Week 6 - August 26, 2025

 Week 6 done and I will be boarding a plane to Guatemala in less than 12 hours. I have a lot of thoughts going through my head right now and the past couple of days. There is a lot to take in and I know I am about to have a large shift in my life. A month and a half into the mission and I have already learned so much. I don't have a ton to recap on, but my thoughts could turn into a rant.

Language assessment

… Forgot I wasn't playing golf, and we will leave it at that. Test is fraudulent though. Ik my chat GPT Ai would've graded my speaking better.

Done with classes

We finished all of our classes at the CCM on Saturday and have had a lot of free time since. I'm so grateful for my teachers and the role they played in my MTC experience. I told Hermano Juarez I have a cousin he can marry to make it to the states. So, cousins let's lock in please. Honestly gonna miss him a lot.  He was such a goat and truly strengthened my testimony so much.

Estoy gordo…

Alright look Guate is gonna get me in shape quick, but I fear for myself a little. I was hooping with some Latinos for two hours yesterday and at points was not sure I would make it off the court. There were all disappointed in me that I couldn't dunk either. 6 foot for nothing ig. This was at the beginning, and I realized maybe I can't dunk because I'm fat cause I also couldn't breathe. Was basically panting for air.

Final house devotional

So last night all 28 of us were together in the house so we had a last testimony where everyone could share. This was so powerful, and it was honestly incredible hearing everyone give their thoughts. I've been so lucky to have such a good house and people who are just infinitely times smarter than me in the gospel to teach me. The people of Honduras, South Carolina, Ohio, Dominican Republic, Colorado, Florida, and Guatemala/Belize are getting good ones. I know these other Elders will bless all the people in their mission dramatically.

CCM Takeaways

I had a lot of things I learned about myself and missionary work already. Most important of all just be positive. Nobody wants to be companions or in the district with the one who never has anything good to say and the same is with life. Attitude is essential in all the things we do. Next, put God first and the other things will follow. I noticed quickly that on the days I worked harder in my scriptures and not language the language followed and so did my attitude. Next, and most important listen to what other peoples' insights are. People are given to us along the way, and I know this is for a reason.

Spiritual Thoughts

Ok so I've had a lot a lot of time to think about so many different things this week. And as I've been able to meet so many people and hear so many different stories, things I've always thought have started to hit me even more. I heard a quote that really made me start thinking.

“Some of us have received warmth from a fire we didn't build or drink water from a well that was not ours.” For about all my life, I have questioned how I've been lucky enough to be put into the situation I am. I did nothing to be where I am but blessed beyond measure to obtain the life I have lived. I have had just about the easiest life you could have. I have been blessed with opportunity on opportunity for no reason. I have taken warmth from a fire that was ultimately not mine and drank the water from a well I didn't build. At times I fear I won't have an ability to connect with the people I will be around because at the end of the day I really don't know how it feels. 

When I think about this, there are always two videos that come to me. The first is the video of the two boys and the man working on the farm from Gordon B Hinckley. The two boys are walking down a road and see a beat-up jacket and worn-out shoes. The younger boy gives the idea of hiding the shoes but the older quickly responds and tells how due to the quality of what the man has, it is better to leave just two silver dollar coins. The man comes back, and his joy overfills him. The second is titled, "Your Potential, Your Privileges," by Elder Uchtdorf. It talks about a man whose life-long dream was to take a trip along the Mediterranean Sea on a cruise boat. He saves the money, and he makes it happen. Due to his financial situation, he brought beans, crackers, and lemonade powder and did not attend the many amenities the cruise gave the attendants. Although he yearned for the ability to participate in the activities of the others, he did not and remained in his cabin. On the last night, he would later find that these gifts were ones that came with the ticket and were not a subsequent addition but one that came the moment the ticket was bought.

 As I continue to reflect, I try and connect these topics to the first. Try and follow along but I'm essentially sitting here ranting, so bear with me. With all I've been given, I realize that I may be like the younger boy in the video who at first does not think to give the two silver coins or in my case my two years. I at times instead think that the 2 are too big and such a sacrifice and instead feel I would rather cater to personal needs. But in reality, it is such a small thing I'm giving in return. A small gift that will bring exponential returns. 

