Elder Wood

Dining with 5 star food

2010-01-26T19:56:00.003-06:00

cooked for Taylor while living nearby and I must say she was delightful. She fed us twice and both meals were super.

She even had Taylor and I help her with the limeade.

Crossing the river ....

2010-01-26T19:55:00.001-06:00

Taylor will have to write about this one, but everyone should try this at least once in their life. What a ride across the river!

Looking over Tikal

2010-01-26T19:52:00.001-06:00

A pretty good climb up some wooden-plank stairs but what a payoff.

The court right near Jaguar - Tikal

2010-01-26T19:46:00.003-06:00

Catholic Festival along the way

2010-01-22T18:58:00.000-06:00

Chopping Sugar Cane in my backyard

2010-01-21T19:00:00.000-06:00

At Taylor's very nice house in La Libertad. He cut down a sugar cane and gave us all a bite. It was not as ripe as it could have been but good just the same. He passed the leftovers to the kids next door who were excited to receive the simple gift.

Semuc Champey

2010-01-21T18:53:00.000-06:00

It's a long way up on that rough road on a donut! But we made it just fine.

by Mom

Ward Fellowship in Salama'

2010-01-20T19:05:00.005-06:00

Benjamin, a member who helped Taylor find a baptism and ....

2010-01-20T07:28:00.000-06:00

2 more weeks

2010-01-04T13:58:00.000-06:00

well i am down to 14 days... I cant say im sad, but i will miss things about guatemala.

Mom sounds like the bishop is makeing reservations this week. I have a ton of shampoo so you dont need to bring any, I wouldnt worry about getting to cold.. just as long as you can layer up.

I should have a mouse and keyboard coming. If it´s not already there keep and eye out for it.

New years was good here, just like christmas we ate alot with the members.

Anyway.. Nothing new, I read about everything on kims blog.. I hope they like it there.. Do they know when they will be moving?

Anyway things here are fine. Love ya
Elder Taylor Wood

Almost Christmas

2009-12-22T10:35:00.001-06:00

So while my mind is still fresh.

This last week we invited a family to babtism that we are teaching. they kindly refused! they said that unless god came out and pinched them they wouldnt budge from their religion (calthlics). Its wierd because they ask a TON of questions and are really intrested.. they read the book of mormon. but just CANT come to church.

We have a few plans for christmas.. Memeber ALWAYS feed you tomales so i planned well.. we have a 5, 7, and 8 oclock appointments for christmas eve, and morning and lunch for christmas day! My comp is planning on calling about 12, (11 for you) lets say he talks 2 hours, 1 hour for lunch.. That puts us on a call of.... 4 oclock (3 utah time) what do you think?

I will call the bishop this week and let him know about out plans..

Hotels will be MORE expensive in antigua and atitlan.. he is planning with food but what do you think? i dont think it includes for 5 people though).

I will also be calling carlos to find an afirmative on SLASH if he will be comming with us.

Things are fine here. Love ya all .. christmas at 3...!!

Elder Taylor Wood

Last Change

2009-12-08T17:26:00.000-06:00

Its official.. I am in my last change here in the mission.. We had changes today and i Stayed with my companion and he is my matador...

I talked to him about how he felt being with me for one more change.. His response was a bit shocking.. He hasn´t seen any success in his mission and he is SUPER discouraged.. HE now has 6 months. I try to keep working hard but you know how it is.. Time slows. and you just want to go home. HE mentioned that its frustrating because i am going home and his light of the tunnel is so small.. Anyway, I will try to get some positive into him.

We are working with a girl named Lisany.. Age 14. She has been to church 3 times and wants to get babtized. We just have to talk to her mom and get permision.. We will be doing that this week.. However her friends are going on vacation for like a month and she might not come to church OR listen to us withouth them present..

Other than that things are fine.. I am just trying to stay focused and do what i can.

Tell grandma thanks for the letter and that i appreaciate it.

2009-11-30T14:00:00.000-06:00

Hey guys. This week was just another average week.. Not to many prospecs.
Sounds like mom is getting kinda serious with plans.. I can only help with about 6 days... because i know nothing about atitilan or antigua..
I will try to get a van rented for about 15 dollars a day.. gas here is about 30 quetzales.. or about 3.60 a gallon for gas.
other than that im not sure what else to do...
Sounds like my room is up and running... how does the junk room look? any chance that i could turn that into a room? it would make good for a little home theater as well..

Anyway I am just trying to survive here... Kinda hard when the end is near.. Elder turek helps me and keeps me moving..

Thanks for the letters. Good to hear from you all!!

2009-11-29T17:53:00.002-06:00

La Libertad

22 months out

2009-11-16T15:07:00.000-06:00

Well another week gone. Today i hit 22 months So before i forget...
Today we were traveling to san benito to use internet. For those who don´t know guatemala EVERY stop you make they try to sell you things... so 3 people got on the bus and were selling things. well the bus drive either didnt care or didnt know and hit the gas.. The 23ish year old lady hit the ground from the shock of the acceleration from speeding up.. she ate it .. anyway there was a speed bump and usually they just slow down enough so you can jump out... thats exactly what she did when she ATE it hard (again).. She fell flat on her face and all her fruit she was selling was all over the road.. So now there are only 2 kids selling soda pop left right?? so about 20 minutes later in the middle of the road we just stop and he tells them to get off. they kindly refuse. and he kindly picks up the childen (age 8 and 10) and drop them off in the middle of no where. HAHAHA that was so funny (kinda messed up too)
Anyway.. Kim beat me at katan!! Good job.. At least next time i will have an idea of what the freak i am doing.. I didnt even have Brick or rocks!! whateva Next time!!!

Anyway thanks for the letters... love ya alll
Tay

11/9/09 Tikal for 3rd time

2009-11-09T17:55:00.001-06:00

Well mom i´m kinda swamped too.. We went to Tikal today (for those that are counting thats number 3) Just another day in lamanite country.. We found a group of missionary tourers, they go to mexico etc.. they were various places.. Mesa AZ, UT, and idaho falls..
I found a member who know´s a guy who has a TON of computer games.... how convient right? i will burn a few for home..
Peten weather has cooled down. THANK HEAVENS!! its cloudy all day.
So we have zone conference this friday as well as some confrence VIA satalite. I think the prophet might talk to guatemala.
tell kim i will try to get on at 2.. we have to buy food and travel for 1 hour to get to my area so that Xcludes 4, and 5-.. So 2 to 3.
Last week i bought mountian dew.. 2 cans.. It was 1.25 a can so i only bought 2...

Anyway Thanks for the letters.. I love you all!!

11/02/09

2009-11-02T15:25:00.002-06:00

Man its super hot here in peten. Like i Said my companion is elder turek.. He has 5 months in the mision (he entered with elder goodwin and elder Schone) he studied spanish 4 years in high school and sounds great. He is a good worker so that will keep me going!

We have a few possibilities for babtism but none went to church this week so i´m not sure how they will progress.

sounds like the volleyball team got hammered.

Anyway.. no word on any good deals with the tv? looking for a 1080P 42inch or 37 inch.. any brand will doo..

also no word on the computer..

Things are fine here, we are going to Tikal next week so i wont be on early for email

I sprained my ankle again yesterday... i was just walking normal and it happened..

Anyway things are fine here

thanks for the letters Wood

The Winner!!

2009-11-01T16:13:00.003-06:00

He wins, hands down. Never seen anything quite like it. Taylor, don't shop at the same stores he does!!

He had someone make this suit and tie for him out of the fabric that is used in Guatemala. This is Elder Chacon, an assistant.

Double click on picture for full effect.

And actually, though it caught me off guard, it's pretty cool to have this suit and tie to remember Guatemala by.

New Area - Transfered again

2009-10-28T08:36:00.001-06:00

Dad..
Great letter! It was full of things that i liked.

First of Changes.. I went back up to peten in an area called La Libertad. (the liberty) I am with Elder Turek from Denver colorado. I am excited for this one needless to say that im sweating really bad.. Ask mom if she can update my blog and put Peten´s weather back on instead of guatemala.

Buisness Next. Here is what I am looking for in a computer.. Also get blaine in on this.
4GB Ram
dual core possible a quad core
Video G force 512-728 im not sure on how raedon graphics cards work.
500 GB hard drive
I really like the new HP´s how they can scan your finger print. I think i like hp more than dell but i think they are also more expensive.
I am assuming that they all come with built in mics and cameras?
I dont know the diffrence between microsoft 7 and vista.. someone look into it and see if the new Microsoft games will run onf microsoft 7 when required Vista.. (yeah its alsmst been 2 years.....)
I am assuming that dad was putting down 1000. I will put down 200 as well.

OTHER BUISNESS:. I was thinking about getting a 42inch Plasma tv with HD... in guatemala they are around 10000 quetz or like 1000 to 1,250. how much could i get one for there.. also i am thinking about getting it black friday.. Can you keep your eyes out?

