Elder Bradey Wilde

8 Months Left,,,, Can you believe it?

2010-01-21T18:53:00.002-07:00

My dearest Mom and Dad,

First off… HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! I sure hope you have a great one and it sounds like you guys had a great family party. I’m glad to hear its warmin up a lil. And thanks for the talk, the lil I read sure helped already. So ill answer your questions first. (plus not to much happened this week to talk about.)As for the package, I received the very sweet one from grandma and it was SWEET!!! So be sure to give her a big hug and thanks from me, and to tell The lundskog fam thanks for the sweet shirt too :0) but the package had everything I need, so im sittin very well. So anything you think of would be great, some pics would be nice;0) things are good here tho… so mom, you talked of the dump day package, haha thrunky??? Me too occasionally, I will honestly say, that gets me through the tough days sometimes, knowin in a short while…. Yeah. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the work, But in the dump day package some more contact solution would be nice, just to be safe, I have 1 full bottle from grandmas package and also have about 1/3 bottle left. So don’t worrie till then. I was offered a big worm to eat but saved it and have it wrapped up to bring to you guys haha. I couldn’t eat it, it just smelled like grass. But im pretty sure ive eatin much worse, ha… I wear a 7 ¼ hat size.
So I hope that answers all. If not… next week. So dad, I really enjoyed your quote, its true too, sometimes were hard on ourselves, expecting to be perfect now, but that’s what this life is for… workin on perfection. So as we do our best I’ve learned the lord is pleased. A quote I really like is from the Late Elder wirthlin, “we are created as much out of the dust of eternity as we are out of the dust of the earth, and with that we have potential we can hardly imagine.” And one from the last mission conference I really liked from pres monsen “find joy in the journey for you only get to take it once.” And the one from me this week “keep things around you that make you smile, for you can get through anything in this ol life with a smile…”
So those are my thoughts, along with 1 ne 9: last verse
I really don’t have any stories for you this week, just broadly its been cool to see how the Lord is blessing us with solid new investigators, it seems like everyone we teach just leads us to someone else, I feel pretty dang blessed to be here… I still love relating things to baseball and hunting, we went on exchanged twice this week and it was way sweet, I learned a lot and had a stroger desire to just play ball, quit worri’n about lil things, just step out on the field and play with all my heart, leaving it all out there. Its like here when you worrie about the small lil things is like when you get up to bat thinking about are my feet right, my elbow down, whats he going to throw… it doestn work, just step up, relax and hit what comes at ya, if he beens you, smile, maybe wink at him, and then make him pay….
Godwin and pricilla continue to do great, they are workin for the temple now, they introduced us to his brother malvin who is less active, and his wife is not a member, we taught the restoration to her and she loved it, and then wathched the dvd of the restoration and they loved it too... so we'll see what the lord has in store.

So mom, happy birthday, tell beemer too. I sure love you guys and will deffinatly talk to ya soon. Have a wonderful week and know your son loves you and prays for you always, and im doing really good, so don’t worrie, just enjoy the warmth as it comes and this lil journey in our lifes. I love you.
Your son.
Elder bwilde

Happy Thanksgiving from South Africa

2009-11-23T16:37:00.002-07:00

My Dearest Mom and Dad,

WOOOO!!!! I received a SUPER SWEET package this week and I'm going to have a Great thanksgiving, they don’t celebrate it here, and I'm not in an area with couple missionary's so we will be on our own for thanksgiving, but with the sweet package you sent, we’re going to have cake at night and probably buy a chicken dinner at kfc. Ill let ya know, but it sounds like you have a great week planned… so keep me posted.

That was sweet to hear about Austin and also that Danette is doing good. And also that the whole family is doing well, its cool to think in a couple transfers I should be hearing really good news about a new lil niece…

So mom and dad, the package was so sweet, I'm truly grateful, it carried so much love to me here in Africa, you don’t even know, the ring fits perfectly mom, and all the candy and really good cereal was just perfect too… Ive already started to enjoy it lots. All the church news are good to, I've been reading em lots. The Reese's pieces are the best and I have been snacking on those lots… the ricks study reference book was so sweet, I'm already using it lots… I cant believe I didn’t study more back home…but anyways its just so nice to have some normal stuff to eat… but mom, grandma was asking for some ideas, if she is still sending something some vitamins, socks, and more contact solution would be great, if not, its no problem. I'm very well set. So thank you so very much. I WISH I COULD TRULY TELL YOU… so I will when we talk in a few weeks.

I'm putting together a small package for you guys… so we’ll see, it just has a couple lil things in it. Mom, get a nice ipod, and for the wii, ask dad, haha, you know I think it’d be fun… but I should’t have to much say…

So as for some stories, first off, it was really sad to hear about Pres. Blackburn, especially after talking with him so much when he worked on my toes about mission, its really weird to think about, but I'm glad to hear the family is doing well, if you get a chance send my regards… I will keep them in my prayers… Something tho, elder rod and I talked for about an hour Friday night just about death and looked through scriptures and stuff, and it was just a really good study, I found a quote that basically says that death is just as necessary as birth is in this Great plan of God. And that its just another step onto the way to Eternal life… and Rod shared how peaceful and comfortable it would be to shake off a body that has pain and age in it. So its cool to think how we talked about it and then I hear this today, not that its bad, but anytime we hear of a friend or really anyone passing on its pretty darn tough, so im greatful for the knowledge our Heavenly Father has blessed us to have…

On to a lighter note, The work is Going absolutely Great this week, things just continue to progress, the Holidays are throeing a wretch into things but its good, we helped a family prepare for a party, and rod and I grated tomato's, like 100 or so, haha, it was so funny to have all the Go’go’s laughing at the white guys doing women's work… haha. They loved it tho. As for a funny story, we had a lady feed us liver and potato's, hahaha, liver blah, but the funny part was while we were eating, after about the second bite, I see rod look at me like “what is this” so I turn to sister Peggy and ask “this is liver right? (bcuz I've had it before and I did’t like it)” haha, she nodded her head and I see rod shiver thinking he has to finish his plate. Haha, he just shook his head at me and after said “you couldn’t wait until after we were done to ask that…” haha we both laughed about it tho. So there is a fun story. (yes I struggled to finish my plate too, but we both did.) this lady who fed us dinner is bringing lots of people to church so its so sweet.

Well, anyways there was lots that happened this week but I guess you'll have to wait and well go through my journal sometime, I'm already out of time. But mom and dad, I sure love you with all my heart and pray you guys continue to be guided in our heavenly fathers hands… thanks again so much for that sweet package… you guys are truly the best, and Elyse said something I really liked “its sure great that families are eternal huh” and its true, with that ill close.
I love you and miss you so much,
Talk to ya soon
Elder Bradey Wilde :0)

Letters from Bradey

2009-11-22T19:11:00.001-07:00

My Dearest Mom and Dad,
So I want to take care of some business first this time… We will have to probably talk more on Christmas… but we went shopping today and I bought a way sweet nativity, its just one piece of wood carved into the nativity, and I also bought another one that is 10 different lil wood carved pieces, its not as nice, but it was the only two styles they had so I got one of each, also, the one piece is way to heavy to send home so it will be 9 months probably. I also bought a way sweet chess set that’s carved out of stone, so I think you’ll like it, haha nerdy I know… and then mom, I got an eternal family with mom and dad and 3 kids. Its small but sweet, I wll try and get them home in a package. So now just let me know what else, there is tons of animal skins, lil rock or wood carvings, the animals that hold up a set of books… and lots of necklaces and bracelets, we’ll be going back in three weeks, and if you want any animal skins and wood masks or drums, or even a lil Noah's ark. Anyways let me know. Its all not to expensive either.
Well, some stories for the week… We helped sister Winnie make some chicken intestines, you can imagine. Speaking of making food, I'm the official breakfast maker of the flat… haha omelets or French toast every other morning, haha. So dad… just trying to follow your footsteps. Also as for a funny story: we went into the library here in saulsville looking for Tosca who ditched our appointment, and we walk into the study room and found about 1000 eyes (500 black people) looking at the to white men… haha, I gave them the shap (thumbs up) and they just stared and turned the pages of their books, it was the most awkward feeling I’ve ever had… haha. You can imagine… I also broke mission rules this week… well not really me, but I was forced to haha. So now that your worried. We have been teahing two lil twin boyz tiego and tisetso, who stay with their grandma Peggy, and their mom stays about 30 min away in mamalodi. She was at our appointment and we had last time givin her a bom, so when she saw us this time, she came up and just gave us a big hug and then she kissed our cheek. Haha, she was so excited… it was funny, usually the kisses we get are from old go go’s or drunk baba’s. As for spiritual, we had a great talk on the temple and atonement yesterday, I really enjoyed the quote “we come to church Sunday to learn of Jesus Christ, but in the temple we come to know him face to face.” And the best lesson was with Remember and Chris or Godwin and Priscilla, time is short so I will have to tell you next time tho… they are doing really good tho.We also played baseball/cricket in the street this week, it was so funny to have all the lil kids laughing and screaming. Mom, that was scary about the snow storm, I'm glad prayers are being answered. E. Rod and I are together until at least after Christmas… WOOO!!! That’s so cool what your doing for Christmas, and I should be getting that other package when the missionary's come back from transfers. So mom, and dad, I hope you enjoy this lil note and that you have a wonderful week, I pray our Heavenly Father will continue to guide your every Footstep… I sure love you guys… and will talk to ya soon
Love your son
Elder Bradey Lee Wilde.

Bowhunting in Africa

2009-08-21T10:15:00.004-07:00

Dear Mom, Dad, and My dear bowhunting brothers and family,
haha, well first off, dad and blake, Brandon, I totally understand and am happy that you weren’t able to email me, that’s what I was hoping for, that your having a great time “and cannot come down” as pres ukdorf would say, haha. But really I know you love me and I sure hope your enjoying the good ol bowhunt knowin next year ill be there!!! :0)
to answer some quick questions mom, transfers are next week, news is on Saturday im GREAT this week the only one that might go is elder kinto and as for today we might go to a traditional Africa party (lds style(that means no ancestral worship haha) ) but they will slaughter a sheep and have a big feast, I dunno yet tho… it would be fun. Sister Winnie… wow, we had a movie night at the church and watched the testaments and it went great, Winnie loved it and the spirit had the same effect if not more on her than that like everyone else, she cried through it… but it was great she will have her interview tonight and should be baptized this SUNDAY!!! :0) so if that’s the case my heart will be brim with joy! Her granddaughter Maxine is doing great too, man, she is understanding the Bom better than some missionaries and has incredible insights. She has to wait at least 3 months tho because she is only 13. But what was even more cool is we went on exchanges with our zone leaders, I went with elder nelson, he’s way cool, and we worked in town (flordia and roodeport) but what was the best is that not only did I get to drive a lil diesel truck (which I want to look for when I get home, it’s a lil 4 cylnder diesel and gets as good as gas milege as a car… its so sweet) but we checked on a referral and it was winnies niece and lil sister! Haha I walked in the door and was like do I know you? So that was really cool, elder nelson said he will probably put them on date next time they see them…
mom, I enjoyed your insight from the bom, as I was reading that I even thought “hey I bet this is how my mom feels :0) ” haha, so I really liked it if you want you can read my patriacle blessing and see how that applies.
As for some insights from me : in gospel principles we learned about how the family can be eternal which is one of my most favorite topics! There was a quote by a prophet that said “the most important of the Lords work you will do, will be the work you do within the walls of your own home.” It was a great lesson and I just really enjoyed thinkin about all of us… ill let you ponder that.
Also I enjoyed 1 nephi 17: 21 (dads advice) don’t look back. Make a decision and go with it, I applied it to mission, but we see how lamen and lameul look back and get depressed and mad thinkin of the could of’s and would haves, but if we just look forward and rely on the lord, the only reason to look back is to smile and remember precious memories.
So there is my teachings haha.
Well as for me, not much more to say im doing great here and the work is also. So its sweet! Rollin up on a year which is cool too… but the only problem, I almost want to fly home and punch those duche bags from magna in the face!!! Seriously tho… I will pray for some deer to attack them… im sorry about that… but really… what duches, dad, I hope youll still want to take me up on gentry when I get back… man…
But fam… I gotta get goin on this party day, good luck on the rest of the bowhunt and I hope school and things all go great, know your wildeboy here loves you guys so dang much and miss you tons, so just keep on keepin on and know ill be thinkin and prayin for you as I labor here in the lords vineyard.
I love you guys so much and hope you have a WONDERFUL week.
Love your son, brother, and grandson, and …
Elder Bradey Wilde

Huntin in Africa

2009-08-11T16:46:00.002-07:00

My Dear Mom and Dad and Family,
Hey so I hope your doing great, im really excited for the Package mom and dad and I Loved the voice mails, they were AWSOME and it was great to hear your voice and whats going on and even Winnie barking, hahaha.
Well guys, as for this week it was pretty rough, but good too…
Just a cool story, sister Winnie who is going to be baptized this month said she’s been feeling like there are evil spirits in her home and has been having lots of bad dreams, even on her street there has been about 10 funerals in the past month, so elder mutesasira and I decided we should dedicate her home, elder mutesa said a beautiful prayer and Winnie has said her home as been peaceful and quiet ever since… it was sweet, she is at peace now and just loves to sit and read the BoM. So there is my cool story, and we found her by what we called inspired tracting, we had free time, prayed for what house to go to, she was one of 2 that we chose and you can see how the lord prepares his children to meet us, she hadn’t been to church and the day we found her she said she had been praying to get back to being spiritual, we walked in while she was reading the bible, she said that is the best thing she could think of doing, pray and reading. So its been really cool to visit with her.
for the bowhunt 1 Nephi 16:14 also there is one in 1 Nephi 17 that says “arise and get thee into the mountain, haha” made me smile a lil
Spiritually mormon 9 : 27 I just liked it, especially with the standard of truth,
Also alma 26:27 this is my scripture for the week, I love a quote from joseph smith “I made this my rule: When the lord commands, DO IT.”
i really hope that waht you said about the rm in julies ward can be said about me, "what an accomplishment" and tell granma thanks for that great prayer...
Well, you wanted me to tell you about the area, its very famous and nelson mandelas old house is in our area, Look Soweto up on the internet and you’ll see a lot, there is so much history here and it’s the most famous township in Africa. I would take more pictures to send home but it’s a lil scary carring a camera on a bike, we get the car one day a week so ill get some pics for yall, but its basically lots of houses close together and there is always someone burning trash somewhere, its funny. The houses are small, some areas are squatter camps, where its just houses made out of anything you can find with tires and stuff holding the roofs on, we don’t do much work in there unless there are referrals… lets just say ill have some good stories to tell ya in about a year…. But the area is sweet and everyone is not white, the lil kids are the best, I love them so much, we always play soccer in the street with them and do magic tricks and stuff, then there are the really drunk baba’s (old men) that are stubling around all day, even at like 10 in the morning, but the best is that everyone is super friendly and always says hi to the malungu and lastly if you can try and look up house music, its basically just weird techno bass stuff, and that is blaring out of almost every third house, so you can imagine how weekends are here, don’t worrie tho, were smart and we are safe. The work is deffinatly improving a lot tho, its sweet.
Well guys I have to draw this to a close, I sure do love you and hope all of you have a great week. But really happy bowhunt and happy birthday dad, I hope you guys have a wonderful week and know your lil bro, son, is praying for you and thinking of you over here in Africa, I sure do love you and miss each one of you,
Love
Elder Bradey Wilde.
ps the weather is really nice, i havent been cold for a while now, it actually is already gettin hot, and thanks for the update on the yankees, thats so sweet!!! i always give my misson pres a hard time for bein a boston fan.

