Amigos! It's December! Guess what happens in December? Yes, I know, everything happens in December. But for our family, one thing shines brightly as the most exiting--even better than Christmas. Our Hermana Brooklyn comes home from Spain! We are lovingly counting the moments.
To celebrate, here are 29 weekly mission emails! I expect we might receive a 30th next week. But if you want to hear from our sweet girl after that, you'll have to come listen to her homecoming talk at 10:00 am at our lovely 4th and P meetinghouse. Hot chocolate and cookies at our house following. We can't wait!
Week 44: Apagón
Hey everyone! What's up?
Okay, so you all got a preview of this week's word at the end of my last email, but today I wanted to talk about the "apagón," or blackout, that we had last Monday. Around midday power cut out all of the sudden in all of Spain, Portugal, and parts of France. In an instant the country ground to a halt, figuratively and literally as the public transportation systems Madrid especially is so dependent on shut down. Cell coverage became very spotty at best and thousands were stranded without any way to check in or get back home. Four of the sisters in my zone had been outside of their areas in downtown Madrid for P-Day and walked almost two hours to the closest missionary apartment, where they stayed the night. Without navigation, it was a miracle that one of them had lived in that piso before and remembered how to get there.
By the time everything lit back up around 10pm, stores were wiped out of bottled water, bread, canned tuna, toiled paper, and just about any other essentials you can think of. It was a powerful reminder to heed the prophet's warning to be prepared for an emergency, but it also made me thing about the spiritual power outages that happen so often in our lives.
"Apagones espirituales" happen when we lose sight of the light and hope that come from Christ's merciful and all-powerful atonement. This week, I had a couple really hard days when I felt lost and so insufficient to do the things that God has asked me to do. Because of that, I turned to Him in prayer more sincerely than I have in months, heart broken, spirit contrite. The response I got wasn't loud or obvious, but it did remind me how unchanging God's love is.
Why do we wait for a power outage to check the batteries in our flashlights? Why do we wait for the bridegroom's coming to fill up our lamps? Why do we put God in second place in our lives until we are humbled enough to realize we can't do anything without him?
He's there. He wants to help you. Turn to him now.
Lots of love!
Hermana Wheeler
What we did for pros on Monday since we could neither leave the piso nor use our phones
My companion in the Turner Fan Club, Hermana Dixon
Practically in America (chapel with carpet)
Hermana Fuentes!!
Week 45: Cerrar
This week was exciting. It was Hermana Little's last as a missionary, and she wanted to go out with a bang, which means we set our goals for a triple double. 10 people we started teaching, 10 people we taught with a member present, and 10 people at our church meeting. Did we hit it? No, not quite, but it was really inspiring to see how God works miracles when we stretch ourselves. The numbers might not have added up, but Carlos, Sore, Elia, Janett, Josue, Luciano, Oscar, and Silvia all heard our testimonies that Christ lives and because of Him we can live again too. Eight children of God know that His spirit can be found in taking the emblems of the sacrament on Sunday. It's not about the goals, and it was a heck of a way for Little to close out (cerrar) her mission. God loves our effort.
Best!
Hna Wheeler
Week 56: Llamados
"De modo que, si tenéis deseos de servir a Dios, sois llamados a la obra"
"Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work"
I love that there are no stipulations to being called to serve God. If you have the desire, you are "llamado" to participate. It doesn't require a nametag or any special abilities apart from just a sincere heart. I hope we all take advantage of the chance to serve as much as we can.
In other news, I have a new companion! Hermana Schoetz is AWESOME and I'm learning so much from her already.
Love you all!
Hna Wheeler
Week 47: Sueños
Good morning everyone! I hope you all slept well!!
Spain stuff
Elisabet from Logroño got baptized!!
Temple
I know I know, when my email didn't come through yesterday you thought you'd gotten out of reading it for once, but here I am coming at you on a Tuesday because we're headed to the temple one more time! I'm feeling very blessed this morning to live close enough that that's a possibility.
This week I got to listen to the song "Sueños" by Un Corazón. Sueños means dreams, and, roughly translated, this is how it starts.
They says that God has dreams,
eight billion dreams.
They say you are one of them.
Look what a beautiful reflection you are of Him.
I love this idea so much. Imagine God in heaven, looking down, dreaming of the moment He gets to be with us again and hoping we'll make the decisions that will let us. God is no indifferent creator, only mildly curious to see what happens in His little science experiment. He is our father and we are everything to Him.
"For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39)
I love you and God loved you more!
Hna Wheeler
PS. It happens to be the 20th anniversary of the existence of my very favoritest bum, Lillian Hale Asay. Here's to 8 years of friendship and 80 more (catch us being absolute menaces at 108) 
Spain stuff
Elisabet from Logroño got baptized!!
