Sorry but this is going to be another dissapointing e-mail without pictures. The computers at this library stink. The usb function it is faulty as.
This was the first week I got to attend sacra,ent at the branch. We have church in a rented house. It is actually quite nice really. I have taken a picture but the computers... There are about 30 people that attend regularly and we have sacrament meeting in the garage. It is pretty cool.
Investigator wise though we do have a few great potentials. Ruben is a Moari fella who has had lots of contact witht the church in the past. Elder Donaldson and his previous companion have been all ready working with thim. He is a bit busy with work but Ruben understands the importance of this commitment and is looking forwards to it. In one of our last visits he said that he would start coming to church regularly now. He is so humble, and we are looking forwards to having him baptized this coming trasfer, maybe even at the beach! That would be a neat experience for sure. We have a few other potentials that we are working with, but we will see this week.
The work here up north is a bit slow compared to Auckland City. Boy am I enjoying the scenery though. Once I get on a computer that works properly I will send heaps and heaps of pictures. The farm land is so beutiful up here. It is very green, and I always hald to remind myself how beutiful it really is around here! Lots of Cattle, and of course sheep. Some fun roads to drive on as well. I am well use to fricing on the other side of the road now. I think that it is going to be a bit wierd coming back. I have been told that once you drive on both sides, it is easy to switch form then on.
Well work is moving forwards and I am glad to be part of it. I have been wanting to send an letter home for ages, but e-mail seems to really undermine it. I will though. I will try for a package sometime soon.
Ok well thanks for the e-mails, despite all the sad news with Jelly and Eric and his DS. Hopefully things perk up!
Love you all!
Love,
Elder Ward
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Boom!
Boom! Just like that after Elder Hann was picked up last Tuesday Morn, I received a call that I was to be transferred :( Boy was it hard going around seeing family's and saying good by to them. Some of which I knew very well. Brother Semati's family was probably the hardest of all because we have worked with them so much. They said that they would even come visit me before I went home where ever I was. Sister Gaui, brother Semati's partner, was very sad, and even began to shed some tears. My heart was softened, and I gave them words of encouragement to keep moving forwards. They are a great family and I will certainly miss them! I also said good by to Jeremy and his wonderful daughter. They where sad to see me go, and so was I. We took a picture of course. I will keep in touch with the m as well. I did leave my testimony of the plan of Salvation with him. We tried to see everyone, but that simply was not possible. I was with my District Leader and his companion for the day as well that was lots of fun for sure. I would not have minded staying in the area for another 6 weeks in which would total 7 1/2 months, but the Lord saw fit other wise. I left the area book as up to date as possible for the next Elders to come in because being double shifted into an unknown area is hard!
Where did I go to??? Whangeria! Pronounced Fan-gah-ray. I am now out of Auckland City and I am up North serving in the country side. I love it out here! It is so scenic and pretty. Lot's of live stock. We have a car and I am the one driving making it even more fun! My new companion is Elder Donaldson for Australia, he has been in the area for 6 months all ready. He has been showing me around. The members are great here as well. I haven't met to many of them however. I arrived here on Thursday and Elder Donaldson was sick so we stayed in the flat for the rest of Thursday, and most of Friday. Friday Evening we drove up to the main town with some other Elders that caught a ride with us and stayed the night at our District Leaders place. That was fun staying a flat with 6 Elders. We stayed there for all of General conference and I loved it! We drove back after the last session on Sunday. WE serve in a Branch called Bream Bay Branch. We live in a town called Ruakaka the chapel that we attend is actually a house! They rent a house and have sacrament meeting in a garage. It is actually quite a nice house. All the meetings happen in it.
I only have met one of the investigators here, so I can't really give a thorough report on that. But one thing for sure is that I do miss Waipuna ward and all the wonderful people that I served and taught with there. I will be keeping in touch with them for sure.
Now for the most disappointing part of this e-mail... I don't have pictures. I left my camera back at the District leaders flat... I will have it next week for sure. Sorry about that. If there was an e-mail I would like to have pictures for it would be this one!
I had a great Easters, we didn't really get anything, but we did eat dinner with the newly called Bishop Ikimaus home. We also had a great lesson with one of our investgators.
Love You All!
