Dear Family,
I'm glad to hear that Uncle Paul is doing well after the surgery. Thanks for forwarding Zach's email as well.
My last week was great. I really don't deserve all the blessings I've received. Words can't describe how grateful I am for having come on a mission. It was worth every minute (and every dollar, Dad ).
Surreal is a great word to describe how I feel. During many different times last week I realized that it was going to end. I'm just glad I didn't break down and cry randomly. Even though these past two weeks have been the hottest of my mission, I want to be out in the heat. I know every ounce of sweat (more like gallons!!!) is for the best. Wednesday I had my 'exit interview' with President Smith. It was great. I can't believe its over.
Tonight we have dinner with Caleb and Wendy Michaelis. They are very excited about the gospel. Every night they read a chapter in the Book of Mormon together. Next August I'll probably come out to Texas for their sealing. I feel so privileged to know them.
Elder Dytrt is getting transferred as well for his last 6 weeks. The ward was sad to see us leave, but not as sad as we are to leave. Its a small ward in a very diverse area, but there is such a strong spirit of unity and acceptance. There are some great families that I hope to be like.
So I'll see everyone Wednesday. I sent one box of books home today (media mail).
Basically, having served a mission, I know who I am and who I want to be. I know that my Heavenly Father and Savior love me, for me. The reality is that I'm human and make mistakes, but the Lord can help me change. Before my mission I "knew" I was a literal spirit child of God, but now I not only know it, I feel it deep inside my heart. I don't know what the rest of my life has in store, but I know who to trust in.
God Bless.
Love,
Elder Kevin Wagner
A Note from Judy: Wow!! It is hard to believe that his mission is coming to an end. I won't lie and say that I didn't miss him!! But, even as much as I missed this boy, I am so grateful that he was willing to serve the Lord for 2 years. Our family has been blessed in so many ways because of his service. I wouldn't have wanted him to spend the last 2 years any other way!! Thank you for all of you who have read his letters, written to him, and prayed for him. It has been an awesome experience!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
So much to do, So little TIME!
Dear Family,
The title says a lot about how I feel. We are being blessed with many people to teach and I don't want to have to leave them all. However, such is life.
By the way, Texas is really hot in the summer.
Here are a few signs that mean my mission is coming to a close:
1. I no longer own white shirts, for they are not white, they are threadbare, stained and yellow-gray.
2. My bike tire tread is wearing down.
3. I have an amazing collar tan line.
4. My shoes are finally starting to show some wear. (they were really nice shoes)
5. When I left on my mission, George W. Bush was the president.
Anyways, there are constant reminders that my mission is coming to a close. Mostly, I feel so grateful for this time the Lord gave me to serve. Words can't describe the many testimonies and miracles I've received. Now I know why the Lord wants every young man to prepare and serve a two year mission. The Gospel means so much more to me now.
Yesterday we had an awesome day. PEC meeting at 8am was great (I'm in an awesome ward). A less-active family we've been working with for several months came to church (a mom and her three young daughters). It was sweet!!! She has a ten year old who wants to get baptized. The two little girls (3&4 yrs old) were looking around after church saying, "Where are the missionaries?". We shook their hands and said goodbye. You should have seen the smiles on their faces.
Another family came to church for the first time since we've been here. The wife isn't a member but she came. We are going to start teaching them the lessons tomorrow. I'm pumped!!!
During the third hour Caleb Michaelis received the Aaronic Priesthood. His wife watched and I though to myself how awesome it was that her and her daughter now have the priesthood in the home. Caleb is loving church and the gospel.
After church we tried to visit a couple less-actives, but no one was home. We had like forty minutes so we tracked this street. It was uneventful except for the return appointment we got with a Hispanic family. The 20 year old daughter answered the door and I explained what we do. As I spoke her mom came from behind and told her in Spanish that she should listen to us and learn more because it is good. The daughter 'translated' for us, but little do they know we both speak Spanish. Muhahaha. Anyways she told us to come back and share more about the plan of salvation.
Dinner was good with two of the young married couples in the ward. We had lasagna which is always good. After we stopped by an investigator who wasn't home and we didn't know what to do next. I had the crazy thought to try a part member family that hadn't been answering our calls and we hadn't seen in two weeks. It was crazy because it was like a twenty minute bike ride from where we were at the time in the opposite direction of our apartment. (it was like 7:40 ish) We did it anyways and guess what, they were there!!! We set up a return apt for next week (the 20th) and I had to break it to them that I wouldn't be there. I got to bear my testimony to them and leave their house with a prayer. It was very cool.
So I've rambled a lot but a long story short is that missionary work is awesome. I can't wait to lure all my unsuspecting friends and acquaintances into meeting with the missionaries. It will be exciting.
Tell Uncle Paul and Aunt Susan that I love and pray for them. I hope all goes well.
God Bless and see you soon.
Love
Elder Kevin Wagner
PS. I will be emailing next Monday too. To send the bike home is 70 dollars so don't worry if it is no longer in my account.
The title says a lot about how I feel. We are being blessed with many people to teach and I don't want to have to leave them all. However, such is life.
By the way, Texas is really hot in the summer.
Here are a few signs that mean my mission is coming to a close:
1. I no longer own white shirts, for they are not white, they are threadbare, stained and yellow-gray.
2. My bike tire tread is wearing down.
3. I have an amazing collar tan line.
4. My shoes are finally starting to show some wear. (they were really nice shoes)
5. When I left on my mission, George W. Bush was the president.
Anyways, there are constant reminders that my mission is coming to a close. Mostly, I feel so grateful for this time the Lord gave me to serve. Words can't describe the many testimonies and miracles I've received. Now I know why the Lord wants every young man to prepare and serve a two year mission. The Gospel means so much more to me now.
Yesterday we had an awesome day. PEC meeting at 8am was great (I'm in an awesome ward). A less-active family we've been working with for several months came to church (a mom and her three young daughters). It was sweet!!! She has a ten year old who wants to get baptized. The two little girls (3&4 yrs old) were looking around after church saying, "Where are the missionaries?". We shook their hands and said goodbye. You should have seen the smiles on their faces.
Another family came to church for the first time since we've been here. The wife isn't a member but she came. We are going to start teaching them the lessons tomorrow. I'm pumped!!!
During the third hour Caleb Michaelis received the Aaronic Priesthood. His wife watched and I though to myself how awesome it was that her and her daughter now have the priesthood in the home. Caleb is loving church and the gospel.
After church we tried to visit a couple less-actives, but no one was home. We had like forty minutes so we tracked this street. It was uneventful except for the return appointment we got with a Hispanic family. The 20 year old daughter answered the door and I explained what we do. As I spoke her mom came from behind and told her in Spanish that she should listen to us and learn more because it is good. The daughter 'translated' for us, but little do they know we both speak Spanish. Muhahaha. Anyways she told us to come back and share more about the plan of salvation.
Dinner was good with two of the young married couples in the ward. We had lasagna which is always good. After we stopped by an investigator who wasn't home and we didn't know what to do next. I had the crazy thought to try a part member family that hadn't been answering our calls and we hadn't seen in two weeks. It was crazy because it was like a twenty minute bike ride from where we were at the time in the opposite direction of our apartment. (it was like 7:40 ish) We did it anyways and guess what, they were there!!! We set up a return apt for next week (the 20th) and I had to break it to them that I wouldn't be there. I got to bear my testimony to them and leave their house with a prayer. It was very cool.
So I've rambled a lot but a long story short is that missionary work is awesome. I can't wait to lure all my unsuspecting friends and acquaintances into meeting with the missionaries. It will be exciting.
Tell Uncle Paul and Aunt Susan that I love and pray for them. I hope all goes well.
God Bless and see you soon.
Love
Elder Kevin Wagner
PS. I will be emailing next Monday too. To send the bike home is 70 dollars so don't worry if it is no longer in my account.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Baptism, Wedding, and Confirmation
Dear Family,Cool pictures from camp. I'm glad to hear that young men's camp was a success. Seeing Riley's picture from Mount Langley made me think back to when we went. Now many of us are on missions or are returned from missions. I can't believe how big Riley and Andrea are. How crazy.
That is very exciting news for Keith. I'm excited for him. As for the sports pass, I'd love to go with him to games. Marissa and I can go to the basketball games together. Off the top of my head I can't think of anyone to buy the other half of the contract. I haven't kept in touch with many of my buddies from Helaman Halls, but I'll think about it.
