Moving on in Menlo Park

You can reach Elder Winegar directly at jacob.winegar@missionary.org

Hiya,

Long time no see. It has been a whirlwind these past few because…I've moved to Menlo Park. My experiences in Monterey were unforgettable, and will forever hold a special place in my heart. I'm sad to leave but I also have a thorough excitement for all the new adventures that await me here.

Menlo Park differs from Monterey in many ways. I've seen significantly more socioeconomic and ethnic diversity, and significantly less of the ocean. The work seems more polarized here as well. The people in Monterey, it seemed to me, were mostly courteous but indifferent. The people here seem either really interested and willing to talk, or really NOT interested. It's made for memorable occasions already.

A few notable landmarks; we have the city of Atherton, East Palo Alto (EPA), Facebook Headquarters, and a little bit of Stanford.

My new companion Elder Beard is exceedingly sick. We've been together for about 1 week and the levels of our shenanigans are already off the charts. It's a little dangerous honestly…but I've had some good laughs and am stoked to work with him.

Brothers and Sisters, even though I'm a missionary I promise that I still understand the calamitous, tumultuous, and often fearful times that we live in. But we must always remember who we are, where we come from, and who we belong to. We are the literal children of God, who knowingly chose to come to this fallen world and experience hardship. Though we will all find ourselves amidst burdens which seem too much to bear, we must always remember that we are in the hands of the divine Potter, who will shape us into creations whose beauty cannot be imagined. We have been created with many marvelous talents and traits, but I promise that fear is not one of them. 

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

I proclaim to each of you the same words that Christ spoke to the ruler of a synagogue, "Be not afraid, only believe." I testify that just as the Savior worked a mighty miracle in the life of this faithful man, through our faith in Jesus Christ we can receive the miracles of strength, courage, and power to combat the sorrows of this world.

I love and miss you fiercely. Stay strong. There are brighter days ahead. 

Sumfin for yer ears…

Postcards From Hell–The Wood Brothers

later,

Elder Winegar