Love,
Elder Ward
Where did I go to??? Whangeria! Pronounced Fan-gah-ray. I am now out of Auckland City and I am up North serving in the country side. I love it out here! It is so scenic and pretty. Lot's of live stock. We have a car and I am the one driving making it even more fun! My new companion is Elder Donaldson for Australia, he has been in the area for 6 months all ready. He has been showing me around. The members are great here as well. I haven't met to many of them however. I arrived here on Thursday and Elder Donaldson was sick so we stayed in the flat for the rest of Thursday, and most of Friday. Friday Evening we drove up to the main town with some other Elders that caught a ride with us and stayed the night at our District Leaders place. That was fun staying a flat with 6 Elders. We stayed there for all of General conference and I loved it! We drove back after the last session on Sunday. WE serve in a Branch called Bream Bay Branch. We live in a town called Ruakaka the chapel that we attend is actually a house! They rent a house and have sacrament meeting in a garage. It is actually quite a nice house. All the meetings happen in it.
I only have met one of the investigators here, so I can't really give a thorough report on that. But one thing for sure is that I do miss Waipuna ward and all the wonderful people that I served and taught with there. I will be keeping in touch with them for sure.
Now for the most disappointing part of this e-mail... I don't have pictures. I left my camera back at the District leaders flat... I will have it next week for sure. Sorry about that. If there was an e-mail I would like to have pictures for it would be this one!
I had a great Easters, we didn't really get anything, but we did eat dinner with the newly called Bishop Ikimaus home. We also had a great lesson with one of our investgators.
Love You All!
Love,
Elder Ward
Sunday, April 12, 2015
April 5, 2015 - Great things, change is happening!
Well I will start off with the grand news and let you guys know that Jodie was finally baptized! Our former Bishop that was just released baptized her because he was the one that performed there marriage making even more special meaningful. I am grateful for the chance that I had to teach her and help her gain a testimony! The baptismal service was simple and it went well. There was a lot of planning done by Elder Hann and Myself. It has been 6 months since the first time we made contact with them! It has been a long but special!
Elder Hann is going home... He will be flying out of NZ Tuesday at 12:00am. I have loved this transfer with him. It has been a real treat to serve with an Elder like him. He has helped me become more personable in the teaching that I do. WE have a pretty interesting relationship and we certainly are going to be missing each other. I was thinking that I could go visit him in Scottland after the mission because travel in the EU is so cheap. We will have to see but it would be worth it to see him and more of Europe. I will be with my District Leader and his Companion till transfers when I get my new companion. I think that I will staying in the area. That will mean 71\2 months! But it has been totally worth it! I love it here, and to be honest I know the memebrs so well that it feels like home. I almost could imagine leaving this ward. Maybe that's a bad thing and will make things difficult haha.
I am excited for General conference for sure. We will be watching it this weekend.
For this week though we didn't see to much progress from our investigators, like , Chris and Nia, and Selenah. We are still keeping in touch with Jeremy. There daughter is still full of energy. The Chemo is hard on her though. Everyone was quite busy with the Easter weekend. Still though the area is doing wonderful. When Elder Hann first came into the area he said that he felt like he was in Candy Land since he had just come from a relatively slow area. It has been good and I am looking forwards to the next few months!
Thanks so much and love you all!
Love,
Elder Ward
Me... Over enthuesed about fixing my bike. I bought new tires and tubes. My tires where worn bald and the tubes where old and getting holes a lot! We had to call the district leader because we where pretty much stranded.
We got a picture with Jodie and her husband Lorenzo. He is pretty photogenic! This was after the baptism. they where just beginning to clean up the refreshments.
A large portion of the ward that we serve in. We helped them clean up the chapel today and they then played a bit of sport. It conviently was a farewell party for Elder Hann. Got a great picture!
Elder Hann is going home... He will be flying out of NZ Tuesday at 12:00am. I have loved this transfer with him. It has been a real treat to serve with an Elder like him. He has helped me become more personable in the teaching that I do. WE have a pretty interesting relationship and we certainly are going to be missing each other. I was thinking that I could go visit him in Scottland after the mission because travel in the EU is so cheap. We will have to see but it would be worth it to see him and more of Europe. I will be with my District Leader and his Companion till transfers when I get my new companion. I think that I will staying in the area. That will mean 71\2 months! But it has been totally worth it! I love it here, and to be honest I know the memebrs so well that it feels like home. I almost could imagine leaving this ward. Maybe that's a bad thing and will make things difficult haha.
I am excited for General conference for sure. We will be watching it this weekend.
For this week though we didn't see to much progress from our investigators, like , Chris and Nia, and Selenah. We are still keeping in touch with Jeremy. There daughter is still full of energy. The Chemo is hard on her though. Everyone was quite busy with the Easter weekend. Still though the area is doing wonderful. When Elder Hann first came into the area he said that he felt like he was in Candy Land since he had just come from a relatively slow area. It has been good and I am looking forwards to the next few months!
