to Toronto Island, super fun place, imagine a run down Lagoon with a beach and a lot of bikes and frisbee golf. Especially when you bring one of two frisbees, (Frisbi? Fribapods?) and practice your throws.
As we were walking by I turned and saw two big chairs, I turned to Elder Staheli and said "I have waited my whole life to sit in a giant chair."
It's been a really good week though, I've had a lot of fun/interesting experiences and I've learned quite a bit this week about myself and the Lord, I've asked questions and I've gotten answers. I love this gospel and the church that it sustains.
Take care and be safe
Loves :)
Elder Wolford
P.S Sorry It's not as long as normal, I don't know why but I can't seem to ramble on in writing today, I'll give a lot more this next week ;)
As we were walking by I turned and saw two big chairs, I turned to Elder Staheli and said "I have waited my whole life to sit in a giant chair."
It's been a really good week though, I've had a lot of fun/interesting experiences and I've learned quite a bit this week about myself and the Lord, I've asked questions and I've gotten answers. I love this gospel and the church that it sustains.
Take care and be safe
Loves :)
Elder Wolford
P.S Sorry It's not as long as normal, I don't know why but I can't seem to ramble on in writing today, I'll give a lot more this next week ;)
Monday, August 14, 2017
Missionary Letter #51
This week has been a firm fantastic. Starting off the week we had a ton of rain and thunderstorms, Luckily we were able to dodge getting soaked a couple of times, but that leads into a story
STORY-TIME
After an activity me and my companion were walking back, we were tired and sweaty and wanted nothing more than a shower and a cool drink.
The Lord answered our prayer and hit us with a surprise rainstorm.
As the direction we were walking happened to be in the direction of the church we decided to take refuge there, running up to it we saw that a member in a ward was sitting outside in her wheelchair getting soaked. The church was locked and she didn't have a key to get in, her bus was coming to pick her up. So we got her inside and waited with her until the bus came, (after the rain had stopped)
Drying ourselves off as best we could we took our companionship study there at the church because we had a lesson there in about a half hour. Since English is my companions second language we wanted to roleplay how the lesson would go. Just as that happens the Spanish elders show up, and they are doing companionship study as well. I ask if they would like to help us roleplay. They said yes, and Elder Staheli was our investigator. We taught about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and my companion started of the lesson by asking, what are your feelings about Jesus Christ?
It was a super good roleplay, we learned a lot, and at the end the Elder Staheli told us that a month ago he'd been really struggling and had never quite gotten over it but that the lesson we shared really helped him. "Elders, this lesson was not for your investigator, it was for me."
I love that guy so much, he made me cry it was so good.
If that rainstorm hadn't happened the day would not have gone the way it did, I'm grateful that the Lord works in mysterious and sometimes not so mysterious ways.
The great moments here are a dime a dozen, along with crazy moments. I'm gathering many Toronto stories, and for the sake of propriety I won't disclose them. This work is true and I am so glad I am able to be apart of it.
Also shout out to my man Christopher who just got his call to Yakima Washington! I'm super pumped to share mission stories with each other when we're both back.
Hope you all are safe and sound and happy.
Elder Wolford
STORY-TIME
After an activity me and my companion were walking back, we were tired and sweaty and wanted nothing more than a shower and a cool drink.
The Lord answered our prayer and hit us with a surprise rainstorm.
As the direction we were walking happened to be in the direction of the church we decided to take refuge there, running up to it we saw that a member in a ward was sitting outside in her wheelchair getting soaked. The church was locked and she didn't have a key to get in, her bus was coming to pick her up. So we got her inside and waited with her until the bus came, (after the rain had stopped)
Drying ourselves off as best we could we took our companionship study there at the church because we had a lesson there in about a half hour. Since English is my companions second language we wanted to roleplay how the lesson would go. Just as that happens the Spanish elders show up, and they are doing companionship study as well. I ask if they would like to help us roleplay. They said yes, and Elder Staheli was our investigator. We taught about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and my companion started of the lesson by asking, what are your feelings about Jesus Christ?
It was a super good roleplay, we learned a lot, and at the end the Elder Staheli told us that a month ago he'd been really struggling and had never quite gotten over it but that the lesson we shared really helped him. "Elders, this lesson was not for your investigator, it was for me."
I love that guy so much, he made me cry it was so good.
If that rainstorm hadn't happened the day would not have gone the way it did, I'm grateful that the Lord works in mysterious and sometimes not so mysterious ways.
The great moments here are a dime a dozen, along with crazy moments. I'm gathering many Toronto stories, and for the sake of propriety I won't disclose them. This work is true and I am so glad I am able to be apart of it.
Also shout out to my man Christopher who just got his call to Yakima Washington! I'm super pumped to share mission stories with each other when we're both back.
Hope you all are safe and sound and happy.
Elder Wolford
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
Missionary Letter #50 (and video!!!!)
So this week we had a couple of exciting things happen.
1 We do weekly service at a place called PAL, which is a retirement home for the previous artists, comedians, and actors of the last generation (super nice place, I don't know how the previous missionaries got in, must be a miracle) anyways they invited us to serve an extra day this last week because they needed help doing a barbecue on the rooftop. (also super nice) anyways the residents mostly complained the whole time because it was hot and the food wasn't to their liking but we had a fantastic time. (It also has a super nice view of the CN tower) Like super nice.
2. In district meeting I got blindfolded and led around the gym. It was a presentation but here's the funny thing, Elder Callister (related to the general authority) was the voice I was supposed to follow, but if he stopped talking for five seconds I couldn't tell who was who, because his companion was so similar, so I got in a couple of tough spots but I made it. (Also don't let anyone tell you otherwise it is incredibly difficult to shoot a basketball blindfolded.
3. I had the funniest interview of my life with the Mission President, I'll spare you the details but it just affirmed to me that leadership is inspired.
4. Don't ask me why but for every investigator it seems like the first time they come to church is always on Fast and Testimony meeting. This week I had one of the more... interesting fast and testimony meetings but hey it's good to know that the church is true, and that the investigators that came had an uplifting time.
Anyways I've sent a video but ignore the part where I rebuke my family :) They've shared more information now and I'm content now.
Also, the life lesson this week is that make sure you have your keys before you walk out of the room with your keys and your bus pass, it is very important.
The Spiritual lesson for me this week is that we don't need to be perfect to achieve the Lord's work. I have found myself caught in a conundrum where I think I need to achieve perfection before I can do the Lord's work, not true. To quote Elder Jeffery R. Holland, "With the exception of his Only Begotten Son, imperfect people are all that our Father's ever had to work with. It must be terribly frustrating for Him but He deals with it..." And so should we, for ourselves and for others.
Anyways I hope and pray that you've had a wonderful week full of merriment and such.
Also the word of the day is meandered.
LOVES!!!
