Week 105

April 2, 2018

Well, this week is certainly very different. At this time next week I am gonna be back in Idaho! 

This week I also spent some of the time saying goodbye to the wonderful people of Kingston branch. I also spent the weekend watching general conference. That was full of surprises.

I can't think of much more to write other than the fact that this is my last 'normal' email in Jamaica, oh, some pictures should come after this email.

I am glad that I was able to serve on the Lord's mission for two years. I will email you all later.

Sincerley,

---Elder Wood---

The first picture is Elder Menlove trying to look like he works out.

The second one is some of the branch snacking inbetween sessions of General Conference on Sunday.

The Third is President Hamilton being carried away in Lehi's Dream during General Conference.

The last is a beautiful view of the harbour in Jamaica.

Week 104

March 26, 2018

Good evening everyone,

This past Sunday I gave my going home testimony since it was my last normal Sunday in Jamaica. I am grateful that I do have another week out here though. I encourage all of you to work hard in what you do have so if it ends, you don't have any regrets.

I will continue to work hard in these "last days" of my full-time mission. I wish you all the best and hope that you liked the pictures.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

1st Pic: We found some sweet potatoes in a member's yard.

The second is Elder Menlove taking care of the soil around some banana trees.

The last is a picture of the view from the back of a coaster.

Week 103

March 19, 2018

Good evening everyone,

As it gets ever closer to the week 104 email (week 104 will be the last emailing day before I go home) I have continued to work with the members and the missionaries around me. 

Some of the interesting things this week is a film crew came down from Utah to records some parts for a safety video series.

We had a hike earlier today. That was fun, we hope to climb Blue Moutain next monday, it is the highest mountain in Jamaica.

Something that I am continually learning is that Heavenly Father can see the intent of your heart and will bless you accordingly. He helps us as we focus our efforts on those that are around us. The more we care about others, the more we will see those blessings within us and within them.

I wish you all the best and I will talk to you later,

---Elder Wood---

We hiked up to a waterfall today, the first picture is when I was climbing down from the topside of the waterfall.

The second is some of the missionaries trying to take some bamboo down the mountain with them.

The third is a beautiful view from up there.

The last one is the actual waterfall that we went to see.

Week 102

March 12, 2018

Good evening Everyone,

I just want to wish you all a very happy Monday, and if it is not, do something to change it because it is not over yet.

I realized something over this past week. There is a phrase here that is used a lot "once a man and twice a child" while it normally refers to your overall life I thought about how it can apply to individual parts of one's life including my own. When I entered the Mission I didn't fully understand what I needed to be doing, as I understood better I worked better. What can happen though is when the end is in sight you tend to slow down a bit. The phrase is not a law you can choose to work past this phase or allow yourself to become childish again.

I wish to finish this part of my life as strong as I can, so I will wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

The first one is a picture of how Kingston used to be divided up for missionary work back in the 80s

The second is a beautiful view of Kingston from Red Hill.

The third one is a dog named Bolt. He keeps everyone that is not suppose to be in the yard out.

Week 101

March 5, 2018

Hello everyone,

I can't believe the title of the email today. Week 101, I have been a missionary for so long now :) 

This week we also had zone conference. They asked me to give a talk about studying and I compared it to cooking. The more we study, the more prepared we are to make dishes, or to talk about certain subjects. We won't always be perfect but that doesn't mean we can't prepare.

I will continue to work hard in the missionary field and I wish you guys the best.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

So the first one is of myself, Elder Edwards, and Elder Cluff at a member's yard helping him with his dogs.

The second one is Elder Menlove, he got so cold in zone conf that he needed a blanket. We were at the mission home and the room temp was maybe 75 degrees, most likely warmer, but we were freezing.

The last one is the Red Stripe factory. We were helping with a community event and it was on their field.

Week 100

February 26, 2018

Good afternoon everyone,

The first picture is a picture of Brother Barrett, his birthday was this week and we wished him a happy birthday.

The other one is a picture of Elder Menlove and some pickney at a meal we had with a member.

Oh, and a quote for the day. "“Never give up what you want most for what you want today.” ― Neal A. Maxwell

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

Week 99

February 19, 2018

Good morning Everyone,

I am now 21 years old! Man, Its been quite a journey. This week I was also able to visit Stony Hill and visit some people I have not been able to see for a while.

Also, at this point in time, one of the missionaries cooked for the district, it was delicious. I have also learned that I will be staying in Kingston Branch for the last 6 weeks of my mission!

Something I learned this week was allowing others to reach a goal in a different way than you do, or in other words be different! I feel like we often judge others for doing things different than we do. I caught myself doing it with a member a few nights ago, they were explaining something in a very different way than I would. During the experience I realized that it wasn't bad, it was just different.

I hope that you all have a wonderful week and I will talk to you all later,

---Elder Wood---

Picture one is a double rainbow that happened on my birthday.