Thanks so much and love you all!
Love,
Elder Ward
Sunday, April 5, 2015
29 March 2015 Weekly E-mail
It sounds like there is a lot that is going on back at home I would have to say! Dad being off on the Hospital ship is very neat as well as the church providing materials is quite awesome. All the other Elders that I am e-mailing with think that it is cool!
Well to start off with telling you guys about how the week has gone I guess I will have to say that Jodie did not get baptized. Sometimes I simply just want to pull my hair out but this isn't eh case. It is not really Jodie herself it is more of just the fact that things keep interfering with the date. This week SHOULD be this week. Her younger brother being the culprit in this case. Here in New Zealand, the culture is interesting. I guess like the states the 21st Birthday is a big deal here. Also the first birthday of a child is a big deal as well. Really more of a celebration for adults rather than the child. Similar to the celebrations that I described before such as weddings or funerals, they are big. Jodie was unfortunately roped into throwing her younger brother a party for him and all his friends on the Saturday of her baptism. In the end Baptism is so much more important than his worldly celebration, however, Jodie felt it would be better to put if off for one more week. It will ultimately be better. She does have a sincere desire to be baptized, so more time will only help her be better prepared. Jodie is great she is truly converted, and the Lord has blessed me as a missionary to help prepare her for baptism, with the end in mind, Temple marriage.
Toru, well sorry I don't think I do the best at keeping up with each investigator, but Toru has unfortunately fallen out of the teaching pool. His family stepped in and asked to tell us that they do not want us around their home (being 7th day Adventist), Toru himself is still interested. We have tried to contact him but his phone does not seem to work. So at teh moment we are trying to get teh YSA in the ward to contact him because he grew quite close to them as he spent time with them.
The Edmonds, are doing ok. There daughter Ana who has a common brain cancer among many children who are diagnosed with brain Cancer. She has been undergoing Chemo. It has only been a few weeks into it. She has now lost most of her hair. We try to go around and visit Jeremy the father every other day, but some days he is good for a visit, other days he doesn't really want to talk all that much. Just consistent support will be the best! We have been able to teach him here and there but for the most part likes the supporting chat.
Selenah, has been picked back up as an investigator. The reason she originally fell off was because of the Sisters leaving. After making contact with her again, we got some members that where close with her back in and now she is back on board. We had 2 good lessons with her the past 2 weeks. One we taught about the Holy Ghost by playing a game called cat and mouse. It is where you take cloths pins and tie strings on them about a foot long. You then put a coin in the center of everyone sitting in a circle and you then put the clothes pins around or just on the coin. Everyone holds the string for their mouse and then there is one person that holds a pot lid. A hot number is picked and then 2 dice are rolled. When the number comes up the person holding the lid then tries to catch the mice around the coin with the pot lid before they run away by pulling the string. It is a lot of fun and really breaks the ice. We then relate the dice to being the Holy Ghost, the lid Satan and his snares, and then clothes pins or mice simply represent us. The coin is world. We all live in the world, but the Holy Ghost is there to warn us of danger and tells us when we need to run. She really enjoyed that. The next appointment we had with her we talked about the Atonement and she learned a lot about how we are to improve every day of our lives and become better people gradually. We did a bit of a demonstration by using a nerf gun. We have a little single shooter so it doesn't become a big distraction in the flat, but teaching with it has been great. We challenge people to hit a target (any object in the home with reasonable distance) in the home 3 times in a row perfectly. We take a turn our selves of course. No is able to do it really, not even us, and the point is that our Father in Heaven have given us commandments to keep perfectly. It is next impossible to do so. Because of the Atonement though, the only thing that really matters though is that we are aiming in the right direction and trying our best. So that's a lot of detail, but they will make a good FHE activity. Hopefully my details are clear enough to figure it out. We always mingle scriptures in there as well. Often we teach with demonstrations because people here are very visual learners and they can often be shy. It really helps them know that you care about them and are there to answer their sincere questions.
Chris and Nia are both Samoan and they have 2 children. We started teaching them recently. We originally talked to Nia on the street as she was going to pick up their kids form school. We where persistent in getting a return appointment. Teaching them has been really wonderful. We have been having the 2nd counselor of the ward come out with us to be the fellowship for as he is Samoan as well. Chris and Nia are very humble, that is something that we have noticed. They are very teachable and ask brilliant questions to better their understanding. They have been good at keeping their commitments as well! We invited them to be baptized on May 2nd and they accepted. It is just a goal to work towards so we will help them the best we can!
