Homecoming (Stolen without remorse or permission from Meagan's blog.)

Seth came home from his mission in the Dominican Republic last Wednesday and it was a day to celebrate!

There are a million pictures and I have no apologies because it was a great day!

I think the thing that stood out in my mind the most were all the SMILES!!! Everyone was so genuinely happy. It was a little glimpse of heaven and I loved it!

Maren was a stellar poster board sign maker and almost everyone had a sign to hold up and a kazoo to make noise with. We were pretty darn loud. What's new, right? There was a big crowd with lots of family and friends at the airport. He sure is loved! 

Mom and Dad anxiously watching the TV screen at the airport. Dad timed it, you know, and once they show up on the screen you have 30 seconds before you see this...

Seth will speak in Church and report his mission Sunday, Nov 20th at 12:30 PM at the Tucson AZ West Stake Center  3530 W Magee  (Magee East of Thornydale)  Tucson, AZ

2 Days!!!!

Seth sent a short message today stating that his group (The missionaries he trained with in Provo and will leave with on Wed) was in the Institute in Santo Domingo taking a class on how to make a resume and how to take advantage of the Church's "Perpetual Education Fund"  (For native Dominicans who have served missions.)  He says he's anxious to get home but it doesn't seem real. 

He is threatening to hide in the airport instead of coming down the stairs when he gets here.  I told him we were going to hire a bum cab driver to hold up a cardboard sign with his name written in magic marker and WE were going to do the hiding.  He said if we did that he was going to wear the UGLY Dominican pants he had made there for pictures at the airport.

He has training today and then they get to do a little shopping tomorrow and he gets on a plane Wed at 4 AM.  He said to tell all his friends he will see them Thursday since we will be late getting home Wed night.
Can't wait, can't wait!
Tim
Seth will report his mission in Sacrament Meeting Sun Nov 20th at 12:30 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints West Stake Center 3580 W Magee, Tucson AZ  (Magee just east of Thornydale)  All are invited and welcome.

The Last Letter

HELLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOO Family!!!

How are you all doing?!?! I am doing super duper well!!! So crazy to be writing my last letter home.  It hasnt really felt like I was going home until this morning when I woke up!!! Time has flown by.  I love you all soo much.

This week was great.  We got to do lots of service this week.  We went to the bishops house twice and got to haul piles of dirt around, def reminded me of the good old days working for Dad and Grandpa, especially when the Bishop´s wife came out AFTER we had already finished and said that thats not how she wanted it done.  Grandma would never do that :) hahaha  It was lots of fun.  Felt good to get dirty and sweaty again.  I really liked it because all the neighbors came over and were like wow this american really knows how to work.  Everyone thought that americans didnt know how to work.   It was pretty cool.  I def got some blisters though because it had been awhile since I had shoveled.  The Bishop here is amazing.  A very humble loving guy.  Hes kinda shy and out spoken but has a great love for everyone.  Last Monday we did a noche de hogar (family home evening) with his family and we made some banana bread and shared a message together.  I wish I had more time to work her with him and his family.  They really trust us and see that we are here to help him and everyone to progress in the Gospel.  As we were sharing in the Family Home Evening the Bishops wife told us that she really appreciated us and she said that she was going to miss having us around and that it had been along time since there had been missionaries like us in the ward.  It made me feel really good to know that people appreciate us.
Barbara is going well.  We had been praying a lot so that she could get a job because she had absolutely no income and last friday when we went to her house she was going off to a job interview and she was so excited and happy that Heavenly Father had answered her prayers.
Yon is going well. He is going to get baptised on Friday.  He is super stoked.  We taught him the principal of tithing.  I dont know if I already told you but he works on a water truck and wins about anywhere between 1.50 and 4 dollars a day 50 to 150 pesos..  His boss fired him when we told him he wouldnt work on Sundays but this week the guy gave him the job back.  When we taught him about tithting who took 50 pesos out of his pocket and said I want to pay my tithing right now.  We told him that he only needed to pay 10 percent and he said no I need the blessings of the Lord in my life.  We explained to him that the Lord only wants 10 percent and thats enough but I just thought wow look at this joven.  He made 75 pesos that day and wanted to give 50 to the Lord because he ¨needed the blessings of the Lord¨ He is a great example of faith.
Its people like him that make the mission sooo amazing.  I cant believe two years have gone by.  I have learned so much about God, life, love, and myself.  I am so grateful for the oppurtunity I have had to serve.  My testimony has been strengthen soo much.  This morning I finished the Book of Mormon and the New Testament.  I have learn to gain such a love for the scriptures.  They truly are our guide from our Loving Heavenly Father so that we can increase our faith and so that we can understand more the Kingdom of Heaven.  I love that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.  Without a doubt.  I invite everyone who dont know it to read it and to pray about it and Heavenly Father will reveal unto them the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.  I know that Gods kingdom is here on the Earth again exactly how it was in the days of Christ.  With prophets and apostoles.  I know that the Plan of Salvation is perfect.  God wants us to return to His presence and has given us this Plan to make it possible.  Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receive the Holy Ghost and endure to the end leads us to Eternal life. He is a God of Miracles.  I love how Moroni says it in the 7th chapter and Ether also in chapter 12 when they say that God is a God of Miracles because he never changes but if there are no more miracles it is because theres no faith.  Be faithful and we will see miracles in our lives.  I promise to all young men that if they serve a mission they too will grow to know these things with a surity.  All need to go.  It is an experience of a life time that will change your life.  I love you all sooo much thanks for your love and support.  I will see you next weds!!!
This sunday they will pickk me up and take me to the office and then monday we have to take a class at the institute and then tuesday the temple, interviews, and dinner at Presidents house and Weds at 4 am head to the airport!!!
love you all soo much
Elder Wilson

