It's crazy to think that this is the last email of my entire mission.
It's a very weird feeling. Your entire mission you think a lot about
this day and these times, but it honestly never feels like it will
come. And as much as you want it to come, it feels like it never will.
Then when it does come, you wish you could just stop time and go back.
You don't want it to happen.
I have learned so much from my mission that I could write for days. I
think first and foremost about my testimony of this Church, I know
without a doubt that it is true. If I didn't serve a mission, I don't
know if I would have ever gained this testimony. Everything that I
will do in my life from here on out will be effected by my decision to
serve in Hawaii for our Savior Jesus Christ for 2 years. Not a day
will go by where I won't think about the people I met, the lessons I
learned, or the testimony I gained! And hey, being on these beautiful
islands didn't hurt either!
As I leave this place my thoughts of sadness and depression are
replaced with feelings of gratitute. First and foremost to my Father
in Heaven for giving me, such a rascal little boy, the opportunity to
represent His Son Jesus Christ in the islands of Hawaii. I am grateful
for my parents for raising me with the expectation to serve a mission,
as much and I didn't want to and wanted to do my own thing, I always
knew what they expected of me and that's why I am here. I love them so
much, they are the best parents ever! I am grateful to all those that
have supported me out here, friends and family back home. I love you
all.
Last but not least my gratitute goes out to the people of Hawaii.
I never thought that I would come to love these people as much as I
have, but I really love them so much! It's so hard to say bye, it's
hard to leave those you love. Coming out on a mission was hard, but I
always knew that I would see my family and friends again. Coming home
is even harder, because I won't see very many of these people again. I
am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ though because one day,
whether in this life or the next, I will see all these people again
that have changed my life forever.
I love this work. I love my mission so much. I love our Savior Jesus Christ,
I am so grateful for his Atonement and making it possible that I can sit here today. I know
He lives. I know that our Father loves us and blesses us each and
everyday. He knows what we need, and if we stay close to him we will
be on the right path. I am grateful for the Prophet Joseph Smith and
the Book of Mormon. THE CHURCH IS TRUE! No doubt about it. I love you
all so much, thank you for everything.
Aloha 'Oe to the people that I have come to love so much!
Elder Jordan Garritson
Hawaii Honolulu Mission
May 2010 - May 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
May 21, 2012
Well the feeling is bitter sweet that is for sure. I am trying not to
think about it but the fact that this is the last week of missionary
work as a full time missionary is scary, but I'll live. It's crazy to
think that two years has gone by already. It doesn't seem like it, but
it's been a great ride. I'll give my final hurrah in an email next
week, still have work to do this week.
We had an awesome week this week, especially on Wednesday. We flew to
Oahu and had a mission tour from Elder Wilson of the 2nd Quorum of the
70. He spoke last general conference on Sunday. It's always amazing to
hear from General Authorities, you definitely take everything they say
as straight revelation from God. It was funny and a very humbling
experience for me. We were guessing what he would talk about, knowing
all the mission and what not, but we were way off.
Elder Wilson talked about the most important thing anyone can ever do,
read the Book of Mormon. He taught us the power behind in and how if
someone is to become CONVERTED to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they
must read from the Book of Mormon each and everyday. You learn that
early on in the mission, and it sticks with you, but you kind of put
it on the back burner at times. It's sad but its the truth. Well it
was good to hear that, because, not only is it going to help with
missionary work, but it was a good thing to hear as I am coming down
to the close. The way that I have gained a strong testimony of the
Gospel is not because I am on a mission. Yes a mission has helped, but
it's the things that I have done on a mission, and most importantly is
reading the Book of Mormon everyday. That book is true, I know it with
all my heart! Read the Book of Mormon, I love it and it will bless you
life in ways that you would never think. It was a good mission tour,
very grateful for it.
Sunday was hard, the ward gave me some time to speak in Sacrament
meeting. Just like leaving home is hard to say bye to people you love,
I think leaving the mission has been a harder experience. I love the
people of Hawaii, the wards I have served in, this has been the most
amazing place to be in the whole world!