Elder Wolford
Missionary Letter #49
I woke up this past week and realized that I'd been out a year. Thus far it has seemed like this:
Time flies on wings of lightning.
Every day feels like an eternity but every week seems to be an instant.
Or more properly poetic phrases that say "what just happened??? five minutes ago I was back home reading epic fantasy novels like they were picture books and now I'm on a mission."
Just a few things I've learned...
Success, at least spiritually,is not based upon receiving desired results, but upon obediently and diligently keeping the commandments.
Always look both ways before you cross the street. Even if it is a one way.
Time goes by so fast, and we can't waste it by doing foolish things, yes repentance is real, but one thing that can never be returned is time, so make the most of it.
Keeping these three things in mind we found a guy this week who the Spanish sisters talked to and he came to ESL, my companion and I started talking to him and, taught him the full first lesson and then said goodbye (we both thought at the time that the sisters were teaching him, which they were) the sisters call us back, tell us they can't teach him (because Spanish is his 2nd language) and tell us that he committed to be baptized!!!!
I was like "Well shoot we're gettin pretty good at this missionarying' stuff"
I love when, after a long day of absolutely nothing, you get something.
Anywho I apologize once again for the pictures, It's rough to get them on here because it takes a while for them to load but I promise I'll get them on.
LOVES!
Elder Wolford
Time flies on wings of lightning.
Every day feels like an eternity but every week seems to be an instant.
Or more properly poetic phrases that say "what just happened??? five minutes ago I was back home reading epic fantasy novels like they were picture books and now I'm on a mission."
Just a few things I've learned...
Success, at least spiritually,is not based upon receiving desired results, but upon obediently and diligently keeping the commandments.
Always look both ways before you cross the street. Even if it is a one way.
Time goes by so fast, and we can't waste it by doing foolish things, yes repentance is real, but one thing that can never be returned is time, so make the most of it.
Keeping these three things in mind we found a guy this week who the Spanish sisters talked to and he came to ESL, my companion and I started talking to him and, taught him the full first lesson and then said goodbye (we both thought at the time that the sisters were teaching him, which they were) the sisters call us back, tell us they can't teach him (because Spanish is his 2nd language) and tell us that he committed to be baptized!!!!
I was like "Well shoot we're gettin pretty good at this missionarying' stuff"
I love when, after a long day of absolutely nothing, you get something.
Anywho I apologize once again for the pictures, It's rough to get them on here because it takes a while for them to load but I promise I'll get them on.
LOVES!
Elder Wolford
Missionary Letter #48
It's my first week in the BIG 6 (especially big) and just so everyone knows, I'm not in the suburbs, I'm directly downtown. It's the biggest city in Canada (or at least in my mission) and boy is there a lot of people.
This week I've talked to the whole world, from America to India, Japan and Korea and China, a few from Africa and quite a few from Brazil (we have fantastic Portuguese members in our ward). It means there's never a dull moment in Toronto, which is both refreshing in the fact that you never have time to think about what's going on, but also really puts in perspective what's really important. Everyone needs the gospel, no matter where they are from or who they are.
That being said my companion is Elder Lee, he's from Korea. He's only been out five months in Canada so his English is pretty spotty at times but overall he's pretty solid. I'm actually really happy that I'm serving with him because he knows Toronto like the back of his hand. (And his ping pong skills are pretty extreme)
It's been a fantatic week for me and I pray for all of you and give you the best advice I know how.
Look both ways before you cross the street,
Don't say mean things and
Share your snacks.
Loves !!!
Elder Wolford
Monday, July 17, 2017
Missionary Letter #47 - Transfer!
So... I'll admit I totally forgot about everything that's happened this past week because last night we got transfer calls.....
Toronto East (bum bum bum!!!)
Let me put this in perspective for you. The area I'm about to go into has 35 times the amount of people as all my area combined thus far. Thankfully I've got a ton of people providing a lot of support and I'll have a few friends up there to show me the ropes.
Anyways now that my breathing's starting to calm down (comparatively) I remembered the stuff we did this week.
FIRST! I and Elder Robinson both gave talks this past Sunday, I wish I recorded them for you but we weren't sure if that was allowed so we didn't, but to put it bluntly I thought we didn't pretty amazing.
SECOND! Whilst going about knocking some doors we got a kijiji referral (we get those all the time these days) So this lady is actually interested in hearing more, I won't get to follow up but it was good to see how wonderful miracles can occur!!
It's been a fun time here in Niagara, and despite the ups and downs I've committed to myself to keep becoming a better missionary and a disciple of Jesus Christ, I'll be honest and say that I've been praying for mountains to climb, and I'm sure that where I'm going is that mountain.
Enthusiastically Optimistic
Elder Wolford
Toronto East (bum bum bum!!!)
Let me put this in perspective for you. The area I'm about to go into has 35 times the amount of people as all my area combined thus far. Thankfully I've got a ton of people providing a lot of support and I'll have a few friends up there to show me the ropes.
Anyways now that my breathing's starting to calm down (comparatively) I remembered the stuff we did this week.
FIRST! I and Elder Robinson both gave talks this past Sunday, I wish I recorded them for you but we weren't sure if that was allowed so we didn't, but to put it bluntly I thought we didn't pretty amazing.
SECOND! Whilst going about knocking some doors we got a kijiji referral (we get those all the time these days) So this lady is actually interested in hearing more, I won't get to follow up but it was good to see how wonderful miracles can occur!!
It's been a fun time here in Niagara, and despite the ups and downs I've committed to myself to keep becoming a better missionary and a disciple of Jesus Christ, I'll be honest and say that I've been praying for mountains to climb, and I'm sure that where I'm going is that mountain.
Enthusiastically Optimistic
Elder Wolford
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Missionary Letter #46
Olo family and friends, I hope you're week has been one of delight and joy.
Now sit back in your most comfortable computer (alliteration) chair as a weave you a story from the thread of this past week.
So one day (I think I mentioned this a while back) we get a call from one of our members who tells us that one of the members that he home-teaches has a granddaughter that was not a member that listened in on their lesson and became super interested in the plan of salvation. I partially insist that the reason she was so interested was because this particular home teacher had a companion who is the most excited person I've ever seen about the gospel.
We get the call but we have no way to contact her, and because of her grandmothers poor condition we were basically in the dark for a couple of months.
Until this week
The home-teacher walks up, hands us a piece of paper with contact info and walks off. We learned that the mother and her two sisters live in the same building and so now that we've got a lead we're ready to storm the castle. (princess bride reference made)
In the video (which I will be sending soon) I mentioned that Elder Robinson and I got sick this week (I despise sickness, almost as much as that awkward moment when you knock on someone's door and then they pull up in the driveway...) but anyways last P-Day elder Robinson was checking how far back his family history went and he found this piece....
