Dear Family,
Well this fall weather finally got to me, last P-day I spent a couple hours drawing a mule buck. It was great! I had time to reflect on some of the hunting experiences that we have had, plus I finally got a chance to draw something.
I'm not to sure if fall weather was the way to describe it because last week it snowed here. It was funny, Elder Kroneburger, since the first of September has been saying that it will not snow in September because someone in the ward said he hasn't sen a year go by without it snowing in Sept. Well he almost made it, on the 30th it snowed!
The work is going great! The Lord is really blessing us, we have 4 people scheduled for baptism now. 2 will hopefully be baptized next Sunday but no telling what will happen between now and Sunday.
We have been working real hard trying to get people ready for baptism but those darn habits kep getting in the road.
Well, I really love and appreciate all that you are doing for me.
I love you!
Elder Daren Wilding
p.s. Tell Vivian that I will write her and tell her how great those cookies were!
Monday, November 24, 2014
Fairbanks September 22, 1982
Dear Family,
So how are things going for you? It sure sounds like there is a lot happening.
Have you found another job yet dad? I sure hope that they get you squared away real son.
The Lord is really blessing me an Elder Kroneburger, we haven't had to fix our own dinner in a long time because all of our contacts are inviting us out to dinner, it's great.!!
Winter, it seems like is just around the corner. The leaves all turned yellow and were of the trees in a mater of weeks. It really feels like hunting season. I try to not let that interfere with the work which I am doing.
We have been busy as bees and have hardly had time to stop. The Lord is recognizing our efforts by giving us our baptisms. I am excited about the baptism on the 9th that we have planned. I know that it will be a good one.
Well I better go. I love you and take care!!
Love, Elder Daren Wilding
So how are things going for you? It sure sounds like there is a lot happening.
Have you found another job yet dad? I sure hope that they get you squared away real son.
The Lord is really blessing me an Elder Kroneburger, we haven't had to fix our own dinner in a long time because all of our contacts are inviting us out to dinner, it's great.!!
Winter, it seems like is just around the corner. The leaves all turned yellow and were of the trees in a mater of weeks. It really feels like hunting season. I try to not let that interfere with the work which I am doing.
We have been busy as bees and have hardly had time to stop. The Lord is recognizing our efforts by giving us our baptisms. I am excited about the baptism on the 9th that we have planned. I know that it will be a good one.
Well I better go. I love you and take care!!
Love, Elder Daren Wilding
Fairbanks September 18, 1982
Dear Family,
Well it sounds as if things are in full swing now and that everyone is working hard. How are you Dad? Have you started working at CAL again? Boy that was a shocker when I read that it had burned down.
I just received a letter today that was sent the 17th of August. I don't know why some of them take so long.
So football is starting for Lorin & Tommy. That's great! I would really like to hear how they are doing a if there is anything in the paper about either of them I would really like to have a copy of the article so I could see how they are doing.
Last Monday I had a chance to play some football myself. All the elders an some of our seventies met at North Pole for a game of flag football. I really had a good time. We played for about 2-3 hours and that morning we played about the same of b-ball. So by the end of the day I could hardly walk. I still can't because I am so sore. It is really funny to see all the elders walking around like a bunch of old men.
Elder Kroneberger is a lot like me in that he is very competitive and every once in awhile we get into an all-out wrestling match. He is a little bigger but we are really close when it comes to wrestling. He is an all around just like Lorin and loves to play line backer and loves to hit! So we are getting along very well.
Plus we make a heck of a team when we are out doing missionary work and last week was probably one of my better weeks. Carol Rousch and her husband Dave we have been working with for a long time and a couple weks ago w (as I have probably already told you) got Carol out to church and she has been coming since then. Last Sun. she attended her first testimony meeting and it was very good. I'm sure she was touched because she had wet eyes. For the closing song we sang, "I know that my redeemer lives" and she was just bawling, it was great!! So that afternoon we talked with her and challenged her for baptism. I knew she wanted to be baptized about a week ago but we had to take time to see if we could get her husband to come along, but he doesn't want to make any commitments. So we challenged her and got the date set for the 9th of October. I know that that is a long time but her husband is leaving town for a few weeks and we want to wait to have it when he can be there. She is a great lady and I know she has a testimony of the church and that is what she wants. I know that Elder Kroneberger and I were the ones that made a difference because she has been seeing the missionaries for 2 years and finally has felt the Holy Ghost. I'm not trying to boast but I know that the Lord is blessing us for our efforts.
Like I said before, I love what I am doing and I know that it is right
I love you all, Elder Daren Wilding
Well it sounds as if things are in full swing now and that everyone is working hard. How are you Dad? Have you started working at CAL again? Boy that was a shocker when I read that it had burned down.
I just received a letter today that was sent the 17th of August. I don't know why some of them take so long.
So football is starting for Lorin & Tommy. That's great! I would really like to hear how they are doing a if there is anything in the paper about either of them I would really like to have a copy of the article so I could see how they are doing.
Last Monday I had a chance to play some football myself. All the elders an some of our seventies met at North Pole for a game of flag football. I really had a good time. We played for about 2-3 hours and that morning we played about the same of b-ball. So by the end of the day I could hardly walk. I still can't because I am so sore. It is really funny to see all the elders walking around like a bunch of old men.
Elder Kroneberger is a lot like me in that he is very competitive and every once in awhile we get into an all-out wrestling match. He is a little bigger but we are really close when it comes to wrestling. He is an all around just like Lorin and loves to play line backer and loves to hit! So we are getting along very well.
Plus we make a heck of a team when we are out doing missionary work and last week was probably one of my better weeks. Carol Rousch and her husband Dave we have been working with for a long time and a couple weks ago w (as I have probably already told you) got Carol out to church and she has been coming since then. Last Sun. she attended her first testimony meeting and it was very good. I'm sure she was touched because she had wet eyes. For the closing song we sang, "I know that my redeemer lives" and she was just bawling, it was great!! So that afternoon we talked with her and challenged her for baptism. I knew she wanted to be baptized about a week ago but we had to take time to see if we could get her husband to come along, but he doesn't want to make any commitments. So we challenged her and got the date set for the 9th of October. I know that that is a long time but her husband is leaving town for a few weeks and we want to wait to have it when he can be there. She is a great lady and I know she has a testimony of the church and that is what she wants. I know that Elder Kroneberger and I were the ones that made a difference because she has been seeing the missionaries for 2 years and finally has felt the Holy Ghost. I'm not trying to boast but I know that the Lord is blessing us for our efforts.