Temple
Week 48: Reconocer
Happy Monday everyone!! Buckle up, because this week was crazy.
Tuesday: Temple day! Ran into everyone and their dog that I knew in my training. We had a big dinner with three of the zones in the mission, and one of the people we are teaching happened to show up during the activity where we were all acting out Book of Mormon stories. The first one was the sons of Lehi going back to Jerusamel for the daughters of Ishmael and he had some questions...
Wednesday: My last Zone Conference with President and Hermana Eastland! They trained on miracles, Jesus Christ, and our potential as missionaries and I cried a lot. Can't explain how grateful I am for them.
Thursday: Exchanges with Hermana Luthy in Cuatro Caminos! Part 3 here we go!
Friday: Miguel and Irene got married andddd
Saturday: Miguel got baptized! We almost had to go to the next city over because they said we couldn't use the baptismal font up until 3 hours before, but it all worked out.
Honestly though, this week was so amazing. As I was in Zone Conference and thinking about why the Eastlands matter so much to me, I realized it was because I feel like I've come to know Jesus Christ better through them.
Conocer means to know, but in a way that's more intimate that just knowing information. To conocer is to meet, or to get to know, or to be familiar with. Reconocer means to recognize, but I love how it involves the idea of to know again. The Eastlands have helped me to "reconocer" Christ. Genuinely, they're incredible examples of what it means to be Christlike and have helped me to feel His love so strongly.
I love this gospel and the imperfect people inside it. Sometimes it's messy, but it's helped me grow so much.
Love,
Hermana Wheeler
Week 49: Caridad
Hi everyone! How's it going? I hope spring hasn't turned into summer quite so quickly wherever you are as it has here. 
For today's email I took inspiration from the class we had in church yesterday. It was about the general conference talk "Charity -- a Sign of True Discipleship" by Michael B Strong. Charity (or caridad) is something I have thought about, studied, and prayed for very consistently on my mission. Personally, I think it's both the most important and the most difficult Christlike attribute to develop. In the church we generally define it as the pure love of Christ, and it encompasses so much compassion, service, and selflessness.
This week I had the blessing of being able to go on exchanges with both Hermana Willmott and Hermana Wright. They both taught me so much about missionary work, diligence, and especially charity. As I got to know them better I started to feel a little piece of how much they are loved by God. Sometimes, having patience, humility, and charity is really hard. If the mission has taught me anything it's that. No matter where or with whom you are, spending 24 hours seven days a week together just naturally includes moments of friction and differences in opinion.
Now more than ever I see so much contention in public discourse and the way we talk about each other. What if we took an extra minute to get to know someone, the things the love, the things they struggle with, and the things they hope for, before we make assumptions, judgements, and placed labels on them. Every single person on this earth is a beloved child of God, no matter what, and I want to do a better job of treating them as such even when I'm frustrated or disagree. As President Nelson has taught, peacemakers needed!
Love!
Hermana Wheeler
Week 50: Siete
This email is just to express my appreciation for the fact that you all have put up with fifty of these emails. Congratulations, that's a true accomplishment. If you don't read them anyway and are just wondering how the heck you got yourself into this, feel free to send me an email and I can copy you on the last one when I'm coming home.
PSA: Y'all are lucky today's weekly email isn't titled "sudor" because holy cow it's been a sauna up here. I'll let you look up that one on your own.
Raise your hand if you know what siete means!! As anyone who took a year or two of Spanish in high school could (hopefully) tell you, siete means seven. For those of you less familiar with the missionary calendar most transfers are six weeks, but once or twice every year there is a transfer with five weeks and then a transfer with seven weeks. The shorter transfers fly, and the longer ones are notoriously long. I was a little nervous about where I might end up for these siete semanas, but I am SO excited.
Starting next Thursday you can catch me in... BILBAO!! It's in Basque country on the northern coast of Spain, near to the border of France. There are lots of missionaries in the area, it's absolutely gorgeous, and best of all you'll be getting a reprise of my training because your favorite Aussie Hermana Bailey is going to be my companion!! I cannot tell you how thrilled I am. While I'm sad to be leaving everyone here in Torrejón, I know God knew this was a change I needed. I'm so grateful for inspired mission leadership and the opportunity to see what this new adventure brings.
On an unrelated note, here's a scripture that has to do with the number seven!
Matthew 18
21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven
Forgiveness is so important and it brings blessings! Love you!!
Hermana Wheeler
PS I took no photos this week sorry
Week 51: Ánimo
Buenas tardes amigos! I hope it's been a happy day for you!
