Week 10 BMORE LICKS

It's been TWO MONTHS in the mission. Wow that is a long time and it has felt like it too. I get to spend all day every day serving people and inviting them to come unto Christ. Its been quite the different lifestyle but way more rewarding then I had thought. 

On Tuesday we had all the Elders at the Meals on Wheels and flew through the boxes with packing. We were so fast we got it done in half the time so we went over to an ice cream shop named BMORE LICKS. I love ice cream. Sorry if your lactose intolerant I'm sure soy ice cream is good too. 

Saturdays, we have a soccer night where we invite everyone to come and enjoy each others company. This Saturday we showed up late, (love the orange bus) but no one was there. It was kinda bummed out. Then as the Elders and Sisters were about to head out, we had a few of our friends, (people interested in the church who are not members) show up. After about an hour, there were about 40 people there! It was wonderful! I got to practice my Spanish and even called over a few kids playing in the park to join us. Small miracle. 

This week we were able to have two lessons about the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth. We were able to talk to two different families about the importance of families and centering them on Jesus Christ. When I get to share these truths to God's children, I get to feel a tiny portion of his love for them. It is a great experience to have and it makes me sad that not many people allow us to serve them and talk about Jesus Christ. After all, I am a representative of Him and try to love God's children as He does. As I learn and teach in this foreign language, I know that Christ gives me strength to speak and listen in Spanish. I am doing his work so he helps me do it. 

From my apartment this time,

Elder Wait

I haven't given up hope yet.

-charm city pt2 

-FELIX the ward mission leader

-cleaning the kitchen

-sun over a house

- post-english class with the Hermanas

- someone on a roof smh

- sun over an intersection

- biking i call these new safety reflective vests as the new fashion trend

- ramen ( kaylea taught me well)

- Little glass Jesus where the entire room becomes rainbow in the morning when the light hits it

- Bus x2

- working out, grind with Elder Hiserman never stops

- English/Spanish Elders differing opinions

-  "long fence" haha get it, because its like not that long, its like ironic or a palindrome idk I'm not an english major

Week 9 The Orange Bus

Well this week has been quite the change. Another set of Elders needed our car more then we did so we get the WONDERFUL opportunity to experience the Baltimore LINK! It is quite the experience to say the least. I actually write this email from a bus stop. (pic for reference)

Last p-day the branch(Spanish congregation) missionaries were together hanging out. We somehow decided that everyone would get a haircut. I don't have a picture of all of us but 6 soon to be 8 Elders look alike. Idk if i like my decision at all. (sorry grandma ill grow it out)

On Sunday, Hermana Alexandria was baptized and it was great to see! She was so happy and a ton of members from the branch were there to support. It's so great to see when people put faith in their Savior and follow his example. 

 

While Elder hiserman and I were getting our bikes ready, we came upon a problem. There was a bikelock with a 4 Letter combination lock thing on it to secure it. We had no idea how we were going to unlock it because the Mission Office didn't know the combination and the Box for the apartment didn't have a note. Well I was thinking about it and decided to try out a few different words. The first one I tried was PRAY. Bingo it was opened. Just a daily reminder that it is so important to Pray to our Heavenly Father everyday. 

Made a video of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Spanish

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=562631471781612&id=100041042910786

Now writing this on the bus,

Elder Wait

lots of pictures because everyone except my mom skipped to this. Hotspot wifi putting it in order?

- cool pic from an alleyway, probably would not have taken out my camera

- Elder Hiserman makes me run 2 miles every other day with him. I do not like to run.

- FREE SUBWAY LAST TUESDAY

- Switching companions for 24 hours to learn how to better be a missionary. This is Elder Gentry as we wait for a bus. 

- We do service at Meals on Wheels every Tuesday and Thursday with the Sisters. 

- our new favorite app. Transit. Also all my homies hate the orange bus. 

- Walking in downtown from church to the next bus stop. 

- Elder Hiserman and I waiting at the bus stop. Now that I think of it, about half of my pictures are on or waiting for the bus. accurate

- it rained

- Shoutout to brother Doffermyre for getting us some Chick-Fil-A during the rain

- it rained ( but this time a little harder)

- Elder Hiserman being the best companion and letting me bike a day. 

- baltimore PSA

- Royal Farms are the official gas station apparently (idk am i right maddie) ( sister wolfe)

- downtown (taken from a bus stop)

- CHARM CITY BBY

- also THE GREATEST CITY IN AMERICA

- elders coming from church

- Aero Acres ( pic on facebook taken there) earlier planned community then California CIty @ben

- writing my email from the bus stop

Week 8 One Full Week!