The second is a shelf that we built for a member so that they could put their family's shoes up and out of the way.

The last two are when myself and Elder Anderton got lost in Stony Hill, we found a very beautiful location.

Week 98

February 12, 2018

Good afternoon everyone,

So yesterday Sister McPherson made us lunch like she always does, but this time it was boiled food and Mackerel Rundown. It tasted great but it is indeed RUNNING down my gut, so if I don't finish this email you will know why.

Like in the previous email with the pictures, we had a baptism. Her name is Brianna and she is the daughter of Sister Baker.

On Saturday we also met a Rasta Bee Farmer. We had a good conversation with him. It was also bizarre how big his farm was for being in the middle of town.

I gave my testimony on Sunday on Baptism. I am grateful that my entire family is baptized because then we will be able to be an eternal family instead of just a family here on Earth.

I wish you all the best and I will talk to you all later,

---Elder Wood---

The first one is a picture of Elder Menlove and myself eating some rice and peas and chicken at the William's yard.

The second on is me hauling groceries upstairs today after we went shopping.

The third on is a picture of Elder Hudson, I caught him off guard with the camera.

The last one is a picture of the Baptism of Brianna. She was baptized Saturday morning.

Week 97

February 5, 2018

Good morning everyone,

As you guys emailed me about Grandpa Brown, I thought about my companion. Elder Menlove never stress, not because he doesn't care but because he knows that he does everything he can and that he is on the right track. While I find it irritating sometimes that he doesn't like to do certain things on time, I do enjoy that he loves everyone around him and shows it.

Michael, I want to see pictures of your pinewood derby car.

John and Joe, big up on the skiing, did you enjoy the pool table at his cabin?

I am going to write some more emails, if i think of something else, I will let you guys know.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

This week's pictures.

The first one is a picture of my companion (Elder Menlove) and I.

The second one is a picture of a member's music production room.

The last one is a huge tree in the yard of our apartment.

Week 96

January 29, 2018

 Good afternoon everyone,

I never seem to remember what happens in the week when I go to write these emails. This week we were able to help Danekia be baptized. Elder Menlove was almost attacked by a dog. I was on a trade-off in my old area. I also got a haircut.

There is a picture of Danekia in the other email. She just turned 8 this past week but she has been attending church every week for a very long time. She was full of smiles as she was baptized on Friday and confirmed on Sunday.

I was also up in Stony hill the other day. That brought back a lot of memories. As this transfer goes on we will do a longer trade-off and I will show them some of the awesome members in Stony Hill.

Last week Monday I got my haircut by Elder Hudson, who is a Jamaican from Junction.

If I have learned something from my time serving with Elder Menlove, and in Jamaica in general, is to find common ground. Once you find common ground with others you will be able to relate to them. It will help eliminate barriers that come when you don't find common ground. One piece of ground that I have found to be very common is that everyone needs something (yes, they need the gospel) but sometimes they can't see that far. This is one of the reasons I love service, it gives people a chance to bond and serve one another.

I will talk to you all next week.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

The first picture attached is a goofy one of the Assistants and one of our zone leaders. From your left to right it is Elder Christensen, Elder Anderton, and then Elder Harrah.

The second is a picture of myself as well as the Brown family. The father is the First councilor of the Constant Spring Branch.

The third is Elder Menlove challenging some yutes to some football.

The last one is a picture of Danekia and Elder Menlove right before the baptism.

Week 95

January 22, 2018

Good afternoon everyone,

This week has gone by quickly. We have two people being baptized on Friday and a few more in the coming week. It is amazing how ready Kingston branch is, the branch is helping bring their friends into the gospel and aiding them along the way, we just help them be ready for baptism.

Some of the things we did this week was help a member with his dog business, he breeds pit bulls. We helped take care of some of the pups that were covered in ticks. We also chopped two member's yard with machetes. If you don't know what those are, you should look them up. We did play domino with everybody again on Friday, but I didn't get beat by the 7 year old this time. :)

I can't believe that my mission is almost up. I need to keep working hard because I will never have this opportunity again. I hope that you guys do the same with your opportunities.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

The first one is the District meeting. Their names are as follows from your left to right. Elder Packer, Elder Anderton, Elder Rasmussen. The one in the window is Elder Harrah.

The second one is Elder Cluff while we are home.

The third one is Elder Hudson, he is from Junction.

The last one is a Elder Menlove, just being himself.

Week 94

January 15, 2018

Good afternoon everyone,

We had a baptism on Wednesday, her name is Fiona and she is awesome. We also have a lot of other awesome people that we are working with.

I learned this week about being unique and having fun as a missionary. It is not just to do missionary things but to live a life in harmony with the spirit so that God can work through you.

My companion is about to go and buy some homemade "Clarks" (they are a certain type of shoe).

