Just kidding!!!
I had a great christmas here. Different but it was still good. Something Elder Olsen (Doug) told me in a letter was that you only have 2 christmas's on your mission and you'll always remember them. That helped me to be grateful for what I'm doing here. It was fun to talk to Mom and the rest of the family, sounds like everyone is doing good. Oh i didn't know riley got braces back on!?! (I saw them in those pictures..)
So Elder Barney got beat by the flu stick again. He was out of commission for about a day. He had a temperature of like 102. We gave him a blessing and his fever went away. But he's better now, kind of. I'm healthy!!! But I think some Snickerdoodles will help keep me healthy. hehe.
On Saturday I went on an exchange with Elder Luna because Elder Barney was sick. We taught a man named Pablo about prophets and dispensations and since Elder Luna doesn't speak spanish (go figure... his parents do...) I taught the whole lesson. It was good and he was able to understand why prophets are so important. So spanish is coming along pretty well. Its coming along a little bit at a time.
Oh we got a flat tire the other day. Not really exciting or anything, but the lug nuts were on way too tight because it had been in the shop. But we got them off eventually. So. I just talked to ya'll and not much has changed since then.
This is the last week of the transfer so next week we'll find out if I'll stay here or get switched out. So I've been reading 3 Nephi 11 a lot lately. We usually give this chapter to people to read and I want a stronger testimony of the chapter and its message. I've read it like 7 times now and everytime I find something new or gain something different. Its really neat how the spirit can teach us what we need hear ever time we read the scriptures.
Well have a happy new year!!! Come up with some good resolutions! And write them down!!! and hang them up somewhere!!! Because... a goal not written is a floundering wish... (btw.. I was trying to say that in spanish the other day but i didn't know 'floundering')Anyways.
I'll talk to ya'll laters.
Love,
Elder Wagner
PS. I actually saw two squirrels playing the other day! They were chasing each other around!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Feliz Navidad!
Dear Family,
Thanks for all the mail everybody! I got the package last tuesday at zone conference, the cookies were good and thanks for the CDs!
So it sounds like a lot has been going on back home! Thats great you got to see everyone at Ellen's wedding. So in the 4 months I've been gone 2 cousins have gotten married. At this rate by the time I get back ten more will get married (I'm guessing more like 4...). Sí, Kreg, recibí su email, hace dos semanas, y tu español era buena.
I'd have to agree with Marissa that all the traditions are going to change because I'm gone. But thats alright. I guess. Okay.
Well last week at Zone Conference, we got cell phones!!! But we can't use them to call home and they cut our landline. So, we are going to use a members landline but he doesn't have long distance so I'll call you all and give you the number and you call back on a cell phone so it doesn't charge him. Oh and I'll be calling at 10am texas time which is 8am california time on Christmas Morning. How exciting!!!
Like I said, we had Zone Conference last week. it was shorter than usual because it was snowy/icy and it started later. It was in Oak Cliff, so we rode the light rail (DART) through downtown to get there. It was cool to ride through and see all the big buildings. But it was also freezing!!! That was tuesday. By friday it was 70 degrees again. And now today it is like 30 again. Crazy.
Zone Conference was mostly about helping members do missionary work. As members we're told again and again to do missionary work, but never taught how. You don't have to go on a mission to become a missionary. Some of the wards are having missionaries go in and teach auxillaries how to be effective finders and missionaries. The best thing to do to invite others to learn is to invite them into our houses so they can feel the spirit and how the gospel can benefit their families.
Thats too bad to hear about little Ian. The Van Dykes are in my prayers. This morning we actually went to a funeral for an older man in Elder Barney's old area. They had like a viewing first then a service. I played some prelude music during the viewing. It was a interesting funeral since I didn't know him. But it was neat to see how the Gospel and principles that it teaches us bring us comfort and knowledge of what happens after this life.
Last week we met a few people by just being in the right place at the right time. One lady had recieved a Finding Faith in Christ dvd in California and had just moved here. We've taught her once and she is really receptive. People are ready all around us, we just have to open our mouths and share what makes us happy.
We've been focusing on the Book of Mormon as a companionship and trying to help our investigators become converted to the book, not to us. If someone reads from the Book of Mormon daily and applies it to their lives, they'll become converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If they don't, the won't be 'converted'. Yeah they might get baptized and even come to church for a long time, but they won't become 'converted'.
Well I'm excited to talk to ya'll. Merry Christmas!
Love,
Elder Wagner
PS. The December Ensign is really good. A recommended read for everyone!
Thanks for all the mail everybody! I got the package last tuesday at zone conference, the cookies were good and thanks for the CDs!
So it sounds like a lot has been going on back home! Thats great you got to see everyone at Ellen's wedding. So in the 4 months I've been gone 2 cousins have gotten married. At this rate by the time I get back ten more will get married (I'm guessing more like 4...). Sí, Kreg, recibí su email, hace dos semanas, y tu español era buena.
I'd have to agree with Marissa that all the traditions are going to change because I'm gone. But thats alright. I guess. Okay.
Well last week at Zone Conference, we got cell phones!!! But we can't use them to call home and they cut our landline. So, we are going to use a members landline but he doesn't have long distance so I'll call you all and give you the number and you call back on a cell phone so it doesn't charge him. Oh and I'll be calling at 10am texas time which is 8am california time on Christmas Morning. How exciting!!!
Like I said, we had Zone Conference last week. it was shorter than usual because it was snowy/icy and it started later. It was in Oak Cliff, so we rode the light rail (DART) through downtown to get there. It was cool to ride through and see all the big buildings. But it was also freezing!!! That was tuesday. By friday it was 70 degrees again. And now today it is like 30 again. Crazy.
Zone Conference was mostly about helping members do missionary work. As members we're told again and again to do missionary work, but never taught how. You don't have to go on a mission to become a missionary. Some of the wards are having missionaries go in and teach auxillaries how to be effective finders and missionaries. The best thing to do to invite others to learn is to invite them into our houses so they can feel the spirit and how the gospel can benefit their families.
Thats too bad to hear about little Ian. The Van Dykes are in my prayers. This morning we actually went to a funeral for an older man in Elder Barney's old area. They had like a viewing first then a service. I played some prelude music during the viewing. It was a interesting funeral since I didn't know him. But it was neat to see how the Gospel and principles that it teaches us bring us comfort and knowledge of what happens after this life.
Last week we met a few people by just being in the right place at the right time. One lady had recieved a Finding Faith in Christ dvd in California and had just moved here. We've taught her once and she is really receptive. People are ready all around us, we just have to open our mouths and share what makes us happy.
We've been focusing on the Book of Mormon as a companionship and trying to help our investigators become converted to the book, not to us. If someone reads from the Book of Mormon daily and applies it to their lives, they'll become converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If they don't, the won't be 'converted'. Yeah they might get baptized and even come to church for a long time, but they won't become 'converted'.
Well I'm excited to talk to ya'll. Merry Christmas!
Love,
Elder Wagner
PS. The December Ensign is really good. A recommended read for everyone!
Monday, December 15, 2008
WOW it's cold here in Texas!!
Dear Family,
So yeah its cold here. Who would have thought. Yesterday was like 70 and today its like 30 and windy (brrr...). So yeah it did snow a lil bit last week. I've attached a little picture.
So yeah its cold here. Who would have thought. Yesterday was like 70 and today its like 30 and windy (brrr...). So yeah it did snow a lil bit last week. I've attached a little picture.
Anyways. So this week has been a learning week. I've learned a lot about listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. When we are worthy he can accompany us and he will guide us. And if we want to receive more help and revelation we have to act on what he has given us. The Holy Ghost is what tells us during a meeting or church, 'I should be better' 'I shoud do this...' or 'I should stop doing this...' When we listen to those little promptings and ACT we can receive more help and keep progressing and growing in the Gospel.
Well yesterday I spoke in sacrament meeting again! We met with the Bishop before church and someone had bailed on speaking and my companion said, " Well, Elder Wagner has a talk prepared.." Which was true, so it wasn't that bad. It was like a 15 minute talk on 'la caridad' (charity). It was neat because the other day (the 13th) I was thinking... w
ow I've been out for 2 months (in the field) and I haven't improved that much in my spanish. It's been harder to see the improvement in the last 2 months, but giving that talk... I could see the difference between the first week when I spoke and now. Its pretty neat.
ow I've been out for 2 months (in the field) and I haven't improved that much in my spanish. It's been harder to see the improvement in the last 2 months, but giving that talk... I could see the difference between the first week when I spoke and now. Its pretty neat.We set a baptismal date with Rudy! I don't know if I've talked about him but he's been living with a member and been taught for like 9 months. Well, like two weeks ago they set a wedding date and yesterday we set a baptismal date. Only bad thing is that it's for Febr
uary 14 (wedding...) and the 15th is the baptism. It was neat to see him ready to change and make the steps to keep progressing.
uary 14 (wedding...) and the 15th is the baptism. It was neat to see him ready to change and make the steps to keep progressing.So we've been doing a lot more finding because our 'pool' of investigators has gotten pretty 'shallow'. Not lots of tracting but a marked increase from what we've been doing.
Okay. Scripture of the week. Jacob 4:13 Its about the Holy Ghost and how we should teach. Its a good one. I won't spoil it anymore than that. The Book of Mormon is awesome! Its amazing and I know its true and love sharing with everyone.
I'll get yall information about calling and stuff next week. Until then, Merry Christmas!
Love,
Elder Wagner
PS. Squirrels hibernate I think... I haven't seen too many around... Hard to say...
Monday, December 8, 2008
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!
Dear family,
All is going well here in Texas. I don't have tons of news this week since Elder Barney has been sick all week. So we had to stay in the apartment a lot which isn't too fun. I did read like 200 pages of Jesus the Christ though :)
The work is going well here, our investigators are progressing at their own levels. Some of them move slower towards baptism than others but its alright. We are really trying to find some more families to teach and we will this week. A lot of our investigators are part-member situations, which is good but there are some families here that are ready to receive the Gospel, we just haven't found them yet. We are getting close to setting some baptismal dates with some of the investigators, but we are trying to wait and make sure that they will remain active if they get baptized.
Spanish is coming along pretty well. Elder Barney said I'm doing better than he was when his was in the second transfer. Its amazing how fast and how much I've been able to learn. Taking spanish in school helped mostly with grammar and random words. A few times I'll know random words that Elder Barney doesn't know.
