Crazy Week! February 24th

Buenos dias todos!!

This week has probably come to be one of the craziest so far.... Holy Cow!! I'm just glad that I have this day to kinda get a breather!

Things have been fantastic here, but just a lot has happened in the last few days. This week has been hard, crazy, and fun! I just can't believe that it is now passed, felt pretty long through it all. And now looking back, just a blink!

First thing off...DON'T HATE 8 ON DATE!!!!!!!

This transfer has really been something really amazing! And when I thought that the last other transfers were amazing, this one is amazing! And it's just the beginning!

There are just so many people that are preparing themselves, and are prepared to hear and accept the message of the Gospel. This is not the work of our hands, but I know with a surety of my heart that this is truly the work of the Lord!

The majority of the people on date for baptism is a family of 6. From the beginning, they have been super excited to learn and grow together as a family. And we learned that their relative is an investigator of the Hermanas, who also got baptized this week! And that's the other really exciting news!! Nieves was baptized!!!!

We found here only like 4-5 weeks ago, then we gave her to the Hermanas.

With her conversations with Luis's family, they just cant wait to get baptized as well. They were actually asking if we could baptize them along with Nieves...but we just have to wait a week more or so. We have the whole family on date for the 15..........two days after the transfer..................and all the guesses in the district are saying that I'm out this one. WHA!!!!! But I think that I could very well stay as well.

Either way, I am SO excited to see this family, and so many amazing people preparing themselves and loving this Gospel as much as I do! And to add to this family. We have a family that referred themselves to us, the Ramierez family, another family of 6. Who are, as well, taking a large interest in the Gospel. It really is cool to see how this Gospel is able to change people. And to be here to help others take in this change is worth everything in the world! I would never trade anything for an opportunity like this!! It's just really cool!

But the baptism of Nieves was really exciting! That was the first baptism for the branch since I have come to the Kennewick area! We got to take 7 of our investigators to go and see it, which I feel really helped invite the Spirit. It's really exciting to see someone that we found and taught a little being baptized! She had come to love everything the moment that we knocked on her door. And I still can remember that!!

On a fun note to the week...and on top of all the crazy, we got to redo a floor of a trailer......not something that I would greatly recommend for the weak stomach.... This is a family in the ward who have been having a huge problem with cockroaches. When they go to fumigate it, they come right back.

So we got in there and the floorboard were literally all caved in. The ones that weren't walkable, had a board screwed over the carpet to cover the gaping hole. We barely moved the fridge, and dead mice were falling out...let's just say that it was a blast!!!

But I do have to admit that it was a blast to be working around Hispanics...with the purpose of destroying a floor, just ripping it out. Now I can mark off "smash in floor with ax, hammer, foot, punches...etc.!" But a lot of cockroaches.... But it was a blast!

With all the awesome crazy stuff that happened...there were not so awesome that added to the crazy.

We had to say goodbye to one of the Hermanas yesterday, who was going home early due to medical. At this moment, she's on a plane to Mesa, Arizona.
And to add to that, we are completely loosing Hermanas in the Kennewick City. I just hope that it's not for good! We have to have sisters...there are so many single mothers and women. This whole week has just been hard working with that.But then I just got word two days ago, the Elder Widmer, my MTC companion, is home due to health problems as well. .....That will now make three people that have gone home in that district...and now only two left here in Washington out of the four original. Man...it's just hard to hear something like that.... My prayers are out to them, and I look forward to their return to the mission field!!! 

Everything else is going really well. This work is really exciting, and I wouldn't trade it for the world!! I've now go a lunch with President Ware in a couple, so I'll let you all go for the week!

Have a fantastic week my friends!! I love you all and wish you the best!

best wishes,

--

Elder Glen Wright Washing Kennewick Mission 

Roses are Red, the Book of Mormon is Blue February 17th

Hello everybody!

Sorry that I wasn't able to Email sooner, everything was pretty well closed down for the holiday! BUT nothing stops missionaries from getting to a keyboard sooner or later! It was just amazing to be able to read and hear all the fun and amazing things that are going on with everybody!

Things have been going really well here in the WKM!

The highlight of this week has to have been the Stake Conference that we had this past Saturday and Sunday!!!

