Elder Cameron Summers:

August 31, 2009
This last week was pretty fun. I was in a triple with a couple of elders in my zone until Saturday when i received my new companion. His name is Elder Anderson from Salt Lake. He is a big guy. He played football, rugby and wrestled before he came out. He has a scholarship to go back to Weber and play O-line when he finishes his mission. He is a good missionary. It was pretty funny the other day- While we were tracking, we saw this guy doing trimming his yard and I yelled out in Samoan if he needed an extra hand. And then one of two things happened 1)He was shocked that I knew Samoan or 2) He just didn't understand my Samoan. But his response was this, "Haha Haha Haha, What?!" The look on his face was pretty hilarious. My companions and I had a good laugh about it that night.
So this upcoming Sunday we are playing for a Fireside in our area. I am excited. Me and my old companion organized it. We invited the Miss Samoa who is currently living close to our area to come and do it. She put together a choir and goes around doing Firesides. She is from Utah and she even served a mission. I am really hoping that this might get the work moving a little more in my area right now. It is kind of slow and the ward just isn't very involved or doesn't care to much about missionary work.

There was also a pretty big earthquake here on Saturday night. According to my companion it shook the whole house. However, it was at night, and yup, you guessed it, I was to dead asleep to notice anything! So I missed it.

So this upcoming week Samoa will be changing the side of the road we drive on. We will also be getting new cars as well that are right-sided drive. A lot of people aren't to excited about the change. All is well. Love you and appreciate all that you guys do for me! love cam

August 31, 2009
I find myself not taking as many pictures anymore. I guess I am starting to take Samoan life for granted and it has now become a familiar way of life. Most baptismal fonts are those gazebo type styles. Kind of cool huh. I'm not to sure what two pictures you are talking about but I'll assure you, there's nothing to worry about!

Tomorrow is our temple day. I am really excited. Transfers are tomorrow as well. I was happy when the President told me that one specific elder will be transferring into a different zone. He has been pretty difficult and it should make life a lot easier for myself and my comp! Ha kind of bad to say, but true nonetheless!
Yesterday at church, we had two new couples come to church. I was really excited to see them there. Both couples have expressed to my comp and I that they want to be baptized. Hopefully this week we will set a baptismal date. One couple isn't married yet and will probably take a little time. However the other will hopefully be baptized sometime next month.

October 5, 2009
So this week has been pretty crazy. But good as well. I hope you were able to watch conference. It was great. We watched the Saturday morning secession but missed the afternoon and the priesthood because we went to help people affected by the tsunami. We weren't allowed to go help people on Wednesday and Thursday because the Samoan government told us no to go that they had plenty of people out there for now. It then opened up for us to go on Friday, but we had a baptism that day and weren't able to go.
One village called Lalomanu got totally destroyed. It is really sad. We went there to take supplies but no one was there. Everyone had left and are living with relatives or friends in different villages. Our main concentration on Saturday was to get supplies to non-members. Other churches are so unorganized for things like this. All members were taken care of by Wednesday or Thursday at the latest. Wednesday this week is when big help from the Church is suppose to arrive. I am told that it will be enough to clothe and feed 35,000 people for a month. I’m not quite sure what the president has planned for us this week but we will find out later today when we meet with him and his assistants.
Conference was awesome. There were a lot of talks centered on love and a lot of talks brushed on it as well. Elder Holland gave an awesome talk on the Book of Mormon and was a strong testimony builder for me.
If you want to help, maybe just something simple but with genuine love. Samoans are simple people and a small thought of them being in your prayers would go a long way. This might sound kind of weird to us English speakers, but Samoans love to have blessings bestowed upon them. So maybe send blessings? I know kind of weird but whatever. Everything is good and all is safe. Have a great week and a good trip! love, cam

October 26, 2009
But these last weeks have been really busy. We baptized a lady in one of the areas we cover. Her name is Loge and she lives in Fagaloa. That area is absolutely beautiful. It was so fun to teach her. She has such a sweet personality and was so eager to learn. We married her and her husband on Tuesday and then baptized her that next Saturday.