As for the outage/school.. here are my plans
I was thinking of what i wanted to do with my life and i decided i want to be a Xbox game tester.. LOL J/K Inspite of what everyone thinks of how i will be a good buisness person i have never thought of that.. I want a job that keeps me home so i can go to my kids dance concerts ETC.. I don´t know if some huge buisness Traveling job would suit me. I was also thinking about engineering.. but havent looked deep into ANYTHING. As for school i was assuming i was going to Snow because everyone else did.. I am interested in going to Dixie, Snow, or UVU in provo. I will look into Utah state in about 3 years.

As for my plans for getting home.. I want to get the newest games, and vegatate, but not the the extreme.. which is why i was looking into a good short time job. I want to live at home untill Augest when i start college. As goes a job at the power plant, I´m not sure who hires. I would like the be able to get a job for my work history and not a free be of the workers (you) son (me) :D. I did work for 6 months on a copper mine. Look into the jobs they will have available, how much they pay, and what requirements are needed. and im not sure how the conflict of intrest works...

By the way.... I saw Halo 3 on a high Def tv.. you at least gota see it!! The only down thing is you gota spend about 500 bucks for an xbox 360 and some games.. (dont worry im converted to the good old COMPUTER!!)

Schooling again. I will want to go to the fall semester but i dont know if i want UVU, Dixie, or snow. I have some credits over at snow.. i dont know how to look them up though.

Sounds like the devotional was good in the upper room.. Why exactly did you do it? I know mom´s talented. you 2 are the best!!

Anyway thats what i got.. there are a few more pictures on flickr.. Please foreward this to mom and the rest.. I dont want to do anything but click send!! i think it will log me out or something.!

Once again THANKS FOR THE GREAT EMAIL!!

Wood

Oct 19, 2009

2009-10-19T15:33:00.001-06:00

Well im sick.. I have flem, sore throat and stuffy nose.. So my week has sucked!!

sounds like my tickets are bought.. now mom just needs to makes some sevier plans.

This area is pretty dead.. We have had 6 missionaries in the area in the last 3 months and with all the problems there is no progress.

I´m fine.. have pills and everything.

Anyway.. sorry its been a bumber letter.. Its just been that kind of week

Elder Taylor Wood

Oct 12, 2009

2009-10-15T13:14:00.001-06:00

um this week was a good one. Nothing much happened.. We talked to Walter yesterday about babtism and still seems lost. We have a home evening with him tonight.
I´m not sure what else to write.. changes are in 2 weeks and i hope i go!

Questions!
Who is he? Elder Griffin Schone
Where is he from? He is from Dixie
How long have you been together? 2 weeks
How is his attitude? he has a good attitude but if he gets sidetracted its over.. I have struggled to keep him going because we've got of track too much.
Do you get along? yes we get along great
How do you feel about training? im sick of training and cant wait to come home :D
Any troubles with language? I still cant speak spanish.. But I´m still here
Favorite foods? Pizza, cafe Rio, anything now (its a hard world here)
Quirks? I dont know what a quirk is..
How is the work going? It sucks. we still have nobody to visit
Have you started getting familiar with the area? yes but i dont know many people
Are the members there helpful? NO!!
What's the weather like right now? warm.

Volentary information. I saw two guys fighting on the bus. One was Drop dead drunk and the other looked like he was 18. I just bought a knife and was thinking about protecting myself but i didn´t feel the need.. They just threw some words back and forth, as well as some fists and some wrestling but this drunk guy was serious. He chased the kid out of the bus and we were on our way.

This knife is sick its a double sided switch blade. Like Darth Maul´s lightsaber.. and cost me 5 bucks!

Elder Taylor Wood

Oct 5 2009

2009-10-05T20:36:00.008-06:00

Guatemala has received the new LDS version of the Biblia. Members camped out to receive a copy. They were sold out in 2.5 hours. Taylor received one, but gave it to Elder Martenez before he went home.

well i want to say this week went well but that would be a lie.. I would also be lieing if i said it was bad..For all of you who have served missions yes, We dont have investigators and i also got a new companion.

. It seems like i am always starting over. THis is the 3rd companion i have had to teach in 2 months.

Today we had interviews, We were supposed to be there at 11, president didnt show up till like 1:30, Im pretty tired.

Elder Ireland gave me a suit this week .. Its a gray pinstripe suit. It fits me well.. He gave it to me because he bought his 3rd suit in a paca for 2 dollars (self owned cheep clothing store). I Like it.!
Anyway.. No investigators.. And im really bored of my area and dont want to be in it :D

anyway thanks for the letters.. No lasers yet..

Love ya all Laq´ Che´
Elder Taylor Wood

Photo: Elder Wood, Elder Lopez, Elder Ireland & Elder Schone

Elder Schone from Good Ol' Dixie!

2009-09-29T20:36:00.002-06:00

well i got the package in the hospital.. And mom I always remember to floss!!! ITs so easy with these flossers.

So here is the update on my companion.. He is home enjoying company of his family and friends.. He was sent home today (Tuesday at 7 28) so he is home now.. He always wanted to go home but this gives him the excuse to do it. I think he will be happier.. there are a few pictures on flickr!.. Anyway My new companion is Elder Schone. From St. George. His addres ----- (sorry, open blog) His mom is from Toquerville her maiden name is Beat..... Maybe they know grandpa and grandma. HE also knows Lyle´s family. I think he knows tommi, possible Jordan

We just got out of La Leyenda which was my last area.
So other than that not much is happening. I havent done anythign in like 8 days and i go pretty tired just walking to the store!
Anyway thanks for all the letters.. I guess missionary mall had a letter posted from elder Ireland all about what happened to my companion.. And i guess elder Schones mom came across my blog from the missionary mall website.. And so maybe my blog got hit up by all the missionary´s moms!!!

Thanks guys.. Elder Wood.. If u have questions let me know.

Mom.. I dont know what tyfoid fever does either so i dont knw if it has long term effects

Elder Martinez from Panama

2009-09-24T16:57:00.005-06:00

Well my subject line is a little bit of an understatement!! its been a week and a half!
We started out by having meetings on Tuesday.. That night i got my companion Elder Martinez from Panamá. He is 20 years old.

So For on week he struggled. He called his parents every night wanting to go home.. I kindly explained to him that it took me about 7 months to finally decide to stay.. He is struggling pretty bad. So then we finished the LONGEST week of my life!

Next week (meaning this last Monday th
e 21st.) We didn't have Pday on Monday because we went to so service.. That went well. When we got back to the Maya (another area of elders in my district) we entered the house and rested a little bit.. Not to mention it was raining really bad. SO we just chilled and talked.

Elder Ireland (from Colorado) went upstairs to sleep. So it was just me, Elder Martinez, and elder Lopez (from Salvador) I was spaced out when i heard a loud THUMP on the door.. Un aware of what happened elder Lopez went to the door only to see my companion laying on the floor unresponsive and not breathing. We yelled to elder Ireland who quickly joined us. We rolled over my comp and began wondering what to do.. Elder Ireland began to do CPR with 2 breaths and when he got to the 3rd chest compression my comp woke up gasping for air! At this point he began to shake and his eyes were rolled in the back of his head.. He still wasn't able to respond to us.

We called an ambulance and we went to the hospital. I told them we had to go to a certain hospital and that we couldn't go to any other. Next thing we know we arrived to some random Crack house. (I say crack house because it was a public hospital and There were people every where.. It looked more like a shelter house) So i kindly explained that we couldn't be here and had to be in another hospital.. They didn't listen..

I went out side to grab a taxi so we could get to the hospital with my STILL unconscious companion. The taxi driver said he knew where he was going... BUT HE LIED.. He called his dad to come along for the ride. NEEDLESS TO SAY we got lost, and my patience had been lost.. (More details but i don't have time) After i paid him they took my companion in for testing.. That night we went back to the Maya with elder Lopez, Ireland and myself because my comp was intensive care and i couldn't be with him.

The next day we had zone conference.. That night i was with my companion in the hospital (Tuesday night) We stayed there..

So here is what happened.. My comp had typhoid fever.. and has carried it for at least 1 month.. meaning He brought it to the mission. The typhoid affected his heart and his heart got blocked. making him pass out/faint. Anyway yesterday and today they did a cat scan to his head to find out more details. No results until later!! Even the Head of the church doctors came to see him (well i don't know if they came to see him or not or if he was just in the area..) But this is the prophets doctor. Anyway.. doctors as well as president say it is better if he goes home.. And he is scared that he will have this happen again and die in the mission.. He talked to president and wants to go home.. Anyway.. I Think he will be going home and that my time with him is limited..
Anyway.. Things are fine with me. I am in the hospital with my comp and i don't have anymore time to write!! Thanks for everything.

Laq´ Che´ (means Wood in mayan)
Thanks for the letters
Elder Taylor Wood

Training Again

2009-09-14T17:53:00.003-06:00

Dad, Mom, kim

So you said something about puting a fridge in the burrow? Are we talking about the OLD Laundry room downstairs.. Thats great that your makeing me a kitchen in the basement.. Start working on my home theater room in the junk room. But dont worry about all the cool stuff like floor, walls, ETC.. Just a big TV and a couple of love sacs will do!!

