Hello Family!!
Happy Nevada Day! My comp thought it was very funny that I told him Happy Nevada Day before happy Halloween, both great days.
Answers to questions, we eat every day except for Mondays at 2 with a member. So we get to know the families in our ward pretty good. About the shoes, they are going downhill, but I haven't sent a picture of them because they aren't that bad yet. I don't think it is necessary to buy some for me because I can do that here. There are lots of places that that would be easy especially in this area. We are right in the middle of Monterrey and everything is in our zone. I wasn´t exactly sure if we could get the shoes free from the Kater Shop - I thought they told me we could but I'm not sure. If they can, I will send you a picture in a couple months to get them.
Changes went well. I am still with Elder Riley. I am very surprised about that because he is ready and has been ready for the last while to be senior companion. However, we will continue to tear it up here. If you want to see our house this is the address, Articulo 123 number 1804 Colonia Progresso.
This week was a pretty tough one. Things just had a hard time working out for us. We didn't have a baptism but there were lots of people that came to church and there were lots of members also. Sacrament meeting was actually full for once and everybody was singing. It was the primary program here and I enjoyed it a lot. Our investigators enjoyed it more, Irma`s family went again. They love us. I hope it’s alright that I invite most of our progressing investigators to our house, they actually said they were going to come. I would say that they are the most promising that could use some prayers. Irma (mom) Carlos(11) Cecilia(8) Abner (6) Sandy(2).
I am about to finish Jesus the Christ. I love that book, highly recommend it. I am wondering if I should send the sweet copy home so you can send it to Mariah again. I don't know if she had time to read it or not when she had it. I don't really want to give it up but it is something from the family if you know what I mean.
We had a cool experience in a lesson this week. I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon and I have started to read it lots more in the house at night, its especially useful the tough days. When we come home and I am stressed about something that happened or something isn’t right I usually say a prayer and let the Book of Mormon fall open where it will and I will begin to study. I have found it is a great way to know what the Lord wants me to. I have suggested it to investigators before, but I’ve never done it in a lesson until this week when we did it with Irma. Irma said the prayer and then I explained what we were going to do, she opened the book and we read 3 Nefi 9 14-22, pretty powerful. I'll leave you guys to read it and maybe experiment on your own. That was something pretty great that happened this week.
As far as Christmas stuff goes I would really just appreciate the stuff that I've already asked, and stories that I could read that have a spiritual twist to them. Some of these might be stories from my ancestors if you know what I mean. I don't really need anything except a blender and waffle iron but you guys don't need to worry about that.
Thanks for all you do for me.
I love you guys!!!
Elder Waite
Sunday, November 6, 2011
October 24, 2011
Hello Family,Mariana and Alan aren't really our priorities any more, but we had a really cool lady come to church yesterday with her 4 kids (who love us) her name is Irma. They are having a really tough time because the dad just abandoned them and went away (it is pretty safe to say he is not a very good person) and in all reality it is good he is gone but they are struggling with money. They have a good house and car but in one of the lessons we had the daughter prayed and sincerely thanked God for the food they had to eat. She loved church and is excited to see the primary program next week (another miracle - when she was leaving the church we invited her to come next week also, and I said that it was the program from the kids. But the thing was, I didn't know that it was coming up or anything, just that one lady had told me the kids had a practice for something during the week. Just another testimony of how the Lord works and tells the people what they need to hear through us).
Elder Riley is 99% sure he is leaving, next week. I'll probably tell you who is my new comp. Elder Riley will be missed. Hope you enjoy the pictures. I took out 1500 pesos from my account, the machine was having problems and I'm pretty worried about it. I didn’t want that much but now I’ll just save and not take any more out. I'm telling you this so that you can check my account because this is the first ATM that has given me trouble. I hope they don’t mess with my account.
I would enjoy to see Maren’s play. I hope you all are great.
I love you,
Elder Waite
PS - I've been thinking and reading a lot about my ancestors from the little stories that I have and would sure appreciate more little stories or big stories. If you find time you could just email them and I can print them here.
October 19, 2011
Hello Family!!!
Well, I totally forgot about the Halloween Party even though I think you told me last week. I'm glad you all had fun. I had fun here just so you know... Actually this last week we were working our little tails off but sadly we had no immediate results of a baptism this week. Sorry I haven’t sent any pictures to you lately but there aren´t very many good places to write here that have the thing to send pictures. The shed looks sweet, I like the I beam Dad.
This week we are working with various people. Surprisingly, two of them are students; Alan, I'm pretty sure I already told you about, and the other is named Mariana. I think I like teaching students more than any other people - they are so much more involved in the lessons, they treat the homework like regular homework and actually do it. The only problem is they sometimes like to party on the weekends and wake up on a completely different side of the city. We almost dropped Alan because of that but we are going to give him a couple more chances. Mariana is an angel that doesn’t have those same problems but is loved by her family and is just busy a lot. We gave her a Book of Mormon in the first visit and have been teaching all of the lessons with it. This has been one of my goals to do in the mission, to teach every single visit with the Book of Mormon. Now we just need to keep following up.
I sent you a picture of a conference we had with Elder Johnson and I am also going to send the email from the mission last week because it has something cool in it about Elder Riley and I.
I hope the best for you all.
Love from Mexico,
Elder Waite
Well, I totally forgot about the Halloween Party even though I think you told me last week. I'm glad you all had fun. I had fun here just so you know... Actually this last week we were working our little tails off but sadly we had no immediate results of a baptism this week. Sorry I haven’t sent any pictures to you lately but there aren´t very many good places to write here that have the thing to send pictures. The shed looks sweet, I like the I beam Dad.
This week we are working with various people. Surprisingly, two of them are students; Alan, I'm pretty sure I already told you about, and the other is named Mariana. I think I like teaching students more than any other people - they are so much more involved in the lessons, they treat the homework like regular homework and actually do it. The only problem is they sometimes like to party on the weekends and wake up on a completely different side of the city. We almost dropped Alan because of that but we are going to give him a couple more chances. Mariana is an angel that doesn’t have those same problems but is loved by her family and is just busy a lot. We gave her a Book of Mormon in the first visit and have been teaching all of the lessons with it. This has been one of my goals to do in the mission, to teach every single visit with the Book of Mormon. Now we just need to keep following up.
I sent you a picture of a conference we had with Elder Johnson and I am also going to send the email from the mission last week because it has something cool in it about Elder Riley and I.
I hope the best for you all.
Love from Mexico,
Elder Waite
October 10, 2011
CONGRATS MARIAH ON THE BAPTISM!!!!! ¿¡¿SHED!?!? WHAT SHED??
I am glad to hear that everything is normal at home. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH!!!!! That's weird that you are 17, you'll be 18 when I get back home - even more weird. I hope you had a good birthday.
This is a really weird time of my mission for me. I think the hardest and weirdest times for me have been when I am about to hit a marker in time, for example, when I had six months time seemed to go slow. Sometimes I get the feeling that time just stops, or that it just doesn't exist. At this mile marker I am enjoying myself a lot more. I think I am enjoying this time the most that I have my whole mission. I love having gringo companions, we are both focused on the work and finally having results like they should be. The area I am in is golden, with a ton of golden people that have been baptized and are getting baptized. I hope Elder Riley and I stay together another transfer, who knows, we've got two more weeks in this one still.
We had a sweet baptism this week, Brayan and Jimena Vargas. They are really cool. The mom got baptized when she was a kid and we just started to talk to them. Brayan is pretty neat. We started talking to him and won his confidence helping him with his English homework. We were just talking to Brayan at the first, then Jimena started showing a little interest also, then she was actually the one that talked Brayan into doing it this week.
Today we are going to go to Presidents house for dinner at around 8. We are going with a guy named Alan, he is 22 and going to school here in Monterrey. We are going with some of his friends, hopefully two will go.
This morning we went to the gym (there is a member in the ward that lets us go to his gym free) and after we went to eat breakfast with a sister in the ward. She loves us. She made us salsa en queso with churrizo and eggs with beans (what a surprise). Later she stared making us pancakes, and she made us some cinnamon tea. We ate the pancakes with Jam and condensed milk. It’s been a good day.