I am very excited to go to the temple with everyone. It will be a neat experience. This last week I got to go do an endowment session in the morning. Its a very special place. I talked with the Ortigoza's in Nacogdoches and the started the 6 week temple preparation classes. They haven't set a specific date to go get sealed but it will be after I leave Texas (but it'll give me a good excuse to come back).
We had a very fun week. Elder Dytrt had some leadership training tuesday to thursday so I got to stay in the area with a brand new missionary named Elder Pope. It was fun. He is easily distracted but wil be a great Elder. Friday night and Saturday morning we helped with two moves in the ward. (my back is sore....).
Caleb's baptism went very well. He said that it had been an awesome day. The wedding was simple, done by Bishop at the church right after the baptism. The spirit was very strong and I feel so blessed to be a part of it. My time is short in Texas but we are working hard. We have so many different families to teach but they all will progress in their own time frame. This week we hope to set many more baptismal dates. The Gospel is awesome. I've run out of email time but God bless.
Love,
Elder Wagner
P.S. Tell Uncle Paul and family that I'm praying for them.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Come Unto Christ
Dear Family,
The Lord is really blessing us with many people to teach. I feel humbled to be in his service. I'm so grateful for the time I've been a missionary and the time I still have left.
I love reading Elder Zach Wagner's and Elder Jensen's emails. They are great missionaries and are blessing so many people. I hope that they both read, study and love Preach My Gospel. I still find amazing things in that manual.
So the title of my email means a lot to me. I found a conference ensign from Nov 1990 and there were two awesome talks that helped me a lot this past week. One by Elder Maxwell about putting off the natural man and the other by Pres. Hunter called 'Come Unto Me'. President Hunter talked about Matthew 11:28-30 'Come all ye heavy laden....' and described the background to that passage. Yesterday we had dinner with a long time less-active family (20 years) and their nonmember teenage kids. We taught The Gospel of Jesus Christ for the lesson. As we taught this scripture came to mind. Christ makes the invitation to take his yoke upon us. A yoke is a big hunk of wood that ties two oxen together, thus balancing the yoke. Just imagine how much more peaceful our lives would be if we were yoked with Jesus! Our Savior wants to help and strength us. If we follow him we will find rest for our souls. Does that mean that there won't be trials and pain? Of course not. But we will be forgiven of sin and healed spiritually.
I find that I like to figure out my own solution to problems and too often I harden my heart in pride and choose not to humbly submit to the will of the Lord. All of us suffer from the same problem in varying degrees. However, the solution is the same for all. Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior is the only way to overcome our weakness. I love all the challenges in life. Sometimes they seem overwhelming but if we think of Jesus and trust him, He will guide us and strengthen us. In our greatest trials we grow closest to God. How grateful I am for the Restoration of the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without the Restoration we know very little about our Savior and how to follow him.
This Saturday, Caleb will be getting baptized and then right after get married to Wendy (a member). We thought that Caleb would have to go to another ward, but since they are getting married he will live in the ward boundaries. He is really cool. He is like thirty years old, but has really changed his life. A lot of his extended family will be coming to see because they can't believe that he is getting baptized (regardless of the denomination). He said that they view him like the Prodigals Son. It is such a great blessing. It definitely wasn't us, but the Lord changing and preparing him.
I love you all. Take care.
Love,
Elder Wagner
The Lord is really blessing us with many people to teach. I feel humbled to be in his service. I'm so grateful for the time I've been a missionary and the time I still have left.
I love reading Elder Zach Wagner's and Elder Jensen's emails. They are great missionaries and are blessing so many people. I hope that they both read, study and love Preach My Gospel. I still find amazing things in that manual.
So the title of my email means a lot to me. I found a conference ensign from Nov 1990 and there were two awesome talks that helped me a lot this past week. One by Elder Maxwell about putting off the natural man and the other by Pres. Hunter called 'Come Unto Me'. President Hunter talked about Matthew 11:28-30 'Come all ye heavy laden....' and described the background to that passage. Yesterday we had dinner with a long time less-active family (20 years) and their nonmember teenage kids. We taught The Gospel of Jesus Christ for the lesson. As we taught this scripture came to mind. Christ makes the invitation to take his yoke upon us. A yoke is a big hunk of wood that ties two oxen together, thus balancing the yoke. Just imagine how much more peaceful our lives would be if we were yoked with Jesus! Our Savior wants to help and strength us. If we follow him we will find rest for our souls. Does that mean that there won't be trials and pain? Of course not. But we will be forgiven of sin and healed spiritually.
I find that I like to figure out my own solution to problems and too often I harden my heart in pride and choose not to humbly submit to the will of the Lord. All of us suffer from the same problem in varying degrees. However, the solution is the same for all. Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior is the only way to overcome our weakness. I love all the challenges in life. Sometimes they seem overwhelming but if we think of Jesus and trust him, He will guide us and strengthen us. In our greatest trials we grow closest to God. How grateful I am for the Restoration of the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without the Restoration we know very little about our Savior and how to follow him.
This Saturday, Caleb will be getting baptized and then right after get married to Wendy (a member). We thought that Caleb would have to go to another ward, but since they are getting married he will live in the ward boundaries. He is really cool. He is like thirty years old, but has really changed his life. A lot of his extended family will be coming to see because they can't believe that he is getting baptized (regardless of the denomination). He said that they view him like the Prodigals Son. It is such a great blessing. It definitely wasn't us, but the Lord changing and preparing him.
I love you all. Take care.
Love,
Elder Wagner
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Infamous "Trunky Papers"
Dear Family,
It was a solid week. The Texas heat is in full swing, but don't worry, Dad, we stay hydrated.
So Jessica and her family were in Austin this past week and then with their dad on Sunday, but we are going to teach them on Tuesday.
The family that we saw sealed in the temple was the Elmore's, they are from here in the Dallas 6th ward. However, the family from Nacogdoches, the Ortigoza's, are soon to start temple preparation classes. It means that the will probably get sealed after I leave Texas, but it would be a good reason to come back. :)
This past week I received the infamous 'trunky papers,' meaning that I received my departure flight information. It said that the 'average cost' for sending a bike back home is 70 dollars. The other luggage costs at the airport are covered by the mission.
Random 'small world' moment: So Elder Olson (who I trained in Garland) had a greenie named Elder Solis who is training an Elder Moorhead (sp?). I spoke to him and he was in the same MTC district as Zach!!!! Tight!!!!
Yesterday at church I heard a quote that goes, "One true key to happiness is to labor for the happiness of others." I thought it was profound and an important principle of missionary work. I'm so proud that Andrea is being a great missionary to her friends. We can't force anyone to accept the Gospel, but it is our duty to invite.
Oh, before I forget, Riley, have fun at camp and I think you should do cross-country. It will be a great experience. I loved the time I had doing cross-country. And also, if you could, I'd love to eat tri-tip!!!!! Maybe with potatoes and creamy peas and whatever else.
Last week we had dinner and a lesson with a very cool part-member family. Geno Garcia (less active member) and Beth invited us to come over for dinner. The lesson was amazing. I don't think Elder Dytrt and I had ever taught that well together. We taught the Restoration. It was great because they took a trip to temple square in Salt Lake a couple of months ago. We also gave a blessing to his daughter at the end of the lesson. I was so grateful for the spirit being there to testify of the truth.
I love the 'ah-ha!' moments that I have about the Gospel. As I was reading in Alma 34:8-17, I realized that Christ's Atonement is the key to us being able to repent and change. Maybe I already knew that but the Spirit helped it enter into my heart in a different way. I love the Book of Mormon.
love
Elder Kevin Wagner
It was a solid week. The Texas heat is in full swing, but don't worry, Dad, we stay hydrated.
So Jessica and her family were in Austin this past week and then with their dad on Sunday, but we are going to teach them on Tuesday.
The family that we saw sealed in the temple was the Elmore's, they are from here in the Dallas 6th ward. However, the family from Nacogdoches, the Ortigoza's, are soon to start temple preparation classes. It means that the will probably get sealed after I leave Texas, but it would be a good reason to come back. :)
This past week I received the infamous 'trunky papers,' meaning that I received my departure flight information. It said that the 'average cost' for sending a bike back home is 70 dollars. The other luggage costs at the airport are covered by the mission.
Random 'small world' moment: So Elder Olson (who I trained in Garland) had a greenie named Elder Solis who is training an Elder Moorhead (sp?). I spoke to him and he was in the same MTC district as Zach!!!! Tight!!!!
Yesterday at church I heard a quote that goes, "One true key to happiness is to labor for the happiness of others." I thought it was profound and an important principle of missionary work. I'm so proud that Andrea is being a great missionary to her friends. We can't force anyone to accept the Gospel, but it is our duty to invite.