So ya I was going to read my emails first but dad has a few points i will be writing to everyone so i might as well make it quick and write everyone. Like i said changes were Today. My companion went to an area named Limón, About 30 minutes away.. I on the other hand and doing something else.! Training! Can you believe that? This will be my 3.5 Time doing that (If you remember i trained with elder cozzens back in the day) Weird huh? It´s wierd to think that i will be training when I really don´t do that good of job.. Yes dad, you trianed alot for your last 6 months.... but thats japanese, Not just any ol´ skipper can teach that language.. But when your in a 3rd world country speaking the second most common language on the planet, anyone can train.. The question is... why me?

So Knowing that, I will be going to the temple tomorrow at 7 as well as meetings all day.. Then we have to go and buy food at the store and get ready for the week (Like a second P´day without doing fun things)

Like i said We are working with walter but he didnt go to church this week. We have been teaching english classes every friday night, ALOT of non members come that arn´t in my area.. But it helps the other elders out! Anyway.. Things are fine here.. I hope my companion keeps me trucking.. Ohh BTW... there are 11 elders comming in.. 1 is an american. President told me he was with me.,. but he might change his mind. Thanks for the letters.. Things are fine here!

Thanks Laq´ Che´
Elder Taylor Wood

9-9-09

2009-09-13T22:04:00.003-06:00

Well Like i said, We went to the temple today. We started off getting up at 4:30 and leaveing at 5. We had the 7 oclock session with President Clark (area president but he is usually with us) Anyway i was DEAD tired.. It took me a good 30 min to wake myself up during the session. But it was good and i learned alot..

Then we went and ate at quiznos.. (Yeah that was like 10 dollars)
No progressing investagators.. this kind named walter (17 years old) has been to church 3 times.... but we can only talk to him on the weekends.. we will see if he pogresses or not!
There are changes on monday... i have no idea what will happen!!! But we will see...
OOther than that not much is happening.... Thanks for the letters.. i will try to continue to stay forcued.. (its been hard lately)) Anyway... thanks for everything

Laq´ Che´
Elder Taylor Wood

Sep 8 09

2009-09-08T15:28:00.004-06:00

Dad,
Hmm Football huh.. I just checked out that the super bowl is going to be on Feb 7th.... Thats 6 days after i get home.. Call steve thatcher, make arrangements for some digorno pizza game party at his house. He owes me!
So ya the cougers look good.. the Utes got a lousy first game though.. utah state? thats like putting a snowball under a tire!
Not to many investigators anymore.. . Or only investigater doesnt want to complete with her commitments. i wrote her a note saying that she needs to complete with her commitments. I kindly told her that we were here so she could find christ through the gospel ETC... I think she took it a little harshly though, but i saw her in the back of a truck and she smiled and waved.. (at least she doesnt hate us)
But other than that not much going on.. Have fun in the burrow!!
Elder Taylor Wood

8-17-09

2009-08-17T15:59:00.004-06:00

First of All Dad Using a machate? Thats SOOO Funny.. IT sounds like guatemala took a good tole on him! Second of all I cut my thumb on a machate yesterday!! HAHAHAHA Like father like son.
Story: So sunday we went to a members house to eat... Beans, and tortillas. Then they said we would leave together to visit people.. Well we went on a long treck into the mountians untill we arrived at this little field.. Then they said, Start chopping. I was like ´Well isnt that nice of you to have us work on this nice SABBATH day´ Anyway i cut my finger sharping the machate..
Oak city days.. did you resurect or are you still DEAD?
Anyway.. Babtism this week.. Azucena. Age ..... 15ish. maybe 16.. I forget!
Sounds like i did alright in the fair. I also need some more Plackers Floss picks. Other than that i am good. I am starting to use my Boots EVERY day because my Shoes (again) are starting to get holey! I will make it 5 more months.
Today for pday we played BROOM HOCKEY with a plastic socerball (they cost like 25 american cents) I made TOns of goals and didnt break my stick.. However we did break about 6 to 9 sticks.. That was Fun.
Well Thats all this week... Just a small cut (no stiches)

Thanks for the information.. I hope all gets better soon. Love Ya

p.s. Ladd ROCKS!! (New Bishopric in S2 today including Bishop Mike Black, Larry Smith, and Ladd Hales.)
Elder Taylor Wood

8-10-09

2009-08-10T16:33:00.005-06:00

Well sounds like the same ol.. Except no one told me about how i did in the fair. Anyway.. Sorry to hear about Tyler.

Well. My area is a little bit hilly but almost ALL roads.. I am wearing my Boots now because i Other shoes are about Donell.. I hope i make it without buying more shoes! MY comp is Elder GOODWIN! HE is from Bountiful Utah! Amazing huh . Another Utah person. he is progressing little by little.

We had a babtism Yesterday.. This member just told us that his son was 9 and was getting babtised sunday.. Needless to say.. We got a free bee.

We are also working with a teenage girl named Azucena. She is 14 and has over 2 years to be talking with missionaries. I just showed up and focused on the nescesity of babtism and prayer for confirmation. she accepted.. She has the date of 22 of Aug set for her babtism. hopefully her mom gets babtised also.

Today for Pday I went back to La Leyenda to see some people i babtised.. All but 2 are still SUPER active.. The others had problems in which we resolved while talking to their parents.. Hopefully they return going to church. also the OLD ward mission leader and Primary president were Dating for quite some time. I heard that she got pregnant and that they were married.. They were Super Active but i dont know what they are doing now.. But in all it was a good Experiance.

So .. Thats all i have for you all.. I hope everything goes well there!

Thanks Wood!

Aug 3 2009

2009-08-03T15:46:00.002-06:00

(Elder Goodwin, my new comp)

WEll thanks for putting pctures in the fair.. More than anything i just hope one goes to State.. Ohh And with my Winnings (There will be alot :D) I would like a nice package.. Mostly i need some more Plackers.com Flossers. Any maybe those quarters i told mom about.
I like that frog picture... I took another and there is a mosqueto in the picture just flying by.. The fron isnt nearly as good in this picture though.

Tell Kristen Congrats for me.. As well as chole

Kim: A skunk? And josh was dumb enough to scare it.. i remember when i woke up to a skunk in my window well, I opened the window and threw a pencil at it because i was mad! BAD IDEA!! IT sprayed.. Naturally I threw something else. WRONG AWNSER.. Next step. 3 rounds from a 22 Cal remington rifle right into its skull.. And then, Go to salt lake with mom WRONG AGAIN!! They still stink FOR WEEKS!!! But we learn

Dad: Spending time in the burrow ehH?? The orcs in warcraft III Build burrows.. It supports population like a house.. You could practily live there!!

Changes: Well I had a change. Bout time too! Good rittens. Not to say that was a bad area but it sure was a HOLE!! a nice ¨death vally¨ Hole.. With not much progress.. So where did i go? About 15 minutes from La Leyenda! Still in the same zone of ESPERANZA in which i was in before.. Other news.. TRAINING! Not sure who i have.. 6 latinos come in with 11 gringos! I am thinking Gringo. Tommorow i have a training meeting to help them get trained. BAD NEWS.. IF i am new to my area and training that means i know NOTHING!!! All i know is some 18ish year old girl who i met that was a member, and i already forgot her name! I also know my neighbors.

I hope this area will good.. They say its hard.. HARDER If you know nothing.

I am excited to get working in another area.. Excited to train. Not excited to start over..

I also opened my Long sleeved shirt.. YOu know that one that i NEVER use because i am always in the desert away from civilization and temples? I fould a letter from dad.. I read but one paragraph.. But am excited to read the rest!

Also NO MORE POUCH (not that i get anything anyway) To many problems!

Well thanks for the letters, I hope i can be better in this area.!! Tell me about the fair! Love ya Wood

July 27 09

2009-07-28T21:55:00.003-06:00

Well Sounds like The 24th went well.. Accually i have no idea how it went!! I only got the planning process!

Well i hope the best for the hunt family, as well as lance.

So nothing more this week-- our babtism date didnt come to church so they wont be babtised this week. I aslo was walking in my house and my fan was blowing (the fan cover was off) WEll i caught my hand in it and it cut it pretty good.

Also the county fair is comming.. Mom look through my pictures and get the best ones in this year (INCLUDING ONES FROM LAST YEAR) Crop them if you have to! I will try to send them on the server.

Well thanks for the info and letters.. Transfers next week!
Who knows<1>

Jul 20 2009

2009-07-20T17:29:00.005-06:00

(Me and Elder Bertrand)

Well Bumber about hearing

about lance.. I would like

to see the news paper but the link doesnt w

ork or something.. I might look

into it on google.

A

s for my week Just more mayan ruins!! we celibrated by going there and not paying!! We also talked a

bout our pioneers of the family.

Um no new investigators.. There are changes in 2 weeks. I WIll keep

lance and the family in my

prayers!
Um.. sorry its kinda a downer

letter... but sournd like everyones mind in in some other place..