Like I said before, I love what I am doing and I know that it is right
I love you all, Elder Daren Wilding
Fairbanks September 1982
Dear Family,
I had to write and express my feelings to your last letter.
ARE YOU SERIOUS?
I was looking forward to hear how Lorin was doing in football and then I found out that he wasn't going to play this year because of his knee. I'm thankful that it is going to be alright but boy how it had me down.
Then I heard that my older bro is doing what?!....Getting Married?!! Man I could hardly believe what I was reading. I think I went in shock! That's neat, Mark that you are decided to do it (get married) and I really like the date you set!
Well I thought I would send some of the stuff home that I ha e been collecting so I wouldn't have to pack it around.
Well you have a good week and take care!! I love you! Elder Daren Wilding
p.s. Here's my signature so that you can tape it to Lorin's cast . . . I know how much it would mean for him to have MY name on his cast! (haha)
I had to write and express my feelings to your last letter.
ARE YOU SERIOUS?
I was looking forward to hear how Lorin was doing in football and then I found out that he wasn't going to play this year because of his knee. I'm thankful that it is going to be alright but boy how it had me down.
Then I heard that my older bro is doing what?!....Getting Married?!! Man I could hardly believe what I was reading. I think I went in shock! That's neat, Mark that you are decided to do it (get married) and I really like the date you set!
Well I thought I would send some of the stuff home that I ha e been collecting so I wouldn't have to pack it around.
Well you have a good week and take care!! I love you! Elder Daren Wilding
p.s. Here's my signature so that you can tape it to Lorin's cast . . . I know how much it would mean for him to have MY name on his cast! (haha)
Fairbanks September 2, 1982
Dear Family,
How did you like that post card I sent home? On a clear day I can see that mountain range from here. It is about a hundred miles from Fairbanks.
I don't know if I told about our fishing trip, but we had one of our contacts take us out to the Chena River where we fished for a couple hours and caught about 30 grayling. We really had a good time plus we got to know David Forstrum better. He was the one who took us there.
The area and contacts are really progressing now. Elder Kroneberger and I had 4 non-members come to church last Sunday, it was great!!
I really appreciate working with Elder Kroneberger, he has really helped me out a lot.
Anyhow, the other day I went back to the bank where I usually cash my checks and they wouldn't cash them because I guess they had a problem with other Elder's checks. So I had to open an account up here in Alaska with the First National Bank of Anchorage. I still could use the checking account in Idaho to get my money and then I would just deposit it up here.
I am so thankful for all that you have done for me, you are always in my prayers.
I love you all, take care. Love, Elder Daren Wilding
If you have any questions write back and I will be happy to answer them for you.
How did you like that post card I sent home? On a clear day I can see that mountain range from here. It is about a hundred miles from Fairbanks.
I don't know if I told about our fishing trip, but we had one of our contacts take us out to the Chena River where we fished for a couple hours and caught about 30 grayling. We really had a good time plus we got to know David Forstrum better. He was the one who took us there.
The area and contacts are really progressing now. Elder Kroneberger and I had 4 non-members come to church last Sunday, it was great!!
I really appreciate working with Elder Kroneberger, he has really helped me out a lot.
Anyhow, the other day I went back to the bank where I usually cash my checks and they wouldn't cash them because I guess they had a problem with other Elder's checks. So I had to open an account up here in Alaska with the First National Bank of Anchorage. I still could use the checking account in Idaho to get my money and then I would just deposit it up here.
I am so thankful for all that you have done for me, you are always in my prayers.
I love you all, take care. Love, Elder Daren Wilding
If you have any questions write back and I will be happy to answer them for you.
Fairbanks August 25, 1982
Dear Family,
You probably haven't received a letter from me in a while, I just had a letter returned to me and I sent it off the other day.
Things have been going great! My new comp. Elder Kroneburger and I get along great. We have been busy getting ready for Elder Bushe who is coming up here to visit the mission. He is a member of the seventies quorum and is over Pres. Papa, so it is a big deal when he comes around. He is also going to inspect the trailer to see if they are good enough to keep, that is what we have been working hardest on is preparing the trailer for the inspection.
We have been having a lot of success with those contacts that I felt like weren't going anywhere. What we have been doing is going in and really teaching by the spirit, and making goals for the people to reach. For example, the missionaries have been seeing Dave and Carol Rousd for at least 2 years, and they had never been to church so last week Carol showed up at church!! It was really neat to have her there.
Well take care of yourselves, all of you.
I sure do love you!! Elder Daren Wilding
You probably haven't received a letter from me in a while, I just had a letter returned to me and I sent it off the other day.
Things have been going great! My new comp. Elder Kroneburger and I get along great. We have been busy getting ready for Elder Bushe who is coming up here to visit the mission. He is a member of the seventies quorum and is over Pres. Papa, so it is a big deal when he comes around. He is also going to inspect the trailer to see if they are good enough to keep, that is what we have been working hardest on is preparing the trailer for the inspection.
We have been having a lot of success with those contacts that I felt like weren't going anywhere. What we have been doing is going in and really teaching by the spirit, and making goals for the people to reach. For example, the missionaries have been seeing Dave and Carol Rousd for at least 2 years, and they had never been to church so last week Carol showed up at church!! It was really neat to have her there.
Well take care of yourselves, all of you.
I sure do love you!! Elder Daren Wilding
Fairbankst August 20, 1982
Dear Family,
I really enjoyed your last letter, thank you all for the time that you took to write them.
I finally got my new comp. his name is Elder Kroneberger and he is from Colorado. We really get along great and we are working hard. It's getting a little easier now, I am not worrying so much about what I should be doing because Elder Kroneburger is such a good elder sometimes it seems as if he were training me and getting me to me as excited about the gospel as I was when I first came out.
Boy there is a lot of changes occurring here in Fairbanks, first with the new elders from the MTC plus four elders from here are getting transferred and we are to have the new elders in today. Our new zone leader is out in the North Pole which is about 15 miles from Fairbanks and h will have a hard time getting in to town, so he called me to be kind of like an acting district leader to help the missionaries here in town. I'm really excited about it and thankful for the way my mission is turning out. I love it!!
Thanks again for all you have done for me!
Love you, Elder Daren Wilding
p.s. Did you get my picture of Mt. Saint Helen's? I sent it home a couple months ago.
p.s.s. I am using the $500 to buy my parka, boots and necessary proselyting material.
I really enjoyed your last letter, thank you all for the time that you took to write them.