We are currently teaching three families that are progressing towards baptism. The of the couples are set to be baptized on the second Saturday of November. We are still waiting for one of them to get married.

The clean up work we did was absolutely amazing. I was constantly reminded of the Savior while we were during service helping people clean up their property and giving out food. We usually stayed in big groups going from house to house to see what we could do, but one time myself and another elder were able to break off of the group and go out on our own. It was such a great experience to walk up to a family totally destroyed by the tsunami and ask with Christlike love what we can do to help. I was also remind of President Eyring's talk in conference when he talked about asking with sincerity how someone was doing. While we were doing service on one of the days we were totally shocked by another tsunami warning. We were all resting and taking a break underneath some shade and looking out at the ocean when we heard a bunch of other people screaming from the other end of the village. Some kids ran over to us and told us of the tsunami warning and it was quickly verified when we tuned into the government am radio station. It was quite ironic to be in the middle of tsunami devastation and cleaning up the rubble when another warning was issued. We all went inland and up a mountain but the warning was quickly lifted.
This last week, on Tuesday, we had our mission tour. Elder Hamula, the 1st Counselor in the area presidency of the Pacific came and addressed us. The spirit was so strong there. All missionaries from Upolu were there and Elder Hamula gave an amazing talk. He gave his thoughts concerning the tsunami and read us parts of DC 88 and 3 Nep 11. He told us natural disasters are meant to humble people and prepare them for baptism.

The first or second week of November, Pres Ucthdorf (spelling?) will be visiting Samoa. We are scheduled to have a meeting with him and all the missionaries as well. I am really excited.

That doo rag was a life savor and that was the first time I was able to use the sunglasses you sent me for Christmas. So it all worked out pretty good! All is well. God bless! love, cam



From the “Couple Missionary” He sent the photographs.
Dear Brother and Sister Summers,
We thought you would enjoy these photos of your son. We have had the opportunity to work with him this past couple of months and he is an excellent Elder. The Elders have worked hard in giving service to the tsunami victims. After 48 hours without sleep Elder Summers came to me and said, "It just doesn't get any better. We've enclosed the picture of him when he said this. He doesn't usually wear bandannas, but that day they were so hot, I tore up old sheets and they all put them on their heads. They actually reminded me of the 2000 stripling warriors. You have an awesome son and he is doing well. We have been so blessed to work with him.

Thanks for raising such a fine young man.

Elder and Sister Eves

Elder Andrew Peña:

This week was absolutely amazing! It was busy and full of a lot of things and through the busy schedule we were able to accomplish a lot in our own area. We taught 24 sit down lessons this week, our goal is to receive 20 weekly. When I first came on my mission our goal was 15 and we struggled with that ( as a mission ) now we are all learning and progressing together and making great things happen, we are at 630 with our goal of baptism and we should be having 3 in our zone this upcoming week. Last week, obviously Monday was our preparation day and we played basketball which was fun and look forward to playing again today:), on Tuesday we had zone conference in Modesto and it was really good. Sister Gonzalez was sick and did not show up and we were educated on H1N1 or known as the swine flu so we received some instruction. Nothing big, President Gonzalez said " You wont die from it, you'll die if you are disobedient and don't tell me " haha, he is awesome! On Wednesday I was on an exchange in my own area with Elder Fifita and we taught 7 lessons that day and found and set up a lot of appointments. It was a very successful day, I loved it. Thursday I went with Elder Pickett to his area and was able to learn some Spanish from him. Friday we had to do stake correlation all day. It was rough but we got a lot done. Saturday I went to Waterford ( my 2nd area in the mission ) on another exchange and we taught a lot of people and I was able to share my testimony in Spanish. We went to a recent convert's home for dinner, her name is Maria Huerta and when I was in the area a year and some odd months ago, we were teaching her consistently a couple times a week. It was good to see her again and have dinner at her home. We also went to another family that only three of them were members when I was in the area and now their entire family is baptized. Since I left, the 2 sons got baptized and so did the husband and they are very active in the Spanish Branch. It was good to see them. Sunday we had our stake correlation meeting at 7 am and had a great meeting but we only had 1 investigator at church, yikes! We are teaching A LOT of people but none of them keep their commitments in coming to church. We will get them though. We are teaching 4 families and about 6 individuals consistently and it is great. The work is great and we see miracles everyday. Most importantly I'm continuing to strengthen my testimony and my desire to work and serve. I love sharing my testimony with people. It is the greatest thing to do, especially to try it in Spanish except I really can't say much :) but that is ok ... suy aprender ...... I love this work. It is the greatest thing that has happened to me. I love the scriptures and being able to learn from them, I love Preach My Gospel and the effective tool that it is to ALL members in strengthening our studies and knowledge in the gospel. I hope to hear from you all again this week and continue to pray for us and the missionaries in our mission and for our goal. I love and appreciate all of you and what you all do for me. :) Love your favorite missionary!! Elder Peña

