Elder Wadley: "mom why has there not been a blog post on my blog since Christmas?"
Well, thats a loaded question, mainly because I let a billion other things get in the way, soooo here is a little bullet point catch- up post. If it is any consolation, I haven't kept up on Elder Jayden's blog either. Buttttt the laundry is done, so I guess I haven't been a complete loser.
- Shortly after Christmas Elder Brendan was transferred. It broke my heart a little, because Elder Taka was so good for him, and facilitated some good changes in Elder Wadley. He was transferred to Elkhart, Indiana with a new companion Elder Calderwood (a wrestler from Shelley, Idaho).
- He loves the area, and loves his companion, so I guess, once again, the Lord knows what He is doing. :)
Fun Fact: Elkhart is the birthplace of Alka Seltzers. Speaking of, Elder Wadley has had two Tongan companions. He has always loved the culture, and somehow got it in his head that he wanted to roast a pig in the ground. He got permission from the Parks and Rec department to use a park for this. A member donated a pig. Another member cooked it, he sent me this photo of their pig dinner.
I told him the potatoes looked awful all gray and gross- and he informed me they were not potatoes, but taro root. Told me all about Otai (a fruit juice drink) to round out his pretty authentic meal. So weird. The Lord is mindful enough to send food miracles to these missionaries.- Fun Fact: Elkhart is considered the Recreational Vehicle Capital of the World. For every
two RVs you see on the road, one was built in Elkhart County. Speaking of, Elder Brendan's new apartment is "super nice" and "we each have our own bathroom." I consider this a tender mercy for his companion. I have had to share a bathroom with Elder Wadley a time or two, and it is best that he has his own space. Febreeze can only do so much.
- Elder Wadley hit his six month mark in his mission. He commemorated it by the ceremonial "burning of a tie."
I asked him if he had any words of advice from his first six months to which he replied "be humble dont compare yourself to others and be willing to change." See? I told you changes were being made. I am taken back by his wise words.
- Fun Fact: Elkhart is close to Amish Country and part of the area Elder Brendan is in right now goes up into Michigan. He says he sees the horse and buggy's around town. I requested photos.
- Back in a former area, Elder Wadley used to spend his p-days "exploring" abandoned buildings. He found many treasures. Treasure is a word with many meanings, I have learned. At some point he happened upon "this weird really cool sewing kit with some super strong needles!" Now, Internets- I am skeptical about a pack of needles in an abandoned building being used for sewing but what do I know? So, the really strong needles came in handy. He and Elder Taka also found an abandoned leather couch (???) and used these super strong needles, along with a carving/burning kit they got at CVS to make their own custom scripture cases.
And you mistakenly thought that he wasn't learning any skills in Indiana.
I am sure he could get any job in Tijuana now!
- Last but not least, Elder Brendan has to make a trip to the doctor for x-rays. They thought he may have broken his ankle playing "Hoosier Ball." What is this you ask? I don't know. I think it is some made-up thing like Quidditch. He said it is, and I quote "a combo between ultimate Frisbee and soccer." Now, to break Elder Wadley's ankle would have been quite the feat (no pun intended) as he inherited hearty hand-cart pushin' PIONEER BONES from my side of the family, not the thin and dainty bones of the Wadley side.
He sent me this picture, and said "its sprained but i am suppose to keep it easy for 6 weeks but the works gotta get done." See? Hearty pioneer attitude to go with the massive cankles. Really though- the angle of that photo must be weird, it looks extra bad, right?
- So thats the catch-up. He is healthy and happy, and plugging right along. He said his investigators are progressing, and they are following up on referrals, and generally teaching and serving.
I miss him every day, but I wouldn't want him to be anywhere else in the world right now.