We go into lavanderias (laudromats) and split up and contact everyone. It really varies how much I can understand from person to person. When they talk fast and like mumble.. thats the hardest. But its really great. I'm so glad I'm a spanish speaking missionary, hispanics are a lot nicer and more willing to listen than english-speakers. The work is frustrating sometimes but its fun. Elder Barney have fun and have a good time (when he's not sick..). I love studying everyday about the Gospel.
One thing I wanted to share was in Preach my Gospel on like page 48-49, it has a list of some of the chapters that talk about Christ in the Book of Mormon. We generally leave those chapters with investigators and tell them you don't have to read the whole Book of Mormon to know its true. You just have to read and pray about the parts you read. So I thought I'd invite you all to read those chapters. The scriptures aren't like other books. You don't have to start and the beginning and read all the way though. Read some of those chapters together as a family, they are some of the best ones in the Book of Mormon.
Well stay safe and thanks for all of you prayers.
For Christmas I just want you to be missionaries by sharing your testimonies with friends and inviting them to learn more. With the Fosters, try and have them come over to the house for like a family night and then eventually invite them over with the missionaries there. It'd be amazing.
Love,
Elder Wagner
All is going well here in Texas. I don't have tons of news this week since Elder Barney has been sick all week. So we had to stay in the apartment a lot which isn't too fun. I did read like 200 pages of Jesus the Christ though :)
The work is going well here, our investigators are progressing at their own levels. Some of them move slower towards baptism than others but its alright. We are really trying to find some more families to teach and we will this week. A lot of our investigators are part-member situations, which is good but there are some families here that are ready to receive the Gospel, we just haven't found them yet. We are getting close to setting some baptismal dates with some of the investigators, but we are trying to wait and make sure that they will remain active if they get baptized.
Spanish is coming along pretty well. Elder Barney said I'm doing better than he was when his was in the second transfer. Its amazing how fast and how much I've been able to learn. Taking spanish in school helped mostly with grammar and random words. A few times I'll know random words that Elder Barney doesn't know.
We go into lavanderias (laudromats) and split up and contact everyone. It really varies how much I can understand from person to person. When they talk fast and like mumble.. thats the hardest. But its really great. I'm so glad I'm a spanish speaking missionary, hispanics are a lot nicer and more willing to listen than english-speakers. The work is frustrating sometimes but its fun. Elder Barney have fun and have a good time (when he's not sick..). I love studying everyday about the Gospel.
One thing I wanted to share was in Preach my Gospel on like page 48-49, it has a list of some of the chapters that talk about Christ in the Book of Mormon. We generally leave those chapters with investigators and tell them you don't have to read the whole Book of Mormon to know its true. You just have to read and pray about the parts you read. So I thought I'd invite you all to read those chapters. The scriptures aren't like other books. You don't have to start and the beginning and read all the way though. Read some of those chapters together as a family, they are some of the best ones in the Book of Mormon.
Well stay safe and thanks for all of you prayers.
For Christmas I just want you to be missionaries by sharing your testimonies with friends and inviting them to learn more. With the Fosters, try and have them come over to the house for like a family night and then eventually invite them over with the missionaries there. It'd be amazing.
Love,
Elder Wagner
Monday, December 1, 2008
Beginning of Transfer #2
Dear Family,
Hi everyone. I'm doing great here. Its starting to get cold. It seems to feel 10 degrees colder that it is usually. Last week a bought a pretty nice coat at Ross. Well I'm at a public library today b/c the church internet was down. So I have like 20 minutes.
So I'll be here in Casa Linda with Elder Barney until the first week of January. Thanksgiving was pretty good. We went and played in the Turkey bowl here. It was touch, which was good so I didn't hurt myself or anyone else. Then we went to dinner at with the Martinez family. We were at the grandma;s house and like 9 of her 13 sons were there! Big Family! The Bishop is one of the sons. It was fun and I ate way too much.
We had a good week. We focused on our teaching to commitments. We gave most of our investigators' assignments with a chapter from the Book of Mormon and two or three questions to answer. We had 13 investigators at church on sunday. It was awesome! They are all at different levels, but we hope to baptize them all within a transfer or two.
One of the investigators who is amazing is Jose Torres. He is twenty and he got married to the last bishop's daughter this summer. One night we went to their house and he was there and we shared a message and asked if he wanted to get taught and he said yes. He does his reading and really understands what we teach him. We watched the testaments with him yesterday to help him recognize the spirit. He said after the movie, 'I felt something inside...' He is so prepared! He is great.
So one guy, Rudy, has been living with a member for like a year and been taught for about that long. We were teaching dispensations and apostasies and they kept bringing up sin and repentance so we just went for it. We talked for a long time about how they need to get married or separate. So we left them to decide. And they're going to get married in Feb.!! Now we just need to get Rudy to read and pray and realize how important it is to get baptized and he needs a testimony. Well thats just a taste of whats going on here.
As far as Christmas goes, I don't really need to much of anything. If you could send my other suit pants that'd be great. Oh and like all the church music you have. That'd be great to listen to in the car and the apartment.
When do you want the memory card? I might send it this week or next. That coat I bought last week I used my debit card so don't flip if there is money gone from it.
Good luck Marissa!!! You know everything I'm sure. Just remember to smile! Its not a funeral. Its the constitution! Its fun!!! And why did you do that to my car???!?!?! Just kidding.
Jacquie- Thats cool Mitch went to church. He'll do whatever you and Sara tell him to do so invite the missionaries over. Read the Book of Mormon with him. Have the missionaries teach him how to pray! It'd be awesome!
Have a good week everyone! Thanks for your letters and prayers. Remember to be a missionary and talk about the church and how much you love it!!!
Love,
Elder Wagner
Hi everyone. I'm doing great here. Its starting to get cold. It seems to feel 10 degrees colder that it is usually. Last week a bought a pretty nice coat at Ross. Well I'm at a public library today b/c the church internet was down. So I have like 20 minutes.
So I'll be here in Casa Linda with Elder Barney until the first week of January. Thanksgiving was pretty good. We went and played in the Turkey bowl here. It was touch, which was good so I didn't hurt myself or anyone else. Then we went to dinner at with the Martinez family. We were at the grandma;s house and like 9 of her 13 sons were there! Big Family! The Bishop is one of the sons. It was fun and I ate way too much.
We had a good week. We focused on our teaching to commitments. We gave most of our investigators' assignments with a chapter from the Book of Mormon and two or three questions to answer. We had 13 investigators at church on sunday. It was awesome! They are all at different levels, but we hope to baptize them all within a transfer or two.
One of the investigators who is amazing is Jose Torres. He is twenty and he got married to the last bishop's daughter this summer. One night we went to their house and he was there and we shared a message and asked if he wanted to get taught and he said yes. He does his reading and really understands what we teach him. We watched the testaments with him yesterday to help him recognize the spirit. He said after the movie, 'I felt something inside...' He is so prepared! He is great.
So one guy, Rudy, has been living with a member for like a year and been taught for about that long. We were teaching dispensations and apostasies and they kept bringing up sin and repentance so we just went for it. We talked for a long time about how they need to get married or separate. So we left them to decide. And they're going to get married in Feb.!! Now we just need to get Rudy to read and pray and realize how important it is to get baptized and he needs a testimony. Well thats just a taste of whats going on here.
As far as Christmas goes, I don't really need to much of anything. If you could send my other suit pants that'd be great. Oh and like all the church music you have. That'd be great to listen to in the car and the apartment.
When do you want the memory card? I might send it this week or next. That coat I bought last week I used my debit card so don't flip if there is money gone from it.
Good luck Marissa!!! You know everything I'm sure. Just remember to smile! Its not a funeral. Its the constitution! Its fun!!! And why did you do that to my car???!?!?! Just kidding.
Jacquie- Thats cool Mitch went to church. He'll do whatever you and Sara tell him to do so invite the missionaries over. Read the Book of Mormon with him. Have the missionaries teach him how to pray! It'd be awesome!
Have a good week everyone! Thanks for your letters and prayers. Remember to be a missionary and talk about the church and how much you love it!!!
Love,
Elder Wagner
Monday, November 24, 2008
End of Transfer #1
Dear Family,
Well today is the first day of the new transfer. I'm staying here in Casa Linda with Elder Barney for another transfer. We had a pretty good week, except that Elder Barney has been sick for the past few days so we haven't been able to go out to much. Don't worry I'm fine and super healthy.
So on Friday I was on an exchange with Elder Luna. He is an English elder who has been out for 2 more transfers than me (1 really because I was in the mtc for an extra transfer). He is from San Diego and went to BYU last year. He lived in 2100 Merrill Hall... I was in 2200 ... Small world... but we didn't know each other... Anyways. The exchange was great, I stayed in our area. So, I had to do all the teaching and spanish stuff. It was great though. We had some good lessons. The lessons were mostly with members which really helped because they could understand the investigators' questions a lot better than I could. It was fun. The exchange really boosted my confidence and now I know that I can do all these things that I knew I could do but just didn't do. Kind of confusing, but it was great to not feel like a shadow to Elder Barney.
I'm so glad I'm a missionary. Its so neat to wake up every morning and put that nametag on that says I'm a representative of Jesus Christ. I love the feeling that I get when I'm bearing my testimony and witness of the truthfulness of the restored Gospel. It's never the same twice. I also love the testimonies of the recent converts and the members who are really living the Gospel. There is something so noticeable between members who just go through motions and those who really do love God with all their heart, might, mind and strength.
This week I've been making lesson outlines for chapter 3 in Preach my Gospel. The Gospel is so simple. It reminded me of a Fireside in the MTC. It was about how the 'primary answers' are really The Primary Answers. So 'primary answers' are the simple things children say when asked questions about the Gospel.
Example:
Where can I go to find peace?
World's Answer: Go camping, fishing, golfing, to the beach... etc...
Primary Answer: Go to church...
That was an example he used. Its funny but its so true. The 'primary answers,' like praying, reading the scriptures, going to church every sunday, follow the prophet, keep the commandments are all the primary answers to our problems. Life is hard and yeah, we have difficult times, but the simple things are what the Lord has asked us to do.
Wow that was a tangent. But all you all should read Lesson 4 in Chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel and ask yourselves if you are really doing all those things. That's your homework. Keep up all the good work. Keep inviting the family you're working on to activities. Invite them to a family night in our house with the missionaries there. Have the missionaries teach a short lesson and then play games and whatnot. It will be awesome I promise.
Thanks for all the emails and letters. Oh and thanks Mom, Dad, Grandpa Wagner and Grandpa Shaffer for that package, it was amazing. It made my day/week.