I love you all, I'll see you
in a few! Elder G
think about it but the fact that this is the last week of missionary
work as a full time missionary is scary, but I'll live. It's crazy to
think that two years has gone by already. It doesn't seem like it, but
it's been a great ride. I'll give my final hurrah in an email next
week, still have work to do this week.
We had an awesome week this week, especially on Wednesday. We flew to
Oahu and had a mission tour from Elder Wilson of the 2nd Quorum of the
70. He spoke last general conference on Sunday. It's always amazing to
hear from General Authorities, you definitely take everything they say
as straight revelation from God. It was funny and a very humbling
experience for me. We were guessing what he would talk about, knowing
all the mission and what not, but we were way off.
Elder Wilson talked about the most important thing anyone can ever do,
read the Book of Mormon. He taught us the power behind in and how if
someone is to become CONVERTED to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they
must read from the Book of Mormon each and everyday. You learn that
early on in the mission, and it sticks with you, but you kind of put
it on the back burner at times. It's sad but its the truth. Well it
was good to hear that, because, not only is it going to help with
missionary work, but it was a good thing to hear as I am coming down
to the close. The way that I have gained a strong testimony of the
Gospel is not because I am on a mission. Yes a mission has helped, but
it's the things that I have done on a mission, and most importantly is
reading the Book of Mormon everyday. That book is true, I know it with
all my heart! Read the Book of Mormon, I love it and it will bless you
life in ways that you would never think. It was a good mission tour,
very grateful for it.
Sunday was hard, the ward gave me some time to speak in Sacrament
meeting. Just like leaving home is hard to say bye to people you love,
I think leaving the mission has been a harder experience. I love the
people of Hawaii, the wards I have served in, this has been the most
amazing place to be in the whole world!
I love you all, I'll see you
in a few! Elder G
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
New pictures! New video clips!
A view from the Lodge in Lani(You may have to pause the music to hear the talking in the videos! Sorry about that!)
A couple of videos from their trip to Lanai. One they were bicycling through Lanai, then the whale watch on the way back! Fun to hear his voice!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Monday April 16, 2012
Well it's the final transfer call week and Elder Carrel and I are
staying together. No suprise though, we knew that was going to happen.
Most of the Maui zone is staying the same, we have a few elders
leaving but not too many. That's good, we have an awesome zone and
everyone loves each other, so it will be a good transfer!
This week has been a little slow, not too much happened. We are just
working one finding new investigators to work with. We have been
struggling in that department, but we saw some miracles this week with
some people so we will see how that all pans out. The ward that we are
in is super chill! Everyone loves the missionaries and they are all
very loving. We have had some great ward council meetings these past
couple weeks all on missionary work and how to push the missionary
work forward, so we are going to start seeing the fruits of that. It's
good to be in a ward where everyone is so loving, caring, and
charitable. I love the mission, its the best.
Just a thought this week as we have been thinking about missionary
work and pushing the work forward. "To get what we've never had, we
must do what we've never done." I thoroughly enjoy that quote, and I
think it applies to all of us in whatever aspect of life it is.
Whether it is school, work, the Gospel, it won't just automatically
come. We have to change, we have to progress, we have to do what we
have never done. I know that is the truth in life, and as we do that,
we will see things change and we will become the person that we want
to become. I love you all, have a great week!
Elder G.
staying together. No suprise though, we knew that was going to happen.
Most of the Maui zone is staying the same, we have a few elders
leaving but not too many. That's good, we have an awesome zone and
everyone loves each other, so it will be a good transfer!
This week has been a little slow, not too much happened. We are just
working one finding new investigators to work with. We have been
struggling in that department, but we saw some miracles this week with
some people so we will see how that all pans out. The ward that we are
in is super chill! Everyone loves the missionaries and they are all
very loving. We have had some great ward council meetings these past
couple weeks all on missionary work and how to push the missionary
work forward, so we are going to start seeing the fruits of that. It's
good to be in a ward where everyone is so loving, caring, and
charitable. I love the mission, its the best.
Just a thought this week as we have been thinking about missionary
work and pushing the work forward. "To get what we've never had, we
must do what we've never done." I thoroughly enjoy that quote, and I
think it applies to all of us in whatever aspect of life it is.
