Week 12 (Rosamond)

Merry Christmas! We got to talk to Elder Wood on Christmas day for a short time, and then again today for his Preparation Day. I didn't talk to him as long this week since he was talking to siblings and other relatives in California, so I don't have as many updates to share this week.

He did confirm that they continued their finding streak, with two people found this week. And on Christmas Day they were invited to a very nice dinner with a family in their ward. He said he enjoyed it. He also was able to open the presents that we and others sent. Mostly he got a few ties (one of the few ways a missionary can wear color!), and my parents sent him a nice bird calendar.

Spiritual thought this week is to remember the true meaning of Christmas and to be grateful for our Savior's birth!

Merry Christmas! I asked him to take a photo with a tree when he went to dinner.

His district getting together in the kitchen at the church

District silliness

I'm sure there's a story behind this one but I didn't hear it. He did tell us about the cool NASA hat someone gifted them.

Bird photo of the week: Looks like he found a blue heron!

Impressive shot of a cat stalking a couple birds

Week 11 (Rosamond)

Elder Wood enjoyed the chance to talk to his siblings today when he called on his Preparation Day. He and Gabriella especially had some good conversation. He let us know that their weeks of finding continue with one new person to teach identified this week. He also shared some mission stories with us.

Recently, he and his companion had connected with a member of the church who hadn't been attending. They'd texted with him, and when they found themselves near his house, they decided to drop by. The gate was open, so they went up and knocked on the door, but got no answer. Eventually they knocked again, the door swung open, and they were just about clobbered by a baton! He says that the angels must have held up the mans' arm, because apparently the only person who had previously knocked was a homeless person that tried to rob him. Thus he was suspicious of anyone coming and had been ready to defend himself. They have apparently decided that going forward, they'll text him before knocking on the door!

His other story was a sad one; they had an appointment to meet with a family, and then when they arrived at the trailer park where they lived, the address they were looking for was a burned out mess! Apparently, the trailer had caught fire just a little while ago; Elder Wood and Elder Grunig remembered that they'd passed a fire engine on their way in. So unfortunately, the family is now looking for a new place to live.

Spiritual thought: If you do not have a personal witness of the Book of Mormon, I plead with you to study it. As you study, ask God if this book, if this record of the ancient Americas, is His word, or if it's just some fairy tale. Where the world is going, assumptions aren't enough. You can't just assume the Book of Mormon is true. You need to know that it is true.

A district council meeting

Zone Conference this week with the Mission President. Elder Wood is in the front row of standing elders, seventh in from the right side.

They have a small Christmas tree in their apartment. He reports it now has more presents under it.

A bird photo

My favorite bird photo this week - looks dangerous!

Fun making and decorating pancakes

Week 10 (Rosamond)

Elder Wood said that they continue to have success with finding new people to teach and have appointments with. This was week number 7, and they extended their streak of at least 1 person per week. They were well over this week, with 7 new people; 5 of them a family with several kids. It sounds like they haven't had anyone decide to attend church with them yet, but they have had multiple appointments with some people and are enjoying their conversations.

He also enjoyed a good conversation with a local pastor who is interested in learning a little to help find common ground between the churches. It's a refreshing change from those who don't want to talk at all. Elder Wood has also discovered, during some of their phone contacting experience, a major dislike for generic mailbox full messages - not only did the person not create a message, they obviously aren't checking them, either!

They had some excitement today with snow falling from the sky! Not that it stuck anywhere, but actual snowflakes were seen! In general it's not exceedingly cold as far as temperature, but it's very windy, which can cut right through you and make it feel much colder than it is.

The exciting news for me is that Elder Wood bought a small tripod this week for his phone. He apparently has the best camera in their district, so he was nominated to take any group photos. That means I also get to see them; I'm enjoying seeing more pictures of people lately (although still plenty of birds, too!)

Spiritual thought: There is a reason we call the Book of Mormon the "keystone of our religion." The Book of Mormon's truthfulness tells us that Jesus Christ is truly our Savior and Redeemer. That Joseph Smith was truly His prophet. And that this church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is the kingdom of heaven established on the earth.

Elder Wood at Boom Chicken, in his opinion the best restaurant in the district

Elder Grunig with some ducks

The district after their P-Day district activity involving various games

This boat in the middle of the desert is apparently a missionary landmark

You can barely see the flecks of snowflake - this was on the inside of his car door, about the only place it stuck for even a few seconds

Bird photo of the week

Week 9 (Rosamond)

Transfers are scheduled in the Bakersfield mission this week. As pretty much expected, though, Elder Wood and his companion, Elder Grunig, are staying together in the Rosamond ward. That is pretty standard practice, that a new missionary is trained by an older one for two transfers (12 weeks) in a row. Elder Grunig is finishing his mission and heading home after these 6 weeks are up, so Elder Wood thinks it's pretty likely he will stay in Rosamond, with a new companion, for that transfer, to provide some continuity.

Apparently the transfer also lets them know who is the designated driver of the companionship for the transfer. This time is Elder Grunig, same as last time. Elder Wood has driven a couple times when they do exchanges with other companionships, when he stays with the car and knows the district better than the temporary exchange companion.

A fun fact Elder Wood shared with me this week is that he is 6 for 6 in weeks in his mission where they have found someone new to teach. Apparently that can be somewhat difficult to do; finding someone new willing to engage with them in conversation and make a repeat appointment. He's hoping he'll be able to extend his streak in weeks to come.

Spiritual thought for the week: The first major step to becoming converted is gaining a personal witness of the Book of Mormon. Don't just take my word for it though. As Preach My Gospel says: "Reading, pondering, and praying about the Book of Mormon are critical for an enduring conversion."

Elder Grunig and Elder Wood enjoying a pizza dinner

Elder Wood liked the clouds in this photo; I think the landscape is also pretty interesting

An interesting rock that Elder Wood apparently purchased at a street fair

Weekly bird photo: Ducks

One more bird photo: On a telephone wire