In case I didn't talk about it enough last week, I'm currently in Bilbao!! Long story short, it's gorgeous, it was only hotter than 100ºF once, the ward is amazing, and it feels like I'm hanging out with my best friend all the time. I adore it.
While it was so sad to leave old friends in Torrejon, it's been so fun to get a fresh start and a new boost of ánimo. Ánimo is best translated to energy, and I'm so grateful for the energy that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Every single one of us has the privilege of living in a world where God communicates with us directly. How thrilling is it to think that every time we feel the spirit, the creator of the universe has considered us important enough to address personally. If His call to serve and follow Him isn't energizing, I don't know what is. I'm so grateful for the purpose my mission has given me and for my Heavenly Father's willingness to show His hand in my life. If you can't see or feel that influence yet, keep trying. Pray, read the scriptures, and go to church. It's the little things that make all the difference.
Love,
Hna Wheeler
Week 52: Albedrio
Hi everybody!! I'm very short on time today because we're about to head to San Sebastian for exchanges so I'll get straight to it.
Albedrio! Agency: every missionary's least favorite word. It's actually kind of a running joke about how frustrating it is that everyone gets to choose for themselves whether to accept the gospel and God's love or not. We all know they need it and that it would make them happy, but most everyone we speak with is doing okay enough where they're at that they don't feel the need to explore a new religion, even if we do say it'll bless their lives. Sometimes it can be draining when lesson after lesson falls through and people decide over and over again that church isn't a priority.
When I think about it though, I'm so grateful for the gift that agency is. How amazing is the power to choose for ourselves the kind of life we want to live, and, through our actions, where and with whom we want to live after this life. It's such a miracle that Christ was willing to suffer so much so that we could fail so much without being eternally bound to the consequences of every mistake. Thanks, God, for agency and the atonement that lets us be forgiven for using it badly.
Love, Hermana Wheeler
Week 53: Atrever
PSA: Y'all are lucky today's weekly email isn't titled "sudor" because holy cow it's been a sauna up here. I'll let you look up that one on your own.
Hi everybody!! I'm very short on time today because we're about to head to San Sebastian for exchanges so I'll get straight to it.
Albedrio! Agency: every missionary's least favorite word. It's actually kind of a running joke about how frustrating it is that everyone gets to choose for themselves whether to accept the gospel and God's love or not. We all know they need it and that it would make them happy, but most everyone we speak with is doing okay enough where they're at that they don't feel the need to explore a new religion, even if we do say it'll bless their lives. Sometimes it can be draining when lesson after lesson falls through and people decide over and over again that church isn't a priority.
When I think about it though, I'm so grateful for the gift that agency is. How amazing is the power to choose for ourselves the kind of life we want to live, and, through our actions, where and with whom we want to live after this life. It's such a miracle that Christ was willing to suffer so much so that we could fail so much without being eternally bound to the consequences of every mistake. Thanks, God, for agency and the atonement that lets us be forgiven for using it badly.
Love, Hermana Wheeler
Week 54: Exigente
This week was so amazing! We spent Thursday and Friday in Pamplona during the festival of San Fermin, better known as the running of the bulls. We were there for exchanges so we didn't get to see the event itself, but the way the whole city dresses up in white and red and the festival energy is impressive. The only part I don't recommend is the smell of the streets after the better part of the population spends all night drinking red wine and (judging by the stains) throwing it on each other.
One of the exchanges I did was with a missionary in her third week in Spain. It was so fun to see in her the same enthusiasm, curiosity, and greenie fire I remember feeling in my training. However, it also reminded me how exigente, or demanding the mission is. Adjusting can be a struggle, especially as you come to terms with how much is asked of you so you can truly represent Jesus Christ. It is a sacrifice, but it's so worth it.
One special moment was watching fireworks together on the roof of their apartment. Especially with the fourth of July being so recent, it's a tradition I had missed. I just felt how truly God is mindful of me and my happiness.
God knows you and He loves you more than you can know!!
Hermana Wheeler
Week 55: Pilas
What's up everyone?
Is there anyone from MTC district 17-H still reading these emails who wants to remind us what the word "pilas" means? Nobody? Guess you're stuck with me.
Pilas means batteries, and in Spanish there's a phrase, "ponte las pilas" which means, literally, put in the batteries. It's kind of the equivalent of "get your head in the game." It's something my district said all the time in the missionary training center to keep us on track. This week was really fun, because it really felt like we were finally able to get our heads in the game.
This transfer has been so incredible, but some parts of the work have been challenging as we've frequently been out of our area. This was our first week fully in Bilbao, and we really wanted to see miracles. I wouldn't trade living in a quad for anything and it's no excuse, but sometimes it can make obedience in the small things a little more difficult. As a way of showing God our desire to be instruments in His hands, we focused on being more exactly diligent and obedient and it made all the difference.
