Week 1 Ecuador

Wow, Like-- forever ago? 10 Elders and I came down to Ecuador. First flying to Columbia then to Guayaquil. I spent the night after meetings and interviews at a luxurious hotel not far from the Temple. The big hit: I got to do a session the next morning! Fantastic as always - I love the temple.Ya it was in spanish, as conference likely will be. But the Spirit speaks whatever language I want ;) Since then it has been an eye opening experience no doubt..

All has come to pass - I received my wish to get a native companion. Elder Juanes has a year and a half in the field and doesn´t speak a word of english besides ´what the hell, crazy nigga, and gosh dangit´´ ...none of which he learned from me but he loves saying them - probably because I laugh most of the time ha. We made a 4 hour bus ride at 8 at night to Quevedo, Venus del Rio - our area. During this ride I got to watch the new Transformers 4 in spanish - looks pretty sweet! But I couldn´t really tell you. Oh and my companion just murmured ýou can´t see me.´´ another of his favorites ha. Doesn´t make sense. 

I live in a simple apartment with two other Latino elders. We have running water you can´t drink - a shower thats freezing with no head on it - and a dirt mound of a back yard with chickens running all around. I´m getting the adventure I wanted right? Ha, yes and no.. There are no Jungles or cool animals for miles - As far as the eye can see there are poor metal huts, crazy taxi drivers, street venders, and me - the only Gringo in this city - right in the middle. It gets dark at 6:30 every night here, year round. But I like it better - not as hot! Ecuador lives up to every expectation of humidity or heat - I feel like i´m back at the naval academy in annapolis, Maryland - But a little worse. 

I may have put off a negative vibe of Ecuador - for which I want to correct. I will begin with the stats board: We have 2 reactivated members - 6 new investigators with baptismal dates in October - One of which is on the 3rd! Yea, first baptism! Her name is Gabriella, she is 27 years old and pregnant - and like everyone else here - no husband. No one here is married, and if you´re 16 or more you have 1 or 2 babies already. Freak, talk about chastity... 

So, the language.. It is a slurred super fast version of what I learned in the MTC with a lot of slang I am picking up. It is difficult to understand - that is my biggest struggle. as far as speaking - I am doing OK - needs improvement, but I can share doctine well and have ..crappy conversations. Ha. I pray every day I can just talk with people! Practice practice and it will come! My companion says, as well as several members, that they are impressed for my first week though. 

There is too much to write. Days are repetitive - same work - same investigators - same generally large area. I´m afraid this letter isn´t that great But my mind is going a million meters a minute. We work hard - we´re obedient to the T - we have success and we have fun - But sometimes (every night) I have to reassure myself I still want to get up in 7 hours and do it again. People are right - it is hard. But that´s not my problem. I can do hard. But for the first time in my life - I think i´m homesick. Work harder right? I know.. I´ve been blessed in my life to usually have all the answers right up here in my head.

I´ll close with something my President said in my interview concerning my account of how I gained my testimony - personally over a long period of time gradually as I was raised in the church. It was something like this: That´s how testimonies ARE! People look for Huge life-changing events to buld their knowledge. Which do happen for some - but as it is said in D&C 121:45 - ´the doctrine shall distill upon thy soul as the Dews of Heaven.´ By having charity, faith, courage, virtuous thoughts, etc.. Just as my experience - our testimonies and knowledge of truth will gradually build and develop. As we Act in Faith, CTR, live the gospel - Blessings of wisdom, confidence, faith and more will descend upon us from Heaven. 

Unfortunately, time is running short. There´s always somewhere to be, someone to teach in the mission field. I love it. So, here we go at another week - Hopefully i´ll be fluent in spanish next time we talk. Forgetting english and I´ll have to do this in Spanish ;) PS - I hope everyone plans to watch and enjoys conference! 

Until next time, Love you all,

Elder Wilson

Week 6 Mexico CCM

9/20/2014
I wasnt very clear about my flight information. So, I leave the MTC at 1030 monday night and my flight leaves at 215am to go approx 4 hours to Bogata Columbia. I have a 2 hour layover then I fly 2 more hours to Ecuador. I fly directly into Guayaquil and then go to the mission home - then off to ??? ha.  

9/22/2014
I´m ready. You don´t know how excited, motivated, prepared- full of love and the spirit I am! I will work harder at being the best missionary possible than anything I´ve worked for thus far! Whew, I can´t express. But you know ;)

Love you all so very much!  :)  -Parker.