I mean, I know he was excited for the new Thor movie but I think this is a little to much...
Take luck!!!
Elder Wolford
Now sit back in your most comfortable computer (alliteration) chair as a weave you a story from the thread of this past week.
So one day (I think I mentioned this a while back) we get a call from one of our members who tells us that one of the members that he home-teaches has a granddaughter that was not a member that listened in on their lesson and became super interested in the plan of salvation. I partially insist that the reason she was so interested was because this particular home teacher had a companion who is the most excited person I've ever seen about the gospel.
We get the call but we have no way to contact her, and because of her grandmothers poor condition we were basically in the dark for a couple of months.
Until this week
The home-teacher walks up, hands us a piece of paper with contact info and walks off. We learned that the mother and her two sisters live in the same building and so now that we've got a lead we're ready to storm the castle. (princess bride reference made)
In the video (which I will be sending soon) I mentioned that Elder Robinson and I got sick this week (I despise sickness, almost as much as that awkward moment when you knock on someone's door and then they pull up in the driveway...) but anyways last P-Day elder Robinson was checking how far back his family history went and he found this piece....
I mean, I know he was excited for the new Thor movie but I think this is a little to much...
Take luck!!!
Elder Wolford
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Missionary Letter #45
Sorry about not telling you about P-Day on Monday, that's because it was a long weekend for Canada Day
This week!
It seems like this entire transfer has gone by in a blur, one day I'm planning for week 1 and in the next I'm in week 5. If it gets any faster I'll have to check my planner and see if my comp is pulling out sections for some malicious missionary reason.
So I told you this story in my video but I'll give you some more in-depth details here. Consider this the unabridged version.
First off is that about the end of last transfer we hit a mission drought. It's something that hits nearly every missionary in our mission and in area's like our mission. It is where the work in the area just seems to die as far as teaching is concerned. It's usually when the most growth occurs because it's when you push so hard for success. Which is what we were trying to do, so after a week of gruelling, monotonous work we were getting ready to head out once again around 7:30 when we get a call from the Stoney Creek Elders (who are absolutely fantastic in every way, Elder Mowser and I have some fantastic talks about deep doctrine) who tell us that they have a referral for us...
Me: Oh tempt me tempt me do tell
Them: Well his name is Adam Arsenal
(That's what I heard over the phone anyways. Think about it though, Adam Arsenal would be a perfect superhero (or villian) name)
Me: Alright where, what and when?
Them: Crystal Beach, a Book of Mormon, today...
Me: (whimper) alright,
I whimper because this is how far it is from our place to Crystal Beach.
This about sums it up
Anyways despite that we went and met him and had a fantastic time talking about his family and about God and religion. It was such a joyful experience for me because for some time I thought that I wasn't going to see anymore success in Niagara, so I'm grateful the Lord has once again proved me wrong.
Anyways I hope you all have a fantastic day!
Love,
Elder Wolford
This week!
It seems like this entire transfer has gone by in a blur, one day I'm planning for week 1 and in the next I'm in week 5. If it gets any faster I'll have to check my planner and see if my comp is pulling out sections for some malicious missionary reason.
So I told you this story in my video but I'll give you some more in-depth details here. Consider this the unabridged version.
First off is that about the end of last transfer we hit a mission drought. It's something that hits nearly every missionary in our mission and in area's like our mission. It is where the work in the area just seems to die as far as teaching is concerned. It's usually when the most growth occurs because it's when you push so hard for success. Which is what we were trying to do, so after a week of gruelling, monotonous work we were getting ready to head out once again around 7:30 when we get a call from the Stoney Creek Elders (who are absolutely fantastic in every way, Elder Mowser and I have some fantastic talks about deep doctrine) who tell us that they have a referral for us...
Me: Oh tempt me tempt me do tell
Them: Well his name is Adam Arsenal
(That's what I heard over the phone anyways. Think about it though, Adam Arsenal would be a perfect superhero (or villian) name)
Me: Alright where, what and when?
Them: Crystal Beach, a Book of Mormon, today...
Me: (whimper) alright,
I whimper because this is how far it is from our place to Crystal Beach.
This about sums it up
Anyways despite that we went and met him and had a fantastic time talking about his family and about God and religion. It was such a joyful experience for me because for some time I thought that I wasn't going to see anymore success in Niagara, so I'm grateful the Lord has once again proved me wrong.
Anyways I hope you all have a fantastic day!
Love,
Elder Wolford
Monday, June 26, 2017
Missionary Letter #44
I'll skip past the normal stuff that we did this week and get to the interesting stuff.
Manhunts.
You heard right, I'm about to reveal the truth about how member work sometimes goes with missionaries. Be prepared, the following is not for the weak of heart.
It all begins when missionaries are going through their records, sometimes these records have crossed out names and notes next to them to detail and map out areas that the missionaries have already hunted.
Once they locate the name of some member who they do not know then they make a plan .This includes calls, texts, and if the frenzy gets bad enough, they actually drop by.
I'm not making this up. It's diabolical
Anyways all jokes aside we spend a lot of time helping our ward clean up their records, which helped us clean up our records and get the chance to go out and work some areas that aren't worked very frequently, if ever. So I'm grateful for that.
We had a zone conference in Kitchener this week as well, and to be honest, it was the best one I've ever been to. Usually I'm disillusioned with Zone meetings, not because they're not fun, but because they go on for quite some time and I'm kind of stir crazy after sitting down. This meeting wasn't like that though, everyone had a good time and the Spirit was there, overall, five out of five.
Anyways our adventures this week included being across from Buffalo, it was fun to see the river so busy so we took a picture.
Manhunts.
You heard right, I'm about to reveal the truth about how member work sometimes goes with missionaries. Be prepared, the following is not for the weak of heart.
It all begins when missionaries are going through their records, sometimes these records have crossed out names and notes next to them to detail and map out areas that the missionaries have already hunted.
Once they locate the name of some member who they do not know then they make a plan .This includes calls, texts, and if the frenzy gets bad enough, they actually drop by.
I'm not making this up. It's diabolical
Anyways all jokes aside we spend a lot of time helping our ward clean up their records, which helped us clean up our records and get the chance to go out and work some areas that aren't worked very frequently, if ever. So I'm grateful for that.
We had a zone conference in Kitchener this week as well, and to be honest, it was the best one I've ever been to. Usually I'm disillusioned with Zone meetings, not because they're not fun, but because they go on for quite some time and I'm kind of stir crazy after sitting down. This meeting wasn't like that though, everyone had a good time and the Spirit was there, overall, five out of five.
Anyways our adventures this week included being across from Buffalo, it was fun to see the river so busy so we took a picture.
Monday, June 19, 2017
Missionary Letter #43
So as I'm mentioning in the video posted. We had no car this week
It
Was
Awesome!
I mean, I never want to go through it again, but here are the plus's to not having a car.