Thanks for the info.. Elder W

2009-07-13T14:42:00.000-06:00

July 13 09

2009-07-13T14:35:00.000-06:00

Sounds like things aer wild there.. Nothing much here.. MY ZL is a crazy guy.. his idea of a leader is forceing you to do what he wants when he wants.. We useed internet at 10 but i only had 2 letters so i forgot to right. so i am on again! I got the CATAN download hopeing to play kim this week.. NOt sure what to do yet.. I also bought a 8 GB USB storage. MAybe we will battle some other time.!

Sounds like fun with the laundry room! Too bad im not there to help!! How much longer will kim be there?

well not much is happening here. there was a recent convert of 8 months that we stopped visiting because he changed jobs and we couldnt ever get ahold of him! We found him Yesterday and we asked if he had any time to talk.. her said.. Accually i dont have any time SORRY!! I was shocked.. he explained he wasnt going to be going to church ever again.. He feels bad because the members dont greet him anymore.. I kindly explained that thats a dumb reason the throw away gods kingdom! We have another visit with him sunday.!! Nothing else is happening we have 2 babtisms scheduled for AUG.. but they arnt golden and still need more work!
Anyway thanks for the letters.

Wood

7-06-09

2009-07-06T14:44:00.005-06:00

well this week was about the same as always.. We had zone confrence and interviews so not too much got accomplished. The ZL´s went to the capital so i had to take their spot for the week. Kinda stressfull because the made me do all the hard stuff that only gets done the first of the months.. But i survived.

No new people to teach.. we are just going around in circles.. Dando las vueltas! but thats how it is sometimes.

Me and eder Karr Celibrated the 4th of july by thinking well its about 11.30 that means they are eating navajo tacos.. (Nope - not until 2) I would usually be lost at the park the rest of the day so i dont really know what you do after that!! but i figured NAPS!! (Yes - the family got those in without any trouble) We also bought a pizza for dinner!.
Other than that nothing much is happening! thanks for the letters!! HAve a good time everyone!!

Elder Taylor Wood

Zone Conference

2009-07-06T09:37:00.000-06:00

just another name for getting together for lunch?

June/July Zone Conference in Peten

2009-07-06T09:35:00.001-06:00

The Pearls of the Mission

2009-07-03T20:32:00.000-06:00

via Hma Torres)

Zone Conference

2009-07-03T20:29:00.000-06:00

Almerzo de Burritos - (Thanks to Hma Torres)

Slow Week

2009-06-29T15:56:00.010-06:00

(Branch President with his required helmet and vest)

well this week was a little diiffrent. we recieved a new couple for the mission.. The Mcbrides.. I asked about family in arizona and FANCY THAT... This guy was born in thatcher AZ... Im sure he has some line with the Mcbrides in Morenci.. name Mac Mcbride and his wife is Linda Mcbride. (just in case they know them)

They are VERY old and shouldnt be on the mission.! they say so themselves.. They always FIGHT! In a good Bickering loving way. They are funny too... Kinda like.

They are from California and have a little bit of money. I had to help them find out where to pay bills and spent most of my P Day with them, I was kindly rewarded.. A Cookie (From the USA!) A Pineapple, and a Burgerking wopper with fries. They should be settleing in soon. MAYBE. I also had to teach them to save a contact in a phone :P

As for babtisms? NOPE... our best investagator just said he doesnt want to be babtised.. MAYBE in 3 years he told us..!! What can you do though?

Anyway.. We have zone conference this week, as well as interviews.. SO this week should be a good one.!! Nothing else is new!

Thanks for the letters and everything!!
E Would!

June 22. 2009

2009-06-27T22:08:00.002-06:00

Have you been able to make progress in your area? Not too much. I feel like i am running around in circles
Any bad effects from drinking the water the one day you went hiking? Nope Karr did fill a little fishy though
Have they reorganized the branch/ward/stake that the President died? Not really.. he was district counsler.. They might do that when pres torres comes up again
Any good contacts this week? Ya. But they need to get married before babtism.
Nope i dropped him for a week or so It appears you love your camera. I love the sunburn picture. Dad paniced
for a split second. LOVE IT"!!!
Does the boric acid work? NO BORIC ACID!! i just got the camera. Sister torres said she had some skittles for me but got sick and i think she forgot to send them.

WEll this week was the same ol... except we had changes today.. NO ONE in my district had a change.. So i will be with Karr for another 6 weeks.
As for the work.. I feel like i am running around in circles.. No promising investigators, No baptisms, no NOTHING.. Kinda depressing. but my mind just WHIRLS around.

Sounds like Nikki is having it rough.. NOthing that american chocolate cant fix though.

I took some pictures so you might put a few in the county fair.. on flickr Also did mike or blaine get my DVD of photos?? i sent it with the BOMANS.

Well im not sure what else to say.. Kinda hot here but its starting to rain a little..

Well.. Anyway, nothing else is new.. Love ya all. HAppy b day josh.. Fathers day to dad! .

Love ya all

Elder Taylor Wood

June 16, 2009

2009-06-16T13:31:00.006-06:00

Well this week was alright. We have had our most prommissing investigater STOP going to church now.. Going on 6 weeks.. Ya... he is dropped!. . I dont think he will progress

Nothing much happening here.. I heard nikki brok here arm.. AGAIN.. but no details on how.

Today we went to tikal.. I saw monkeys, changed the trees to RED. (kinda cool) and dome other weird animals.

Alex is our most prommising investagator but doesnt really want a babtism.. We will keep working with him .

Few questions. I heard something about Tvs needing a Digital converter to be used? Details? Also.. Did you guys get my DVD... Mike or blaine? i sent it with Elder Boman (who knows the Nye family)

Anyway I have seen Tikal Twice and Yaxa once.. Tikal is deffinatly better. nothing much newElder Taylor Wood

Long day seeing More Ruins

2009-06-08T21:42:00.003-06:00

Well sorry Mr. I get to go to Flordia..... hehe j-k I just got back form Yakxha. (YAK SHAW) seeing yet more old mayan pyramida. pretty rough duty but someone had to do it.¨ Things are fine here... Things are getting a little slow and i find myself getting side tracted more and more. We still have the same investagators but One is progressing a little more.. Named Alex age 16.. He said he wasnt going to get babtized but i am sure he will. We also had 2 new people in church this week.. One i have been working with for months now.. and the other...... who knows where she came from she just showed up. Elder Karr has really helped me with my spanish.. no one ever helped me with mine untill him. No boric acid but the battle continues!! Is this cacroach killing powder or an old family secret? Sister torres did know about it... Anyway sounds like fun... I just hiked all day in the heat with a VERY Poorly planned P.day.. We had talked about going but hadnt decided untill about 7.30 today.. when i got a call saying LETS DO IT.. NEVER SAY DIE RIGHT.. This will make you proud!! So we start of getting a ride to the bus station where we find a bus and wait for a few minutes.. while we started heading out of town we noticed that their was a riot and they blocked the road.. At this point i was ready to turn back.. But Elder King from Idaho Wasnt as faithless.. We took a 1 hour detour to drive about 10 minutes normally.. plus the next 1 hour to the ruins. We get dropped off at the entrance and it says YAKXHA 12 Kms. Whats that like 7 miles . We got this easy we say.. and if not we were sure someone would pass by. We walked a good 45 minutes in 100 degree heat, and had only walked a good 4 KMs... All i had was 1 water bottles and the others NOTHIng. We stop by some random guys house explain who we are and we offer 20 quetzales (about 80 cents each person) to take us to the ruins. he was like how bout 20... EACH.. i explained that we couldnt do that and we where willing to pay 10.. Needless to say i spent a good buck twenty for a trip! it was worth it.. So we arrive at this gate and see all the ruins but they say DONT WORRY.. there will be a bus here at 3. after almost harasing them a bus finally came.. we payed another 10 quetz and waited at the street for another bus to pick us up. WEll.. Considering us not having WATER, or FOOD, we kinda had to drink some water.. NON pure.. but it was filtered if that counts.. I will let ya know if i get sick or not.. All in all we spent 40 quetz to see the ruins and a good 70 quetz in travel.. We topped it off with Pizza hut. which was another 50 quetz-- All in al i spent about 160 quetz or 20 dollars. WHAT A TIREING DAY!!
Other than that things are going ok. We have a babtism on the 20th but he might not follow through.. he said he would but he also said he would come to church.. All is goodl. Tay

Slept through Honduras Earthquake

2009-06-01T16:43:00.007-06:00

Yea i am alive and well. I almost died in the earthquake.,.. j-k no worries.. You know me.. It happened at like 2 AM and you guessed it.. I WAS SLEEPING.. didnt even flinch.

Alot of people were talking about it this week but i didnt feel it..
Next.. our district president or counsler died on sunday during sacrament meeting. he was with his family when he had a heart attack. Members with a car rushed him to the hospital but died while in rout.. We had his funeral service today.. President Torres Flew up from guatemala. HE wasnt from my ward so i didnt even know him, or see anything happen.

Elder and sister Boman will be going home next week.. I will try to send a Dvd.. with my latest pictures with them.. I wrote mikes address and blaines.. they live in logan.