I finally got my new comp. his name is Elder Kroneberger and he is from Colorado. We really get along great and we are working hard. It's getting a little easier now, I am not worrying so much about what I should be doing because Elder Kroneburger is such a good elder sometimes it seems as if he were training me and getting me to me as excited about the gospel as I was when I first came out.
Boy there is a lot of changes occurring here in Fairbanks, first with the new elders from the MTC plus four elders from here are getting transferred and we are to have the new elders in today. Our new zone leader is out in the North Pole which is about 15 miles from Fairbanks and h will have a hard time getting in to town, so he called me to be kind of like an acting district leader to help the missionaries here in town. I'm really excited about it and thankful for the way my mission is turning out. I love it!!
Thanks again for all you have done for me!
Love you, Elder Daren Wilding
p.s. Did you get my picture of Mt. Saint Helen's? I sent it home a couple months ago.
p.s.s. I am using the $500 to buy my parka, boots and necessary proselyting material.
Fairbanks August 17, 1982
Dear Family,
Thanks so much for the letters that you wrote me, it sounds as if you are having a great summer!
Summer seems to be leaving here, the trees are turning colors, it has been raining and it has been getting colder.
The Alaska state fair was held here in Fairbanks last week and we (the misionaries) had a booth. Elder Kroneburger and I had a real good time there, we got a couple referrals and had a good time just talking with the people.
One of our contacts took us out fishing last week and we caught about 20 grayling. They are a lot like trout in size and fight but are only caught up here in Alaska. Another big difference is that their back fin is long and not as small as the trout.
Elder Kroneburger and I are getting along real well. Just today we stopped by an investigators house to just talk with them and before we got out of there the spirit kept telling us to challenge he for baptism. We did and she said she wanted to but that she had to talk to her husband first. So we are going back tonight to see what is going to happen.
Thanks again. I love you all, Elder Daren Wilding
Thanks so much for the letters that you wrote me, it sounds as if you are having a great summer!
Summer seems to be leaving here, the trees are turning colors, it has been raining and it has been getting colder.
The Alaska state fair was held here in Fairbanks last week and we (the misionaries) had a booth. Elder Kroneburger and I had a real good time there, we got a couple referrals and had a good time just talking with the people.
One of our contacts took us out fishing last week and we caught about 20 grayling. They are a lot like trout in size and fight but are only caught up here in Alaska. Another big difference is that their back fin is long and not as small as the trout.
Elder Kroneburger and I are getting along real well. Just today we stopped by an investigators house to just talk with them and before we got out of there the spirit kept telling us to challenge he for baptism. We did and she said she wanted to but that she had to talk to her husband first. So we are going back tonight to see what is going to happen.
Thanks again. I love you all, Elder Daren Wilding
Fairbanks August 14, 1982
Family,
You'll never guess in a million years what has happened to me . . . . Pres. Papa called a couple days ago and transferred my senior, Elder Whitman. He also told me that I was getting a new comp. and that I was going to be senior.
That really didn't surprise me but to hear that he was going to be a greenie did. He wil be straight from the MTC and I will be his trainer! I know that it will be tough but wit the Lord's help I know that I ca do it.
Mom there is no need to worry about me wasting the money. I am trying to keep it down to what the Pres. has said. I will probably have enough with the travelers checks to buy all I need.
This week Fairbanks has been holding the world Indian-Eskimo Olympics. Eskimo's and Indian's come from all over Alaska to participate in the Olympics. Some of the things they do in the Olympics are seal skinning, muktuk eating contest, dancing, two feet high kick, to mention a few. We went to it one night and I had the opportunity to taste some muktuk. What it is, is raw whale. I like Elder Whitman's description of it. He said, "it's like crisco on a rubber tree." I have saved a piece and will send it home soon.
We were at district meeting last Friday when a girl called and asked for a blessing. So E. Whitman and I took the sisters to give her, and her friend, a blessing. When we arrived there I knew one of the girls from Anchorage. Her name was Paulette and her friend's name was Pauline. They were both here for the Olympics, they model parkas. Anyhow we had a nice visit with them, gave them both a blessing, even though Pauline is not a member and had a spiritual testimony meeting aftewards. They wanted the blessing because they were performing that night. They also invited us to come to the Olympics and that is why we went.
The next day Paulette and Pauline took us out to lunch and afterwards we taught Pauline by showing her some films. We couldn't go up in their dorms because the mission rules forbid it and because it would look bad, but we showed her the films in the lobby. By the time we were finished we had quite a crowd around us. Most of them were natives so Paulette and Pauline could elate to them really god. It was so neat to talk with them and Pauline, the 'non-member' was bearing her testimony and telling of he conversion. Elder Whitman and I were just beaming with happiness. It was great!!!
All our experiences are not like that, although I wish they were. Most of the people we are working with now are just sitting there doing nothing. We get to teach a lot but baptisms are what we are striving for.
Well I guess I better go and get something done. I love you al and am thankful for all you do for me, you're super!!
Love, Elder Wilding
Fairbanks July 27, 1982
Hey you guys!!
Man how time sure flies. Pres. Pap came up here to Fairbanks for our zone conference. (it was really good) and when I was having my interview he asked me if I was ready to become a senior. So next time transfers come out I will probably be made senior and Elder Whitman will be transferred.
This past week has been a good one. The whole town was celebrating "Golden Days" and every day there was something going on. The church had a sourdough pancake feed, which we didn't miss and Sat. there was a big parade. We have been keeping busy though!
David Forstrum is still working hi way through the discussions and is looking forward to his baptismal date which is the 7th of August.
Last Monday we went fishing down on the Salcha river for red salmon. We didn't have any luck but a few people were catching them an they looked as if they weighed over 30 lbs. Boy how I would have loved to catch one.
Yesterday E.W. and I went with some contacts out panning for gold. We spent 4 hours panning and only came up with a couple dollars worth of gold, but we did get some!
WE had a good time just getting out in the wilderness and getting to know our contact better. The people we went with was Diane Mellor, Kellie Mellor and Dave Eberhart who owns the gold mine where we were at. He showd u all the tricks for panning for gold.
Well write and tel me what's happenin!
Love you all, Elder Wilding
Man how time sure flies. Pres. Pap came up here to Fairbanks for our zone conference. (it was really good) and when I was having my interview he asked me if I was ready to become a senior. So next time transfers come out I will probably be made senior and Elder Whitman will be transferred.
This past week has been a good one. The whole town was celebrating "Golden Days" and every day there was something going on. The church had a sourdough pancake feed, which we didn't miss and Sat. there was a big parade. We have been keeping busy though!
