Don't Blink

Kenny Chesney has a song called Don't Blink. It says don’t blink life goes faster than you think, so basically talks about how fast time moves.

I can honestly say that at the beginning of my mission 2 years seemed like an eternity. No golf, no family, no friends, no Taco Amigo, no sports, I didn't know if I could do it, but then I blinked, and 2 years was coming to an end. 

In 2 years I have recognized the love of my Savior more than I have my entire life. In Alma chapter 7 verse 11 it says "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people."

On my mission there has been pain, affliction, temptation, and sickness. But above all there has been Joy. 

I was blessed to serve in 8 areas. I was blessed to have 20 companions. I was blessed to love and serve the Dominican people for 2 years. I can truly say that I have been blessed. 

I was blessed with amazing mission leaders. President and Hermana Bretón are like my second set of parents. 

I started my mission in a place called Pueblo Nuevo. It was hard. I didn't know the language and I didn't know the culture. But I did have faith. Pueblo Nuevo taught me that faith and hope can overcome any obstacle. Even if that obstacle is Spanish. 

Soldado was my next area. It taught me that patience can provide miracles. 

Villa Vasquez taught me humility. I will never forget the houses and the circumstances that I saw and taught in during my time in Villa Vasquez. 

Bonao taught me diligence. When we are diligent in all things the Lord blesses us. Bonaos branch grew because we were diligent. 

Hato Mayor taught me obedience. I served closed to President Bretón during my time in Hato Mayor and he always taught that obedience brings blessings and happiness. 

Samaná taught me to have charity for others. Some of my biggest challenges in the mission came from Samaná and love was always the answer. Hermanas Mirabal taught me that missionary work is a lifelong calling. Never quit serving the Lord in his vineyard. 

Licey taught me to endure to the end even when it gets hard. 

All of these areas helped change and mold me into who I am today. They all taught me something that helped me become more like my Savior Jesus Christ. Like the scripture says, Jesus Christ suffered for my pain, my afflictions, my temptations, and my sicknesses. While I served Him I felt the healing power of His atonement. 

I want to thank all of those who have supported me throughout my mission these last 2 years. I have felt the power and strength of prayers said on my behalf from each one of you while I strived to do my best. The Dominican Republic will forever and always hold a very special place in my heart. It was home for 2 years and will always be known as my home away from home. 

I know Jesus Christ lives. I know that His atonement is real. I know that the Book of Mormon truly is the Word of God and what it has written inside of it is true. Joseph Smith restored Christs Church. President Nelson is the living prophet today. 

I love you and I can't wait to see you all!

Elder Wilde 

How Do I Say Goodbye?

I said goodbye to President Bretón this week. 

It was sad. President Bretón has had a huge impact on my life. He has taught me life long lessons that I will never forget. Obedience, diligence, not procrastinating, being a disciple of Jesus Christ, not just a missionary. 

I had the privilege of serving in the mission office with him for close to 7 months. I will never forget the memories made with him while I was there, and the lessons he taught me. 

Not only saying goodbye to President was sad but also saying goodbye to Hermana Bretón. 

Unfortunately I didn't get to see her this last week to officially say goodbye, but I truly love Hermana Bretón. She gives the best advice and is the funnest to go shopping with. The Bretón family will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. 

With that being said, this week President Brueck arrived! He and his wife are amazing people. We felt the spirit so strongly in their first Zone Conference and I know that they will do great things here in the Santiago mission. Unfortunately I will only get to serve with them for 2 weeks. I am excited for those two weeks though. 

This week was a good one. It sped by quickly. We are teaching so many cool people and we are excited with the progress that some of them are making. 

This week we found the mothers of 2 different members! One of the mothers being Ines and the other being Iris. They are super cool. They both have not been baptized because they both have boyfriends that aren't the biggest fans of the church. 

Pray for them and their significant others so they can get married and be baptized. 

This week we are hoping to marry Daniela and Valdemiro so they can be baptized on Saturday! It would be a HUGE miracle if it all works out. Please please please pray for them. 

I hope you all have a happy week! Next P-day will be my last;)) love ya’ll! 

Elder Wilde