T-MINUS 10 DAYS!!!

¡Hola!

AWESOME WEEK! I am so excited to be leaving to Chile!
Sunday we sang in Priesthood, Monday was District Home Evening(at which we had a lot of fun), Tuesday was devotional and Testimony Meeting, Wednesday was Hosting and new missionary day(Hola to Elder Spencer and Elder Lichtenburg!), Thursday I went into the real world for the first time in two months and spoke perfect spanish, and Today is P-Day, temple, and TRAVEL PLANS!!!

On Sunday, we sung ´Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy' for priesthood meeting. I composed the arrangement as commissioned by our Branch President, President Larsen, and wrote a new fourth verse that brought it all together nicely. We had a wonderful lesson on being the 'lower lights' to the people of the world and guiding them to Christ. I love singing.

On Monday, we had a day full of classes and that night we had district home evening together. We played games and then went to a workshop on improving our lesson plans. Great learning opportunities for the field! I know that I'm gonna miss this district a lot.

On Tuesday, We had a wonderful Devotional by a member of the Seventy(I left my black book at the residence hall or I'd give you names, but I want to say Rasband or some such name), who had changed his talk at the last minute to reflect a meeting that he had with the Quorum of the Twelve. The message from the first presidency is that while this is the Church of Jesus Christ and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that we must remember and Focus on the fact that God is our Father, the Creator of the plan and the grand designer of all things. Therefore, They've asked us to refocus and remember to teach about God's role in all aspects of our lessons. If you want more details, feel free to write and I'll tell you more. Suffice it to say, what a powerful lesson to remember!

On Wednesday, we had the opportunity to host for the first time. It was really, really fun, and a blessing to see how much we've grown in so short a time. After we were done, one of the other Elders pulled out his camera and we looked back at pictures from our first day; I noticed that I've changed, both in countenance and literal physical characteristics. I look different, I feel different, I act different, and I believe that all of it is for the better. I've even gained some muscle(and some weight as a side effect (15 pounds!)).

On Thursday, I ran out into the real world for the first time in two months with my companion. How different! It was almost comical to me to look at State Street. I recognized everything, yet it seemed so foreign to me that I wonder what it will be like when I return. We also ran into some Spanish-speakers from Argentina and Mexico, and I was able to understand 100% and respond just as quickly and naturally as they were speaking. What a miracle! Although they warned me that Chileans speak much faster and less clearly, it still amazes me that I have learned so much, and I know that with the Spirit guiding I will be able to adjust quickly. I am glad that our district has put extra time and effort into learning.


On Friday(Today), I slept in, and it felt wonderful. What a luxury! I didn't intend to, but now I realize that I needed it. We had breakfast and I began writing some letters, then we went to the temple. I am so blessed and so grateful that I have that opportunity. It is a privelege to be able to go to the temple and be instructed in such a direct way. I hope that you all take advantage of that. I promise that it is worth it.

That being said, it's time to talk about travel plans! I'll be leaving the morning of the 29th, and have a 3 hour layover in LA around 11:40 MST to about 2:40 MST. I'll be calling home at that time, so get in contact with my mom if you want to hear directly from me. Then a LONG flight to Chile, directly to Santiago, where I will be arriving about 4:40 MST. Then a morning orientation, and proselyting by that night. ¡GUAU!

It blows my mind to be so close. Every day I feel just a little bit closer to my investigators. I know that there is hard work to be done, but I also know that this sanctification of my time means that God will bless me with the strength that I need. I can testify that God knows me and loves me, and that Christ has been where I have so that I don't have to do this alone. What a wonderful power and presence to have! How marvelous to have the power of God at your back! Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

Thank you for your prayers and concern. Especially thank you to those of you who keep me informed and aware of your lives. Your stories are a great source of strength to me.

A Dios, Con Dios.
To God, With God.

-Elder Wheelhouse