David Forstrum is still working hi way through the discussions and is looking forward to his baptismal date which is the 7th of August.
Last Monday we went fishing down on the Salcha river for red salmon. We didn't have any luck but a few people were catching them an they looked as if they weighed over 30 lbs. Boy how I would have loved to catch one.
Yesterday E.W. and I went with some contacts out panning for gold. We spent 4 hours panning and only came up with a couple dollars worth of gold, but we did get some!
WE had a good time just getting out in the wilderness and getting to know our contact better. The people we went with was Diane Mellor, Kellie Mellor and Dave Eberhart who owns the gold mine where we were at. He showd u all the tricks for panning for gold.
Well write and tel me what's happenin!
Love you all, Elder Wilding
Fairbanks July 20, 1982
Dear Family,
Well I finally got your letters. It was great to hear how your vacation was and how mch you missed me when it came time to get wood. Sorry, if I have missed a week, I don't think I have. It probably got lost in the mail like everything else. I waited 4 weeks for a group of pictures to get back, plus all of your mail. Now they are all starting to come back.
Last week a girl came out of no where and said she wanted to be baptized, we were so excited and happy for her. But when we approached the mother for permission she said, "no' that her daughter had already ben baptized and didn't need done again. Then we were disappointed, but we will continue to work on the mother maybe she will soften and give us permission.
I love my mission! Although sometimes I may get down, it's the good experiences that make it all worth it. Like David Forstrom, he is only eight, but is really excited for his baptism. He is our next one and we are really hurrying to get him through all the lessons before his date. Plus all the other baptisms I have had and th sweet spirit that was present when I was teaching them.
I'm not sure what the money situation is but it is really expensive up here. It is hard to keep the cost below $420 plus I will need a few more things next month. Maybe Mark brought something home I could use, like a film projector and I need a cassette player real bad. Tell me what is happening. I don't want to put you under any kind of strain.
Like I said, I love my mission and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
I love you all.
Take care, Elder Daren Wilding
Well I finally got your letters. It was great to hear how your vacation was and how mch you missed me when it came time to get wood. Sorry, if I have missed a week, I don't think I have. It probably got lost in the mail like everything else. I waited 4 weeks for a group of pictures to get back, plus all of your mail. Now they are all starting to come back.
Last week a girl came out of no where and said she wanted to be baptized, we were so excited and happy for her. But when we approached the mother for permission she said, "no' that her daughter had already ben baptized and didn't need done again. Then we were disappointed, but we will continue to work on the mother maybe she will soften and give us permission.
I love my mission! Although sometimes I may get down, it's the good experiences that make it all worth it. Like David Forstrom, he is only eight, but is really excited for his baptism. He is our next one and we are really hurrying to get him through all the lessons before his date. Plus all the other baptisms I have had and th sweet spirit that was present when I was teaching them.
I'm not sure what the money situation is but it is really expensive up here. It is hard to keep the cost below $420 plus I will need a few more things next month. Maybe Mark brought something home I could use, like a film projector and I need a cassette player real bad. Tell me what is happening. I don't want to put you under any kind of strain.
Like I said, I love my mission and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
I love you all.
Take care, Elder Daren Wilding
Fairbanks July 13, 1982
Dear Mom, Dad and Family,
It's been awhile since I have heard from you last. How was your vacation? Or are you still on it?
This past week has been a busy one for me. We taught 11 discussions and had 3 baptisms. I had the opportunity to baptize one of them. His name was John Bluel and it was great to get all dressed up in white an baptize someone! Experiences like that make my mission worthwhile and makes me feel reat that I am serving the Lord. The others that were baptized were John's sister Katrina Bluel and Tim Ryan.
Tim Ryan is about 25 and was so excited about his baptism and so were we. He has been a Catholic all his life and went to a Catholic school but just didn't agree with it s he had been seeing the missionaries for over a year and finally accepted the invitation to be baptized from Elder Whitman and I. He is a great guy! The Lord has really blessed us.
We have a possibility of getting 5 more baptisms this month, but because of Word of Wisdom problems and marital problems it is going to take some time and effort.
So when is Mark getting home? I know it's soon.
I also had the chance to speak in Sacrament meeting last Sunday on repentance, boy was I scared! But it's getting easier to talk in front of people.
I have also been trying to re-certify as a gospel teacher. As missionaries we progress, first we start out by becoming a 'certified gospel teacher' which means that we have to read the Book of Mormon, pass off all 8 discussions, read "Book of Mormon, key to conversion" and write a report, learn mission song, memorize D&C section 4 and memorize D&C section 121:34-46 That I di the first month out in the field. Now to re-certify I had to do al tat over again, except read B of MO again. Plus memorize about 40 scriptures and read 'the challenge' by Alvin R. Dyer. And it's great to be learning and growing. So I have been really busy with that and with the regular missionary work.
The days have been getting shorter now, I guess we lose approx. 6 min a day and that will make it easier to sleep at nights. It's been great temp in the 70's, not too hot and not too cold. Perfect missionary working conditions.
Well write back and take care, I love you all. Elder Daren Wilding
It's been awhile since I have heard from you last. How was your vacation? Or are you still on it?
This past week has been a busy one for me. We taught 11 discussions and had 3 baptisms. I had the opportunity to baptize one of them. His name was John Bluel and it was great to get all dressed up in white an baptize someone! Experiences like that make my mission worthwhile and makes me feel reat that I am serving the Lord. The others that were baptized were John's sister Katrina Bluel and Tim Ryan.
Tim Ryan is about 25 and was so excited about his baptism and so were we. He has been a Catholic all his life and went to a Catholic school but just didn't agree with it s he had been seeing the missionaries for over a year and finally accepted the invitation to be baptized from Elder Whitman and I. He is a great guy! The Lord has really blessed us.
We have a possibility of getting 5 more baptisms this month, but because of Word of Wisdom problems and marital problems it is going to take some time and effort.
So when is Mark getting home? I know it's soon.
I also had the chance to speak in Sacrament meeting last Sunday on repentance, boy was I scared! But it's getting easier to talk in front of people.
I have also been trying to re-certify as a gospel teacher. As missionaries we progress, first we start out by becoming a 'certified gospel teacher' which means that we have to read the Book of Mormon, pass off all 8 discussions, read "Book of Mormon, key to conversion" and write a report, learn mission song, memorize D&C section 4 and memorize D&C section 121:34-46 That I di the first month out in the field. Now to re-certify I had to do al tat over again, except read B of MO again. Plus memorize about 40 scriptures and read 'the challenge' by Alvin R. Dyer. And it's great to be learning and growing. So I have been really busy with that and with the regular missionary work.