Doing what I do

Que lo que???
Hey fam how you all doing!!! I am doing super well here in los alcs doing what I do!!!
This week was a great week.  We had interviews with President and he decided to give music back to the mission!!! So for the last two weeks of my mission it is permitted to listen to music!!!  The only problem is that no one has any music because it has been banned for so long!!! But its all good!!! The interview went well.  President Rodriguez really cares about every single missionary and is very inspired!! I love him so much he has definently helped me out and I am so grateful that I have had several months to work with him.  Put him and his family in your prayers.
This week the work has gone well.  We have taught a lot and have found some new people.  We really want to find a family.  President is focusing on families. 
Barbara is progressing well.  She couldnt go to church yesterday because all of her family was over.  She is soooo awesome and sooo loving.  She lives in such a humble house.  Basically made of tin and boards.  You will see it when you come.  
We also met another family.  They are a family of four.  Weve only taught the mom and daughter that is 21.  They have a lot of interest and it was cool because they actually are taking what we are teaaching to heart.  The other day I started to think and was thinking wow, anyone who sits down, listens to what we say, gives us their attention and then reads the brochure from the church will feel of the Spirit.   The message makes so much sense and is sooo strong.  The only problem is that a lot of times people dont realise the importances of what we are saying. THe message is perfect.  Share with EVERYONE that is possible. 
We are still teaching Yon.  He is the Haitain whose parents died in the Earthquake.  He told his boss that he could fire him if we wanted to but that he was going to quit working on Sundays to be able to go to church...  He is experiences a lot of trials but showing faith.  He cant wait to be baptised so that he can do visits with us. 
The work is going well.  I love what I do.  I would be lying if I said I wasnt super excited to see you all in 2 weeks but I still love what I do and the people I work with!!!
I love you all sooo much thanks for all you do and who you are..
I hope water came today so that I can take a shower.................hahah I love light and water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love you all much
elder wilson

The week fleeeeeeeew by.

Que lo que familia
Hey I am doing amazing.  Another amazing week.  This week fleeewwwwwwwwwwwwww by.  I cant believe how fast it went by.
It was successful week.  Yesterday we had good attendance in church.  Barbara went and several of the references from altemeo went to church also.  One named fran went.  He is a cool guy.  He is an iron worker and has a rough life but is trying to find God.  He got to know the gospel through his neighbor altemio.  He is so amazing and shares with everyone.  Not everyone accepts a cita but he at least tries to share with everyone.  I want to be like him when I get home!!!
We had an intercambio and I stayed in the Area with Elder Alvarez.  He is from my group and it was fun to work with him.  It was awesome teaching with someone else who is in his last transfer.  We talk with power and authority like it says in Alma 17.  He said it was awesome cuz it felt like we had been working together for months it was great.
One day when we were with Barbara we were sharing with her and she stopped us in the middle of the cita and said, Ive been thinking a lot about things while sharing with you guys.  I have felt my faith grow.  She then said.  Those that dont have faith are like sharing the gospel with a rock.  I thought it was kinda funny her comparison but then later I was thinking aboutt it and its true.  Those that dont have faith and choose not to believe will never know of the goodness of the gospel because they choose not to believe.  We all have our agency. She says that every night she prays for our family and told me to ask you guys to pray for her too.  She lives in a very humble house and very humble circumstances but is a very faithful woman.  She has a baptismal day for the 26 so if all goes well you will be able to see her baptism.
Pablito got baptised on Fri.  It was crazy.  In our chapel there was no water so we had to go to another one.  We spent the whole day trying to get everything arranged but everything turned out well.  The first time he didnt go down all the way so the second time altemio held him under for a good while. it was hilarious.  then they were trying to unplug the font and they couldnt get it so Pablito started diving down trying to unplug it.  I had to leave the room becuase i was dieing laughing.  It was a great service.
Yesterday I talked in church. I couldnt help but think tha the next time will probably be back at home.  It felt good to talk.  I talked about the promise of God and how he always completes his promises.  I love this Gospel.   I cant believe my time is almost done.  I love the work and helping people come to Christ.  I really do love the people of the Dominican Rep and they will be a part of me always.  Those of you who are out in the mision take advantage of every single day.  Choose to be obedient and to love those you work with.  Even when they call you bad names :) hahaha
I Love you all soo much and thanks for all you do and who you are.  DO whats right and expect blessings and guidance for our Loving Heavenly Father.
Love
Elder Wilson