Have a fun thanksgiving. Mine should be pretty good. (just like every other Thursday)
Love,
Elder Wagner
PS. The squirrels seem to be calming down now that its getting colder...
Well today is the first day of the new transfer. I'm staying here in Casa Linda with Elder Barney for another transfer. We had a pretty good week, except that Elder Barney has been sick for the past few days so we haven't been able to go out to much. Don't worry I'm fine and super healthy.
So on Friday I was on an exchange with Elder Luna. He is an English elder who has been out for 2 more transfers than me (1 really because I was in the mtc for an extra transfer). He is from San Diego and went to BYU last year. He lived in 2100 Merrill Hall... I was in 2200 ... Small world... but we didn't know each other... Anyways. The exchange was great, I stayed in our area. So, I had to do all the teaching and spanish stuff. It was great though. We had some good lessons. The lessons were mostly with members which really helped because they could understand the investigators' questions a lot better than I could. It was fun. The exchange really boosted my confidence and now I know that I can do all these things that I knew I could do but just didn't do. Kind of confusing, but it was great to not feel like a shadow to Elder Barney.
I'm so glad I'm a missionary. Its so neat to wake up every morning and put that nametag on that says I'm a representative of Jesus Christ. I love the feeling that I get when I'm bearing my testimony and witness of the truthfulness of the restored Gospel. It's never the same twice. I also love the testimonies of the recent converts and the members who are really living the Gospel. There is something so noticeable between members who just go through motions and those who really do love God with all their heart, might, mind and strength.
This week I've been making lesson outlines for chapter 3 in Preach my Gospel. The Gospel is so simple. It reminded me of a Fireside in the MTC. It was about how the 'primary answers' are really The Primary Answers. So 'primary answers' are the simple things children say when asked questions about the Gospel.
Example:
Where can I go to find peace?
World's Answer: Go camping, fishing, golfing, to the beach... etc...
Primary Answer: Go to church...
That was an example he used. Its funny but its so true. The 'primary answers,' like praying, reading the scriptures, going to church every sunday, follow the prophet, keep the commandments are all the primary answers to our problems. Life is hard and yeah, we have difficult times, but the simple things are what the Lord has asked us to do.
Wow that was a tangent. But all you all should read Lesson 4 in Chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel and ask yourselves if you are really doing all those things. That's your homework. Keep up all the good work. Keep inviting the family you're working on to activities. Invite them to a family night in our house with the missionaries there. Have the missionaries teach a short lesson and then play games and whatnot. It will be awesome I promise.
Thanks for all the emails and letters. Oh and thanks Mom, Dad, Grandpa Wagner and Grandpa Shaffer for that package, it was amazing. It made my day/week.
- Thanks for quoting my letter Jacquie!
- Good luck with WTP Marissa. Opinion, Example, Opinion, Example!!! Thats tough you have someone who won't talk... maybe on a basic question (like one you get a lot) have no one else talk until after she does. Try it in a practice hearing sometime. Everyone except her can just keep their mouths shut. After a minute she'll figure it out...haha.
- Riley thats pretty cool you got all that shocking stuff.
- Andee, so you got contacts! Coolness.
Have a fun thanksgiving. Mine should be pretty good. (just like every other Thursday)
Love,
Elder Wagner
PS. The squirrels seem to be calming down now that its getting colder...
Monday, November 17, 2008
MEXICO!
Dear Family,
So I went to the Mexico City temple rededication last night. It was really neat. All the English was translated into spanish but there were a few talk that were just in spanish. It was so amazing. I can really understand a lot about church things. Its just the other vocabulary that I don't have. It comes a little bit at a time.
This week was alright. I wish it had been better. This next week will be great though. Next Saturday we have transfer calls when we find out if we get moved or not. I have a feeling that I won't be here for too long because President Smith wants to have Elder Barney train more and stay here in Casa Linda. Oh I had interviews with President Smith last week, and we went to the temple on Friday.
We tried to set a baptismal date with Juan y Maria Soto but they said that they had already been baptized in Mexico. they will take some work but they do their reading which is huge b/c most people don't like to read.
So we contact in Lavandarias (laudromat). Its pretty fun since we split up and talk to everyone, and there are mostly Hispanics. Its crazy that I can actually like start up a conversation and share a little message. Its wierd that its easier on my own though. For some reason with Elder Barney next to me its harder to speak up. But I'm getting better. I've been doing all the phone calls. I've had some pretty awkward conversations especially when I don't know what they're saying.
Well I took a bunch of pictures this week and will send it in a while. I really love being here and learning and helping people learn more about Jesus Christ and what he has done for us and how his church is here again on the Earth. Share the Gospel with everyone! It is the best thing we have and everyone needs it!
Love,
Elder Wagner
P.S. Yes mom all of my clothes are still doing good :) I had to sew a button on a white shirt but that was easy!
So I went to the Mexico City temple rededication last night. It was really neat. All the English was translated into spanish but there were a few talk that were just in spanish. It was so amazing. I can really understand a lot about church things. Its just the other vocabulary that I don't have. It comes a little bit at a time.
This week was alright. I wish it had been better. This next week will be great though. Next Saturday we have transfer calls when we find out if we get moved or not. I have a feeling that I won't be here for too long because President Smith wants to have Elder Barney train more and stay here in Casa Linda. Oh I had interviews with President Smith last week, and we went to the temple on Friday.
We tried to set a baptismal date with Juan y Maria Soto but they said that they had already been baptized in Mexico. they will take some work but they do their reading which is huge b/c most people don't like to read.
So we contact in Lavandarias (laudromat). Its pretty fun since we split up and talk to everyone, and there are mostly Hispanics. Its crazy that I can actually like start up a conversation and share a little message. Its wierd that its easier on my own though. For some reason with Elder Barney next to me its harder to speak up. But I'm getting better. I've been doing all the phone calls. I've had some pretty awkward conversations especially when I don't know what they're saying.
Well I took a bunch of pictures this week and will send it in a while. I really love being here and learning and helping people learn more about Jesus Christ and what he has done for us and how his church is here again on the Earth. Share the Gospel with everyone! It is the best thing we have and everyone needs it!
Love,
Elder Wagner
P.S. Yes mom all of my clothes are still doing good :) I had to sew a button on a white shirt but that was easy!
Monday, November 10, 2008
HOWDY!!
Dear Family,
Its raining. There was lightning and thunder last night!
Thanks for all the letters this week. Dad wants to know about dinner appointments. Well... we have one everyday except Mondays. Pretty much everyday we eat at a member's house. The food is really good. And since we ride in the car all day I'm feeling kinda pudgy. So Elder Barney and I have decided to start running in the mornings. The food is so good though. Sometimes its more American-like but most of the time its good old Mexican food. Tortillas, Rice, Chicken. Salsa (spicy salsa) And if you ask for more they give you so much!
The work is really good! So a recent convert and his wife brought two of our investigators, Juan y Maria Soto, to church yesterday. It was perfect. They sat with them and befriended them. They'll get baptized sometime soon. They are pretty timid because they've only been here for 6 months from Mexico. Which reminds me, the Mexico City temple re-dedication is Sunday and we're going to it (the broadcast in the building here...). Pretty exciting.
We had Zone Conference last Tuesday! It was great. I got to see Elder Richins! Oh yeah I saw Elder Messias but he left before I could talk to him. He has been out one transfer more than me, so he was only in the MTC for 3 weeks, not 9. The Zone Conference was great.
Oh and we got the conference Ensign!!!! I was so excited! It was like the best thing ever! I love it! I've read some of the talks two or three times already. Well I said I would think about my scripture for my plaque... but I didn't! Its a hard decision, but I think I'll go with Alma 36:24. Its said by Alma the Younger. But I'll let you look it up. Mormon 9:20-22 is a close second. Helaman 10:4 is probably third. Just for your information.
Keep up the good work back home. That will be great to invite the Fosters over for family night! Don't let Satan take away that opportunity. Search diligently, Pray always and be believing.
Love, Elder Wagner
PS. Squirrel Story- I don't really have a good one, but we almost hit one the other day.
PSS. Thanks for the stamps!
Its raining. There was lightning and thunder last night!
Thanks for all the letters this week. Dad wants to know about dinner appointments. Well... we have one everyday except Mondays. Pretty much everyday we eat at a member's house. The food is really good. And since we ride in the car all day I'm feeling kinda pudgy. So Elder Barney and I have decided to start running in the mornings. The food is so good though. Sometimes its more American-like but most of the time its good old Mexican food. Tortillas, Rice, Chicken. Salsa (spicy salsa) And if you ask for more they give you so much!
The work is really good! So a recent convert and his wife brought two of our investigators, Juan y Maria Soto, to church yesterday. It was perfect. They sat with them and befriended them. They'll get baptized sometime soon. They are pretty timid because they've only been here for 6 months from Mexico. Which reminds me, the Mexico City temple re-dedication is Sunday and we're going to it (the broadcast in the building here...). Pretty exciting.
We had Zone Conference last Tuesday! It was great. I got to see Elder Richins! Oh yeah I saw Elder Messias but he left before I could talk to him. He has been out one transfer more than me, so he was only in the MTC for 3 weeks, not 9. The Zone Conference was great.
Oh and we got the conference Ensign!!!! I was so excited! It was like the best thing ever! I love it! I've read some of the talks two or three times already. Well I said I would think about my scripture for my plaque... but I didn't! Its a hard decision, but I think I'll go with Alma 36:24. Its said by Alma the Younger. But I'll let you look it up. Mormon 9:20-22 is a close second. Helaman 10:4 is probably third. Just for your information.
Keep up the good work back home. That will be great to invite the Fosters over for family night! Don't let Satan take away that opportunity. Search diligently, Pray always and be believing.
Love, Elder Wagner
PS. Squirrel Story- I don't really have a good one, but we almost hit one the other day.
PSS. Thanks for the stamps!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Crujir de Dientes
Dear Family:
Well that means 'gnashing of teeth' in spanish!
So this week has been pretty good. We had a rough week, lots of appointments fell through. I went on companion exchanges twice last week since Elder Barney is the district leader. The first one was with Elder Macgregor. He is a spanish elder who has been out for a few months. I went to his area which is a bike area (I didn't ride my bike though). His spanish really isn't much better than mine. For some reason it was easier for me to speak up because he doesn't speak much better. Like with my companion, its easy for me to not say much because he has really good spanish since he's been out for a year.