Good luck everyone!!
Love,
Elder Waite
I am glad to hear that everything is normal at home. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH!!!!! That's weird that you are 17, you'll be 18 when I get back home - even more weird. I hope you had a good birthday.
This is a really weird time of my mission for me. I think the hardest and weirdest times for me have been when I am about to hit a marker in time, for example, when I had six months time seemed to go slow. Sometimes I get the feeling that time just stops, or that it just doesn't exist. At this mile marker I am enjoying myself a lot more. I think I am enjoying this time the most that I have my whole mission. I love having gringo companions, we are both focused on the work and finally having results like they should be. The area I am in is golden, with a ton of golden people that have been baptized and are getting baptized. I hope Elder Riley and I stay together another transfer, who knows, we've got two more weeks in this one still.
We had a sweet baptism this week, Brayan and Jimena Vargas. They are really cool. The mom got baptized when she was a kid and we just started to talk to them. Brayan is pretty neat. We started talking to him and won his confidence helping him with his English homework. We were just talking to Brayan at the first, then Jimena started showing a little interest also, then she was actually the one that talked Brayan into doing it this week.
Today we are going to go to Presidents house for dinner at around 8. We are going with a guy named Alan, he is 22 and going to school here in Monterrey. We are going with some of his friends, hopefully two will go.
This morning we went to the gym (there is a member in the ward that lets us go to his gym free) and after we went to eat breakfast with a sister in the ward. She loves us. She made us salsa en queso with churrizo and eggs with beans (what a surprise). Later she stared making us pancakes, and she made us some cinnamon tea. We ate the pancakes with Jam and condensed milk. It’s been a good day.
Good luck everyone!!
Love,
Elder Waite
October 3, 2011
¡¡¡¡¡¡¡HOLD ON!!!! Who is this guy that Hannah went to Homecoming with?? I've never seen him before. He looks a little like a thug, but Hannah looked happy enough. At least she had fun. Who did the football team play for homecoming? Did they win? Hope so. Hannah did you win at your game. Are you still running cross country?
Mom, that’s cool you went to Aunt Ann’s. I would like to get to know Seattle sometime. I have actually started to tell people that I am a Seahawks fan because they always ask me what team I like in football and they don’t know any college teams... the thing is I'm not sure I've ever even watched a full Seahawks game in my life. I have been thinking about Aunt Ann lots lately. She wrote me a letter, I hope everything goes well.
I loved every bit of General Conference, and am glad I am on a mission - otherwise I would have left the Priesthood session feeling about a foot tall. They talked really really strong (cough ...Elder Holland) but it was good because I left feeling very determined to do lots better in every aspect of life. I have never considered Elder Holland as one of my favorite apostles, which is weird because lots of people really like him. But now as a missionary we hear lots of things from him and I heard him on thanksgiving last year in the MTC so now he has a special place in my heart. I know we shouldn’t have favorites but now he is definitely up there. In case you are wondering my favorites are Elder Perry and Elder Oaks. Speaking of Elder Oaks the Sunday afternoon talk from him was amazing, that guy is pure doctrine. I didn’t get to hear Elder Perry.
We couldn't go to the Saturday sessions unless we had investigators. We had lots of people tell us that they would go with us but nobody did. Les dio flojera. Sunday we had a baptism planned, her name is Rosa. She thinks she is our mom, which is kind of creepy sometimes because she says weird stuff, but she feeds us all the time so it’s cool. She didn't want to get baptized but she finally consented and now she calls us her little angels (even more weird). We actually had two baptisms - the other was Vanessa, she is the one I told you about a while ago whose parents never let her get baptized. She is actually the niece of Rosa, and sister of Janeth who is the wife of Cesar (probably my coolest baptism). Vanessa doesn't live in our area but was always with Janeth when we taught her, so she comes here. Her mom works in our area, about 2 blocks from the church so she always comes to church here. Sunday the mom went to work but they told her there wasn't enough work for her so she got fired. She came to conference in time to hear President Monson... She felt so good after that she asked me what we would have to do to baptize Vanessa that day. Conveniently our Zone leader was right there and interviewed her and she got baptized also (THANK YOU PRES MONSON!!). I hope the mom will get baptized next week. It was a cool experience.
My time is running short which is a shame because I'm sort of in a typing mood. One last thing, Pres Romney has told us that it would be cool if you guys could write a letter to some of the recent converts, I have been thinking about this a lot with Cesar and family. This would be a great help to them because of the challenges that they have (by the way I have already invited them to the house when I come home). The battle that Cesar is having with the Word of wisdom is just starting and I know a letter would help him in the tough times. I was wondering if you could write them a letter with your testimonies or something in it. Their names are Cesar Roman, Janeth, Ares (7.5 years), Randy (3?), there is a baby but I don't remember his name. I would really appreciate it.
Thanks for all you do for me. I really love you guys. THANKS FOR THE PICTURES!!!!! I´ll wait for more... maybe from the hike or something.
Love,
Elder Waite
Mom, that’s cool you went to Aunt Ann’s. I would like to get to know Seattle sometime. I have actually started to tell people that I am a Seahawks fan because they always ask me what team I like in football and they don’t know any college teams... the thing is I'm not sure I've ever even watched a full Seahawks game in my life. I have been thinking about Aunt Ann lots lately. She wrote me a letter, I hope everything goes well.
I loved every bit of General Conference, and am glad I am on a mission - otherwise I would have left the Priesthood session feeling about a foot tall. They talked really really strong (cough ...Elder Holland) but it was good because I left feeling very determined to do lots better in every aspect of life. I have never considered Elder Holland as one of my favorite apostles, which is weird because lots of people really like him. But now as a missionary we hear lots of things from him and I heard him on thanksgiving last year in the MTC so now he has a special place in my heart. I know we shouldn’t have favorites but now he is definitely up there. In case you are wondering my favorites are Elder Perry and Elder Oaks. Speaking of Elder Oaks the Sunday afternoon talk from him was amazing, that guy is pure doctrine. I didn’t get to hear Elder Perry.
We couldn't go to the Saturday sessions unless we had investigators. We had lots of people tell us that they would go with us but nobody did. Les dio flojera. Sunday we had a baptism planned, her name is Rosa. She thinks she is our mom, which is kind of creepy sometimes because she says weird stuff, but she feeds us all the time so it’s cool. She didn't want to get baptized but she finally consented and now she calls us her little angels (even more weird). We actually had two baptisms - the other was Vanessa, she is the one I told you about a while ago whose parents never let her get baptized. She is actually the niece of Rosa, and sister of Janeth who is the wife of Cesar (probably my coolest baptism). Vanessa doesn't live in our area but was always with Janeth when we taught her, so she comes here. Her mom works in our area, about 2 blocks from the church so she always comes to church here. Sunday the mom went to work but they told her there wasn't enough work for her so she got fired. She came to conference in time to hear President Monson... She felt so good after that she asked me what we would have to do to baptize Vanessa that day. Conveniently our Zone leader was right there and interviewed her and she got baptized also (THANK YOU PRES MONSON!!). I hope the mom will get baptized next week. It was a cool experience.
My time is running short which is a shame because I'm sort of in a typing mood. One last thing, Pres Romney has told us that it would be cool if you guys could write a letter to some of the recent converts, I have been thinking about this a lot with Cesar and family. This would be a great help to them because of the challenges that they have (by the way I have already invited them to the house when I come home). The battle that Cesar is having with the Word of wisdom is just starting and I know a letter would help him in the tough times. I was wondering if you could write them a letter with your testimonies or something in it. Their names are Cesar Roman, Janeth, Ares (7.5 years), Randy (3?), there is a baby but I don't remember his name. I would really appreciate it.
Thanks for all you do for me. I really love you guys. THANKS FOR THE PICTURES!!!!! I´ll wait for more... maybe from the hike or something.