Also .. My debit card expires this month... Time to get on that.

So yesterday i saw two litle guecos doing the dirty dirty in my house.. I grabbed the broom chased the slowest one.. when it stopped i did a sweet Pool shot and hit it with the end of my broom. Sent a picture..

well all is well here. I didnt feel the tremor or 7.1...

I found a fast back mustang and took some sweet pictures..

Well all is well here.. Salados a colton and tell him happy birthday.!

Thats all.. Elder Wood thanks for the letters!

Just for Fun

2009-05-26T11:35:00.007-06:00

Taylor took a picture of him remembering the good old "spike" days before his last cut. Looks like he won't being doing it again anytime soon.

(Taylor with Elder and Sister Bomen)

May 25, 2009

2009-05-26T11:25:00.002-06:00

WEll another week gone.. yesterday was Elder Karr´s birthday. so today we played volleyball (In 100 plus weather) and went to pizza hut, for his birthday.. I SMELL LIKE A HIGH SCHOOL LOCKER ROOM!!

Anyway sounds like Ben is doing good. He is gona be a little player (in like 18 years of course!!) Im thinking the next Kobe Bryant (with passing abilities)

So.. Graduation is all over with huh.. Thats wierd!

Anyway.. i wrote this letter like 20 minutes ago... But i lost it.. so its going to be a little worse..

Got my camera.. candy is in the mail.. NO BORIC ACID or cheese.. BUt i still have 8 captured waiting for the gladiator challange.. (one just died)

2009-05-19T16:31:00.006-06:00

Taylor, how is the new comp? HE is a great worker. Keeps me running around. I have gotten lazy lately and he is going to help me get going again. His name is Elder Karr from South Jordon.

How have things been going? things are great

Finding people toteach there yet? we have 12 new investagators this week

Did you get your camera? did i get it yet? WEll if you just bought it i cant get it yet. I have interviews with President and will talk to her tomorrow THANK YOU!!!

This week was amazing. The older couple in my district are helping me ALOT!! they are working with a few less active people and found a Father who didnt really have ANY connection with younger missionaries for years.. I just let them work with the dad!!

We also went to a zoo today.. We had to wake up at 6 to go but we had fun. we threw rocks are crocodiles and they hissed a horrible hiss at us.. ONLY IN GUATE!!!!! we also played with monkeys.. One grabbed my leg.. they are really cute and ugly animals.. I love watching them move! We also found a jaguar but it was sleeping ... Thats ok.. leave it to Elder King to throw a rock and NAIL it on the head.. He got RIGHT up and we took our pictures.. What a good sport!! Then we walked across the lake on a little wooden bridge that floats.. Anyway.. all in all it was fun.. I think the girls will love it.. (if there arnt any other zoo´s that we go to) .
Things are still good.. I have to cut my hair today.. Last time i cut it was about 8 weeks ago.
Thanks for the camera, I cant really remember what was in that bag of suiveneers. Mom if you like the bag go ahead and take it.. Also those dolls in the boxes.. (YA You wanted those also) leave me at least 2!!. you´ll have to tell me what else was there!

Thanks for the letters. Love ya, Elder Wood

Elder Becksted and Tay at Burger King

2009-05-19T14:24:00.001-06:00

Guy Burning my Watch

2009-05-19T14:17:00.001-06:00

VCLP0565
Originally uploaded by woodrow9003

Guate Monkey

2009-05-19T11:58:00.001-06:00

VCLP0720
Originally uploaded by woodrow9003

2009-05-04T12:55:00.004-06:00

Well I forgot to write mom this week. but the truth is. there is nothing to write. I did capture about 5 cacroaches.. i just put them in a cup and let them eat each other.!!! I also demolished a few..!!!

changes are next monday... MY companion might go... But he might stay.. he has 4.5 months here and 5 months in the mission-
I got on early today because i tried to make my schedule work better.. I think its working perfectly right now!

anyway we have a babtism this week Andres. Age like 40 ish. He might not get babtised though... he still has a few struggles.. We will see of he follows through..

anyway... Thanks for the letters.. Candi i wrote you a letter...
Thanks TAY

Finally Tikal

2009-04-27T18:44:00.004-06:00

well this week was a good one!! We finally went to tikal.. We have been waiting on going because they want to charge us 150 quetz when we are citizens of Guatemala and it should be 25... we paid 75. not bad i guess. We arrived at 8 or so and started at 9.. with 4 hours to see what we had to see... Thats a good time.. I heard 5 hours but it was good to relax on pyramids.. we had some members come to church from Oregon.. they were also at tikal the same day. I got a bunch of good pictures and was RUNNING up and down ruins.. Everyone else didnt want to have that much energy, but didnt see as much either..
FYI... Im really tired.. Tikal is a 1 day thing... maybe we can travel after but im beat!!.. It was fun to go see.. there are about 3 ruins that you can climb up onto and take pictures.. you can see the tips above the trees.
Anyway there are a few that are really steep.. Its a scary climb and very steep, but do able.. and the walk was tough.. then again we were VERY rushed and i was almost running. Doable.
I also found a japanese couple.. I was tempted to Slaughter Head Shoulders Knees And Toes.. but i remembered how annoying it is to hear guatemalans say :Hello Mister: I didnt do it... I did tell them that dad spoke japanese but i dont know where the towns were that he served in... I did have them record about 15 seconds of japanese for dad to practice... Then the Girl asked if she could have a picture with me.. LET ME TELL YA... the other elders were like WHAT IS WOOD DOING!!!???? I felt good though. THe spoke A little english and had to talk very Slowly..
Anyway Tikal was fun! Not really many prospects for babtism..
I think thats all.. Wood

City Boy Milking

2009-04-20T17:30:00.002-06:00

I knew I should have had you spend more time with Grandpa on the farm!

Still no Tikal

2009-04-20T17:16:00.000-06:00

This week was the same as normal... no tikal.. Maybe next week i did get to touch some pigs testicals.. Long story mom, dont ask questions.. of course pictures are available..

We have been preparing this kid diego for babtism... He went in for his interview and this is his words.. ¨we asked who do u want to have babtise you.. he said ,, I was thinking about it.. and i dont want to do it. I repented..) Crazy kid.. he just feels nervous and needs more time..

Anyway i dont know what elder to write.. there were no questions. Mom good luck. Sorry my weeks are non fun

Elder Taylor Wood

No Tikal Today, but rather Pool

2009-04-13T16:37:00.001-06:00

So candice pulled a hamstring.... I find it kinda funny that she did that.... story setting: she probably had a friend over or was just with nikki, and has just recently been able to do it, so she had the smart ideo of doing it with a chair or 2? Did i come kind of close? anyway.. i feel for her, i too was skille enough to do the splits in my days.
Kim physicl therapyst? is that cause she is pregnant? how is zubby doing..
Sounds like easter was fun... I didnt sprain my ankle this year (Bad flashback) I wanted to see the Major catholics make carpet out of saw dust... but my area isnt close to the catholic church so i missed it.
Starting to have companion problems. He is still new and doesnt realize that i dont know the area or the members. he just assmes that i know.. anyway he speaks really good english so he just says... Whatcha gona do.. But thats the think I dont know what to do.. also he says i am Sr companion and so he doesnt help me with suggestions very much and assumes it all my responsibility. President Torres talked this in Zone confrence and says we both have the same preistood aauthority. anyway.. he doesnt talk to me much, its also hard to eat lunch and it so hot that we fall asleep alot.. when i say lets go he jokingly says Naw, lets just sleep it takes less energy.. anyway.
We played pool for p day today.. we are planning on Tikal Next monday... ¨NEXT MONDAY¨ (WINK WINK) just like last time.. We will see how the zl-s get it organized.
well we suposably have a babtism this week.. I have never talked to him. he is a 9 year old kid but its hard to visit him because he works..
Well i think thast all this week..
P.S. Dad that is the most amazing bug secret ever.. were was this im my last area??? we had tons..P.P.S. I just collect them in bottles and let them eat each other untill they all die.. i Had 5 in a bottle and 1 was DESTROYED.. DIMOLISHED.. Untill i put water in the bottle and let them sit for 5 min in the sun. WORKS GREAT!!!.. I also had a Black widow, (it was brown though).
Elder Taylor Wood

Advice from Your Loving Dad

2009-04-13T13:13:00.003-06:00

Dear Taylor,
Since you are in the jungle now, I think it is appropriate to reprint a bit of sage wisdom offered six years ago to your eldest brother in a time of deep stress and trial. Without further adieu, I give you:

The Epic of La Cucaracha!
I will have you know that your Dad was one of the gokiburi (cockroach) killing champions of the mission! Listen closely my son and you will be edified ...

If you have those little 1/2 inch roaches then I can't help you. I never wasted my time on small game. If on the other hand you have those big suckers that grow as big as 2 or 3 inches and can fly then I am your man.

First, don't waste your time using brooms and such. All you will manage to kill is the light bulb in the center of the kitchen or perhaps your companion (I speak truth from experience). Besides, that weapon is far too crude. You need the ability to make surgical strikes that take out only Officer Bugs and avoid any unnecessary collateral damage (women and children). Here's what you do ...