Thanks for the e-mails!
Love,
Elder Ward
Elder Hann and I did a bit of service! We pulled down a grape vine for a Sister in the ward!
a coin got in our washing machine pump and I was able to pull the pump off and get it off. Normal tinkering me as usual!
Well to start off with telling you guys about how the week has gone I guess I will have to say that Jodie did not get baptized. Sometimes I simply just want to pull my hair out but this isn't eh case. It is not really Jodie herself it is more of just the fact that things keep interfering with the date. This week SHOULD be this week. Her younger brother being the culprit in this case. Here in New Zealand, the culture is interesting. I guess like the states the 21st Birthday is a big deal here. Also the first birthday of a child is a big deal as well. Really more of a celebration for adults rather than the child. Similar to the celebrations that I described before such as weddings or funerals, they are big. Jodie was unfortunately roped into throwing her younger brother a party for him and all his friends on the Saturday of her baptism. In the end Baptism is so much more important than his worldly celebration, however, Jodie felt it would be better to put if off for one more week. It will ultimately be better. She does have a sincere desire to be baptized, so more time will only help her be better prepared. Jodie is great she is truly converted, and the Lord has blessed me as a missionary to help prepare her for baptism, with the end in mind, Temple marriage.
Toru, well sorry I don't think I do the best at keeping up with each investigator, but Toru has unfortunately fallen out of the teaching pool. His family stepped in and asked to tell us that they do not want us around their home (being 7th day Adventist), Toru himself is still interested. We have tried to contact him but his phone does not seem to work. So at teh moment we are trying to get teh YSA in the ward to contact him because he grew quite close to them as he spent time with them.
The Edmonds, are doing ok. There daughter Ana who has a common brain cancer among many children who are diagnosed with brain Cancer. She has been undergoing Chemo. It has only been a few weeks into it. She has now lost most of her hair. We try to go around and visit Jeremy the father every other day, but some days he is good for a visit, other days he doesn't really want to talk all that much. Just consistent support will be the best! We have been able to teach him here and there but for the most part likes the supporting chat.
Selenah, has been picked back up as an investigator. The reason she originally fell off was because of the Sisters leaving. After making contact with her again, we got some members that where close with her back in and now she is back on board. We had 2 good lessons with her the past 2 weeks. One we taught about the Holy Ghost by playing a game called cat and mouse. It is where you take cloths pins and tie strings on them about a foot long. You then put a coin in the center of everyone sitting in a circle and you then put the clothes pins around or just on the coin. Everyone holds the string for their mouse and then there is one person that holds a pot lid. A hot number is picked and then 2 dice are rolled. When the number comes up the person holding the lid then tries to catch the mice around the coin with the pot lid before they run away by pulling the string. It is a lot of fun and really breaks the ice. We then relate the dice to being the Holy Ghost, the lid Satan and his snares, and then clothes pins or mice simply represent us. The coin is world. We all live in the world, but the Holy Ghost is there to warn us of danger and tells us when we need to run. She really enjoyed that. The next appointment we had with her we talked about the Atonement and she learned a lot about how we are to improve every day of our lives and become better people gradually. We did a bit of a demonstration by using a nerf gun. We have a little single shooter so it doesn't become a big distraction in the flat, but teaching with it has been great. We challenge people to hit a target (any object in the home with reasonable distance) in the home 3 times in a row perfectly. We take a turn our selves of course. No is able to do it really, not even us, and the point is that our Father in Heaven have given us commandments to keep perfectly. It is next impossible to do so. Because of the Atonement though, the only thing that really matters though is that we are aiming in the right direction and trying our best. So that's a lot of detail, but they will make a good FHE activity. Hopefully my details are clear enough to figure it out. We always mingle scriptures in there as well. Often we teach with demonstrations because people here are very visual learners and they can often be shy. It really helps them know that you care about them and are there to answer their sincere questions.
Chris and Nia are both Samoan and they have 2 children. We started teaching them recently. We originally talked to Nia on the street as she was going to pick up their kids form school. We where persistent in getting a return appointment. Teaching them has been really wonderful. We have been having the 2nd counselor of the ward come out with us to be the fellowship for as he is Samoan as well. Chris and Nia are very humble, that is something that we have noticed. They are very teachable and ask brilliant questions to better their understanding. They have been good at keeping their commitments as well! We invited them to be baptized on May 2nd and they accepted. It is just a goal to work towards so we will help them the best we can!
Thanks for the e-mails!