Love,
Elder Waite
September 26, 2011
Hello Family!!Happy peach season!!! I am a little sad that we are missing it. I guess I'll just enjoy it more when I get back. Thanks so much for the pictures that you sent. I loved them. I am sending you a picture of the recent baptisms that we have had - the two kids are Oracio and Karina. The lady is Janeth and the other picture is of her husband this past Sunday, I had the opportunity to baptize him. His name is Cesar Roman, he is a really rough character. He has tattoos and gave up doing a lot of things that were against the word of wisdom. The funny thing is that he is one of the people that were most ready for baptism when it came. As far as the question about the active baptisms, Maria and Martha are the only ones that don't go to church.
This is Elder Riley’s address: 212 west 100 north - right by the old tabernacle just so you can drive past and see his parents some time.
Pictures of the shoes: these are the ones that are from the Kater shop. I'm pretty sure that if we send a picture they will send us a new pair free but I'm not sure. If not I'll just buy some here.
Addition to the Christmas list: I don't know if you remember the blue addidas backpack that I have. I didn't use it much because I don't like it. I don't know where it is. I might have given it to Hannah. If there is nobody using it then I think I could use that. I don’t really care that I don't like it...it’s pretty hard to be cool as a missionary so I wouldn't mind using it right now. If you are just dying to get something else for me I could use a season pass to one of the ski resorts near Rexburg for 2013.
Addition to the Christmas list: I don't know if you remember the blue addidas backpack that I have. I didn't use it much because I don't like it. I don't know where it is. I might have given it to Hannah. If there is nobody using it then I think I could use that. I don’t really care that I don't like it...it’s pretty hard to be cool as a missionary so I wouldn't mind using it right now. If you are just dying to get something else for me I could use a season pass to one of the ski resorts near Rexburg for 2013.
It’s been a good week, pretty stressful. I have realized more and more how blessed I am to not have been born in Mexico. Cesar has been telling us lots of stories about growing up in the streets. There is some really bad stuff that goes down in Monterrey. I'm pretty sure he is still alive just to get baptized and sealed as a family. I really really like his family, they are just good people.
There is a picture of me, Elder Alonzo E. Toledo y Elder Puentes. We all lived together last transfer. There is also a picture of me trying on an overall.
I love you Guys!!!
Love,
Elder Waite
Elder Waite
September 21, 2011
Hello Family!!!
Man I love hearing from you!! Guess What I got CHANGED!! I was really sad when I found out but I am now glad for the change. Elder Puentes was probably the best comp I had had so far, and definitely a blessing. However I continue to be blessed right now because I am now with Elder Riley. He is from Garland, Utah -- a couple miles south of the gas station in Riverside. He only has a change less than me (same time as Elder Hemsley), but seems like he is fresh off the plane. He is one of the most excited people about missionary work that I know. I really can't ask for more.
I am now in an area called Mitras, still in Monterrey, and actually on the corner of my old area. It is cool. The missionary before me left with a bunch of people for us. We didn't have any sure baptisms planned but we really focused on this one lady (Janeth) and she got baptized. Also two other kids (Karina 17 and Oracio 14) got bapatized that had been in teaching forever. Janeth is a really neat lady, she cuts hair and is married with three noisy kids. The husband and her sister who came to the baptism are who we are focusing on now. The sister is 14 named Vanessa, but the parents don't really want to give us permission to baptize her. We've been promising blessings so far for them. The further and further we get in the week we might have to start promising condemnations. I haven't had much practice in this kind of thing before so we'll see how it goes. Cesar Roman is the husband of Janeth. He was a really really rough character, and still has a few rough edges. He has had lots of problems with the word of wisdom, and we are having faith that he will get over the temptation and be able to get baptized. The good thing is he really wants it and is solid and plenty of people have stopped cold turkey before, but we have the Lord on our side. I have been the part of lots of extremely powerful lessons in their house. My testimony is now so much stronger from knowing them, and there is only one member in the whole family, they will be legit (this is hopefully another temple family). We actually have a lot of people we are teaching right now, and the members love us. I am really excited to work here.
As far as Christmas lists go I really don't need anything, the pants you sent are great mom. I'll probably be sending you a picture of some shoes that you could get for me but they aren't terrible yet so I'll wait on that. Some things that would be nice are the regular deodorant, shaving cream, and razors. I don't know if you can send that stuff. If not it’s ok. It’s just really expensive here. I would really like one of those cool razors that you can change the heads on. I can't use razors that have less than three blades because it irritates my face. Maybe some music would be cool. Disney is allowed here, and in Salt Lake I heard some Hans Zimmer and that I really liked. I bought a CD player that can play MP3 discs. I don't know if you know how to make MP3 discs but it would be easier for you and me that way, but I'm happy with whatever.
One more thing, the President lives in Sierra Madre, and we live with the missionaries in that area. President has called me and offered his house to us any time we need to have some people feel the spirit. So we can call Sister Romney and go over there any time they say and they will feed us and do our job for us. It’s legit. I hope to get to know President really well these next few months. We took Janeth and Cesar over there Sunday night, they loved it.
I love you guys and thanks so much.
Love,
Elder Waite
Man I love hearing from you!! Guess What I got CHANGED!! I was really sad when I found out but I am now glad for the change. Elder Puentes was probably the best comp I had had so far, and definitely a blessing. However I continue to be blessed right now because I am now with Elder Riley. He is from Garland, Utah -- a couple miles south of the gas station in Riverside. He only has a change less than me (same time as Elder Hemsley), but seems like he is fresh off the plane. He is one of the most excited people about missionary work that I know. I really can't ask for more.
I am now in an area called Mitras, still in Monterrey, and actually on the corner of my old area. It is cool. The missionary before me left with a bunch of people for us. We didn't have any sure baptisms planned but we really focused on this one lady (Janeth) and she got baptized. Also two other kids (Karina 17 and Oracio 14) got bapatized that had been in teaching forever. Janeth is a really neat lady, she cuts hair and is married with three noisy kids. The husband and her sister who came to the baptism are who we are focusing on now. The sister is 14 named Vanessa, but the parents don't really want to give us permission to baptize her. We've been promising blessings so far for them. The further and further we get in the week we might have to start promising condemnations. I haven't had much practice in this kind of thing before so we'll see how it goes. Cesar Roman is the husband of Janeth. He was a really really rough character, and still has a few rough edges. He has had lots of problems with the word of wisdom, and we are having faith that he will get over the temptation and be able to get baptized. The good thing is he really wants it and is solid and plenty of people have stopped cold turkey before, but we have the Lord on our side. I have been the part of lots of extremely powerful lessons in their house. My testimony is now so much stronger from knowing them, and there is only one member in the whole family, they will be legit (this is hopefully another temple family). We actually have a lot of people we are teaching right now, and the members love us. I am really excited to work here.
As far as Christmas lists go I really don't need anything, the pants you sent are great mom. I'll probably be sending you a picture of some shoes that you could get for me but they aren't terrible yet so I'll wait on that. Some things that would be nice are the regular deodorant, shaving cream, and razors. I don't know if you can send that stuff. If not it’s ok. It’s just really expensive here. I would really like one of those cool razors that you can change the heads on. I can't use razors that have less than three blades because it irritates my face. Maybe some music would be cool. Disney is allowed here, and in Salt Lake I heard some Hans Zimmer and that I really liked. I bought a CD player that can play MP3 discs. I don't know if you know how to make MP3 discs but it would be easier for you and me that way, but I'm happy with whatever.
One more thing, the President lives in Sierra Madre, and we live with the missionaries in that area. President has called me and offered his house to us any time we need to have some people feel the spirit. So we can call Sister Romney and go over there any time they say and they will feed us and do our job for us. It’s legit. I hope to get to know President really well these next few months. We took Janeth and Cesar over there Sunday night, they loved it.
I love you guys and thanks so much.
Love,
Elder Waite
Sunday, September 18, 2011
September 12, 2011
Hello Family!!!
How are you all doing? Sounds like you are doing grand. ¡¡¡¡¡¡HAPPPY BIRRTHDAY MOM!!!! I'll have you know that I was thinking about you all day and what a good mom you are. Thanks for everything you do. I hope you had a good day, from your email it sounded so.
Also, happy anniversary to 9/11. Yes I certainly do remember that, however my version of the story is different than yours mom. I remember riding to school on the bus and when I got in there everyone was watching the TV. I don't remember hearing about it at home but I do remember how it felt. At church yesterday a kid that is about 15 asked me about it. He didn't remember anything. It was tough and weird explaining it to him, I felt sort of old.
