Gringo in Nashville

Wednesday, September 25: P-day


It was transfers and Drew is staying in McMinnville with Elder Long.  They will continue to be in a trio and welcome Elder Avanzo.  He is from South America.  I think they are both excited to be around an Elder who will be so fluent in Spanish.  They will both miss Elder Burnett.  He is getting transferred to Providence.  His email was so great to read.  He had some really great experiences and is excited about staying in McMinnville.  The ward members there are so good to them and I couldn't be more grateful for that.    

Hola todos ! 

Another AWESOME week here in McMinnville! :) Ive had some awesome experiences that I hope I never forget. 

Started it off stronggg thursday we had our mission tour meeting. Elder Nielson of the 70 and executive director of the missionary department and his wife came to our mission along with Elder Rasband of the 70 and his wife (i know we thought it was the other one too ) hahaha. Church news also came and was taking pics and asking missionaries questions! All of the people gave such good discussions, i especially loved Elder Nielsons wifes on principles on being a good companion! I also loved Elder Nielsons on the two sides of the Atonement. The redeeming side which of course everyone know and the enabling side which through we can receive strength to endure our trials! He addressed the question that missionaries get asked the most "why do bad/hard things happen to good people?" And after discussing we figured that there would be no good people if no one went through bad things and hard trials! Trials help us grow and improve and in those trials we can receive strength to endure them through the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ! At the end of the conference we had the opportunity to ask questions and someone asked about phones and their purpose in the mission field. Elder Nielson said how phones haven't changed the effectiveness of missionaries at all and that wasnt the purpose behind it. He told us how it was originally President Nelsons idea when he was in the 12 and he wanted missionaries to develop good habits and immunize the curse of phones! 

After the conference one of the APs comes up to me and says Elder Nielson wants to interview you.... hahaha i was so surprised but it was so good! He is the nicest guy and truly cares about every single missionary! Its so interesting how much missions are for the missionary as well as investigators. Its so true for me, the things I have learned out here and the growth Ive made are INVALUABLE! 

I had another awesome experience yesterday! There is an older couple in the ward named the Streets and he takes care of his mom that lives with them, she is super old and has a bunch of health problems. Yesterday night he called us and asked if we could come over and help give her a blessing. When we got to their house he told us she was in pretty bad shape and he didnt know if she was gonna live much longer. He asked if one of us could give the blessing because he was too emotional at the time. I asked if there was someone in specific that he would like to give her the blessing and he asked if I would. In that moment I was pretty nervous because he cares about his mom so much but right when I walked in the room I was comforted by the spirit and had the thought whatever I said in the blessing was what was supposed to be said because the spirit would be there to help me. Right when I began the blessing I felt so much love God had for His daughter! I understood from the spirit that it was her time to return to her Father in Heaven so I proceeded to let her know that and give her a blessing of comfort and peace. When I finished there was such a sense of peace in the room and I felt overwhelming gratitude to be able to give that blessing and ultimately be on my mission to help others! When we returned to our home that night Brother Street called us and let us know that his mom had returned to her Heavenly Father not long after we left their house. 

We have been doing a bunch of service this week, got to use some of my framing skills I picked up before the mission and also helping Ron prepare for baptism the 12th of October, he is such a stud and so ready to be baptized. We are also excited for the rest of our people. Personally I have been pretty tired from all the sitting, driving, and service we have done lately but other than that Im all good!

I love and miss you all!! I hope you all have a great week, remember to read your scriptures n pray! ;) Dios les bendiga! 

GODSPEED, 

Elder Wiser

Pics:

Walmart selfie of the 3 musketeers

Paintin hahahaha

Pic with Elder Nielson 

Sleepy comp hahaha

Kool dawg/wolf