Oh, before I forget, Riley, have fun at camp and I think you should do cross-country. It will be a great experience. I loved the time I had doing cross-country. And also, if you could, I'd love to eat tri-tip!!!!! Maybe with potatoes and creamy peas and whatever else.
Last week we had dinner and a lesson with a very cool part-member family. Geno Garcia (less active member) and Beth invited us to come over for dinner. The lesson was amazing. I don't think Elder Dytrt and I had ever taught that well together. We taught the Restoration. It was great because they took a trip to temple square in Salt Lake a couple of months ago. We also gave a blessing to his daughter at the end of the lesson. I was so grateful for the spirit being there to testify of the truth.
I love the 'ah-ha!' moments that I have about the Gospel. As I was reading in Alma 34:8-17, I realized that Christ's Atonement is the key to us being able to repent and change. Maybe I already knew that but the Spirit helped it enter into my heart in a different way. I love the Book of Mormon.
love
Elder Kevin Wagner
Monday, July 12, 2010
Finish to the Wall!
Dear Family,
So Sunday morning we were scambling before sacrament meeting to make sure our investigators were coming. As I turned around I see Uncle Russ, right in front of me. We gave each other a big hug. It caught me offguard. It was very cool to see him though. He is right, there is a great missionary spirit in the ward. I love it.
I'm so glad to hear that the Family Reunion went well. I loved seeing the pictures of everyone. Riley and Andrea are like giants now. We can't call them 'the little kids' anymore. Its very cool that Brandon and Garrett are taking off on their missions right now.
This last week the Quorum of the Twelve make some significant changes in the way missionaries are trained in the field (not MTC). Zone conference and interview are now every 3 months instead of every six weeks. They gave us some new things to focus our trainings on, most importantly, teaching with the spirit. I think it is much needed and a great blessing. Its strange to me because I'm finishing, but the Lord's work never ends. It means I won't have another zone conference on my mission, but I'm fine with that.
Saturday we went to the Dallas Temple. A family of four who were baptized last march (09), went and were sealed. Elder Dytrt and I had a chance to go which was awesome. I had never been to a sealing before and to see it was amazing. And guess what, the sister missionaries had knocked on their door. How cool!!!
So about the title of the email. Finishing to the wall is very important to us swimmers. (I still call myself a swimmer despite not being able to swim right now.) Its easy to give up and coast into the wall, but you'll lose lots of races. I'm working to finish to the wall on my mission. It doesn't mean guaranteed baptisms and lots of them, but it does mean that I'm going to work as if I was staying. We set a new baptismal date last week with Caleb (who is dating a member), but he lives in another ward. But it was still cool. A new family came to church which was a MIRACLE!!! Two weeks ago we had nothing to do at like 7:30pm Sunday night. We started knocking a street. We met a college-age girl home for the summer, her name is Jessica. So we gave her a Book of Mormon. This last Friday we got to 'teach her' at a local McDonalds, since her parents are going through a divorce. We invited her to church. Not only did she come for all three hours, but brought her three younger siblings (all baptismal age...).
Lots of great things are happening. I love being a missionary. Words can't explain the joy of seeing others accept the gospel. Be missionaries to those around you. Please, please greet new faces at church. It is so important. I love you all.
God bless.
Love,
Elder Kevin Wagner (since Zach is Elder Wagner too)
So Sunday morning we were scambling before sacrament meeting to make sure our investigators were coming. As I turned around I see Uncle Russ, right in front of me. We gave each other a big hug. It caught me offguard. It was very cool to see him though. He is right, there is a great missionary spirit in the ward. I love it.
I'm so glad to hear that the Family Reunion went well. I loved seeing the pictures of everyone. Riley and Andrea are like giants now. We can't call them 'the little kids' anymore. Its very cool that Brandon and Garrett are taking off on their missions right now.
This last week the Quorum of the Twelve make some significant changes in the way missionaries are trained in the field (not MTC). Zone conference and interview are now every 3 months instead of every six weeks. They gave us some new things to focus our trainings on, most importantly, teaching with the spirit. I think it is much needed and a great blessing. Its strange to me because I'm finishing, but the Lord's work never ends. It means I won't have another zone conference on my mission, but I'm fine with that.
Saturday we went to the Dallas Temple. A family of four who were baptized last march (09), went and were sealed. Elder Dytrt and I had a chance to go which was awesome. I had never been to a sealing before and to see it was amazing. And guess what, the sister missionaries had knocked on their door. How cool!!!
So about the title of the email. Finishing to the wall is very important to us swimmers. (I still call myself a swimmer despite not being able to swim right now.) Its easy to give up and coast into the wall, but you'll lose lots of races. I'm working to finish to the wall on my mission. It doesn't mean guaranteed baptisms and lots of them, but it does mean that I'm going to work as if I was staying. We set a new baptismal date last week with Caleb (who is dating a member), but he lives in another ward. But it was still cool. A new family came to church which was a MIRACLE!!! Two weeks ago we had nothing to do at like 7:30pm Sunday night. We started knocking a street. We met a college-age girl home for the summer, her name is Jessica. So we gave her a Book of Mormon. This last Friday we got to 'teach her' at a local McDonalds, since her parents are going through a divorce. We invited her to church. Not only did she come for all three hours, but brought her three younger siblings (all baptismal age...).
Lots of great things are happening. I love being a missionary. Words can't explain the joy of seeing others accept the gospel. Be missionaries to those around you. Please, please greet new faces at church. It is so important. I love you all.
God bless.
Love,
Elder Kevin Wagner (since Zach is Elder Wagner too)
Monday, July 5, 2010
Final Transfer!!! I'm Staying!!
Dear Family,
So Elder Dytrt and I are staying in the Dallas 6th ward. We were suprised but excited to stay. We have a lot going for us here in the area.
This past week was filled with lots of rain, thunderstorms and humidity. It was great though, we saw lots of miracles. On Tuesday morning we rode in the rain and mud to teach Sal Parada. His wife couldn't sit in on the lesson but it was a great lesson. We read Alma 32 had a good discussion about he can really find out for himself that this is true. The spirit was really strong during the lesson which was great. Sal and his wife and three kids came to the pancake breakfast on Saturday. They are a great family!!! I'm really excited for them.
The pancake breakfast was great for us. We had like 10 nonmembers there that we had invited. Some members also brought friends. This ward is smaller in size but very united and close. Its such a blessing to be here.
So we were going to email on Wednesday but the assistants changed their minds on us, so we are doing it today. Tonight we are taking a new missionary out for his first night in the Texas Dallas Mission. It should be fun.
Its surreal to me that its the start of my last transfer. The time seems to have flow by. I'm so grateful to have made the decision to come on a mission. I went on an exchange last week with Elder Davis, who flies home to Oregon on Wednesday. At the end of a good, productive day, we talked about how great it is to be missionaries. We talked about how we never expected to feel how we feel, to know what we know and to have done what we done before we came out on the mission. I though I would come here to help others come unto Christ. I have, but I feel like I've benefited so much too. The Gospel means so much more to me now. What a priviledge it is to be members of Christ's church.
Something I've been learning about is how diligence is not working at a superhuman level, but is rather doing our best consistently. 'Don't run faster than you have strength' is a phrase used often in the scriptures. It doesn't mean we cn slack off, but to have reasonable and realistic expectations of ourselves. I'm grateful for the Gospel. The scriptures bring me peace and clarity of mind. I love my Savior. Have fun in Idaho!
Love
Elder Wagner
PS. Frisco IS in my mission! Its the stake just north of ours.
So Elder Dytrt and I are staying in the Dallas 6th ward. We were suprised but excited to stay. We have a lot going for us here in the area.
This past week was filled with lots of rain, thunderstorms and humidity. It was great though, we saw lots of miracles. On Tuesday morning we rode in the rain and mud to teach Sal Parada. His wife couldn't sit in on the lesson but it was a great lesson. We read Alma 32 had a good discussion about he can really find out for himself that this is true. The spirit was really strong during the lesson which was great. Sal and his wife and three kids came to the pancake breakfast on Saturday. They are a great family!!! I'm really excited for them.
The pancake breakfast was great for us. We had like 10 nonmembers there that we had invited. Some members also brought friends. This ward is smaller in size but very united and close. Its such a blessing to be here.
So we were going to email on Wednesday but the assistants changed their minds on us, so we are doing it today. Tonight we are taking a new missionary out for his first night in the Texas Dallas Mission. It should be fun.