Both of the days really stressed the hastening of the work of the Lord. Both meetings were really amazing! Amazing things happened and the Spirit was felt in abundance! The first night was really focusing on members and missionaries working together, and Sunday's was about the importance of attending the Temple. Even just to be on the grounds!
President was sick the second day, but he gave an amazing talk that just got all of us really excited as missionaries! This work is really amazing!!! It's exciting to be a part of each day. Miracles are happening as the work of the Lord hastens. People have been more prepared than ever to hear and bring the message into their lives.

This transfer has really been one that has prepared many of our dear brothers and sisters to bring the Gospel into their lives and enter into the waters of Baptism. Along with the amazing progression of a family of 6 we are helping, we received a personal referral (they referred themselves) of another family of 6! The Ramirez family! I absolutely love teaching each and every one of these amazing brothers and sisters! I have the blessing to be a part, an instrument, a witness to the power of this Gospel and the blessings that it brings, especially to families.

One of our long-time investigators, Gaodencio......the one where on my first day here, gave us the pumpkin slices...has recently started finding a larger interest in everything. He is off of the work season (field work), and he has picked up the Book of Mormon. He sleeps, then wakes up and reads until he's tired, then he sleeps, then when he cant sleep anymore, he reads! There really has been an amazing change in both of them as they themselves have started to pick up the Book of Mormon and read. Now, he's studying through the "gia de los escrituras" (like the index of the Book of Mormon, lookslike the Bible Dictionary). Just a really cool thing to see and help! 

Everything is going well though. I am still as excited as ever to be here and have the joy to work each day to help invite others to come unto Christ. Missionary life is fun and full of so much joy! I love being with Elder Irwin, who has really helped me grow as a missionary. Each day just melts into the next, and time just flies by...it's pretty crazy.

The language feels like it's coming along alright. There are times of deep frustration, but other times when I just feel the words fly out of my mouth. It's a fun and beautiful language to learn and speak! I would highly recommend learning it sometime!!!

Things are just keeping on! It's hard to put two weeks of events into a letter! But I hope that all of you enjoy hearing from me! I wish the best week for each of you! Estoy lleno de gracia por todos de sus bendiciones y oraciones para me. a dios!

Love you all. Pray for you all. Miss you all!!!!!

--

Elder Glen Wright Washing Kennewick Mission 

Elder Wright WKM February 10th

Wow! This has been a pretty fantastic and crazy week! A lot has been happening! And the work is just the best thing in the world!!

Everything has basically started with the weather. This far into the season, the weather has just been cold and windy, so we haven't expected anything more...until a few days ago. Out of NOWHERE, a huge snow storm came in. The city really dosen't get this much snow in the first place...let alone, didnt expect it at all. So Kennewick was just hammered with snow...as well, the streets are bad. Some streets they aren't prepared on, but others they just dont touch. I'm just glad that I know how to drive in snow...but we're still skiing wherever we go. So it's other people that we have to worry about.

The good thing I guess to look at it is the fact that all the Hispanics are more than likely home...they dont like to drive around in this weather.

But we have had a blast with the weather overall. It was really nice to actually see snow. Even though we are walking in foot high snow, we are having a blast!!! So much fun! And Elder Irwin just makes it that much more fun and better! Ande now I'm also a firm believer in the Missionary Shoe.... While other shoes are seeping water, mine has been dry! Cold but dry!

Elder Irwin has made this transfer really awesome! I have really enjoyed every moment of the work. Figures when you get along with the comp.... He is a blast to work around and is an amazing missionary. Leading the area has really also helped me grow as a missionary as well. Not that I'm a fan of it...but it has really been good for me. Each day, I just love to get up at 6:30 and start the day, especially because I know that I can get lost in the work. I learn it, I live it, I love it!

The sickness is also something that has really been spreading around. Both through the missionaries, members, and investigators...like all of Washington. Smaller stuff started a little while ago, but it has really picked up since then. But this past week it hit me a little. I wasnt down for the count, but it made things a little harder to do. But after three days, I was back to my happy self!!! Nothing's going to stop me!!! :D

The work has been really amazing though. Although it's a little slow at times, many of our investigators are really bringing in and loving the gospel. We have also just found a family of 6 who are prepared to receive the gospel. We found the father, Luis, while he had both his hands in the front of his car. After meeting the whole family, we just felt that they were just ready. It really is an amazing thing to see! Especially to see a family come together and have that same desire to learn and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so blessed to be a part of such an amazing miracle. And there is nothing that I want more in my life now than to help them receive the blessings found learning and living the Gospel. This is what a mission is all about. It is really a special blessing and experience.