1. Walking,
That's right, God gave us two feet so that we could walk, and whilst you only have two and cannot replace them (as much as you might like) it keeps you feeling alive!
2. Bikes (kindof)
Bikes are an extension of onesself, to ride a bike you understand it, its' fears, its' desires and passions. Because if you don't the back tire will pop and you'll be back to fantastic thing #1 Walking
3. Members
Hear me out, normally members look at our car and are like "Wow I can't believe they let you missionaries drive stuff like that" Making us woefully aware that's it's the nicest ride we'll ever have for the next 10-30 years of our life. So when you tell them that you're car will be gone for a space of time the spirit pulls their heartstrings and they offer rides. There are so many wonderful things we had the blessing of doing because members were willing to give us rides.
So I say that it was awesome, but really I only went without a car for three days, my comp went without one for four, so I guess I really should be asking him what he thought about it... Whatever :) The real miracle is that we got to go out and about serving the Lord, we talked with people and showed off the name tag, all whilst building member trust and appreciation for the blessings the Lord has given us. That AC ride when we got our car back was heavenly.
We also had the incredible opportunity to have a wonderful district meeting as well (I'll let my video self talk about that one, to add details it was a good district meeting, I just set high expectations for the missionaries)
Anyways I hope this email finds you all happy and healthy,
Loves!
Bye!
Elder Wolford
P.S I'll post the answers of the video questions in the next weeks email. Just to get ya'll excited.
It
Was
Awesome!
I mean, I never want to go through it again, but here are the plus's to not having a car.
1. Walking,
That's right, God gave us two feet so that we could walk, and whilst you only have two and cannot replace them (as much as you might like) it keeps you feeling alive!
2. Bikes (kindof)
Bikes are an extension of onesself, to ride a bike you understand it, its' fears, its' desires and passions. Because if you don't the back tire will pop and you'll be back to fantastic thing #1 Walking
3. Members
Hear me out, normally members look at our car and are like "Wow I can't believe they let you missionaries drive stuff like that" Making us woefully aware that's it's the nicest ride we'll ever have for the next 10-30 years of our life. So when you tell them that you're car will be gone for a space of time the spirit pulls their heartstrings and they offer rides. There are so many wonderful things we had the blessing of doing because members were willing to give us rides.
So I say that it was awesome, but really I only went without a car for three days, my comp went without one for four, so I guess I really should be asking him what he thought about it... Whatever :) The real miracle is that we got to go out and about serving the Lord, we talked with people and showed off the name tag, all whilst building member trust and appreciation for the blessings the Lord has given us. That AC ride when we got our car back was heavenly.
We also had the incredible opportunity to have a wonderful district meeting as well (I'll let my video self talk about that one, to add details it was a good district meeting, I just set high expectations for the missionaries)
Anyways I hope this email finds you all happy and healthy,
Loves!
Bye!
Elder Wolford
P.S I'll post the answers of the video questions in the next weeks email. Just to get ya'll excited.
Monday, June 12, 2017
Missionary Letter #42
On a totally random note I searched the phrase "and it came to pass" and it appears nearly 1500 times, (Alma takes the cake with over 400 of them)
This week we had the very excited opportunity to go about and contact a very solid amount of media referrals. Something I always love about media referrals is that they're (almost) always expecting you to come and deliver what you they had requested, so they can't run away (BWHAHAHA!)
I'll be totally honest though I've been feeling a little sick this week, we can't figure out if it's allergies or just a cold but luckily the members have rallied behind us in a frenzy of home-made cures and doterra! My breath has never smelled more like lemon oil in my life (not that I'm complaining)
The best thing to happen though was that I got the opportunity to read the Riccardi letter, for any missionaries or RM's I would highly recommend this letter. It's about an Italian elder who literally has no fear, and his greenie rights about how his life was changed by this elder. It's been mentioned in MTC talks and in general conference.
We had a very sobering experience to bless a sister as she was about to die. It was very sudden, something that no one saw coming but her son gave us a call up and asked us to come. He never came to church, but he always came to seminary, and so at his request we gave her one last blessing. The spirit was very strong and as we walked out I felt a peace that has only come over me when I've had the opportunity to be with someone before they're about to pass along. The veil is thinner than ever in those quiet and precious moments.
I hope that you all have a fantastic week!
Elder Wolford
This week we had the very excited opportunity to go about and contact a very solid amount of media referrals. Something I always love about media referrals is that they're (almost) always expecting you to come and deliver what you they had requested, so they can't run away (BWHAHAHA!)
I'll be totally honest though I've been feeling a little sick this week, we can't figure out if it's allergies or just a cold but luckily the members have rallied behind us in a frenzy of home-made cures and doterra! My breath has never smelled more like lemon oil in my life (not that I'm complaining)
The best thing to happen though was that I got the opportunity to read the Riccardi letter, for any missionaries or RM's I would highly recommend this letter. It's about an Italian elder who literally has no fear, and his greenie rights about how his life was changed by this elder. It's been mentioned in MTC talks and in general conference.
We had a very sobering experience to bless a sister as she was about to die. It was very sudden, something that no one saw coming but her son gave us a call up and asked us to come. He never came to church, but he always came to seminary, and so at his request we gave her one last blessing. The spirit was very strong and as we walked out I felt a peace that has only come over me when I've had the opportunity to be with someone before they're about to pass along. The veil is thinner than ever in those quiet and precious moments.
I hope that you all have a fantastic week!
Elder Wolford
Monday, June 5, 2017
Missionary Letter #41
Transfers this past Sunday, and boy what a ride they were. The movement statistics were very small but nevertheless we're having two whitewashes, which is super fun because one of my last companions is taking one of them! (He says he's going to destroy me in killball but I think he's just trying to cover up his joy)
Another fun thing that happened this week is that we found quite a few investigators!!! It's only mostly good though because they're all YSA and as such that means that we'll be handing them off to the YSA elders. I'm ok with this though because YSA are usually so ready to hear the gospel. They're at the point in their lives where they're trying to figure out who they are and what they believe. They have the wonderful opportunity in the church to become kingdom builders later on in life,
That and because the YSA Elders are fantastic they'll work the area, which means a lot more potential investigators for us (Booyah)
In the meantime we all got Captain Canuck shirts. The creator of the comic series lives in the area adjacent to ours. So when I heard about that I just had to buy a shirt, (for the experience of the thing)
Anywho today's Monday and that means Schwarma day. I hope you all have a fantastic day!