Its surreal to me that its the start of my last transfer. The time seems to have flow by. I'm so grateful to have made the decision to come on a mission. I went on an exchange last week with Elder Davis, who flies home to Oregon on Wednesday. At the end of a good, productive day, we talked about how great it is to be missionaries. We talked about how we never expected to feel how we feel, to know what we know and to have done what we done before we came out on the mission. I though I would come here to help others come unto Christ. I have, but I feel like I've benefited so much too. The Gospel means so much more to me now. What a priviledge it is to be members of Christ's church.
Something I've been learning about is how diligence is not working at a superhuman level, but is rather doing our best consistently. 'Don't run faster than you have strength' is a phrase used often in the scriptures. It doesn't mean we cn slack off, but to have reasonable and realistic expectations of ourselves. I'm grateful for the Gospel. The scriptures bring me peace and clarity of mind. I love my Savior. Have fun in Idaho!
Love
Elder Wagner
PS. Frisco IS in my mission! Its the stake just north of ours.
Monday, June 28, 2010
God Bless America. Especially Texas.
Dear Family,
God bless America. Especially Texas.
I feel really blessed this week. Ethan's baptism and confirmation went very well and a lot of good things are starting up here in the ward. The Lord was really directing everything. We had a lesson with him and Brother Davies, a recent move-in to the ward. I felt like they clicked which is a big deal for Ethan. Last Sunday, independent of us, the Elders Quorum president assigned Brother Davies to be Ethan's new home teacher. So we had Brother Davies baptize Ethan which was very neat. The Lord really guides us.
There were a couple really hard days for me during last week, but after 'tribulation comes blessings.' I feel that I'm happier and closer to the Lord and Spirit than I have been in some time. Just like a cold Scout campout, sometimes it takes what seems like an eternity for the sun to rise and bring an end to the hard, cold night.
Its sobering to think that I'm approaching my last transfer here. Only the Lord knows what will happen here in the area. Since Elder Dytrt and I are spanish missionaries, its very probable that we get doubled out. But I can only guess. That reminds me, next monday the 5th is a federal holiday which means no emails until wednesday the 7th. By then we'll find out what happens for transfers.
Yesterday at church we had some great talks on America and how God guided the founding of the nation. It took me back to good ole 'We the People' days. I'm really grateful for the nation we live in. Its such a blessing. How grateful I am for the restoration of the Gospel. The truths of the Gospel mean everything to me and are the only way to find lasting happiness. I hope that we can give our all to the spreading of the restored Gospel.
Have a blast at the family reunion and maybe have all the family write the missionaries (me, Trevor and Zach) a letter or something. Just an idea... take it or leave it.
Thanks for your prayers and love.
Love,
Elder Kevin Wagner
God bless America. Especially Texas.
I feel really blessed this week. Ethan's baptism and confirmation went very well and a lot of good things are starting up here in the ward. The Lord was really directing everything. We had a lesson with him and Brother Davies, a recent move-in to the ward. I felt like they clicked which is a big deal for Ethan. Last Sunday, independent of us, the Elders Quorum president assigned Brother Davies to be Ethan's new home teacher. So we had Brother Davies baptize Ethan which was very neat. The Lord really guides us.
There were a couple really hard days for me during last week, but after 'tribulation comes blessings.' I feel that I'm happier and closer to the Lord and Spirit than I have been in some time. Just like a cold Scout campout, sometimes it takes what seems like an eternity for the sun to rise and bring an end to the hard, cold night.
Its sobering to think that I'm approaching my last transfer here. Only the Lord knows what will happen here in the area. Since Elder Dytrt and I are spanish missionaries, its very probable that we get doubled out. But I can only guess. That reminds me, next monday the 5th is a federal holiday which means no emails until wednesday the 7th. By then we'll find out what happens for transfers.
Yesterday at church we had some great talks on America and how God guided the founding of the nation. It took me back to good ole 'We the People' days. I'm really grateful for the nation we live in. Its such a blessing. How grateful I am for the restoration of the Gospel. The truths of the Gospel mean everything to me and are the only way to find lasting happiness. I hope that we can give our all to the spreading of the restored Gospel.
Have a blast at the family reunion and maybe have all the family write the missionaries (me, Trevor and Zach) a letter or something. Just an idea... take it or leave it.
Thanks for your prayers and love.
Love,
Elder Kevin Wagner
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
El Solazo
Dear Family,
'El Solazo' doesn't have a good literal translation that I'm aware of, but basically it entails the beating rays of sunlight and heat. 'Sol' is sun and the suffix 'azo' means to be hit or slapped with.
Random Spanish lesson of the day and a good description of the weather here. I'm not complaining, just saying how it is!
That is exciting that Marissa and Jacquie are in Provo-land and all settled in. Congratulations Riley and Andrea on swimming excellence! I hope you keep swimming hard and practicing hard. If you practice with good technique (esp. on turns and streamlines of walls) you'll race very well and beat everyone!! Winning isn't everything but it is fun!!
Crazy news!! A sister missionary in our district had to go home today because of stress fractures in her feet. She will rest and get better and come back out for the last 7 months of her mission. Its pretty crazy.
So Ethan's baptism got postponed a week because he had his wisdom teeth out on Saturday and it made him really sick. He's doing well and it will be this Saturday.
I completely forgot that Father's Day was yesterday until yesterday! I feel bad for not sending Dad anything but I hope he knows I love him and am grateful for his example.
Today one year ago is when I left Nacogdoches so yesterday I called the Ortigoza family to see how they are doing. They want to go to the temple and get sealed but they haven't done temple prep classes yet. They just switched the Branch Presidency and because of that, a teacher hasn't been called. It'd be cutting it really close, but they could still finish the classes and get sealed before I leave Texas. It would be really neat. It was so awesome to talk to them and hear how they've been. It made me feel so grateful for having come on a mission. It's an experience that has no comparison. I know that I've been an instrument in God's hands to further His work. The Gospel means so much to me now. I shudder to think that the mission will end, but I will work to the wall.
I love you all and pray for you all.
Love,
Elder Wagner
'El Solazo' doesn't have a good literal translation that I'm aware of, but basically it entails the beating rays of sunlight and heat. 'Sol' is sun and the suffix 'azo' means to be hit or slapped with.
Random Spanish lesson of the day and a good description of the weather here. I'm not complaining, just saying how it is!
That is exciting that Marissa and Jacquie are in Provo-land and all settled in. Congratulations Riley and Andrea on swimming excellence! I hope you keep swimming hard and practicing hard. If you practice with good technique (esp. on turns and streamlines of walls) you'll race very well and beat everyone!! Winning isn't everything but it is fun!!
Crazy news!! A sister missionary in our district had to go home today because of stress fractures in her feet. She will rest and get better and come back out for the last 7 months of her mission. Its pretty crazy.
So Ethan's baptism got postponed a week because he had his wisdom teeth out on Saturday and it made him really sick. He's doing well and it will be this Saturday.
I completely forgot that Father's Day was yesterday until yesterday! I feel bad for not sending Dad anything but I hope he knows I love him and am grateful for his example.
Today one year ago is when I left Nacogdoches so yesterday I called the Ortigoza family to see how they are doing. They want to go to the temple and get sealed but they haven't done temple prep classes yet. They just switched the Branch Presidency and because of that, a teacher hasn't been called. It'd be cutting it really close, but they could still finish the classes and get sealed before I leave Texas. It would be really neat. It was so awesome to talk to them and hear how they've been. It made me feel so grateful for having come on a mission. It's an experience that has no comparison. I know that I've been an instrument in God's hands to further His work. The Gospel means so much to me now. I shudder to think that the mission will end, but I will work to the wall.
I love you all and pray for you all.
Love,
Elder Wagner
Monday, June 14, 2010
English Ward
Dear Family,
We had a very good week (besides the chigger bites). We really got to meet a lot more members and the investigators. This ward is top-notch when it comes to member missionary work and ward organization. Its easy for me to say that they are best ward I've served. It's smaller for an English ward but really fun.
This Saturday we have a baptism for Sam. He's a 19 year old college kid and is one of a kind. Cool thing is that he quit smoking (2 packs a day!), drinking, coffee, tea and weed!!! Talk about lifestyle changes. A 17 year old, Jonathan, is going to baptize him. Jonathan and his mom, dad and younger brother all got baptized last year and are getting sealed in July. Very cool family!!!!