Week 5 Mexico CCM

Spirits are high for outgoing missionaries! I´ve got the Clothes Ironed, Hair Buzzed, and the packing has already begun in anticipation for 10:00 monday night when the real adventure begins! I am grateful for the experience of the MTC and all the knowledge I have been able to retain. I thank my Heavenly Father for the level of preparation, including success in learning the language, He has helped me to achieve. Ecuador is calling and i´m ready to Run! I do not fear what lies ahead because I now if I have Faith God will be with me and ¨will not suffer that I should fall.¨[Alma 56]

I want to begin by rewinding a week. September 11th brought a lot of grateful thoughts to my mind though there were no American Flags flying in Mexico.. -Agency is among the greatest gifts and key parts of God´s Plan; Unfortunately, too often lives are effected by those who use theirs to do evil. On the other hand, how grateful I am for those who protect our freedoms. Oh how God must bless those who sacrifice much of themselves for our behalf. [John 15:13] -¨Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for His friends.¨ I have the greatest respect for our these people whether they are a Navy Seal or your next door neighbor. Once again, God Bless America.

Then there are Heroes on a different level, though none the less appreciated. I can feel the love of family and friends out here. I´m grateful for the sacrifices they´ve made and the things they´ve taught that have influenced so much of who I am. Now I am turning more than ever to my Savior to shape me into the Missionary and furthermore man I need to be. The man He knows I can become. I will share in my own words something I heard in a recent devotional. Christ speaking: ¨I stood atop a mountain and beheld the edge of a cliff. Christ stood there and beckoned me to come to him. I said no, I will fall! Again he said come to the edge of the cliff and again I denied His request. Upon the third invitation I hearkened to Him coming to the edge of the cliff. He pushed me - And I Flew!¨ We must learn to Trust Him to make us into what He needs us to be - To help you reach your potential - To grasp hold of things you cannot yet see.

Other quotes i´ve enjoyed from the week:

¨God knows our circumstances and Judges us accordingly. He knows who is standing in a hole and who is standing on a chair, and He does not just measure height - He measures growth.¨ -Believing Christ. Moral of the story for me, help people grow! Don´t judge where they stand or compare.

¨To reach a goal never before attained, One must Do things never before done.¨ Richard G Scott

¨That which we persist in doing becomes easier; not that the nature of the thing has changed but our power to do has increased.¨ Ralph Waldo Emerson. Simply put, continue to do the will of God and persist in all challenges with faith. [Ether 12:27] Come unto me and I will make weak things become strong... A life without cause is a life without effect. Always have a purpose - a righteous purpose - and come unto Him with humility and all can be accomplished. 

I want to talk about prayer, maybe again? I apologize if my messages seem centered on my needs but hey, it is my mission, I´m just sharing what I learn! Or maybe I am just trying to stress the blessing prayer is and the importance of it! Want some scripture study? [D&C 6, 8, 9] - God will answer your prayers - look at where you are at! God may, rather than confirm or deny our questions through the Spirit, withold an answer. He wants you to Act in Faith - listening for the spirit. Take advantage of such an opportunity to gain experience and comfort in the knowledge that God has trusted to you. We may learn from the example of Nephi in [1nephi 3] as He acts in Faith to fulfill the Lords command to obtain the Plates (records) from Laban. He acted several times not knowing exactly how his task would be accomplished, until the Lord provided a way! 

The truth is, I shared faith once again because I came to a humbling realization of the truth of ¨How quick men are to forget the Lord their God.¨ A short 4 weeks ago my testimony of prayer was greater than ever. As my comfort and own self-reliance have increased her in the MTC my prayers have unfortunately done the opposite. I have failed to often pray before study time and meals in one of the most Holy and spiritual places I could be! Pray Always! I´m so grateful for this reminder shortly before I enter the field. What an appreciation I have for the gift of prayer and God´s love for me. 

I´ll end on a light note. Apparently not even being set apart as a missionary can tame my ¨flirtatious nature.¨ My morning teacher (who I am good friends with) pulled me out of class this week and proceeded to explain that my evening teacher (who I am cool with but is very anal about rules and things) had taken a picture of me - alone - talking with another sister in our district for a lengthy period of time and was very concerned I had a big attraction to her that was becoming a problem. Well, to His great concern I had a good laugh and explained the situation. This sister (who is certainly a sweet spirit and a Joy to have a round - though not exactly my ¨type¨) had asked me as the day came to an end, ¨Ëlder wilson, what did you learn today?¨ More than happy to share I grabbed my study journal and sat down by her so she could read what I had recently wrote. (with our classmates and companions around us) we talked about things (for a total of 5 or so minutes). Hmmm... still haven´t figured out how to feel about my evening teach. What a Dork. But oh well. I might call him Paparazzi or something - or maybe play off another scene and invite him to take a photo. ;) Good stuff. #missionstandards

Truly, I can´t wait to get to Ecuador! I love and pray that I am fully taking advantage of every moment of this Mission. Ready to do all I can for the people of Ecuador!  Best of wishes for all the friends and family back at home. Next time, I´ll be in Ecuador! Adios,