Your best weapon is a necktie. I have been told that $80 ties work the best but since I never had any of those, I used the garden variety D.I. tie preferably in a shade of brown with splashes of yellow so the stains won't show. The trick is to flick the roaches off the walls or counter or even the floor, thus killing them instantly so you don't have to listen to their pitiful begging! You know of course that at the first sign of a light being switched on, the little buggers run like the cowards they are. So, you will have to be ready before you turn on the light. Naturally you flick them with the small end of the tie. If you have to use the big end, you are probably dealing with rats and you need another expert! You will find that, depending on the size of the battle field (kitchen, usually) you can have as many as 3 or 4 Elders flicking and whipping their ties at the same time without having to go to the doctor very often. CAUTION: The bullwhip effect of a skillfully executed tie flick will usually terminate your prey where he stands, however, occasionally the whip of the end of the tie will lift them off the wall and hurl them straight back at you with fangs bared so be ready to duck and don't forget to watch your back!!! Another note of interest, although this method of battle is by far the most satisfactory, your tie will soon become frayed from battle so choose one you don't mind messing up.

Now, I know in time you and your companions will be seasoned masters of battle but I thought as a side note I would mention; there are easier ways (not near as fun, but easier). Don't use spray-can roach killer juice except as a blowtorch (Ah, you thought of that already did you? I commend you for your Ingenuity by the way, a true stoke of genius, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree I always say, yup, a chip off the ole block ... uh, sorry I got side-tracked). As I was saying, the ol' spray-can blow torch can be almost as satisfying as wrapping the end of your tie around a 2 1/2 inch Field General and hurling him across the room to be crushed by the wall on the opposite side. Torches unfortunately have a habit of burning down your apartment building and causing lots of heartburn for your mission president. They are good in a pinch and especially effective for dogs with bladder-control problems, yeah, they work good for those! The point here is, there is only one chemical that will kill roaches and it doesn't come in a can. I trust you with this "secret of the ancients" only because you are flesh of my flesh and blood of my blood. Be careful not to cast this pearl before swine! This message will self-destruct in 10 seconds . . . .

Go to the drug store and buy some Boric Acid (Acido Borico). A weak solution of boric acid is a common remedy for eye irritation (you know before they came out with Visine). It comes as a white powder or salt-like granules, the powder works best. Sprinkle this powder, full strength, along the baseboards where the cowardly roaches slip under your cabinets. The powder gets on their legs and they lick it off, then for some reason their guts set up like concrete and they perish. Mwaaaa, Ha, Ha, Haaaaa !!! The cool thing about this stuff is that one dead bug can kill many others due to their barbarian habit of devouring their dead comrades. Gross but effective!
This will do for now, milk before meat I always say. Let me know how it goes. Just to wet your appetite, or perhaps incite experimentation on your part, consider the fact that boiling water kills roaches on contact! Oh, but also please consider that boiling water spilled in the lap of your companion can be hazardous to your relationship!

Until next time, I remain your fellow servant and veteran of countless forays into the battlefield.

SLY, (Sure Love Ya)
Dad the Great! Killer of the Gokiburi, la Cucaracha, the Cock Roach! I fear NO Bug !!!

April 11

2009-04-11T22:25:00.002-06:00

Peten weather expected to be over 100 all week with over 72% humidity right now. Happy sweating!

The Road Less Travelled

2009-04-06T16:50:00.005-06:00

Tikal Area

2009-04-06T16:29:00.012-06:00

About Tikal.. it was accually built after book of mormon times... They say the Mirador (which they are discovering now) is twice as big and could be a good canidate for BOM times...Are you learning how to breathe in the sweltering conditions? Its the sweating that sucksWhat are the tricks in learning how to cope there? Drink 2 quarts of water a day AND STILL GET DEHYDRATED.... just time helps..Have you got ready made investigotors or are you going to have to find them? we have a babtism no the 18th.. and a canadite for the 25thish
How much of conference did you get to hear? the first session half was in spanish.. And the last session of the last session was spanish.. the rest in english What's your new area like? really big.. like 5 to 10 houses on each block. thats why i had my shoes fixed... the change of streets started to hurt my feet.. Im still waiting on the shoes but im using my boots today How many wards/branches/stakes? ALL branches.. but 3 branches go to the same building.. about 4 missionaries each branchHow many missionaries in your district? 6 in my district.. we have an older couple in our district.. The Bomans... from LoganWhere do they all live? the bomans live really close to us (She cooks AMAZING left overs) and the others i dont know yet..What does your new assignment entail? I have to make sure they are all focused and ETC. Work with them..
Did you get your Easter package yet?Tell us about E Castro. Well he is accually Amazing.. I have never had a more spiritual companion.. our first week i just sat in Aww... listing to him talk to the people.. he is tall, dark and handsome. speaks perfect english, likes to joke around alot but what can you do...

This week was a hot one.. It stays about 100 degrees everyday. this week we went to some caves... It was an adventure.. we had to army crawl just to get through some parts of the cave.... once again i had my laser and we had fun.. I am cooking breakfast and dinner again.. hopefully i can eat good and with this heat... lose weight..
anyway i told nikki happy B day but i will tell her happy b day today
well thats all for now... any questions let me know
I wont be on to chat next monday (im not sure how much time it is to see tikal)Elder Taylor Wood

Castro - Member of LDS Seventy

2009-04-01T09:52:00.002-06:00

Jose A. Castro

(2003)

Jose A. Castro, 37, of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Employed as temple recorder in the Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Temple. Recently released as president of the Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Stake. He is a former bishop, high councilor and counselor in bishopric. Married Marisol Alvarez Rojas; three children.

2009-03-31T21:00:00.002-06:00

Elder Wood, Elder Argumeda, and Elder Tzunux - Taylor's first companion in the field and his last companion before transferring to Peten.

2009-03-31T20:53:00.003-06:00

el Trebol, Peten

2009-03-31T20:06:00.009-06:00

What day do you get released? Jan 19th
How long to you want to sight see? Not quite sure.. Tikal is a 5 hour deal, not to mention a 8 hour drive one way!

Transfers effect you today? Sure did!!! How does PETEN sound? That means i will be seeing Tikal on the 13th. I changed places with an elder in peten. Get this Distric Leader.. yah.. thats what i thought... Anyway my companion is Elder Castro.. he is from Honduras but speaks perfect English.. Did i mention that his dad is in the 70.. Personally i think that President Torres is punishing me in a verry Nice way (I mean im in peten for crying out loud as a District Leader) Anyway He seems really cool. Ohh ya about peten.. It was 116.2 degrees last thursday.. Im freaking dieing of heat here.. I feel like Im swimming in a AIR pool. I mean seriously 116.2 WITH THE HUMIDITY:: THATS INSANE

We are thinking about putting your bed in Nikki's room and her's in yours.
You won't have any extra space if we do that but sleeping will be better

when you come back. You okay with that? I come home in 10 months.. you can plan places to visit... About my room... Just dont touch my hotwheels.. IF i dont like it i can always whine and change it next year.. Go for it!!

Sounds like Kim had a good experience in Phoenix. We all learn from mistakes. But some mistakes we can enjoy.. At least you have a car.. i remember buying a RETAIL LIST of computer monitors.. luckily we got our money back... just enjoy the new car and i will enjoy smelling like a dog in 115 degree weather..!!

Anyway my area is El Trebol 2 (trebol means clover like with the cards...) there is a sick lake in Flores Peten and we are like 10 to 15 minutes away.. Anyway... Sorry i couldnt write yesterday.. I was on an 8 hour bus ride.. I sent some pictures of my travel buddies.!!

Thats all for this week.. we have zone conference next week..
Elder Taylor Wood

March Zone Conference

2009-03-30T20:47:00.004-06:00

Thanks el Presidente y Hermana for the fotos.

2009-03-24T09:04:00.005-06:00

Well another week gone. i still have a little cough and some flem but its nothing like it was before.. at least i can walk up a hill without dieing! This week was decent. once again we are found with NO investagaters. but needless to say we have been working with the ETERNAL investagaters. Specifically a 16 year old kid named Nestor. I have been working with him for 4 months now.. he has been in church and seminary for about 7 months now. When we finally babtized him yesterday.

We also had the WORST day on saturday.. Suposably we had to plan an activity to do but they young single adults said they would do it so we didnt worry about it.. Needless to say we didnt do ANYTHING that day!! but what can you do?

Well this next monday we have changes... so i dont know what will happen.. I think my companion will go to coban and speak a mayan language (he knows 1 mayan language but he will have to learn another but they are slightly simaliar.

anyway thanks for the letters.. as of now we are dried up as an area.. and changes next week.. But thats all.. no questions this week. Mom can you find out how many people are living in delta... so i can say how big my home town is.. alot of ppl ask

The Hair Game

2009-03-16T15:38:00.004-06:00

14 months

2009-03-16T12:23:00.006-06:00

Well another week past. Still sick but doing a little better!
This week was normal. First of all.. I started buying a few Dvd´s I though why not. they are like a buck fifty and i can get 1 to 3 movies on a disk.

