Utah, its whats for dinner

so the past week is coming to a close, today was not the most productive day. still i got something accomplished with helping out with my buddy Ed and his family. i spent a long while working on his roof with him and his brother.after all the kids and girls i've been with the past 3 weeks, some male bonding was fun. the kids wanted to know when i was leaving last night at dinner. i told them Wednesday and they were bummed out. which is really cute, and i think its funny. They all wanted me to to stay and they want me to come back. The little girl Kaia is taking it the hardest, her older brother Bri is making fun of her saying, "the only reason you want him to stay is cause you have a crush on him, TRUST ME I KNOW I'M 9 YEARS OLD!" as i write this all out, all three are begging me to play computer games and laying on top of me. it didn't start out easy listening to them and dealing with them when i first got here. but it HAS BEEN FUN.

Yesterday was as close to perfect as life can be. I'm trying to compare this time in my life of preparation to the Savior. He went into the desert, where he fasted and prayed to prepare himself spiritually for his ministry. His temptation by the devil was great, but through the purification of his spirit he was able to triumph over all evil. Coming to conference defiantly has helped with all that i need to do before i leave. Bring around all these old friends and sharing and being unified in thoughts with them has been so beneficial to my testimony. i will think about yesterday a lot when i am gone. as i will for many other days i have lived in my life. something special has been allowed for me to experience here. With being in this house. seeing someone I've only known for a through a computer screen. seeing a friend that made life livable in South Carolina. and mostly to be around someone that has effected my life.


its interesting how we still get along really well. she knows me pretty well but she thinks she knows me perfectly.

i will remember this, and i will buy this for my family one day. it is so hilarious.



that is some funny stuff.

so after deciding that i'm leaving on my mission as soon as possible. i'm incredibly excited to share my testimony everyday. so that the people i teach, can learn of the gospel. so they can have wonderful moments of unity with their families and friends. i truly wish to share my blessings with the world. so that they can have the same things and find the love heavenly father wants us all to have. i'm more excited to do the work and get back home. and have my family.

After i talked with my first branch president, years ago about my life and shared my testimony for the first time with someone ever. he said, "whats amazing is you are growing Brother Woods. One day you'll finish a mission and you'll find the person that's meant to be with you."
In my Patriarchal Blessing it states, "You shall have the privilege to serve heavenly father in declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ. As you prepare for your labors therein and you will rejoice when you receive the letter from the president of the church calling you to serve. You shall have success in your callings, and shall have reason to rejoice in your heart with the spirit you shall possess. You shall be called upon to teach and shall teach those who want to know and understand the principles of the gospel. You shall return with honor. Upon your return from your mission the experience that you gained will be of importance to you in the raising of your family. In the lord’s due time he will bless you with a lovely mate to walk by your side in righteousness. Have patience."
once i told my bishop that i have officially decided to go on a mission. he sat me down and said to me, "i'm proud of you when you get back you'll be blessed with a wife" after hearing that from 3 different sources its with out a doubt in my mind Heavenly Father telling me to do and what is awaiting me after i'm back.

I am lucky to have met wonderful people in my life. this is what jillian said about me and she is a really sweet person. even if i'm more focused on going on a mission, i know she is an amazing saint.

"this is pathetic...so don’t read if you don’t feel like hearing pathetic things.

james is amazing.

i really miss him. you have no idea....it's been such a short time, but i already feel like i'm missing a part of myself. his testimony amazes me, his smile brightens my day. his strength makes my world glow. i wish everyone could see him the way that i do. steadfast and immoveable in christ.

i am so proud of his going on his mission. he is doing the right thing. he will be an incredible missionary."