PSA: You now can and should email me back now. The problem is fixed. Add me to ur email list. 

Some of you might be aware that I like oranges. On Preparation days (P-days), we 'prepare' for the week. This includes grocery shopping, cleaning the apartments, and activities. We also get to communicate back home on these days. I read and respond to all the messages and email I have gotten throughout the week on P-Days, which are usually Mondays. Last P-Day while shopping, I grabbed a large bag of 5lb oranges. Only after we got home did I realize I had grabbed MANDERINE ORANGES and not actually good tasting Cuties. It was terrible but I am finishing my last orange as I write this email. 

This week has been a little different then normal because we moved apartments. The lease was ending on the first apartment that we were in so we moved to another slightly 'nicer' apartment. The new apartment is on the 3rd story so that was a good workout getting the large dresser to the new apartment in 97 sunny weather with humidity. Oh also the A/C had not been turned on in the new apartment either. We also had to clean up the old apartment which was a mess so the cleaning skills my mother has taught me has payed off. 

Elder Hiserman and I have been working hard this week to find people we can share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with in Spanish. We found 5 new people! It has been great to feel the spirit as we talk about the Gospel or 'Good News' that Jesus Christ brings into our lives. It might not seem it at times but I would gladly spend 2 years of my life if it means that Families can grow closer together and to Jesus Christ and ultimately live together with him. 

I spend an hour ever morning studying for the day. I read a passage out of the Book of Mormon that explains the first steps of the Gospel about Faith. A prophet of God named Alma is teaching the people. Alma 32:21 "Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." We must have a hope that things are true to take that first step of faith in Jesus Christ. having this hope is all you need to begin. Read the rest of the chapter because it explains more about faith.

Con Amor,

Elder Wait

New apartment, new system?

-post service at Meals on Wheels

-post District Council (the Spanish missionaries in our area)

-¿que hora es? (What time is it) Elder Cain

-cool mural

-pre cleaning apartment

-cleaning apartment 

-post cleaning apartment 

-street in the suburbs

-check out my post on Facebook- Daniel Wait

-glass selfie

-bumper sticker (mom I promise im safe)

-moving

-almuerzo (lunch)

- RIP

Week 7 In da Field

PSA: Do to some technical issues I could not BCC everyone. Please do not reply all because that would be embarrassing. But if you do Its ok I still love you. Also bear with my I wrote the on a phone. 

Big changes this week in Elder Waits life. I said bye to my family and hopped onto the plane to head up to maryland. I then spent the night with all the new missionaries and we went to transfers the next day. Transfers are where the missionaries get new companions, or in my case, get assigned a companion. I got assigned to the Chesapeake, Baltimore Area Spanish Speaking. I also got assigned with Elder Hiserman from Napa, California. he is pretty good with the Spanish because he has been out for about 15 months!

Baltimore has been a great time. Many new experiences and I see new thing everyday. After all, it is called "The Charm City" or according to one "The Greatest City on Earth".

Well, we got settled in and started going to work. We have been staying busy with service, studying, and talking with people who have been interested in our message! Ive been practicing a good amount of Spanish, too. 

On Sunday, we went to church. We are assigned at the Spanish congregation. There are not many members that are in the Spanish service but there are a lot of missionaries. About 60 members and 6 pairs of missionaries. I met the bishop (or the pastor) before the service and he asked me to give my testimony for the congregation and tell a little about myself. Obviously, this was in Spanish and I was nervous but I knew I would be just fine. 

I share with you a little of what I know to be true. 

I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father and we are his children. I know that God sent his son Jesus Christ to die for us and help us to return to God after this life if we follow his example. I know that the Holy Spirit can guide us throughout our lives after we are baptized and remain worthy and listen to the still, small voice. 

I'll have a better update next week as I better adjust to missionary life. 

From The Greatest City on Earth,

Elder Wait

Pictures: I hope Baltimore wifi keeps them in order?

- Elderes Espere Y Mas Alto Hombre (translation elders wait and higherman)

- My new Spanish District for the Area

- having fun with my camera

- cooking up some tacos (soft shells that you need to cook are superior)

- Johns Hopskins

- Cool mural

- random baltimore street that I thought was cool

- Tippy and Hedgie going with us to knock on doors

- signs that prove im in baltimore

- Me practicing congegations in spanish

- Another cooler sign of baltimore

- Me at the airport with Hedgie and Tippy