mlungu-it means white man, its my name‏

2009-07-30T17:34:00.004-07:00

this pic is of that sweet family, and i promise i havent grown another foot it just looks like it
My Dear Dad and Mom,
Wow, sounds like you guys had a great week and that all is going great:0)
Well, honestly, I don’t have to much to tell ya this week, just a GREAT week full of work. how are you guys, I loved hearin all you stories and that you took a break from campin, haha, I was getting pretty jealous, but now im even more jealous of the tribute, I listened to both of their cds this morning and even teared up a lil with the one about joseph and hyrum, man they are so good.
We had a way sweet baptisim, Cane Mdlalose had been taught since 2005 and his son is now o mission and he bore a powerful testimony after his baptism, he said “I wished Dumisani (his son in ghana) could be here, but I know he is bringing the joy and happiness that I feel today, to many families and people.” My heart burned, its so real, and this whole family is now forever changed by this gospel, they have plans for the temple and to be sealed together when he gets home…. It was truly amazing.
As for some fun stuff, im going to play some sand volleyball.
Well mom, if you could get me heaps physical address, I will send them a letter and some pictures, im afraid ive waited to long but I think itll still be good.
I sure do love you so much and just printed off some pictures of you guys at the lake and fourwheelin to ad to my collection. I sure miss you tons…. Its weird to think ive been in AFRICA for almost a year??? Yikes huh…. Its cool tho, I truly do love a lot of the things here (some I dis like) and I can already tell the the rest of my life will be forever changed, haha, I hope I can teach you guys some cool things ive learned.
But as for now, I just hope you have a wonderful week and feel of my love and gratitude for you guys, I really do feel your prayers every second.
Love your son,
Elder Bradey Lee WILDE

Just chillin in Africa

2009-07-20T19:17:00.005-07:00

Bralin on the Trail.
My Dearest Dad and Mom, First I’ll Answer some questions… I'm Doing GREAT this week, super busy, but great, its good to be busy too, time is fl yin. It does get cold but I'm going to buy a jacket probably today, y'all don’t have to worry, I have an extra blanket and its all good, the weather is really nice its just the houses are so cold, so we sleep with hot bottles of water in our beds. Teaching is great. And I'm feeling good:0) summer will start in September. My comp is way cool, since hes from Uganda tho and the other elder is, there is secret combinations going on…(because they are always speaking in Uganda) but its cool, no worries, my comp loves to work hard and is obedient so its great, he is 26 because in Africa if you start college you have to finish so that’s why… Elder cunico from lehi is still with me, he’s cool and we have a good time. We play soccer or something in the mornings to have fun… as for letters don’t worry to much, a package every once in a while is great and good emails… grandma does great with the letters, That’s really cool about Jordan taking the lessons, I sure hope and pray all goes great, I know if its done right, and he wants to know the spirit will take care of everything… I love missionary work……. Things need are....... maybe some pics or something, and maybe some pine brows, jk. Haha. Well some more business, they make lots of Scripture cases and stuff, wildebeest's and elephant and BOMS covered in the same, so if you want let me know and I will get y'all whatever. Check out our mission website, they should have a sweet addition soon. http://johannesburgmission.googlepages.com/home. Lastly, I learned a sweet Zulu word that will be the title of one of my emails in about a year, haha. Entabeni- it means “on the mountain” haha speaking of which mom, I think the song your thinking of is one I thought would fit the situation also, “I've never seen beautiful like a journeys end…” haha I sound trunky huh. I'm not tho. :0) the work is amazing here Dad, ill defiantly be looking forward to this trail, I cant imagine one better than we’ve been on already…. Well, I hope you enjoy this lil email, I'm really glad your having such a great summer and time is going for ya, cuz yeah, well make sure next summer is even better haha. We have a sweet guy Cane Mdlalose being baptized this Sunday, he has a son on mission in Nigeria and has been taught by missionary's since 2005, now something changed, I feel it’s the blessing of their son serving. Also Winnie and her granddaughter Maxine are doing great, they love having us over and so things are good. Also a sister Rebbecca that me and elder Graham from Orem tract ed into (he was in the mtc its fun in this area because we do blitz with the mtc elders and get to take them out into our areas for a couple hours) but we just taught her a 5 min restoration and invited her to church and she actually came, and really loved it and were continuing teaching this week. So talk about many mighty miracles our heavenly Father is working in this land. I sure do love you guys and hope you continue to have a great summer and continue fishing and having fun, and telling me. I love the pictures… Thanks so much for all you do mom and dad, I love you and miss you so much, but you guys have a wonderful week, and ill be talking to ya soon. Love your son Elder Bradey Wilde

Happy Birthday to Me........... Thanks...

2009-07-13T18:50:00.003-07:00

My Dearest Dad and Mom,
:0) THANKS SO MUCH for the super sweet birthday present!!! Wow was I surprised when I opened it up and didn’t find Blake's razor or my old watch, but a super nice razor and a super sweet watch that is more than what I wanted, now I have an good alarm clock and everything all built in one (also it has a times zone feature that I can press a button and see exactly what time it is back home, most the time you guys are asleep anyways, I loved it so much, the package was GREAT, Ive enjoyed the candy, cereal, church news, just everything.
Well I hope my next few comments will answer your questions mom and dad, um, transfers are Thursday and I'm STAYIN in dobsonville, its sweet, and my comp is leaving, I'm getting yes… another African comp but guess what he was in my MTC group his name is elder mutisasira from Uganda, hes like 24 and was way smart in the mtc, he stayed in my room, so I'm excited, we’ll see what happens, I should be here for at least 3 more months, maybe 4 and a half. As for other sweet news, I got an update on molepolole, Botswana, they have between 70 – 80 members every week now and the district made tshirts there and put all the names of elders that served there on it, So now I'm famous in Botswana. But the best is a story that made what I'm doing here seem worth it. The couple missionary up there said they went to a fast and testimony meeting and that there was a sweet old man named Samuel that bore his testimony, they said that he sounded like a great member of the church that had been a member for 50 years, but hear is the best part, they said he closed his testimony by saying that “ I had been praying and looking for the true church, and then 2 young missionary's (elder adongo and i) knocked on my door.” Man, Many mighty miracles, I wish I had more time to tell you how we found and taught this sweet old man, but basically, elder adongo and I just decided to knock on 2 doors in the whole area and he was one of them. He was baptised a couple weeks after I left….
So there is my cool story for the week, as for other news, your prayers were answered, I had a great birthday, the package was great, first thing I did was open it, then I studied and just had a great day, elder cunico bought me a sweet soccer jersey. And as for a funny story, what my companion gave me was he ate the chickin feet at our lunch appointment, haha, it still had some feathers on it.. blah, but it was a great day, so thanks so much mom and dad.
I'd like to leave a challenge if you’d like, y'all don’t have to, but I just started the BoM on my B-day and am just studin it everyday taking it slow, only for 15 min or so. So if y'all wanna join me, it might be fun.
As for everything else, the work is great, and its just going to get better!!! I had a good week and love your emails, I hope you guys have a wonderful week and I'm lookin forward to talking to ya again soon.
Love your son, Bradey
Elder Wilde

Winter in July .......

2009-06-22T15:53:00.002-07:00

My dearest Dad and Mom,
How are you guys, from your emails you sound great.
As for questions, the area is … I dunno, I wish I could just show you, its lots of lil houses close together. And since its winter everything has finally died and lost its leaves and the grass is really yellow. so this will be the weirdest july and august of my life probably…. Things are going great and the work is really doin lots better now… its sweet, lots of teaching and we found 9 solid new investigators this week, ones name is Winnie, haha, no joke she is a colored that speaks Afrikaans and is way cool, she fell in love with the book of mormon, and pointed out in the intro how Joseph Smith said ” the book is the most correct book than any on earth” and it was cool cuz most people get mad when they read that but she said its so sweet to see the confidence and knowledge the prophet had in the book to be able to say it… she already has a testimony, ill keep you updated. Mom, I cant believe school is startin so early, yikes, think of this a year from now how will you be feelin :0) and this is the last school year I wont be takin classes.That’s so cool you guys went up on gentry… man, I do miss that. And dad, I sure do hope you had a great fathers day, and I know you were takin care of, and I wont say to much because I started a letter yesterday that will just be for you :0) so I hope that’s ok and that you can wait… cuz I teared up just a lil when you talked about bralin and you and brand playin waffle ball, it really does fill like yesterday that we wildeboyz were doin that.
Well I hope and will continue prayin for Brand and Jac, I sure hope all the doctor stuff goes great and that they continue to be blessed.
And dad, its so true, all missionarys have a hard time, especially at the start, I can say that was defiantly the hardest time of my life, and every once in while we misionarys get a taste of those hard times. So im sure grateful for your prayers and all your love and sacrifices for me.
This week was so good tho, we had zone conference and it was really good, it was all about bettering ourselves and having pure good thoughts and attitudes, it was sweet, I wish I could just teach it all to you. one of the couple missionarys went we went over for snacks on Sunday night said “elder wilde do you always have a smile” haha, it was cool, a good reminder that im still the good ol wildeboy… I used to be, maybe just with a lil more gospel knowledge now.
As for some scriptures, all come from proverbs. 21:19 (if you want a good excuse to leave the house… the scriptures even say so… go to gentry or ferron) 22:1 a good name “wilde” just a thought… 23:7 what we think, what we are, this was a lot of zone conference, its all about being positive and keeping good thoughts.
Well mom and dad, I sure do love you with all my heart, and pray for you always… and hope you have a wonderful week and continue enjoyin the summer. I hope you can feel a sweet hug from me and that all is just great. And I hope you enjoyed my lil email.
I love you with all my heart.
Bradey

Just another week of Camping in SA

2009-06-16T18:41:00.002-07:00

My Dearest Dad and Mom,
Well, first off, thanks so much for the pictures. They were awesome and the family looked so good, I wished I could be sitting by you guys but yeah, it was just great to see all of you together again in some pictures. It looks like it was a great day and also our sweet dog badger is growning up, I cant wait to play and go hiking and all that good wildeboy stuff.But really thanks a ton for all the pictures, I almost felt as if I was there :o)
Well, as for your questions: I am feeling great, basically 100% sometimes 110% ha ha. As I'm sure all you guys know with working long tough shifts, sometimes we wake up more tired than when we went to bed, and throughout the day it doesn’t go away. The week went great tho, were still kindove adjusting to stuff but from this week its all back to work again. Mom you asked about father let families, ha ha it’s a “key indicator” our pres. Wants us to focus on teaching families, and not just families but FATHER LED families, because really here we could teach sisters (lorato) all day and baptize them, but our president wants a focus on families, they are really hard to find, because the law of chastity is one of the African cultures favorite thing to break, plus since there is a lot of job problems, people find solutions in alcohol and that leads to broken families, so we teach a lot of single moms with a couple kids and they live with their grandmas. So its tough. we do spend a lot of time trying to find fathers and families. Its good, right now we have one very solid FLF. And he is on date for the first week of July. The work in this area is awesome and the members are way cool to, they aren’t afraid to go out with us and teach and give us their friends. Plus we just got a new ward mission leader that just returned from Zimbabwe a week ago and he is way excited, so I'm really excited to see some serious work happen.
The work is great and even when we track we basically get into every house that we knock on, its hard because we have to decide if we should sit and teach or move on. So many people just “love to hear the word of God here.” When they see the name of our savior on our chest they basically give us a seat and let us teach. Its truly amazing. I feel like Ammon serving among such a very humble people that there is so many to at least hear and plant a seed to one day fully receive the gospel.
As for right now I'm still trying to learn the names of people, and our stories are just regular teaching stories, but right now we’ve been teaching a lot of Recent Converts, so its sweet to help prepare them to endure to the end. So its a lot of work we have here and I feel very blessed, we do have one family that was baptized and its just a good ol family, we taught them how to have FHE and even played spoons with them. Ha ha it was so much fun and they just loved having us, they are going to be a very solid family in the church, I think his name is Samuel mdlalosi.
I'm doing great and am just enjoying my time, I cant believe how time is going. I heard a song by Simon and Garfunkel its like “country road, take me home, take me to the place that I belong.” As for a spiritual thing D&C 6:36, and hymn 128, doubt not: fear not, some of my favorite lines, especially out hear serving.
Well, I sure do love you mom and dad with all my heart, and the whole family, I wish I had more time so I could tell ya everything and answer all your questions, but for now I hope this is sufficient for you. And I pray you can feel my love and gratitude. Thinking of ellyce and the sealing was cool, I thought of like dad said, what the sealer said with Blake and em and just stand amazed that I've been so blessed to be apart of this gospel and to be blessed with each one of you. I love you guys and I’ll be talking to ya very soon.
I love you.
Love.
Elder Bradey Wilde

Moving on again

2009-06-05T13:06:00.002-07:00

My Dearest Mom, Dad, And Family.

