answers and thoughts

Questions from mom:

1.  What kind of foods are you eating?

....nothing out of the ordinary. :) There are markets right where we live. I love the feeling of going to a market instead of a store. :) Again, I'm in a fairytale :)

2.  Who are you teaching right now? 

We are teaching Daina. Her daughter is baptized but we are kinda waiting for her to decide on a couple things before she can get married. We are going to teach her tonight in Karoasta. Most of the Russians live there. Before the lesson we are going to go play in the old forts there. Look at the pictures on the internet.  

3.  Any bed bugs yet?

Ashley and Kelcie got attacked by them.  They had to fumigate their room. 

4.  Have you been doing service projects for the people? 

We did the Farm last week for Daina and then english class counts as well. 

5.  How are the English classes going? 

They stopped for a bit but then we will start up again here soon

6.  Did you do the talent show yet?  How did the singing and dancing go? How did your cowboy sweetheart song go?

Nope, not yet!

7.  Do Latvian kids fall in love with you as easily as American kids?

.....................................I'm not answering this question....... :)

8.  Are you walking a ton? 

Every day! But we do ride the trams 

9.  How do you make contacts?

We do street contacting but Europe will probably be the first to do fb and so forth, that's what pres. said.

10.  Are you getting exposed to traditions and other religions?

Hm. Everyday, I learn more about the Latvian people but not really about other religions. 

11.  Did you stay out of the woods during the Summer Solstice celebration?:)

hahaha of course I did. But next time I come here? No way. 

Random thoughts:

• Last week I went to Kuldiga...I have never felt so happy in one place before. I said outloud, "I'm home." I felt like a princess, passing her guards house on the left, while the remains from the castle are to the right... I am def. going back there. 
• I think i've finally learned how to cook cracked wheat. def. not as good as Grandpa's though.
• It's so humid here! I love it, although clothing wise, I wasn't really prepared for summer, just cold winters.
• my comp sleep walks and turns on the light at 1:00am and then sleeptalks and asks what time it is everynight...I love her. 
• loved the conference thing about member missionaries. I'm going to be the best ward member when I get home!

Love, Sister Woodland

Provo to Washington to Germany... to LATVIA!

The past week has been full of different experiences. I received a letter from Sister Nally (mtc pres. wife) saying that I was to perform twice infront of the New incoming missionaries on Wednesday. Me? Nervous? Never... This time, the sister missionaries that arrived outnumbered the elders... I think he said 370ish sisters to 350ish elders...how cool is that. The sisters are coming. Elders, watch out ;) If you haven't served a mission boys, there is no reason to be home because all of the young women won't be there to get married. So...go Serve and let the Lord change you into a man!!! (sorry...i'm in a "get off your lazy butt and do something about it" attitude right now.) Go talk to your bishop, he is your friend, he is your BEST FRIEND in this. He will help you. That is his duty.

 

I also received my travel plans! We wake up at 4 (27th) then Slc to Washington, then to Germany and then finally arrive in Riga, Latvia. We arrive there the next day. It's a good thing I've only riden on a plane once and I absolutely loved it. :)

 

Repentance means to CHANGE

One of my leaders likend repentance to a garden and I loved it!

He asked this question to three of his friends.

"How come you don't have any weeds in your garden?

-I don't plant any.

-I water those that I want to grow.

-I get them while they're little.

Don't plant problems in your life that you'll have to go back to. To have knowledge and spiritual experiences, you pray, read, develop habits that you want to have. Change while you're young. Change the bad habits now. Don't let the root grow!!! If you do, you might need 2,4 others to help pull. If you do not repent now, how much harder it will be in the future because that nasty root has grown!

 

Give it your ALL

"Faith is a principle of action and of power." Nash(70) Faith brings us the power of the Lord. D&C 84:19-21. The power of Godliness is well the power to be Godly, the power to change, and that change, power, is the Atonement. "The Atonement is the hinge of eternity!" People can access the Atonement. They need to get on their knees! Pray, plead, express what's in your heart! He can Heal. 

 

The Savior will change me. If I let him. Have faith. Elder Nash's main message (besides faith) was "Don't hold anything back!" I'm so ready to give everything I have.

 

last pic is me eating my juice box...my family will think that is funny...

 

 

Masa Vudlande

Brother Joseph

(I wrote this after I watched this Josesph Smith Restoration Video. My family should watch it for FHE.)

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. And God, through Joesph Smith, restored His gospel on the earth.

There is opposition in all things. Trials will come, tears will be shed, but know, "Thine afflictions will be but a small moment." In time of trial, have faith. Pray for strength. God will give it to you, if you believe in Him. I know with every part of me that God exists and He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins. That through the Atonement, we may Return to God and live with Him once again. I know this to be true.

How do I know these things to be true? Because I cannot deny that which I feel. The Holy Ghoset is testifying to me that these things are true. I feel it in my heart . A great burning within. Tears of truth with knowledge. To obtain this spirit, a testifier of truth, one must be in a situation to recieve him. A place where the spirit may dwell. If one isn't/doesn't feel the Savoir's love, put yourself in a situation where His love may be felt...Another way is through Prayer. I have greatly gained a testimony of Prayer. "For in His strength, I am strong." I know I can't do His work alone. I need Him. I need the Atoenment because I am not perfect. I need my Lord, Jesus Christ, my Savior. I feel His love surround me as I strive to do what's right. I know He loves me because of Prayer. Get down on your knees, pour out your soul. Let Him heal you. Let Him help you.

"By your faith, ye are made whole."

Go and do His work. Serve His people with diligence of mind, of and with your strength that the Lord has given you to help and strengthen the weak!

"Go and do wich the Lord hath commanded."

I am so grateful to know of the things that make me and my family happy. Christ's gospel brings peace unto my soul for I know that the Lord liveth!

Peace be unto you, I say, for God lives, and we will come into His rest.

I pray that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Random Thoughts

• I auditioned today with an amazing accompianist (reminded me alot of Danny Hansen, miss him and am soo grateful for his letters). Was a little scared.
• There are flees in Latvia and I'll get scars from them?! what....
• SYLing every day, every hour, every minute......ok... well sometimes I can't remember words like tree, or pineapple, so I do say English sometimes. Even though I shouldn't be.
• Saw Elder Jesse Taysom!!! I almost hugged him... haha seeing him made me think of Poky, and camping in the snow, and fainting in the hot pool, oh wait. different story. But said his first lesson was a little rough but then his next lessons were better because he didn't try to memorize the lesson. He's listening and coming to recognize the spirit! We both sing in the Choir. We absolutely love the Choir director. He is awesome! It's going to be so funny to see Ty speaking to Jesse.
• I got the best letter in the world from my aunt Missy. THE BEST EVER.
• Pretty soon I'll be getting my travel plans! I wouldn't mind just going tomorrow if I could.
• Will someone please tell Grandpas to make me Music CD?! Only music that can be played in the temple :)
• I love you all!!!
• oh, Elder Neilson came and spoke to us about family search, and angels. And how they really are alive. And will come help us. That I believe. :)

It's Elder Filiaga!

Harrison and Alisa in the MTC

Masa Vudlande