Today in the night we are going to receive a call about the changes that are going to happen. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go or at least there is going to be a change in our companionship. I'll let you know next week. I'm really going to miss Elder Puentes. I've had more fun with him and am better friends with him than any other of my comps. I could handle being with him the whole time. He is doing a lot better by the way. I'm going to miss him.
I have been thinking about the stuff I need for Christmas, but I can't remember anything right now. I do like it when you send deodorant because it is ridiculously expensive here.
We had another miracle this week, her name is Brisa. She asked us if we could baptize her. Her dad is a member and her mom doesn't like the church, but she knew it was right and had read all the pamphlets that the missionaries had given to her dad. Now her little brother wants to get baptized also. They are really cool.
I wish you all the best of luck. And challenge any of you to a push up and sit up doing contest in a little more than a year...
Love,
Elder Waite
How are you all doing? Sounds like you are doing grand. ¡¡¡¡¡¡HAPPPY BIRRTHDAY MOM!!!! I'll have you know that I was thinking about you all day and what a good mom you are. Thanks for everything you do. I hope you had a good day, from your email it sounded so.
Also, happy anniversary to 9/11. Yes I certainly do remember that, however my version of the story is different than yours mom. I remember riding to school on the bus and when I got in there everyone was watching the TV. I don't remember hearing about it at home but I do remember how it felt. At church yesterday a kid that is about 15 asked me about it. He didn't remember anything. It was tough and weird explaining it to him, I felt sort of old.
Today in the night we are going to receive a call about the changes that are going to happen. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go or at least there is going to be a change in our companionship. I'll let you know next week. I'm really going to miss Elder Puentes. I've had more fun with him and am better friends with him than any other of my comps. I could handle being with him the whole time. He is doing a lot better by the way. I'm going to miss him.
I have been thinking about the stuff I need for Christmas, but I can't remember anything right now. I do like it when you send deodorant because it is ridiculously expensive here.
We had another miracle this week, her name is Brisa. She asked us if we could baptize her. Her dad is a member and her mom doesn't like the church, but she knew it was right and had read all the pamphlets that the missionaries had given to her dad. Now her little brother wants to get baptized also. They are really cool.
I wish you all the best of luck. And challenge any of you to a push up and sit up doing contest in a little more than a year...
Love,
Elder Waite
September 8, 2011
Hello Everybody!!!
I am really happy that you are all doing well, and I hope you are all staying sane there at the house.
I think it would be fun to help Dad with the fence out back, it’s probably the old one that only has three wires and isn't on the property line. Did you end up taking it down to the creek? So what are you all planning to do when Josiah and Austin are there? I hope you tell them hi for me and they enjoy their time there. I'm pretty sure Catherine still has a huge crush on Josiah so if your need someone to entertain them she could get the job done.
Thanks for all your prayers on my behalf and for my comp. This week we struggled and didn't have any investigators in church or baptisms but Carolina got baptized so that was good. I was also struggling a little. I read 1 Chronicles 28:9 and it sort of exploded the feeling of fear that I have always had that God judges us on where our hearts really are. I have always felt this way is right but I was really frustrated with myself and how weak I am. I was thinking and praying and one morning as I was putting on my tie. I remembered about something Mariah sent to me and started to look for the letter, I should have remembered this scripture but I didn't, Ether 12:27. Mariah said something about when we feel weakness that we are just getting closer to God. The scripture explains it really well also so I'll let you read it and hopefully understand what I was feeling. Just a little spiritual thing for you.
I hope everything is great. I love you guys.
Love,
Elder Waite
I am really happy that you are all doing well, and I hope you are all staying sane there at the house.
I think it would be fun to help Dad with the fence out back, it’s probably the old one that only has three wires and isn't on the property line. Did you end up taking it down to the creek? So what are you all planning to do when Josiah and Austin are there? I hope you tell them hi for me and they enjoy their time there. I'm pretty sure Catherine still has a huge crush on Josiah so if your need someone to entertain them she could get the job done.
Thanks for all your prayers on my behalf and for my comp. This week we struggled and didn't have any investigators in church or baptisms but Carolina got baptized so that was good. I was also struggling a little. I read 1 Chronicles 28:9 and it sort of exploded the feeling of fear that I have always had that God judges us on where our hearts really are. I have always felt this way is right but I was really frustrated with myself and how weak I am. I was thinking and praying and one morning as I was putting on my tie. I remembered about something Mariah sent to me and started to look for the letter, I should have remembered this scripture but I didn't, Ether 12:27. Mariah said something about when we feel weakness that we are just getting closer to God. The scripture explains it really well also so I'll let you read it and hopefully understand what I was feeling. Just a little spiritual thing for you.
I hope everything is great. I love you guys.
Love,
Elder Waite
August 29, 2011
Hello Family,Wow Hannah, great email!!! You fit just about everything in there... This email won't compare. We don't have time at all ever. As for me I am good, but really stressed and fed up with some of the stuff that happens in the mission. I don't tell you this that you lose faith in the missionaries, but one of the toughest things I've had to deal with in the mission is how the other missionaries act, that and how hard it is to see people who are ready to progress in the gospel and in their lives but reject the message.
However, I am really grateful that two little angels, Carolina (the small one) and Frida got baptized this week, that was legit. The pictures are of them. It’s so cool to see the changes baptism makes in people’s lives. I wish you could see the before and after of both the girls. Even though they are both just girls you can just see and feel the light of Christ in them more.
I love you all. I have the best family ever, and I hope you are all well. Stick in there with school Hannah, the faster you learn to deal with the stuff that other people do the better. That is definitely one thing I'm still struggling with. Cheer hard at the football games and tell Mr. Summers hi for me.
Love,
Elder Waite
However, I am really grateful that two little angels, Carolina (the small one) and Frida got baptized this week, that was legit. The pictures are of them. It’s so cool to see the changes baptism makes in people’s lives. I wish you could see the before and after of both the girls. Even though they are both just girls you can just see and feel the light of Christ in them more.
I love you all. I have the best family ever, and I hope you are all well. Stick in there with school Hannah, the faster you learn to deal with the stuff that other people do the better. That is definitely one thing I'm still struggling with. Cheer hard at the football games and tell Mr. Summers hi for me.
Love,
Elder Waite
August 21, 2011
Hello Family!!!
Wow it’s great to hear from you guys!! Sounds like you had a legit time as usual at the fair, I really miss that. This week has been another in the work. Pretty good. We confirmed Arturo and were supposed to have a baptism of Carolina (she is the girl in the red with Elder Puentes). She didn't get baptized because her mom couldn't come. The family are Mariachis and they got called last night and had to work all day, but next week she will get baptized. We have 2 other baptisms this week planned; the same girl I told you about last week and also a daughter of a recent convert named Brisas, she is 15. She came to church yesterday with her dad and I asked her if she wanted to get baptized and she said yes! Just like that. Danny is her dad. He owns a car paint shop and usually buys us drinks if we go over there. We did some service with him this week, we washed the inside of a brand new Honda accord. I wanted to drive it so bad. That is a really quick resume of what we have been doing this week.
I will do the best to explain how we baptized Chema, the man without any legs. It wasn’t that complicated, we had a few ideas about how we could do it but what ended up happening was we put him in a chair and carried him down into the font. I was the one who said the prayer and our ward mission leader was in the water with us. He had his hands normal with mine in front of him so he could plug his nose, and when I finished with the prayer I put my hand on his lower back. The other guy who was facing me then basically picked him up off the chair (his arm was a little below mine and the other was a little above) we moved forward (away from the chair) and then went under the water by bending our knees and leaning forward. It wasn't easy because we were battling with space also, the font isn’t that big. Then we put him on the chair again and carried him out.
I am sending you some pictures. The guy without the tooth is our district leader, Elder Morby. He was eating and his tooth just cracked so they shaved it down and made an ugly mold to go over it poor guy. One is when Elder Puentes tried to steal a pizza delivery bike (these guys that deliver pizza are crazy here, weaving in and out of cars and going at red lights and everything (I've seen some try to wheelie but they are pretty sad). The blurry one with the people in the costumes is of the matachines (I think that’s what they are called). They dance for the virgin & they were practicing. Every part of the city has a group. There is a big festival and they all go dance.
