MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ok. Here is my week:

We met with the bishop this week to get a blessing for this work in this area as I do in every area I land in. In the blessing he strongly mentioned patience as we got this area up and going. That stuck out to me but I didn't understand why until Sunday.

The last two weeks we've had such great, spirit-filled lessons and new investigators who seemed to be so elect! We had baptismal dates and extremely strong commitments to come to church. Felt like we were helping fulfill a quote made by President Petersen, "In Pine Bluff the field is black and ready to harvest." Everything felt great.

Then Sunday came. No one to church. All dates drop. Investigators no longer interested in meeting with us.
Frustrated.

I spent a long time on my knees. I got up and go into the other room-- my companion is on his knees. That was comforting to know that we both are on the same level. We talked about it and what we can do. We spent a long time last night wrestling over what needs to be done. We felt like we were doing all we could... but, still, haven't seen the results.

Today in companion study we read over what it means to be a successful missionary. We learned that, yes, we were doing what we needed to be doing. As always there were places to improve but for the most part we were doing what was right. But the most important thing I learned-- re-learned rather-- was that it's not the number of baptisms or souls to church, but my individual commitment to do the work.

I determined then that I'm still going to set goals. I am still going to be bold but loving with everyone I meet. I am still going to invite everyone I meet to baptism. I am baduber off. But overall, I am going to substitute the word frustrated-- with patient.

-Elder Wheatley

still going to work my

As for skype, if we can find someone, I will get on at 7 your time. 8 my time. hope that works! :)

Yes! I did get the gingersnaps! SO YUMMY! (I almost lied and said no about gettin em. I think you know why)

I Love You More!

-Bubba

Tender mercies...

Hi Momma!

This week has been miraculous! I have seen so many tender mercies from the Lord. We have been bold and loving when teaching and inviting investigators and less actives to do things that will help grow their faith in the Lord and I have already seen major results. We worked with much diligence this week and it was incredible how the Lord then rewards us very openly. It was truly amazing going to church this week. Something was different. The members just seemed to love us and offer to do anything for us in the missionary effort. I know this came because we strived SO hard to be exactly obedient this week.

This area truly is fruitful and I am so grateful to be apart of it. We hope to have a baptism come the first of the year or so and not slow down there. Knock on wood.

As I studied in the four gospels again this week I felt, just as I had before, the same power that comes when I read in 3 Nephi when Jesus comes to minister. Except this time when I read I had an extraordinary feeling of being right there with Christ during that time. I felt like I was actually apart of His small group of close colleagues, walking with Him and talking-- listening, rather, to Him. It was an incredible experience.

I know that the windows of heaven will be opened up to all those who diligenty keep the commandments from our Father.

I love you more!

-Elder Wheatley

"If you can stand up!"

Hi Momma!

Sounds like your week was as exciting as mine... Here's what happened:

I was supposed to stay in the tripanionship with Elder T and F but President had revelation and I am now companions with a kid from Hooper, Utah. He's cool. Really good at basketball. We'll get along great. But here's the kicker--- when President dropped him off on Wednesday he turned to us and said not to go out driving the next day. I asked if we could walk and he turned to me and said, "If you can stand up."

Lo and behold, this is our first day out since then. Luckily all my stuff was still at the PB apt so we have been there, so it hasn't been completely boring with four elders. We found things to do. haha

We went out a couple times because we couldn't stand being inside forever but it was for good reasons and we prayed about it before we went. It was to go teach lessons or help members-- so worth it.

You should have seen Walmart the night that the "biggest storm in 30 years" was supposed to hit. 20-25 minute lines, no food on the shelf-- complete madness. So fun. There we 30+ electrical trucks from Indiana sitting in the parking lot. It was supposed to be crazy! But... haha--- nothing actually happened. Kind of bummed that we were forced to sit inside all day but it was good because I was able to do some reading that I've always wanted to do-- Our Heritage, Jesus the Christ, and all the other good ones.

Anyway, the other set of elders want us to go play ball so I better run. I might hop on later. Hope and praying you start feeling better. Let me know.

Love you more,

-Elder Wheatley

Tri-panionship, Threesome, Trio -- Whatever you call it, that is what Elder Wheatley is in!

I am going into a tripanionship with the other elders in PB for 2 weeks. Waiting for an injured elder to return to the field to be my next comp. These elders are dope and i'm so stoked to serve with them. They have the biggest hearts and testimonies and will do anything for anyone.

So... I'm in the dog house- I have my camera but no card reader. So... pics to come next week.

My apt is going to sit vacant for two weeks. Which is good cause they need to fix the toilet anyway. Can't complain. Clean cause it's new is a plus. 

The last two weeks has been an adventure. He was so anxious to do work, naive of worldly things, and always checked for my approval. It was fun. Patience and love was key. I hope the best for him.

Picture from Lonoke (his last area) -- BEGGING for pictures, Elder!