This week more of our appointments went through, it was easier to find members, we took advantage of the small opportunities, and for the first time since I've been here we've had more the two people come in person to church. Granted, it was only three but baby steps. It felt like by holding ourselves more accountable, we put the batteries in and everything lit up. I really trust that every time we put in effort, God sees it and responds. Sometimes he responds fast and sometimes he responds slow, but he never just leaves us on read. He loves you. He is YOUR Father. Show Him you love Him back.
Best!
Hermana Wheels
Week 56: Faro
Hi everyone! Happy pioneer day!! My Australian companion refused to celebrate it as a holiday... fair enough honestly. It's on President Holland's Facebook though so take that.
This week was fun! Here's a few things I learned:
1. Las Arenas is beautiful. It's the area next to Bilbao right on the ocean and it's got some quality spots to sit and text all 800 people on the ward directory to invite them to an activity.
2. The best chapter in scripture is Moses 6.
3. Facebook works! I think for the first time in my mission, I taught an in-person lesson to someone I found on Facebook (other than through English Class).
4. I have trust issues. Too many canceled lessons and unkept promises.
5. English people are the best people and they won't hesitate to let you know. 
Love you Hermana Willmott!! Genuinely though, can't tell you how glad I am to have done three exchanges (and counting!) with you.
Love you Hermana Willmott!! Genuinely though, can't tell you how glad I am to have done three exchanges (and counting!) with you.6. The proper response to being bashed by a Jehovah's Witness in the middle of a lesson, as demonstrated by our ward mission leader David: "have you ever heard of the first vision?"
7. I LOVE being a missionary. Just kidding, already knew that. I have been thinking a lot more though every time I put on my nametag, because I know the days I get to wear it are numbered. It's such a privilege to represent Christ in such a complete and visual way, and I don't want to waste a moment.
Speaking of Christ, today I wanted to talk about light. Specifically, lighthouses, or "faros"! I've talked about these before, but last week, we went and visited a lighthouse on the coast and it reminded me of this scripture in Matthew 5, from the sermon on the mount.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
We can ALL share Christ's light if we have the confidence to stand out. A lighthouse doesn't do a whole lot hiding in a canyon. They're always on a hill. You know what I mean. Be the light, and be a mirror for the light of others!
Love,
Hermana Wheeler
Week 57: Justo
Buenos días a todos!!
Yes, I know what you're thinking: "dang, she must really be running out of words." Well, that might be true, but maybe today's word of the week doesn't mean exactly what you're thinking. The word "justo" actually has six translations on SpanishDict, but today I want to talk about a couple of my favorites.
Every day, I wear a ring that has the letters CTR on it. It stands for "choose the right," or in Spanish, "haz lo justo." So, justo means right or righteous, but I also love how it also means just as in justice or justified. To be justified before God is to be worthy to be in His presence. Unfortunately, as God is perfect that also demands perfection of us. We all by our own efforts fall woefully short. Fortunately, that's where Jesus Christ, the atonement, and baptism come in!
Moses 6:60
For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified
When we are baptized, our sins are washed away, making us clean so the spirit can justify us, preparing us for the presence of God. Then, by the power of Christ's sacrifice we are sanctified, made holy and worthy. I'm so grateful that God gave us a way out of our own sin!
Highlights from this week:
I ran into my Aunt, Uncle and cousins completely on accident! I knew they were going to be in Bilbao but wasn't sure exactly when so we didn't make plans to cross paths. Apparently God did though, so they saw me from across the street and were able to come to church.
We had a ward movie night where we got to watch Ferdinand and so many of our friends and recent converts came!
This Saturday we got transfer news and Hermana Bailey and I get to stay together in Bilbao!! I am beyond thrilled with this news and can't wait to see what we can do with another six weeks in this area. Everyone else in our district is training, and we'll have a general authority visiting the mission in a few weeks which is exciting!
Love you all!
Hermana Wheeler
P.S.
I did my traditional bi-transfer update of this so check it out! Or don't, either way
Week 58: Afanarse
Feliz verano everyone! Happy summer! The last few weeks in Bilbao have been absolutely gorgeous, but these days the heat has been reminding us that it's still August, regardless of which part of Spain you're living in.
This was such an amazing week! Transfers are always chaotic if you're changing areas or companions, but Hermana Bailey and I had one of our quietest weeks in a while. It was so fun to lock in and truly focus all of our efforts on being the most effective and spirit-led missionaries we can be, and we absolutely saw the fruits of that. Here are a few miracles and tender mercies we experienced this week:
- We were able to find so many people through contacting people who have shown interest in learning English and asking them if they want to learn about the gospel!
