Elder Scott Snell will be flying home and will arrive at the Idaho Falls airport on Wednesday, December 9.
His report in sacrament meeting will be Sunday, December 20 at 1:00 pm at the 2nd & 5th Ward Building on 2nd West - Rexburg.
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Nov 1, 2009
This week was a pretty good one, it was my first one with Elder Green and he is a hoot. I really like him. We get along pretty well and he is a pretty chill guy which is always nice.
We had our Halloween party this week. They don't celebrate Halloween here so that was fun to do for everyone. Except that my comp and I ended up doing about 90% of everything even though there were 4 other missionaries. That was lame but it turned out. We did mummy wrapping, mask making and Elder Green and I made an obstacle course which turned out to be the favorite. We had them spinning around, picking up dried pieces of rice, putting on big gloves, shoes and a coat then had to open a piece of gum and blow a bubble, stick a balloon between their legs and run. It was really fun and the next day my voice was pretty raspy. Then we also put on a haunted hallway/room type of thing, the kids all liked it. While we were getting ready we decided to carve some pumpkins for the decorations and I was really excited cause I enjoy doing that. Well we got our pumpkins and I got mine open and I reached in for that first nice slimy grab and I came out with a handful of maggots. Yeah my pumpkin had started to rot. It was gross, the maggots were jumping all over the place and it was pretty disturbing. I just held my breath and just cleaned it out anyway cause we needed the pumpkin. It was definitely a Halloween to remember. Oh oh and I dressed up as Superman. I just did the whole Superman shirt underneath and unbuttoned my white shirt. It was fun, the members enjoyed it. I hope you all had a good week and that everything is ok. I love you all and miss you. Elder Snell
Nov 8, 2009
Yesterday the Sisters in my ward had their investigator get baptized and I was able to have the honor of Baptizing her. She is a little daughter of a once less active member and is now reactivated. Her father is still less active so he wasn't able to baptize her. He came though and it was really good to see him there. It only took me three times before I got it right. It was pretty embarrassing and I felt really bad for 예지 (that is her name). The first time I said the prayer and dunked her and I didn't step on her feet so one of them popped out and so I shoved her down even farther and I felt like I was almost drowning her. She came back out coughing and I was told that I forgot a word. I felt bad I told her sorry and that we had to do it one more time. I said the prayer right and dunked her and stepped on her feet and was pretty sure that I got her under. I was a little hesitant to dunk her deep because of the last time and I felt bad. But when she came out they said that the hem of her dress popped out and a hair or something didn't go all the way under. I felt really bad and said the prayer and just threw her under. We got it done. I just told her that she was three times cleaner then the rest of us so it was ok.
We also were able to go to the orphanage again this week. It is always a lot of fun to go and see all those kids. They all seem happy and like they are doing well. They are pretty well taken care of. We ate this pumpkin soup that tasted like throw up. I really didn't like it so I made Elder Green eat mine. He didn't mind though.
I am doing good, I got my schedule of my last days about going to the temple in Seoul and all that jazz when my exit interview is and such. It was pretty weird. Oh well, I will just keep going until that day comes. I love you all and thanks for your support. Remember the church is true. Elder Snell
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Elder Matt Hansen:
Oct 26, 2009
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. It is 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. We had 3 baptisms yesterday so that was cool, we were happy to see those work out. 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
Nov 2, 2009
So, like I told you last week, I got transferred. Now I am in Eldoret serving in the Huruma branch. The town isn't too crowded and we are kind of on the outskirts of town so we only go there on Mondays. From the few days that I've been here I can say that I really miss Mombasa, especially the people there. I just got so comfortable there it felt like home, I loved it. Right now the transition has been kind of difficult but going to church yesterday helped because I was able to meet the members. The church seems a bit more developed here than Mombasa but I just can't wait to get to know the people, that's what makes an area. I am still lost but I know things will get better. This area is a lot different than my last. I took two buses to get here in two days. One was an 8 hour ride the other around 7 so nothing too bad but still not too fun. Eldoret is cold though, I'm freezing! Its funny to think because I never thought I could be cold in Kenya but its a bit cool. Most of it is just because I am used to the heat in Mombasa but I am just trying to adjust. Its nice though because I'm not sweating all the time and I can actually use a blanket to sleep, it feels good. My companion is a cool kid and I have enjoyed being with him for these few days. He is from Zimbabwe and is 3 months out and an awesome missionary, he is willing to work so that's good. I have also realized that no matter where you go there is always more work than you can handle but I am excited to get to know these people and to work with them.