Whether it is school, work, the Gospel, it won't just automatically
come. We have to change, we have to progress, we have to do what we
have never done. I know that is the truth in life, and as we do that,
we will see things change and we will become the person that we want
to become. I love you all, have a great week!
Elder G.
Monday, April 9, 2012
April 9, 2012
to me, Ryan
Yo whats up! Good week, saw a great miracle as Robert N***** entered
into the waters of baptism! His baptism was unreal. The Stake
President was there and baptized and confirmed him. A lot of support
was there as this was a huge step for him and his family. It was very
cool and special to be a part of with this wonderful man. It was just
a matter of time with him. Good stuff, we are kind of dry right now
after baptizing all of our investigators. It was good for this ward,
they haven't seen a lot of baptisms lately so seeing a lot of converts
join the church has brought a lot of fire, so we'll see what happens.
We have one 15 year old girl we are still trying to work with. The
mission is the best though! All the hard things you run into in the
mission are wiped away when you have a baptism. It is the coolest
thing in the world to watch someone make this big step in their life.
This is the most important decision they will ever make, and it's cool
to know you are just a little part of that for them. It's unreal to
see the change that comes in each of the converts, their countenance
changes that much to testify to you that the things they have just
done are exactly what Father wants for each of us. I love being a
missionary and disciple of Jesus Christ, I couldn't ask for anything
better.
We had some good training this week on how to resolve peoples concerns
and better teach them and not so much the lesson. Figuring out what is
holding them back from entering the waters of baptism and getting rid
of all those concerns. We had this training 18 months ago, but boy was
it nice to get a refresher course on it. So on Monday, President,
Sister Dalton, and the Assistants' came over and gave us a 6 hour
training with a lot of practice on going to Heaven to help an
investigator out, in the way Heavenly Father wants it done. It's pretty
cool and the Lord never lets you down. We have been able to apply that
a couple times this week, especially in another area on exchange as we
resolved a woman's concern and now she is getting baptized on the 27th
of this month! I have learned that everything on the mission is a
preparation for life, no matter what it is we learn. From working with
people, to working with leaders, to being organized, to using time
wisely, dealing with rejection and trials, it's all contained in 2
years out on the mission. I know it's Heavenly Father preparing me for
what life is going to be like and I am ever so grateful for it.
On Tuesday we took the ferry over to Molokai for exchanges. That is
the benefit of serving in Maui, our zone covers 3 islands so
occasionally we get to go to other islands. The ferry ride was legit
because we saw a lot of whales. About 200 feet from a Shamu jumped
like 5 times completely out of the water. Unbelievable! Molokai is
awesome. There is about 7000 people there and 1000 are members. Very
laid back place, everything shuts down at 7, no street lights, it's
definately not South Jordan! But because of that, people are very open
and very close to the Spirit, so they see a lot of success. That's one
cool island!
All is well out here, I am doing great. I love my companion, he is
from Philly (too bad I know, but what can ya do?hahaha!) nah he is money. We
are very similar so we have a good time and work well together. Maui
is rockin. The mission is on fire, next week is transfers and I can't
believe it. We will be staying together so I am not too worried about
that.
I love you all! God speed. Elder G.
Yo whats up! Good week, saw a great miracle as Robert N***** entered
into the waters of baptism! His baptism was unreal. The Stake
President was there and baptized and confirmed him. A lot of support
was there as this was a huge step for him and his family. It was very
cool and special to be a part of with this wonderful man. It was just
a matter of time with him. Good stuff, we are kind of dry right now
after baptizing all of our investigators. It was good for this ward,
they haven't seen a lot of baptisms lately so seeing a lot of converts
join the church has brought a lot of fire, so we'll see what happens.
We have one 15 year old girl we are still trying to work with. The
mission is the best though! All the hard things you run into in the
mission are wiped away when you have a baptism. It is the coolest
thing in the world to watch someone make this big step in their life.