- One of the people who we invited to English class showed up four hours early, but we were in the church studying and were able to give her a tour with a member.
- I got to spend Friday with one of the other Bilbao hermanas, Hermana Sorensen!! She's my running buddy and one of the kindest people I know. I'm so grateful for her example of humility and desire to improve.
- We had a lesson with our amazing friend Rubiela that we could not find a member for despite asking what felt like half the ward, but right before a member walked in and was able to help! She was perfect and bore such a strong testimony of exactly what Rubiela needed to hear.
- Hermana Bailey felt prompted to contact a couple friends that we stopped teaching a month ago because we were never able to meet. They finally showed up and we had a great lesson!
This was one of those weeks where it felt like everything just came together. There have been a lot of frustrating moments in the last transfer when it felt like we just weren't seeing the results we wanted to, but this week reminded me everything happens in God's timing. Our diligent efforts are never wasted, even if it takes us a while to see that.
"Afanarse" means to toil or worry. It reminds me of when I try to control every outcome by my own choices, but the scriptures tell us "no os afanéis."
"Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on... Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" (3 Nephi 13:25-27)
Trust God. He's got this. His timing is perfect. All the best,
Hermana Wheeler
Week 59: Permaneced
Happy back to school everyone!! This week my comp and I were discussing how back to school is essentially a holiday and turns out, in Australia you get the first three days of school off for "pupil-free day" and it literally is.
Wow, this week was a veritable hang-on-for-dear-life roller coaster and I feel like it gives a pretty accurate impression of how important flexibility is as a missionary. Let's break it down.
Monday: had to forego our weekly diversion to travel to the oven of Spain, aka Madrid, but finished the day feeling thoroughly inspired to be a more faithful missionary
Tuesday: successfully avoided leaving evidence of our presence in Madrid because our bus left before group photos were taken
Wednesday: burger king trip #1 after district council and taught some kids how to play "Down By the Banks" to the great entertainment of their grandmother
Thursday: exchanges, tacos al pastor, and horchata with former companion Hermana Ladeira!! Had 5 citas cancel but 5 happen and burger king trip #2 for dinner with missionaries from Portugal, Cabo Verde, Brazil, Perú, Bolivia, and me
Friday: power went out at 2pm because we had too many fans running thanks to the above 110ºF weather. Flipped the breaker and nothing happened so it was burger king trip #3
Saturday: turns out there was another breaker behind the only painting in the house we hadn't knocked off the wall looking for it. Also, pão de queijo
Sunday: got locked out of our building for an hour because our key got jammed in the door and the only person in the building who answered their doorbell refused to come down
Anyway, sometimes life is exhausting, but it always reminds us to be humble and trust God. A word I love in Spanish is "permaneced," which means abide. I love how the root word is based on the idea of permanence. I want God's spirit to be with me permanently. As the song says:
Abide with me; ’tis eventide.
The day is past and gone;
The shadows of the evening fall;
The night is coming on.
Within my heart a welcome guest,
Within my home abide.
O Savior, stay this night with me;
Behold, ’tis eventide.
Sometimes, things are literally and metaphorically dark. Power out. Miraculously, with Christ, we don't have to fear.
Hna Wheeler
Week 60: Ungido
Hi everyone! Weekly email, short version!
Highlights:
- Exchanges, an art showcase by a member, and more tacos with the iconic Hermana Burton!
- Homemade Columbian arepas courtesy of Hermana Rojas and celebrating life with my classic blackberry mocktails
- Early morning trip to the cathedral in Burgos while we waited for our bus
- Miracle 5 people at church!!
- Discovering the questions of modern art at the Guggenheim (mostly "why?")
- Souvenir shopping 
Word of the week: ungido
Well, did I get you? I'm hoping at least this week it wasn't too obvious.
"Ungido" means anointed. This week I've been thinking a lot about the different names of Jesus and decided to study the most obvious: Christ!
Growing up, I always thought Jesus was born with the last name Christ, as if it was Joseph's last name too. I didn't realize until later that it's actually a word with a Greek root meaning "the anointed one." It's a synonym for "Messiah," which has the same meaning but is an Aramaic word.
So why is this the title we always associate with Jesus? Well, it's one He claimed for himself! In Luke 4:16-22 He gives a reading out of the book of Isaiah. He reads:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised."
Then, He makes a claim that the Nazarenes could not believe: "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." He claims Himself as the anointed one. He is the one chosen and set apart to deliver us from God. Everything in the gospel revolves around His great mercy and sacrifice. I hope that as I continue to serve here in Spain, that I can get to know Christ a little more deeply and understand His love a little more purely. We all need to "seek this Jesus" (Ether 12:41).