I love you. Thank you so much for everything. I got your package right before I left Mombasa and I loved it!!! It had everything I needed, thank you very much. From now on just send mail to the mission home. Love you, Elder 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. It is 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. We had 3 baptisms yesterday so that was cool, we were happy to see those work out. 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
Nov 2, 2009
So, like I told you last week, I got transferred. Now I am in Eldoret serving in the Huruma branch. The town isn't too crowded and we are kind of on the outskirts of town so we only go there on Mondays. From the few days that I've been here I can say that I really miss Mombasa, especially the people there. I just got so comfortable there it felt like home, I loved it. Right now the transition has been kind of difficult but going to church yesterday helped because I was able to meet the members. The church seems a bit more developed here than Mombasa but I just can't wait to get to know the people, that's what makes an area. I am still lost but I know things will get better. This area is a lot different than my last. I took two buses to get here in two days. One was an 8 hour ride the other around 7 so nothing too bad but still not too fun. Eldoret is cold though, I'm freezing! Its funny to think because I never thought I could be cold in Kenya but its a bit cool. Most of it is just because I am used to the heat in Mombasa but I am just trying to adjust. Its nice though because I'm not sweating all the time and I can actually use a blanket to sleep, it feels good. My companion is a cool kid and I have enjoyed being with him for these few days. He is from Zimbabwe and is 3 months out and an awesome missionary, he is willing to work so that's good. I have also realized that no matter where you go there is always more work than you can handle but I am excited to get to know these people and to work with them.
I love you. Thank you so much for everything. I got your package right before I left Mombasa and I loved it!!! It had everything I needed, thank you very much. From now on just send mail to the mission home. Love you, Elder Hansen
Elder Adam Walker:
Nov 3, 2009
This week has been a good one. Only two more weeks in this transfer. Time sure is going fast. We had a big week of meetings this past week. Elder and Sister Sybrowski were awesome, they brought a great spirit to our mission. Sister Sybrowski knew her scriptures much better than Elder Sybrowski did haha, they were both really nice people though. I conducted the mission conference, that went really well. Overall it was just a great experience. Since I was leading the meeting, I got a lot of interaction with them so I got to know them a little bit so that was neat. They were each powerful speakers.
We also had interviews with President last week. Elder Reed is leaving, I am going to be getting a new companion here in Buena Vista, so we will just have to see who I get now. I will know in 2 weeks exactly what is going to happen.
There is one thing that Elder and Sister Sybrowski asked us to each get from our parents, it is our family conversion story. Like how our family came into the church, who were the ones that made it so we were born into it, when it happened, why they joined, the missionaries that taught them. If that makes any sense. Just a history of our ancestors and their dealings with the church. I will take everything that you have about anything to do with it.
If you could just send it in the mail that would be great. I had never thought of it until the were talking about it and then they said you will all be better missionaries if you get your parents to send you out everything they have and can find out about it. Many times we think our families have been in the church forever, but the church was only organized in 1830 so it doesn't go back any further than that. ha it made sense. so if you could get that I would really really appreciate it.