Next we did a little bit of service. Like working on the REAL mine! I exited with minor injuries. Like the war in Vietnam but worse.. I was getting shot at from every direction!! We would use a pick axe and hit the rocks when the rocks really started flying. HIT THE DECK!!! or SNIPER!!! whichever you want to use. Rocks flying around like bullets!! Just then A Zinger right into Private Xcaban!! A fatality!! MAn.. a few died but i tried my hardest to be humble and save them.. Then i decided, (after a spliting blown blister) I gota save my self.!! So thats what i did. Running to Home base with the 7 up in hand!! But seriously.. I coulda died!

Anyway.. nothing much is new,, Still sick.. But a little better
Anyway thanks for the letters.. not sure what else to write..
Wood

2009-03-06T15:18:00.001-06:00

He's smiling ....

2009-03-06T13:12:00.004-06:00

so it must be okay.

Guate Temple

2009-03-06T13:09:00.002-06:00

Taylor's Mission Car

2009-03-06T13:03:00.002-06:00

Well, Taylor didn't really tell us anything about these pictures, but since he is still hitch-hiking we'll assume that he just liked the looks of this one.

2009-03-02T18:13:00.002-06:00

March 2, 2009

2009-03-02T16:17:00.004-06:00

Well im pretty sick. 3 weeks now and im starting in the bronciotus.. this week we had 4 babtisms. Enrique Caño, Beatriz caño, lesly (daughter) and jeackalinne (cousin) that went good.. we are gona confirm jeackalinne next week.
Well i dont really have much to write about.. I have just been sick ETC!! anyway.. sorry its a bad letter.. i didnt have questions so i dont know what to write..
Wood

Feb 23, 2009

2009-02-23T13:14:00.002-06:00

Well this week was a crappy one. I got a nasty case of pink eye this week.!! HOLY SKID that sucks.. Might as well jab a pencil in my eye. Luckly its been cloudy this week because the sun REALLY bothers it. What a blessing. i have some eye drops that cost like 20 dollars for a small bottle. They really help...

We have a few babtisms this week Enrique caño, Beatriz caño, and lesly caño. We babtised antonio a few weeks ago and now i will finally get my family. they are really golden.. Also Ismael Rodregez. he is a 18 year old kid who had his GF dump him so he has had it rough. he is scheuled for the 28th with the family but we have an appointment with him today to verify. Jeackalinne is finally getting babtized.. She is the sister of our babtisms in december and she FINALLY wants to get babtised.. She is for sundey. Anyway.. Other than a cold, pink eye, and other things, things are fine. Thanks for all the letters (Nikki i cant get your songs.. i rarly have head phones and its hard to download them But thanks for writing me)
Thats all for this week..

THanks! Wood

Conversation between Kim and Tay

2009-02-23T13:13:00.002-06:00

Taylor,
I really hope I haven't missed you already this morning. Especially since I've held you in suspense all week. So here's the news you've been waiting for: The new bishop is Bishop Channan Day, First Counselor: Scott Sandavol, Second Counselor: Ron Arrington. That's all of the changes for now, but we expect several more in the coming weeks.

Colton woke up very sick yesterday morning, but Josh had to be there to be released and I was needed to play the organ. We decided to take him just in his street clothes, and Josh would take him home right after he had born his testimony. Colton didn't make it that long. He gaged on the bread during the sacrament and threw up in the chapel. Josh was on the stand, and I was still at the organ with no clue this was going on. Mindy McBride and Ron Arrington took him out and cleaned him up. What a day. I'm hoping that next week marks the start of easier sacrament meetings as Josh will now be able to sit with us and lend his assistance.

Colton's preschool teacher, Mrs. Kathy died last week. I went to her memorial service on Saturday. It was the first Catholic service I have ever attended. I was surprised to learn that the service was uplifting and focused mostly on the resurrection of the Savior. But the spirit wasn't the same, and the insense made me sick.

Oh, and here's some news. I don't mean to rub it in, ok well just a little. Last week Bashas had this crazy deal. You could buy a 5 pack of mac & cheese for a reduced price and it came with a $2.50 off coupon for tombstone pizza. Not impressed you say? Well tombstone pizza was on sale for $3.50 so the coupon made it only a dollar. Still not impressed? Well, they ran out of tombstone and were substituting Dijorno. That's right. Dijorno for $1. No we did not stock up on them for you. That's a lot of mac & cheese to buy. But we did think of you as we enjoyed our pizza.

So, on that delicious thought, I will let you go.
Love you,
Kimberly

Pizza for a dollar THATS REDICULOUS!!!!
What are they like. How many people usually attend? My ward there are 200 each week. In SALAMA there is 100 in the branch.
Are they wards or branches? depends on the area.. if your out there is always a branch.
Are there several strong members or do a few carry the majority of the responsibility? here the members are amazing
What is your relationship with the ward as a Missionary? Its not like UTAH.. EVERYONE knows the missionaries
How often do you interact with the members? Daily!!
Do you get asked to speak very often? NOPE!! THANKFULLY!! Etc...
Elder Taylor Wood

Taylor's House back Home

2009-02-23T13:08:00.004-06:00

Bad time of year for a picture but here is the front of the house. The view from the front windows are even worse at this time. It's just dirt where green fields will soon be.

Taylors Hot Wheels 2006

2009-02-23T13:06:00.002-06:00

Sorry these are old pictures. I haven't got new ones taken.

Transfer - Nothing New

2009-02-16T15:41:00.007-06:00

I thought i would make my letter be more drastic with the CAPS LOCK on changes.. Well Its not that drastic. I stayed in my area with my companion.
Anyway i got a killer cold wednesday.. I still am hacking p my lungs with the mucus attached.!!
WEll nothing else is happening .. Remember my last babtism? Antonio Caño? well we are gona babtise his mom, Dad, And sister The 28th of Feb. Also a 18 year old kid who i worked with about 2 months ago. He never wanted to go to church but now he does.. Ismael Rodregez. his is also set for the 28th. next Christen (not sure the last name right now) He is the cousin of Oscar (babtism in Dec) (and Antonio) babtism in Feb. he is about 15 years old.. other than that, Im sick, I dont want to do ANYTHING, i hate talking to people in the streets. AND last week we got NO NEW investagators...
Other than that, O wait. And its FREEZING (about 68 degrees) but other than that i dont know what else to write.. Thanks for the letters !Wood!!1Elder Taylor Wood

Manti Temple

2009-02-13T15:14:00.000-06:00

Salt Lake Temple

2009-02-13T14:56:00.000-06:00

St. George Temple 2

2009-02-13T14:51:00.000-06:00

St. George Temple

2009-02-13T14:47:00.000-06:00

Missing Cowboy Life in Utah

2009-02-10T15:18:00.003-06:00

Guatemala Scenery

2009-02-09T13:58:00.001-06:00

Lasers in Guatemala

2009-02-09T13:29:00.002-06:00

Feb 9, 2009

2009-02-09T13:26:00.004-06:00

Well nothing much happened this week.. We had divisions, and 2 babtisms in our ward. one was ours..Antonio Caño he is 14 years old and pretty golden.. We put a babtism date with his mom and dad for the 28th but it will probably be the next saturday.. We are still working with his sister (age 17) but she is a SR this year and has alot of work.. Its hard to find them .. Anyway there are changes this next monday so i might be in a new area and i might not. No one knows..
Well i got more letters from Girls and x missionaries than i did family. Nikki is probablly my only faithful writer THANKS NIK!!!!
Anyway, sounds like everythings good (accually i dont know about ANYTHING.. so let me change that..) Im Assuming that everything is good.. Thanks for the letters (wait... i need to change that also) Thanks for your support.. Untill next week.
ME!!

Bus Race

2009-02-02T15:14:00.005-06:00

First i have a list of things to write about.. I need a photo of the house and a photo of my hotwheels.. ..

We had a meeting with elder Rasmand from the 70. it was a good little devotional.
Modern transpertation. dont worry mom we dont take the buses (anymore) . Well their objective is to go as fast as possible so they can get more into the bus and earn money. well they like to ¨Battle for passage¨ or race so they can get in front of the other bus.. Needless to say.. a bus hit a truck, then rolled.. killing the bus drivers wife, and the bus helper.. He said .. GO GO Dont let them win the race.. dont worry.. Anyway.. they flipped and 2 died, 6 in the hospital.

anyway.. i was getting into a hichike today and i ripped my pants.. We got off at a members house (not near our destanation) and they had a sewing maching.. just so happens my companion is a tailor.. He fixed them in less than a minute and within 5 minutes we were took our next hichike to our destanation.

anyway we have a babtism this friday.. NAme Antonio. he is 14 years old and the cousin of a babtism from DEC.. that will go good.
anyway.. thanks for the letters.
TELL steve thatcher i wanted the steelers to win but i thought they played NEXT WEEK.. Needless to say he owes me a candy bar and a MT DEW (I accept VISA, or packages)Elder Taylor Wood

Blow Out!