Additionally, the man on the boat does not live up to his potential and stays in his cabin. I relate my life to the boat with the amenities. And now I am getting on a new boat. The most important boat. But in my case, the amenities aren't worldly things but the greatest gift; the ability to share the gospel. Like that man I have the ability to stay in my cabin and not utilize this gift. To not make the most of my time and reach my potential. But I know that the least I can do to only somewhat justify what I've been given is to give all I can to the people I am called to serve and the people around. To change the eternal path for the people I see every day for the next two years. And I know I have hard days coming, but I know I have no reason to stress because through God all things are possible. And I know there is a great work ahead.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

If you read all of that, I love you

Elder Wilde

Week 5 - August 19, 2025

 Another week down in the CCM 🙏. This week has been great a lot of the same but a couple cool things.

First off, I'm pretty sure everyone is heading back to school now for high school--sending prayers for you all. Make sure you go to seminary and don't skip to go play golf or to drive to midway😁😁😁.

This week we had a lot of very interesting workshops, and a lot of very interesting comments were made by teachers. We have our final “Exam” on Thursday for our Spanish abilities; target score is a 4.2 but it doesn't really matter. But some kids in the district are stressing. I know I'm learning the Spanish language to teach the children of God that need it. Buttttttt… I am also very competitive and I'm trying to win out of my district. I will be Ex-Gringo. 

Don't run in the rain 🚨🚨🚨

Crazy thing happened this week. So in Mexico City fashion, it was just dumping and booming thunder on us. I wasn't there to see it, but I saw the aftermath. Elder Orullian in my district ran from classroom to classroom and then slipped on the tile and SMOKEDDDD his head on the tile. Massive cut next to his eye and was bleeding everywhere. He doesn't remember anything from that and an hour before. Luckily, he is doing good now.  He went to the hospital and had some looks but he's thriving and is lucky enough to be back in 3-hour classes again. Sorry to Hermano Juarez, our teacher. I think brother was sweating over his job.

Ping pong🏓

Alright I'll keep this one short. Shoutout TB for the countless hours we put into grinding ping pong because I'm a force here In the CCM. Sometimes I get flashbacks to the days in the basement with our walk-up songs, pre national anthem, and tournaments good times. @TA @TB. I promise we aren't losers. Infact, it actually made me into a winner. 

FLIGHT TO GUATEEE

So, I have received my flight information to Guatemala. When I saw this come in through my email, my heart stopped for a second. I couldn't believe it. I've said this a lot through the MTC. It doesn't really feel real yet. It still feels like I'm gonna see everybody the next day. Then we started talking about it and we were like once we get off the plane and onto the bus to Cobán… it's wraps. I have to admit once I got that flight, some nerves started to set in. I fly out next Wednesday and I'm stoked to get there and get our jungle machetes (and comps and areas).

WEDNESDAY DEVOTIONAL

Alright picture this--24 kids in the house + the CCM president. Now leading up to the devo we knew he would be here. And on this night in particular, I was assigned to conduct the meeting, and another Elder was on scripture thought. Minutes prior, I went and talked to him, and he said that we didn't need a scripture thought because President was going to give one. So, we get through our song and prayer, and I tell Presidente Williamson the floor is his… he responds with I'll put a small thought at the end. Oh, President, I insist you share 🫣🫣🫣. But I make a quick look over at the Elders and I realize quickly alr you just gotta start talking. So, I loki clutched up for Casa 21, no preparation, gave a fire devo and Presidente was pleased. Not only this, but we got fresh bread and caramel from him, which was so good.

EL LIBRO DE MORMON

Thursday night I decided to crank out some Book of Mormon. I read from 3rd Nephi to the end or Moroni and then a little bit of 1 Nephi. Felt pretty proud of myself. Had some flashbacks to elementary school when I was a reading goat. I fell off considerably until now.

Temple

We did ceilings today at the temple. It was my first time ever doing them, but I loved it. It was such a cool experience, and I felt the Spirit so strong in the room. The gift of eternal families is truly incredible. I am so so grateful to have this knowledge and ability to return with my family and my future family.

Spiritual Thought

1 Nephi 2:19-20

I think this scripture itself is super powerful, but something I love to do each time I read it is insert my name instead of Nephi. So, it reads,

19 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Blessed art thou, Preston, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart. 