Elder Wolford
Another fun thing that happened this week is that we found quite a few investigators!!! It's only mostly good though because they're all YSA and as such that means that we'll be handing them off to the YSA elders. I'm ok with this though because YSA are usually so ready to hear the gospel. They're at the point in their lives where they're trying to figure out who they are and what they believe. They have the wonderful opportunity in the church to become kingdom builders later on in life,
That and because the YSA Elders are fantastic they'll work the area, which means a lot more potential investigators for us (Booyah)
In the meantime we all got Captain Canuck shirts. The creator of the comic series lives in the area adjacent to ours. So when I heard about that I just had to buy a shirt, (for the experience of the thing)
Anywho today's Monday and that means Schwarma day. I hope you all have a fantastic day!
Elder Wolford
Monday, May 29, 2017
Missionary Letter #40
Wowiee, I can't believe that this is the last week of the transfer. It's amazing how quickly times seems to whizz by when you forget about it.
In other news we had not one, but two firesides this past week. Something that I've never had the opportunity to do before.
It.
Was.
AWESOME!
First off the two firesides worked in tandem. Both of them were about conversion and bettering ourselves through a deeper commitment of Jesus Christ. It was certainly was a very busy two days. I'm still in "There's a lot to plan for mode" so my companion has to remind me that our events are over so I can stop checking my watch every thirty seconds. I did the math and if I check my watch every thirty seconds (dis-including times when I'm not wearing it) is about 1500 (rounded) per day. If extended over a period of a year or so this will result in checking my watch approximately 525,600 times, which means I'll come back being lopsided because my watch arm will be twice as big as my other one. It also means with that with that arm I'll be able to lift cars or something.
We also ran into a guy from England, something that happens relatively frequently here. I asked him if I ever go to England if I wear a Canadian pin if I'll be treated better and he said 'a thousand times yes' in his posh accent. It was pretty epic (the moral of the story is 'be a Canadian, or if you can't, just pretend to be one')
I love you all so much, have a great memorial day!
Elder Wolford
Missionary Letter #39
Alright so this week we had a couple of exciting things happen.
First off, we set two BD's this week (Can I get a hallelujah?)
Second off, we're planning for a missionary fireside and a 'Why I believe' fireside. Which is supposed to be fantastic, I'll be sure to send pictures!
Third off, we did in fact celebrate my birthday, but as we are missionaries we did not have any candles to put on the cake...
So we improvised.
(And may I just say it was the most delicious cake I've ever made, the Lord must have been smiling upon me when I made it because it was perfectly moist, or maybe he was just trying to build my confidence about cooking... Which scares me...)
It was fantastic though, there were a lot of miracles, on of which came when we had a member stand up for us in Relief Society and say that the missionaries needed to be fed. It wasn't like no one was feeding us, I told that member that we'd get more dinner appointments if I offered to do stand up comedy when they let us in for food. I'm pretty certain that's what granted my humble prayer.
In other news about those two BD's (baptismal dates) we got them just by going with it. One of our investigators, named Anders, is already in Mosiah in his reading. He's really starting to learn a lot and he's willing to progress (which makes missionaries happy) another one, Mario, is engaged and he wants a temple marriage. So we're teaching him as well, the member is less-active so I'm hoping that by bringing him in we'll be able to bring her as well.
I'm really pumped!
Elder Wolford
First off, we set two BD's this week (Can I get a hallelujah?)
Second off, we're planning for a missionary fireside and a 'Why I believe' fireside. Which is supposed to be fantastic, I'll be sure to send pictures!
Third off, we did in fact celebrate my birthday, but as we are missionaries we did not have any candles to put on the cake...
So we improvised.
(And may I just say it was the most delicious cake I've ever made, the Lord must have been smiling upon me when I made it because it was perfectly moist, or maybe he was just trying to build my confidence about cooking... Which scares me...)
It was fantastic though, there were a lot of miracles, on of which came when we had a member stand up for us in Relief Society and say that the missionaries needed to be fed. It wasn't like no one was feeding us, I told that member that we'd get more dinner appointments if I offered to do stand up comedy when they let us in for food. I'm pretty certain that's what granted my humble prayer.
In other news about those two BD's (baptismal dates) we got them just by going with it. One of our investigators, named Anders, is already in Mosiah in his reading. He's really starting to learn a lot and he's willing to progress (which makes missionaries happy) another one, Mario, is engaged and he wants a temple marriage. So we're teaching him as well, the member is less-active so I'm hoping that by bringing him in we'll be able to bring her as well.
I'm really pumped!
Elder Wolford
Monday, May 1, 2017
Missionary Letter #38
Wow it seems like this week has seemingly gone on forever. (Good forever not a bad forever)
As I am serving in Niagara currently and the weather is taking a turn for the absolute best we've been having a lot more unexpected events. People seem to be browsing the internet more about Mormons as we've received a 500% increase of media referrals (If it's a suggestion of previous weeks media referrals for you the calculation to find such a number was not very difficult)
A couple of brief events to outline our week.
We set up a bible study class at our new converts facilities (and as far as we know it'll be ok)
We ran into a catholic priest... It wasn't a bad experience but now I know what a few choice scriptures in the Book of Mormon were speaking of. The experience went like this--
Basic contact, hello we're missionaries for our church
the man stops us, "do you know there's only one church that has the authority to claim to be the church Jesus Christ set up?"
I looked at my companion and he gave me the smile that said "Good luck"
My testimony to him didn't shake mountains (as there are no mountains in this part of Canada) or make this man want to be baptized, but the measure of success that I went by was that as we walked away he knew that we were disciples of Jesus Christ, and at the end of the day that's all that I really care about.
And that and afterwards me and my comp had a pretty good laugh about it, so that was fun. #theonlytruechurch
Thank you for all those that email me, if you haven't in a while, please do! I love you and want to hear from you!
LOVES!!!
Elder Wolford
As I am serving in Niagara currently and the weather is taking a turn for the absolute best we've been having a lot more unexpected events. People seem to be browsing the internet more about Mormons as we've received a 500% increase of media referrals (If it's a suggestion of previous weeks media referrals for you the calculation to find such a number was not very difficult)
A couple of brief events to outline our week.
We set up a bible study class at our new converts facilities (and as far as we know it'll be ok)
We ran into a catholic priest... It wasn't a bad experience but now I know what a few choice scriptures in the Book of Mormon were speaking of. The experience went like this--
Basic contact, hello we're missionaries for our church
the man stops us, "do you know there's only one church that has the authority to claim to be the church Jesus Christ set up?"
I looked at my companion and he gave me the smile that said "Good luck"
My testimony to him didn't shake mountains (as there are no mountains in this part of Canada) or make this man want to be baptized, but the measure of success that I went by was that as we walked away he knew that we were disciples of Jesus Christ, and at the end of the day that's all that I really care about.
And that and afterwards me and my comp had a pretty good laugh about it, so that was fun. #theonlytruechurch
Thank you for all those that email me, if you haven't in a while, please do! I love you and want to hear from you!
LOVES!!!
Elder Wolford
Monday, April 24, 2017
Missionary Letter #37
So this week we had a lot of wonderful things happen.
