Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Week 22

August 29, 2016

The Olympics did not affect the areas that I have served in very much, in fact the only reason I knew they were over is because we heard the closing ceremonies playing at somebodies house. As for the new changes for me being in my new area, its different. Port Antonio is a very beautiful place and there are some really converted members in our branch. Oh, BTW, I am branch clerk and my companion is the branch president; so that's new. Oh, my companion's name is Elder Pulsipher.

The gospel is a bit funny in a way. Although the situations change, the location changes, the people change, its still the same answer. Although there are unique situations for everyone, the answer is always the same, and its simple too. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy, He wants us to keep moving back towards Him. Its our choice to follow his path. I hope the best for all of you, and I can't wait to email y'all next week.


---Elder Wood---
The Francis Family


My new companion, Elder Pulsipher, and I.

Week 21

August 22, 206

Hi all, its been a productive week here in Ochi, as well as my last one. As of tomorrow I will be transferred to Port Antonio. We were out on the road when the 200 finals where on and it was dead quiet, and then lots of noise, Usain did it again, We didn't even have to watch it to know what happened. While thinking of what to write home, the Jamaican part of me wrote the following phrase below.

"Greeting all you Americans and other countries. I am sorry to hear that Usain Bolt took all 3 gold medals in the events he competed in, I hope that after he retires, you will actually have a chance at winning the gold again. I wish you all a fine day."

As for the work here and as for the Lord, He never retires. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I have learned that the spirit will also reveal to us only as much as we ask for and as much as we plan on acting on it. I hope you all have a fine week and I will write to you next week.


---Elder Wood---


Sunday, August 21, 2016

Week 20

Morning,
This week was really good. We were able to do a trade-off with the Zone Leaders over in Montego Bay. I was with Elder Jones and we had some really good lessons. Meanwhile in our own area we are having some amazing families progressing towards baptism. We also have an investigator that loves to feed us, we also go over there and play Ludi every Monday (she calls herself the queen of Ludi). Even with her, she can distinctly tell that there is something different with what we teach and how it is making her happier. I enjoy the work out here so much, especially when they see it within themselves. The Holy Ghost is awesome, When we are humble and listen to it, it can make just about any lesson blossom. We are currently having an investigator's heart being softened because of the divinity of the Holy Ghost. I am so glad that I am out here, and ! hope to maintain this relationship with my Heavenly Father for the rest of my life. I encourage all of you to continue strengthening your relationship with your Heavenly Father, even if its just an extra phrase in your prayers, he will show an increase of blessing to you.
You guys are all awesome,

---Elder Wood---


A beautiful sunset and my companion.

Monday, August 8, 2016

Week 19

8/8/16

These weeks fly by so fast. I could have just sworn I sent off my last email not too long ago. Anyway, the storm missed Jamaica so all the excitement was for nothing. My companion is continuing to expose me to different foods. Last night we had chicken back with dumpling.  I need to learn how to cook these dishes for home.
Last week, Monday was Emancipation Day, which is why emails came out Tuesday. Saturday was Jamaica's Independence Day, so the branch had a celebration which was awesome (btw, I was a white rasta, i will have to see if i can send a pic of that in next week's email, remind me :P). I am not going to send too many pics of those home being the fact that i have 12 gb of pics and videos of it.
As I see people act on the message we share they continue to learn, especially in there families.  I can truly see a difference with them. I hope that they will all continue to progress, whether or not I am the one that is there, but i do hope that they will continue down this path to eternal happiness.
I think you are all awesome and everyone here in Jamaica is awesome, I love talking to so many awesome people. I need to go now so i will talk to you all later.

--Elder Wood--
Branch President dressed up as Busta Mantee

My companion dressed up with me in the background

Branch member Jody

Week 18

8/2/16

Morning all. It has been a fantastic week. 

People are pretty receptive to the gospel here, we have the blessing to be teaching multiple families currently. To expound on my brief mention of Highgate last week, it is in the sister's area so we are not able to help much, but we were the priesthood for the sacrament meeting which was held, and hopefully we can have another sacrament meeting on the 21st of this month.

This week we were interviewed by our Mission President. He is awesome but more importantly he is here to help us be able to be more in tune with the spirit. While he visited us in Ochi he focused on Companion Unity and Exact Obedience. We need to be unified in the Lord's work and not just tolerant of those that we have been chosen to serve with and as for obedience there is a phrase that i just love, "Obedience brings blessing, exact obedience brings miracles" and that is so true, I have seen miracles happen every day.

I love you all and wish you the best,

--Elder Wood--


The vines hanging everywhere cannot hold you to climb