20 And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.

When we insert our name, the scripture gains a more personal meaning of course and I love it. I have been reading my patriarchal blessing a lot lately, which I was lucky enough to get from my grandpa, and it is making me so excited for the work that is on its way. But as I read this scripture, the excitement only gets higher. It is also so cool to note that it is believed they landed in Guatemala which would be in my mission. This makes my connection to this scripture feel even stronger. I know I am going to the place I am supposed to go (my promised land) and as I serve diligently, I will be blessed and prosper in it. A land prepared for me. A land choice above all other lands. But none of this can come to be without faith in the Lord. I am slightly embarrassed to admit it was my first time reading the Book of Mormon cover to cover, but I did it. And when I finished, I prayed for a sign or firm knowledge of its truth. The only thing I could think was, “You know it is true, and you have known and have been blessed to know since you were a child.” One of my biggest blessings in my life has been the ability to grow up in the church. And more specifically grow up in a loving family and have a home where the Spirit is. As I look towards next week, I'm so excited to have the ability to share this gospel with others. It doesn't feel real that an 18-year-old baby-faced kid will be able to change the hearts of people, but I know I am only an instrument in the Lord's hands, and I am not the one converting them.  It is the Lord and the power of the Holy Ghost.

Love you all, Élder Wilde

Week 4 - August 12, 2025

 A monthhhhh in wearing the plaque. Feel like we deserve a drink for this one. So sorry for the no subject line last week also.

But in all seriousness I have been a missionary for a month now and I have learned so much. I have been able to see the hand of the Lord in my life more and more each day. In two weeks I leave for the mission field. Guate isn't ready for my Spanish I promise you that. Now I'm gonna get Into the CCM cause Wow was this not a normal week.

CCM LORE

Alright I don't know a missionary way to express the info I have obtained but I will try my best. Unfortunately an Elder (or Elders) from casa 24 may have taken the laying on of hands the wrong way 😬😬😬. Hermana from casa 17 was seen sneaking out of their house at 11:30. This following night the man upstairs was not happy and sent a raging storm at the CCM I will include a video in the google photos. If I am not mistaken said missionaries have been sent home. Casa 24 has become a widespread topic and quite honestly its keeping things interesting. Tip for future rebellious missionaries at the CCM. Cameras are in fact in the laundry room and Elders from a neighboring house will report you so be careful.

Moving on. Sunday we had the opportunity to listen to a devotional from Elder Holland and wow is he passionate when he speaks. If only this had been shown a night earlier certain missionaries might have made better decisions. But anyway really moving on. This was a great devotional and was very inspiring. If we had him speak with a combination of what we have been taught/sung, we would only need 20 men vs the 1 gorilla. Last Tuesday we also had Elder Douglas who is In the 70 speak to us in person. Big fan of this guy and he talked so much about gratitude and finding joy in the work. Was cool to finally have a non prerecorded devotional so it was a lot more special. He even went to every different auditorium to say hi to everyone. La Cabra.

Classes have switched now to full Spanish immersion and sometimes I stop paying attention and day dream for a second. I learned quickly that unlike English, I could not do this with Spanish and needed to remain locked in or I was beyond lost. We were supposed to teach some people from Mexico City this week, but due to a different thunderstorm, we were told to Facetime someone and teach. Shout out to Connor and Ethan for the quick help.

We are also very lucky in casa 21. One of the Elders in here is a musical genius, it's honestly insane. He's unbelievable talented. We will start some of our house devotionals with a musical number from him and this really brings the Spirit. Was making me miss music a lot. I will be back soon Brother Combs. We also got a picture with almost everyone from Corner Canyon which was really cool. It was fun having everyone in the same place. We had endowments again today and again they were so amazing. I love having the opportunity to go to the temple here each week.

