Missionary Spotlight: Elder Rueda & Elder Espinosa

Since most of you've been gone for the summer, you may not have met our newest missionary, Elder Espinosa. He and Elder Rueda have been working hard these past six weeks, teaching several young adults who live in Morgantown during the summer and getting themselves prepared (and excited!) for the start of school. They've both done such a great job this transfer with finding, teaching, and fellowshipping investigators and members alike. Most of the pictures I'm going to show you are goofy, because they are 20-something boys, but I can honestly tell you that they're two of the most mature and hard-working missionaries this ward has had.

Elder Espinosa is a (newly) 20-year-old from Syracuse, Utah. He's been on his mission for a little over a year, and he's been in Morgantown for almost six weeks. Before beginning his mission, "Elder Nosa" (who loves that nickname) attended Weber State University and worked for a construction company. (Thank you, Facebook.) 

Elder Rueda is a 22-year-old from Keizer, Oregon. He began his mission here in Morgantown in March. Prior to his mission, Elder Rueda attended a community college near Portland Oregon, and worked in a few different restaurants. He was baptized a year and a half before beginning his mission, and he served as a temple worker for a few months while waiting to enter the MTC. 

While working on this post, I asked the Elders a few questions, hoping to come up with something deep and insightful to share. They sort of cooperated. It's my fault, mostly - they aren't exactly used to getting serious questions from me. Nonetheless, at least one of my questions got some good responses, so I'll share that here.

Me: "What's your favorite thing about being a missionary?"

Elder Rueda: "That's such a hard question! I think my answer would be too serious. I'm a softie!"

Me: "It's okay, take your time."

Elder Espinosa: "That is such a hard question... oh wait... I know... Elder Rueda!"

Elder Rueda: "My favorite part about being a missionary would have to be the bonds that are created by bringing the hope of the gospel to the members of the ward and people I teach."

Me: "Aww. That's going on the blog next to Elder Nosa's 'Elder Rueda'."

Elder Espinosa: "No, although that is a good response I'll get a little more serious. I would say my favorite part is the power of change. Change within others, myself, and even my family. That is evidence to me of the power of God, the Atonement, and his work." 

By decree of the (not) Mexican Elders, all future missionaries are required to find this mirror and take a selfie in it together. 

Member Spotlight: Brittney

This beautiful, outgoing, and hilarious young lady is Brittney. Brittney has been a member of our ward for about three years and was recently released from the Relief Society presidency. Currently, she's serving as the Friday Forum coordinator for the institute, which means she is the source from which our $2 lunches flow. This would make her an ideal person to befriend. 

Ten Facts About Brittney:

1. Her birth name was Rebecca Black. She was forced to change it to Brittney after some wacko stole her identity and made a music video.

2. She may or may not (emphasis on "may not") be called to serve in India.

3. She has successfully convinced me, using photographic evidence, that she visited New Zealand in high school.

4. She was baptized by our ward's second counselor, Shane Sanders, when it was still appropriate to call him "Sugar Shane." (Not that we've stopped.)

5. She's learning how to play the piano. She already knows how to play some other instrument too... maybe the cello? (Sorry, B-Russ.)

6. She is slightly afraid of babies.

7. She wants to work for USAID after she graduates from college.

8. She is also known as "Brussels Sprouts."

9. If your book bag, cell phone, or any other possession you leave lying around the institute disappears, your best bet is to blame Brittney, and, if you're a man, ask someone to check the women's bathroom.

10. Despite first impressions, she is actually a reasonably responsible adult. 

Member Spotlight: Brad

Before we start complaining about bias in the spotlight selections, I'm working from a randomized list of wardies and institute attendees. 

This is Brad, our fearless leader. He's been the institute council president for the past three semesters and has been in our ward since the fall of 2009, so he probably doesn't need much of an introduction.

Fun Facts About Brad:

1. He served a mission in Brasilia, Brazil from July 2010 - July 2012. 
2. He's a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering at WVU. His career goal has something to do with stem cells -- ask him about it. 
3. He has a love for all food, especially anything coconut flavored. 
4. He's the oldest of seven children. His brother Steven was in our ward before leaving to serve as a missionary in Mexico in July 2012, just days before Brad came home from Brazil. They're wearing the same shirt in their pictures on the bulletin board. 
5. His favorite scripture is 2 Nephi 4:19 where it says "nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted."
6. He played lacrosse in high school and had a hilarious nickname I won't share here. 
7. He visits the temple every month and has been a temple worker since August. 
8. His birthday is December 5th, the same day the Clemmers are leaving. 
9. He was one of the original wearers of toe shoes in the ward. 
10. He's best-known for bobbing his head before he speaks and being late for everything. It's pretty endearing.

For more pictures of Brad... and me... usually from behind... you can contact Brittney, the creep.

Member Spotlight: Chiedu

This lovely lady is Chiedu. She isn't technically a member of our ward anymore because she moved back to Utah to prepare for her service as a missionary in the Philippines Cavite Mission starting December 18th, but she gets to be the first member spotlighted on the blog because she asked really nicely. ;) 

Fun Facts About Chiedu:

1. She's from Hurricane, Utah, which happens to be pronounced just as oddly as Hurricane, West Virginia. Before that, she lived in New York. 
2. She moved to West Virginia to live with her dad when she was 17, which made her the youngest person in our ward for a while.
3. Her birthday is March 16 -- don't forget to send her a birthday letter!
4. She has a not-twin brother, Obike, who is also preparing to serve a mission.
5. Her sister Ogacha has one of the cutest little girls I've ever seen.
6. She has a mission prep binder that's more extensive than anything I've ever used in college.
7. She knows at least one phrase in Tagalog... and she knows how to say "Tagalog."
8. She kept her plans to serve a mission a secret from everyone, even her family, until she opened her call.
9. She does not study Biochemistry. 
10. She's one of the artists of the beautiful painting hanging on the door of the Clemmers' office. 

Good luck in the Philippines, Chiedu! We love you!