Sincerely,
Hermana Wheeler
Week 61: Mano
Hi everyone!
The word "mano" has been both the greatest frustration and greatest joy of my mission. It's been the greatest frustration because the word is feminine so its "la mano" not "el mano" and I NEVER get it right. However, it's also been the greatest joy because it means hand, and seeing the hand of God in this work never ceases to amaze me.
This week we went to Madrid on Tuesday, had zone conference on Wednesday, came back on Thursday, and did exchanges on Friday. Hermana Bailey and I only had Saturday and Sunday as a companionship in our area, so we were stunned when we realized this week was the best our numbers have ever been in the 11 weeks we've been companions. Honestly, so much of our time together it has felt like all planting and no reaping, but this week God pulled out the stops.
My favorite miracle was that on our way home from Madrid, I picked up a call from an unknown number. A woman introduced herself as Javiana and said she wanted to see the church, so we gave her a tour layer that day and the spirit was so strong. On Sunday, not only did she come to church, but she brought her mother and 8-year-old daughter with her. We were able to teach all three about the Book of Mormon and are so excited to see how they progress.
God is real and He's never far away, even when it feels like it. You just have to look for His hand.
Love,
Hermana Wheeler
P.S. If I didn't respond to your email today I'm so sorry, I didn't write any but I love you!!
Week 62: Siempre
Buenas noches amigos! We worked in the morning today, so I'm writing this email in the dark which is fun.
"But behold I said unto them that: As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us."
I know I know, I talk about el arrepentimiento, or repentance, like every single week but it's never been the word and this week I'm just so grateful for the chance we all have to change and improve every single day. My companion said something I loved this week about how so often we think that the prophets must not need to repent very much, but they probably repent more than anyone. Any time we make a change to be closer to who God wants us to be, that's repentance. I've seen that process bless me and my friends.
Siempre means always or forever! Here are some things that will be true forever:
- the library is my happy place
- ugly christmas sweaters are not a seasonal item
- baguettes hit different in Logroño
- making promises with God brings people JOY
- I'm not a latina mom and therefore am not immune to hot oil
- you're never to old to hide under a playground in the rain playing skull king
- God's mercy ♡
In case you don't want to take my word for it on that last one, go give Psalm 136 a read. It assures us that Christ's mercy endures forever in every verse: 26 times! The last one reads: "O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever." How grateful do we all need to be for that? I'm so glad forgiveness and second chances are para siempre. Maybe we can all work on being a little more merciful to each other too.
Love,
Hermana Wheeler
Week 63:
Hi!!
Volver means to return, and that's right everyone, this week I'm going back to Madrid once again! I have LOVED serving in Bilbao, and my heart hurts a little to be leaving so soon. I've served in Madrid twice before, and on Thursday I'll arrive in Fuelabrada, the suburb right next door to where I started my mission in Leganés. When I found out, it was easy to feel just a bit disappointed, but someone reminded me that if I'm going back it's because there's something I still need to do there. This reminded me of a story in the Book of Mormon, where the prophet Nephi also has to try three times before seeing success. In 1 Nephi 3:15, he says:
Or in my case:
"But behold I said unto them that: As the Lord liveth, and as [I] live, [I] will not go down unto [my parents] in [Utah] until [I] have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded [me]."
Fuenlabrada will likely be my last area in the mission, and if that's where God needs me, then that's where I'll go.
Love,
Hna Wheeler
Week 64: Vacio
Hi!
This is Hermana Wheeler reporting in from the most iconic of Madrid missionary hangouts, Domino's. Clearly unlimited pizza for $8 is something no Elder can resist.
Being in Fuenlabrada has been such an adventure! My new companion, Hermana Barber is from Tri-Cities, Washington. She's determined, fearless, outgoing, and so, so kind! The area isn't too pretty on the outside, but the members are AMAZING. There haven't been sister missionaries in the area for a couple years, so they're all so excited to see us and invite us into their homes. On Saturday we had a lesson but forgot we still don't have a key to the church, so the member who was accompanying us took us to a cafe for lemonade instead. One of our other friends came to church an hour and a half late, but left with a new dress, money for the bus, and a ride home. It's been truly inspiring to see how the people here love and embrace both us and the people we invite to come and see.
On the down side, being the first sisters in a long time means everything is "vacio," or empty. Empty email inbox, blank contact list, no message history in WhatsApp, and one solitary record in our teaching history (the missionaries here know how uncanny it is to not have gray dots). Even our apartment is looking pretty sparse since our furniture won't be delivered until this Thursday. Fortunately, Heavenly Father blessed us with amazing senior missionaries who've supplied us with mattresses, a couple folding chairs, and a fan. Madrid summer is still hot.