Elder Scott Snell:

October 5, 2009
We had our Korean Thanksgiving stuff and our full P-day. We went to play soccer first thing in the morning. When we got there all of the Korean missionaries had bought uniforms and were looking all spiffy and matching. Well I hadn't really planned on playing but how could I turn down an invite like that? I rolled up my pants and we had a foreigner team plus three Koreans without jerseys. We ended up destroying them and it was really satisfying. They were all bummed that they lost to a bunch of non-matching, no cleat wearing foreigners. But hey, at least they looked good when they lost. Just remember the moral of the story is appearance isn't everything. I am reminded of that everyday when I open my mouth to talk to people in Korean and they are stunned I can speak the language. We then followed up the game with a quick dip in the public bath house and finished the night out with a pizza and a movie. We get permission to watch a movie on the Korean holidays. Of course not anything but this time it was Prince Caspian. The second Narnia. I enjoyed it very much. This week were able to meet with our investigator who told us that she was going to go to a safe home to volunteer. It is a place for just less fortunate kids from elementary school to high school. We decided we wanted to go with her. We were eating with the kids and enjoying ourselves. I sat next to a kid who liked basketball so we started talking and the next thing I knew he is coming to church a few days later. His name is 영진 (young jeen) he is about 17 years old and a good kid. He really enjoyed church and is progressing really well. I am not sure on his family situation but we spent Thanksgiving with him at the church. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for my family and the support you all give me. I am happy to be here in the service of my God and count everyday as a blessing. I love this gospel and even more I love teaching about it. I love you all and miss you.
Elder Snell

October 12, 2009
I got a call at about 6:40 am my time from one of my missionary friends singing me happy birthday. His was the week before. We started to talk about how it was weird to be 21 and that started to talk about all the things that we could do. He said you can buy alcohol, I pointed out we could gamble in Vegas, which he then said in return that we could buy hand guns and then I laughed and told him its a good thing we came on missions or we could be getting into some trouble. Of course we never intended on doing any of those things but I am still thinking about the gun;-) When I was little I always thought that when I turned 21 I would be an adult and be able to do so many things. Now that I am 21 I still feel young and don't want to do any of the stuff I can. Life comes at you fast. I can't believe I'm spending my last b-day in Korea. Thanks for all of the b-day wishes. I was able to see conference in my native tongue and enjoy every minute of it. When Elder Jeffery R Holland got into his talk it set shivers down my spine. I feel comfort knowing that the leaders of our church have that kind of testimony of the Book of Mormon. I really love the Book of Mormon, I wish I had more time to read it. There is so much to be learned from that one little book. I also really enjoyed what he said about his Grandfather saying no evil man could write such a book and no good man would if it weren't true. The Book of Mormon is true, I have felt the spirit testify the truth of it unto me, also as a missionary I have been able to see other people come to know of it's truthfulness as well. Your testimony may not be as strong as Elder Holland's but it can be. I love the scriptures and love to read them as well. I suggest if you are not reading them regularly you should be. I love this work and teaching people of the Restoration. I have had a great Birthday and am sad that this is the last one I get to spend in the field. It is a little different then spending it in the potato field which is what I usually did. I love you and thank you for everything. Elder Snell