The days have been getting shorter now, I guess we lose approx. 6 min a day and that will make it easier to sleep at nights. It's been great temp in the 70's, not too hot and not too cold. Perfect missionary working conditions.
Well write back and take care, I love you all. Elder Daren Wilding
Fairbanks July 9, 1982
Boy have I ever been busy, I'm trying to stuff 30 hours in a day but it's great!
I thought I would send you a postcard because it would be quicker but I'm fine and really enjoying my mission.
When does Mark get home? How was your vacation? Write when you can, I"ll still be here.
Love, Elder Daren Wilding
Fairbanks June 30, 1982
Dear Family,
Well did you have a good vacation or are you even back yet? Being up here in Alaska is ind of like being in Island Park, with all the pine trees and wildlife we have here.
We have really been blessed with the number of contacts we have and also the number of baptisms we are hopefully going to have on the 10th. So far we have four.
Boy has it been hot here I thought it was hot when it got up to 80' but this last week it has been in the 90's. I thought I was going to die!
It sure has been hard up here in Fairbanks now that we have to start cooking our own meals. I have spent more than I thought I would ever spend, its not a ot over what I usually spend but it is more. I am trying my best to keep it down.
I love my mission!
I love you all!
You're great!
Love, Elder Daren Wilding
Fairbanks June 22, 1982
Dear Mom, ad and Family,
Boy, it sue sounds like you ha a good time in Jackson hole. That's one place I wished I could have gone to before my mission, maybe when I get home.
I am finally getting settled in Fairbanks and starting tog et used to the roads. This past week has been hectic trying to get to know my new comp. He is great! and crazy. We get along good together.
Tonight we (all the missionaries in Fairbanks) are going out on a big boat to celebrate the longest day of the year.(at the pipeline) It won't even get dark here!
We are having the greatest time teaching up here. We have approx. 30 people we are working with and have already got 4 lined up for baptism on the 10th of July.
Elder Whiteman andI have been keeping real busy, and have been doing a lot of tracting. While tracting one day we saw some of the biggest mosquitoes ever. It was this big.
I am really enjoying my mission and am always thankful to you and my Heavenly Father.
Love you all, Elder Daren Wilding
Boy, it sue sounds like you ha a good time in Jackson hole. That's one place I wished I could have gone to before my mission, maybe when I get home.
I am finally getting settled in Fairbanks and starting tog et used to the roads. This past week has been hectic trying to get to know my new comp. He is great! and crazy. We get along good together.
Tonight we (all the missionaries in Fairbanks) are going out on a big boat to celebrate the longest day of the year.(at the pipeline) It won't even get dark here!
We are having the greatest time teaching up here. We have approx. 30 people we are working with and have already got 4 lined up for baptism on the 10th of July.
Elder Whiteman andI have been keeping real busy, and have been doing a lot of tracting. While tracting one day we saw some of the biggest mosquitoes ever. It was this big.
I am really enjoying my mission and am always thankful to you and my Heavenly Father.
Love you all, Elder Daren Wilding
June 17, 1982
Father's Day Card with a letter written inside:
Dad,
Just a note to tell you how much I love you and appreciate all you have done for e.
Being on a mission really set things into proportion, I can really see now how much you have helped me. You're great!! I don't know how I could ever repay you, except by being and doing my best.
Mom & Dad, I love you very much! You're terrific. Keep up the good work and I"ll see you in -- months. Love, Elder Daren Wilding
Dad,
Just a note to tell you how much I love you and appreciate all you have done for e.
Being on a mission really set things into proportion, I can really see now how much you have helped me. You're great!! I don't know how I could ever repay you, except by being and doing my best.
Mom & Dad, I love you very much! You're terrific. Keep up the good work and I"ll see you in -- months. Love, Elder Daren Wilding
Fairbanks June 15, 1982
Dear Mom, Dad, Lorin, Shalene, Tommy and Johnie,
How are things going?
I guess you already know that I have been transferred to Fairbanks. I would have wrote you sooner but I had a hard time finding out what our address was because they have changed it on us.
Fairbanks is great!
The second day I was here it got up to 80'. Can you even believe that up here in Alaska?
There isn't any big mountains right close but what little mountains we do have are covered with a lot of trees and thick brush.
Our area is 3rd ward an it covers everything from town to about 2-300 miles from town. Big, huh? It is really had to find some of our contacts because they live outside of town and most people outsie of town don't have addresses, and many of the roads aren't marked.
My new comp. is Elder Whitman from Arizona. He is a super guy and we get along really good.
The drive up here was a long one. It rained most of the way too so we didn't see some of the sights like Mt. McKinley. Although we did see a moose and a bear.
It's even worse than Anchorage up here, it doesn't even get dark and the mosquitoes are bigger!
We do have a lot of good people we are teaching and I expect some baptisms soon. I am really enjoying and loving my mission and am making the best of it.
Thank you all for everything you have done for me, you're great!
Love, Elder Daren Wilding
p.s. Send pictures back!
How are things going?
I guess you already know that I have been transferred to Fairbanks. I would have wrote you sooner but I had a hard time finding out what our address was because they have changed it on us.
Fairbanks is great!
The second day I was here it got up to 80'. Can you even believe that up here in Alaska?
There isn't any big mountains right close but what little mountains we do have are covered with a lot of trees and thick brush.
Our area is 3rd ward an it covers everything from town to about 2-300 miles from town. Big, huh? It is really had to find some of our contacts because they live outside of town and most people outsie of town don't have addresses, and many of the roads aren't marked.
My new comp. is Elder Whitman from Arizona. He is a super guy and we get along really good.
The drive up here was a long one. It rained most of the way too so we didn't see some of the sights like Mt. McKinley. Although we did see a moose and a bear.
It's even worse than Anchorage up here, it doesn't even get dark and the mosquitoes are bigger!
We do have a lot of good people we are teaching and I expect some baptisms soon. I am really enjoying and loving my mission and am making the best of it.
Thank you all for everything you have done for me, you're great!
Love, Elder Daren Wilding
p.s. Send pictures back!
From the Mission Office June 11, 1982
Your son has been assigned to the Fairbanks 3d Ward as junior companion to Elder John Whitman effective June 9, 1982.