2009-02-02T15:07:00.003-06:00

Kims letter
- No questions for you today. Just the usual.
Baptisms? Yes one on friday,. a 14 year old kid who is the cousin of a babtism i had in Dec?
Neat Spiritual experiences? Not really
Funny life experiences? so you know how we NEVER TAKE BUSES¿? maybe not.. today i was asking for my normal hitch hike when a truck stoped. We jumped in as normal just when i hear a RIP!!!! yeah my pants ripped.. about 6 to 10 inches... I thought about sewing my pants in the truck (because i had a needle and thread because i just sticked my name in my bad.. BAD idea.. didnt want to do it. anyway.. we got out of the truck and we werent quite in our destanation... stopped at a members house. and there it was A SEWING MACHINE.. just so happens that my comp is a tailor.. who´da thought¿? What happened this week thatyou might want to remember someday? PANTS RIPPED
Find out that kids name that knows me..
DONT SLAUGHTER PEOPLE.. (The family played Catan and Kim slaughtered us) you need to be humble like ,me... I´m the most humbile person i knowElder Taylor Wood

1_26_09

2009-01-26T13:55:00.003-06:00

How you doing Tay?
Still losing weight? not sure.. i was at 262, then 202, then 215..
How was this week? alright.
What was your main accomplishment? I dont really know..
How are people progressing? a few are a little by little. I cant figure out one girl.. she doesnt want to get babbtized yet and i dono why.
How is the retention of your baptisms coming? huh?? i have 10 now
How about the progress of your companion? hehe is learning.. its hard when he wanders off onto templework when im trying to make sure they know what a prophet is..
Learning any Old Mayan words? nope--
this week was alright.. nothing much happened.. my comp did start our water heater on fire.. I redid the connections and we have hot water again.. Scared him though Anyway.. no one is online.. (still waiting for a belt buckle.. Grounded??) anyway.. things are good.. I dont know what else to write.. RELEASE DATE IS JAN 19 ayway.. catchyya lata

Candi, Taylor, Nikki and Scary Dude

2009-01-21T13:56:00.002-06:00

Bowling King

2009-01-20T11:09:00.000-06:00

Martin Luther King Day

2009-01-19T16:58:00.008-06:00

How are things going with the greeny? he is good.. learning always. He's been out about a month. he is fluent in spanish and a mayan language

Do you get along with him? he is good.. I havent hated a companion yet
Where is he from? Totonickapan.. Guatemala
What are the challenges of training? I have to reteach everything
What do you like most about your days? Eating... or chilling in the church if we can.
What is the hardest part? daily¿¿ i dont know. just keeping busy
How long do you think you will be in your current area? who knows.. maybe 3 more months
Who are you teaching right now? Betty (needs to get married), Nestor age 17. needs permsission and he will be bautized the 3rd of feb, jeackeline, the daughter of a babtism in DEC the others arnt that close..

You spent money! What did you buy? i finally ran out of mission money. thoses 25 ties might not have helped (50 dollars)
How long is the weather usually "nice" for? its still hot and green... things will start to get wet in may (ish)
Anything new? Well we got permission to LEAVE our mission and go bowling. That was fun...

The server is down.. so i dont have pictures to send today.. Um we found a bunch of white chicks in the mall here (THATS RIGHT WHITE CHICKS!!!!) they are with the humanatarian services. We started talking for a bit untill a (LATINO from cali) started contaction in english. YEAH, she is jewish and doesn't believe in chirst... I know we should have read that section in preach my gospel!! anyway she asked if she didn't belive in christ but still did good things (like the humanitarian aid) if that would cancel out.. an elder kindly explained that Thats not how it worked.. We gave here 2 pamplets, and a BOM. and told her to talk to someone else when she sees us. she will be in guate for 2 years.

well this week went by alot smoother.. It was good. We had a babtism on saturday. LUIS EDWARDO de la ROCA... 9 años that went well..

I got my laser.. you can go ahead and get the red one now :). Did blaine get that belt buckle or not. I saw belts today but didnt know if he bought me a buckle or not. Anyway.. we went bowling today.. I scored 121... then i started doing tricks. I had to knock down 5 pins.. So i did it under the legs and got a spare... I have a video as well!!

So sounds like things are doing good at home.. MAybe you should invest in ALARM CLOCKS!!1 just put it in a diffrent place each night for candi!!! (shoot she can have mine!!) I think thats alll... thanks for the letters. Thanks Mom and Kim for the questions.

Elder Wood

Jan 12 2008

2009-01-12T14:46:00.003-06:00

Who is your new companion? Elder Tzunux (sue noosh) from guatemala ( south coast)
Is he green? he has like 22 days now..
Which MTC did he come from? guate
How is training going? Holy skid... I have thought about home so much this week!!! but things are aight..
How well does he speak? well pretty much perfect spanishh.. Shoot if you through in a guatemala language he is bilangual.
Is he a scriptorian? havent really noticed yet
What is your area called? Called La Leyenda 1 (the legend) but more kown by Las villas How big is it? not to big.. nothing like salama
Can you keep your calendar full? dont understand the question. we have fairly busy days
Any new prospects? prospects_¿¿?¿?
Any good food we should know about? just cow tounge, stomach, and cow hoof. didnt try either of them . Stomach soup?? once or twice.. reconized it right off
How often does Sergio come to Utah? i asked the same question.. not sure yet.-.He seems to travel a bunch.
How is Guata's economy? not really sure.. the dollar is up to like 7.8 thats good for me!!
What is the greastest blessing the gospel brings into the lives of thepeople there? I´m not erally sure.. lots

OK mom last week i told you about the new office.. the number of the new office is 1202. not 202. Also my credit card expires in june..

FYI..
THis week was good. I FOUND A NEW BRAND OF SSKITTLES!!! its the brown bag.. it has brownie mix chocolate. ETC looks good ..
Other than that things area ok.. My new comp helps me work really hard.. In a good and a bad way. but its good encouragment.
We have a babtizm this week for a kid who is 9. his family are all members..
Well this week was good. thanks for the letters.. (i write by questions because i forget alot during the week)

Elder Taylor Wood

2009-01-09T22:45:00.000-06:00

New Year, New life..the best life.

Since missionary work is the life blood of the church, missionaries must be the plasma. We received wonderful new missionaries who arrived egger to put into practice all they have learned in the Mission Training Centers. They are Elders Wixom, Chesley, Castro, Velasquez, Ralda and Tzunux, along with one very special sister, Hermana Castro. Welcome to the Best mission in the world!

Jan 5 09

2009-01-07T14:17:00.002-06:00

Any new wonderful contacts? not that i can think of
Has Hermana Torres received her vinyl yet? not yet... but soon Should be coming.
Did you find any mapleine flavoring? i havent seen any..
Keep in mind you are probably the only missionary in the entire world, for the history of the world that has received this many packages.
2 elders in my district recieved 10 packages for december... I think im doing fine ;)

New Address
It will now be this... i thinkwe changed to tower 1 (there are 4 and it used to be 2), Level was 15, now 12, and it was office 1504 not office 202ç
this week was pretty ok.. we had changes this week and my little mexican companion (no its not racist im trying to use it in the state of love) left.. and i will be training this change. Im pretty sure he will be a latino but i dont know.. I will have him tomorrow.

Other than that nothing else is new.. Our investagater Betty still has to get married and maybe her husband needs a divorce.. But they have money and have bought us pizza and something like quiznos..

Other than that.. i dont know what i want in a package.. ressees penut butter cups, skittles, Just to name a few...
Anyway. thats all for this week.. thanks for everything
Elder Taylor Wood

Holy TIES

2009-01-06T13:28:00.000-06:00

Mom has No Idea!

2009-01-01T15:13:00.000-06:00

Christmas Dear Elder Herandez

2009-01-01T12:49:00.003-06:00

I guess they forgot when Christmas was. Mid-November and they are opening up his Christmas gift from us. I made truffles and put them in the cream container so they would travel. Not very pleasant to look at though I am afraid.

Dec 29 2008

2008-12-29T22:10:00.000-06:00

We might not be able to be online to visit with Taylor but that will
give him lots of time to put pictures on the site.

About that.. Today we went to the temple. We had to get up at 4 in the morning in order to get into the 7 oclock session. Needless to say.. I forgot to take my credit card to take out money for this month, and i forget my cable to transfer pictures.. But other than that everything is aight.

well we started this week good. We had to have a sister interviewed by the president.. Needless to say.. he forgot about us. and we waited for a good 2 hours till he arrived.. Everything worked out fine and was babtized on the 27th.. Name Violeta Aguilar.. She is the mom of Oscar whom we babtized earlier this month. She was confirmed on sunday along with our last 3 babtisms.

Well.. I¨m not sure what else to write.. There are changes next monday.. so who knows what will happen.. im pretty sure i will stay but you never know.

It was good to talk to everyone on chirstmas.. Hope you all had a good one.!!
Elder Taylor Wood

Ping Pong Guata Style

2008-12-26T15:01:00.000-06:00