I'm stoked for the next two weeks because we are gonna get so much stuff done. They have a lot of folks to teach and it'll be a change of pace from non-stop tracting the past two weeks. Workin in PB! My dream come true! Really though, the folks are so receptive.

I got asked to speak in church next week. I speak about once a transfer. I like it. It's a good way to earn the members' trust.

Really though, I love this mission experience. I think the biggest battle I have is just waking up in the morning and gettin goin. Once i'm out there I don't wanna stop. And the miracles that happen... Man!

But faith proceeds the miracle. I gotta get better at just wakin up and gettin goin.

BTW: I Love You More!

On my mind: Read the Book of Mormon. Read it again and again and again. I love it! Share it with your friends and family! I wish I could shout it out to the world! The thing that has been haunting my mind is that there has got to be a better way! Knocking doors all day doesn't work but every once in a blue moon. I'm not set apart to knock doors. I'm here to teach and we NEED the members to invite and share with their friends and family.

A transfer, a transfer...to Pine Bluff!

NOTE FROM THE MOMMA:  I had heard that the area he was being transferred to was a rougher area and so, of course, being the neurotic Momma that I am, I was concerned...this was his email this afternoon to me:

Hey Momma! So before I start we need to get some things straight...

1) When I was told I was leaving I felt extreme peace and actual happiness. I loved Lonoke but it was time to go. Why not end it while things are still good??

2) I'm stoked to be down here. I know that the Lord needs me in the places he sends me therefore it would be pointless to be discouraged. I mean, I didn't want to go to Lonoke but everything went good when I got there. So I'm optimistic here.

3) While, yes, technically, I'm in the Pine Bluff ward, I'm serving in the White Hall area. So much nicer and safer. We got cool missionaries serving in Pine Bluff and they are helping us out in every way. This is a brand new area so-- no preconceived notions. It's awesome! I love it and super stoked to be here!

All is well, Mom :)  Note from Mom: Yes, he knows me well ;)

2) As for my comp... He's Elder Gottipati. He's just gonna be here til next Monday, finishing up his training before he goes to India for his actual mission. Really cool kid. We're getting along great... He was just baptized a year ago. So cool huh? It's fun having to teach him the ins and outs of not just missionary work but Mormonism too. He's so enthusiastic and it helps motivate me to get out and do work and not let him down but to make his mission experience even better.

SO... all is well. We are having great success in finding. It's hard because it is a new area and all you can do is knock doors, and you know how effective that can be, and it's colder than ever it seems, but I'm optimistic and happy happy happy.

LOVE YOU MORE!

-Elder Wheatley

Last words from Lonoke :(

We just had lunch with Jillian (Craig's wife, our Branch Mission Leader) at Pizza Hut. All you can eat! (Can you say, Bubba?) Yeah i'm fat.

I'm sad that i'm gonna have to leave that family. I love em.

I'm so grateful for the time I've served in Lonoke. I've had the opportunity to serve with many great people, learn what true charity is, and find and teach the truly elect. I know the Lord wanted me here. I've grown. I've had the opportunity to help others grow and I know that the Lord now needs me somewhere else. I've grown very attached to the area and the folks here. I can truly say that I love them and I love the Lord and that is why I worked so hard here. I'm thankful for the blessing I had to serve with Elder Wohlgemuth. He's an extraordinary missionary. He just puts his head down and goes to work without complaints. Even though sometimes it's physically too much for him, he still does it. I learned a lot from him.

Lonoke has the best Branch Mission Leader in the world. He does anything and everything for us. He loves us like a father. Same with the Branch President. They are so missionary minded. They, and the rest of the people here, will do anything for the missionaries and missionary work. They will give their shirt off their back even if it's the only shirt they have. And they'll do it with a smile because they know their duty and love the Lord. And I love them for it.

I will do all I can to better myself and become a better instrument in the Lord's hands in my next area. I'm excited because I know something great is about to take place.

-Elder Wheatley

I'm Happy Happy Happy!

Hey Momma!

I had a fantastic week! It was hard. Yes. Long? Kind of. But we worked hard at each moment we could and that is where the joy comes from. We are teaching two solid folks who I firmly believe will be baptized. One this month and the other hopefully this year. I love watching the Spirit working with people and I love the look on their face when they "get it." We have also had much success talking to EVERYBODY. Some missionaries think it's a chore but you know me, cuz i'm like you and Dad. I love to talk.

Not much happened that I can think of off the top of my head but i'm happy happy happy!

My companion and I are working together really well and we both hope we can stay together for another one. We are both scared of getting lame companions and i'm scared of leaving this area. I've grown attached. I know this area better than the back of my hand and I love the people we're teaching. He doesn't want to take over this area and I don't want it white washed cause I wanna stay so we'll see what the Lord blesses us with. He knows what is best. Gotta trust Him. We're just gonna work hard until that time comes.

Glad to hear all is well back home.

I LOVE YOU MORE!

-Elder Wheatley

p.s. FE-HE-HE-HEENY!

Tell everyone that I love them, please!!!!!!!