The next exchange was with Elder Young. He has only been here for like 3 transfers or something. It was a rough day but I got lots of practice contacting in spanish. The english elders cover our same area but for the two english wards and we have the one spanish ward. Lots of spanish elders just have a little group of spanish speakers with translators which would be hard.
The language is coming. I have to hear things twice or three time to get it fully. I have a general idea of what they are talking about but its hard to know exactly what they are saying. I understand way more than I speak. Its going well though. I read the Book of Mormon aloud in spanish for like 20-30 minutes everyday. It helps with pronunciation and i can actually understand what they are saying, sometimes.
We have zone conference tomorrow. The transfer is half over already. Its felt really long but at the same time its going pretty fast.
I can't decide on a scripture (for his ward plaque) but I'll figure it out this week. Oh I sent my ballot in last week. I hope there wasn't like a deadline, like I just figure postmarked before tomorrow so yeah. I had no idea on like the local officals (school stuff) so yeah....
I have taken like hardly any pictures since we aren't supposed to take our cameras with us. Well.
All is going well. Just trying to work hard, I'm tired and ready to sleep every night. Its awesome to see some of the investigators changing their lives through the gospel.
Love,
Elder Wagner
P.S. Squirrel Story: So the other day I was under a tree and some leaf stuff kept falling right on my head. I looked up and there was a squirrel eating some nut and dropping like the shells on my head!
Well that means 'gnashing of teeth' in spanish!
So this week has been pretty good. We had a rough week, lots of appointments fell through. I went on companion exchanges twice last week since Elder Barney is the district leader. The first one was with Elder Macgregor. He is a spanish elder who has been out for a few months. I went to his area which is a bike area (I didn't ride my bike though). His spanish really isn't much better than mine. For some reason it was easier for me to speak up because he doesn't speak much better. Like with my companion, its easy for me to not say much because he has really good spanish since he's been out for a year.
The next exchange was with Elder Young. He has only been here for like 3 transfers or something. It was a rough day but I got lots of practice contacting in spanish. The english elders cover our same area but for the two english wards and we have the one spanish ward. Lots of spanish elders just have a little group of spanish speakers with translators which would be hard.
The language is coming. I have to hear things twice or three time to get it fully. I have a general idea of what they are talking about but its hard to know exactly what they are saying. I understand way more than I speak. Its going well though. I read the Book of Mormon aloud in spanish for like 20-30 minutes everyday. It helps with pronunciation and i can actually understand what they are saying, sometimes.
We have zone conference tomorrow. The transfer is half over already. Its felt really long but at the same time its going pretty fast.
I can't decide on a scripture (for his ward plaque) but I'll figure it out this week. Oh I sent my ballot in last week. I hope there wasn't like a deadline, like I just figure postmarked before tomorrow so yeah. I had no idea on like the local officals (school stuff) so yeah....
I have taken like hardly any pictures since we aren't supposed to take our cameras with us. Well.
All is going well. Just trying to work hard, I'm tired and ready to sleep every night. Its awesome to see some of the investigators changing their lives through the gospel.
Love,
Elder Wagner
P.S. Squirrel Story: So the other day I was under a tree and some leaf stuff kept falling right on my head. I looked up and there was a squirrel eating some nut and dropping like the shells on my head!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Really, Everything IS BIGGER!
Dear family and whoever else reads this here email,
So I'm doing great out here in Texas. Its pretty fun. I can barely get through a contact in spanish, but its getting better. They speak so fast! But I really am suprised at how much I can understand (or at least I think I understand).
Okay so there isn't like a timer for reading emails so ya'll can send emails but I can only respond to the family. Its harder to write as many letters to everyone so I'm sorry If you don't get anything for a while.
Well this week felt like a very long eternity but time is starting to speed up. So yesterday was the baptism of Jesús (he is 10). The Elder who started teaching him came and did the baptism and confirmation. I gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. It was good, kind of rough with the whole spanish thing, but the service was great.
We are really trying to get the members of this ward to help us out. They just don't have their priorities straight, yet. Its hard because the Ward mission leader is a recent convert and the only ward missionary is his wife! He is trying hard, but doesn't know how all the things in the church work. But we do have some great members who are good missionaries. One old lady, Olga Martinez, invited her neighbor over for dinner and then we taught a lesson and a few days later taught another one. She is the perfect example of a member missionary and how missionary work is best done. She can help us out by answering questions and resolving concerns. Its awesome.
So Elder Barney is pretty great. He is a great teacher and his spanish is amazing. We are working together great and we should get lots of good work done here. One thing I've been trying to work on is being in the moment and putting my whole heart into whatever we are doing at the time. Its hard to not think about other things, but when you really focus in on what your are doing you can gain so much more from it. Everyday I look forward to personal study where I can learn from the scriptures and the Spirit. It strengthens me so much.
Well, the work is hard, but thats because 'salvation isn't cheap' (Elder Holland). I try to remember a quote from preach my gospel, "Discouragement weakens faith." That always helps me remember what I'm doing and that it will turn out alright because this is the Lord's work.
Keep up the good work. Study the scriptures and pray lots. Talk with your friends about the Gospel. The want to be baptized, they just don't know it yet.
Love,
Elder Wagner
PS. Squirrel story: So this cat chased a squirrel up into the tree and they were crawling around chasing each other. It was hilarious!
So I'm doing great out here in Texas. Its pretty fun. I can barely get through a contact in spanish, but its getting better. They speak so fast! But I really am suprised at how much I can understand (or at least I think I understand).
Okay so there isn't like a timer for reading emails so ya'll can send emails but I can only respond to the family. Its harder to write as many letters to everyone so I'm sorry If you don't get anything for a while.
Well this week felt like a very long eternity but time is starting to speed up. So yesterday was the baptism of Jesús (he is 10). The Elder who started teaching him came and did the baptism and confirmation. I gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. It was good, kind of rough with the whole spanish thing, but the service was great.
We are really trying to get the members of this ward to help us out. They just don't have their priorities straight, yet. Its hard because the Ward mission leader is a recent convert and the only ward missionary is his wife! He is trying hard, but doesn't know how all the things in the church work. But we do have some great members who are good missionaries. One old lady, Olga Martinez, invited her neighbor over for dinner and then we taught a lesson and a few days later taught another one. She is the perfect example of a member missionary and how missionary work is best done. She can help us out by answering questions and resolving concerns. Its awesome.
So Elder Barney is pretty great. He is a great teacher and his spanish is amazing. We are working together great and we should get lots of good work done here. One thing I've been trying to work on is being in the moment and putting my whole heart into whatever we are doing at the time. Its hard to not think about other things, but when you really focus in on what your are doing you can gain so much more from it. Everyday I look forward to personal study where I can learn from the scriptures and the Spirit. It strengthens me so much.
Well, the work is hard, but thats because 'salvation isn't cheap' (Elder Holland). I try to remember a quote from preach my gospel, "Discouragement weakens faith." That always helps me remember what I'm doing and that it will turn out alright because this is the Lord's work.
Keep up the good work. Study the scriptures and pray lots. Talk with your friends about the Gospel. The want to be baptized, they just don't know it yet.
Love,
Elder Wagner
PS. Squirrel story: So this cat chased a squirrel up into the tree and they were crawling around chasing each other. It was hilarious!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
A Picture from the President!
Elder Wagner with President Smith and Sister Smith
October 13, 2008
Elder Wagner has been assigned to serve in Garland, Texas with his companion Elder Brady Barney of Herriman, Utah. The Dallas Texas mission covers the northeast part of the state of Texas. Nearly 3/4 of the missionaries are in the "Metroplex" of Dallas serving a population of almost four million!
We received a letter from President Barry M. Smith and a letter from Elder Wagner. This letter was written before the previous post, but I thought you all might enjoy reading it!
October 13, 2008
Dear Family,
Howdy! Well, I'm alive and well here in Texas. I'm so excited. It's really amazing to be here. President and Sister Smith are great! I'm excited to get to know them better.
It was nice to talk to most of ya'll this morning. I really am looking forward to serving here. Tomorrow I meet my trainer and find out where I'm going.
It's scary to talk to people at first, but everyone is pretty nice once you get talking to them. The lady I sat next to on the plane was really nice. I gave her a 'Finding Faith in Christ' pass-along card. I hope she calls for it. It's hard for me to make the jump from small talk to what I'm doing as a missionary.
Oh, I finished the Book of Mormon today on the plane. The last chapters are so great. Mormon and Moroni knew where it was at! They fought a losing war their entire lives and they still lived with faith, hope and charity. I especially like in Moroni 7 when it talks about "laying hold" upon every good thing. Lay hold upoth the words of God. Laying hold is like clinging for your life!
Well, God Bless and I'll talk to ya'll later.
Love,
Elder Wagner
P.S. There aren't any mountains in Texas, so I won't be distracted! And THERE ARE SQUIRRELS EVERYWHERE!
Monday, October 20, 2008
TEXAS!
Dear Family,
Okay... so you just send all the mail to the mission office address!!! They forward everything!!! That way when we transfer we still get our mail!! Just send it to the same address as the package you sent me and I got it, thanks!
Anyways, aside from that all is well in Bakersfield right? Well I'm doing good here in Texas. Well we got here Monday and took pictures at the temple and what not. We ate dinner at President Smith's house. He is awesome. Then that night like twenty elders all came and we slept at the assistant's apartment.
Then Tuesday we had the transfer meeting where all the elders get assigned new companions and whatnot. So I'm in a car area :) and our ward is called Casa Linda. But we only cover half the area. Our area covers a little bit of Dallas, Mesquite and most is in Garland. The ward is all Spanish, its pretty cool.
My trainer is named Elder Barney. He is from Utah (I thinks its called haramon or something like that... its like 40 min from SLC). Anyways he is the District Leader. He has been out for just over a year so his Spanish is really good. Oh we got 'doubled in' as they call it. So we are both new to the area. Its good b/c we get a new start with the investigators and the ward.
We have one baptismal date for next week. His name is Jesus Barraza. He is a ten year old who didn't get baptized when he was eight because his family was inactive. We have a few other really good investigators. José Naranjo is one. He is a 7th day Adventist but we had a great lesson last night. He is a great student of the bible and we taught him about the spirit world and how everyone will have the opportunity to hear the gospel. He loved it and it really opened him up and answered some of his questions about parts of the Bible.