Man your emails were so good. I wish I had time to reply to each one. But know I love them. The work has been great this week, and we actually had a baptism this Sunday. So its been really good, and Sunday we had one of the area seventys speak to us again. It was really good. He said 3 goals to make us great members and missionarys for the church is, to pray always, open and close our day at bended knee. Then, read the scriptures, at least 5 min a day. Then lastly and my favorite…. SMILE… that’s what im workin on :o)
Elder Wilde is going to Botshabelo, Bloemfontein its 46 k’s in the free state. They say it’s a full on township and we live in the township. From what ive heard it’s a 2man flat but we have 4 other missionarys stayin within 100 yards. So it should be cool, but we’ll see I will tell ya more next week :o) my companion is Elder Mutua from Kenya and he’s been on mission for 6 months. So im in a young companionship again. So I should be learnin a lot, im a lil nervous but excited too… ive been in village, town, and now township, haha, what else? And yes it’s a really long way from the mission home and office so I probably wont get post very often, but there is a couple missionarys there that are from south Africa but have lived in the states, so it should be good.
Your emails were so good, with the Stripling warriors we actually learned a lot about them in district meeting. Its so cool to apply it to us and missionary work, it sure makes me not feel so afraid thinking about what they did. We also learned a lot about Moroni, how if every man was like him the foundations of hell would be shakin forever. Its so cool to think about. Our district leader is going home and his final words were “in whatever you do, give the devil a reason to fear you, so when he hears Elder Wilde, the foundations of hell shake.” I like the thought.
Well, as for me, im doing good, its weird to think ive been gone 9 months but its going great and soon… haha. We wont think about it. But yeah, its tough sayin bye to people here, the work is just starting to be really on fire here and im leavin, but its good, the next missionarys should reap many seeds. We’ll I guess I better close. You better know I love you with all my heart and pray for you ALWAYS and can feel your prayers and love, I feel so much comfort from my Heavenly Father and will just keep on keeping on. The work is good and im excited to go and learn a whole new culture and place. So ill fill ya in more next week, but I hope you feel a hug from me and feel of my love. You have a wonderful week and ill be talking to ya very soon.
Love
Your son
Elder Wilde

Just another day in Africa.........

2009-05-18T15:03:00.002-07:00

My Dearest family…
I sure hope and pray this letter finds y'all doing great… I wont be getting transferred till June 3 or so, and wont know where until the Saturday before. So ill tell ya when I find out. Just so ya know I don’t have as much time today. We are having a zone pday and having a BBQ and a big dodge ball tournament. Cool huh. So I'm really sorry but I don’t think ill be able to write everyone, so I hope this will be good.
Well…for my scripture for the week, how about Alma 38:1-12, I'm not saying this to shambok, but I just really liked it, I came across it and it tied a lot of scriptures together for me and I just really liked it, of course Alma 26, I do not boast of my self but of my God, and then the next part like in Matthew about where your treasure is, your heart will be also, and something else I liked was refrain from idleness, ha ha, which I just thought of you guys, like dad, brand, Blake, its like ya never stop, just play work, church, play, …. Like I said, making the most of everyday, so I thought that was a cool scripture for the week.
As for experiences this week, there honestly wasn’t much, just a good Ole week of missionary work..lots of really good lessons and a lil tracting, and some good members givin us some solid families to teach, we have a family of three right now that is doing really really good, its so cool to teach a full family. They love coming to church and having us for lessons, the best part is before we even met they were reading the book of Mormon… its so cool. I see great things happening with them, especially with the temple so close here.
As for another cool lil experience, the sister that quit her job to come to church and be baptized is doing really good, she was confirmed this Sunday and said she felt like a whole new person and just felt so happy:o) so cool…. Its so sweet to be able to see the change the gospel has on a person…. Truly amazing.
So that elder anapol wrote me a letter and sent me a sweet talk you should look up. Its called, “lessons from liberty jail ” from elder Holland, its so good. I guess elder anapol has been called to serve in Nauvoo till September as a performer, so it’s a different kind of mission but its still sweet he’s back out serving… hes a good kid…
As for me, I'm once again just doing great… cant complain much… life is good. I do miss you guys so much but know were doing whats best right now, and will have lots of fun and memories to come. And I know y'all are in the Lords hands always… :o) whats better than knowing that. As for something cool, I bought a scripture case made out of buffalo skin and has a Africa carved into it with zebra fur for the background, I think I might buy another one, it was almost 30 dollars tho.. haha. But I like it.
Well guys, I love ya and hope ya enjoy this lil email. The weather is getting colder here, its kinda weird that I'm gonna have a cold birthday. Ha ha. But I hope yall are enjoying the good weather and everything. I sure do love you guys with all my heart and will look forward to hearing from ya. Em sent me lots of pics of the fun p.town weekend and you guys looked so good, I almost teared up seeing the wildeboyz walking across that bridge we were on last year with the boyz and camo hats on… man… haha. Soon enough I’ll be out shooting ya all, ha ha jk…. But really. I love you guys and hope ya have a wonderful week.
Talk to ya soon.
Love, your son, bro and grandson,
Elder Bradey Wilde

The nest is growing and a Happy Birthday to Brandon

2009-05-13T16:08:00.002-07:00

Our family in expanding.

2009-05-03T18:14:00.005-07:00

I thought I would update everyone on the nest and the babies. We have three that have hatched and still waiting on the forth. They are so ugly right now. Thank goodness there Mothers feed them and love them. Were hoping that the forth one makes it out soon. The parents are working like crazy to keep there tummys full.
So I will pos these pictures and add Bradey's email when we get it.
There are four birds. One is sleeping and the other is still in the egg. Two waiting for dinner.

Rick holding Badger, and Winnie.
Sleeping Robins

2009-04-27T20:46:00.003-07:00

Egg number Four
Newest Member of the Family "Badger"
Mother Sitting on eggs.

My Dearest Dad, Mom, and Family…
Things are going great for me, I cant complain one bit… other than today we did play like 3 hours of soccer and you know how much I love soccer. Haha. I really didn’t play that bad tho, we lost to an African team 2 to 0. and I gotta run lots so it was nice.
I gotta sweet Easter package from the heaps fam. It was so awesome, so if you talk with them give them a huge thanks from me and tell em it put a good smile on my face,
Now for some scriptures Proverbs 3:5-6 our area presidency was privileged to speak with President Monsen at Conference and this is the scripture he told them for the south Africa south east area. So it was really cool and really good huh. D&C 68:6 :o) And lastly, Alma 10:4 just this scripture…I have a note on the side that says “I’m kindove a big deal… people know me.” Haha just a funny lil one.
And as for some stuff that might make ya say yikes :’o( So this week I tried chicken livers for the first time, they were actually really good ( and well cooked) but for the one I almost cryed was we had pap and chicken skins… haha it was pretty rough, pap isn’t bad (you might have to look it up, its like how we eat potato's, they eat pap, its grounded up corn or something, haha, it has no flavor but is good to eat with meat and stuff.)
As for last p-day, it was so awesome… haha. If you looked up the park, the 2 best coasters are the Anaconda and the tower of terror, and we road them both lots, cuz there was no line, they ended up making us wait 15 minutes between rides to let our hearts and stuff slow down I guess. Haha. The anaconda is awesome and is probably the only ride that I would say is up with the best if not better at lagoon… but that’s it. the rest are kindove lame rids that you get at county fairs. Haha. But we rode the anaconda till we were all sick… for reals, I had to lay down and get my feet back on the ground. But it was way fun and a great way to take a break from the work. So as for your questions and stuff. First off… as for pictures. I loved em. Haha. The picture our sweet new puppy is so cute man, I just wanted to pet it and play around, so I’ll be lookin forward to hiking and playin and all that. Its so dang cute. Badger, haha, that’s sweet, so badger Winnie and Sadie. Haha, Dad, im glad you got somthin to have some fun with, cuz the yard and house looked perfect if you ask me, haha celestial kingdom on the mission flat grading scale. Haha. (there is a missionary joke for ya.) but really, I say the green grass and was like …. Its perfect. Haha. Here everything is going grey and yellow and all the leaves are gone, and its chilly here, but probably warmer than what it is back there huh? And yes mom im glad I never shot any robins, haha, the pics you sent are sweet, I cant believe there is 4 eggs now. And tell Ryan congrats for getting hitched. Tell Brandon hey and I hope the mine competitions go well. I’ll be excited to hear about em. Bralin looked so good at her dance performance, man I wish I could’ve seen it, but soon I will.
Well guys. As for stories this week. I honestly don’t have much. We should have some baptisms coming up the next couple weeks. If all goes well. The work is great and were actually trying to change our teaching pool a lil, rotate some jokers with non jokers. The lessons are going great and members give us lots of referrals. Its so sweet. I feel so blessed to be in this area at this time. I Feel like were planting loads of seeds and we’ll be harvesting just a few pretty soon.
Zone conference is this week so I’ll have some cool things from that. But really im sorry I don’t have more experiences to tell ya this week… its just been just good ol regular week of missionary work. Lots of lil miracles each day. Its going great though. We did watch the testaments with our French non member family and the Grandma (mary) was crying and crying and just said, in French something about our Savior calling us by name, and how that will be. It was cool, and an amazing thing to ponder about… so that was a sweet experience, she would be baptized put is moving back to the DRC (congo) in the next week, so I guess just a referral. Haha.
Well mom and dad, and family, I sure do love you guys with all my heart, and am super excited to chat with you on mothers day. I hope you guys have a wonderful week and enjoy this lil email. I sure do love your emails and all your prayers for me. I sure do feel them… and am so blessed from all your sacrifices. So just know, I love you with all I have, and miss you just as much… and I always always pray for you and keep a pray in my heart for you all day everyday. I’ll be lookinforward to hearin from ya soon.
Love
Elder Bradey Wilde

No more empty nest. Ha ha

2009-04-19T20:01:00.004-07:00

So this has nothing at all to do with Elder Wilde but I thought since we have two new additions to our family I thought I would keep you updated with them. It's a Cute little Robins nest with so far two little eggs. So I will be watching them with much excitement since we have an empty nest inside the house. So lets think of some cute names for our new additons to the family.

2009-04-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Family,
So it sounds like you guys are doing great and had a great Easter:) First off, I must say im pretty darn jealous of those sweet pics, haha, man that looked awesome, so ya better be havin that in the plans for a couple years from now. Haha mom and dad, you guys still look like a young married couple, haha. It looks like you guys went on a really really pretty hike. So that’s what were doin again today, were going on a longer hike in this sweet nature reserve, but I don’t think it’ll compare.
Well guys, I have so much to tell you, I hope I can get it all down, ive had so many sweet experiences this week.
First off, we went to the temple again… man, I think there and the mountains are the best places in the world. You just feel the spirit so strong and have so many thoughts about what this life is really about, and what I want you to know, is that I know without a doubt that Jesus Christ lives, and loves us, and is watching out for all those that are on his side. I had a sweet opportunity to teach the gospel principles class. The cool part, is that I didn’t know until the teacher didn’t show up and so in class they asked me to teach. Can you guess what it was on? THE ATONEMENT… what a better subject to talk about on Easter and after going to the temple. And it was cool, because for not preparing, I had to rely 100% on the spirit… it went well, and was so spiritual. The best part was the end, bearing my testimony of Christ, and its one of the many reasons, that I KNOW he truly does LIVE…. So it was a great experience. And I will say, Easter was Great… I even had a chocolate easter egg yesterday haha.
So my next cool story is I received an email from Santee… the sweet member in mololepolole. And he said they are almost at 50 members and have officially been set apart as a true branch with a number and everything… so cool. The Lords work moves forward.
Next, we have a recent convert that was baptized on DEC 7, so we have slowed our visits because he was doing so good. But for some reason, we were guieded to him on Friday, his name is Brother Jimmy and he talks a lot and was always a way happy guy, but we show up and he says, ELDERS!!! Im so happy to see you. And so were like cool cool. And we start talking and he was havin a really hard time, and said, im down but not out… because you guys are my lifeline from the Lord, and so we shared a message and prayed and left, and I didn’t think much of it… just a man in need of a lil spiritual boost. Anyways, Sunday he pulled me aside and church and said, “Elder Wilde, I just wanted you to know, if you had not stopped by on friday I would not be here at church. I had made my decision I was not coming, but when you guys came, I know the Lord brought you to me, and with out a doubt I knew I had to come to church.” It was so sweet. And as I thought about the process the Lord went through to guide us to him… man, I got goosebumps. I cant believe the simple miracles I had passed up. “By small and simple things, are great things brought to pass.”
Well, guys I hope you enjoy this email, it’s a lil different than others and I hope this storys don’t put you off. I just felt they were really sweet and you might enjoy hearin some of the spiritual stuff. Just know that im not saying them to boast, cuz like ammon, I know as to my own strength I am WEAK, but with the Lord we can do all things, and I do not boast of myself but of MY GOD… And he is working many Mighty Miricles.
Well… as for me im doing great, I compare a lot to baseball now, and have been thinking, this mission is like a baseball season, I will be walkin of the field sooner than I think, the time is short and I love the game, I’m just doin my best to walk of each day with no regrets, and as tired as I can be, so that when we meet again, I can give each one of you a sweet hug and know, I left it all out on the field, and that I can look back, take my cleats off, and step into another part of life enjoying and makin many more bittersweet memories with each one of you, mom, dad, brand jac beemer, blake em , grandma and everyone else…. I love each one of you so much, and am so greatful for your prayers, sacrifices and love… cuz I know im bein very blessed for them, and I can feel your prayers and love every second of every day, it keeps me moving on… I love you and pray you will have a great and wonderful day and week, as for now, ill “pick up my gun and get back to work…” mom, dad, I love you, and the pictures looked great, I hope your enjoyin your time and even relaxin, cuz you know when i get back… haha, were gonna have A LOT of fun… or as they would say here, you’ll have TO MUCH fun.. haha. I love yall with all my heart and will be talking to ya soon.
Have a great week fam,
Love
Your son, bro, and …
Elder Bradey Wilde
p.s. as for a funny story, haha, an airplane flew over(were by the jo berg airport) and my comp asked how far away is that, and I said like 16 or 17 months, he said “oh so you might go home a transfer early, you’ll regret it” I laughed and said “don’t worrie, its win win for me, and ill do more in 22 months than most do 24.” He shook his head…. (cuz he knows its true) haha.
Love you guys

Conference was Amazing.......