There is a great member family (the Aguirre's) that spoke in sacrament meeting. They have 5 kids and the dad is a school teacher. They gave great talks about raising a righteous family. Lots of funny stories that reminded me of our family. The best part is their friends, the Villacres family came to church to hear them speak. The Villacres's aren't members and have been talk off and on for two years, but haven't been baptized yet. The funny thing is that the wife of the Villacres family was the kindergarten teacher for 4 of the 5 Aguirre kids. We taught Gospel Principles Sunday and I felt like the lesson was perfect for their family.
Being in this ward reminds me a lot of back home in a good way. (I'm not trunky ... lol) There are lots of great member missionaries. They all seize the opportunities to invite friends to activities and church. I just think of how much better of a member missionary I want to be for the rest of my life.
Throughout the course of the week and with most of the investigators, a common theme of praying to know if the Book of Mormon is true through to power of the Holy Ghost came up. It reminds me of how I came to know it was true. When I was 13-14 they challenged all the YM/YW to read the Book of Mormon in a year. So I did. After finishing I decided to kneel and pray to find out if it was true. I knew thats how it worked. So I prayed. I asked 'is the book of mormon true?'. I waited. Nothing. Frustrated, I got up and went about the next week. I was puzzled why God didn't answer. Like a week later I read Moroni 10:4-5 to find out where I had messed up. As I read it came to me that I had asked if it the Book was true, NOT if it wasn't true. It seemed to be clear as crystal in my mind. I knelt and prayed. 'is the Book of Mormon NOT true?' I inquired. Immediatly the thought came to mind that I had asked a stupid question. I read the whole book and knew that it was all good. Quietly the peace of the Spirit entered my heart and my mind. Since then I've known the Book is true. I love it with all my heart and love reading from it, spanish or english. Its the best gift we could give anyone. Let us all work a little harder to share what God has given us.
I miss ya'll and love you!
Love,
Elder Kevin Wagner
We had a very good week (besides the chigger bites). We really got to meet a lot more members and the investigators. This ward is top-notch when it comes to member missionary work and ward organization. Its easy for me to say that they are best ward I've served. It's smaller for an English ward but really fun.
This Saturday we have a baptism for Sam. He's a 19 year old college kid and is one of a kind. Cool thing is that he quit smoking (2 packs a day!), drinking, coffee, tea and weed!!! Talk about lifestyle changes. A 17 year old, Jonathan, is going to baptize him. Jonathan and his mom, dad and younger brother all got baptized last year and are getting sealed in July. Very cool family!!!!
There is a great member family (the Aguirre's) that spoke in sacrament meeting. They have 5 kids and the dad is a school teacher. They gave great talks about raising a righteous family. Lots of funny stories that reminded me of our family. The best part is their friends, the Villacres family came to church to hear them speak. The Villacres's aren't members and have been talk off and on for two years, but haven't been baptized yet. The funny thing is that the wife of the Villacres family was the kindergarten teacher for 4 of the 5 Aguirre kids. We taught Gospel Principles Sunday and I felt like the lesson was perfect for their family.
Being in this ward reminds me a lot of back home in a good way. (I'm not trunky ... lol) There are lots of great member missionaries. They all seize the opportunities to invite friends to activities and church. I just think of how much better of a member missionary I want to be for the rest of my life.
Throughout the course of the week and with most of the investigators, a common theme of praying to know if the Book of Mormon is true through to power of the Holy Ghost came up. It reminds me of how I came to know it was true. When I was 13-14 they challenged all the YM/YW to read the Book of Mormon in a year. So I did. After finishing I decided to kneel and pray to find out if it was true. I knew thats how it worked. So I prayed. I asked 'is the book of mormon true?'. I waited. Nothing. Frustrated, I got up and went about the next week. I was puzzled why God didn't answer. Like a week later I read Moroni 10:4-5 to find out where I had messed up. As I read it came to me that I had asked if it the Book was true, NOT if it wasn't true. It seemed to be clear as crystal in my mind. I knelt and prayed. 'is the Book of Mormon NOT true?' I inquired. Immediatly the thought came to mind that I had asked a stupid question. I read the whole book and knew that it was all good. Quietly the peace of the Spirit entered my heart and my mind. Since then I've known the Book is true. I love it with all my heart and love reading from it, spanish or english. Its the best gift we could give anyone. Let us all work a little harder to share what God has given us.
I miss ya'll and love you!
Love,
Elder Kevin Wagner
Monday, June 7, 2010
Crazy Week!
Dear Family,
So life is slightly back to normal, considering we are having preparation day today. However last week got even crazier on Thursday. At leadership and accountability meeting our zone leaders were talking to President Smith and the assistants and President Smith made the decision to switch our area. So now we are doing English work in the Dallas 6th ward. The sister had previously been covering both the 6th ward and the north part of the Spanish branch. The change was quick and very unsuspected.
Pretty much this counts as getting doubled into the area (which is the 5th time on the mission!). Its stressful but I've felt the spirit confirm that it is where we need to be. Yesterday at church we met the ward and everyone. It was a great testimony meeting. We already knew some of the members since we lived in their ward boundaries but there are still a lot we don't know.
I'm glad to hear that Heather's baby is doing better. I loved the pictures of graduations. Riley and Andrea are like giants now!! They probably will both be taller than me at this rate. Have a fun week at Newport.
Saturday we played soccer with some members and investigators. It was indoor and really fun. We played in white shirts and ties which probably looked hilarious. It was somewhat of a final hurrah for Elder Dytrt and I in the spanish branch. Not speaking spanish is lame, but the ward support and area are great. I know its what the Lord wanted for us and for the ward.
There are 4 more weeks in this transfer (July 4 is the last sunday of the transfer). We'll see what happens now that we are doing English work. Hopefully we can leave this are better than we found it.
This email feels really scattered and not organized but hopefully you get it. More than anything I feel grateful for the guidance of the Holy Ghost in our lives. If we seek the will of the Lord humbly, he will make it know to us. The testimony I have of the principles of the restored gospel has not come all at once, through some grand event, but line upon line and precept on precept. The quiet confirmations of the Spirit teach me what I need to do and quicken my understanding. If one doesn't remember their covenants and rebels against God in any form, the Spirit departs and before we realized it we are left on our own, without God. I know these things for myself. I love you all. God Bless
Love
Elder Wagner
So life is slightly back to normal, considering we are having preparation day today. However last week got even crazier on Thursday. At leadership and accountability meeting our zone leaders were talking to President Smith and the assistants and President Smith made the decision to switch our area. So now we are doing English work in the Dallas 6th ward. The sister had previously been covering both the 6th ward and the north part of the Spanish branch. The change was quick and very unsuspected.
Pretty much this counts as getting doubled into the area (which is the 5th time on the mission!). Its stressful but I've felt the spirit confirm that it is where we need to be. Yesterday at church we met the ward and everyone. It was a great testimony meeting. We already knew some of the members since we lived in their ward boundaries but there are still a lot we don't know.
I'm glad to hear that Heather's baby is doing better. I loved the pictures of graduations. Riley and Andrea are like giants now!! They probably will both be taller than me at this rate. Have a fun week at Newport.
Saturday we played soccer with some members and investigators. It was indoor and really fun. We played in white shirts and ties which probably looked hilarious. It was somewhat of a final hurrah for Elder Dytrt and I in the spanish branch. Not speaking spanish is lame, but the ward support and area are great. I know its what the Lord wanted for us and for the ward.
There are 4 more weeks in this transfer (July 4 is the last sunday of the transfer). We'll see what happens now that we are doing English work. Hopefully we can leave this are better than we found it.
This email feels really scattered and not organized but hopefully you get it. More than anything I feel grateful for the guidance of the Holy Ghost in our lives. If we seek the will of the Lord humbly, he will make it know to us. The testimony I have of the principles of the restored gospel has not come all at once, through some grand event, but line upon line and precept on precept. The quiet confirmations of the Spirit teach me what I need to do and quicken my understanding. If one doesn't remember their covenants and rebels against God in any form, the Spirit departs and before we realized it we are left on our own, without God. I know these things for myself. I love you all. God Bless
Love
Elder Wagner
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
June!!
Dear Family,
Its a pretty crazy day today since its Wednesday and its preparation day. It was supposed to be yesterday but we had interviews with President Smith. Interviews were great. I had a temple recommend interview since my expires this month. It was neat to see how much more the Gospel means to me now that I've been on the mission.
Sounds like life is crazy for all you all. Riley is quite the superstar. He's probably going to be taller than me by the time I get home, haha. Getting Jacquie's graduation announcement threw me for a loop, I can't believe that the little freshie is about to graduate.