Love,
Elder Ward
Monday, March 30, 2015
22 March - The time is too far spent!
Time is surely going by very quickly. I don't have much more with Elder Hann before he goes home to Scottland! Boy he has been a great companion for me. I have learned a lot from him and he certainly loves all those that he meets. The picture is him resting near the end of his 2 years of service. Pretty great picture. :D
This week tested our patience at times. It was difficult to really find people available to teach. We think it is because of a bit of a festival that they do called "poly fest". This is pretty important to the islander culture here. I have not been to it but all I know is that it is a big celebration where all the different Islander cultures come together and do all of their different dances. Pretty fun!
Sunday in particular was a big day. The ward that I am serving in got a new Bishop. That was a bit of a surprise, but yet very exciting, I will miss working with our old Bishop though because he was a great selfless hard working man. To put it into words though change is good! A lot of the members where quite shocked. None the less that Sunday Jodie came to church as she usually does. It was really great to see her. We where finally able to have her stay for the 2nd hour class. I have been very concerned as to why she does not come to the other classes, but it turns out that she is just simply very shy! Elder Hann and I where quite happy to find her concern there because we then knew that we needed to introduce her to more of the members of the ward so they don't feel like outsiders in a sense. She is doing well with the word of wisdom and this weekend Saturday she will be baptized! Lot's of planning to do indeed! She enjoyed the lesson we had. We taught a really powerful but simple lesson on the Plan of Salvation.
This week we also had one of our "former investigators come to church. Her name is Lesly and she truly has a wonderful heart. Several sets of Elders have been through to teach her, however she is unable to be baptized because she is not married. (That is a big problem here in NZ... well the world really) Anyways we have always stopped by her home every week and tried to teach some principle to keep her strong. She has an amazing testimony of the gospel and reads the scriptures on her own at times. At first we where not really getting anywhere when we taught her or visited her. However, she watched talk given by President Thomas S. Monson and she told us about it and how she felt about it. needless to say she want's to baptized and have the gift of the Gift of the Holy Ghost. She basically committed her self to come to church. She told us at church (we where so happy to see her there!) that her partner was not in a good mood that morning, but despite all that, he dropped his guard, and let her go. Gary her partner is a real nice guy. We have spoken with him. He loves the church actually, and feels the spirit very strong. He told us that when we visited him and got to know him. It all really comes down to him getting married. The culture is so different today. Marriage seems to be feared. But it is a sacrifice from the mother and Father that blesses the children for sure.
Jeremy is doing all right. Their daughter is now starting to loose her hair. He really does like our visits. We taught him a quick lesson on the plan of Slavation. He said that he would have to think about it a little bit for sure
It was a good week for sure! The driving here Mother is a bit crazy. I have gotten use to the left side of the rd, so I will have to readjust when I come back! Where we live and serve particular, there is a big shopping mall and lots of traffic. There are some dodgy drivers that love sinking their petal down and then slam the brakes once they have reached the red light as the finish line. Simply put driving is never the sane in any country. They are more like Americans though to put it simple.
The picture of us on the grass is when we had a bit of a picnic, we cooked some rice, grabbed some flavoured cans of tuna, and enjoyed watching the rowers do their thing for lunch.
Also I just want to thank everyone that wrote a note in the Christmas Package:
Madelyn-Thanks for hug! and the monkey stickers!
Eric-thanks for the hug as well!
Sister Jarvis thank you for your kindness, I will use it carefully. The mission is busy!
Graham-Thanks for the pencil drawing wish I could meet you now!
Lange Family-Thanks so much for the note!
Benjamin Ray-Thanks for the great picture!
Aunt Anette-Thank you for the letter, sounds like you guys are having great adventures!
Maggie Ray- Thank you for the wonderful note!
Uncle Riley and Aunt Rachel for the note about their family!
Lucy Ray- Tahnk you for the Christmas Reed!
Aunt Kim-Thank you for letting me know how the family is doing exciting things are happening!
Udy Fam- It is great to hear from you guys! Thanks for sending a note!
Grandpa-Thank you grandpa miss you lots!
Fomby Fam- Thank you for the note you sent it was great getting to know you guys!
Brother Jake Davis- Thank you for the note about your mission I do appreciate it.
The Scott Fam, Travis, Kirenia, Aden, Antonio, Atticus, and Alexander for the fun art you sent!
And thank you Elder and Sister Clark as well!
Love you all!
Love,
Elder Ward
This week tested our patience at times. It was difficult to really find people available to teach. We think it is because of a bit of a festival that they do called "poly fest". This is pretty important to the islander culture here. I have not been to it but all I know is that it is a big celebration where all the different Islander cultures come together and do all of their different dances. Pretty fun!