2009-04-07T18:37:00.003-07:00

My Dearest Dad, Mom, and family….
So first off can I just say conference was AMAZING!!! Every talk was full of the spirit and I felt blessed to be watching some of it the SAME time as you guys… I didn’t get to see the Sunday afternoon session tho, it was to late… but I will be looking forward to the magazine and I think ill try to take my ipod to a members house to load em on it.
Just a few of the many notes I thought of. My heart burned a lil in the Saturday morn session when Pres Monsen talked about the missionary's and their family's and the sacrifices being made, and how were always prayed for.
I also really really really loved the Whole priesthood session…. Every talk was amazing. Pres Ukdorf talking about the lil light bulb that caused the crash, I felt like I do that sometimes and worry about the lil things that really don’t have eternal consequences. And also I really enjoyed Pres Irings, when he spoke about the black hawk down story and how “man down” can tie into the gospel and all of us fighting this war on sin and evil as brothers and sisters… but the one that helped me the most, goes along with what you guys have been telling me for so long. Always smile! If were living right, we have NOTHING TO FEAR… when trials come (like my leg) rather than ask why me? Say “Lord, what do you want me to learn from this?” it was so good, so I have a new desire to be more confident, happy always, smiling, and doing my best each day. I wish I could tell you all I learned or the true feelings of my heart, and felt many of the talks were on how families are #1 and the most important thing in our lives. I cant believe its on 7 months and Ive only sent you like 4 letters.
Alright, so another cool story, it was Elder Fischers birthday so we went to Mikes kitchen for dinner (nice restaurant with burgers like in the states,(by the way I fixed me tacos for lunch today haha woo) ) anyways, so we ordered and our food came, and so we all just bow our heads and say a lil prayer, about fifteen min later a lil old man and his wife come up and were like, sorry we were so noisy during your pray, and then asked who we are, where were from, and what were doing, we answer how were missionary's and as he put it “so far from home” haha. Anyways, the waitress comes to give us the bill and said, that it had already been taking care of… haha. So sweet huh haha, I thought it was pretty cool.
As for my scripture, its Alma 36:3 ( just the last half of the verse)
Well, now to answer questions, first of all I loved your emails and cant wait to thoroughly read them. It hasn’t got to much colder here, just all the leaves are almost gone. I'm doing absolutely GREAT, and the work is well, we are working to give about 15 people baptismal dates, others are to get them some desire to get married soon.) ha ha, so the work is great too. Yes mom. I thought lots about us at that sweet chilly Sunday morning session a year ago, and you think how fast this past year has gone, I'm scurried ill be home before you know it. Ha ha, especially if I come at the end of July… (don’t worry, I don’t think about it…. To much ha ha. Kidding I love this work) mom, I go jogging by myself in the GATED parking lot in the front of our complex so its safe, im usually within sound, And as for transfers, ya never know, its possible, but I should be here one more transfer, so yes I will hopefully get to call you guys while I'm here in may:)
Well I hope this gives ya enough info to keep ya going this week, im well. the work is well and these computers don’t have google earth or id show you where we stay, we actually stay in New Redruth in Alberton, its really nice, I'm gonna be sad to leave this area.
Well guys I gotta get going, I love you with all my heart and miss you too… have a wonderful week and you guys better keep smiling, and well be talking soon.
I LOVE YOU.
Love,
Your WILDEBOY
Elder Bradey Wilde

Doing Great In South Africa

2009-03-30T16:10:00.002-07:00

My Dearest Mom, Dad, and Fam…

Man you guys sure are THE BEST… I feel so blessed for all the sweet emails I got from yall. And Brand and Jac and Beemers new lil doggie looks way cute :) ha-ha. Lucky girl.
Well from looking through some emails real fast it seems like some things have been pretty crazy with the hard winds and stuff, but you guys still sound GREAT. So that’s always good to hear, you guys help me out so much.
Well I got my lil envelope package and it was way sweet, it had some way sweet pics in it. Dad and Beemer looked so good, and all the Nauvoo and times we had wheeling and stuff was way good to :) and it didn’t even make me trunky, just made me smile and remember the good times and think of the even Great times were going to have in a year and a half and the great times yawl and I are having right now.
The wind isn’t bad here, its like St George in the spring. So nice, but the leaves are all almost gone and the grass is turning yellow. So it’s a lil different. But im way excited for conference, mom can you believe that almost a year ago we went together, wow huh.
So my scripture for the week is Alma 19, basically Ammon is the man… I don’t think I need to say more. Ha ha. Zone conference was sweet, we learned a ton on just how to convert ourselves, and that we are the most important converts in our whole life's. So it was cool, I talked to a lady that her son was in the MTC with me. She said sacrifice brings forth blessings and that her family has been so blessed from her son serving, so I hope and know you guys are and pray you can still feel close to me. Cuz I love you guys.
Well. If you can find a talk for me and email it or something, its Elder Holland, he spoke in the Provo MTC in January, its so good.
And just for some fun info and to hopefully make ya laugh, I got to take worm pills, woo… so I've officially been de wormed like a dog, hahaha, don’t worry, all the missionaries had to. It’s a normal thing here. Weird huh. But I'm doing great, they didn’t make me sick so I guess that means no worms. Ha-ha. Sorry about that.
Well guys I don’t have much more to say, the work has slowed a lil and we have to clean up some things in the area but its still going great. It truly is the LORDS work, its not the work of man at all… were just tools doing what he wants. Or at least trying too, I feel so blessed to be here and to be working with the sweet people here. There is a sweet Sister Nomsa that has been taken good care of us, she is an investigator and feeds us like 3 times a week. We said she's too good to us and she says, you’re the one that are to good to me, look at what you offered and taught me, the gospel, and all I do Is give ya some food. Ha-ha. So its sweet. The gospel is true and changes lives. Also, teaching English is starting to show some fruits, a guy stopped me and said he got a job cuz he learned how to speak better, he said he is forever grateful, so that was super sweet too.
Well guys, I blahed a lil but I got to go :( I'm sorry. But I love you with all my heart and will be talking to ya soon, enjoy conference and all you do this week. I do miss ya in a really good way and will talk to ya later. Have a wonderful week, and may a gentle wind always be at your back :) ha-ha.
Love your son
Bradey WILDE (Elder)

“Pray as if everything relied upon God. Work as if everything relied upon you.”.

2009-03-24T16:43:00.006-07:00

My Dearest Mom, Dad, and Family,
How are you guys? I hope your doing great and things are going good. So first of all let me tell ya this has been a very eventful week. Wow… just know I'm doing great, and am still loving the work and learning lots everyday. So I got to listen to the voice message y'all sent last week and it was way good mom, thanks. I really enjoyed it. Thanks so much for the emails, you guys sound great and I'm glad to hear all is going well. I hope you enjoyed the pics and the voice messages I sent last week.

So zone conference is tomorrow, so that will be good. So some more things id like if you can. Some of the Sporstmans pens if you make a trip up there sometime would be way cool, just for a lil something from home I can carry around everyday, ha ha, I've made some elders jealous cuz I still have one with ink in it. And other than that I'm great now.

Well to answer some questions. Not much is new, Riding the bike is so dang awesome, I'm really enjoying it and feel like I'm in way good shape. And teaching, its ridiculously good, we teach all day and when we aren’t teaching, we get referrals to go teach more, so I feel very blessed. The only hard part is my comp gets really nervous in this area way easy, it’s a lil scary at times.
So today was pretty rough. We got a call this morning from a recent member that said her Mom had past away so we went and gave her a blessing and helped out a lil at her home, and all week we have been dealing with a investigator that had a mis-carriage and was way sick and we had to organize a ride to get her to the hospital, but she is doing GREAT now. But probably the hardest was a visit from President Poulsen to tell Elder Fischer that one of his best friends had past away in a motorcycle crash, so its pretty tough around the flat right now, but were just trying to smile and treat him like a brother. But I'm not saying this to make ya worry or get down or think I'm down, just a lil of whats been going on. But we are doing good, its just crazy all this happened at once. Ive learned a lot, and a big one is that there is no guarantee of tomorrow, so just do your best and make the most of your day right now. Every day is a special occasion.
Another sweet quote I read today was “Pray as if everything relayed upon God. Work as if everything relayed upon you.”. I liked it.
So the scripture Dad sent last week Ether 12:6 was so good, it was so sweet how it worked perfectly for an investigator that was looking for a sign, then when I read this it looked as if the whole world just made sense at that moment, it was way cool.
But last of all family, I don’t have much more to say. As the spring breeze kicks in there and the fall breeze kicks in here, I just hope and pray you guys continue to be blessed and watched over by our Heavenly Father and that you can feel always of my love and Gratitude for YOU. I love you guys with ALL my heart and miss you lots too. But I love you with an eternal love and look forward to hearing from you again next week. Have a wonderful day and week.
Love Your son
Bradey Wilde

And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left

2009-03-16T18:58:00.004-07:00

My dearest Mom and Dad and Family,

Well, honestly this week has been great and I don’t have a whole lot to say. So I'm first going to answer some of your questions. I'm doing great:) feeling good, and just doing good. In a way I am the senior companion, we were in the mtc together so we’re the same age on mission, but since I've been in the area here I have to train him to the area ward and people, so its defiantly something new. Mom, still no package yet but hopefully it'll be here soon. Time is going good, I agree with what most missionary's have said, some days feel like a week, but all weeks feel like days. Its true too, weeks fly by. About my companions, my comp is from Durban his name is Elder D’Almaine. He is way quiet but really smart and good to teach with. Ha ha. He has a hard time with the bikes tho. Like he burned out on a lil hill that we climb like 4 times a day, so ill have to be patient till he gets into shape. Ha ha. But other than that he is way cool and easy to be around and work with. Elder Fischer is the same. Good Ole Idaho spud. Ha ha. And his new comp is Elder Foreman from St George. He's cool too, me and him talk baseball, he loves the Yankees so we all get along pretty well. Its sweet.
Well don’t think I'm apostate ha ha, but we walked into a teaching appointment and I saw this sweet music video on and I was like “hey I know that place” and it was goblin valley. Ha ha it was the Killers singing human, I was like what??? That’s close to my home. Ha ha. So it was pretty sweet to just see something like that, and the song wasn’t to bad (keep in mind I don’t hear much normal music) ha ha jk. But yeah just a fun lil thing that happened.
So as for my spiritual side, sorry for blahing so much. But yesterday in a lesson we watched the conference talk by elder Holland on the Ministry of angels. I love it so much. This week especially have felt D&C 84:88. its so true. And I feel like you guys are angelic. Cuz you really are my angels here on earth. Your emails and mom your letter you sent, and grandmas letter all were exactly what I needed, especially as I was a lil stressed and stuff and they just helped me this whole week and changed my perspective for this whole mission. I know this is a great work, it’s the LORDS work, and it him we can do anything, and everything is possible. I know that with all my heart, I've had the spirit put words in my ;mouth and thought in my mind that I never thought I could say, and the one I love the most is the spirit gives confidence and knowledge, and I can bear whiteness to that, I feel so blessed this week and the spirit has strengthened me, thank you guys for all your prayers, I need them so much…
In church we learned D&C 121:45-46 basically controlling our minds and thoughts for good, to be virtuous. Its true too, I've leaned if we control our mind every second, those lil sins that hold us back have less chance to creep in, and when they do, we can kick em out so easily. Our bishop talked how to kick out any thought that does’t build you or others. And to just worry about yourself right now. If your doing good now, the yesterdays will be good and the tomorrows will take care of themselves.
But you guys, I love you so much, and your emails this week were way good from what I read, I cant wait to read more. I love you with all my heart and miss you tons and tons. I didn’t get to hear the voice message you sent but I will bring my headphones next week. I'm sure it was great tho. I love you guys with all my heart and will be looking forward to next week. I pray you have a wonderful week and that Our Heavenly Father will bless you every second and your every footstep. I love you guys.
Love YOUR SON
Bradey Wilde

I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them.

2009-03-09T20:04:00.006-07:00

My dearest mom and dad and family:)
First of all, those pictures were so awesome, it looks like there has been a lot of dang good work going on around the house. Ha-ha, I bet Beemer loves that sweet swing in the back and Winnie is so spoiled. Ha-ha.
Well I thought I'd start with a lil sweet story, it trunked me a lil but it was so dang good. So we had a lunch appointment at the bishops house and it was like the best food I've had in South Africa, real lasagna and stuff. But anyways, the bishop gets out a guitar and starts singing I'm a Child of God. And I'm like woo. Not really excited. But then he starts to sing “Welcome to my world” and he has a way good voice. Ha-ha, so I started singing along and felt like I was riding around up on gentry. Man, we probably sang Jim Reeves together for like 20 minutes. Ha-ha. He was surprised I knew such good tunes and I was like hey, don’t you know who I am, I'm a wildeboy and I was raised very well, ha-ha, he was like I can see. So it was an awesome day yesterday, oh, what made it even more awesome was we had a baptism. It was a 19 yr old boy that knows so much about the gospel but was scared to get baptized, he wanted to wait a couple years or so. And we just talked to him and taught him about the sacrament and he was baptized. The coolest thing was that in his testimony he said “I've been catholic all my life, I've gone to many churches searching for that truth I was missing, and the first time I came to this church, I just knew it was right, the spirit was there, and I know what I did today IS RIGHT.” He has also talked about serving s mission as soon as he can. He is way cool. His name is Ivan.
TRANSFER NEWS: I am staying here… I will be getting a new companion, I was in the MTC with him. His name is Elder Dal’Main, I think he is from Africa but he is white. Elder Fischer is getting a new companion also, he is Elder Foreman from St George, he is one transfer older than me, so we basically have the youngest flat in the mission. Sweet huh. Hahahah. I'm a lil nervous about taken over the area but it should be good, the Lord will help me.
Well my fav scrip for the week is Helaman 5:7-9. its so good. I don’t have much else to say, sorry, this week hasn’t had much news, I'm doing great and the work is great too. We have met so many people that seem to be elect. Like one guy said to us, its in your hands, I want to change my life, the day you see me praying, is the day you’ll see me baptized, so we taught him how to pray, and he has been praying on his own trying to build confidence to pray in front of people.
Well mom and dad, I love you guys so much. I can feel so strong of your love and prayers, I love your emails so much and pray all the time for you. I feel so blessed.
I'm doing great and look forward to hearing from you each week. I love you with all my heart and miss you tons to. As Blake would say, May the wind always be at your back gently pushing you along and the sun always shining gently on your face.
I love you
Your son
Bradey

6 Months Yahooooo...........

2009-03-02T19:51:00.004-07:00

My dearest Dad, Mom, and Sweet Family, I RECEIVED my sweet sweet 6 month package. WOOOO!!!! Ha-ha it was so dang good, everything in it was the bom and I loved it a ton!!!! I ration the candy so I can enjoy it for a while, but really…. Thanks so much :) you guys are THE BEST! Every lil think was SO dang sweet. The popcorn and the chips and just everything, especially the bag of snickers and twix and stuff,,,, you knew exactly what I was craving, the candy here is just not the same. So thanks a ton. And your letters were way sweet, Hey, so just to start I just thought id let ya know I'm doing great…. This week has been a lil tough but way good, I feel like I'm basically myself again, and everything I learned this week was exactly what I've been looking for. I finally am always having a good ol smile on my face and enjoying the work and the play here in South Africa. So a lil funny story, its rained almost everyday this week and were on bikes right, ha-ha, well one day it was basically pouring and the rivers here don’t drain well and we had to go to an appointment that was like 1.5 kilometers away and it was crazy, ha-ha, we were so wet we just decided to have fun and hit jumps in puddles, well…. Ponds, ha-ha, but really it was crazy lots of water, and we even got splashed by cars while riding on the sidewalk (so did all the Africans walking by us ha-ha) it was sweet, we walk into our appointments house and had the squishy sounds from our shoes and they just laughed… ha-ha, Africa. But don’t worry about anything, it was just one day and it was my first time getting so wet, but my sweet rain jacket kept my shirt and planner dry. I also saw 5 wiener dogs running around in a park and was like awww…. ha-ha. So my scripture this week is D&C 68:6. its good. So we had Elder Kuelliker visit our ward and was able to hear him speak again, and its been a question that’s been on my mind. He spoke of how important the family is, and how like in King Benjamin's address the people were told to gather together AS FAMILIES to the temple and they turned their doors to the temple. And as we strive to have the spirit in our homes that families will be blessed with unity and have Heavenly Fathers love there, and that will bring the joys of an eternal family, and that has been what I have been studying. Families truly can and are eternal and I'm so grateful to KNOW that we can be together forever. That we Truly will be WILDEFAMILIES4ETERNITY. For me, that knowledge alone brings me more happiness than anything of this world. I love you guys with all my heart, and am doing great, I love you with a love that can only be described as eternal. I pray that Our Heavenly Father will bless you every second this week. I love you so much mom and dad. I miss you tons too, but love you with all my heart and will see you pretty soon :) Have a wonderful week YOUR SON, Bradey WILDE

For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.