Working hard

HEY FAM how are you all doing??? I am doing great!! Loving life.  We played ball today for pday and that was fun!!! We tore it up.  Tell the elders that I am def down to play on Pday when I get home but theyll just have to know I am going to whoop them.  So all the candy has been eaten by us... gained 6 pounds from it.  That was cool. 
We have been working really hard this week.  We thought that we were going to have a lot of people at church on Sunday but they all failed us but thats ok they still have next week.  We met this pair that has more than 10 kids that are all fully grown and they all live close and they have a lot of interest so that is super exciting!!  They couldnt go to church because the mom got sick but they have a baptismal fecha for the 25 of Nov so if they keep progressing we could actually go to the BAPTISM (when we come back)!!!
Soooo basically I am doing well and the work is going well.  We are finding lots of people to teach and the members are amazing and giving us references.  They gave us one who has three kids but doesnt live with them and is down and is just trying find a purpose to his life.  He is amazing!!!
Sorry for the short letter!!! Everything is going amazing!! I love you all so much!!! 3 more letters!!!
Love Elder Wilson
Mom Tell (Aunt) Kim hi to (For) me!!!

God lives and loves us!

Hey Family how are you all doing!!! I am doing amazing. It was an amazing week with tons to do!!! We were super busy all day everyday so that was awesome. I am in an area where its easier to find people to teach so we've been teaching a lot more and I love that. They members here are awesome. I love them I feel like they have really accepted me quickly. It rained several times this week. One day it just started raining really hard while we were in a cita. It was a tiny house with a tin roof and a humble family that lives inside. There names are Angel and Argentina. We have taught them several times and hope to be able to get them to go to church next week. But as we were teaching I kinda just sat there and looked around and thought wow... this is a once in a life time experience. The rain was falling soo hard on the tin roof and water leaking on us and lightning striking everywhere. It was an awesome storm and I just sat there and said a little prayer in my head thanking my Heavenly Father for allowing me to serve a mission and share the gospel with everyone. Who would've thought that I would be in a random house in the middle of nowhere with a humble family sharing the gospel. A tear or two rolled down my cheek. I felt so happy and was reminded in that minute that God lives and He loves us and that His Restored Gospel will go through out the land to ALL people. I love what I do. There is a member here his name is a weirder name but he is one of the stronger members here. He was baptised 20 years ago and is a worker in the temple. He is super amazing. There is a kid that hes taken in as if it were his son and we are sharing with the kid. He is thirteen. We go over there a lot and share with the kid and with the family. The member is like 60 years old. After we shared one night he gave me the best compliment I have ever received. He told me that who knew that I would be a leader in my life. Both in the Church and in my family. He said that when I pray he feels that I really am talking to my Heavenly Father and that I bring the Spirit into the lesson. He said that he can feel the love that I have for the Gospel, for the people of the Dom Rep, and for the work and most importantly for the Lord. He said that he can see this love in my countenance. He then went on to say that he thinks ill be an apostle one day and I just laughed but told him thanks for the compliment. I know that we don't do everything to be recognized but it made me feel good that he could see all that in me. It def made all the sacrifices of the last two years worth it. On Friday we had to go to get a couple married. We left at 530 am and didn't end up getting back to the house til like 5 in the afternoon. It was def difficult but the Lord helped us get it done!!! That same lady got baptised yesterday before conference. She is amazing!!! They are a cool couple. They will def get sealed in another year. He was already a member and he baptised her after the wedding. As we were walking the streets one night this kid of 19 years called us over and asked us what we do. He said he wanted to change his life and be a follow of Christ. His family lives in Haiti and he is here trying to make some money but doesn't have any family here. He has a hard life but really has a desire to change. HE doesn't know how to read but decided to sign up for school and learn. He always puts an alarm on his phone to remind him of our citas and he says he just sits there anxiously looking down the road to see if we are coming. He went to conference yesterday. Along with 6 other investigators. The Bishop really helped us out and went to pick them up. I thought of Keato a lot in conference cuz it talked about Peru a couple of times and dad when they talked about Japan. ITs so cool to think were all doing the same thing it all parts of the world. I loved conference. So many great talks. I read in the Sep ensign about how we should prepare for conference and pray to find answers. I was thinking hmm.... what can I pray about. I am kinda in an awkward situation. One month left in the mission... dont know what real life at home will be like. Still have a month left so then I decided that I would pray to know what I should focus my last month of study on. There were sooo many talks on the importance of the Book of Mormon. I love elder callisters talk. Elder Eyringñs too.... i liked the one that talked about the importance of time management. I really want to work on that when I get home. Elder PAcker telling the youth to listen to paretns and leaders. Isecond that one. I love you all sooo much. Thanks for your love and support!! Keep it up and do whats right!!! Love you all Elder Wilson