Well, that’s all for this week. Good luck with school starting, that’s pretty crazy. Glad I don't have to do that for a while.
Love,
Elder Waite
Wow it’s great to hear from you guys!! Sounds like you had a legit time as usual at the fair, I really miss that. This week has been another in the work. Pretty good. We confirmed Arturo and were supposed to have a baptism of Carolina (she is the girl in the red with Elder Puentes). She didn't get baptized because her mom couldn't come. The family are Mariachis and they got called last night and had to work all day, but next week she will get baptized. We have 2 other baptisms this week planned; the same girl I told you about last week and also a daughter of a recent convert named Brisas, she is 15. She came to church yesterday with her dad and I asked her if she wanted to get baptized and she said yes! Just like that. Danny is her dad. He owns a car paint shop and usually buys us drinks if we go over there. We did some service with him this week, we washed the inside of a brand new Honda accord. I wanted to drive it so bad. That is a really quick resume of what we have been doing this week.
I will do the best to explain how we baptized Chema, the man without any legs. It wasn’t that complicated, we had a few ideas about how we could do it but what ended up happening was we put him in a chair and carried him down into the font. I was the one who said the prayer and our ward mission leader was in the water with us. He had his hands normal with mine in front of him so he could plug his nose, and when I finished with the prayer I put my hand on his lower back. The other guy who was facing me then basically picked him up off the chair (his arm was a little below mine and the other was a little above) we moved forward (away from the chair) and then went under the water by bending our knees and leaning forward. It wasn't easy because we were battling with space also, the font isn’t that big. Then we put him on the chair again and carried him out.
I am sending you some pictures. The guy without the tooth is our district leader, Elder Morby. He was eating and his tooth just cracked so they shaved it down and made an ugly mold to go over it poor guy. One is when Elder Puentes tried to steal a pizza delivery bike (these guys that deliver pizza are crazy here, weaving in and out of cars and going at red lights and everything (I've seen some try to wheelie but they are pretty sad). The blurry one with the people in the costumes is of the matachines (I think that’s what they are called). They dance for the virgin & they were practicing. Every part of the city has a group. There is a big festival and they all go dance.
Well, that’s all for this week. Good luck with school starting, that’s pretty crazy. Glad I don't have to do that for a while.
Love,
Elder Waite
August 15, 2011 -- email
Hello Hello!!
How is everybody doing??? Thanks for all the birthday wishes everybody!! Birthdays are weird. It’s so strange to think that I am not a teenager anymore, I still feel like one. I am really sorry that I haven't written very much lately. We've been busy, playing hard and working harder. Last week we had a zone activity and went to Americas Incredible Pizza, it was a riot. It is all you can eat food, and two hours of playing arcade games for 200 pesos. I didn't think I would like it that much because I've never been much of a fan of arcade games but being with everybody made it fun, there was also mini golf, laser tag and go karts. There was a lot to do. This week we played soccer and because it was my birthday, the people in my district stayed and ate pizza.
Alright, enough with the stuff we do for P days... I have some legit news for y'all: I got a new comp!!! I'm now senior companion.. My comps name is Elder Puentes, he is really cool and a great missionary. He is from Utah, but his parents are from Uruguay and Peru. This has been the best two weeks of my mission so far. I have never felt satisfied or content like I do now, and the Lord is blessing us with our efforts. This week we had a baptism, his name is Arturo, we were just walking down the street and he talked to us. This is the first person of gold that I have had I'm my mission, he was ready. I would have loved to baptize him because any time the missionaries have seen him I have been there but we decided to give the chance to the guy that was baptized the first week I was in this area, Pablo. Pablo is a little guy and Arturo is a big guy, but he got it done. The first lesson with Arturo, he told us that he works on Sundays, so for the next 15 minutes we read about how the Lord blesses us if we keep the Sabbath day holy and all that jazz, and then invited him to do it. I don't think we needed to waste our breath because he accepted to go to church. It was the same way when we invited him to be baptized, and he said to us later that the reason is because he has seen missionaries a lot and has always thought that if we are giving up our time to invite people to change then it must be worth it to make the change. He is legit, he doesn't have work but he sells books in a Mercado by his house on Sundays. We promised him blessings for going to church and getting baptized, and last Friday Pablo called us to tell us he found a job for Arturo. To be a part of this change in the life of Arturo has been amazing. I have seen the hand of God acting in behalf of another one of his kids. The picture is of Arturo when he got baptized. His son is there, and also Pablo the guy that we baptized the first week I was here. Arturo is the bigger one.
We have found another couple of miracles; Carolina – 8 yrs old, and Frida – 9 yrs old. They live in different parts of town but their story is a lot alike. We were knocking doors and found them. Both of them have family in the church that are less active, and they both have always said that when they turn 8 they were going to get baptized. Carolina should get baptized this Sunday and Frida during the next week. Frida's whole family are members, they just have to work on Sundays so they inactivated themselves. They have been thinking about going back to church and having Frida get baptized, all it took was for us to be there.
Don't worry about us in Monterrey, the heat doesn't seem so bad, I was expecting it to be hotter. Everybody talks about this time of year as being a killer, I was thinking 115 degrees and stuff like that but I don’t think its broke 110 yet. My poor comp is dying, he just came from the offices as materials secretary with AC, and they didn't leave to work til 5 in the afternoon.
Sorry I can’t send pictures right now, something isn't working with the computer that I am at. I hope to send you more next week. I'm getting excited to open my presents tonight. I opened a deodorant already. Thank you so much, my comp probably thanks you more. Sounds like you are all having a ton of fun with the fair and everything, I will miss that. ood luck, and I expect to see some pictures. I love you guys.
Love,
Elder Waite
How is everybody doing??? Thanks for all the birthday wishes everybody!! Birthdays are weird. It’s so strange to think that I am not a teenager anymore, I still feel like one. I am really sorry that I haven't written very much lately. We've been busy, playing hard and working harder. Last week we had a zone activity and went to Americas Incredible Pizza, it was a riot. It is all you can eat food, and two hours of playing arcade games for 200 pesos. I didn't think I would like it that much because I've never been much of a fan of arcade games but being with everybody made it fun, there was also mini golf, laser tag and go karts. There was a lot to do. This week we played soccer and because it was my birthday, the people in my district stayed and ate pizza.
Alright, enough with the stuff we do for P days... I have some legit news for y'all: I got a new comp!!! I'm now senior companion.. My comps name is Elder Puentes, he is really cool and a great missionary. He is from Utah, but his parents are from Uruguay and Peru. This has been the best two weeks of my mission so far. I have never felt satisfied or content like I do now, and the Lord is blessing us with our efforts. This week we had a baptism, his name is Arturo, we were just walking down the street and he talked to us. This is the first person of gold that I have had I'm my mission, he was ready. I would have loved to baptize him because any time the missionaries have seen him I have been there but we decided to give the chance to the guy that was baptized the first week I was in this area, Pablo. Pablo is a little guy and Arturo is a big guy, but he got it done. The first lesson with Arturo, he told us that he works on Sundays, so for the next 15 minutes we read about how the Lord blesses us if we keep the Sabbath day holy and all that jazz, and then invited him to do it. I don't think we needed to waste our breath because he accepted to go to church. It was the same way when we invited him to be baptized, and he said to us later that the reason is because he has seen missionaries a lot and has always thought that if we are giving up our time to invite people to change then it must be worth it to make the change. He is legit, he doesn't have work but he sells books in a Mercado by his house on Sundays. We promised him blessings for going to church and getting baptized, and last Friday Pablo called us to tell us he found a job for Arturo. To be a part of this change in the life of Arturo has been amazing. I have seen the hand of God acting in behalf of another one of his kids. The picture is of Arturo when he got baptized. His son is there, and also Pablo the guy that we baptized the first week I was here. Arturo is the bigger one.