The ward is really nice. The bishop is pretty great too. We met with him Tuesday night and the next night at the house of one of his counselors we found out we were going to speak in church on Sunday. So yesterday i gave like a 7 minute talk in Spanish. pretty crazy. I wrote it all out and practiced it a few times and it went pretty well. I spoke about prayer (or 'la oración'). It was good. I don't understand most of what is being said but I can pick up somethings.
Happy Late Birthday JQ!!!!! Well I officially am praying for you since you are sixteen. Scary...
Its weird actually being in the field and everything. It's tiring work. But it's exciting to be teaching and sharing the message of the restoration. So what we are focusing on is member work. We are challenging members to pray about their friends and ask if they are ready for the Gospel. We have them write the names of friends who they think would be ready to hear the gospel and then we will follow up with them. So you all should do it too! Whoever first comes to your mind, write their name down and then pray and ask if they are ready be taught be the missionaries. The Lord will answer you and if an entire ward did it, the work would move forward so fast. Its the Lord's work so we should expect miracles to occur as long as we are faithfully doing our part. Yeah everyone has their agency, but everyone needs to hear the Gospel.
Well I've written quite the lengthy epistle this time. Be faithful and keep doing the right. (or choosing... but I like "doing" more...)
Love, Elder Wagner
P.S. The people have a hard time saying my name.. Wagner... W isn't a Spanish letter so yeah... its funny.
P.S.S. There are squirrels everywhere here!!! all over dead on the roads and like in every other tree. Its also weird because there are no mountains on the horizon or anything like that. The weather is way nice right now here... The summer is brutal or so I hear.
Okay... so you just send all the mail to the mission office address!!! They forward everything!!! That way when we transfer we still get our mail!! Just send it to the same address as the package you sent me and I got it, thanks!
Anyways, aside from that all is well in Bakersfield right? Well I'm doing good here in Texas. Well we got here Monday and took pictures at the temple and what not. We ate dinner at President Smith's house. He is awesome. Then that night like twenty elders all came and we slept at the assistant's apartment.
Then Tuesday we had the transfer meeting where all the elders get assigned new companions and whatnot. So I'm in a car area :) and our ward is called Casa Linda. But we only cover half the area. Our area covers a little bit of Dallas, Mesquite and most is in Garland. The ward is all Spanish, its pretty cool.
My trainer is named Elder Barney. He is from Utah (I thinks its called haramon or something like that... its like 40 min from SLC). Anyways he is the District Leader. He has been out for just over a year so his Spanish is really good. Oh we got 'doubled in' as they call it. So we are both new to the area. Its good b/c we get a new start with the investigators and the ward.
We have one baptismal date for next week. His name is Jesus Barraza. He is a ten year old who didn't get baptized when he was eight because his family was inactive. We have a few other really good investigators. José Naranjo is one. He is a 7th day Adventist but we had a great lesson last night. He is a great student of the bible and we taught him about the spirit world and how everyone will have the opportunity to hear the gospel. He loved it and it really opened him up and answered some of his questions about parts of the Bible.
The ward is really nice. The bishop is pretty great too. We met with him Tuesday night and the next night at the house of one of his counselors we found out we were going to speak in church on Sunday. So yesterday i gave like a 7 minute talk in Spanish. pretty crazy. I wrote it all out and practiced it a few times and it went pretty well. I spoke about prayer (or 'la oración'). It was good. I don't understand most of what is being said but I can pick up somethings.
Happy Late Birthday JQ!!!!! Well I officially am praying for you since you are sixteen. Scary...
Its weird actually being in the field and everything. It's tiring work. But it's exciting to be teaching and sharing the message of the restoration. So what we are focusing on is member work. We are challenging members to pray about their friends and ask if they are ready for the Gospel. We have them write the names of friends who they think would be ready to hear the gospel and then we will follow up with them. So you all should do it too! Whoever first comes to your mind, write their name down and then pray and ask if they are ready be taught be the missionaries. The Lord will answer you and if an entire ward did it, the work would move forward so fast. Its the Lord's work so we should expect miracles to occur as long as we are faithfully doing our part. Yeah everyone has their agency, but everyone needs to hear the Gospel.
Well I've written quite the lengthy epistle this time. Be faithful and keep doing the right. (or choosing... but I like "doing" more...)
Love, Elder Wagner
P.S. The people have a hard time saying my name.. Wagner... W isn't a Spanish letter so yeah... its funny.
P.S.S. There are squirrels everywhere here!!! all over dead on the roads and like in every other tree. Its also weird because there are no mountains on the horizon or anything like that. The weather is way nice right now here... The summer is brutal or so I hear.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
LAST WORDS FROM THE MTC!
Dear Family!
Here is my official last letter in the MTC! It's sad to leave. I'll especially miss the elders in my district. All six of them are going to San Bernadino. They are all going to be great Elders.
I've learned so much here in the MTC. So last night (Friday) was our volunteer was a girl who is going to BYU. She told us she was stressed and having a hard time with making decisions about school. Or at least I think that's what she said--it was all in Spanish! Well, we taught some of the first principals of Lesson 2 (The Plan of Salvation). As we bore testimony about how God really does answer prayers and how he wants us to succeed; we could tell that the Spirit had given her peace and comfort about her questions. It was awesome! We really helped her come closer to Jesus Christ and we did it in Spanish!!!
Well, I love all the letters and support! Have fun in school!
Love,
Elder Wagner
P.S. It's cold here in UTAH! (No kidding....Marissa and I were there and we nearly froze to death last weekend! Nothing like snow in October!)
Here is my official last letter in the MTC! It's sad to leave. I'll especially miss the elders in my district. All six of them are going to San Bernadino. They are all going to be great Elders.
I've learned so much here in the MTC. So last night (Friday) was our volunteer was a girl who is going to BYU. She told us she was stressed and having a hard time with making decisions about school. Or at least I think that's what she said--it was all in Spanish! Well, we taught some of the first principals of Lesson 2 (The Plan of Salvation). As we bore testimony about how God really does answer prayers and how he wants us to succeed; we could tell that the Spirit had given her peace and comfort about her questions. It was awesome! We really helped her come closer to Jesus Christ and we did it in Spanish!!!
Well, I love all the letters and support! Have fun in school!
Love,
Elder Wagner
P.S. It's cold here in UTAH! (No kidding....Marissa and I were there and we nearly froze to death last weekend! Nothing like snow in October!)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A phone call home!
Dear Family & Friends,
Elder Kevin Wagner arrived in Texas safely! We are still awaiting his new address and information about his new companion, assignment, etc. We were, however, lucky enough to get a phone call from him while he waited at the Salt Lake City airport!!
He loved his time at the MTC, but was SOOOO excited to get to Texas, meet his Trainer, meet his Mission President, and most importantly....share the gospel. His Spanish sounded great....Marissa had no idea what he was saying--so we are assuming he was speaking good Spanish!
We understand that Elder Wagner is supposed to send us a letter soon...so we are excited to read it and will check the mailbox daily. As for now, if you want to write Elder Wagner, send the mail to the mission home in Dallas. I'm sure that he will receive it. :)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
PLANES DE AVION
Dear Family,
Flight plans came last Friday! So I have to be at the travel office at the MTC at 5am Monday morning (October 13th). My plane departs SLC at 8:20 AM. I'm not supposed to meet anyone at the airport so yeah. There isn't really a rule on calling people so the earliest I'd call is 7am and the latest 8am (mountain time). I'll get a calling card or something. I arrive in Dallas around noon. I'm so excited.
The MTC has been great but I'm so ready to go. I feel like I've slowed down a lot in my spanish learning the last two weeks or so. Its hard to push yourself to speak the language when ingles is so much easier.
Just some commments and stuff about your letters. No I don't feel bad for killing animals, bugs or anything like that. I do feel like I wasted time and should have been a better missionary in high school and this summer.
Good job JQ on making a girl cry! I really liked Dad and Riley's stories about their camping trips. 55 miles in 4 days? Crazy. Awesome that Mayor Harvey Hall is coming to your class! Thats great for you students. I loved Andrea's experience with prayer! It makes me feel like I'm doing something right as a missionary. Unit2 eh? Thats alright I guess. You'll do great in it.
Thanks for sending all that stuff to the Mission home in Texas. I really appreciate it. Oh I got my hepA shot today and they gave me a flu shot (I didn't really have a choice... they just gave it to me). Well it was like 82 dollars. I'll get the insurance paperwork tomorrow. Oh I used my debit card.
Okay so Elder Urmston got here last week and he is on my floor, he isn't in my zone/branch but is has my same gym periods. We played soccer together yesterday and he was in the same session in the temple today. Its crazy. Elder Swainston and Elder Peterson (Eugene) are here too. Its cool we were all on the same cub scout baseball team and now we are all here. Elder Smith (from our stake... came here the same day) as me is here still too. As far as I know there are 5 elders here just from the Bakersfield Stake. Its really impressive.
Oh I saw Brent Hansen the other day. He works for the byu book store and they drop off all the stuff for the mtc bookstore. It was good to see him since he wasn't at my farewell and everything.
Oh general conference!!!!!!!! How could I forget? It was fanastic. I have like 10 pages of notes. Elder Oak's talk about the sacrament was great. I hope I don't ever take the sacrament the same. He gave a really similiar talk at the MTC my first week. Elder Hales' talk was great as well ( Christian Courage). The talks by the First Presidency were great in every session ( esp. Priesthood).
Well I don't have much else to say.
Love, Elder Wagner
P.S. Scripture of the Week: Mormon 9:18-22
Flight plans came last Friday! So I have to be at the travel office at the MTC at 5am Monday morning (October 13th). My plane departs SLC at 8:20 AM. I'm not supposed to meet anyone at the airport so yeah. There isn't really a rule on calling people so the earliest I'd call is 7am and the latest 8am (mountain time). I'll get a calling card or something. I arrive in Dallas around noon. I'm so excited.
The MTC has been great but I'm so ready to go. I feel like I've slowed down a lot in my spanish learning the last two weeks or so. Its hard to push yourself to speak the language when ingles is so much easier.
Just some commments and stuff about your letters. No I don't feel bad for killing animals, bugs or anything like that. I do feel like I wasted time and should have been a better missionary in high school and this summer.
Good job JQ on making a girl cry! I really liked Dad and Riley's stories about their camping trips. 55 miles in 4 days? Crazy. Awesome that Mayor Harvey Hall is coming to your class! Thats great for you students. I loved Andrea's experience with prayer! It makes me feel like I'm doing something right as a missionary. Unit2 eh? Thats alright I guess. You'll do great in it.