Sunday in particular was a big day. The ward that I am serving in got a new Bishop. That was a bit of a surprise, but yet very exciting, I will miss working with our old Bishop though because he was a great selfless hard working man. To put it into words though change is good! A lot of the members where quite shocked. None the less that Sunday Jodie came to church as she usually does. It was really great to see her. We where finally able to have her stay for the 2nd hour class. I have been very concerned as to why she does not come to the other classes, but it turns out that she is just simply very shy! Elder Hann and I where quite happy to find her concern there because we then knew that we needed to introduce her to more of the members of the ward so they don't feel like outsiders in a sense. She is doing well with the word of wisdom and this weekend Saturday she will be baptized! Lot's of planning to do indeed! She enjoyed the lesson we had. We taught a really powerful but simple lesson on the Plan of Salvation.
This week we also had one of our "former investigators come to church. Her name is Lesly and she truly has a wonderful heart. Several sets of Elders have been through to teach her, however she is unable to be baptized because she is not married. (That is a big problem here in NZ... well the world really) Anyways we have always stopped by her home every week and tried to teach some principle to keep her strong. She has an amazing testimony of the gospel and reads the scriptures on her own at times. At first we where not really getting anywhere when we taught her or visited her. However, she watched talk given by President Thomas S. Monson and she told us about it and how she felt about it. needless to say she want's to baptized and have the gift of the Gift of the Holy Ghost. She basically committed her self to come to church. She told us at church (we where so happy to see her there!) that her partner was not in a good mood that morning, but despite all that, he dropped his guard, and let her go. Gary her partner is a real nice guy. We have spoken with him. He loves the church actually, and feels the spirit very strong. He told us that when we visited him and got to know him. It all really comes down to him getting married. The culture is so different today. Marriage seems to be feared. But it is a sacrifice from the mother and Father that blesses the children for sure.
Jeremy is doing all right. Their daughter is now starting to loose her hair. He really does like our visits. We taught him a quick lesson on the plan of Slavation. He said that he would have to think about it a little bit for sure
It was a good week for sure! The driving here Mother is a bit crazy. I have gotten use to the left side of the rd, so I will have to readjust when I come back! Where we live and serve particular, there is a big shopping mall and lots of traffic. There are some dodgy drivers that love sinking their petal down and then slam the brakes once they have reached the red light as the finish line. Simply put driving is never the sane in any country. They are more like Americans though to put it simple.
The picture of us on the grass is when we had a bit of a picnic, we cooked some rice, grabbed some flavoured cans of tuna, and enjoyed watching the rowers do their thing for lunch.
Also I just want to thank everyone that wrote a note in the Christmas Package:
Madelyn-Thanks for hug! and the monkey stickers!
Eric-thanks for the hug as well!
Sister Jarvis thank you for your kindness, I will use it carefully. The mission is busy!
Graham-Thanks for the pencil drawing wish I could meet you now!
Lange Family-Thanks so much for the note!
Benjamin Ray-Thanks for the great picture!
Aunt Anette-Thank you for the letter, sounds like you guys are having great adventures!
Maggie Ray- Thank you for the wonderful note!
Uncle Riley and Aunt Rachel for the note about their family!
Lucy Ray- Tahnk you for the Christmas Reed!
Aunt Kim-Thank you for letting me know how the family is doing exciting things are happening!
Udy Fam- It is great to hear from you guys! Thanks for sending a note!
Grandpa-Thank you grandpa miss you lots!
Fomby Fam- Thank you for the note you sent it was great getting to know you guys!
Brother Jake Davis- Thank you for the note about your mission I do appreciate it.
The Scott Fam, Travis, Kirenia, Aden, Antonio, Atticus, and Alexander for the fun art you sent!
And thank you Elder and Sister Clark as well!
Love you all!
Love,
Elder Ward
Sunday, March 22, 2015
15 March 2015 - 28th it is then....
Well Jodie did not get baptized. Bad news first I suppose. but we have set a date for the 28th. Many reasons came into play. Jodie simply was not prepared for the 14th of March. It has simply been to long since we have been able to sit down with here and teach her. We sat down and went over the baptismal interview questions, and we decided, and Jodie agreed that there is no need to rush and have her be baptized and be unprepared. We would try for the 21st, but that is the stake temp[le day so none of the ward members would be there for the baptism. :S and that would be now good. The evening is available however Jodie has a wedding that she would like to attend. In the end, the main reason we put it on the 28th is simply because she is still working on the WoW. She has improved since we began to teach her, however it is still there. I even called the misison President and talked to him about it to seek more council as well. I love our mission President. They are always great men. True repentance is best shown over a period of time. and that extra time is there just to make sure that she is prepared as she can be. :D
Other than that this week has been a bit tough. Elder Hann got sick with a little bug so that slowed us down during the week. A few of our investigators dropped. It is sad, but it happens Sometimes people are just simply not committing to what we teach about so in the end we have to drop them. Of course we will go back and see how they are doing and see if they are ready. I won't mention names because I haven't really mentioned them before in e-mails. Just sharing and aspect of the work.