All the fun and exciting things of the week didnt stop at Sunday. With a huge storm the day before, we got a call from the Stake that canceled all meetings. And this week just so happened to be the one week that we had 10 people 100% coming to church. WHA!! Then we got a call from President that told us that we can stay in for the day if it's too bad outside.

BUT we got shovels and our bags, and headed out instead. And we were able to see and teach all the people that would have gone to church. Plus, go around and find anybody stuck or needing a good shoveling. That had to be one of my best days here so far! Just an awesome opportunity!

But still one of the best highlight that I have throughout the mission is the amazing opportunity to study in the scriptures! I absolutely love reading in the Bible and the Book of Mormon!!!

But President also sent out a message to all of us with an invitation I'd like to share. Just like we do as missionaries, President Ware invited us to read in the Book of Mormon and once again, pray to know if it is true. And this promise is found in the Book of Mormon, by the Prophet Moroni (Moroni 10: 4-5). Paraphrased: "Read, ponder, pray in the name of Jesus Christ to know if it is true." And as it says, we will know the truth of these things by the power of the Holy Ghost. The still small voice that works through our feelings.The amazing thing about this promise is that it dosent matter how many times we do this...whether it be the first or one of many. It still applies to us. We are actually asked to do it often, of which will further strengthen our testimony of it. 

I can personally give my testimony that in doing so, I know that these things are true. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I also have a strong testimony of this promise, we can know the truth of all things, if we ask. Like a loving father, God want's us to learn and know. And prayer is the gate to knowing the truth of all things.

That is also my invitation. Whether it be a first time, or one of many.

THE GOSPEL IS SO COOL!!! These are the best two years by far so far in my life!!!

I hope that everything goes well this week for all of you!!! I miss and love each of you! I'll be here in the WKM!!! :D

con amor,

--

Elder Glen Wright Washing Kennewick Mission 

Goodbye Greenie

Buenos dias todos!!

This week has been pretty amazing!!!  From the start to the finish, I have just been having the time of my life!

The work has been hard and tough this week, but I have loved every second of it!

Transfers....

So this Wednesday, I said goodbye...well kinda, to Elder Larsen...(who is now my Zone Leader).
And I welcomed in Elder Irwin. Towering at a tall 5ft 5. Shortest so far! But we just hit it off the first minute! Since the first few minutes, we have just really worked well together. Just someone I really can get along with amazingly! ...I'm going to love this transfer!!

WHA!!! I am really excited for this transfer! We have a fantastic district! And I have a great companion! The work so far has been a little slower and harder, but I have really been loving what I'm doing. Whether it be appointments, fallen appointments, or tracting.

A lot of people I feel are really progressing. They have really shown a love for learning more and have a strong desire to hear the gospel and apply it in their lives. I am excited to help some of them reach their goal and be baptized this Transfer.

I'm not ever really fond of heading and leading an area, but I feel that this one has really brought great improvements in how I work as a missionary. Now with having to lead planning sessions and lessons with Investigators, I feel my ability to take charge as well as Spanish skills have started to really grow. ...Elder Irwin isn't as fluent as he was said to be, but I am going to be working more in the skill books to really start to get things down. As well as starting Spanish days, and just working on the language together. I LOVE SPANISH!!!

Another thing that has really been exciting has been the opportunity to really make the most ofstudying the Scriptures. I get really excited when I'm able to find so many cool and amazing things in the Standard Works. Just amazing scriptures!!! I'm almost don't with going through the Book of Mormon with two highlighters, and ready to go through it again with another purpose and goal to look for. That is still to be continued.

So that has kinda been my week so far. Nothing that hasn't been too out of the ordinary. I am just really grateful for the opportunities that I have been given to serve to Lord. It has been an amazing experience to really love the people that we teach. I have learned so much while I have been out here! I would not trade the world for this amazing experience.

Love you all! I hope the best week to come for you!

The vineyard laborer,

Transfer week Jan 27th

Hello everybody!!

Kinda crazy...it feels like I was here yesterday Emailing you!!

This week has been fun as always! I really love it here in the WKM!

As for crazy stuff happening...not too many! XD It has been a pretty smooth sailing week as of not having anything explode in your face kind of way...XD

We have had the opportunity to teach so many of our amazing investigators this whole week! That, and we are always looking for many more opportunities to find people on the streets, and just take a second to get to know them a little. It's really amazing to meet so many different and new people!