2009-02-23T21:23:00.004-07:00

My dearest Mom and Dad,
I sure hope you guys are doing great! The little bits of email I read while I was printing they sounded really really good:) Thanks for the updates, its so good to know whats going on, be sure to tell Elyse and Jake congrats for me. But how are you guys doing, I think and always have a prayer in my heart for ya. So sorry to jump right into some preaching but I was studying about the spirit and prayer and learned a lot. It was so cool. I read 2 Nephi 32:1-5, and learned if we pray and live by the spirit then in v 5 it will show us all things that we should do, and you know how I like dealing with decisions, so I thought that was cool.
Anyways, the work is going great, my story this week is kindove blaw, So Pres Poulsen has been stressing strick obedience, so we have been working our butts off, but both with us, and with all the other missionary's I've talked with, lots more appointments have been getting cancelled, weird huh…. So we got a lil discouraged, but kept doing our best. We found that the appointments that were cancelled ended up we just dropped them cuz they were jokers, and so now the ones were teaching are solid and progressing well, and here comes the cool part, its like the Lord is weeding out the jokers for us, lately the people we talk to while tracting or contacting seem to be wanting a change in life or want to know the truth, not just the usual “I want to hear the word of God.” Its been really cool and I'm excited to see what’ll happen in the future.
Just some cool news, I now will try almost any food, I've had plums, pears, and lots of other fruits, oh and mango's. Haha I cant believe I never tried some of this. A lady was saying how when I go home my parents are gonna be amazed… so well see. huh Mom and Dad.

Anyways a cool CD we’ve been listening to lately is a Nashville tribute to the Trek and Pioneers, its got some way cool songs, Elder Fischer and I used to dance a lil to em cuz its like country music, but then he had surgery, anyways he is doing much better and now can bend his knee, but still cant put much weight on it. (hes not my comp, just a pal in our flat.)
Well Mom, to answer your question if were teaching, it goes along with what we spoke about earlier, but I feel bad sometimes cuz I know other missionary's are having a hard time with teaching and stuff but we basically have appointments or people to check on or referrals all day, our members are great and even come and teach with us lots, its hard cuz sometimes we have to schedule time to find new investigators, like we have to schedule time to tract or contact cuz were so busy with appointments and stuff. Its sweet and I feel so so so blessed to be in this area and this mission. The hard part is we have to decide if people are serious or not, but like I stated before, the lord is basically taking care of that for us now, I feel so blessed.
Well dad, I thought I'd tell a funny lil story for you, we went to an investigators house and she was listening to Dolly Parton, hahaha I sang along in my head and just smiled. It was so cool, it was the first country music I've heard over here and of all people. Now all I need is a lil Jim Reeves. But I thought that was funny, and hopefully will make ya smile knowing I still getta listen to a lil of the good ol stuff.
Well, my scripture this week is 2 Tim. 1:7. basically never be afraid, advice that is always ringing in my ear.
I love you guys so much and pray Heavenly Father will continue to bless your every footstep. Till next time. Have a wonderful week.
I love you guys with all my heart and miss you lots too… but I love you and am doing great.

Love YOUR SON
BRADEY WILDE

Welcome home Jordan......

2009-02-16T16:02:00.003-07:00

My Dearest Family…
This week the weather is like St George in the spring, when we stretch and exercise in the morning I feel like I should be getting ready to go over to elks field or to hit wiffleballs or soft toss, So in other words, I’ve been reminded of some great great memories. I loved it. The weather has been great, I think its one thing ill miss, but it is weird how you guys talk about spring and the leaves are begging to change a lil. I cant believe Ill be going into winter now. Also, it does storm quite a bit. At least lately. if ya want an idea of how it is, just put a fork in the microwave for 5 min. the lighting here is ridiculous, its woke me up a couple of times because its so bright and loud, but its so sweet.
Well you better tell grandma happy b-day for me!!! I will be sending a letter soon.
Ill also be sending a letter to you guys soon too, defiantly about what I learned from this past challenge, and also about the sweet zone conference we just had, it was sweet, even tho we got shamboked a lot. (that means when your dis obedient, and someone tells you to be more obedient) but how you guys have taught how “first a thought then an action” he took it a step farther as to how to develop righteous characteristics but turning your actions into habits. Its cool, my thoughts I'm working on is always smile, confidence, follow the spirit, and 110 percent.

Well now to answer some questions, I'M doing great! This dang cold isn’t fun but I'm good. My knee is basically 100 percent, it has I tiny scrap now, and has dry skin around it form wearing a band aid so long, but its great, just now a lil reminder of how much prayers are answered and the love I felt from you guys and my heavenly father. We do have a fun zone pday planned tho, not sure what yet. But we do get to go to the temple next week, I'm so excited, and ill finally get to put your guys name in. be sure to tell Elyse congrats for me. And I cant believe Jordan is home, I will admit I'm a lil jealous…. Ha ha. The work is great, we have a sweet 18 yr old on date, he is a great kid. But as for other work, its pretty ruff. We have tons of investigators, but lots of them are jokers. We have been let to some of the lords elect, so we’ll see what happens, hopefully ill have some more sweet storeys for ya soon. But as for now we are just teaching lots and trying to weed out those that really wanna come unto Christ and those that just like the word of god. Ha ha. But yeah, something cool is we are teaching an English class, helping people learn better English. There is tons of French, Portuguese, and then all the Africa languages here, so its sweet to see them learn.

My scripture for the week is D and C 82 : 10 its just cool to know that when we do all we can, the lord promises to bless, and if he asks us to do something, he will prepare a way. So its helped me this week.

Well, I must close, but mom and dad, I love you guys with all my heart, words will never ever be able to begin to explain my heartfelt love for you. And I miss you lots, and think lots about you, no not the homesick ones, but ones that keep me smiling and work in hard. I love you guys and always have a pray in my heart for you and pray for you and our family every time I pray. I love the pictures, they were so good and you guys looked way good. So I loved that, thanks. I pray our Heavenly Father will always watch over and bless you, I know he does me from all your prayers. I love praying every night and morning knowing I could be praying at the same time as you. I love you guys with all my heart and am looking forward to reading the letters and package. I hope you enjoy mine.

Tell Brand, Jac, Blake, Emily and Beemer they all looked great and I love them so much too. I will write them soon. I miss them so much. I hope all is well. His letter he wrote when I was in the hospital is so good. I always walk slow and listen good, and for sure keep my eyes on the prize. I think about y'all so much

I love you guys. And don’t worry, I'm focused on the work, its like in the batting cage, I don’t just screw around, but I work hard, develop good habits. So don’t worry when I say I think of ya lots.
I love you
Love your son
Bradey

This is all we got today :(

2009-02-10T16:40:00.005-07:00

hey dad,
im so so sorry, our district leader only is givin 15 min so far and after i printed you letters i have 5 min now.
i love you so much , im doin great too :) the work is great
love your son
bradey
Sounds like he is pretty busy which is good so I thought I would add some of the pictures that he sent to us on a cd. It's so great.
This Dog looks like someone I should know?

A little MTC Volleyball

Font in Botswana.....

Elder Wilder in the MTC. Mind Your Head ?????

Beautiful Pic of the Joberg Temple.

Fake but pretty cool......

A look at the knee, It's healing great

An adventure of a lifetime.‏.....

2009-02-02T17:55:00.004-07:00

MY DEAREST FAMILY,
So first off, I'm doing great this week, yesterday was amazing and I hope you felt a lil special spirit from me… to start, the baptism's were amazing and very spiritual. The older couple said right before he was put in the water, Ive been waiting my whole life for this. But what really brought a tear to my eye was Benji, he is 11 and his parents are separated, but his dad is a way good guy and has worked in the temple. And this lil 11 yr old boy stands bearing his testimony after, through tears he says I'm so grateful to be baptized, especially by my dad. And here is what hit me the most he said “I hope the holy ghost will always be with me.” It just hit me really hard… I dunno why. but yeah, the testimony of a child hit me more than any of the testimonies in the sacrament.
Well so about some physical stuff, ha ha, its rained all week, so its been fun riding the bikes in the rain. I am back on a bike all the time now and doing great, my knee is basically fully healed and I'm feeling lots better. so things are great in that sense. But yeah, when it rains here, wow, the streets are like rivers, but its cool cuz of my sweet rain jacket. It reminds me of getting all wet when it’d rain on the four wheeler rides. Woo!
So another fun fact, the pictures I sent, one is me with a cricket helmet on. And one is just a sweet sunset, I'm glad you enjoyed my letters and Bralin got hers ha ha she’s the best. But yeah this week I played cricket. It was tight, I hit 4 overs (home runs) and won with 24 runs, it was pretty cool, its a lot like playing hot box, like with 2 bases and running back and forth after you hit. So it was way fun and we got some new investigator's outta it.
So I met another area seventy. It was funny tho, cuz I didn’t know until I had talked to him for like 5 min. he asked how long I’d been out and how I was doing, then he was like huh, I'm an area 70. and I was like, huh, glad I didn’t say anything stupid. But it just made me think how much we gotta watch our thoughts words and actions.
So now for a lil spiritual something, you can take it for what its worth, and you prolly already know, but it just made me think. In our priesthood class they asked, if your not worthy to enter the temple, are you worthy to enter the celestial kingdom? And then they talked about how important it is to go to the temple often. So I thought that was pretty cool, another kid said that when we live to have the holy ghost with us always, we will know ALL things which we should do. So I was like whoa, ALL? Cool huh. But my scripture for the week is D and C 122. Elder Christiansen read this to a kid were teaching who is having a super hard time in life, and I just thought it was cool. I know that true peace and happiness only comes from our Savior and our loving Heavenly Father.
Well mom, and dad, I love and miss you so much and same goes to you Blake and Brand and Jac and Em and Beemer : ) I hope you guys have a GREAT and WONDERFUL day and week. I love you guys with all my heart and will talk to ya very soon.
Love
BRADEY

Having Some Fun, Still Working Hard

2009-02-01T17:54:00.003-07:00

My Dearest Mom and Dad
Alright, so my knee is doing better, its progressing slower now but its almost completely closed. So its nice, I'm basically 100 percent. Lets just say right now I've had wounds from sliding worse than this one so I'm really excited for this trial to be over. They have talked about having to stitch it up, but the mission doctor said it should heal no problem and not to worry about stitches.
Here is some sweet info with whats going on with b.Wilde. we have 2 sweet lil kids one 9 and 11 named Rafael and Benjamin that will be baptized this Sunday they are way cool and always make our day when we teach, it was hard tho cuz their dad wanted us to teach a pretty solid and detail law of chastity to them, but we still kept it basic, and so he went a lil into detail and told us some stuff they have seen and why he wanted to be a lil detailed and so we went back and taught more, it just blew my mind what a lil 9 year old has seen, I was just like “WHAT????” so it’s a big deal and pretty scary what the youth of this world has to put up with. Man…. But they are great kids, their dad is a member and a way good guy, him and I talked a ton about mission, he was like yeah, almost six months, get ready for time to slip away, haha, which is scary cuz it already is… most days, but yeah, he is way cool and good to us.

We have another couple that when I came into the area they were basically taught but they did’t pass the interview so we had to completely re teach them, they both speak French and one only speaks French so its been cool to learn and see that, we had a guy interpret and stuff, they will be baptized this Sunday also.

The next sweet person were teaching is named moses. He is 17 and has been prepared by our heavenly father for sure, he has loved to learn and has a great heart, and had some serious problems but before we met him decided to quit and take care of them, once again… its rough to see what the youth has to deal with here. But he’s doing good and will be baptized very soon. Last night we helped him with some math homework,,, haha I think I still have it, but just algebra, I dunno about the calculus.

Hahahaha you should have seen our place pdays eve (last night) haha we partyed, indoor cricket and badminton, and then cards till midnight it was sweet, I had some mt dew finally and we all had lots of fun, it was lots of fun, we defiantly will be ready to be serious this week.

So wanna hear some cool stuff to back up the Yankees, the only baseball hat I have seen that has baseball logos, (most say I love Jesus) is a Yankees hat, im going to buy a camo one hopefully for 4 dollars or 40 rand. Haha. Sweet huh.

So the food here is sweet, we just ate at a way sweet pizza place and I'm getting really good and making omelets, yes dad, ill make you some when I get back. Haha and then the rest the time I just eat good pasta like Alfredo and stuff, and lunch is still p b and j’s or turkey sandwiches, the meat still scares me here.