We have found another couple of miracles; Carolina – 8 yrs old, and Frida – 9 yrs old. They live in different parts of town but their story is a lot alike. We were knocking doors and found them. Both of them have family in the church that are less active, and they both have always said that when they turn 8 they were going to get baptized. Carolina should get baptized this Sunday and Frida during the next week. Frida's whole family are members, they just have to work on Sundays so they inactivated themselves. They have been thinking about going back to church and having Frida get baptized, all it took was for us to be there.
Don't worry about us in Monterrey, the heat doesn't seem so bad, I was expecting it to be hotter. Everybody talks about this time of year as being a killer, I was thinking 115 degrees and stuff like that but I don’t think its broke 110 yet. My poor comp is dying, he just came from the offices as materials secretary with AC, and they didn't leave to work til 5 in the afternoon.
Sorry I can’t send pictures right now, something isn't working with the computer that I am at. I hope to send you more next week. I'm getting excited to open my presents tonight. I opened a deodorant already. Thank you so much, my comp probably thanks you more. Sounds like you are all having a ton of fun with the fair and everything, I will miss that. ood luck, and I expect to see some pictures. I love you guys.
Love,
Elder Waite
August 8, 2011 - email
Family!!I sure love you all. The pictures will have to speak for me this week. I'll write more next week. Have fun for me on the hike, you are probably up there right now.
Love,
Elder Waite
July 25, 2011 - email
Hello Family!!Well I don't have a lot of time, not that I ever do, but especially not today. I hope you guys are all well, and I hope you aren't all too busy!! Sounds like it, but it also sounds like you are having a lot of fun also. This week has been a good one, with one baptism. It was pretty cool. In the Zone we had what they call Noche Blanca. Its where all the baptisms in the Zone go to one place and are all baptized at the same time. The guy we baptized is called Jose Angel, or Chema; he only has one tooth. He is Martha’s Brother and he doesn't have legs but he's cool. He called me all sorts of weird names because he can’t say Waite, not very many people can. Most people can’t say the 't' at the end and without it is a swear word and also a word that is sort of like 'dude' or something like that. Did you have the same problem Dad?
Sorry no pictures this week, I forgot the camera. I hope you are all doing swell. Just thinking about you makes me want to do things so well so that you will be proud.
Love,
Elder Waite
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
July 19, 2011 -email
HI FAMILY!!
Well Saturday I got my birthday package!!! And the debit card was still in there. Thanks for that present Sadie, that the card was disguised in. It was a really good week, and today should be a really good day also. We don't have anything planned so I hope maybe I might get a nap in. Saturday we had the annual house checks, we got to see Hermana Romney. She was the one who brought me the package. Thanks so much for the raisins. I didn't realize how much I miss them. The coolest thing I have seen so far is the Jesus the Christ book. I look at all the names in there all the time and just think how cool it is that that book has been all over the world and has been with people doing the same thing the whole time. Thanks for sending that.
I'm going to tell you a spiritual experience that happened in our district leader’s area. I was on divisions with his companion. We went to an appointment where the day before they had showed them the Joseph Smith movie. We went, started talking to them about the movie, answered questions about it, and they started to ask about the Book of Mormon. I love it when people ask us about the things that we teach about, especially about the BOM. We decided to read 2 Nephi 32 about the Holy Ghost. It was really cool, as soon as we started reading the kids who were rowdy and screaming calmed right down, and one of them fell asleep. It was sort of funny, but neat at the same time. I think they were feeling the Spirit. I know the Mom and her daughter that was still awake felt something. They accepted the invitation to be baptized and to go to church and to read and pray. It is amazing what the spirit can motivate people to do.
Not much else to say this week... my arm hurts because I just played foosball with my companion for about 45 minutes. I hope you are all doing good and keeping your testimonies strong by action. Good luck with all you are doing.
Love,
Elder Waite
Saturday, July 16, 2011
July 13, 2011 -email
Hello KC7ZKV, KD7NFU, KD7ODQ, KD7HNH, Maren, Ainsley, Hallie, Sadie and Janie!
How is everyone doing? I hope you aren't too sad that you weren't able to go on the hike this week. It’s starting to heat up in Monterrey.... again. Yesterday it was about 107, today seems just as bad but we haven't been walking around very much. We just got back from playing soccer, the zone here is pretty united and we have lots of activities like that. It’s a good thing there are more gringos than just me, because if not the Mexicans would hate me because I'm so bad. I thought I was getting good, or at least better, but today I struggled.
You have probably assumed this but we went to the temple today, it was really cool. I was the last one to go into the Celestial Room and was accompanied by two elders and a sister for about 5 minutes and then I was all alone. I stayed in there for a long time all alone. It was an experience that I don't ever want to forget. I received a confirmation again that this is the place I should be right now, doing the things that we do. As the spirit always does, I was encouraged to try and give a little more and be more like the Savior, especially when things are the hardest.
Well I have some good news. I woke up speaking Spanish this morning. I had a pretty rough dream; I don't remember what it was about but I remember being startled and a little on edge so I just decided to get up. It was around 5 and we had to leave a little early to get to the temple. The cool thing was that when I got to my senses, I said to myself how nervous I was and everything all in Spanish, maybe even my dream was in Spanish, who knows. It was neat, but I still have a long way to go, there are still lots of things I don't understand and things I can't say right. That is one thing that I'm grateful for my companion for. I have been able to improve on my language skills just speaking with him.
Sunday I gave a talk. 17 minutes strong. It was about covenants. I took some thoughts from the conference talk 'Followers of Christ' if you want to read it, and the scripture Moroni 10:33 I think. I'm not sure on the scriptures, I left my notes and everything at home, next week I'll send them...
To answer the questions, no I do not have the package yet, it has not gotten to the offices so far. I don't remember if there were any other questions. How is Mariah doing? Haven't heard from her for a while. I hate to be a pest but I've been thinking about the radios lately and just want to make sure, or at least know what is going on with my license. I hope I will be able to renew it.
I love you all, hope you keep on doing the things that lead to happiness.
Love,
Elder KD7ODR
July 4, 2011 -email
Hello Family!!
Just a quick note today, things are going good here in Monterrey. Today I had a chance to go to a different part of the city... the rich part... an hermano took us to a buffet and then we went for a drive. It was a riot. When I say rich I mean really rich, so rich that there aren’t even missionaries there. I am just going to tell you guys a quick spiritual thought.
On Saturday we were in a lesson with a little kid and his family that are members. We were talking about baptism and I started to bear my testimony about how baptism is a covenant and how if we are faithful to our covenants and always do the things that God asks us, then he will never leave us alone, I testify about that every day, but this time it was different. In my mind I was thinking about all the times that I have seen the hand of God in my life and how these things really are true. I know I was feeling the spirit, and I was feeling my testimony grow in just those few minutes. It was a very special part of my week and probably one of the most spiritual experiences that I have had on the mission. I hope it can help you out in your lives somehow.
Love,
Elder Waite
June 27, 2011 -email
Hello Family,
First things first... Happy Birthday Janie!!! I hope you had a good one, I sang you a song in my head on your birthday. I would have done it out loud but my companion thinks I'm crazy anyway. And yes, we are still together. I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed when we got the phone call, but I guess it’s the Lords will. Things are starting to go downhill again, but I appreciate him still and I have got to know him a little better lately. He was raised by his mother, his father was assassinated because his grandfather was a Narco (Drug dealer). Just some interesting tidbits for you.
Thanks for sending the package with my card. Speaking of that kind of stuff, I took out 500 pesos earlier last week. I will do everything possible to tell Sister Romney to email you as soon as she gets it. If you could, give my congrats to Cache and his Family and tell him good luck. So the Swensons are living in Ralphs house? Where did Afton go? I am glad to hear about the lesson going good Mom, it’s true the manuals are written for a worldwide church, the church is huge here but still many people aren't as sure with the gospel stuff as some of the others. I am glad to hear you are receiving revelation.
Yesterday we got lucky and a girl that we had been talking to came to church, it had been about 3 weeks since we had seen her, but it turns out her friend that is a member invited her to go again. Her name is Fatima she is 13, she lives with her mom and grandparents. They aren't too excited about her being baptized but she knows it is the right thing to do. It’s cool to see the people show their faith once they get a little bit of a testimony. The thing is, they have to get a testimony of the right thing.