Thanks for sending all that stuff to the Mission home in Texas. I really appreciate it. Oh I got my hepA shot today and they gave me a flu shot (I didn't really have a choice... they just gave it to me). Well it was like 82 dollars. I'll get the insurance paperwork tomorrow. Oh I used my debit card.
Okay so Elder Urmston got here last week and he is on my floor, he isn't in my zone/branch but is has my same gym periods. We played soccer together yesterday and he was in the same session in the temple today. Its crazy. Elder Swainston and Elder Peterson (Eugene) are here too. Its cool we were all on the same cub scout baseball team and now we are all here. Elder Smith (from our stake... came here the same day) as me is here still too. As far as I know there are 5 elders here just from the Bakersfield Stake. Its really impressive.
Oh I saw Brent Hansen the other day. He works for the byu book store and they drop off all the stuff for the mtc bookstore. It was good to see him since he wasn't at my farewell and everything.
Oh general conference!!!!!!!! How could I forget? It was fanastic. I have like 10 pages of notes. Elder Oak's talk about the sacrament was great. I hope I don't ever take the sacrament the same. He gave a really similiar talk at the MTC my first week. Elder Hales' talk was great as well ( Christian Courage). The talks by the First Presidency were great in every session ( esp. Priesthood).
Well I don't have much else to say.
Love, Elder Wagner
P.S. Scripture of the Week: Mormon 9:18-22
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Mis Hermanos y Hermanas y Padres
Hello Familia!
I loved all the letters and cookies and stuff I got this week. Well its been fun here at the MTC. Its hard because some of the Elders in my district really just want to get out into the field. So I just try to keep everyone motivated and believing they can still do good here.
It's hard to have a companion. Sometimes I just want to go the bathroom and not have to tell anyone. But it's just taking some getting used to. At least Elder Richins likes to work hard. He gets kinda depressed and won't talk much, but he comes out of it eventually. You just got to love your companion. Its all about loving and serving.
So this week we seem to be getting overloaded with "Ask and ye shall recieve, knock and it shall be opened unto you" Apparently this promise appears over 120 times in the scriptures, most of any phrase. What I've been asking myself is if I really believe in it. Do I pray believing I'll receive. If God is all powerful, we just need to ask and knock. Its a great promise.
I'm so excited for General Conference!!! Its like more exciting than the Olympics. I hope you all take notes and think how you can apply what they say to your lives.
Jacquie: I hope you get better. I thought I'd point out some scriptures to help you with all your trials. Mosiah 23-24. One of my favorites stories in the Book of Mormon. Doctrine and Covenants 101:35-38 should help too. And Alma 38:5 is a good one as well. Pray and the Lord will help you out.
And for everyone else: Keep reading the scriptures and praying like you life depended on it. Take time to ponder and think about what you're doing in your life.
Oh,. I get my flight plans on friday!!!! Less than two weeks. Well best of luck!
Love,
Elder Kevin Wagner
I loved all the letters and cookies and stuff I got this week. Well its been fun here at the MTC. Its hard because some of the Elders in my district really just want to get out into the field. So I just try to keep everyone motivated and believing they can still do good here.
It's hard to have a companion. Sometimes I just want to go the bathroom and not have to tell anyone. But it's just taking some getting used to. At least Elder Richins likes to work hard. He gets kinda depressed and won't talk much, but he comes out of it eventually. You just got to love your companion. Its all about loving and serving.
So this week we seem to be getting overloaded with "Ask and ye shall recieve, knock and it shall be opened unto you" Apparently this promise appears over 120 times in the scriptures, most of any phrase. What I've been asking myself is if I really believe in it. Do I pray believing I'll receive. If God is all powerful, we just need to ask and knock. Its a great promise.
I'm so excited for General Conference!!! Its like more exciting than the Olympics. I hope you all take notes and think how you can apply what they say to your lives.
Jacquie: I hope you get better. I thought I'd point out some scriptures to help you with all your trials. Mosiah 23-24. One of my favorites stories in the Book of Mormon. Doctrine and Covenants 101:35-38 should help too. And Alma 38:5 is a good one as well. Pray and the Lord will help you out.
And for everyone else: Keep reading the scriptures and praying like you life depended on it. Take time to ponder and think about what you're doing in your life.
Oh,. I get my flight plans on friday!!!! Less than two weeks. Well best of luck!
Love,
Elder Kevin Wagner
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Elder Wags
Elder Wagner, Elder ?, Elder Richins
"The Army of Helaman" Dear Family,
Sorry about the email this week. I love the Missionary Training Center. I feel like I still have lessons to learn while I'm still here. Spanish is coming along. I'm so glad I have some Spanish experience. It helps with grammar a lot. Speaking and understanding is still difficult.
I'm in Helaman right now in the Book of Mormon; I started when I arrived. The Book of Mormon is a great, powerful book. At the halfway point I switched to Spanish. It's been hard and takes longer, but I've learned a lot.
Well, I've got to go.....
Love,
Elder Kevin Wagner
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Sorry!
Dear Family,
My email isn't working today so I only have 6 minutes to write.
I'm doing great this week. Elder Richins and I have really progressed in our teaching. We have less than twenty days left in the MTC. Its really busy. We are teaching a lesson a day pretty much. In spanish of course.
I'm going to try to send the picture card today. How are you? I only heard from andrea and mom this week. Well... have fun backpacking dad... Marissa: how is WTP? Oh I need Elder Lord's mailing address for australia.
The Gospel is amazing. Keep reading the book of mormon together. I love all you all and can't wait to get out to the field.
Oh, andee asked what time I go to sleep. I wake up at 6:30 every day and go to bed at 10:30 every night. No naps. I'm tired a lot but if you keep busy its not too bad. So I have 2 minutes left........
Basically we have class every day and we study lots. Its way fun. Gym is the best. If we didn't have it Elders would go crazy.
Sorry I was brief, but I'm writing a snail mail.
Love,
Elder kevin wagner
My email isn't working today so I only have 6 minutes to write.
I'm doing great this week. Elder Richins and I have really progressed in our teaching. We have less than twenty days left in the MTC. Its really busy. We are teaching a lesson a day pretty much. In spanish of course.
I'm going to try to send the picture card today. How are you? I only heard from andrea and mom this week. Well... have fun backpacking dad... Marissa: how is WTP? Oh I need Elder Lord's mailing address for australia.
The Gospel is amazing. Keep reading the book of mormon together. I love all you all and can't wait to get out to the field.
Oh, andee asked what time I go to sleep. I wake up at 6:30 every day and go to bed at 10:30 every night. No naps. I'm tired a lot but if you keep busy its not too bad. So I have 2 minutes left........
Basically we have class every day and we study lots. Its way fun. Gym is the best. If we didn't have it Elders would go crazy.
Sorry I was brief, but I'm writing a snail mail.
Love,
Elder kevin wagner
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
1 Month Down....23 to Go!!
Dear Family,
Well I'm doing very well this week. Um here are some notes from your letters to me.
Thanks for the left handed letters Marissa and Riley. Didn't understand much but thanks. Thanks for the letter Andrea! Thats awesome you are trying to be a missionary to your friends.
Thats awesome you are working on goals as a family. Preach my Gospel is a great resource to learn how to study and set goals. I'll try to have some pictures printed and sent to you next week Mom. I'll see if I can send the picture card in a padded evelope or something. If I could get a 5x7 family picture, 4x6 for my scriptures.
Oh I'm good on meds from target but I will need allegra-d in like a month or so; so you can send that to the Mission Home. Oh does Jacquie want a birthday present from the Missionary Training Center? Or should I even bother getting a birthday present? I don't know. Oh dear elder letters come in the evening usually and just in the mailbox. Anyways. The work goes on.
Yes Elder Lord left. He took a picture of us together so that was great. I don't have is address just his email. Stop being sick family! You all need to drink more water. Don't mess with shin splints... they are stronger than you. haha.
So I'm the new district leader. We switched Sunday. Its exciting. My district makes it really easy. We don't have any big companionship problems so yeah. I really am just trying to keep everyone focused and continually learning.
Richard Hinckley and his wife spoke last night. It was great to hear him. He gave us 9 be's of missionary work. Lets see if I can remember all of them. 1. be civil 2. be happy 3 be bold 4 be prayerful 5 be obedient 6 be careful 7 be filled with faith 8 be clean 9 be leaders. Yeah it is a great list of missionary attributes.
Dad, you should have all the young men read 'Becoming Missionaries' by Elder Bednar. Following that talk will help prepare all the young men to be great missionaries. I'm almost out of time. Keep praying and reading your scriptures.
Love, Elder Wagner
Well I'm doing very well this week. Um here are some notes from your letters to me.
Thanks for the left handed letters Marissa and Riley. Didn't understand much but thanks. Thanks for the letter Andrea! Thats awesome you are trying to be a missionary to your friends.
Thats awesome you are working on goals as a family. Preach my Gospel is a great resource to learn how to study and set goals. I'll try to have some pictures printed and sent to you next week Mom. I'll see if I can send the picture card in a padded evelope or something. If I could get a 5x7 family picture, 4x6 for my scriptures.
Oh I'm good on meds from target but I will need allegra-d in like a month or so; so you can send that to the Mission Home. Oh does Jacquie want a birthday present from the Missionary Training Center? Or should I even bother getting a birthday present? I don't know. Oh dear elder letters come in the evening usually and just in the mailbox. Anyways. The work goes on.
Yes Elder Lord left. He took a picture of us together so that was great. I don't have is address just his email. Stop being sick family! You all need to drink more water. Don't mess with shin splints... they are stronger than you. haha.
So I'm the new district leader. We switched Sunday. Its exciting. My district makes it really easy. We don't have any big companionship problems so yeah. I really am just trying to keep everyone focused and continually learning.
Richard Hinckley and his wife spoke last night. It was great to hear him. He gave us 9 be's of missionary work. Lets see if I can remember all of them. 1. be civil 2. be happy 3 be bold 4 be prayerful 5 be obedient 6 be careful 7 be filled with faith 8 be clean 9 be leaders. Yeah it is a great list of missionary attributes.
Dad, you should have all the young men read 'Becoming Missionaries' by Elder Bednar. Following that talk will help prepare all the young men to be great missionaries. I'm almost out of time. Keep praying and reading your scriptures.
Love, Elder Wagner
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
4 weeks......and its my birthday today!
I don't have much time so... well.
Thanks for all the letters and for the birthday package. I opened it on Monday. oops. Keith sent me a letter with a picture of him and an investigator. It was a great letter. He sent it august 25th so yeah. I'm doing very well here.