Elder Wilson 

Week 4 Mexico CCM

Hola Mi Familia!! This has been yet another great week. And truly the best so far, though not much has changed to report. I live for the opportunities I have to teach here; it is certainly my favorite thing. And sitting here in regular clothes emailing is pretty awesome also. My morning teacher Hermano Sanchez and I have gotten pretty close. I found out he is also Parker Langeveld´s and Blake Stevensons evening teacher so we´re going to try pulling some jokes on him. They always tell him stories about me though (my black belt, football, motorcycles and other things) so he is always asking me questions. He thinks it is all so awesome. On the down side of this week I said goodbye for a while to my long time friend Brayden Montgomery who is now in Texas. Good for him; saying goodbye wasn´t nearly as hard as watching him get out of here as I went back to class though... ha

I finished Russel M Ballards book Our Search For Happiness which was excellent! I was able to look at doctrine from different views which is really important when you are trying to apply it to numerous situations in peoples lives. I wouldnt hesitate in recommending it to every investigator as well as Member [though it is not written directly to members]. I have already begun a new book about the Atonement called Believe Christ. Loving it so far. I enjoy the time I have to learn from these books and even more so the scriptures like never before! One great blessing of a Mission.

I would like to mention my testimony of Fasting. this past sunday I fasted to be better able to recognize spiritual promptings. As always, today was excessively long and the Fast didnt help though I am grateful I did! The Spirit is the only way we can teach this Gospel effectively and touch other people and I can tell you that the Lord has answered my prayers since as I have felt a greater companionship of the Spirit. How great of a feeling that is. I am not saying I walk around glowing and whispering with the Holy Ghost but I would challenge others to listen for his guidance in their lives more. I was pleasantly suprised by the regularity he is willing to enlighten your thoughts in study, guide your actions, and answer prayers. Through His direction is the only way I know to be able to become the Missionary he needs me to be.

So, only two more sundays in Mexico City! Like.. forever probably. Not too much heartache there though, I cant wait for the many that await me in Ecuador!! I was able to share my testimony in Sacrament about eternal families and other things. Sadly I believe I was the only one who shared a personal experience out of an entire Zone of missionaries. Someone needs to teach them the importance of sharing personal experiences..

Wow did we have a devotional this week!! Not much will ever top Elder Holland until I see Christ descending to teach me. If anyone in this training center forgot what their purpose is here.. They were certainly given a Bold reminder tuesday evening! [Helaman 5] teach with Power and Authority! I received a greater knowledge that we are the final dispensation preparing the world for the return of our Savior and the importance of it. I know exactly why i am out here and I will work as hard as I can for as long as I can until the Lord says its time because thats what ive been called to do and what the Lord expects of me. 

Mormon 8.. He saw our day. I have no doubt of the power of the Book of Mormon and that it was written for us.

Alma 34.. In case anyone forgot, Here is the purpose of this life. To prepare to meet God. again.

Alma 57.. Strippling Warriors. In case anyone needed a Faith Booster. 

Alma 48.. Captain Moroni is called to command Armies, to be a leader among men. How much I look up to him. But then again, what am I doing? Certainly my best to lead this world to what is right, at about the same young age Moroni was called. 

I want to reiterate that this gospel is An Invitation To All to Come Unto Christ. I am called to preach His gospel with power and authority, relying on the Holy Ghost to do so. Thus in a sense Christ, or at least his representatives stand at your Door and knock, Christ is always there, But you must let him in. His plan of mercy is extended to all and through it we can have eternal Joy. Nevertheless, the choice is ours to accept it.

''Every man is eventually backed up to the wall of Faith, and there he must make his stand." /A witness and warning.

In the spirit of Patriotism, being Mexicos independence day this coming monday the 15th, I began singing God Bless America one evening outside on a bench and was soon joined by 5 others. Whats funny is a group of natives started cheering and came up to us wanting to take pictures and talk. I think they kind of idolize us.. But they are funny. and hey! I made more native friends so thats always good.

I cant close this letter without mentioning the tender feelings that accompany September 11th. Being away from it, I miss my Ogden Valley and furthermore my country! I think of the miracles performed by our Founding Fathers certainly with Gods hand in creating a promised land where all would be protected if we would remember him as well as a land that would permit, though not without persecution, the establishment and restoration of His gospel. I would give thanks to those men and women who protect our freedoms and a solemn remembrance of those effected by the Terrorist attack of 9/11. There is a lot of bad out there. But that doesnt mean there is still not a lot of good. God Bless America. And may those who live there always strive to be worthy of his Blessings.  Until next week, 

Elder Wilson

Week 3 Mexico CCM

Not to say I don´t love it here in the Mexico City CCM, I mean the girls are beautiful, the food is great, and the weather is a daily suprise! Oh and the power goes out frequently (cross your fingers not while i´m writing this). But oh how I´m looking forward to meeting those people, animals, food, and other adventures in Ecuador!!