First off, we had a baptism!!!! (Applause)
Second we had the wonderful opportunity to not get a call for transfers last night, which means me and Elder Robinson and I are companions for one more transfer. (Booyah!!!)
So now that I've established the basic outline of our dynamic week let's get into story time (I promise I'll go in detail for the baptism... Later in the email of course :) )
So there's this fantastic kid in our ward named Juan. He's over-all one of the greatest people I think I've ever had the privilege of meeting. Despite his testimony and his love of the gospel he's never really shown a desire to serve a mission. Something that my companion and I have always wanted to help him consider is how a mission could help him.
So going back a few days we found a new investigator who agreed that we could share a lesson with her. We didn't know what the situation was so we decided that bringing him along would hit two birds with one stone. We'd have a third male (just in case) and we'd also try to help him feel the spirit of the mission.
So we get him and drive to the appointment. Get out and walk to the door, pasted on is a note that basically says, "Not interested."
My companion and I shrugged it off, this was a normal week for us, it came with the gig. Juan, however, seemed to contemplate over it. I began to worry that this wouldn't shed the mission in a positive light for him. On the drive back to his house he asked us "How can you guys just shrug it off?" I joked that it came with the job but then my companion said that we were serving not for the bad times but for the wonderful moments when the heaven's seemed to open and the Lord smiled down.
Juan grinned, and as he got out of the car he said, "I guess I'll have to remember that for my mission." Then he walked away. (Que explosion in the backdrop)
I remember having a similar experience when the missionaries asked me to come over for a member appointment. I drove down the street to the Hess's home and met them there on their bikes. In the twenty minutes we spent there we shared the message of the Restoration, gave a prayer over the home and then left. In that brief time I felt the Spirit testify to me of the truthfulness of that message, and I'm glad that Juan was able to feel some of it too.
Anyways about the baptism Sharon is now a member, the program was wonderful and the funniest thing was that she brought to of her friends who before the program looked at the church as if we were some kind of cult, but by the end they were smiling and grinning and thanking everyone for letting them come.
To put it bluntly---
Awesome
Loves to all,
Elder Wolford
First off, we had a baptism!!!! (Applause)
Second we had the wonderful opportunity to not get a call for transfers last night, which means me and Elder Robinson and I are companions for one more transfer. (Booyah!!!)
So now that I've established the basic outline of our dynamic week let's get into story time (I promise I'll go in detail for the baptism... Later in the email of course :) )
So there's this fantastic kid in our ward named Juan. He's over-all one of the greatest people I think I've ever had the privilege of meeting. Despite his testimony and his love of the gospel he's never really shown a desire to serve a mission. Something that my companion and I have always wanted to help him consider is how a mission could help him.
So going back a few days we found a new investigator who agreed that we could share a lesson with her. We didn't know what the situation was so we decided that bringing him along would hit two birds with one stone. We'd have a third male (just in case) and we'd also try to help him feel the spirit of the mission.
So we get him and drive to the appointment. Get out and walk to the door, pasted on is a note that basically says, "Not interested."
My companion and I shrugged it off, this was a normal week for us, it came with the gig. Juan, however, seemed to contemplate over it. I began to worry that this wouldn't shed the mission in a positive light for him. On the drive back to his house he asked us "How can you guys just shrug it off?" I joked that it came with the job but then my companion said that we were serving not for the bad times but for the wonderful moments when the heaven's seemed to open and the Lord smiled down.
Juan grinned, and as he got out of the car he said, "I guess I'll have to remember that for my mission." Then he walked away. (Que explosion in the backdrop)
I remember having a similar experience when the missionaries asked me to come over for a member appointment. I drove down the street to the Hess's home and met them there on their bikes. In the twenty minutes we spent there we shared the message of the Restoration, gave a prayer over the home and then left. In that brief time I felt the Spirit testify to me of the truthfulness of that message, and I'm glad that Juan was able to feel some of it too.
Anyways about the baptism Sharon is now a member, the program was wonderful and the funniest thing was that she brought to of her friends who before the program looked at the church as if we were some kind of cult, but by the end they were smiling and grinning and thanking everyone for letting them come.
To put it bluntly---
Awesome
Loves to all,
Elder Wolford
Missionary Letter #36
This week it was practically all sunshine. Although after hearing that Utah suffered from extreme weather conditions I kind of thought we should match suit so...
We had way to much fun taking that picture
Anyways as far as the things we've been doing we've been getting pumped because our investigator is getting ready for baptism!!!! Honestly she's golden, but because I feel the spiritual inclination to share this story that means all'yall gotta hear it.
So my former companion Elder Olson (who is like a brother to me) called up a potential investigator when someone sent a referral, to make a long story short this person's daughter had just been baptized and wanted her mother to be too. So he gives her a call and she's really not interested.
This was all before we were assigned to serve together in Niagara. So we get there and he gets a call from Sharon saying that's she's been incredibly sick and that her daughter said we could give priesthood blessings. So we did with one of our members, fast forward a week or two and she's asking when she can be baptized.
Absolutely golden. So anyways we're planning on a baptism in a couple of weeks here so keep your fingers crossed.
This last Sunday (Fast Sunday for us) after church we went out and I just had the inexplicable pallor of doom hanging over me because we didn't have any food left in the fridge. So while planning for the day we got the text from one of the members
"Dinner appointment?"
DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!!!
I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week, remember DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!!
We had way to much fun taking that picture
Anyways as far as the things we've been doing we've been getting pumped because our investigator is getting ready for baptism!!!! Honestly she's golden, but because I feel the spiritual inclination to share this story that means all'yall gotta hear it.
So my former companion Elder Olson (who is like a brother to me) called up a potential investigator when someone sent a referral, to make a long story short this person's daughter had just been baptized and wanted her mother to be too. So he gives her a call and she's really not interested.
This was all before we were assigned to serve together in Niagara. So we get there and he gets a call from Sharon saying that's she's been incredibly sick and that her daughter said we could give priesthood blessings. So we did with one of our members, fast forward a week or two and she's asking when she can be baptized.
Absolutely golden. So anyways we're planning on a baptism in a couple of weeks here so keep your fingers crossed.
This last Sunday (Fast Sunday for us) after church we went out and I just had the inexplicable pallor of doom hanging over me because we didn't have any food left in the fridge. So while planning for the day we got the text from one of the members
"Dinner appointment?"
DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!!!
I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week, remember DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!!
Missionary Letter #35
This was a fantastic week! Not only did we have the wonderful opportunity to hear from the prophets and apostles but we also had a manhunt out for us...
....I can explain.
After I talk about General Conference a little bit, just to build tension and get the facts established.
So I would love to pick a favourite talk but I loved a lot of them. President Utchdorf's and Eyrings made my super pumped during priesthood session to go out and magnify my calling like the Hubble Telescope. Elder Hollands on the 'songs we cannot sing' made me feel both like a sinner and a saint, and President Nelson's was absolutely fantastic.