This is the most important decision they will ever make, and it's cool
to know you are just a little part of that for them. It's unreal to
see the change that comes in each of the converts, their countenance
changes that much to testify to you that the things they have just
done are exactly what Father wants for each of us. I love being a
missionary and disciple of Jesus Christ, I couldn't ask for anything
better.
We had some good training this week on how to resolve peoples concerns
and better teach them and not so much the lesson. Figuring out what is
holding them back from entering the waters of baptism and getting rid
of all those concerns. We had this training 18 months ago, but boy was
it nice to get a refresher course on it. So on Monday, President,
Sister Dalton, and the Assistants' came over and gave us a 6 hour
training with a lot of practice on going to Heaven to help an
investigator out, in the way Heavenly Father wants it done. It's pretty
cool and the Lord never lets you down. We have been able to apply that
a couple times this week, especially in another area on exchange as we
resolved a woman's concern and now she is getting baptized on the 27th
of this month! I have learned that everything on the mission is a
preparation for life, no matter what it is we learn. From working with
people, to working with leaders, to being organized, to using time
wisely, dealing with rejection and trials, it's all contained in 2
years out on the mission. I know it's Heavenly Father preparing me for
what life is going to be like and I am ever so grateful for it.
On Tuesday we took the ferry over to Molokai for exchanges. That is
the benefit of serving in Maui, our zone covers 3 islands so
occasionally we get to go to other islands. The ferry ride was legit
because we saw a lot of whales. About 200 feet from a Shamu jumped
like 5 times completely out of the water. Unbelievable! Molokai is
awesome. There is about 7000 people there and 1000 are members. Very
laid back place, everything shuts down at 7, no street lights, it's
definately not South Jordan! But because of that, people are very open
and very close to the Spirit, so they see a lot of success. That's one
cool island!
All is well out here, I am doing great. I love my companion, he is
from Philly (too bad I know, but what can ya do?hahaha!) nah he is money. We
are very similar so we have a good time and work well together. Maui
is rockin. The mission is on fire, next week is transfers and I can't
believe it. We will be staying together so I am not too worried about
that.
I love you all! God speed. Elder G.
Letter from March 26, 2012
Boy what
today is some Hawaiian holiday, but we have the family history center
so we got to write.
So this week was kind of a down week for us, not a lot happened and
everything was pretty slow. We had interviews with President and
Sister Dalton and that was really good. It's always good to see them I
love them so much. Definitely two of my favorite people that I have
ever met, they are amazing. We had some good talks.
This Sunday we put on an awesome Musical Fireside. We taught the Restoration of the
Gospel through music. It was unreal and there was choke people there.
President and Sister Dalton flew over from Oahu to speak, it was
solid. We had a whole choir of non members singing so that was really
special for them and now they want 20 Hawaiian copies of the Book of Mormon! The
work here in Maui is progressing, we are going to end up with 14
baptisms for the month of March, and we are stacking up for April to
hit our high water mark of 18. Maui has never seen that many baptisms
in 1 month so that's our goal. I know we can do it, our zone is money
so it'll be legit. We already have 15 scheduled so we are well on our
way. As for our investigators, we are at a stand still with Robert and
Amanda, so pray for them!
That's all I got for now, I can't believe it's 22 months today,
unreal. I love you and thanks so much for all that you have done this
week in helping me out with school and what not, it's very comforting
knowing someone at home is there to love and support and help.
LOVE YOU! Elder G
today is some Hawaiian holiday, but we have the family history center
so we got to write.
So this week was kind of a down week for us, not a lot happened and
everything was pretty slow. We had interviews with President and
Sister Dalton and that was really good. It's always good to see them I
love them so much. Definitely two of my favorite people that I have
ever met, they are amazing. We had some good talks.
This Sunday we put on an awesome Musical Fireside. We taught the Restoration of the
Gospel through music. It was unreal and there was choke people there.
President and Sister Dalton flew over from Oahu to speak, it was
solid. We had a whole choir of non members singing so that was really
special for them and now they want 20 Hawaiian copies of the Book of Mormon! The
work here in Maui is progressing, we are going to end up with 14
baptisms for the month of March, and we are stacking up for April to
hit our high water mark of 18. Maui has never seen that many baptisms
in 1 month so that's our goal. I know we can do it, our zone is money
so it'll be legit. We already have 15 scheduled so we are well on our
way. As for our investigators, we are at a stand still with Robert and
Amanda, so pray for them!