Handwritten note: Your son and our missionary is doing very well, he is extending himself and working hard. He has a good companion. ~President Julius B. Papa
Handwritten note: Your son and our missionary is doing very well, he is extending himself and working hard. He has a good companion. ~President Julius B. Papa
Anchorage June 8, 1982
Dear Mom, Dad & Family,
I sure sounds like you had a good time fishing last Memorial Day. We, Elders Collings, Teuscher, Dulaney and I set up a booth just outside of the cemetery last Monday that explained the plan of salvation. It went really god. We got one referral by having it. It was also a beautiful day here and hot! It must have been in the 60's.
Last Sat. we had a baptism, his name is Mike Mitchell. Elder Collings confirmed him a mmber of the church and on Sunday I ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood. It was a real neat experience, I had never don anything like that before.
It has been raining for the past couple days and finally let up for our p-day. We went out on the air force base with Elder Teuscher and Dulaney. The base is a really big area, there is lakes and forests all over.
It is so green now after the rain, it was also good to get out of the city for awhile.
I sure hope Grandpa gets to feeling better, I sure do love him and all my grandparents. Would you tell them I send my love?
Boy am I glad I'm in Alaska and away from Shalene driving! (just kidding) I'm sure you will do fine.
Now as for Lorin, I could have wooped you out fishing! I think it's neat, that someone got you working, finally! Is Wayne your forman? Keep up the good work, your alright.
Thank you for the love and support you give me, it is really appreciated, esp. you Mom & dad.
I love you all, Elder Daren Wilding
I sure sounds like you had a good time fishing last Memorial Day. We, Elders Collings, Teuscher, Dulaney and I set up a booth just outside of the cemetery last Monday that explained the plan of salvation. It went really god. We got one referral by having it. It was also a beautiful day here and hot! It must have been in the 60's.
Last Sat. we had a baptism, his name is Mike Mitchell. Elder Collings confirmed him a mmber of the church and on Sunday I ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood. It was a real neat experience, I had never don anything like that before.
It has been raining for the past couple days and finally let up for our p-day. We went out on the air force base with Elder Teuscher and Dulaney. The base is a really big area, there is lakes and forests all over.
It is so green now after the rain, it was also good to get out of the city for awhile.
I sure hope Grandpa gets to feeling better, I sure do love him and all my grandparents. Would you tell them I send my love?
Boy am I glad I'm in Alaska and away from Shalene driving! (just kidding) I'm sure you will do fine.
Now as for Lorin, I could have wooped you out fishing! I think it's neat, that someone got you working, finally! Is Wayne your forman? Keep up the good work, your alright.
Thank you for the love and support you give me, it is really appreciated, esp. you Mom & dad.
I love you all, Elder Daren Wilding
Anchorage June 2, 1982
Dear Mom, Dad & Family,
How are things going for you?
Here ar a few more pictures when you are finished please send them back.
The pictures of our Nova is taken in front of our apartment. Our nova is the car hat they had taken from us to give us our bikes. We just got our new car though! It's a red 1982 Dodge Omni.
This next one is of our ishing tripe, well if w could ge there. It didn't take long to get out all we did was wenched our way out. We sure had a fun time!
One of the seventies in our ward likes black powder hunting and her I am with his rifle and his new hat, it's made out of a fox and if you look close enough you can see the face of the fox on the hat. I want one!! haha
We got that can of coffee from R.J.'s wife who is a member and is starting to get active. It's our first repossession.
This week has been slow because of the sickness that has been going around but things are starting to pick up now.
I don't think I ever told you but when we had our zone conference they checked all the apartments for cleanliness and ours was one of the cleanest! You should be proud!
We are working super hard. This last week we taught approx. 10 discussions and have another baptism the 5th. I htink I have already told you about that.
Well you take care, I love you all, Elder Daren Wilding
p.s. Thank you John for the picture! I really like it.
Anchorage May 25, 1982
Dear Mom, Dad, Family,
Boy it really sounds like you were usy with all those people coming over.
Well it's official, I have had my first baptism! It was a super baptism, some said it was one the most spiritual baptisms they have ever been to.
Elder Collings has been sick for the past few days and I have been splitting with the missionaries in the first ward. Now that he is feeling better I am down. I guess it's just the flu but it feels bad.
Good job Lorin! I hope you did some good in state. I'm sure you di.
The weather has been great, thing are finally turning green and it's been 60'. How has it been down there?Since we have had the bikes things have really slowed down. It is hard to get around to all of our contacts and see how they are doing just the other day we visited a contact, we were teaching both the husband and the wife but because of the lack of communication we found out that the husband had left and she was moving. I sure wish we could get our car back, we need it!
The work is going good though, we were teaching another contact Wed. and he asked if he could be baptized. He hsa a few things to overcome. Sunday we found out that we were going to get another baptism the 5th of June. He is a 12 year old boy that wants to be baptized, bt the only thing that si holding him back is that he needs the discussions.
I finally received a letter from Mark. I wrote once in the MTC and once out here. I guess my letter did get to him.
Well you guys take care of yourself a mom I'll take are of myself.
You are all great! and I love you! Elder Daren Wilding
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Anchorage Alaska May 1982
Dear Family,
Were you excited to get a call from
me? It was a last minute decision but I wanted to wish Mom a Happy Mother’s
Day.
Here are a few pictures I promised to
send. The picture of my district in front of the world map is the one I want
you to look at. See the elder with his arm around me, that’s Elder Hansen, and the
elder directly below him is Elder Shaat. The elder that is directly below me is
Elder Beck, all three of them are in the same mission Mark is in, in Australia.
You can probably see there in them in the other pictures better.
Not much to tell you because I just
talked to you yesterday so take care. I love you all, Elder Wilding.
Anchorage Alaska May 4, 1982
Dear Family,
Well I think spring has finally
arrived here. We have had sun the last week and thee temp is near 50’!
Mom don’t worry that “I am not doing
missionary work” because I am. Like I said we are teaching about 15 families
and they keep us plenty busy. Just the other night we got into antoher bash, we
sure don’t like them and try to avoid them but sometimes when you are trying to
answer their questions they lead us into it and then when we noticed what was
going on we bore our testimonies and closed the meeting.
That’s super that you placed Lorin!!
I thougth you would be more likely to place in discus than shot.
Shalene, you walked the whole
way? I’ll be you got burnt. Could have even got burnt up here.
Well haven’t much to say except I am
loving it and working hard.
Take care, I love you all.
Elder Daren Wilding
Ps I love you too John.
From the Mission Home: Your son has been assigned to the Anchorage 10th ward, Fireweed District with Elder Clark Cox as a companion and Elder Wayne Williams as a district leader. Effective May 5, 1982.