To get everyone hyped for this we sent huge amounts of texts reminding everyone when and where General Conference would be. Remember this as it's important to the story.
After the last session on Sunday closed we had pizza with a member. I must admit I've never had mushroom, pinapple, fried onion, pizza with gouda cheese sprinkled over the top. I believe the fact that her husband's form Belgium influcened that. Anyways we went home, got ready for bed and fell asleep. Nothing to abnormal accept for the fact that we didn't get any calls. Which isn't frequent but irregular.
We wake up the next morning ( #PDAY!!!! ) and get ready to go about doing things. We check the phone, nothing on there. So we go to email (Lo and behold that's where I am now) and open up our myldsmail accounts.
This is what we see.
Elder Cruz: Where are you guys is your phone dead?
Elder Martin: Where are you guys is your phone dead?
Elder Martin: Respond are you ok?
Elder Martin: What's going on?
Elder Martin: Are you dead?
Elder Cruz: We've called a few of the members and they can't get ahold of you either
Elder Cruz: Are you dead?
Apparently all those texts and messages we sent out blocked up the service on our phone and we couldn't receive anything any calls/texts or messages after that. We were literally in the dead zone.
We responded and got the whole thing sorted out before they called the cops. I learned a valuable lesson from it though, missionaries in the days of olde didn't have communication like we do. And despite the twenty year old flip phones we possess can survive a nuclear bomb they still help keep the work moving.
And make sure no one's died or something... That's nice too.
After that complex conundrum we've got a lot to reply to, but that just comes with the gig :)
I hope all y'all have a fantastic week, remember to not do drugs and stay in school!
Loves!
Elder Wolford
....I can explain.
After I talk about General Conference a little bit, just to build tension and get the facts established.
So I would love to pick a favourite talk but I loved a lot of them. President Utchdorf's and Eyrings made my super pumped during priesthood session to go out and magnify my calling like the Hubble Telescope. Elder Hollands on the 'songs we cannot sing' made me feel both like a sinner and a saint, and President Nelson's was absolutely fantastic.
To get everyone hyped for this we sent huge amounts of texts reminding everyone when and where General Conference would be. Remember this as it's important to the story.
After the last session on Sunday closed we had pizza with a member. I must admit I've never had mushroom, pinapple, fried onion, pizza with gouda cheese sprinkled over the top. I believe the fact that her husband's form Belgium influcened that. Anyways we went home, got ready for bed and fell asleep. Nothing to abnormal accept for the fact that we didn't get any calls. Which isn't frequent but irregular.
We wake up the next morning ( #PDAY!!!! ) and get ready to go about doing things. We check the phone, nothing on there. So we go to email (Lo and behold that's where I am now) and open up our myldsmail accounts.
This is what we see.
Elder Cruz: Where are you guys is your phone dead?
Elder Martin: Where are you guys is your phone dead?
Elder Martin: Respond are you ok?
Elder Martin: What's going on?
Elder Martin: Are you dead?
Elder Cruz: We've called a few of the members and they can't get ahold of you either
Elder Cruz: Are you dead?
Apparently all those texts and messages we sent out blocked up the service on our phone and we couldn't receive anything any calls/texts or messages after that. We were literally in the dead zone.
We responded and got the whole thing sorted out before they called the cops. I learned a valuable lesson from it though, missionaries in the days of olde didn't have communication like we do. And despite the twenty year old flip phones we possess can survive a nuclear bomb they still help keep the work moving.
And make sure no one's died or something... That's nice too.
After that complex conundrum we've got a lot to reply to, but that just comes with the gig :)
I hope all y'all have a fantastic week, remember to not do drugs and stay in school!
Loves!
Elder Wolford
Missionary Letter #34
Elder Robinson and I have been having a blast this past week. I'm not sure how but I think the correlation goes something like this.
Good Weather & Good Work = Happy Missionaries :)
Smiley face include with equation.
Good things have happened this week. For example: One of our members who has expressed that he really likes us (something about us being good missionaries) was doing his home teaching at an elderly members home. She hadn't been feeling good so he went over to check up on her. Lo and behold her granddaughter was there and when he asked if he could share a brief message with them they accepted. He talked about the Plan of Salvation. We don't know all the details but something about what he said fascinated the granddaughter. She had never been a member and neither had her parents. The hometeacher said that if she wanted to learn more he could contact the missionaries and set something up.
#hometeachingmiracles #dopeopleevenusehastagsanymore??? #outdated
In other news we're going to the temple this week and there is General Conference. Both of which I'm super pumped for. I don't think I've ever been this excited to hear from the Apostles. We're inviting all of our investigators out for it and we know that one has already accepted so we're excited for that.
I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week!
Elder Wolford
Good Weather & Good Work = Happy Missionaries :)
Smiley face include with equation.
Good things have happened this week. For example: One of our members who has expressed that he really likes us (something about us being good missionaries) was doing his home teaching at an elderly members home. She hadn't been feeling good so he went over to check up on her. Lo and behold her granddaughter was there and when he asked if he could share a brief message with them they accepted. He talked about the Plan of Salvation. We don't know all the details but something about what he said fascinated the granddaughter. She had never been a member and neither had her parents. The hometeacher said that if she wanted to learn more he could contact the missionaries and set something up.
#hometeachingmiracles #dopeopleevenusehastagsanymore??? #outdated
In other news we're going to the temple this week and there is General Conference. Both of which I'm super pumped for. I don't think I've ever been this excited to hear from the Apostles. We're inviting all of our investigators out for it and we know that one has already accepted so we're excited for that.
I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week!
Elder Wolford
Missionary Letter #33
So this week I picked up my new companion Elder Robinson, he's a native of Cedar City (and we already established that we know none of the same people) but it's really fun to serve with him because he knows where everything is in South Utah.
We had an interesting stake conference this week. One of our new converts came to us before the broadcast began and said, "Hey what's all the food in the gym for?"
I was super excited to think that for the first time in my life we were going to have steak after stake conference.
But lo and behold, (it wasn't steak). Instead we learned that a baptism for a child of record was happening that day after the conference and that we were invited. So after frantically filling the font and grabbing the programs and getting everyone situated we had the baptism.
It was fantastic.
Afterwards we all went to the gym (where the previously mentioned food was) and we had a blast. The mother was Filipino and as such there was a ton of food, ( which leftovers we were graciously willing to accept) and going to the father I complimented him on the baptism and said it was amazing.
I will never forget his reaction as he turned towards me with reverence and joy said, "That was perfect."
And it was perfect.
In my own mind that story is pretty hard to follow up so I'll close here.
Loves!
Elder Wolford
We had an interesting stake conference this week. One of our new converts came to us before the broadcast began and said, "Hey what's all the food in the gym for?"