Yesterday Pres Uchtdorf and his wife spoke. His wife was hilarious. Her English isn't very good but she wasn't afraid to mess up. Pres Uchtdorf was excellent as usual. Oh he said the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve pray for all of the missionaries and for their families.
Um... Spanish coming along. This Friday is our last week speaking English in our lesson so yeah.
Good job Marissa and Jacquie in school and hitting cars and tennis and stuff. Don't get sick anymore Jacquie. Oh I liked your story about the crushed peppers Riley. I'd like to hear from Andrea but I hear Andrea is the only one who does her chores.
So we have two instructors. Hermano(brother) Beesley is one. He reminds me of Brother Haroldsen in a good way. He is a great teacher. very awesome. He is from Utah... went to Ecuador. And is at the Y . Hermana(sister) Evans is our other teacher. She was adopted and is Guatemalan originally but was raised in Utah and didn't speak Spanish until her mission. She is like 4'10" and full of energy all the time. Also a student at the Y. They are great teachers. It'd be cool to teach here after the mission.
So I got some cupcakes from Jenn and Eliza for my birthday. They were pretty good. Oh I got a hair cut today. Its way short now.
So for gym I do whatever. 4 square is pretty awesome. Volleyball and basketball too. A little running and weights too. Oh we finally got new roommates today. Elder Johnson is from Atlanta (he is like 6'3" and African American) he was in the naval academy for 2 years too) I can't remember the other elders name but he seems decent. Elder Richins is doing very well. He is growing so much in the Gospel. Its amazing. I wonder if I have grown as much as he has?
Well keep praying and reading the scriptures daily and you will be blessed. Like Elder Jensen said, " You can be active in the church, but its harder to be active in the Gospel." So much about missionary work is constantly trying to improve and doing what the Lord would have you do. Random great scripture: Helaman 3:35. You all should read about Nephi and Lehi. They were awesome missionaries.
Love,
Elder Wagner
Thanks for all the letters and for the birthday package. I opened it on Monday. oops. Keith sent me a letter with a picture of him and an investigator. It was a great letter. He sent it august 25th so yeah. I'm doing very well here.
Yesterday Pres Uchtdorf and his wife spoke. His wife was hilarious. Her English isn't very good but she wasn't afraid to mess up. Pres Uchtdorf was excellent as usual. Oh he said the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve pray for all of the missionaries and for their families.
Um... Spanish coming along. This Friday is our last week speaking English in our lesson so yeah.
Good job Marissa and Jacquie in school and hitting cars and tennis and stuff. Don't get sick anymore Jacquie. Oh I liked your story about the crushed peppers Riley. I'd like to hear from Andrea but I hear Andrea is the only one who does her chores.
So we have two instructors. Hermano(brother) Beesley is one. He reminds me of Brother Haroldsen in a good way. He is a great teacher. very awesome. He is from Utah... went to Ecuador. And is at the Y . Hermana(sister) Evans is our other teacher. She was adopted and is Guatemalan originally but was raised in Utah and didn't speak Spanish until her mission. She is like 4'10" and full of energy all the time. Also a student at the Y. They are great teachers. It'd be cool to teach here after the mission.
So I got some cupcakes from Jenn and Eliza for my birthday. They were pretty good. Oh I got a hair cut today. Its way short now.
So for gym I do whatever. 4 square is pretty awesome. Volleyball and basketball too. A little running and weights too. Oh we finally got new roommates today. Elder Johnson is from Atlanta (he is like 6'3" and African American) he was in the naval academy for 2 years too) I can't remember the other elders name but he seems decent. Elder Richins is doing very well. He is growing so much in the Gospel. Its amazing. I wonder if I have grown as much as he has?
Well keep praying and reading the scriptures daily and you will be blessed. Like Elder Jensen said, " You can be active in the church, but its harder to be active in the Gospel." So much about missionary work is constantly trying to improve and doing what the Lord would have you do. Random great scripture: Helaman 3:35. You all should read about Nephi and Lehi. They were awesome missionaries.
Love,
Elder Wagner
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
September 3, 2008
Hi everybody!
I sent another spanish letter today so yeah... I haven't heard from you since saturday but I'm guessing the holiday threw everything off. The MTC is awesome. So another missionary last thursday kinda broke down. He said he doesn't really believe in himself. So I asked if he is praying and if he even believes his prayers will be answered. He hadn't really been praying with 'real intent' and didn't know how to make himself happier. So I read some scriptures with him and told him of the experiences i've had in my life with prayer and that if we pray with intent it really makes a difference. Alma 36 is one thing I read with him. Four days later and he says he is the happiest his has every been in his life. The gospel can change you if you let it.
So Elder Quetin L. Cook spoke yesterday. It was great. I really felt like what he was saying was directly from the Lord. He was on the missionary board that created Preach my Gospel. Some great stories about Pres. Hinckley. He quoted Pres. Packer as saying, 'preach my gospel was written on the other side of the veil and assembled here' He said that some missionaries had started to memorize lesson plans rather than prayerfully create a new one each time. And he said that missionaries weren't focusing on commitments as much as they should. The closing hymn was praise to the man. Awesome.
Oh at the sunday fireside Elder Lord sat right in front of me. He is the District Leader in his district. He is doing great but its hard to say b/c the 1st days are kinda crazy. Well I'm doing very well. Yesterday we taught lesson two to a teacher and he gave us some great feedback. Its so hard to try and teach the doctrines while keeping them involved and addressing their needs. But there have been a few times already where the I've felt the Spirit lead me to say something or ask a question.
Oh I'm in Mosiah now reading the Book of Mormon. Its so awesome. I've been looking for the 5 things we do to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ and the atonementrepentancebaptismrecieving the gift of the holy ghost and endure to the end!Well its been awesome.
oh I can't decide on a missionary plaque scripture quite yet but I'm working on it. I love you all so much. Well in true missionary fashion I want to challenge you to do something. First everyone needs to be praying daily, mornning and night. That will bless you so much. I think it would be awesome if you, as a family, gave a Book of Mormon to a friend or to anyone. Invite friends to learn more. I regret that I didn't share that I loved my church with my friends in high school. Don't fear men. Fear God. If you don't share the gospel this one time they might not be able ever hear it again. You have to be confident that the Gospel WILL bless their lives. It will. I know this with every piece of my body. Be missionaries. 'Shall we not go on in such great a cause' (Joseph Smith)
Love, Elder Kevin Shaffer Wagner
I sent another spanish letter today so yeah... I haven't heard from you since saturday but I'm guessing the holiday threw everything off. The MTC is awesome. So another missionary last thursday kinda broke down. He said he doesn't really believe in himself. So I asked if he is praying and if he even believes his prayers will be answered. He hadn't really been praying with 'real intent' and didn't know how to make himself happier. So I read some scriptures with him and told him of the experiences i've had in my life with prayer and that if we pray with intent it really makes a difference. Alma 36 is one thing I read with him. Four days later and he says he is the happiest his has every been in his life. The gospel can change you if you let it.
So Elder Quetin L. Cook spoke yesterday. It was great. I really felt like what he was saying was directly from the Lord. He was on the missionary board that created Preach my Gospel. Some great stories about Pres. Hinckley. He quoted Pres. Packer as saying, 'preach my gospel was written on the other side of the veil and assembled here' He said that some missionaries had started to memorize lesson plans rather than prayerfully create a new one each time. And he said that missionaries weren't focusing on commitments as much as they should. The closing hymn was praise to the man. Awesome.
Oh at the sunday fireside Elder Lord sat right in front of me. He is the District Leader in his district. He is doing great but its hard to say b/c the 1st days are kinda crazy. Well I'm doing very well. Yesterday we taught lesson two to a teacher and he gave us some great feedback. Its so hard to try and teach the doctrines while keeping them involved and addressing their needs. But there have been a few times already where the I've felt the Spirit lead me to say something or ask a question.
Oh I'm in Mosiah now reading the Book of Mormon. Its so awesome. I've been looking for the 5 things we do to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ and the atonementrepentancebaptismrecieving the gift of the holy ghost and endure to the end!Well its been awesome.
oh I can't decide on a missionary plaque scripture quite yet but I'm working on it. I love you all so much. Well in true missionary fashion I want to challenge you to do something. First everyone needs to be praying daily, mornning and night. That will bless you so much. I think it would be awesome if you, as a family, gave a Book of Mormon to a friend or to anyone. Invite friends to learn more. I regret that I didn't share that I loved my church with my friends in high school. Don't fear men. Fear God. If you don't share the gospel this one time they might not be able ever hear it again. You have to be confident that the Gospel WILL bless their lives. It will. I know this with every piece of my body. Be missionaries. 'Shall we not go on in such great a cause' (Joseph Smith)
Love, Elder Kevin Shaffer Wagner
Monday, September 1, 2008
August 27th
Hola mi familia!
Esta es mi carta en Espanol a ustedes. Quiero, compartir mi testimonio con ustedes. Yo se que La Iglesia de JesuCristo de Los Santos de los Ultimos Dias es verdadero. Se que el Libro de Mormon es la palabra de Dios. Se que Dios nos ama. Por medio de el Expansion de JesuCristo podemos recibir perdon por nuestras pecados. Jose Smith fue un proteta of Dios. Ese es mi testimonio.
?Como esta? Yo estoy muy bueno. Yo puedo orar en espanol. ?Cual es orar? Por medio de oracion podemos communicar con Dios. Lo es similiar a cuando you hable usted. No me gusta cachillos. Pero me gustan las espadas. Con las espada de verdad derramare (I will spill) el sangre de los Gentiles.(Marissa sent Kevin a letter in Spanish asking if he liked knives. That should help you understand this response. :)) No tengo mucho tiempe para escribir esta carta a usted.
Adios, con much amor,
Elder Kevin Wagner
Esta es mi carta en Espanol a ustedes. Quiero, compartir mi testimonio con ustedes. Yo se que La Iglesia de JesuCristo de Los Santos de los Ultimos Dias es verdadero. Se que el Libro de Mormon es la palabra de Dios. Se que Dios nos ama. Por medio de el Expansion de JesuCristo podemos recibir perdon por nuestras pecados. Jose Smith fue un proteta of Dios. Ese es mi testimonio.
