Mom, I still can't believe i'll see you in two days it seems surreal to me too. It's all gone way too fast. Last night I taught likely my last formal lesson as a missionary to a family that I have learned to love so much. I tried to soak it all in but, as usual and, as is always the case, the time just went by way to fast and before I knew it I was saying goodbye. This woman (I'll show you here picture and name on Wednesday) said to tell you all hello and that they love you, even though they haven't met you they love your children. In a way I cannot describe I felt like I was leaving my family all over again. You know how at the airport we all just keep standing around trying to prolong the time of my saying goodbye, yeah that's what happened. We kept talking and shaking hands goodbye but didn't feel like leaving, finally we had to just say goodbye and go, and not look back. I know that great things lie in store for me at home, and so many people to bless and inspire and lift are waiting. My mission is nearly over but it has been life changing to say the least, it is a bitter sweet feeling. I know that you are waiting for your big bear hug and you will get it, along with however many other ones you want! The plans for that day sound great to me. I am just happy to be with my wonderful family! Well mom I cannot wait to baptize my little sister. we are preparing some individuals for baptism on the 21st and everytime we talk about it I get sad know I wont be there but, then I remember that yes I will be at the greatest baptism, that of my little sisters, which I have been longing and waiting to do for so long. It's going to be a busy and crazy day today, but we will be having our farewell dinner up at the mission home tonight! love you! see you soon! love your son, Elder Wood

Mom, I am back in Freetown! The week was incredible for us, we spent most of it in Liberia doing leadership trainings for all the leaders in the zones.  You know that as long as I'm at this I still think I will always be a little nervous to talk in front of people but, nonetheless the Lord helped me and it turned out to be a satisfying and edifying experience.  Things have been so busy and great that I have completely forgotten how short the time is for me, and honestly I'm just trying to soak in every moment because it is nearly over.   To respond to your letter last week, yes I will be traveling with Elder Bennion he is one of the ones that we traveled with on the way here and he is from Ferron, Utah.  I am so excited for Karlee's baptism and wouldn't miss it for the world. Thank you for all you've done to support me over these two years. Me being the first child I know that you are wondering if you will ever get to see me again, if really when you send them, they come back?  Well believe it or not I will see you next week! Thanks for being so strong through all this.  Sister Roggia was asking me what food I would want you to prepare for me when I get home and I thought and thought and I honestly don't care, as long as it is home cooked and cooked by you! She was like now your mom can fatten you up,ha ha! So I hope that maybe you will let me know the final details about the trip to the Salt Lake Temple after I get back.  How is everything going to go? It still hasn't even set in at all that I'm going and won't until I board the plane next Tuesday.  It's going to be bitter sweet mom, I don't know how I can leave these people after all I've gone through here and the way I've grown. I'll see you soon. love you! love your son,