Spiritual Thought--Burn the boats

In 1519, Herman Cortez reached what is now the land of Mexico and was preparing for battle against the Azteca. Before battle, however, Cortez needed his men in the fight. Not just physically but mentally, too. Cortez burned and destroyed every single boat they had. The only option for the men was to win; there was no going back. I have been told many parallels to this idea over the last week but the same idea has gone through me. Burn the boats. As I start on my journey, I know I need to do this. Preparation and commitment is the first step in anything. One of my favorite scriptures these past couple days has been John 21. In this, the Savior asks the Apostle Peter the same question three consecutive times. Lovest thou me? After Peter responds yes to all occasions, the Lord responds with, “Feed my sheep.”  The significance was less in the question and more in the frequency. Commitment is key. The Lord needed Simon to be committed. Cortez needed his people to be committed. I know the Lord needs me to be committed and as I am, he will allow me to spiritually feed his sheep. As I burn the boats and commit to the work for the next 22.5 months, I know I will be able to reach the children of God I am intended to.

Special shout out to Will committing to U of U--so deserved and I'm so happy for you, brother. Also, big shoutout to Aspen for her call to Chile.

Hope everyone is doing amazing.  Elder Wilde 

Week 3 - August 5, 2025

 Alright, so I had an entire email typed then decided to scrap it. Had two larger thoughts I wanted to share. 

 Google photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/bBSGdHpUYj3mda7N9

CCM First Full Week

Alright I actually don't remember how much I explained about the nights here.  If you guys have seen Zootopia, you might know the scene I am talking about.  They are trying to break into that big building to find the otter, so to get past the wolves they start a night howl or whatever.  This is fr Mexico City every night.  Once one dog barks, it's game over.  3am dogs are going nuts and they gotta have the amplifier like Max in the Grinch.  No dog should be able to bark this loud. T he dog barking+firework combo is unmatched I promise.  Not to mention, the blinding light beam that goes through the curtain and only hits me. I will just say it is the Light of Christ. Nonetheless we get our 8 hours in.

Schedule

 It's Groundhog's Day here.  Sometimes literally 😬.  But anyway.  Every day is study, food, class, food, class, study, sleep.  PMG class is really starting to get lethal.  I can't lie. Those three hours are starting to be days.  However, starting next week, it turns into another Spanish class.  This can't come any quicker.  We also have about an hour to go play whatever we want.  They basically have everything.  Pickleball, basketball, ping pong, volleyball, soccer, you name it.  It's probably here. Played some ping pong today and really felt in my element.  Sunday we also had a drumstick type thing from the cafeteria. I can't describe the joy this gave me after a 20-hour fast.  Also, the mystery meat tacos were unreal today.  So many wins. Love to see it.  Yesterday was our first day of service.  Set up some classes and cleaned some windows.  It was very easy. The only downside was all the mosquitos.  The abuela was loving my broken Spanish.  I try my best and that's all that matters.

We did endowments in the temple today and it was so cool to do in Spanish.  Luckily, they had English subtitles to understand.  Other than almost passing out standing up, it was an incredible experience.  The Celestial Room there is so pretty.  Doing it with 60 other missionaries is also such a cool experience.

I am halfway done with MTC and I really can't believe it.  Part of me feels like it's been so fast, the other feels like it's been forever.  My district is so dope and we have some good laughs.  Elder Redd and Elder Raban are comps in my district and really keep the mood high.  They are so funny very grateful for them.  I'm so excited to get out into the field and have my first area.  Just got both my rabies shots, so I think I'm good to go up to any pooch I see on the road. I may just bring one back with me.  As much as I hated Bear's non-stop barking in the house, I do miss his premium physique and personality. 

Now onto the thoughts.

Thought #1

They won't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

This message was shared with me this week and this one hit hard.  It was honestly a little bit of a reality check.  As I was reflecting on my study, I realized that at times I was going through the motions.  I was reading but I wasn't studying.  The scriptures tell us to feast on the words of Christ.  When we do, this it makes all the difference.  We begin to find meaning in the words we read and find ways to apply them in the ways the scriptures are meant for.  Anybody can memorize a couple phrases and say them to someone.  But nobody wants to listen to someone who doesn't care.  The best teachers are the ones who can speak from experience and through true faith in what they believe.  I may not have all of the attributes necessary for conversion, and I may not have all the knowledge for the questions I will be asked.  However, “A broken heart and contrite spirit” go a long way.  I've heard this everyday five times a day for three weeks already.  I know that as I go forth with these things, the people placed in front of me will be touched with the Spirit as the Lord guides me in the things to say.  I know that at the end of the day, if I know I care, and the Lord knows I care, I will be able to fulfill my missionary purpose.