Anyway I hope you are all doing well, I love you all.
Love,
Elder Waite
June 27, 2011 -email
Hello Family,
First things first... Happy Birthday Janie!!! I hope you had a good one, I sang you a song in my head on your birthday. I would have done it out loud but my companion thinks I'm crazy anyway. And yes, we are still together. I guess it’s the Lords will. Things are starting to go downhill again, but I appreciate him still and I have got to know him a little better lately. He was raised by his mother, his father was assassinated because his grandfather was a Narco (Drug dealer). Just some interesting tidbits for you.
Thanks for sending the package with my card. Speaking of that kind of stuff, I took out 500 pesos earlier last week. I will do everything possible to tell Sister Romney to email you as soon as she gets it. If you could, give my congrats to Cache and his Family and tell him good luck. So the Swensons are living in Ralphs house? Where did Afton go? I am glad to hear about the lesson going good Mom, it’s true the manuals are written for a worldwide church, the church is huge here but still many people aren't as sure with the gospel stuff as some of the others. I am glad to hear you are receiving revelation.
Yesterday we got lucky and a girl that we had been talking to came to church, it had been about 3 weeks since we had seen her, but it turns out her friend that is a member invited her to go again. Her name is Fatima she is 13, she lives with her mom and grandparents. They aren't too excited about her being baptized but she knows it is the right thing to do. It’s cool to see the people show their faith once they get a little bit of a testimony. The thing is, they have to get a testimony of the right thing.
Anyway I hope you are all doing well, I love you all.
Love,
Elder Waite
June 20, 2011 -email
Well hello Family!
Happy Fathers Day DAD!!! I hope everything went well, and you got some good treatment, maybe some good food or something like that. We got some food from one of the parties, a soup with beans, chile and skin from pigs as an appetizer and after that we had pollo asado.
I hope you are all doing well and am happy to hear that everyone is doing good with the changes that have taken place in the house lately, I'm a little jealous of all the hiking that's going on over there. We walk a lot but it’s not the same...
I've got some really good news, my comp and I are getting along wonderfully, and I'm pretty sure you could call us friends. However, it’s a little too late because we have changes today, they will call us tonight and tell us if we are staying together or if someone is going. I really have no idea what might happen, I don't feel anything like I did last time. Who knows, one thing I've learned and felt lately is whatever happens it is the Lords will.
This week we were stood up by many people who were supposed to come to church and for appointments in general. It has been a rather weird week; there have been lots of other things that we have been doing outside of our area with the zone and district leaders.
Good to hear about my new cousin. Uncle Greg sent me pictures. The whole family looks pretty happy. When I first skimmed through the email I saw the name Lucy and for some reason I thought you were talking about that white cat that Grandpa Wadsworth used to have. Glad to hear it’s something that is a little more important. There aren't going to be any good names left by the time I start my family because everyone has already taken most of them. If you could congratulate them for me I would appreciate it.
Good luck with everything, especially you Mariah, and Hannah and Maren and Ainsley and Hallie and Sadie and Janie and Mom and Dad.
Love,
Elder Waite
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
June 13, 2011
Hello Family!!
How is everyone? I'm hecka excited to write this week. We just got back from a Zone activity. We played soccer, football and basketball, and also had a water fight. I didn't win but it was still fun. It’s getting pretty hot here again (for the past two weeks it’s been pretty nice, only about 35 degrees but it’s getting hotter now) and any chance we have to get wet is sweet. Actually we are pretty wet all the time from our sweat.
Monterrey is more humid than people give it credit for.
Monterrey is more humid than people give it credit for.
This week has been a little up and down. The problems with my comp are still there but we have talked about it a lot and I've come to the conclusion with myself that I just need to be happy. Attitude is everything.
I'm glad you got that package. I was worried that Hermana Romney had forgotten.
We had a baptism, Maria Teresa, it was legit, but I need to baptize more gently the people say...
Good luck with everything!! I love you guys.
Love
Elder Waite
June 6, 2011
Hello Family,
First off the pictures – 1- Me and my comp at the temple. I don't think I sent this one to you, sorry if I have. 2- Martha, the lady we baptized this week. Boy was it an adventure and a miracle to say in the least. Her brother had his legs amputated a couple years ago and has had lots of problems since. Thursday he went to the hospital because his kidneys stopped working, so we went to the hospital to see them. He didn't want anything but Martha was golden, and it was legit to see her faith. We learned that they had gone to the hospital from the neighbor. It is a huge hospital, and we didn't even know the full name of her brother to ask the people there, but we went and we found Martha. It was a miracle. I didn't even realize it until I was thinking about it yesterday how impossible the odds were of finding her there. I guess we live in a world of miracles after all. We were able to arrange for someone to stay with the brother for the time that it would take to do the baptism on Sunday. We went to pick her up from her house Sunday and on our way to the church we stopped and picked up another investigator, Maria (she is the other lady in the picture). It turns out that they have been friends since birth. They went to school and everything together, they even dated the same guy and hated each other at one point in their lives, but they are cool now. Anyway, now the both of them are even more excited to be going to church together, and Maria is going to get baptized next week. It’s a pretty cool story if you ask me. I hope I wrote it well enough so you can all understand.
Things in the companionship haven't improved one bit. I don't really want to write about it and there's not much to say other than I am amazed that God is blessing us with more success now when there is contention. Spanish and I are battling. I always confuse myself when I am talking. I haven't quite fallen in love with it yet like I thought I would. This whole mission business is a whole lot harder than I ever thought it would be, but it is still pretty easy to count my blessings.
Sorry I haven't been keeping up on investigators that you could pray for. It’s pretty tough because they come and go pretty fast, but I think Maria would be a good name for you guys. I hope nothing impedes her from getting baptized this coming Sunday.
We went to the offices today (4.5 pesos in metro and a 25 peso for a taxi, in this area we almost never use the buses, mostly the metro, for 4.5 pesos you can go almost anywhere in Monterrey). I had to do some things with my visa, and I am legitly legal now.
I hope you all are doing well. I have some Dear Elders and a couple letters to read but I haven't yet. I am really excited to. It’s like Christmas every time your letters come. I have been really stressed lately. Today we got together as a district and watch The Singles Ward Two with pizza. It was a legit break, except I am the only American in our district and felt a little alone. That movie is pretty funny. Maybe it’s the fact I'm a missionary and haven't seen a movie in a while.
Love
Elder Waite
June 1, 2011 -email
Hello Everyone!!
First off I need to plead for the pardon of Sadie - I don't think I told you happy birthday!!!!! Sorry it’s a little late. I really did think about you the whole day on the 18th. I don't have much time today, not much new though... my comp and I are still having some little problems, but he's a little guy and not that hard to whip into shape.. just kidding.
We are going to have a baptism this week!! A lady about 50 named Martha, very poor and humble, but she gave us beans and bread to eat the second time we saw her. Her heart is in the right place and we get along very well.
All this talk about the hike is making me so excited for all the pictures that are coming my way! I hope you all enjoy it, when are you guys going to go?
Glad to hear Mariah is in Japan. It’s really cool to tell people that I have a sister in Japan. I think about her all the time, and now she is out in the real world!!
Good news: I'm still under 200 lbs. I was thinking I was over but I'm still not. Sorry that this is short and doesn't really say anything at all, but just know that I send my love.
Love
Elder Waite
Dear Family, How is everyone? From all the mail that I got this week it sounds like you are still busy as ever. We had Zone conference this week, it was great. I'm going to include some of the thoughts if I have time to later. I got a ton of Dear Elders and 3 other letters from Sadie, Hannah and Mom telling me about Aunt Amy's funeral.
First off I need to take care of some business and answer some questions that were asked in the DE's. Dad, my Ham Radio license is going to expire in August I think. I really don't want to have to take that test again, so could you check into that for me please? Good luck with your foot surgery. I read about what was going to happen the night before, so I got a prayer in for you before it happened. I hope everything is well.
I also read about the possibility of you guys getting an exchange student. All I have to say about it is if you think you can handle it go ahead. I always thought it would be cool to have one. I don't think my opinion matters very much in this though; you have probably made up your mind.