All of this emptiness really helped me to appreciate Luke 1:53, which tells us that Christ "hath filled the hungry with good things." He knows when we need His help and is there to fill us every time we turn to Him. Because His tomb was left empty, we can all live again. I know He lives and that He will fill the empty spaces in our hearts.
With love,
Hermana Wheeler
Week 65: Apresurar
Hi everyone! How are you?
If you keep up with church news or even just happen to be on any number of missionaries' email lists, you're probably aware that on Saturday, President Russell M Nelson, whom we sustained as God's living prophet on the earth, passed away. He was a model example of true and lifelong discipleship of Christ, and in my family we are particularly grateful for his innovation as a heart surgeon as well as his inspired direction for our church. Today I wanted to share something he said a couple general conferences ago.
"My dear brothers and sisters, do you see what is happening right before our eyes? I pray that we will not miss the majesty of this moment! The Lord is indeed hastening His work"
I love that word: "hastening," or "apresurando." I'm so grateful for how President Nelson has led the Lord's work here on the earth, and I'm sure he won't slow down in heaven. I've seen the hastening of the preparation of God's children in so many ways here, but mostly I'm just grateful to be a part of it. We all have a part to play!! We can all bring a little more kindness, a little more love, a little more peace-making, and a little more light into the world. Don't miss the opportunity to share the things that bring you joy.
In other news: we finally as of this morning have furniture and won't be sleeping on the floor anymore! We taught young womens on Sunday, and our 15 year old friend Mariana taught us salsa on Saturday! Friday we tried arroz negro (paella with squid ink) and on Thursday I had baleadas again for the first time since my training. Wednesday the Ruppes were once again our saving angels and stocked us with pantry staples and spices, and by this point I no longer remember Tuesday.
Don't forget about the good in the world!
Hermana Wheeler
Week 66: Sostener
Hi everyone! I'm coming in with the Wednesday update because we're on our way to the temple! It's been a few months since I've been so I feel so grateful.
This week went so fast! We had zone conference on Tuesday and got to spend a lot of time with our friends Sandra and Mariana. Sandra's the first person we ever called or met with here in Fuenlabrada and it's been so fun to see her faith grow over the last few weeks. She truly feels like God has been calling her and has found a peace here that she hasn't found anywhere else. Mariana is her 15-year-old niece, and despite being a little quieter and (according to her aunt) a bit of a rebel she has felt the spirit and wants to come closer to Christ. She set the goal to be baptized on October 26th! General conference was incredible. On Sunday, we were at the church from 9:30am to 8:30pm watching with friends and members, and I love how spiritually nourished I felt at the end of the day.
Sostener means to sustain. General conference is the opportunity we have every 6 months to sustain the leaders of our church. To sustain is to hold up, support, and endorse. We stand behind our leaders, and they sustain us as they share revelation they've recieved and teach us to recieve our own. I'm so grateful for all of the people who serve in the church and for the chance we will have soon to sustain a new prophet, President Dallin H Oaks.
Have a great week!
Hermana Wheeler
Week 67: Fiesta
Okay, this one's easy!! This week was all about the party.
Guardar: not guard, keep! Well, also guard but today I want to talk about "guardando los mandamientos" or keeping the commandments.
Party #1:
We went to the temple on Wednesday and were able to participate in sacred ordinances on behalf of our deceased ancestors. It was really cool because I did the endowment of Caroline P Wickes, my 5th great aunt. While I was waiting, I realized I performed her initiatory back in May the last time I went to the temple! Party in heaven for sure.
Party #2:
My third exchange with Hermana Dixon! We made so many cookies, had some really good lessons, threw balloons at our students in English class, and then finished the day by visiting my old apartment in Leganés where I started my mission and she lives now. Immediately after walking in my Kebab craving kicked in and I had to order delivery just for old times sake. Sure enough, "Kebab Man" is still saved in their area contacts. Shout-out to Aly Turner for introducing me. 
Party #3:
Dia de las Naciones!! Okay, this is literally the biggest party of the whole year here. It's around the 12th of October, which is National Spanish Day, but since most of the church here is made up of immigrants we celebrate every country represented by the members. We even had our own USA table, complete with brownies, hot dogs, and rice krispie treats. Every country performed a dance or song and our rendition of Cotton Eye Joe/Party in the USA/Eye of the Tiger/Country Roads was a crowd favorite.