I also got to go on exchanges with my MTC companion!! XD Elder Widmer and I were together for Wednesday in my area, so that was pretty fun putting two greenies together...again! But we hit it off really well. With the lack of miles, we walked all of the day...except for dinner...:p I planned out so we didnt use almost any, but after dinner, the odometer played a prank and changed from 4 to 25mi for the day!

Spanish is still coming along. We had a language study with the Zone Leaders before an hour long exchange. And that was probably the most that I really have learned on in-depth Spanish than what anyone has been able to teach me in the field!! PFEW!

But within that exchange, I was with the ZL that only spoke English, so I was alone on the lessons that we had for that time. Holly cow...that was a fun lesson! I didnt think that it would go as well as it did! I always surprise myself when I go out and really start speaking. When I know that I cant fall back on anyone, that's when I really start trying to use the Spanish I know! Really cool to see that work!

TRANSFER WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So we got our transfer calls last Sunday........................and

I'm Staying!!

And the ironic part is the fact that Elder Larson IS leaving...but not...:p

He has been called as our Zone Leader for this zone.........the odds of that huh??

BUT

I am getting an Elder Erwin, said to be the best!! Others said he's a white Mexican in terms of his Spanish, so I am super excited to use that to help me in my language!! But I'm just really positive with this upcoming transfer!! I'm not the biggest fan of change and changes, but I am really looking forward to Wednesday...really!

This week has really been a highlight in my personal studies of the Book of Mormon! There are some really amazing things found in there! I have decided to go through it with two highlighters, both for different doctrine subjects. And each time I read through them, I'm able to learn so many things!!

And after the Book of Mormon, I plan to do the same with the Bible! I'm really excited to get in depth with the Bible again!!!

Ya...not too much happening this week. But I am really excited for the week to come! So at the moment, I'm just keeping on keeping on!
Thank you for all the love and support given and felt here! I love you all!!!

laborer in the vineyard,

-- 

Transfer week Jan 27th

Hello everybody!!

Kinda crazy...it feels like I was here yesterday Emailing you!!

This week has been fun as always! I really love it here in the WKM!

As for crazy stuff happening...not too many! XD It has been a pretty smooth sailing week as of not having anything explode in your face kind of way...XD

We have had the opportunity to teach so many of our amazing investigators this whole week! That, and we are always looking for many more opportunities to find people on the streets, and just take a second to get to know them a little. It's really amazing to meet so many different and new people!

I also got to go on exchanges with my MTC companion!! XD Elder Widmer and I were together for Wednesday in my area, so that was pretty fun putting two greenies together...again! But we hit it off really well. With the lack of miles, we walked all of the day...except for dinner...:p I planned out so we didnt use almost any, but after dinner, the odometer played a prank and changed from 4 to 25mi for the day!

Spanish is still coming along. We had a language study with the Zone Leaders before an hour long exchange. And that was probably the most that I really have learned on in-depth Spanish than what anyone has been able to teach me in the field!! PFEW!

But within that exchange, I was with the ZL that only spoke English, so I was alone on the lessons that we had for that time. Holly cow...that was a fun lesson! I didnt think that it would go as well as it did! I always surprise myself when I go out and really start speaking. When I know that I cant fall back on anyone, that's when I really start trying to use the Spanish I know! Really cool to see that work!

TRANSFER WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So we got our transfer calls last Sunday........................and

I'm Staying!!

And the ironic part is the fact that Elder Larson IS leaving...but not...:p

He has been called as our Zone Leader for this zone.........the odds of that huh??

BUT

I am getting an Elder Erwin, said to be the best!! Others said he's a white Mexican in terms of his Spanish, so I am super excited to use that to help me in my language!! But I'm just really positive with this upcoming transfer!! I'm not the biggest fan of change and changes, but I am really looking forward to Wednesday...really!

This week has really been a highlight in my personal studies of the Book of Mormon! There are some really amazing things found in there! I have decided to go through it with two highlighters, both for different doctrine subjects. And each time I read through them, I'm able to learn so many things!!

And after the Book of Mormon, I plan to do the same with the Bible! I'm really excited to get in depth with the Bible again!!!

Ya...not too much happening this week. But I am really excited for the week to come! So at the moment, I'm just keeping on keeping on!
Thank you for all the love and support given and felt here! I love you all!!!

laborer in the vineyard,

--