Oh! we had something wonderful happen this week. Selenah, I think I told you guys about here in previous e-mails a while back. We made contact with her and it was great! We knocked on the door and her partner opened the door and explained to us that she was not home at the time. Then she pulled up in her car not a even 30 seconds afterwards. It was great. We had a good lesson with her on Friday and we had some good wonderful Tongan members come with us to lesson to fellowship her. We played a small game and Selenah really appreciated it because it had been a while since she had learned something about the gospel. She didn't make it to church that Sunday. Apparently it was to early. (9am that's really early for NZanders by the way). So that is a bit about how the work is going.
The Edmonds are doing ok, we tried going by the family this week but it was a bit crazy, the Father did not really want to talk to us at the time. I will do my best!
Sorry! I got the package a long time ago! I just forgot to tell you guys. I have all ready eaten the 2 chocolate hearts... I didn't think I would but I could not help my self. And the shirt... It was puzzling. I though it said something or it was a pattern. We walked out the flat and then I thought of the Plan of Salvation, and I said out loud "Oh! that's it!" I then told my companion because he didn't know either. I really like the shirt thanks! Also I will thank everyone in the next e-mail for all the letters. I have the names written out, I just don't have enough time!
That is nerve racking with Dad leaving. I will be praying of course. Sounds like Mother is doing better with the classes. Stuart is doing awesome now that he has his Eagle! And Madelyn and Eric are doing well in School, and Jelly is being a "Derp" as usual . I guess we can simply count our blessings. :D
Got some snazy pictures of me. Need to take more of me and my companion. Haven't been taking a lot lately.
Love,
Elder Ward
Well this butterfly was in the grass not doing to well. We where done talking with one of our potential investigators and I had to go over and pick him up. got the conversation going a bit more. I am pretty sure he was in the last stages of his life. His wings where not in good condition. Really amazing how big it was!
Other than that this week has been a bit tough. Elder Hann got sick with a little bug so that slowed us down during the week. A few of our investigators dropped. It is sad, but it happens Sometimes people are just simply not committing to what we teach about so in the end we have to drop them. Of course we will go back and see how they are doing and see if they are ready. I won't mention names because I haven't really mentioned them before in e-mails. Just sharing and aspect of the work.
Oh! we had something wonderful happen this week. Selenah, I think I told you guys about here in previous e-mails a while back. We made contact with her and it was great! We knocked on the door and her partner opened the door and explained to us that she was not home at the time. Then she pulled up in her car not a even 30 seconds afterwards. It was great. We had a good lesson with her on Friday and we had some good wonderful Tongan members come with us to lesson to fellowship her. We played a small game and Selenah really appreciated it because it had been a while since she had learned something about the gospel. She didn't make it to church that Sunday. Apparently it was to early. (9am that's really early for NZanders by the way). So that is a bit about how the work is going.
The Edmonds are doing ok, we tried going by the family this week but it was a bit crazy, the Father did not really want to talk to us at the time. I will do my best!
Sorry! I got the package a long time ago! I just forgot to tell you guys. I have all ready eaten the 2 chocolate hearts... I didn't think I would but I could not help my self. And the shirt... It was puzzling. I though it said something or it was a pattern. We walked out the flat and then I thought of the Plan of Salvation, and I said out loud "Oh! that's it!" I then told my companion because he didn't know either. I really like the shirt thanks! Also I will thank everyone in the next e-mail for all the letters. I have the names written out, I just don't have enough time!
That is nerve racking with Dad leaving. I will be praying of course. Sounds like Mother is doing better with the classes. Stuart is doing awesome now that he has his Eagle! And Madelyn and Eric are doing well in School, and Jelly is being a "Derp" as usual . I guess we can simply count our blessings. :D
Got some snazy pictures of me. Need to take more of me and my companion. Haven't been taking a lot lately.