?Como esta? Yo estoy muy bueno. Yo puedo orar en espanol. ?Cual es orar? Por medio de oracion podemos communicar con Dios. Lo es similiar a cuando you hable usted. No me gusta cachillos. Pero me gustan las espadas. Con las espada de verdad derramare (I will spill) el sangre de los Gentiles.(Marissa sent Kevin a letter in Spanish asking if he liked knives. That should help you understand this response. :)) No tengo mucho tiempe para escribir esta carta a usted.
Adios, con much amor,
Elder Kevin Wagner
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Dear Family,
Well I love all the letters and support. I've sent a letter en espanol so don't worry its coming. Its mostly my testimony in Spanish. First we learned to pray in spanish and then how to testify. I can do a basic approach in spanish. Every friday we have a teaching appointment where we teach the first lesson. They are volunteers from around Provo. Its awesome. Last week Elder Oaks came. I've learned so much already about the Gospel and tons of spanish. Its strange to think its only been two weeks. I'm feeling way better right now than i did last week so hopefully my letter is better.
My companion, Elder Richins is from a lil town called roberts Idaho. he says its like 10 miles north of Idaho Falls. He is funny. His spanish is coming along but he struggles with it. He is pretty shy but has opened up. we don't have roommates so its nice an spacious in the dorm. not that we are ever in there. We eat, sit, eat, sit, gym, eat, sit, sit, sleep. And somehow we learn more than we ever have.
My district is great. there are eight of us. the other six are going to San Bernadino spanish speaking. E. Gardner is the district leader, from indianapolis. E. Priest, his companion, is from springville, ut and is one of the most enthusiastic elders i've ever met. E. Salazar is from midway, ut and his companion E. Clark is also from indy. E. Lawrence from SLC and his companion E. Caraway is from south carolina. They are all great.
Elder Elison and Elder Scott Carter (Both from Bakersfield) both left monday. E. Elison had to go to arizona b/c his visa to peru didn't come through. E. Carter was the first to go to mexico on time. Elder Frye (From Napa) is doing great and he said his grandparents are fine, he saw them in the hospital. He is in advanced espanol with all native speakers.
I see many elders I know here. Lots from school but Elder Jordan Turner left before I got here. E. Derek Hodges is just about to leave.
Well the spirit is amazing here. here are some random spiritual thoughts. K. look up 2 Cor 4:18 and apply it to alma 32:21 on faith. It helps me to understand that faith is deeper. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the 'greatest gift' and we should try to keep it with us all the time.
Random lesson we had in a zone conference. 4 things that stop us from changing (becoming more converted): 1. don't need the message 2 . don't listen to the messenger 3. I can't change 4 . .... I can't remebe rthe last one. Well I'm almost out of time. Keep writing and the church is true. I wish I would have used the opportunities I had in high school to share the gospel more. Be a light to all those around you. Don't fear man. Fear God. He is all that matters. The church will bless everyone who embraces it so be bold in sharing it. love,
Elder Kevin Shaffer Wagner
PS means 'post script' k riley!
Well I love all the letters and support. I've sent a letter en espanol so don't worry its coming. Its mostly my testimony in Spanish. First we learned to pray in spanish and then how to testify. I can do a basic approach in spanish. Every friday we have a teaching appointment where we teach the first lesson. They are volunteers from around Provo. Its awesome. Last week Elder Oaks came. I've learned so much already about the Gospel and tons of spanish. Its strange to think its only been two weeks. I'm feeling way better right now than i did last week so hopefully my letter is better.
My companion, Elder Richins is from a lil town called roberts Idaho. he says its like 10 miles north of Idaho Falls. He is funny. His spanish is coming along but he struggles with it. He is pretty shy but has opened up. we don't have roommates so its nice an spacious in the dorm. not that we are ever in there. We eat, sit, eat, sit, gym, eat, sit, sit, sleep. And somehow we learn more than we ever have.
My district is great. there are eight of us. the other six are going to San Bernadino spanish speaking. E. Gardner is the district leader, from indianapolis. E. Priest, his companion, is from springville, ut and is one of the most enthusiastic elders i've ever met. E. Salazar is from midway, ut and his companion E. Clark is also from indy. E. Lawrence from SLC and his companion E. Caraway is from south carolina. They are all great.
Elder Elison and Elder Scott Carter (Both from Bakersfield) both left monday. E. Elison had to go to arizona b/c his visa to peru didn't come through. E. Carter was the first to go to mexico on time. Elder Frye (From Napa) is doing great and he said his grandparents are fine, he saw them in the hospital. He is in advanced espanol with all native speakers.
I see many elders I know here. Lots from school but Elder Jordan Turner left before I got here. E. Derek Hodges is just about to leave.
Well the spirit is amazing here. here are some random spiritual thoughts. K. look up 2 Cor 4:18 and apply it to alma 32:21 on faith. It helps me to understand that faith is deeper. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the 'greatest gift' and we should try to keep it with us all the time.
Random lesson we had in a zone conference. 4 things that stop us from changing (becoming more converted): 1. don't need the message 2 . don't listen to the messenger 3. I can't change 4 . .... I can't remebe rthe last one. Well I'm almost out of time. Keep writing and the church is true. I wish I would have used the opportunities I had in high school to share the gospel more. Be a light to all those around you. Don't fear man. Fear God. He is all that matters. The church will bless everyone who embraces it so be bold in sharing it. love,
Elder Kevin Shaffer Wagner
PS means 'post script' k riley!
Friday, August 22, 2008
August 20th
Dear Family,
I'm writing this letter just in case you all don't get the email. So it might be a repeat. I still have to set it up and it's really busy so I don't know if it will get in this week. The MTC is amazing! Brother Garner was right :) when he said that 'the Spirit attacks you here.' The days are long but worth it. Right now I'm kind of sick (I have a head cold). It's getting better though. I'm really glad you packed all that medicine mom! (This is Judy talking---Jim and Kevin gave me such a hard time for packing all the medicine in a first aid kit!! Good thing I followed the letter from the MTC!!) Other than that, it's been awesome! My comp, Elder Richins is really opening up. He is a really hard worker. Espanol es muy bien. It's all coming back. Dad, you were right: They teach you how to pray first. We also are testifying en espanol. Friday we have to be able to do a contact in Spanish. We also teach lesson 1 to an 'investigator.' Yesterday Elder Dallin H. Oaks came and spoke with us. It was on the Sacrament and we need to use it to "always have His spirit to be with us." It was cool. My teachers, Hermana Evans y Hermano Beesley are awesome. They are great teachers. My district is very cool as well! All is well and I'm fine. Oh, there are so many elders I know here. It's very cool to see them again. The gospel is true! I wish you all could experience this.
Con much amor,
Elder Kevin Wagner
I'm writing this letter just in case you all don't get the email. So it might be a repeat. I still have to set it up and it's really busy so I don't know if it will get in this week. The MTC is amazing! Brother Garner was right :) when he said that 'the Spirit attacks you here.' The days are long but worth it. Right now I'm kind of sick (I have a head cold). It's getting better though. I'm really glad you packed all that medicine mom! (This is Judy talking---Jim and Kevin gave me such a hard time for packing all the medicine in a first aid kit!! Good thing I followed the letter from the MTC!!) Other than that, it's been awesome! My comp, Elder Richins is really opening up. He is a really hard worker. Espanol es muy bien. It's all coming back. Dad, you were right: They teach you how to pray first. We also are testifying en espanol. Friday we have to be able to do a contact in Spanish. We also teach lesson 1 to an 'investigator.' Yesterday Elder Dallin H. Oaks came and spoke with us. It was on the Sacrament and we need to use it to "always have His spirit to be with us." It was cool. My teachers, Hermana Evans y Hermano Beesley are awesome. They are great teachers. My district is very cool as well! All is well and I'm fine. Oh, there are so many elders I know here. It's very cool to see them again. The gospel is true! I wish you all could experience this.
Con much amor,
Elder Kevin Wagner
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Just send snail mail & dearelder.com
Family-
Okay if anyone gets this make SURE YOU TELL MOM!!!! K riley and marissa. Well I couldn't remember/find the list of email addresses mom sent to me so sorry. I can only check email on wednesdays so yeah. dear elder is best i think while I'm here... I'm sending a snail mail letter today as well. I only have 30minutes so I can't read too many so dear elder is best. I'm doing great! Its amazing here. I have to get my laundry but there is more in my other letter... I have a cold right now so I can't think straight. Elder oaks came yesterday. His talk was great. I love it here so much. Espanol es muy bien.
Love Elder Wagner
Okay if anyone gets this make SURE YOU TELL MOM!!!! K riley and marissa. Well I couldn't remember/find the list of email addresses mom sent to me so sorry. I can only check email on wednesdays so yeah. dear elder is best i think while I'm here... I'm sending a snail mail letter today as well. I only have 30minutes so I can't read too many so dear elder is best. I'm doing great! Its amazing here. I have to get my laundry but there is more in my other letter... I have a cold right now so I can't think straight. Elder oaks came yesterday. His talk was great. I love it here so much. Espanol es muy bien.
Love Elder Wagner
Saturday, August 16, 2008
1st letter from the MTC
Dear Family (especially Mom),
I've been instructed to write you at the end of my first day. Its pretty awesome here. My companion is Elder Richins. He is from a little town about 10 miles north of Idaho Falls. I'm very tired but it's only supposed to get harder. I can't wait to start working on my Spanish though. Oh, I saw about 5 guys from my floor at BYU, it was very cool. Well our Zone Leaders are awesome! Dearelder.com does a free mail service so check it out. I can set up email on my Wednesday P-Day. They keep you busy here and I'm excited to have a real day here.
Con mucho amor,
Elder Kevin Wagner
P.S. The church is true.
P.S.S. The food is JUST LIKE the Cannon Center!!!
I've been instructed to write you at the end of my first day. Its pretty awesome here. My companion is Elder Richins. He is from a little town about 10 miles north of Idaho Falls. I'm very tired but it's only supposed to get harder. I can't wait to start working on my Spanish though. Oh, I saw about 5 guys from my floor at BYU, it was very cool. Well our Zone Leaders are awesome! Dearelder.com does a free mail service so check it out. I can set up email on my Wednesday P-Day. They keep you busy here and I'm excited to have a real day here.
Con mucho amor,
Elder Kevin Wagner
P.S. The church is true.
P.S.S. The food is JUST LIKE the Cannon Center!!!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The MTC
The whole family getting ready to enter the MTC. No tears yet!
New Missionaries Enter Here!
Yes!! The official missionary tag!
And the important orange dot!(This lets everyone know that he's a newb!)
Elder Wagner made it to the MTC!!
Elder Wagner made it to the MTC!!
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