Marissa, it is a super small world because last night I was on exchanges with the assistants to the President. They got a call from none other than Jon Hart, and I talked to him for a little while and he said that he met you. Small world. Your job sounds great too, maybe they'll convert you to be an engineer. muahaha.
We are so blessed to have the Gospel in our lives. I love the chance that I have to be a missionary. Yesterday was sweet. We had a box of thirty old VHS church movies sitting around in the apartment. So we went down to a super hispanic area of Dallas to a school. Right at three when all the parents walk to get their children we stood on the street corner and handed out all the videos. We would have to talk spanish real fast and explain what we were doing but it was a blast. We will have more exciting activities in the near future. This Saturday we are going to play indoor soccer with investigators and members to get pumped for the World Cup. Several members have told me they already have work off for the Mexico-South Africa opener. Its funny.
Elder Dytrt is great. He makes me laugh and I drive him crazy I'm sure. His trainer came out to Dallas and took us to dinner which was pretty crazy.
So one of the biggest spiritual highlights of this week was a lesson we had with a couple from Brazil. They speak Portuguese and a little Spanish, but are here studying English at a community college. We taught the 'cup lesson' which explains the Church Christ established and the apostasy and restoration. They are in their late 50s or early 60s and already served a mission in Mozambique in Africa (Portuguese speaking). They both joined the church in Brazil as teens. They told us how Pres. Kimball came in '78 when there was barely a stake in Brazil. Now there are over 200 stakes, multiple temples and a million members. I asked them why they are here studying English. They said that they are learning English so that they can serve more missions in Africa in other parts where English is a necessity. Modern day pioneers. It was cool.
I love ya'll.
love,
Elder Wagner
Ps. thanks for being awesome missionaries mom and jacquie.
Sounds like life is crazy for all you all. Riley is quite the superstar. He's probably going to be taller than me by the time I get home, haha. Getting Jacquie's graduation announcement threw me for a loop, I can't believe that the little freshie is about to graduate.
Marissa, it is a super small world because last night I was on exchanges with the assistants to the President. They got a call from none other than Jon Hart, and I talked to him for a little while and he said that he met you. Small world. Your job sounds great too, maybe they'll convert you to be an engineer. muahaha.
We are so blessed to have the Gospel in our lives. I love the chance that I have to be a missionary. Yesterday was sweet. We had a box of thirty old VHS church movies sitting around in the apartment. So we went down to a super hispanic area of Dallas to a school. Right at three when all the parents walk to get their children we stood on the street corner and handed out all the videos. We would have to talk spanish real fast and explain what we were doing but it was a blast. We will have more exciting activities in the near future. This Saturday we are going to play indoor soccer with investigators and members to get pumped for the World Cup. Several members have told me they already have work off for the Mexico-South Africa opener. Its funny.
Elder Dytrt is great. He makes me laugh and I drive him crazy I'm sure. His trainer came out to Dallas and took us to dinner which was pretty crazy.
So one of the biggest spiritual highlights of this week was a lesson we had with a couple from Brazil. They speak Portuguese and a little Spanish, but are here studying English at a community college. We taught the 'cup lesson' which explains the Church Christ established and the apostasy and restoration. They are in their late 50s or early 60s and already served a mission in Mozambique in Africa (Portuguese speaking). They both joined the church in Brazil as teens. They told us how Pres. Kimball came in '78 when there was barely a stake in Brazil. Now there are over 200 stakes, multiple temples and a million members. I asked them why they are here studying English. They said that they are learning English so that they can serve more missions in Africa in other parts where English is a necessity. Modern day pioneers. It was cool.
I love ya'll.
love,
Elder Wagner
Ps. thanks for being awesome missionaries mom and jacquie.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Howdy!
Dear Family,
Well Elder Dytrt and I are staying together for at least one more transfer or 6 weeks. I'm really excited to be staying here and staying with him. I probably drive him crazy sometimes but we get along well.
Honestly I'm feeling better than I have in a couple months which is good. There are still lots of challenges but I'm dealing with them better. We have some good people we are teaching and several less-actives who seem receptive and willing to come back. For my entire mission I've heard about how dysfunctional the Sunbeck Branch is, but I don't believe it. We have our work cut out for us but I think we can really make a difference to build our area.
I know the Gospel was restored through Joseph Smith. I love the purity and philosophical soundness of the Gospel. Its definitely not an interpretation of the truth but light and knowledge straight from the source, God the Father and Jesus Christ. Pray and seek answers to life's problems and the joy of the Gospel will come into your live. I know it because I've felt it. Take care!
Love,
Elder Wagner
Well Elder Dytrt and I are staying together for at least one more transfer or 6 weeks. I'm really excited to be staying here and staying with him. I probably drive him crazy sometimes but we get along well.
Honestly I'm feeling better than I have in a couple months which is good. There are still lots of challenges but I'm dealing with them better. We have some good people we are teaching and several less-actives who seem receptive and willing to come back. For my entire mission I've heard about how dysfunctional the Sunbeck Branch is, but I don't believe it. We have our work cut out for us but I think we can really make a difference to build our area.
I know the Gospel was restored through Joseph Smith. I love the purity and philosophical soundness of the Gospel. Its definitely not an interpretation of the truth but light and knowledge straight from the source, God the Father and Jesus Christ. Pray and seek answers to life's problems and the joy of the Gospel will come into your live. I know it because I've felt it. Take care!
Love,
Elder Wagner
Monday, May 17, 2010
Ice, Ice Baby
Dear Family,
I'm doing good here. I'm feeling better recently. We had a good week. We had stake conference here too!!!
I've got a couple of cool stories but before I forget, I'd really like to go to the temple that week that I get back with the whole family and do baptisms for the dead. We could go Friday or Saturday, whenever, but I'd really like to go to the temple with the whole family.
Here is a funny story. So in Farmers Branch (a city in the area) there is a high school called RL Turner High. Turns out that the one hit wonder pop artist 'vanilla ice' went to high school there. We heard it from the Sisters here, who heard it from someone else. So yesterday we were like a block from the High School and we talk to this guy. Turns out he's lived there for 40+ years. He went to that high school so I asked him if he knew 'vanilla ice'. He said that he knew him and that he would race him in his 68 camaro in high school. He said 'vanilla's' real name is Robert. We gave the guy a 'libro de mormon' since he speaks english and spanish. Ice, ice baby.
I went on Exchanges with Elder Gunnell in the english wards last week. We taught the dad of an awesome family. The mom and teenagers are members, and the dad got baptized saturday. Like 100 people went, including the stake presidency in between conference sessions. It was very cool to see how much the members of the wards had fellowshipped the family back into activity. They were all less active and the teenage daughter started going to church because someone picked her up each week. Eventually her brothers got baptized and her mom came back. Now the whole family is strong and excited. It was a blessing just to see their excitement and feel the love of the ward for that family.
So this is the last week of the transfer. Elder Dytrt is convinced that he is leaving here and I'll get a new companion. We'll see. I love the gospel and the scriptures. I hope all goes well. Be examples of the believers!
Love,
Elder Wagner
I'm doing good here. I'm feeling better recently. We had a good week. We had stake conference here too!!!
I've got a couple of cool stories but before I forget, I'd really like to go to the temple that week that I get back with the whole family and do baptisms for the dead. We could go Friday or Saturday, whenever, but I'd really like to go to the temple with the whole family.
Here is a funny story. So in Farmers Branch (a city in the area) there is a high school called RL Turner High. Turns out that the one hit wonder pop artist 'vanilla ice' went to high school there. We heard it from the Sisters here, who heard it from someone else. So yesterday we were like a block from the High School and we talk to this guy. Turns out he's lived there for 40+ years. He went to that high school so I asked him if he knew 'vanilla ice'. He said that he knew him and that he would race him in his 68 camaro in high school. He said 'vanilla's' real name is Robert. We gave the guy a 'libro de mormon' since he speaks english and spanish. Ice, ice baby.
I went on Exchanges with Elder Gunnell in the english wards last week. We taught the dad of an awesome family. The mom and teenagers are members, and the dad got baptized saturday. Like 100 people went, including the stake presidency in between conference sessions. It was very cool to see how much the members of the wards had fellowshipped the family back into activity. They were all less active and the teenage daughter started going to church because someone picked her up each week. Eventually her brothers got baptized and her mom came back. Now the whole family is strong and excited. It was a blessing just to see their excitement and feel the love of the ward for that family.
So this is the last week of the transfer. Elder Dytrt is convinced that he is leaving here and I'll get a new companion. We'll see. I love the gospel and the scriptures. I hope all goes well. Be examples of the believers!