I was also beat in a domino game by a seven year old.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

The first one is Elder Menlove with Brother Mendez. Elder Menlove was showing him how to play the piano.

The second and third ones are pictures of a Doctor Bird (humming bird).

The last one is Fiona who was baptized on Wednesday.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

Week 93

January 8, 2018

I am currently serving in Kingston Branch, its one of the three branches in Kingston (confusing, isn't it). It is probably also the most population dense branch there is. That means that the branch has tons of potential, as you can see from the previous baptism and the upcoming baptism. We are trying to finish emailing now so that we will be able to focus on the people here in Kingston branch for the rest of the week.

Happy belated birthday Dad, I remembered on your birthday but it wasn't Monday.

Happy early birthday Joseph.

Happy baptism Micheal.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

Just some pictures of our house this time.

First one is my companion in the Kitchen.

Second is the veranda aka front porch.

Third is our study/sleeping room, perfectly organized as you can tell.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

Week 92

January 2, 2018

Lets see, the last time I talk to you guys was a year ago. Which year? don't ask me, I am very glad that I am not doing paperwork in the office, I would keep putting the wrong year on things.

This week was fun. It was indeed a happy new year...even if my companion did wake me up by banging pots together...with some goals in mind (in my defense they are weekly goals, not yearly goals).

We have continued working with Fiona, her date is still on the 10th of January.

Elder Menlove is up to mischief as always. Although he keeps working with the Jamaican in our house and makes some good Jamaican food.

I don't know what else to write in this email so I am gonna send it off.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

January 2, 2018

Hello All,

Its now two days since the beginning of 2018. For those of you who made New Year resolutions I hope that you have kept them this far.

Today we went to Fort Rocky again for yet another round of capture the flag. We won...of course. I have continued to learn that you can have as much fun as you want in whatever you are doing. 

The young lady still wants to be baptized on the 10th of this month and she is eager for it. She continues to read and study the scriptures.

That is one of my new year resolution's, to read 10 pages of the Book of Mormon, I to be able to finish it atleast one more time on my mission.

I love you all and can't wait to see you all again when its time.

Until then,

---Elder Wood---

This one is a picture of a baptism that happened in Constant Spring Ward.

I was also suppose to get a picture of the activity today, but I don't have it yet.

I will email y'all next week,

---Elder Wood---

Week 91

December 27, 2017

While I can't say good morning, I will say good evening. Due to Christmas and Boxing day, our preparation day was pushed back until today.

I enjoyed talking to you guys on Monday. I can't believe there is so much snow up there and then I walk outside and I am immediately aware that the "winter breeze" won't be bringing any snow to Jamaica. :)

I can't remember if I told you or not but we are having another baptism on Jan. 10th. Its going to be awesome and we are gonna make sure the font is filled this time.

Elder Menlove is keeping me busy and so is Kingston Branch. They are awesome.

I don't have much else to talk about since I talked to you on Monday.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

December 27, 2017

Good afternoon all,

It has been a crazy Christmas time, and man, am I stuffed to the brim with rice and peas.

With this past week and a bit (due to holidays I am emailing on Wednesday this week and Tuesday next week) we have been able to work with the members a lot and know our area a lot better. We are spending less and less time in the office because the Osbornes are getting a lot better at doing their jobs.

I should be able to be a lot better at writing every week since I won't have 50 people telling me everything that needs to get done.

I wish you all a belated Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

The first one is one of the Branch President's dogs, it is not upset, it got it's lip cut off. Also, its is racist against black missionaries, but not white missionaries.

The second one is Elder Evans, he convinced the somebody to give him a BOOM, which is an energy drink. He than drank the entire thing at like 8 at night, he was up until 2 in the morning the next day.

The last one is a picture of my companion Elder Menlove and myself with the son of a member in downtown.

Big up everyone!

---Elder Wood---

Week 90

December 18, 2017

Good news everyone, my companion and I will no longer be in the office and will be able to proselyte a lot more. Our replacements have come and with a little bit of training they will be able to do the office jobs a lot better than we could.

I also can't believe that Christmas is in 7 days. Another year is coming to a close, I have to agree with everyone else that the years are going by faster and faster.

We had a Christmas zone conference and dinner last week. The food there was amazing and it was great to meet together once again to become better advocates of the Lord. This is one of the reasons that I love the gospel, its not just something dead that you study, but it instead impacts you throughout the day, every day.

We will be having our branch Christmas party on Saturday. 

Also, we had a baptism on Friday, her name is Diana. I hope to be able to continue working with this branch and help everyone grow closer to their Father in Heaven.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---

The first one is the 'new' apartment that we moved to when our replacements came for the office.

The second is Diana with her cousin.

The third is Diana with my companion and I.

The last one is my companion's 'Christmas tree', he had some Christmas decorations from last year that he set up.

Sincerely,

---Elder Wood---