From the Mission Home: Your son has been assigned to the Anchorage 10th ward, Fireweed District with Elder Clark Cox as a companion and Elder Wayne Williams as a district leader. Effective May 5, 1982.
Anchorage April 27, 1982
Dear Mom, Dad & Family,
How are things in Pocatello? I hear it is really warm there, I envy you, kinda.
We are so busy here, we are teaching about 15 families that the two preceding elders left us. A few of them are pretty close to baptism.
Today we did something different, instead of playing basketball we went for a hike. I got some great pictures, the country is beautiful here. We could see Mt. McKinley really good today and I got a picture of it, but because it is about 250 mile away I hope it turns out. There was a lot of snow up there and we were sliding down the mountain on our feet and backs. We had a great time but I was soaked with water before we got back.
It is really weird here, every year anyone can get a moose permit, like deer hunting down there.
Mark's letter really blew me away. I thought he was going to stay out for the whole time. I'm sure that if he has prayed about it he has made the right choice.
Well you take care, I love you all, Elder Daren Wilding
p.s. Hre are some cards, I don't think you got any.
How are things in Pocatello? I hear it is really warm there, I envy you, kinda.
We are so busy here, we are teaching about 15 families that the two preceding elders left us. A few of them are pretty close to baptism.
Today we did something different, instead of playing basketball we went for a hike. I got some great pictures, the country is beautiful here. We could see Mt. McKinley really good today and I got a picture of it, but because it is about 250 mile away I hope it turns out. There was a lot of snow up there and we were sliding down the mountain on our feet and backs. We had a great time but I was soaked with water before we got back.
It is really weird here, every year anyone can get a moose permit, like deer hunting down there.
Mark's letter really blew me away. I thought he was going to stay out for the whole time. I'm sure that if he has prayed about it he has made the right choice.
Well you take care, I love you all, Elder Daren Wilding
p.s. Hre are some cards, I don't think you got any.
Anchorage April 26, 1982
Dear Everyone,
How are things in the lower 48? I'll be things are turning green there, it still looks so dead and wintery here. They say that it does get green up here but I'm starting to wonder. It has been colder the last week and snowing off and on.
We have been doing so much this week. We have quite a few families that we are teaching but I have only taught once because most of the time we are just getting acquainted with them.
Elder Frame in our zone knows Mark's companion. We were at a devotional and he was reading his letter and I thought it looked a lot like one of the envelopes Mark would send.
Has Lorin got that job at the city? Is he going to work this summer or just bum around? Good job buddy on throwing 151 but just remember that I can do better!!
Tracting is alright now it just took those first few doors to get used to it. We haven't gotten into a house that way yet and it will surprise me if we do.
Who does Shalene have for T.A.?
Everything is great here in heaven (Alaska because it is the closest place on earth to heave)
I love you all,
Elder D, Wilding
p.s. I wrote a check out for $265 and then one for $50.00
How are things in the lower 48? I'll be things are turning green there, it still looks so dead and wintery here. They say that it does get green up here but I'm starting to wonder. It has been colder the last week and snowing off and on.
We have been doing so much this week. We have quite a few families that we are teaching but I have only taught once because most of the time we are just getting acquainted with them.
Elder Frame in our zone knows Mark's companion. We were at a devotional and he was reading his letter and I thought it looked a lot like one of the envelopes Mark would send.
Has Lorin got that job at the city? Is he going to work this summer or just bum around? Good job buddy on throwing 151 but just remember that I can do better!!
Tracting is alright now it just took those first few doors to get used to it. We haven't gotten into a house that way yet and it will surprise me if we do.
Who does Shalene have for T.A.?
Everything is great here in heaven (Alaska because it is the closest place on earth to heave)
I love you all,
Elder D, Wilding
p.s. I wrote a check out for $265 and then one for $50.00
Anchorage Alaska April 13, 1982
From the Mission Office: Your song has been assigned to the Anchorage 7th ward serving with Elder Jeffrey Collins with Elder Lynn Teuscher as District Leader.
Mom, Dad, Lorin, Shalene, Tommy,
Johnny and all the other interested parties:
How are things going? Things are
great up here. Last night I saw t the northern lights for the first time and
also Mt. Mckinley and a whole slew of glaciers.
The trees here are real funny, they
only grow to about 10-20 ft high because of the perma frost that is in the
ground, but it is real beautiful here.
I didn’t tell you in my other letter
but Pres. Papa said that we could fish up here!!!!!!!We have already got a date
set to go with BrotherUscola in our ward. So I will be sending pictures home of
some of the monsters that I catch. Eat your hearts out Lorin and Dad.
The members of the ward we are in
are so excited about missionary work and I know that I am going to enjoy it
here.
There are so many people that are
from Idaho up here and so many people that like to hunt or fish or paint so I
have already got a foot in the door with the people.
I love you all and take care.
Elder Wilding from Alaska
Anchorage Alaska April 9, 1982
Dear Mom & Dad & Family,
Well I finally got here. The plane ride took a little longer than I had expected. It took us 6.5 hours to get here. We flew right by Mt. St. Helens and I got a picture of it.
President Papa and his wife are great people. He kinda reminds me of Grandpa Wilding.
My companion is Elder Collins from Utah, we have already been out tracting and are trying to meet the people in the ward because both of us are new. He was just transferred from Juneau.
Well this is just a little note to tel you I arrived alright and to give you my address. It's 830 W. 26th Ave. #5, Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Love you,
Elder Wilding
ps It's warmer here than it is down there, it was 50' here yesterday.
Well I finally got here. The plane ride took a little longer than I had expected. It took us 6.5 hours to get here. We flew right by Mt. St. Helens and I got a picture of it.
President Papa and his wife are great people. He kinda reminds me of Grandpa Wilding.
My companion is Elder Collins from Utah, we have already been out tracting and are trying to meet the people in the ward because both of us are new. He was just transferred from Juneau.
Well this is just a little note to tel you I arrived alright and to give you my address. It's 830 W. 26th Ave. #5, Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Love you,
Elder Wilding
ps It's warmer here than it is down there, it was 50' here yesterday.
From the MTC March 31, 1982
Dear Mom & Dad,
I probably won't receive another letter from you while I am here at the MTC because I will see you at the airport.
It has really been an interesting week. Did I tell you who spoke at our devotional last Tuesday? It was James E Faust and this week we had Elder Groberg, a seventy speak to us.