October 19, 2009
It is the start of a new transfer and it just so happens it's my last one. I got a new companion and his name is Elder Green. He is from Kaysville, Utah. He has been a missionary for just about a year and he seems like a fun companion. His trainer was Elder Swan. If you remember that was my comp that I struggled with last year in Haeundae. We have already swapped some stories and had some laughs, seems like we have a similar opinion on some things. We had a pretty good week, we went on a bike trip with the youth of our ward to a really pretty area not to far away from Pusan. It is actually my new comps old area. I really enjoyed riding around seeing all of the orange trees and Buddhist temples. I will really miss this place. It was a pretty good week its always hard when you have a companion that will be leaving because you have to go say goodbye to everyone and then your just the one standing in the back saying alright well I will see you next week. We danced in English class and it was a lot of fun. Elder Kaing is a good missionary and we had a good transfer. He actually went down to my greenie area so that was cool to tell him about it. Love you all and miss you. I am praying for all of you. Elder Snell

Elder Matt Hansen:

We received the transfer news today and I got news that I am leaving Mombasa. I have kind of mixed feelings about it but overall I think its time for a change. I am going to miss the people though, that's what makes it so hard to leave an area. I love it here in Mombasa and i love the people, they are amazing. Hopefully I'll find the same in my next area. I am going to a place called Eldoret. Its just a smaller town but I am excited. My new companion is from Zimbabwe but I have never met him, it should be fun, I am excited. It will most likely be my last area. I will tell you all about it next week.

Other than that nothing new is going on. We had 3 baptisms yesterday so that was cool, we were happy to see those work out. I haven't got your package yet, I will check the post office tomorrow before I go to see if its here. I don't know what I want for a Christmas package, don't feel like you have to send one though, I will be home soon after that anyways, you can just save your money if you want. Anyways, I hope you are well. I love you, thanks for everything that you have done for me and that you continue to do for me, your the best! Elder Hansen

P.S. We might get to go on safari before we go home...maybe

Elder Adam Walker:

October 1, 2009
I'm doing great! Everything is fine. I'm still alive! Sorry I didn't e-mail Tuesday. Its been a crazy week. Tuesday we didn't have enough time cause we had a zone P-Day and it was hectic and yesterday we were in Lynchburg on exchanges and we had no time then. It seems like all we do is drive from one place to another. Our zone is huge geographically as well with numbers. There are 18 missionaries and it sprawls from West Virginia all the way down to North Carolina border. We are right in the middle. Yesterday we were down south for the district meeting and exchanges and now today we have to go do a baptismal interview up north. We are staying really busy but its just not in our area so that's kind of frustrating. It rained all last week here as well, it is a nice day here today and it sounds like it is going to be nice weather this week too. High 60's low 70's for the highs, and there is NO HUMIDITY!!!! so that is the nice part ha ha . Its perfect weather right now. I am all done with the scorching summers here. Kind of a weird thought. We had a great zone P-day on Tuesday, it was pretty fun. We had a BBQ and went on a hike to Crab Tree Falls and had a testimony meeting at the top so it was really good just took more time than I thought it would. Also this past week I got to meet Brandon Mull, he is a famous author that has a series of books called Fable Haven. We were able to have dinner with him and his wife at the Benedict's home. Jeff Benedict is a famous author as well and we live at there home in an apartment that is right off of their home. Its really nice. Sherry Dew is coming to town Halloween weekend and we get to meet her as well. Its pretty fun stuff. We do get to watch conference this weekend. I am looking forward to that I always enjoy it out here. It is something I look forward to each time. We just have to go to the church to watch it. We don't get to sit at home in our PJ's and watch it. We will be watching it in our suits. Ross's Baptism went really well, the spirit was very strong. His dad called Sunday morning before church and tried to anti him that we were a bunch of crazes and tried to send him on a guilt trip. He just let it roll off and that was the end of that. He got confirmed and now he is really thinking about going on a mission. We are going to be going and seeing him here when we are done here today. He will be a strong member. He's a good kid. President told me and Elder Reed that we are going to be staying together another transfer so that will be good. Transfers are next Wednesday so that will be yet another hectic day for us. It seems like we don't have enough time to get everything done right now. We have some really good investigators right now though, we will be having 3 baptism in November so that will be really nice. Time just continues to fly and I don't know where it all has gone. I love you all. Hope you have a great week. Love Elder Walker