Thought #2

Service

So, I have the great opportunity to be a house leader which means I get to run the devotionals every night and get to share a thought quite a bit.  I had one stick out to me really hard and really felt I should share.  A couple of months ago my family and I had the opportunity to all be together.  One of the nights my dad asked us to go around the table and give a piece of advice.  The one that stook out the most was the best thing to do when you were feeling down was service for someone else.  At first, this took me by surprise.  When I think of being down, I think of needing others to help.  I think of waiting for the acts of others or waiting for it to pass by.  But I decided to try and put this into my own life.  I quickly realized there is nothing that could be more true.  When you take the time to express gratitude or give an act of service for another, multiple things happen.  You begin to see God's hand in your life; you see all the things to be grateful for and the gifts you have been given.  Your problems diminish.  But it's not a one-sided deal.  It may seem that your 1-to-5-minute act is small, but it is not.  A 5-minute act can affect the receiver for months. But what's crazier than this is you end up helping yourself more than them.  You are filled with the love of Christ. Sometimes all it is a quick call or a quick text or a small gift. But the return is exponential.  A small act goes a long way. There is so much to be grateful for but not enough people being told they are the reason for it. 

“...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

Missing everybody a little more this week but so happy to be out here.

Love, Elder Wilde

Week 2 - Week Two, July 29, 2025

 Mexico MTC

LONG DAY.  Got to the airport at 5am to get on a flight to Atlanta.  Had a 6-hour layover in Atlanta and besides the Panda Express I had, it was not ideal.  What was cool about the airport though is how everybody would say hi and talk to the Elders.  I even had a 70-year-old lady in Atlanta tell me I looked so handsome in her Southern accent.  This one felt good.  We landed in Mexico City at around 7 and then stayed there till about 9 because one of the Elders was nowhere to be found. 

Now México City has to be one of the craziest cities I've ever seen.  It literally doesn't end.  Bus ride to CCM (Mexico MTC) was one to remember.  Saw about 10 couples making out and almost got sent through the windshield 5 times.  A warm welcome from Mexico City and one I'll never forget.  After a lengthy check-in process, I got to my room at about 11, unpacked, and met my comp Elder Kemp.  He's a goat and he's going to Tallahassee, Florida.  I got blessed with the top bunk, so now every night I say a prayer not to fall off.  6:30 came around really quick that day.  

Probably one of the coolest things is seeing everyone I know here.  My house has 24 people in it and 5 of us are from Corner Canyon.  It was crazy walking into my house and seeing my boys.  My 2nd class of the day is Spanish class and let me tell you Hermano Juarez Is the freaking goat.  I'm trying to teach him English slang rn.  Got him going on rizz, aura, and drip as of right now.  He's loving it.  Food here's been solid actually.  Haven't had any crazy altercation with the baño yet so maybe these pills my mom gave me are working.  We also went to the temple today and that was great.  I keep hearing my Español es muy malo, which I'm pretty sure means really good.  It's also funny how the stalls are very very short so a quick look right or left can be lethal.

Spiritual thought: By Small and Simple Things

As I have started my missionary journey, this idea has stayed persistent in me.  There's a BYU devotional that I really love that talks about Jesus feeding the 5000.  In this time, Christ doesn't ask us to feed the 5000.  He simply asks us to bring the 5 loaves and 2 fish.  I have been reflecting this idea on my mission.  As I have started the process of learning a new language and being put into an entirely new world, this idea has greatly helped me.  Christ doesn't ask us to perform the miracle but do the simple things.  I'm not being asked to learn Spanish in a day but to bring a little bit of my efforts towards it. I'm not being asked to know exactly what to teach but to try. Bring the 5 loaves and 2 fish.  I know that as I trust in the Lord, my efforts will be magnified.  The Lord performs the miracle as you supply the effort.  I know that by little bits of consistent effort, I will be blessed and that simply bringing the little things will bring me great rewards through faith.  I know as I bring my loaves and fish, the Lord will magnify it to great heights and allow me to figuratively feed the 5000+ in Guatemala and Belize.

Élder Wilde