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