Well mom and dad, I love you so much, and my testimony has grown so much, and your letters and emails and stuff just make it that much more, you guys mean more than the world to me, and I love all your thoughts and everything, so please just keep em coming. Haha and ill do my best to write ya stuff you like and is interesting. By the way, I cant believe ill be hitting 5 months next time I talk to ya, its scary to think Ive been gone for that long. But the work is great here, and its only going to get better.

Love your (possible favorite? Haha jk I know you love all the WildeBOYZ) son

Bradey Wilde

Back out on the road again.

2009-01-19T20:23:00.006-07:00

I just wanted family and friends to know that Elder Wilde is doing much better. He had a great time at the Nature Reserve, but they wouldn't let him take anything home. Thank goodness. I will add some of the email that I got this morning from him. He really is back to his same old Bradey. It' so nice to know that.
Just so you don’t worrie, im doin great, my knee is almost completely healed, I would say like 85 – 90 percent, probably one or two more weeks and it will be just a scar. Like you said that we’ll remember forever.
So now for some business: we just had mission tour and had Elder Koelliker from the Seventy speak to us. He talked about personal revelation and answers to prayers in D&C 9:8 it was way sweet. D&C 9:8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. Something special he said is that this mission is going to be exploding like the missions in South America in the next few years and that the church has great trust in the area, so that blew my mind thinking were a part of this most amazing work.
As for my knee, i've learned so much and gained so much of a testimony, I cant even begin to tell you. I'm healin very well and we are doin good. I have learned that it helpes me a ton to compare lots of things with baseball, it’s the game of life, and we just have to work on the fundamentals, and good habits, and we’ll be succesfull in the game. Work hard, never quit, and 110 percent are always ringing in my ears now. your prayers and thoughts are well being answered. The cd will have all the sweet pictures from the lion and rhino park, and me pettin and playin with the baby tiger, it was awesome. We saw all the cape buffalo and gazelles and stuff, ill be honest, as beautiful as it all was, I still was thinking what it’d be like to hunt them…. Jk Jk It was really fun. Reminded me of the hunting channel at home we would watch about hunting in Africa. Who would have thought I would be there. Love you all, Elder Wilde

Seems to be doing GREAT !!!!!

2009-01-12T17:02:00.003-07:00

Bradey seems to be lost in thought in this picture. They must be traveling somewhere in Africa, obviously, but we did get a short, very short email that said today they were off to a animal refuge. So the following pictures are of what I am thinking he was playing with. He did say that he got to hold a baby lion. So that was fun for him and his comps since last P-day they had to clean the flat. Ha Ha. He really needed a day like this to get his mind off the bite and enjoy some free time to think and have fun. He said he had an email all typed and it didn't send so hope I will have more for you next week. Glad that he had some down time. Maybe there will be some real pictures of him holding the cub.
No this is not a picture of Bradey's leg, thank goodness. I did think it was kinda funny though when he said he was playing with Lions and Rick was hoping that they didn't smell the blood on Bradey's leg. He did say that it was bleeding somewhat which is good. That means it is healing and getting good blood flow. So the Spider bite was a experience he will remember forever and hope to never repeat. He did mention to tell everyone thank you and He loves you. (Sorry about my humor, It's good to have something to laugh about now.)

The Baseball game of life.

2009-01-04T18:36:00.005-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,
I wanted to let everyone know that Bradey is doing allot better. The bite is now just a hole in his leg. Yes a hole in his leg. They took the dead tissue out and that left a nice hole were the pus pocket was. So that will be the next lesson he will be dealing with. But other than that I think he is on the mend. The swelling in his leg is going down and he has been taught the proper care for the leg so he can get back out to teaching the gospel. He has never had to deal with something like this so we are calling it a lesson learned in the Baseball game of life. That is something he can totally relate to. He has had to come out of the game in the second inning and is not to happy about it. That dirty player from a school we all hate to face slid in, cleats first and took out a piece of his leg and he is now out for a few weeks. That is something that will take some getting used to since Bradey has never missed a game in his life. The challenge will be to keep going to the practices and working about 70% of the time instead of the 100% he is used to. But we all know Bradey and know that he will work as hard or harder to get back in the game. Never before has he had to do this. Just another lesson of the ball game of life. We want to say thanks to all of you that fasted and prayed for him. He told us that he could feel the prayers and comfort from all of you. It meant so much to him. So on to the next inning in the game without Bradey on the playing field, He will be in the dugout though working and cheering on his teamates and doing the best he can to get back out there and feel the dirt and smell the smells of the field.
Thanks everyone, The Wilde Family.

Now it's off to surgery for Bradey

2008-12-30T19:31:00.002-07:00

Just a little update on Elder Wilde. We was contacted by his Mission President today and was told that he will be going into have some surgery performed in the morning (which by the way is when we are all asleep)to clean out the infected part of his leg. I guess when he went for a walk this morning when he stood up the blister popped and the pus pocket opened up so they are going to clean it out and biopsy it to see what they are dealing with then get him on the right antibiotics. So we have put his name in the temple and are asking everyone to remember him in your prayers. I believe that this will really help him once they get things cleaned up. They did say that the redness and the swelling in the calf is going away so that is a good thing. It's just a good thing that they went to the hospital when they did. If not sooner...... Those boys trying to doctor it with cream. What were they thinking. I will update this asap when we find out anything. He should be in the hospital until Friday or Saturday. Thanks everyone for your prayers.

Elder Wilde is doing better each day.

2008-12-29T18:50:00.003-07:00

Just thought I would let family and friends know the news about Elder Wilde. He thinks (pretty sure) he was bitten by a spider a few days before Christmas. Not thinking much about it didn't mention it to me in the phone call. Shame on him Ha Ha. So a few days later I received a phone call from the Mission President that Elder Wilde is in the Johannesburg hospital receiving antibiotics for a spider bite that has now made his knee swollen, red and oozing pus. So not to be worried I put all my faith in the Lord and just prayed that all will go well. So far he is doing better each day. We do received a phone call daily from his President on the care and condition of his leg. It seems to be getting better. That is good news. Stupid Spiders anyways. So please keep him in your prayers. And I will keep you up dated on the progress of the leg. He really is in good spirits and keeping a positive attitude about it. It's a long ways from home to get sick. But he feels the comfort and blessing of our Heavenly Father. He said that he was giving a really nice blessing and feels he will be getting better soon.

First Baptizem, Then off to Ridgeway SA

2008-12-15T19:30:00.004-07:00

My dearest Mom and Dad, and Family,
As Jim reeves would say it..... Well...this is it.
I’M BEING TRANSFERRED, yikes huh, has it been three months already, its cool how time goes. I hope its doing the same for you guys, but I’m headed to Johannesburg Central area. Its called RIDGEWAY, and my new comp is elder Christiansen, I don’t know much about the area or the comp, all the elders I’ve talked to in the zone didn’t know much either, they said it is a rich area and will be nice but really hard work. Ill be able to tell you more next week though... :)
So simply enough we saw the first fruits of our labor here in Molepolole, and since it was my last Sunday she chose me to baptize her, it was so sweet and so special, but the cool part was since I found out I was leaving, we were visiting the sister that was going to be baptized and she was like, can I make a change, I want Elder Wilde to baptize me:) it was amazing, I can even tell you how strong the spirit was at her baptism and how strong her testimony is. I hope you guys don’t think I’m bragging or want you to know this for stats, but the main reason I tell you this is because this week, I learned a serious lesson. That sometimes when your on the verge of something great, the devil, or even just events tear you down and you have a hard time. Lets just say I had some rough experiences this week with investigators that shook me, and my testimony to the foundations.... don’t worry when I say this, its not why I’m telling you. but Elder Adongo and I just had some very tough soul shaking moments with some investigators, but the best part, is I know its from all the prayers and my name in the temple, because I felt so alone for a little while, but then Santee reminded me of the line in Hymn 85, "FEAR NOT I AM WITH THEE" and it helped, the next day (Friday) I read King Benjamin’s address and it really helped me quite worry about my self. And then I finally just prayed, and I can tell you I feel even stronger. Prayer, its so simple but helped me so much.... my testimony has been built back up even stronger and taller, but boy was it rough for a couple days. I’m doing GREAT now :)

But yeah, there is my spiritual experience for the week, as for other news I don’t have any funny stories right now, this week was pretty serious. But I will say I have sissy hands now, I chopped wood for a sister and got blisters, I was so mad!!!!

Well Mom and Dad, I’m going to go so I can write some other, please don’t worry just keep praying, they have helped so much. And Dad, I think about the blessing you gave me when we were at grandmas allot. it helps me not worry, it was so good, I’m so grateful you've always been so good and willing to give us boyz a blessing.. I love you guys so much and can’t wait to talk to you. Have a WONDERFUL week and I pray Our Heavenly Father blesses your every footstep while I’m away.... yes Dad, I’m very glad to hear when I get back you'll be ready to out hike me again, ha-ha.... I’m scared to think what it’ll be like if you have two good knees, I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep up. I love you and miss you so much
Love your son.
Bradey Wilde

These Boys can have fun with anything!!!!!!

2008-12-13T17:59:00.007-07:00

My dearest Mom and dad, How are you guys, I'm doing great. I truly feel I'm gaining more of a love for the work each day. and more and more love and gratitude for you guys each day. for the story this week i thought id tell a cool one about sister Thlape. We tracked into here the third week we were here and i didn't think much, but this Sunday she will be getting baptized. It has been a great experience. I can say she has been our only investigator that feasted on the Bom. she read it a lot an i feel that's why she has done so well. A cool story about her she also was the one who opened to Isiah 60. but this last week we taught her the word of wisdom, she then began to tell us that for some reason about 2 weeks ago she just quit drinking coffee, she said she had drank it most her life but all of the sudden didn't feel good and didn't want to drink it. so now she drinks coco in the morning, sweet huh. its cool how the Lord helps and prepares you when your doing your best. So that will be sweet to see her advance. She has a great testimony and love to meet with us. so i just thought that was a cool story for y'all.
Now for some funny stories, or crazy ones. So this old gogo we've been teaching randomly gave us a chicken, it was so funny, were going to leave and she just hands us this chicken and wouldn't let us leave without taken it. i was laughing so hard, it rode in our car squawking until we got home. Another crazy story, at church on Sunday we found out they had a party the night before, so we walk in on Sunday morning and church smelled like alcohol, it was a joke, there were beer bottles and cans everywhere, and the floor was soaked with beer. ridiculous, so we took our hose and just started spray in. IT WAS CRAZY. but luckily we had it all cleaned up before the members showed up. it was a great meeting to.... i was able to teach the gospel principles lesson on sacrifice, it was so awesome. i really enjoyed teaching. we taught on sacrifice and it went really well. so as for a scripture, its Santee's favorite, he is a member that we work with alto. he likes john 15:14 cuz he says "I've always wanted to be Jesus friend, and if I'm his friend, i have nothing to fear." which brings me to one of the cool scriptures i was reminded of this week. D&C d:36. Doubt not fear not. we have nothing to fear from the journey. but anyways. Dad. I'm glad your doing great, i hope you keep feeling better. it was way good to see you in the pictures, and Winnie, i miss her. and of course you mom. But i hope y'all are doing great and know and can feel how much i love and am so grateful for you. and all the SACRIFICES you have made and make just for me:) Have a WONDERFUL week. soon well talk for reels Love YOUR SON Elder Wilde

Happy African Thanksgiving

2008-12-06T13:39:00.003-07:00

Hey mom and dad!!!
Sounds like and looks like you had a great thanksgiving, it means allot to hear of the prayers and thoughts for me. it was hard being a way but i will admit it was the best thanksgiving i could have had and the best one over here for sure. Our area is the only area where there is couple missionary, and elder and sister Micheal's from salt lake sure did make us a great American dinner. we had Turkey and potatoes, with American grave, and also American stove top stuffing, and jello pudding stuff with whip cream, and then the best was dessert, we had pumpkin pie from the states and my new favorite, apple strudel or crisp, i dunno, the stuff dad likes so much, ha ha i loved it so much, she even gave me what was left to take home. so i had it with some ice cream. its funny to see how the things i do are the same things that you do. everything i am is because of you guys. and i love and am grateful for you so much!!! But Stein's looked good, i hope y'all didn't miss me to much... ha ha jk. i know you enjoyed the luxurious rooms. But mom, dad, I'm doing great, and am so grateful for all your prayers thoughts and sacrifices, you'll be blessed also.
so yesterday we did something cool. we had a pray and asked for some specific things and we got some specific answers, it was amazing and i can tell you i KNOW with out a doubt prayers are answered, for that's why I'm still here, CZ of all of your prayers. Dad, i hope your surgery goes well, i feel so bad but as you talked about hiking the same trails that we did. i could smell the pine trees and i felt so close to you. i wouldn't trade that week for ANYTHING in the world. Mom, thanks for the pictures and all your thoughts, i love your guys letters so much. and hope your doing well. I miss you guys but know in 21 months our meeting will be so sweet. but don't worry, I'm focused on the best work in this world, as Blake says, I'm fishing for souls... ha ha. i love you guys and thanks for all you do. Ill write more and better fun info next week
have a wonderful week
YOUR SON
Elder Bradey Lee Wilde
p.s. that poem was so good. and the comp is making me mad and i only have 9 min left now, it froze twice and deleted 2 emails to you and Blake. so tell Blake and Emily and Brandon and Jac and Bralin that i love them so much and will email them first think next week. I'm sorry. but i love you so much

You had to have been there to smile at the picture.