Love,
Elder Ward
Sunday, March 15, 2015
8 March Great Things are Happening!
What great week Elder Hann and I had. Jodie did have her wedding! but I will get the bad news out of the way in a hurry because I didn't get any pictures. It was a bit of an interesting situation. They had the marriage at the chapel, however the reception was else where in Auckland and Elder Hann and I could not go because it was way out of the area. Still though the wedding was on Saturday, and it was at 10am in the morning. We arrived early for the wedding. We watched and greeted alot of Jodie's family as they walked into the chapel. On Jodie's side of the family, many of them are Catholic, so it was likely their first time in a LDS building. Some of them probably had not been in a church for over 10 years, but it was funny none the less to watch them slowly walk into the building looking a bit hesitant. I don't think that I have ever seen so many non-members in a chapel before! Lorenzo was there early, and he was nervous as. Jodie came about half hour late which fits with the standard time for brides to arrive from what I have been told. The ceremony was conducted by the Bishop, it was simple, and according to Elder Hann, the words that are used in the temple are exactly the same except for the exchange of "mortality" and "immortality". I am not sure my self because I have never been to a sealing. Anyways after the ceremony, they walked out of the chapel into the forier (bear with) and then began to take pictures with all the family. Before I new it they where out the door and into the Limos and we just got a "Hello" and "Congratulations" in there before they left. It doesn't bug me or anything it is understandable. Someting interesting to understand about islander weddings is that they make them a huge deal. Often times families will go into debt to pay for weddings/funerals. Family expects big celebrations with lots of Kia (Tongan for food). With funerals they will last several days or a week or more at times. Jodie's side of the family being Tongan and holding to their culture strongly expected alot for the wedding. It was unfortunate to see Jodie go through all that planning and stress but they are happy that it is simply done now!
Now we are in the week before her baptism. They came to church and then had to leave soon after words because they still had family to attend to however. This week we will likely be teaching all the lessons again. THe Baptism should be a lot less stressful for her and be a blessed experience.
Toru this week unfortunately did not make it to church, nor was he there for the lesson that we had scheduled with him. He knows what is right, we are just going to need to work with him slowly but surely. He has a lot of commitments on his plate at the moment.
The Edmonds family is doing ok. We had a few good visits with him this week. New Zealand has socialized health care so medical bills fromm what I understand are not to big of a worry for the family. The family does have a lot of support form the ward. They are familiar with a few of the members. The local school has been helping them as well when it comes to food, they often will bring surplus they have from the cafeteria and donate it to them. For the most part the family is having difficultly understanding what is really going on. Well at least the other siblings are. Jeremy is beginning to get a grasp on the situation and he has actually made a greater commitment for himself to keep the house clean for her health. With 8 kids the house is often a disaster. I have shared a bit about what we have gone through. I have given him a long story about what has happened to me and my family but I have let him know that for myself cancer has had an effect on our family. I am sure there will be more appropriate times to share more as time progresses. Their daughter is just beginning the Chemo treatments. Her hair will be falling out. I will ponder and pray what I can do to help him. It is always important to follow the spirit to know when the right time and place is.
Well there is simply to much happening this week! But I have let you know about the big events for sure!
Take Love you all,
Elder Ward :)
Now we are in the week before her baptism. They came to church and then had to leave soon after words because they still had family to attend to however. This week we will likely be teaching all the lessons again. THe Baptism should be a lot less stressful for her and be a blessed experience.
Toru this week unfortunately did not make it to church, nor was he there for the lesson that we had scheduled with him. He knows what is right, we are just going to need to work with him slowly but surely. He has a lot of commitments on his plate at the moment.
The Edmonds family is doing ok. We had a few good visits with him this week. New Zealand has socialized health care so medical bills fromm what I understand are not to big of a worry for the family. The family does have a lot of support form the ward. They are familiar with a few of the members. The local school has been helping them as well when it comes to food, they often will bring surplus they have from the cafeteria and donate it to them. For the most part the family is having difficultly understanding what is really going on. Well at least the other siblings are. Jeremy is beginning to get a grasp on the situation and he has actually made a greater commitment for himself to keep the house clean for her health. With 8 kids the house is often a disaster. I have shared a bit about what we have gone through. I have given him a long story about what has happened to me and my family but I have let him know that for myself cancer has had an effect on our family. I am sure there will be more appropriate times to share more as time progresses. Their daughter is just beginning the Chemo treatments. Her hair will be falling out. I will ponder and pray what I can do to help him. It is always important to follow the spirit to know when the right time and place is.
Well there is simply to much happening this week! But I have let you know about the big events for sure!
Take Love you all,
Elder Ward :)
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