Sunday night there was a CES fireside. IT was Awesome! Elder Uchtdorf talked, you definitely need to watch or read that one. It was a powerful talk with a lot of good stuff. It would be good for all of you to read it. There is something in there for everyone. It was powerful. and really pretty funny as well. If you can watch it on the Internet it would be better but, if all you can get is the text, that would be good too. I will check up to see if you saw it next week :) Everything is going really well here, thanks for everything. Love you all, Elder Walker
Nov 10, 2009
Yeah we did have some pretty good visitors this week. The Sybrowski's were great and they were some great speakers,really quite moving. Sheri Dew was supposed to come in last weekend but she had to cancel at the last minute due to some circumstance she had so that was a bummer, but these two guys from New York that work for 20/20 were here. But we really didn't get to meet them, we were really busy this last week, we had a ton of meetings and not a whole lot of time to be doing work, we did have 6 investigators at church though, that was awesome. I'm pretty sure that is the most I have ever had, last week we had 5. All of them should get baptized soon but we will just have to see. One is for sure, she is getting baptized Nov 14 so that will be nice.
Oh yeah, and I forgot to put this in the other email, but this last week I found out that 2 people I recently taught, 1 in Elkins, and the other in Martinsville are getting baptized. I don't know if you remember me talking about a guy that we were going and teaching in Jail (Clifton Bond). Well, he is out now and is going to be baptized soon. Also in Martinsville, remember that girl Britney Watson that we were teaching she was only 16, she knew the church was true and everything, but her grandparents wouldn't sign the Baptismal record so she could. Well almost a year later, she has gone to church every week and stayed strong and her grandparents have softened their hearts and she got baptized this past weekend! She is now 17. So it was a special treat to hear about each of them, especially in the same week! Life is great, the church is true, Elder Walker
This week has been a good one. Only two more weeks in this transfer. Time sure is going fast. We had a big week of meetings this past week. Elder and Sister Sybrowski were awesome, they brought a great spirit to our mission. Sister Sybrowski knew her scriptures much better than Elder Sybrowski did haha, they were both really nice people though. I conducted the mission conference, that went really well. Overall it was just a great experience. Since I was leading the meeting, I got a lot of interaction with them so I got to know them a little bit so that was neat. They were each powerful speakers.
We also had interviews with President last week. Elder Reed is leaving, I am going to be getting a new companion here in Buena Vista, so we will just have to see who I get now. I will know in 2 weeks exactly what is going to happen.
There is one thing that Elder and Sister Sybrowski asked us to each get from our parents, it is our family conversion story. Like how our family came into the church, who were the ones that made it so we were born into it, when it happened, why they joined, the missionaries that taught them. If that makes any sense. Just a history of our ancestors and their dealings with the church. I will take everything that you have about anything to do with it.
If you could just send it in the mail that would be great. I had never thought of it until the were talking about it and then they said you will all be better missionaries if you get your parents to send you out everything they have and can find out about it. Many times we think our families have been in the church forever, but the church was only organized in 1830 so it doesn't go back any further than that. ha it made sense. so if you could get that I would really really appreciate it.
Sunday night there was a CES fireside. IT was Awesome! Elder Uchtdorf talked, you definitely need to watch or read that one. It was a powerful talk with a lot of good stuff. It would be good for all of you to read it. There is something in there for everyone. It was powerful. and really pretty funny as well. If you can watch it on the Internet it would be better but, if all you can get is the text, that would be good too. I will check up to see if you saw it next week :) Everything is going really well here, thanks for everything. Love you all, Elder Walker
Nov 10, 2009
Yeah we did have some pretty good visitors this week. The Sybrowski's were great and they were some great speakers,really quite moving. Sheri Dew was supposed to come in last weekend but she had to cancel at the last minute due to some circumstance she had so that was a bummer, but these two guys from New York that work for 20/20 were here. But we really didn't get to meet them, we were really busy this last week, we had a ton of meetings and not a whole lot of time to be doing work, we did have 6 investigators at church though, that was awesome. I'm pretty sure that is the most I have ever had, last week we had 5. All of them should get baptized soon but we will just have to see. One is for sure, she is getting baptized Nov 14 so that will be nice.