October 11, 2009
The weather has really been cooling off here as well. Most missionaries have been wearing their sweaters this past week. I haven't yet because it feels perfect to me , but I'm sure by the end of the week I will probably have one on. We had an awesome experience this week. We tracted into the less active member. His name is Consantine Mkinya, he has an absolutely crazy story. He was a refugee in Zimbabwe about 5 years ago. The government was out to kill him and a secret agency had to sneak him out of the country to South Africa, and he had some connections with the United States, and so he was able to obtain a green card to come here to get out of Africa into safety. When he got here he came across some missionaries (4 years ago) in Dallas Texas and he eventually was baptized. He was active for about a year and was about to get the Melchizedek priesthood when he had a job change and he was then not able to attend church. Eventually he wound up here in the area that I am in, completely out of the habit of going to church and just kind of had a dim lit fire. Before he left Africa, his wife & him separated and divorced because everything that was going on. He had two kids with her, and they were stuck in Africa, but eventually he got them here to America with him and they are now living with him. They are 10 and 12. As we talked to this man, you could just see a new light in him. The Spirit had been gone from him for a long time and he kind of had just forgotten what is was like. When we left he said, you guys have reminded me of what I have been missing out on for 4 years. I was just lost in the world. He came to church on Sunday with his two kids and the kids want to get baptized. Its a humbling situation. I wish you could hear his whole story in his own words, its just heart wrenching. He went from being a well off educated Lawyer in Africa, to a man with nothing in America, the man is a genius, but the United States won't recognize his schooling from Africa so he has had to start from scratch. We talked to the Bishop here and the church is going to help them out despite him really saying he could do with out. But they really do need a little help. We had an appointment set with them to teach them last night but his kids are both really sick so we moved it to Thursday but you could already tell the difference within their own walls of their home. The spirit could be felt as soon as you walked into their small apartment. People like him just give me hope for everything and everyone. Even when we are in the roughest times, there is still hope, we just have to keep going and not give up and that is what he is doing. He just needed his candle relit and we were able to be a part of it. It was wonderful. We are having so much success right now its unbelievable. We have 5 people who are set with baptism all ready to go, and we have a good handful more who will be ready soon. The Lord truly has been blessing us. We have really been trying to work hard despite our limited time we have to work in our own areas, but I'm grateful for the people we have right now, I have grown to love each one of them. Last night I was on exchanges with someone in our area and we just had a few minutes left before we were going to call it a night, so we went tracting just to see if we could find someone new to teach and the first door we knocked on, the lady said come it. We had an awesome lesson with her and we will be seeing her again on Friday, and she wants to come to church. Everything just seems to be going perfect right now. I'm grateful for it. Thanks for everything. Elder Walker

Information:

Many of you know that our missionaries are going to start coming home soon - please send me information (as you want to) about their return dates, their Sunday sacrament meeting dates and time when they will report, any homecoming parties that may be happening, etc.

Also, I know we have sent a few young men out and if you want to join this blog - please send your information to me via e-mail at: hillierl@byui.edu. I can also add their picture(s). I'd love to add anyone who wants to be added.

Lark