I finally got rid of the fungus that has been growing on my neck. I actually didn't know that it was fungus until I asked Sis Romney, it was just dry. One application of Gold Bond did the trick.Yes, I got the DE's after Mothers day. They usually come in weeks. I have the week of the 9th of May. I might take out some money today, the most it would be is $40. It’s been a tight month with changes and all, plus my comp has already ran out of money. That is my biggest pet peeve, people not being responsible with their money and begging the rest of the month.
Sadie
Man I wish I could be there to see you get baptized!!! But even though I'm not I'll be thinking about you. Baptism is something very important, it is when we have the opportunity to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, after baptism we are on his team, and we need to always follow him. I know that you will feel something very special during and after your baptism and even more special when you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. I know that you are doing the right thing and that you can feel and receive the blessing of this decision for the rest of your life. Enjoy the time that you are free of sin. I love you so much!!
Love Elder Waite
Hello West Side Missionary's!
How are you guys all doing, it's so cool to think about everyone and where you all are. I am doing great here in Monterrey, and it is HOT!! I'm sure that most of you know what I am talking about. I am starting to get fat from this Mexican food, and I'm getting kind of good at soccer. After the MTC I was a visa waiter in the Salt Lake SouthMission, and after a little wait I finally got to Mexico, I just got to my second area here in Mexico.
It is my hope and prayer that you are all doing great and making our school proud. I am still pretty young in the mission but there are a few things that I have gained a stronger testimony about that I want to share with you: Jesus is the Christ, and we as missionaries are not exempt from having to repent ourselves. The Church is perfect and it is directed by a prophet under the direction of Jesus Christ.
Love, Elder Waite
I hope this is ok it was a little on the fly but I hope it works. In the pictures, the first one is of a sign in our area, although there are a lot of things going on in the world right now and people saying stuff like this, I don't really think it is helping the missionary work :(. The rest are of a birthday party of one of the hermanas in the ward. Yes, that food was amazing!
We had a miracle this Sunday, some guy showed up and wants to get baptized. His name is Ernesto. We confirmed someone this week. It was a tough week.
I love you guys, Get well soon Dad!!
Love,
Elder Waite
Monday, June 20, 2011
May 16, 2011 -email
Hello Family!!
Well like what I said to you on Mother’s Day, I got changed!! Pretty cool, I am now in a ward called Morelos 1 and it is a completely different life, but I like it. When we get changes the zone leaders call and tell us what is going on at around 9:30 the night before we leave, and then we have to be at the bus station at 830 the next morning. At about 6 on Monday President called me…a little startling…and told me in person that I was getting changed. He didn't tell me where he just said that I would be getting a companion that I would learn lots from. I'm not going to go into more details about what he said, but it was sort of a warning call. And now that I have been with him I know why. He is a very good missionary and has exploded this area. We live with another companionship, which is sort of fun. During the day I never speak English and rarely in the night.
I am excited for this change here. I am learning so much more in every aspect of being a missionary in Mexico. I am sending some pictures of where I study, where my clothes are, outside the window from the study room, and of a bird that was in our house last night. I might be able to write you more later... If not goodbye.
Love
Elder Waite
May 16, 2011 -letter
Dear Family,
Well, today is Monday. I wrote you guys this morning, not very much. I hope this letter will maybe fill you in on what I didn’t say this morning. We are at an Hermana’s house washing. They have a washer and a dryer. It’s the first time that I’ve used a dryer since being in Mexico. I actually think they don’t exist in Salinas Victoria. I had to come into the big city. Our area really is in the big city, but it is mostly residential. It is so weird being here.
My new companion was born in Brazil, his mom is Brazilian and his dad is Mexican. For the past 10 years he has lived in Chiapas, Mexico. He is short and really dark. He knows how to talk to people and can gain their confidence really fast. I am glad that I am with him. For one I am going to be able to speak Spanish better, the other is I hope to be able to talk to people like he can. This week that I have been with him has been interesting. Obedience is related with everything we do.
Monterrey is awesome. I am still amazed at how big this city is. It pretty much never ends. The mountains all around it are really cool also, they are huge. From our house you can see the Silla (Saddle Mountain), and in another direction another group of mountains that look bigger, but I think it is just because they are closer.
Today, and all this week it has been raining and one day it even hailed. Not quite as bad as it was on the hike with the Waldrons but it was still pretty intense. It’s been pretty nice weather lately. I have been using my long sleeve shirts more. I forgot how much I like them. The primary song about earth right after rain makes a lot more sense to me now that I have been in a city that doesn’t get clean very often. Sunday afternoon it was really cool. It rained really hard so everyone went inside and about 45 minutes after, it stopped and everything was silent. Nobody was outside but us and everything was fresh. It was pretty cool, or a different experience at least.
22 May
I fell in love with Mexico a little more last night. We got to go to a birthday party of one of the sisters in the ward (We baptized her future son-in-law my first Sunday here. That was cool.) Mexicans really know how to party. They got these huge speakers from somewhere and had some karaoke going on and there was also a piñata. I had the honors of breaking it. Right now it is early Sunday morning. We don’t have any baptisms planned but there are lots of people who showed up last week and if they come today they could theoretically get baptized. We are taking the white clothes just in case. I am pretty sure we are going to be in church at the same time as you guys. It is cool to think about that.
Sister Romney (Mission President’s wife) is going to mail this sometime, hopefully soon from Texas, so it should get to you guys pretty fast. I think about you guys all the time, and I love to show the pictures of us to people. The usual comment is, “Wow, 7 kids, didn’t you guys have T.V.? “ Anyway, I love you.
Love,
Elder Camden Waite
May 16, 2011 -email from President Romney
Thank you, Bro and Sis Waite, for your letter and your concern for your son. Let me first put you at ease and tell you that your son is doing very well.
The warning call that I made was to let Elder Waite know that his companion had had some challenges in the past, had been changed from a senior to a junior companion, and that I was once again making him a senior companion. I wanted your son to be aware of a few of his companion's past challenges to ensure they were not repeated.
I am actually very pleased to hear that your son's companion is responding so well to the move to make him a senior companion again. It sounds as if they are doing very well together.
I very much enjoy having Elder Waite in our mission. He is one of those Elders that I anticipate will always be "part of the solution" as opposed to "part of the problem". Thank you for sending me someone with such great desire and ability.
May you be blessed in all you do,
President Brent Romney
Mexico Monterrey West Mission
ps - I am unaware of any problem with Dear Elder. It does sometimes take a while to actually get the letters in the hands of the missionaries.
The warning call that I made was to let Elder Waite know that his companion had had some challenges in the past, had been changed from a senior to a junior companion, and that I was once again making him a senior companion. I wanted your son to be aware of a few of his companion's past challenges to ensure they were not repeated.
I am actually very pleased to hear that your son's companion is responding so well to the move to make him a senior companion again. It sounds as if they are doing very well together.
I very much enjoy having Elder Waite in our mission. He is one of those Elders that I anticipate will always be "part of the solution" as opposed to "part of the problem". Thank you for sending me someone with such great desire and ability.
May you be blessed in all you do,
President Brent Romney
Mexico Monterrey West Mission
ps - I am unaware of any problem with Dear Elder. It does sometimes take a while to actually get the letters in the hands of the missionaries.
January 29, 2011
January 29, 2011 – Letter received May 7th (14 weeks later) – retyped by Eve
I’m here in Mexico and I’m safe. Monterrey is sweet. We flew in last night around 6:30. Our president met us there and took us to the mission home. We had our last American meal. I really like President and Sister Romney. Monterrey is really clean, at least what I’ve seen so far. Lots of American companies are here, and there are probably more American cars than any others.
We are going to probably be put in temporary assignments for the next two or three weeks and then hopefully our more permanent assignments will come.
I keep having lots of surprises. That’s pretty much what my whole mission has been so far, but I’m glad to say they have all been good surprises.
I am already in love with Mexico, and Monterrey is probably one of the prettiest cities I have seen. It is about 60 ̊̊ here right now, no snow, which is really nice for a change.
I’m doing great and hope you all are as well.
Love Your Son and Brother,
E. Waite
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