Oh yeah, and I forgot to put this in the other email, but this last week I found out that 2 people I recently taught, 1 in Elkins, and the other in Martinsville are getting baptized. I don't know if you remember me talking about a guy that we were going and teaching in Jail (Clifton Bond). Well, he is out now and is going to be baptized soon. Also in Martinsville, remember that girl Britney Watson that we were teaching she was only 16, she knew the church was true and everything, but her grandparents wouldn't sign the Baptismal record so she could. Well almost a year later, she has gone to church every week and stayed strong and her grandparents have softened their hearts and she got baptized this past weekend! She is now 17. So it was a special treat to hear about each of them, especially in the same week! Life is great, the church is true, Elder Walker
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Elder Cade Casper:
Cade at the MTC - Pointing to the World Map - his Mission
Nov 3, 2009
The week has been good. I really notice a difference in my receptiveness to the spirit when I truly forget myself and worry more about the people here in State College. We have tracted, and tracted, and I actually don't mind it. I have been blessed with a really good trainer, he talks to EVERYBODY! It was hard to do at first, but now I love to see somebody walking their dog (which everyone has a dog here) and going over to talk to them. We have found some new investigators, people who are very open. As we teach them the first lesson outside their house or something I can see them being interested or uninterested. It's cool when we finish teaching and we are able to set up a return appointment with them. We went on exchanges with the district leader yesterday, well, I did. He is cool, way nice guy. I went into his area which is Clearfield, and we tracted in Phillipsburg. His area just consisted of a lot of small little towns or villages. I didn't like the area. It made me appreciate State College and realize how much nicer the people are here.
But we had some good lessons. We taught a guy named Anty on Saturday who I think had been in prison. He was way open about Joseph Smith. We left him a copy of the Book of Mormon and we are meeting him again on Saturday, I hope he invites the Spirit as he reads so that it can let him know it is true. Oh, one cool thing about exchanges with E. Andrus (the d.l.) was we went up to this guys house, and he said "Come on up!" He was a Methodist pastor and he was very nice. One of the first things he talked about though was how he knows what we believe in and he thinks Joseph Smith is a hoax, and the B of M is from his imagination. I hadn't had anybody tell me this. He said a couple of years ago missionaries came and told him to pray about it. He said he did, and that was the answer God told him. I didn't know what to do, I thought he was going to be a jerk. But then he said he heard a voice three times throughout that night saying something like "don't discount or disregard those people." So then we talked about how he respects what we do. And we talked about how the world is so messed up and how we as Christians have to help people. He was cool, but I had just never heard anybody tell me that the answer they got from God was that Joseph Smith is a liar. It kinda shook me and questioned it a little bit, but then I realized how much I knew that he was a prophet of God, and even though we don't have the archaeological evidence to prove the B of M, I still know it's true. By the way, what was that rock you guys visited about Lehi's Dream on your cruise, I was wondering about that. But yesterday, I was back with Elder Tranter and we went and saw Michelle. We taught her the first half of the plan of salvation, then Elder Tranter gave her the invitation to be baptized. She said she would pray about it but the thing which was going on in her life at the time that made things really hard for her is that she got fired, and her boss was a really manipulative lady and she is going to fight it I guess. She is nice but it was hard to have a serious talk with her because she honestly laughs at everything! As she talked about her life I realized that that is how she would handle stress. It's not a bad thing, but it was just hard to talk about the gospel with her. I really hope that she'll get that answer to be baptized, because she came to church and liked it, so we will see.
We are having a crazy racquetball tournament today with like 4 companionships. It's sweet. Because there are two comps in State College, we are State College inner area, and then our d.l. and his comp are coming, then the z.l.'s are playing too. It will be sweet. Next week I think we are going to drive by the football stadium and the baseball field. The State College Spikes play here, they're single A. I'm not sure who they are affiliated with.
I love you guys and I'm glad and thankful to be here.
Love, Elder Casper
1st Baptism
Elder Casper, Michelle, Elder Tranter
Penn State Football Stadium
Friday, October 30, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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
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
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