2008-11-24T20:02:00.005-07:00

My Dearest Family,
So I'll start with saying HAPPY THANKSGIVING, I know its early but its the only time I can say it. I hope you guys all have a great time, I will of course be thinking of you and how grateful I am for all you do... but guess what? They don't have Thanksgiving here... ha ha but we have a sweet missionary couple that will be hosting a huge AMERICAN thanksgiving feast, I'm pretty excited for some good food. Cant help but think of y'all chilling in Steins and having a good time. Remember when I got that bloody nose, good times.... so you'll be in my heart, but I hope you guys still have a great time and enjoy, cuz after this, only one more and you'll have me back.
Well guys this week went by way fast and as for stories, I don't have to many. I'm sorry but all I can say is the work is going great and that I'm learning tons each day. So just to show you how blessed we've been in this area, when we started here we had 20 - 30 people attending church and now that number has almost doubled! Truly amazing, its so amazing to see the Lord prepare, change, and bless peoples lives, we will (if all goes well) have 2 people getting baptized on the 7th, they are very committed and were doing all we can, and more will follow... Its so sweet to feel the spirit work. I know this truly is the Lords Work.... But another story is when I was on exchanges in Gaborone, Blake sent the title "at least your not in Zimbabwe" and its true, we were teaching a guy and he loved the lesson, but he began to tell us how he had just received a letter from his Mom in Zim and it said that the last shipment of food didn't get there and she was starving, so he had his truck packed and was leaving early the next morning, and said to pray for him that he wasn't to late. It was hard to see the grim look on his face and to know all you could do was hope and pray. So I know I used to complain about food and stuff here, but I'm still very blessed, they said that some of the Elders in Zim have to come into Botswana to do their shopping and that members deliver boxes of peanut butter and stuff to the other Elders. So I don't wanna close on a negative note so I thought I'd tell ya about the people here, I think ya know quite a bit about the area, so here is my favorites about the people, the little kids are so funny, they always come up to me saying lakua (white man) and so I say back, wena lakua (your the white man) ha ha and they go off giggling, its so funny. They really like the paper birds, ha ha yes Dad, your legend lives in Africa."
Next, The sweet old ladies, They are the best, most of them cant speak English but they are just so sweet, they just sit and smile and nod their heads, ha ha. We've been teaching one old go-go with a member here named Santee, (he's way cool, we work with him almost every day) but he was translating for us and then at the end the old ma went off talking in Setswana for like 10 minutes. ha ha Santee then told us how she was saying how grateful we came by and how she said I was her favorite. Now when we teach her she always has a smile and she calls me her son, she's so sweet. I cant believe how kind these sweet old ladies are too, they always have a sweet smile on their sun dried face and love to shake our hands. But as for me, I'm doing great, just learning more and more of the things each of you taught me each day. Brandon, your advice before I left about to remember everything I learned in the wild and to walk slow and listen good has helped me a ton. You guys are the best, WildeBoyz.... I don't really have a spiritual thought for this week. I just wanna say that I love you guys so much and am excited to see you again, but right now just keep doin my best and praying y'all can feel my love and gratitude.
So happy thanksgiving and I hope y'all have a good time.... I'm jealous of Steins so I wanna see some pics. I love you guys so much and hope you have a great week!
Love,
Your son, Brother, bro in law, uncle, and ...
(Elder) Bradey Wilde

Playing in the Mud.

2008-11-18T15:57:00.005-07:00

My dearest family, I hope this letter finds you well. Zone conference was great, I learned a lot and will send a couple of quotes next week. I didn't get my hair cut but will get it done this Friday. As for mission stories, I have a couple. First of all, yes its been raining tons, but we've been blessed with lots of appointments and only had to work in the rain once, and with my nice rain jacket, I don't think I even got wet. But it created quite an experience, the other elders drive a bawkee ( a small truck), and they got it very very stuck. Let me remind you we drive a tiny car. So we spent about 6 hours digging them out and doing all we could,to get them out of the mud. Another fun experience was how ALL the roads turn to rivers when it rains hard, but like I said the little red corsa did great, we had fun.
But for a serious story, you have to not worry or think it was bad, because everything was fine. But I drove to Gabs for Zone conference, and can ya guess, I get pulled over.... the cop said it was for regular inspections and we were randomly chosen, lame huh. So he asks for my license and I pull out my white bible, (ask Blake)??? and come to find I took it out and it was chilling in the flat, haha, he made me get out and I was given a citation, they wrote it for 300 pula but then said if I take my license into the police station that they'll wave 250. So just for your info I only will have to pay fifty pula which is about 8 US dollars. sweet huh. and the police station in Moleps is really cool, we occasionally give their morning prayer and thought so I think that maybe they'll be sweet and just wave the whole ticket. but fun huh. My first ticket ever and I'm not even in my own country. So next we had a way sweet experience with a lady. Her name is sister Thlapi and has been reading the BoM for a while with no answer, she finally decided it was a good book and she wanted a solid answer. So she remembered how we told her the bible and BoM go hand in hand, so she picked up the bible and said, after I pray I'm going to open the bible and the first chapter I see I will read, that will be my answer. She said she prayed with all her heart and when she was done opened to Isaiah chapter 6.Pay special attention to Verse 1 and 2 and in Verse 4 it talks about sons coming from far. I know that some who read this will just think it was a faith promoting story. But I can tell you she received her answer from God, she has been to church every week since and is now bringing friends to help them find the truth, She will be on date tomorrow. Probably for the 7th or 14th. but the spirit I felt as she told of her answer was sweet I know it was from God. I can tell you that from all of your prayers and love for me and sacrifices, I have felt the comfort from the Spirit. I know the spirit is powerful and I am nothing without it. I know from that same power that Jesus Christ Lives and is our Savior. I know that its only through him that we can be saved and that the Church of Jesus Christ is truly his church again on the earth guided by a Prophet called of God. I also know with all my heart that we have a loving Heavenly father that loves all of us more that well ever know. I know that prayers are heard and answered, for that is the only reason I'm still in Africa. I know with a perfect knowledge that the BoM is the word of God... and for my favorite, I know with all my heart that Families can be together FOREVER, And I Know that I have The BEST family I could have Ever asked for... You guys truly are the best and I love each one of you so much, and am so grateful for EVERYTHING you do and teach me. You guys mean more than anything in this world to me and that love will never change. Its because of you: MOM, DAD, BRANDON, JACQUE, LITTLE BEEMER, BLAKE, EMILY, AND GRANDMA, AND of course the rest, that I'm the Kind of Young man I am now, that I have such a love for each one of you, and truly would never be happy if I didn't know we could be together forever, you guys give me courage everyday and have done more for me than I could ever repay. I hope you enjoyed my letter. As for a scripture I really enjoyed 3 Nephi 18:21 that's something that I know brought our family closer to together and I had an experience with the Modiakgotla family this week, we were talking about how to make families stronger and I suggested a hug and a prayer every night and a good hug every time someone leaves, haha can ya guess what that made me think of? Yes... all of your very sweet hugs, I love them and you guys so much and am excited to hug yawl again, but as for now I have to get back to work. I love you guys and miss you more than you'll ever know, but don't worry, your prayers are being answered and I'm doing very well. I hope everyone has a great week. Love Elder Bradey wilde.

I'm a little behind on the letters. Sorry

2008-11-16T18:29:00.004-07:00

My dearest family, November 10, 2008
I hope this letter finds you very well. I loved all your emails this week and they really helped me a ton. Just to start, I've been so humbled in this area. Its 1 of 2 village areas in the whole mission and I've been blessed to experience it. Most missionaries are dying to come here but never get the chance, so it is very hard but I'm learning and seeing stuff that I'd never thought I could. I wish I could write all or some of it to you. I've learned so much and am so much more grateful for what I have. Just so ya know when I get back I will eat ANYTHING you set on my plate, I can't believe some of the things I see people eatin, ha ha. I will hopefully be getting more pics so y'all can see what the houses are like, most are circle shacks with straw roofs and the others are very nice big brick buildings with tin roofs. So you see it all in the village. I saw my first dung beetle last week. ha but as you already know its been raining lots, and were in the smallest car I've ever drove, so we've been having a great time in the huge puddles,and we have to go through them, it reminds me of bow hunting when its rained a ton, just only imagine its in a car. so as for missionary stuff the Modiakgotla family is doing well still, but they all have been sick this week, so not much progress, but we tracked into this sweet old man named Samuel, he is slow to learn but loves meeting with us and has a testimony of the bom already, so amazing, he is so cool, Santee the member we work with even says "that is a sweet old man" well see what the Lord has in store. But as for my scripture this week, its Alma 26:11-12 its so true, the lessons I try to teach, they are rough and the people just don't understand, but so many times I've been blessed to have the spirit loosen my tongue like I'm not even thinking or talking, but the words just flow and the spirit begins to burn in the peoples hearts, I know its by Gods strenght that all things are done, for this work is his, we are just tools in his hands being blessed with these sweet experiences to strengthen our testimony's and to learn. So about the sweet package I got this week, I loved it. I can honestly say all your sacrifices and all your prayers are being very answered, I've been so comforted and blessed. I can feel of your love so much and with that sweet package I felt it even more, every bite of candy and the best was the pillow case that still smelled like home. One night it was raining way hard and our tin roof sounded just like the trailer and with the smell of home I thought I'd wake up and go fishing with the wildeboyz !!! Woo but when I woke up I remembered I'm on the other side of the world and getting ready for Christmas when its still 99 degrees. The rain like I said is finally coming and things have cooled down allot. So its very nice. So just a funny story, I might get in trouble at Zone conference cuz my hair is so long, we haven't been to Gabs for a while and I can now cover the tops of my ears and almost have the wings, I have a hair appt the day of zone conference, its funny, cuz the other elders were "like lets just buzz your head," and I was like no man, and they tried to sneak up on me, but when your a foot taller than everyone it made it tough. I hope y'all are doing great, and I know I don't get to write everyone but I'm doing my best, I hope you enjoy this and I will work on writing each one of you at least a lil note, but know I love you guys and pray for you constantly. I hope you enjoy the pictures and have a great week, I'm off to go iron my cloths and clean our car. I hope your all doing great and can feel how much I love you.
Have a wonderful week
Elder Bradey wilde

The work is moving on.

2008-11-09T18:33:00.008-07:00

Just got this from Bradey. We did get an email and a snail mail letter from him it was so nice. He wrote about a week in the life of Elder Wilde. They have days with no water. Three day in fact. But they did just get a new water heater and new beds. Sounds like he is eating good. I also found out that he did get his package and it takes four weeks to get there not two. I thought that was to good to be true. Here is some of the email: This week was very tough but ended up to be great, we thought the Modiakotla family was playing the hide trick, they said they would all come to church but didn't. but it turns out they were having major trouble with the cows on their farm so they had to go out there Sunday, so we went and visited them last night and they ALL have been Reading and love the BOM and they All are thinking about baptism. The 18 yr old Tapo is set for the 30th and has already got a great testimony and is loving to read and learn from the bom. and the rest of the family is working on their testimony, its so amazing to see the spirit be brought into a families life and change each person for the better, the dad even said that since they've started reading their home has became more peaceful and things just been better... truly amazing. well see what happens...Were going over to a members house and were gonna learn how to make some sweet food, not the nasty crazy stuff. So today should be really fun... Like all p-days ha ha. Just think in 2 months well get to chat on the phone. WOO!!!! Who won the world Series? not that it matters, the best wasn't in it. I love you guys so much and just FYI I've been out 2 months. ha ha. Love Elder Bradey Wilde

We got to talk on MSN. Yes!!!!

2008-10-27T19:10:00.013-07:00

Before you read Elder Wilde's update I thought I would say that he really is good.
I was able to talk to him sorta live through MSN for a little while. It was so nice.Even though it was three o'clock in the morning. It was worth every minute of it. It was like being there. He is doing well. Positive and making the best of having to iron, Ha Ha. They have no dryer.
Hey mom, dad, family, especially the wildeboyz and their sweet darlings, and of course beemer. Well, another week and I'm doing great, I'm starting to get used to the bassackwards land of driving, i drove lots this week and will be sending, trying to send a video of it next week. it was good to hear about Stephen, this work is hard but he better not quit, he's less than one flight and he can get home, i would have to fly for two days. but it makes me feel lots better to know i wasn't the only one struggling and that maybe i helped him out.Dad, i want that sweet pic you were talking about of us hiking into big Johnson, i can only dream. i will admit i still think of home, but i think I'm hitting the point where i can... and not get homesick, its good, i still am focused on the work. this work is very hard but amazing. As for the missionary work, we had 2 of our way good investigators, play the hide and not answer the phone trick, so sad, but the modiakotla family is still doing great, mostly the 18 yr old. he will probably be getting baptized end of Nov. or first of Dec. plus he already has talk of a mission, truly amazing. i love being a partof this so much. but as for other work just tons of knocking doors and teaching lessons. everyone loves to hear the word of god, but doesn't like to follow it or live by it. but its still sweet to know were planting the seeds in this new area....my comp is doing well, very different, but we get along, I'm learning patience and how to be clear and kind, hes crazy and we have fun, but work way hard too... its cool to learn more of his style and culture.but the food, FYI in the picture I'm eat smores, and i bought some ice cream ha ha, i love your prayers and i love all you do for me, just keep emailing.... it makes my day and week. the bom is amazing and i can tell you i know its true, and that i know it will bring us closer to God. My favorite part about this gospel is the that families can be forever, i love it and you guys so much! Something that made me smile. its starting to be very rainy and cloudy. the thunder and lighting are so amazing and the only stuff that compares to it is when your stuck in it up on gentry. ha ha. but the rain was hitting on our tin roof and when i closed my eyes to sleep i felt like i was laying in the trailer up on the mountain... so sweet. i will try and get ya some more cool stuff next week. i love everyone of you so much, and am so grateful for all you do and all your prayers....I love you guys with all my heart and miss y'all just as much and hope you keep doing well. Have a great week, I'll be looking forward to next :)
Love
Elder B.Wilde.

Feeling Like an Extended Camping Trip

2008-10-20T19:23:00.011-07:00

My dearest Mom and dad,
I'm not going to have time to write both of you today,I'm doing great, and no i haven't got the package yet, it should be this week tho after talking with our area mom. Also mom, be sure to keep the tracking number and put missionary supplies on it with some stickers or pics of Jesus. don't worry tho. i got four letters from grandma. they were amazing, i just mailed one to you and one to her. :) my camera is in my hands again and working great :) Mom thanks for the sweet letter wit the pic of beemer. it was way sweet, i really enjoyed it. as for eatin, I'm doing my best, i have eggs or cereal for breakfast, or french toast, then peanut butter and honey for the rest of the day, occasionally pasta. and my vitamin of course, and usually bananas or apples. the selection is just very poor. ha ha. i miss simple foods that i took for granted back home. as for weight, i haven't lost much more, Daddy o i really really agree about the rifle elk hunting, i would really love to go up where you did when you were 16 so ill be holding ya to that, getting all the wildeboyz up for an sweet elk hunting trip... i can only imagine and i cant wait, ill just continue dreaming ha ha.