Love,
Elder Wagner
Monday, May 10, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
Dear Family,
May 10th is the day they celebrate mothers' day in Mexico. So its mothers day again!!!
It was fun to talk to you all and to hear your voices. I guess we talked about a lot yesterday but there was one thing I wanted to run by ya'll. I think that maybe the week I get back we should run down to the temple in LA and go do baptisms as a big family!! It'd be fun and we could eat In-n-out afterwards. It'd be cool because now everyone is old enough to go do baptisms.
Thats crazy Jeff will get back sooner. I figured something like that would happen though, so he can get right back into school. It'll be fun to see him again and hear his australian accent.
I'm going to start writing out all the mexican 'dichos' (sayings) that I've learned. Its fun to learn them and to learn all the mexican league soccer teams and mexican states. Its an easy way to build trust with people and show them we really care and respect their culture. Someday I really want to go to Mexico to visit. I'd like to go to the southern parts like Cancun or Acapulco or Veracruz. There are supposed to be some beautiful beaches there.
Its amazing the appreciation I've gained for the simple truths of the gospel. I love finding new scriptures that teach principles I already know. It strengthens my testimony when I can find scriptures in the Bible and Book of Mormon that teach truths. My spanish scriptures are near and dear to my heart. I know the Gospel is true and that Christ's church was restored some 180 years ago. We are greatly blessed to be members of the only ture and living church of God on the face of the earth.
Love,
Elder Wagner
May 10th is the day they celebrate mothers' day in Mexico. So its mothers day again!!!
It was fun to talk to you all and to hear your voices. I guess we talked about a lot yesterday but there was one thing I wanted to run by ya'll. I think that maybe the week I get back we should run down to the temple in LA and go do baptisms as a big family!! It'd be fun and we could eat In-n-out afterwards. It'd be cool because now everyone is old enough to go do baptisms.
Thats crazy Jeff will get back sooner. I figured something like that would happen though, so he can get right back into school. It'll be fun to see him again and hear his australian accent.
I'm going to start writing out all the mexican 'dichos' (sayings) that I've learned. Its fun to learn them and to learn all the mexican league soccer teams and mexican states. Its an easy way to build trust with people and show them we really care and respect their culture. Someday I really want to go to Mexico to visit. I'd like to go to the southern parts like Cancun or Acapulco or Veracruz. There are supposed to be some beautiful beaches there.
Its amazing the appreciation I've gained for the simple truths of the gospel. I love finding new scriptures that teach principles I already know. It strengthens my testimony when I can find scriptures in the Bible and Book of Mormon that teach truths. My spanish scriptures are near and dear to my heart. I know the Gospel is true and that Christ's church was restored some 180 years ago. We are greatly blessed to be members of the only ture and living church of God on the face of the earth.
Love,
Elder Wagner
Monday, May 3, 2010
New Area, New Comp
Dear Family,
So I'm in a new area. Its pretty fun and kind of big for us to be on bikes, but its cool. My companion, Elder Dytrt, is from Mesa, Arizona. He's been out on the mission for 6 weeks less than me. So we are in the Sunbeck Branch. Its a cool branch and the work seems to be going well here and we were able to teach a lot.
One cool experience was teaching a referral from some english elders. Turns out that this lady's brother and family lives in Garland and I even ate at their house one time. It was a 'small world' moment. She already loves the church's emphasis on the family and she is very open. As we taught she understood the need for the 12 apostles and the apostasy very well and had lots of questions. It was a neat lesson and I'm excited to teach her and her sons (she just got divorced.. .like a month ago) I don't think its coincidence that we are teaching her right now.
My new address is
4015 Vitruvian Way #302
Addison, TX 75001
Our area covers part of 5 different cities, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Farmers Branch and Irving. Its pretty crazy. Lots of hispanics and a lot of work.
I realized this last week how much I love spanish and working with the hispanic people. Their culture is different in good ways and bad ways but its really rewarding to be able to serve them. I feel like spanish will be something I'll keep and use the rest of my life. I can't speak english as well now and I probably sound like a Texan but its fun.
I'm excited to talk to all ya'll next Sunday. We should be calling around 5pm texas time or about 3pm california time. We don't have firm plans but we're going to shoot for that time.
We have Zone conference this week which is always fun.
Well, have a great week
Love
Elder Wagner
So I'm in a new area. Its pretty fun and kind of big for us to be on bikes, but its cool. My companion, Elder Dytrt, is from Mesa, Arizona. He's been out on the mission for 6 weeks less than me. So we are in the Sunbeck Branch. Its a cool branch and the work seems to be going well here and we were able to teach a lot.
One cool experience was teaching a referral from some english elders. Turns out that this lady's brother and family lives in Garland and I even ate at their house one time. It was a 'small world' moment. She already loves the church's emphasis on the family and she is very open. As we taught she understood the need for the 12 apostles and the apostasy very well and had lots of questions. It was a neat lesson and I'm excited to teach her and her sons (she just got divorced.. .like a month ago) I don't think its coincidence that we are teaching her right now.
My new address is
4015 Vitruvian Way #302
Addison, TX 75001
Our area covers part of 5 different cities, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Farmers Branch and Irving. Its pretty crazy. Lots of hispanics and a lot of work.
I realized this last week how much I love spanish and working with the hispanic people. Their culture is different in good ways and bad ways but its really rewarding to be able to serve them. I feel like spanish will be something I'll keep and use the rest of my life. I can't speak english as well now and I probably sound like a Texan but its fun.
I'm excited to talk to all ya'll next Sunday. We should be calling around 5pm texas time or about 3pm california time. We don't have firm plans but we're going to shoot for that time.
We have Zone conference this week which is always fun.
Well, have a great week
Love
Elder Wagner
Monday, April 26, 2010
Goodbye Grand Prairie
Dear Family,
So I'm getting transferred today. Its sudden but its the Lord's work and he knows best. We had a good week too. Daniela and Luis Mercado came to church again with their mom who had been less-active. They are going to get baptized in a couple of weeks which is exciting. They are sixteen and fifteen years old and really have a lot of desire to do the right. Very cool. They were sad to hear that I have to leave. I'm going close enough that I should be able to come to their baptism.Its sad to have to leave when it was really starting to pick up.
Elder Bice is the man and we had fun together. He is really fun to be around and made me laugh a lot. His spanish has improved leaps and bounds and he has grow a lot. Friday and Saturday I was in Irving on exchanges. I got to interview someone on Friday and seee their baptism Saturday morning. It was a great spiritual booster. He was taught be the sisters there. One of them, a brand new sister, gave a talk and the baptism. I couldn't help but think about how awesome it is that Jennifer is serving a mission. She'll help lots of people. In our zone there are lots of new missionaries and it makes me excited for Zach and Trevor and everyone else from the ward who are going on missions. Our missions are special to use because the are consecrated time to serve the Lord. It refines us and helps us become who the Lord needs us to be. We serve others and by so doing, we become intruments in the hands of God.
I'm glad the trek went well and that you had a spiritual experience. Riley looks so big!! He's going to be taller that me for sure. I'm seending a package with some winter clothes I don't need since its starting to get hot. I haven't got you package yet but it'll get to me eventually. I'll get you the new address this next week.
Love,
Elder Wagner
Happy Birthday Dad!!! on friday :)
So I'm getting transferred today. Its sudden but its the Lord's work and he knows best. We had a good week too. Daniela and Luis Mercado came to church again with their mom who had been less-active. They are going to get baptized in a couple of weeks which is exciting. They are sixteen and fifteen years old and really have a lot of desire to do the right. Very cool. They were sad to hear that I have to leave. I'm going close enough that I should be able to come to their baptism.Its sad to have to leave when it was really starting to pick up.
Elder Bice is the man and we had fun together. He is really fun to be around and made me laugh a lot. His spanish has improved leaps and bounds and he has grow a lot. Friday and Saturday I was in Irving on exchanges. I got to interview someone on Friday and seee their baptism Saturday morning. It was a great spiritual booster. He was taught be the sisters there. One of them, a brand new sister, gave a talk and the baptism. I couldn't help but think about how awesome it is that Jennifer is serving a mission. She'll help lots of people. In our zone there are lots of new missionaries and it makes me excited for Zach and Trevor and everyone else from the ward who are going on missions. Our missions are special to use because the are consecrated time to serve the Lord. It refines us and helps us become who the Lord needs us to be. We serve others and by so doing, we become intruments in the hands of God.
