ELDER CANYON ATWOOD: September 2014

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Week 1

Hey Mom, Hey Dad,
I cannot explain how much I miss you guys. For the first couple of days I really wanted to go home, it seemed like everyone that I ran into already spoke Spanish, even the new missionaries. My companion was driving me crazy, still is. My bed was way too small and I couldn't stop thinking about home and my family. We have been teaching this fake investigator Jovani for a couple of days now. It was hard for me because I wasn't able to communicate with him and my companion Elder Coomer wouldn't shut up! It felt like all my endless prayer and study was just a waste of time. Yesterday when teaching Jovani I was able to understand him and communicate a little with him. I am far far from fluent, but I have seen the grace of GOD carry me through this time. I know that I am here for a reason! I love you guys so much!!! GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN.
Love your son, your brother, your missionary,
Elder Atwood

P.S. Tell mom my room and closet are her type of clean so she taught me well.

This is Canyon's second email later in the day.
I love you guys all so much and miss you everyday, but I know that the Lord needs me here and I am happy to be here. I apparently got a new nickname, it's basketball. I guess I was playing and some people thought I was pretty good but honestly everyone sucks... not to be rude or anything. Anyways, I love you all so much and I pray for you guys everyday. I love you guys.
Love, Elder Atwood

Friday, September 26, 2014

Missing my Missionary!!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Hey Mom, Hey Dad. I am at the MTC and it is so overwhelming. I met up with a bunch of missionaries on the flight and most of them already know Spanish. One guy from Edmonton spoke practically fluently. Anyway, I just want you guys to know how much I love all of you. God be with you till we meet again.
Love your Son,
Elder Atwood

It was an emotional morning today as we sent off our first missionary.
We dropped Canyon off at 6:00 am departing from the Midland airport. The airline workers were so helpful getting Canyon checked in, took pictures of our family,and tried to comfort me as they could tell I was having a hard time.
Canyon flew into the Houston Airport and called me from a payphone there. He was a little teary and told me how much he loved me. So sweet!! About and hour later my phone beeped and I looked down to see a picture of Canyon with a few other missionaries. A dad had taken the photo and texted it to all the moms. It felt like Christmas to see this photo with Canyon and the other missionaries. We are so proud of Canyon and excited for him to share the gospel in Lima, Peru North.
He then caught a plane to Mexico City and will spend the next 6 weeks in the MTC.

Saying goodbye to Elder Atwood from the Midland, Texas Airport. It was a teary morning.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

I'm a MISSIONARY!!!!

Canyon was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This is his new Stake President, Chris Vore.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Canyon's Open House

It was a beautiful Sunday!! Canyon gave the most amazing talk on the Atonement with such feeling and power. He had the whole congregation in tears. The musical number was, I Feel My Savior's Love, which was amazing. Aubry Jarman sang, Ireland played her violin, and we had a little children's choir group that sang the 3rd verse.
Sunday evening we hosted a Open House for Canyon. We really felt the love and support from many friends. It was fun for Canyon to see how many people are here to support him.