Well guys, I'm settling in... finally, we are finally seeing some of our efforts pay off. I cant believe what has happened with this family. They are the Modiakotla family. Mom and dad with four boys, from 10 to 18 yrs old. they are amazing, the 18 yr old already is wanting to be baptized and the only thing holding him back is we have to finish the lessons, he wants us over every night, i can honestly tell you this is WHY I'M HERE. this family, they are so interested and have came to church every week since we met, we also teach with a member named SANTI that has been helping teach and most important fellowships, the kids love him as much as they do us. Its so cool to see how the Lord prepares a way for his elect to receive the gospel. I cannot describe how amazing it feels to be a tool in the lords hand. I cant believe how all the pieces fit PERFECTLY together when the Lord has a hand in it. I pray this family continues to do well, and I'm excited to be able to tell you the whole story in the future. But other than this family, there is minor success, just people that will listen but not follow through, but we just keep working our hardest. I don't feel like i really got trained, but I'm doing very well and feel good still. I already told you about food, we did get offered mahodoo which is like liver and stuff inside intestine, just to gross you out :) but we politely declined and the man understood, " i wouldn't eat if i didn't grow up with it either, i understand ha ha"

i got super sunburned but found some sunscreen in gabs. But mom and dad, your testimony's were so sweet and made mine even stronger, i really loved and enjoyed them. Its amazing what we come to know in a lifetime. I can tell you my testimony is so much stronger, i taught the gospel principals lesson and felt like i didn't even think, the words just flowed... what was scary was my accent totally changed... people actually said they understood everyword. it was crazy to hear. plus when i bore testimony of the spirit, and how important and how much comfort and guidance and protection it brings into your life i was amazed with how much i was touched and comforted by the spirit. I can tell you that is why I'm still here, is from all your prayers, fasting, and having my name in the temple. I have felt so much strength and comfort from the spirit. and its what I'm so grateful for. and i know that the spirit has protected and comforted me so much already, thanks so much for all your prayers. as for a scripture i liked, i finished Reading about the stripling warriors, that's enough said, its one of my favorite stories Ive ever read.So thanks a ton for the pics mom, they brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face. Gentry was so pretty, i was so glad i got to spend a week up there with dad and the wildeboyz.but brand and jac, blake, emily, and beemer, I'm sorry i don't have time to write ya each personally this week but i will write yall next week for sure, know i love you tons and think about you lots, and pray for you even more, but i hope you enjoy the pictures, Well family, this is it, tell stevo and nick whats up on my blog, i don't have their emails yet.

But as i close i just want to say i love you guys so much, Everyone of you, Mom. dad. brandon. jacque, beemer (thanks so much for the sweet picture by the way, it made my day) blake, em. and Grandma. I pray you guys can feel my immense love and respect. and i know that you can, cuz i sure can feel yours. I pray you guys are doing well and don't worry. I was going to send a picture of the spider that was as big as my palm but i dint wanna freak blake out to much. but as for fun stuff on the area there is not much. the picture gives the idea of all the goats and the simple houses and shacks. but i hope your doing well. thanks so much for all you do. The reason I'm who i am today and what i know today is because of you guys and your example and love.
I love you guys so much and hope you have a wonderful week.
Your son, Brother, Brother in law, and uncle.
Elder Bradey Wilde.

Just some things about Botswana

2008-10-13T18:28:00.006-07:00

We received an Email from Bradey today and he enlightened us on some of the things that he gets to deal with everyday. It's all good though. Here is some of the email he wrote:
As for now, I'll answer your questions. I'm doing great, just doing my best and praying lots. As for my camera it is fixed and I should get it sometime this week. It cost me 400 pula or about 68 dollars. So not bad. It got a new lens and mechanism to make the lens work. Sounds like your fishing trip was crazy, really cold, I cant believe it, ha ha it never gets below 80 here. I'm always sweating. But the area is pretty crazy, they are like 100 years behind us in technology and everything, there is lots of lil shacks with no running water and this is the normal. Very few people have nice houses and yards. They sweep the dirt like we mow our lawns. There is grasshoppers the size of MY middle finger, crazy huh, I'm serious, and spiders back home can't be called spiders, you should see the ones here, ha ha yikes I'm afraid my foot won't smash them, but the lord blessed me with 13s for a reason eh. But last of all the lizards here would give Winnie a run for her money. For reels, they are ridiculous. But its cool. I'll try and get some pics with my camera this week.
But as for news now, I will be giving a talk at Zone conference this week, so I'm a lil stressed, but things are really good, I love studying the gospel so much. An hour is not enough time at all. The BOM is awesome and has helped lots. I just finished Reading about the Stripling Warriors. .. sweet, they are Men I hope I can be compared to one day. My comp is Elder Adongo from Kenya, the other two in our flat are Elder Giddy from Cape Town and Elder Hagen from the D.C. area. Its been really good for me, I'm lots more confident and just take your advice everyday, work hard and have no regrets, and that's my goal. My comp is cool but still has a hard time expressing himself or understanding me. I just don't think he is real good with English, but we get along well. He says I've been his favorite comp so far. Wildeboyz, we've been taught well. Dad I'm getting well settled in, we have lots of teaching opportunities, and its just the people don't really understand, but its going better, all were here for is to present the doctrine and let the spirit do the real work. without the spirit were nothing. You guys should know I'm not homesick, I will admit I think of you guys allot, but not in a sad way, in a way that ALWAYS puts a smile on my face and makes me work harder.
But I gotta go email others. I love you guys so much and miss you just as much, your always in my prayers and thoughts.
I hope your doing well and enjoy my emails, I know I blah a bit, but I hope you know it's with good intention, I will admit I'm starting to feel a lil nerdy, we played basketball and I was super sore and corky, but it was way fun. I think it's ok to be nerdy for the next two years, but ya'll will have to whip me back into shape when I get home. I love you guys and wish you the best this week.
Love YOUR SON
Elder Bradey Wilde

Just a little Simpson Fun.

2008-10-13T18:12:00.004-07:00

Sorry But I have to add this for Bradey. We used to have to endure this show with Bradey. It was one of the shows that we would actually have to laugh at sometimes. So the other night Rick and I are laying in bed just finished the news and flipping through the channels and there staring back at us was the Simpson's. We just couldn't turn the channel. It wouldn't be right. So we watched and I have to say, yes we laughed. I know it's the show that Grandma said that we shouldn't watch, but we just had to for Bradey. Marge was tending the boys Rod and Todd. NimRod and NimTodd. It really did have a good message to it. Hence- Let your kids try things in life that will give them confidence in themselves and it's amazing what they will become. So here's to Bradey. Good Luck in Botswana.........

MySpace background: CoolSpaceTricks.com

He's doing GREAT !!!!!

2008-10-06T16:42:00.004-07:00

Here is the latest in news from Elder Wilde. I didn't get any new pictures and with conference just getting over I thought I would add a few pictures we took when Bradey and I went back in April. It was such a great time. We did hear from Him today and you can tell that he is finally getting the hang of being a Missionary. I makes me feel so much better to know that he is working so hard and has caught the spirit of Missionary work. Here's some of his letters:
My dearest family:)
Well another week has gone by here in the village of Molepolole. I have so much to say but will try and keep it short so I can write y'all. I want to start with some comments on General Conference. Elder Holland talked about having angels today, both seen and unseen. As I listened to this talk it hit me so solid that you guys are my angels.Everyone of you. Mom,Dad,Brand,Jac,Bralin,Blake and Em. All of you and Grandma. You guys dint know how much you've done for me. You all have been the best examples and have shown me, so much love and kindness. I dunno who or where I'd be without you. As I listened I prayed that you guys could feel the slightest bit of love and gratitude I have for you. I love you guys so much and truly feel all your prayers and remember all those sweet memories that put a smile on my face in the hardest of times out here. But alright I'll stop being so tenderhearted. As for the week it went by really fast and with lots of tracking and lessons, 99 percent of the people we meet have never heard of the church or ever seen missionaries. It's tough but we just stick to the small and simple truths :) ha ha also, just FYI I got into my first bible bash/ doctrine bash with a lady. It was so sad. ha ha we just bore our testimony's smiled and left as she yelled and said we should watch out for the "devils spirit had deceived us". hahaha. I laugh but I have never felt so bad for a lost soul. Thanks for all the emails... I read them lots. I love you guys ton and miss you tons too. I hope all is well and pray for you lots.
Love your son, brother, (bro in law), and uncle
Elder B.Wilde

But here is my thought, it mostly applies to me but i wanted to share it with your because its something you've ALWAYS taught and have instilled in all of your sons...

"One of the greatest secrets to missionary work is work. If a missionary works, he will get the spirit, if he gets the spirit, he will teach by the spirit, and if he teaches by the spirit he will touch the hearts of the people and he will be happy. There will be no homesickness, no worrying about families, for all time and talents and interests will be centered on the work of the ministry... WORK WORK WORK: there is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work."
Pres. Ezra Taft Benson

Just a quick addition. ha ha. I dream lots here at night cuz its so hot. But last night I have to tell you. Best dream ever.... I was bow hunting with you and the Bros, made my day and night, I woke up with a smile and then remembered I was so far away, but then smiled again because of the sweet memories we have and still have to come. ha ha. Not the kind of dream you were thinking of huh. ha ha. jk.
but I love you tons and love hearing from ya
love
Elder Wilde

New Area: But No New Pic's

2008-09-29T15:54:00.005-07:00

Thought I would add a picture of Bradey playing with the dam dye since we didn't get any new pictures this time. He's Checking for dam leakage. Ha Ha.
He sent another letter after this one and he seems to be doing good. He did break his camara tho. Seems like that happens alot to this guys. Better get one in the mail to him. Thanks for taking the time to read this. I will add his new address if you want to drop him a note.
Thanks Kathy

My Dearest Family...Ha Ha
Hey. Just to start off I'm sitting in a lil Internet cafe that is slower than all get out. So well see what I can send. First the area is called Molepolole in Botswana the area has just been opened in April and we are the second set of missionary's to come in. We have been told we are partially opening an area and also splitting it as I said it started in April of this year and we have about 15 members but only around five or eight show up on Sundays, we are considered a branch and our branch pres is a missionary in our flat ( our house) we rent a day care center to have church. My comp/trainer is Elder Adongo. He is from Kenya and is cool. I have lots of news but not enough time. Right now I'm in a "village" or basically a area the size of Price but with only one main road and lots and lots of dirt roads I have to say we pray everyday for the water to be on. The first day here was so rough. when we got here the first day the water was off and the power. But now we have water, just no hot water. I don't care tho cuz at least we have water and it regularly hits 95 deg. I've been keeping your advice and working hard and trying to smile all the time even when things are hard. I'm sorry that this letter seems a lil down but things are pretty rough right now. Its a hard but rewarding life as a missionary. I've never cryed so much in my life, every time I bear testimony or think to much of you guys. But as for the family this is most the information I can think of. Thanks for all your prayers, they have helped so much. I will keep Praying and looking forward to next week. I love you guys more than words can ever explain.
Love you
Elder Wilde

Finally received some snail mail.

2008-09-22T16:14:00.001-07:00

His letter seemed so positive. He said that things are going great there. And that he has some great Elders that he has spent his time with in the MTC. Elders Jones, Torgerson, Anapol, Wilder. That's funny that there is a Wilde and an Wilder. Wonder how that has been in the MTC. He said it's very pretty there and has some of the craziest birds. He is trying to get some pictures of them. He did mention that there is allot of homes and buildings with razor wire around them. He said that he misses the mountains but that it is a different pretty there. He's been out on some splits and learning how to just share his testimony to the people. He already is learning some great lessons. If only we could all be so brave. He loves to get any mail from anyone. So please fill free to write him a note and just let him know that you are thinking of him. Thank goodness for email but it still so nice to have an actual letter from him. Isn't life great?

It's been a long week.

2008-09-20T09:34:00.010-07:00

We finally got an email from Bradey. Seems the days go by so slowly when you are missing your son. He does sound great in the letter though.

Hey Mom and dad and fam, (Wildeboyz)
For now this will be the last time i will email from the mtc. I am out of here on the 24 ( wed.) Tuesday we'll be going to the temple and then were out the next day. Sunday (tomorrow) ill be going to the mission presidents house to meet everyone and have dinner with the pres. its for all the joberg missionary's :) I'm pretty excited. Ive already met our mission mom... she was way nice and was excited to get to know me better. To answer moms questions. I'm Great... i did have a sweet dream about home last night... seriously. so i was a lil homesick this morning. Just like you said, i miss you tons, but am doing the right thing and doing my best...working my guts out. i will know where ill be serving and who my new comp. is on wed. and as for now my comp is African. Elder Muhwazi. good luck pronouncing in. i still don't think i have any of their names right. My cloths are great. i still haven't had to wear everything. I'm getting good at laundry but horrible at ironing. so i don't. The food here all tastes the same. i took some pictures of the meals i actually enjoyed. so ill show ya. Just FYI all your advice is in my head all day. I live by: work hard, never quit, be confident and follow the rules so I'm doing well. just some more fun facts, i sewed on my first button today. and also I've decided the reason i didn't eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at home is cuz they are my FAVORITE food here :) i eat like two a day.... one for my 10:00 snack. Dad i have to say i really really enjoy your letters and advice and stories. I'm jealous i wasn't there to get charged by a moose :) and I'm excited to hear all the new stores. Tell Blake that i really enjoy his email and wish i could write more. i will on Monday i miss you guys more than anything and really love you tons. I want you to know I'm doing great and am in very high spirits. i know its cuz all your prayers and all the love you guys have shown me and do show me. but my comp keeps checking his watch and taking deep breaths hahaha. so i gotta go. tell everyone i love them and they mean a ton to me. i hope your all doing well and i hope y'all enjoy your Saturday... i love y'all tons and pray for ya always. i have to close with my favorite line. "Have a wonderful day" Love you guys. I'm excited for when i can write more and not sound like I'm in a hurry.
Ill TTYl
Love you
Elder B.Wilde.

"Don't you know who I am? I really am a big deal."

2008-09-18T19:21:00.006-07:00

I thought I would tell alittle about Bradey before he left to serve his Mission. He was all about Baseball, Loved to Hunt, Be with Family, Fish, Ride four Wheelers, Drive His Truck, Hang with Friends, So I thought I would put a little photo montage of things to know about Bradey. " Cuz I really am a big deal." Family Joke. So He has giving most of this up to Serve the Lord for the next two years. Great job Bradey. We love You.

The Call to South Africa

2008-09-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here we are at Missionary Mall picking up Bradey's Clothes. He is preparing to go to Johannesburg South Africa.
It's better that were he thought he was going.
Zimbabwa. Pretty dang close though. Still we are very excited to prepare and get him ready to serve the Lord and the people of South Africa.

Family Temple Trip to Provo

2008-09-17T17:06:00.005-07:00

Can you tell the Sun was bright that day. We all went to the temple as a family that day. Was so nice. We are all squinting because the sun was shining in our eyes. It was such a special day though.