I´m getting excited from all of the rumors of what this Independence Day of Mexico fiesta on the 15th is cracked up to be! People are already decorating the CCM for it too! They don´t mess around. We´ll see when it comes though, America and the 4th might have to step it up.

This week was full of spiritual growth as I´ve had awesome experiences and strengthened my testimony of prayer. I felt inspired to try and write a little poem also which i´ll share.

Have you ever woken up

 and taken a good look within, 

only to find your flame burned out,

no desire left to win?

Did you lose yourself in this temporal world?

Were you ever shown the way?

Come listen to my words, Brother, 

Let me teach you how to Pray.

You have a Heavenly Father who loves you

and a Brother who paved the way,

That we could come to earth to learn and grow

Then return to Him one day.

But Fear not Dear Friend,

Oh be not in dismay;

Our Lord, God, will help you,

All you have to do is Pray.

Let me tell you of our Savior,

Our Shepard, The Great I am;

Who lives, loves, and Died for us

His eternal family, and you are his lamb.

I´ve been raised in the light of His Gospel

and prayed to know it´s true,

Now I represent Him here today

As I share this knowledge with you.

Thus take this book and read it through,

Come hear what I have to say;

And when you´re ready to know it´s true,

Just get on your knees and pray.

-Elder Wilson

I was also able to give a talk in sacrament meeting (in spanish, as everything is) on relying on the Holy Ghost. What a great teaching lesson that was for me as this was the same advice my stake counselor gave me at my setting apart three weeks ago. Coincidence? ..It went well and I strive every day to rely on the lord. Letting him work through me to touch others. That´s the only way to be a successful missionary.

I feel like a talk about Faith a lot. But if I do it is only as a result of the incredible stories of those who have gone before me to make this opportunity I have to share the gospel possible. From the times of the Book of Mormon which I learn more about each week to Joseph Smith and the Pioneers; the building of the Salt Lake Temple; the miracle and blessing of all our temples today. I love these Giants of Faith. I often wonder what I would have done in their situations.. Regardless, Faith is essential to overcome everything from our daily challenges to what is soon to come in God´s eternal plan.

One more quick spiritual boost. I apologize if I am being excessive, but understand what I do every minute of my life. Journal entry September 1st: Mankind, those of the Devil and of this world, have killed the Son of God, tortured, burned, and cast out his Prophets, persecuted his saints; The world is full of sorrow and heartache. We do not know why this is so, we do not fully comprehend the dealings of God. But we can have Peace. The Son of Man has descended below all this world, and risen again to overcome it! WE are told to ¨Fear not what man can do, For God shall be with you forever and ever.¨(D&C 122)  He loves us, and has a plan for us. Be humble even like Christ who gave himself willingly to the world, a sacrifice for sin. ¨There are many called, But few are chosen.¨(D&C 121)

More and more opportunities to teach real people with real problems!! It isn´t difficult to feel a Love for these people when you talk about their lives and teach them by the spirit. I had one exceptional experience Wednesday night which i´ll share a little about.

My companion and I had the amazing opportunity of teaching an inactive older woman. She spoke fast expressing her concerns to us and sometimes we didn´t understand, But we expressed genuine concern and did our very best to answer he questions. What made this meeting special however, is when I invited her to attend church. Something I know she hadn´t heard in a long time. She didn´t even know she could!! How important it is to reach out to others. The spirit touched her as we poured out our testimonies of God´s love for her, the atonement, and the happiness and direction she can have in her life once again. The tears welled up in her eyes and I didn´t want to leave as she gave our closing prayer which I thanked her for afterward and confirmed that it was Beautiful!

She wrote a note and gave it to our teacher that evening; her words were these: (in my best possible english translation) Ï felt great peace adn happiness from the spirit you brought. you helped me remember that my Heavenly Father loves me and that I need him. I am going to attend church and renew my covenants. I will pray to receive peace and direction in my life. Thank you for helping me remember, I will return and listen to you again.¨

It´s not difficult to feel the spirit in such circumstances or feel a genuine love for a woman like that who only needed a 20 minute reminder, invitation, opportunity or whatever it was to feel the spirit. Elder Wilson, welcome to missionary work! 

I end with my love for all of those who support me out here and especially my family. I hope to get some awesome pictures this coming week of the Independence Day Fiesta!! For now, Have a fantastic week! Best of wishes to all of you back at home. Love and miss you all, 

Elder Wilson