I was super excited to think that for the first time in my life we were going to have steak after stake conference.
But lo and behold, (it wasn't steak). Instead we learned that a baptism for a child of record was happening that day after the conference and that we were invited. So after frantically filling the font and grabbing the programs and getting everyone situated we had the baptism.
It was fantastic.
Afterwards we all went to the gym (where the previously mentioned food was) and we had a blast. The mother was Filipino and as such there was a ton of food, ( which leftovers we were graciously willing to accept) and going to the father I complimented him on the baptism and said it was amazing.
I will never forget his reaction as he turned towards me with reverence and joy said, "That was perfect."
And it was perfect.
In my own mind that story is pretty hard to follow up so I'll close here.
Loves!
Elder Wolford
Missionary Letter #32
This week was an absolute blast.... Let me tell you about it!So about half-way through the week some power from on high decided that as missionaries we'd had it to easy with the weather. The sun was shining and it was nice and warm. Everyone was wearing a coat as a courtesy to the month of March more than a need to stay warm.
It was really nice.
Then everything changed when the wind and snow came. Which actually really helped us because a lot of the members realised that it was really cold and invited us over for dinner. (or something along that kind of logic) #missionariesworkbetterwhenwe'
Other than that though it's been a great week for our investigators. We set one with a baptismal date (whoot whoot!) and another we fellowshipped with some members. That went well, she brought her two little girls over to the members house and their kids had an absolute blast downstairs with the members kids. After we had finished the lesson the two little girls came up and said "Mom we should do this again*"
*Matthew 21:16Then we learned that my wonderful companion was getting transfered. The call went something like this
Mission Pres: Elder Olson, I'm sending you to open a new area
Elder Olson (hesitantly): Ok sure thing President. Where's the area?
Mission Pres: ...
Mission Pres: ...
Mission Pres: Downtown Toronto
I would like to say that I got there fast enough to catch him before he passed out but that would be a lie.
A little something about my companion, he has only served in really small towns his whole mission. Niagara is the biggest place he's ever served and it's got 80,000 people. So he's literally going somewhere larger than all of his area's combined-
Multiplied by 100.
And it's a bus area.
Anywhoo I'll be staying here for a little longer to enjoy the Falls.
Loves!
Elder Wolford
It was really nice.
Then everything changed when the wind and snow came. Which actually really helped us because a lot of the members realised that it was really cold and invited us over for dinner. (or something along that kind of logic) #missionariesworkbetterwhenwe'
Other than that though it's been a great week for our investigators. We set one with a baptismal date (whoot whoot!) and another we fellowshipped with some members. That went well, she brought her two little girls over to the members house and their kids had an absolute blast downstairs with the members kids. After we had finished the lesson the two little girls came up and said "Mom we should do this again*"
*Matthew 21:16Then we learned that my wonderful companion was getting transfered. The call went something like this
Mission Pres: Elder Olson, I'm sending you to open a new area
Elder Olson (hesitantly): Ok sure thing President. Where's the area?
Mission Pres: ...
Mission Pres: ...
Mission Pres: Downtown Toronto
I would like to say that I got there fast enough to catch him before he passed out but that would be a lie.
A little something about my companion, he has only served in really small towns his whole mission. Niagara is the biggest place he's ever served and it's got 80,000 people. So he's literally going somewhere larger than all of his area's combined-
Multiplied by 100.
And it's a bus area.
Anywhoo I'll be staying here for a little longer to enjoy the Falls.
Loves!
Elder Wolford
x
Missionary Letter #31
So this week we were instructed to do and instruction on Comp unity. This was of course only the day before and we were told that we'd be doing it in front of the whole zone (of about twenty missionaries) so we were kind of in a panic to figure out what we'd do. We discussed a normal instruction but decided we'd do something a little different. I felt prompted to talk about one of the greatest companionship's of all time.
None other than Alma and Amulek.
So we cut up some cheap sheets, threw them over our head and gave an instruction as if we were Alma and Amulek. Not to be prideful but it was pretty awesome.
Another fun experience this week: We went to a members home for dinner last week, (they're about my parents age) So their daughter and her husband were there having dinner too. She told us that she would be having her baby tomorrow and so they were really nervous and excited. We came back to check up on them this week and they showed us the baby girl and after letting them show her off we left. As we walked out my companion looked at my in fear and said "Elder she's only a few months older than me and she's a parent"
We spent a moment in the car considering that strange set of circumstances.
The work is going really well here in Niagara, I love this area so much because there are a ton of people and you never know what you're going to run into. For example when you knock a street and then go to see a member and realize that you knocked their house without knowing it was them and now you kind of feel awkward because they didn't answer when they were home last time. #avoidingthemmormons
I love you all so much and hope you have a fantastic week!
Elder Wolford :)
None other than Alma and Amulek.
So we cut up some cheap sheets, threw them over our head and gave an instruction as if we were Alma and Amulek. Not to be prideful but it was pretty awesome.
Another fun experience this week: We went to a members home for dinner last week, (they're about my parents age) So their daughter and her husband were there having dinner too. She told us that she would be having her baby tomorrow and so they were really nervous and excited. We came back to check up on them this week and they showed us the baby girl and after letting them show her off we left. As we walked out my companion looked at my in fear and said "Elder she's only a few months older than me and she's a parent"
We spent a moment in the car considering that strange set of circumstances.
The work is going really well here in Niagara, I love this area so much because there are a ton of people and you never know what you're going to run into. For example when you knock a street and then go to see a member and realize that you knocked their house without knowing it was them and now you kind of feel awkward because they didn't answer when they were home last time. #avoidingthemmormons
I love you all so much and hope you have a fantastic week!
Elder Wolford :)
Steven Letter #30
This week was one of the strangest on my mission. The pattern of our day to day routine usually went something like this.
3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
We wake up and it's snowing like there's going to be five feet of snow by lunch.
We get ready for the day, the snow has stopped.
We study for an hour, it's getting warmer
By the time we leave the apartment it's all melted.
It's Utah weather. Everyone here is saying things like "This weather is awfully weird." and I'm saying things like "Hmm this is super nice weather eh?"
I've unconscious begun saying 'eh' to people, and one member actually asked if I was a native to Canada because I've been using it. I must admit that that was an extremely good moment for me. After that appointment I turned to my companion and said something along the lines of.
Operation report: I've infiltrated the northern state and managed to blend in perfectly with the locals. They don't suspect a thing. Wolf Cub over and out.
By the way Wolf Cub is my code name. No I didn't pick it, my district leader did.
I read this scripture this past week and I'd like to share with you all.
2nd Nephi 12: 2-3
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
What I took from it was if we go to the temple we will better know the Lord's plan for us.
I love you all, I promise to write more next week!
Elder Wolford
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)