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. 

Chris's Baptism

Chris was baptized a very long time ago. We're talking sometime in May. (May 16th? That sounds right.) In the two months since then, Chris has temporarily moved to Fairmont, but we're looking forward to having him back with us sometime soon. 

Craig's Baptism!

Craig was baptized on Saturday, May 10th, in the Cheat Lake. Due to the threat of rain, we kept the service short and sweet. The coolest part (next to the baptismal ordinance itself, of course) was during the closing hymn, when the rain completely surrounded us on all sides but the small beach where we stood remained dry. Congratulations on your baptism, Craig, and thank you so much for including us all in your special day.

Donald's Baptism

Donald was baptized on Saturday, May 3rd. Although he was taught by the Fairmont missionaries, he is moving to Morgantown for the summer and will be a member of our ward. Please be sure to give Donald a warm welcome whenever you meet him. :)