I'm glad the trek went well and that you had a spiritual experience. Riley looks so big!! He's going to be taller that me for sure. I'm seending a package with some winter clothes I don't need since its starting to get hot. I haven't got you package yet but it'll get to me eventually. I'll get you the new address this next week.
Love,
Elder Wagner
Happy Birthday Dad!!! on friday :)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Oldest in the district!
Dear Family,
Hello, hello.
Sounds like an exciting week. Thats crazy you have a broken foot!!! Who would have thought? I remembered Grandpa Wagner's birthday was last week and I hope they got the letter I wrote them.
So I'm a little crunched on time today but things are going well. The transfer brought some changes because they made our zone an all spanish zone. So I'm district leader for 4 other companionships including the zone leaders, which now include Elder Haslam!!! Its fun to get to serve around him again, now that he's been out a year now.
The other scary thing is that I'm the oldest missionary in the zone!!! Meaning I'm the next one to go home. Its pretty sobering. The date I think it will be is the 18th of August. The transfer ends the weekend before and usually missionaries go home on the wednesday after. I think there is flexibility in that date though.
So that part member family that come to church is awesome. The kids want to get baptized and we'll be setting a date this week. I love ya'll and hope all goes well.
Love
Elder Wagner
ps. if you could send one of the older camel backs w/ the bladder.. .it'd be good
Hello, hello.
Sounds like an exciting week. Thats crazy you have a broken foot!!! Who would have thought? I remembered Grandpa Wagner's birthday was last week and I hope they got the letter I wrote them.
So I'm a little crunched on time today but things are going well. The transfer brought some changes because they made our zone an all spanish zone. So I'm district leader for 4 other companionships including the zone leaders, which now include Elder Haslam!!! Its fun to get to serve around him again, now that he's been out a year now.
The other scary thing is that I'm the oldest missionary in the zone!!! Meaning I'm the next one to go home. Its pretty sobering. The date I think it will be is the 18th of August. The transfer ends the weekend before and usually missionaries go home on the wednesday after. I think there is flexibility in that date though.
So that part member family that come to church is awesome. The kids want to get baptized and we'll be setting a date this week. I love ya'll and hope all goes well.
Love
Elder Wagner
ps. if you could send one of the older camel backs w/ the bladder.. .it'd be good
Monday, April 12, 2010
District Leader!
Dear Family,
So we are staying here in Grand Prairie! I did get a call though on Saturday, I'm district leader for the Grand Prairie district. Both of the other companionships in the district are changing though.
We had a break-through week last week! Things finally started happening. We had a great lesson with Ricardo's brother, Alexander and he came to church. So on Tuesday we taught a lady in our apartment complex for the first time. The lesson didn't go that well but a retired member of the branch presidency came with us to that appointment. The next day he calls us and tell us he called a less-active sister in our area and set-up and appointment to teach the family on friday. He came with us on Friday and we taught the non member father and the two nonmember teenagers.
They all came except the dad to church yesterday! It was a miracle. The lesson on Friday with the family was sweet. He committed the family to listened to the lessons and said that at the end of the lessons that they could decide to be baptized or not. It was perfect!
Saturday, we had a blitz in our area with our district and a zone leader and assistant. We tracked down families that had been taught over the last two years by the sisters but that never got baptized. It was pretty neat. The Lord seems to be pouring out his spirit here in Grand Prairie.
Honestly it really is strange that I only have 3 transfers left. I'm really excited for this area though. After a couple weeks of struggling we've started to figure things out and are on the path to success. The whole mission is "on fire" and has a record number of baptismal date already set for April and May. This week we should be setting a couple in our area!
So many good things are happening. I wish I could tell you all of them. Thanks for the support and prayers. Good luck with finals, Marissa. I liked the epic mountain experience that dad and Uncle mike had though, pretty cool. I love ya'll so much!!
Love,
Elder Wagner
So we are staying here in Grand Prairie! I did get a call though on Saturday, I'm district leader for the Grand Prairie district. Both of the other companionships in the district are changing though.
We had a break-through week last week! Things finally started happening. We had a great lesson with Ricardo's brother, Alexander and he came to church. So on Tuesday we taught a lady in our apartment complex for the first time. The lesson didn't go that well but a retired member of the branch presidency came with us to that appointment. The next day he calls us and tell us he called a less-active sister in our area and set-up and appointment to teach the family on friday. He came with us on Friday and we taught the non member father and the two nonmember teenagers.
They all came except the dad to church yesterday! It was a miracle. The lesson on Friday with the family was sweet. He committed the family to listened to the lessons and said that at the end of the lessons that they could decide to be baptized or not. It was perfect!
Saturday, we had a blitz in our area with our district and a zone leader and assistant. We tracked down families that had been taught over the last two years by the sisters but that never got baptized. It was pretty neat. The Lord seems to be pouring out his spirit here in Grand Prairie.
Honestly it really is strange that I only have 3 transfers left. I'm really excited for this area though. After a couple weeks of struggling we've started to figure things out and are on the path to success. The whole mission is "on fire" and has a record number of baptismal date already set for April and May. This week we should be setting a couple in our area!
So many good things are happening. I wish I could tell you all of them. Thanks for the support and prayers. Good luck with finals, Marissa. I liked the epic mountain experience that dad and Uncle mike had though, pretty cool. I love ya'll so much!!
Love,
Elder Wagner
Monday, April 5, 2010
General Conference
Dear Family,
I can't believe how big Riley and Andrea are!!! They've changed a lot. That's awesome to see all the family pictures from Utah. Sounds like ya'll enjoyed conference as much as I did. In the last talk by Elder Anderson, he said that there are no assigned topics or coordination in regard to the conference talks. It made me appreciate the repeated focus on the family and the roles of parents and children. I enjoyed all the talks and feel reenergized and recommitted to do better.
Leaving the last session on Sunday, our appointments fell through and none of our contacts would answer the phone. So we went to try some potentials and we talked with all those around us. Something I'm trying to work on is to be more bold and direct with people in committing them to do something. We talked to a guy in an apartment complex parking lot. He has been looking for a church to join, but hasn't found one. We gave him a Book of Mormon and I promised that as he read and learned more he would know and feel it was true. It wasn't too different from many contacts I've done before but I felt more confidence and assurance in myself.
We found several other really good potentials yesterday evening.So this is that last week of this transfer. I'm glad to be here in the mission. I'm hopeful for the upcoming months. I feel and desire to really make a difference. Something that really stood out to me from conference was President Packer's talk on Priesthood and Fathers. His words made me realize that I need to make the effort and take the time to help many of the priesthood holders in the Branch. Too many times have I given a blessing to child when the father should have done it, but that's going to change.
There are some great new members here in the branch who we are going to help advance in the priesthood and gospel. The Lord supports us in trial. If we think of Christ, we'll realize that because he could do what he did, we can complete the task in front of us. I pray for yall and hope for the best. Be missionaries and good examples. I know that we are watched over and protected.
Love,
Elder Wagner
I can't believe how big Riley and Andrea are!!! They've changed a lot. That's awesome to see all the family pictures from Utah. Sounds like ya'll enjoyed conference as much as I did. In the last talk by Elder Anderson, he said that there are no assigned topics or coordination in regard to the conference talks. It made me appreciate the repeated focus on the family and the roles of parents and children. I enjoyed all the talks and feel reenergized and recommitted to do better.
Leaving the last session on Sunday, our appointments fell through and none of our contacts would answer the phone. So we went to try some potentials and we talked with all those around us. Something I'm trying to work on is to be more bold and direct with people in committing them to do something. We talked to a guy in an apartment complex parking lot. He has been looking for a church to join, but hasn't found one. We gave him a Book of Mormon and I promised that as he read and learned more he would know and feel it was true. It wasn't too different from many contacts I've done before but I felt more confidence and assurance in myself.
We found several other really good potentials yesterday evening.So this is that last week of this transfer. I'm glad to be here in the mission. I'm hopeful for the upcoming months. I feel and desire to really make a difference. Something that really stood out to me from conference was President Packer's talk on Priesthood and Fathers. His words made me realize that I need to make the effort and take the time to help many of the priesthood holders in the Branch. Too many times have I given a blessing to child when the father should have done it, but that's going to change.
There are some great new members here in the branch who we are going to help advance in the priesthood and gospel. The Lord supports us in trial. If we think of Christ, we'll realize that because he could do what he did, we can complete the task in front of us. I pray for yall and hope for the best. Be missionaries and good examples. I know that we are watched over and protected.
Love,
Elder Wagner
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