The elders in the Ramsgate district, they are the elders that just left before us, were a great group of Elders. Elder Tanner and I grew very close to a couple elders in that group and it was kinda hard to see them go, but after they left it meant that we were the next in line to leave, and that is always exciting. We can't wait to leave here.
I guess I talk in my sleep because Elder Tanner was commenting on what I had said last night, I cant' ever remember saying anything, I sleep like a rock.
The night the Ramsgate district left we didn't get to sleep until after midnight. They kept bringing us food, and I think we have our two year supply now, so no need to worry mom. We are getting enough food. (Eat your heart out Lorin)
Today our district is planning on going to the temple, then to get our hair cut. Everyone says that I have the longest hair in our district, that 's funny because it sure don't feel long, it's just barely getting down to my ears.
Well you take care and have a safe trip down to Salt Lake.
I Love you, Elder D Wilding
I probably won't receive another letter from you while I am here at the MTC because I will see you at the airport.
It has really been an interesting week. Did I tell you who spoke at our devotional last Tuesday? It was James E Faust and this week we had Elder Groberg, a seventy speak to us.
The elders in the Ramsgate district, they are the elders that just left before us, were a great group of Elders. Elder Tanner and I grew very close to a couple elders in that group and it was kinda hard to see them go, but after they left it meant that we were the next in line to leave, and that is always exciting. We can't wait to leave here.
I guess I talk in my sleep because Elder Tanner was commenting on what I had said last night, I cant' ever remember saying anything, I sleep like a rock.
The night the Ramsgate district left we didn't get to sleep until after midnight. They kept bringing us food, and I think we have our two year supply now, so no need to worry mom. We are getting enough food. (Eat your heart out Lorin)
Today our district is planning on going to the temple, then to get our hair cut. Everyone says that I have the longest hair in our district, that 's funny because it sure don't feel long, it's just barely getting down to my ears.
Well you take care and have a safe trip down to Salt Lake.
I Love you, Elder D Wilding
From the MTC 24 March 1982
Mom, Dad & Family,
Well it sounds like things are going alright with you. I hope Lorin gets that job with the city.
It seems I am so out of touch with the world, I barely found out that Mt. St. Helens errupted and I didn't know anything about the space shuttle.
Did you get my letter that tells you when I leave? How do you like that leaving at 7:00 a.m.? I am not sure I can take it, we have to get up around 3:00 a.m.
By next Monday we will be the oldest district and the next to leave, wow how time really flies when your having fun?
Yesterday at our devotional the speaker was James E. Faust of the council of the twelve. He gave a very good talk on the prophet Joseph Smith. After the meeting my comp and I went up to the stand to shake his hand.
Well it sounds like things are going alright with you. I hope Lorin gets that job with the city.
It seems I am so out of touch with the world, I barely found out that Mt. St. Helens errupted and I didn't know anything about the space shuttle.
Did you get my letter that tells you when I leave? How do you like that leaving at 7:00 a.m.? I am not sure I can take it, we have to get up around 3:00 a.m.
By next Monday we will be the oldest district and the next to leave, wow how time really flies when your having fun?
Yesterday at our devotional the speaker was James E. Faust of the council of the twelve. He gave a very good talk on the prophet Joseph Smith. After the meeting my comp and I went up to the stand to shake his hand.
From the MTC March 22, 1982
Mom, Dad, Lorin, Shalene, Tommy and Johnny,
Here is my flight plans. I will be leaving the airport at 7:00 a.m. on the 7th of April. I will leave the MTC at 4:00 a.m. I don't know when I will arrive at the airport though. I thought you might know, if not write and tell me and I will findout and write you.
Make sure you invite Jenelle.
I will be writing to you on P-day, which is Wednesday.
Take care.
I love you all. E. Wilding
Here is my flight plans. I will be leaving the airport at 7:00 a.m. on the 7th of April. I will leave the MTC at 4:00 a.m. I don't know when I will arrive at the airport though. I thought you might know, if not write and tell me and I will findout and write you.
Make sure you invite Jenelle.
I will be writing to you on P-day, which is Wednesday.
Take care.
I love you all. E. Wilding
From the MTC March 18, 1982
Dear Mom, Dad & Family,
Well here is my first letter and my first preparation day. I have really been lookin forward to this day because I don't have to go to class. My companions is Elder Tanner from Rigby and as far as we know we are the only two going to Alaska.
We have already passed off our first two discussions and are working on the third.
The district they have put me in is probably the best bunch of elders in the MTC. We have many good times together, for example, the other night after gym we were wrestling in the halls of our dorms and all those times that Lorin and I have wrestled finally paid off. Everyone in our district has rug burns either on their arms or on their knees.
Time is going by so fast we have already been here a week.
This morning we got up at 5:00 and went to the temple. It was different from the Idaho Falls temple but you could still feel the spirit of the Lord as strong there because you know that they are both houses of the Lord and that s special to me.
Today I finally get to do my laundry, the first time I wore a pair of those blue socks they turned my feet blue and I scrubbed them to get it off but it wouldn't come off, it has had to wear off.
It sure is hectic here. We study for about ten hours a day and some days I just can't get with it. I get frustrated at myself, but after praying it seems to fall together and I am able to study again.
I need to know how much I have got in my checking account. Please bring when you come to see me of, extra shirt for P-day.
Remember that I love you all and take care. Elder D. Wilding
Well here is my first letter and my first preparation day. I have really been lookin forward to this day because I don't have to go to class. My companions is Elder Tanner from Rigby and as far as we know we are the only two going to Alaska.
We have already passed off our first two discussions and are working on the third.
The district they have put me in is probably the best bunch of elders in the MTC. We have many good times together, for example, the other night after gym we were wrestling in the halls of our dorms and all those times that Lorin and I have wrestled finally paid off. Everyone in our district has rug burns either on their arms or on their knees.
Time is going by so fast we have already been here a week.
This morning we got up at 5:00 and went to the temple. It was different from the Idaho Falls temple but you could still feel the spirit of the Lord as strong there because you know that they are both houses of the Lord and that s special to me.
Today I finally get to do my laundry, the first time I wore a pair of those blue socks they turned my feet blue and I scrubbed them to get it off but it wouldn't come off, it has had to wear off.
It sure is hectic here. We study for about ten hours a day and some days I just can't get with it. I get frustrated at myself, but after praying it seems to fall together and I am able to study again.
I need to know how much I have got in my checking account. Please bring when you come to see me of, extra shirt for P-day.
Remember that I love you all and take care. Elder D. Wilding
Friday, November 14, 2014
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