All of these parties reminded me of the royal wedding banquet described in Matthew 22. If you're not familiar with the story, basically all the guests make excuses for why they can't attend, so the king invites everyone, regardless of background to come and partake of the feast. God has invited us all to the table! The only question is whether or not we're willing to make the sacrifice to get there. I know it's worth it. Don't miss your chance to feel that joy and belonging.
Love,
Hna Wheeler
Week 68: Guardar
Hi!
Something I have learned on my mission is that God does not give us commandments just because. He doesn't find joy in meaningless restrictions or being controlling. As He teaches in Moses 1:39, "this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." God's commandments are tools and blessings for us. They're protections that help us guard our discipleship, honor the things that matter most, and have confidence in approaching His presence. This week went taught a couple of our friends about a lot of commandments, and I was so inspired by their willingness to make changes in their lives.
In other news, transfer call was on Saturday! Hermana Barber and I get to stay another transfer (yayyy!!) and we'll be getting two more sisters in Fuenlabrada which was a huge surprise but so exciting!
Wishing you the best week!
Hna Wheeler
Week 69: Rey
"Viene el rey!!"
Today, we went to the royal palace. Surprisingly, that is not where we heard the phrase "The King is coming!!" That was at another building outside and down the street. I love that phrase though. It feels so appropriate for a missionary email.
Matthew 24:44
"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh"
Jesus Christ is coming! We all need to be ready to receive Him.
Week 70: Empapado
Holisss gente!
This week was pretty normal, but I'm so grateful for all of the little special moments that make missionary work so special.
On Monday night our friend Mariana accepted the invitation to be baptized on the 16th of this month. It was so beautifully humbling and inspiring to hear her describe how even though she was scared, something inside of her was telling her that yes, she needs these blessings. I hope to see her faith and spiritual momentum continue to grow over the next couple weeks.
This week we've spent a lot of time with our Evangelical friend Johanna and our Catholic friend Emmily. It's been so interesting to see how although they both come from different religious backgrounds, the attitude and perspective they bring towards learning new truths has made all the difference in the spiritual change they've felt in their lives.
On Friday we had a not-Halloween Halloween gala! For context, people here either think Halloween is a satanic holiday or dress like it is, so we don't celebrate Halloween in the church. Apparently it's fine if it's a primary activity at Popeyes though. My salsa and bachata are coming along (somewhat.)
All in all, this week I've really been thinking about the relationships I've been able to form thanks to my mission. Companions, roommates, friends, and members have all made my time in Spain so special. "Empapado" is a new word I learned this week. It means soaked, and while we did get thoroughly soaked this week in the first big autumn rainstorm, I'm just soaking (is empapando a word?) up every moment and all the love.
The best relationship of all the ones I've built on my mission is my friendship with Christ. I love how this church teaches that we can know Him personally. When we come unto Him, we will be filled.
3 Nephi 27:16
And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.
Love,
Hermana Wheeler
Week 71: Vacío
3 Nephi 20:
8 And he said unto them: He that eateth this bread eateth of my body to his soul; and he that drinketh of this wine drinketh of my blood to his soul; and his soul shall never hunger nor thirst, but shall be filled.9 Now, when the multitude had all eaten and drunk, behold, they were filled with the Spirit; and they did cry out with one voice, and gave glory to Jesus, whom they both saw and heard.
I love this scripture! Vacío means a void or an emptiness. So many times in my life I've felt empty or as though something was missing, and I know that's something not unique to me. I've felt Christ's love fill my heart in those moments, especially as I participate in sacred ordinances like the sacrament. That peace is available to all of us if we're willing to receive it!
This week was amazing, and I'm so grateful for the lessons I learned about setting and working towards goals. I know God helped us reach ours.
Lots of love!
Hna Wheeler
Week 72: Arrepentimiento
Hey everybody!
Love,
Hermana Wheeler
P.S. The member put the filter on the picture, not me I promise
Week 73: Paso
Our friend Mariana made it and was baptized yesterday! What a privilege and beautiful experience to be a part of her progress and path towards having a covenant relationship with God and Jesus Christ. It's been a long journey with a lot of "pasos," or steps, and the last one was really hard for her. We were standing in the changing room next to the baptismal font, with the member who baptized her already in the water and everyone watching. All of the sudden she got SO nervous and told us she couldn't do it, but we said a prayer and with a little encouragement she was able to take that next step. She told us after that the minute she came out of the water all of her nerves just disappeared and she felt peace. Moral of the story: with the help of Christ, we can do even the things that feel very hardest.
Other highlights:
- Thanksgiving food 3 times!!
- Spending time with friends and members
- Christmas lights in Fuenlabrada and downtown Madrid
God loves you and I do too!
Hna Wheeler
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