That's all I got for now, I can't believe it's 22 months today,
unreal. I love you and thanks so much for all that you have done this
week in helping me out with school and what not, it's very comforting
knowing someone at home is there to love and support and help.
LOVE YOU! Elder G
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Aloha! March 13, 2012
 |
| Elder Porter, Tess, Boobie, Elder G. |
Whats up there my dear mother! Sorry about not writing yesterday,
things got crazy and we were at ZLC. We had a good ZLC, a lot of good
revelation and things talking about how to move the needle in the
mission to baptize more. It's crazy to think that E. Stelter & I are
the oldest missionaries in there and the rest are all younger than us.
My companion now has only been out for 6 months so we picked him up
from the airport, it's pretty cool. I like him a lot, he is going to
be a good companion to die with.
So our baptism this past weekend for A.... didn't go through, we are
having trouble being able to teach her. She is solid and comes to
church a lot, it's been a struggle teaching her tho because of things
in the home, so she will be baptized, just not sure when. But we do
have Tasha's baptism this Saturday! I can't wait, she is money. Of all
the people on my mission that I have been able to see baptized, she is
one of the most prepared. She is right along the lines with the Jays,
so she is awesome! I'll send you pics, it'll be good.
So this weekend was nuts. But, all is good now. I think I have heard it all on
my mission, Some crazy things have happened in Maui. But, we are going to see a
lot of baptisms this month, we have already have 8 and we have
12 more scheduled, if we get 18 we will set the record for the most
Maui has ever seen in one month, so that's the goal. I am loving life,
love the mission, love you! Sorry so short. Thanks for everything!
Love you all, Elder G.
ALOHA FROM MAUI...March 10, 2012
Well this has been a good week. It was transfer week and I found out
that Elder Porter is leaving and I will be getting a new companion. It
wasn't much of a suprise, I was pretty sure of it. My new companion is
Elder Carrel and he is a young missionary but we are a lot a like so I
can't wait. He will be a good missionary for my last companion, it's
crazy that I am on my last companion. He is from Philadelphia, but
lived in Utah for a while. We will have a good time together and have
a lot of success.
So yep Christi comes out here this week, they get here on Tuesday. I
know she won't be on Maui because we have gotten the list of who is
coming to our zone, but it didn't take a wise guy to figure that one
out .But anywho, yeah she might actually start in my first wards,
Kahala & Hawaii Kai.
I love President Dalton. All the brethren, man I tell you what, they have
a sense of humor that is like nothing else. You guys are going to love
him and his wife, I miss them a lot.
As for us, this week has been pretty good. It's weird, the weeks just
combine together and I don't ever remember what happens from week to
week. We had some awesome lessons with Tasha, she had her baptism
interview yesterday and she is ready to rock, she is the best! Man her
testimony is so solid, and at one of our lessons she said the closing
prayer. Probably the most sincere prayer I have ever heard, it was
great. She will have a ton of people at her baptism, it'll be good.
Saturday was legit, Hana had a baptism so we were able to go out
there. The branch over there is the best, they are all so local and so
loving, and they were so happy to see us come out there because they
haven't seen elders up there in a long time. The drive was beautiful
as always. We had to drive back in the night and that was pretty
crazy, but I was driving so come on nothing too worry about! Haha jk
it was actually a better drive because no one was on the road so it
was quick. It was a great day.
Well anywho I am just rambling on, nothing much to talk about. Hope
all is well back home, love you all! Thanks for everything!
Love, Elder G.
that Elder Porter is leaving and I will be getting a new companion. It
wasn't much of a suprise, I was pretty sure of it. My new companion is
Elder Carrel and he is a young missionary but we are a lot a like so I
can't wait. He will be a good missionary for my last companion, it's
crazy that I am on my last companion. He is from Philadelphia, but
lived in Utah for a while. We will have a good time together and have
a lot of success.
So yep Christi comes out here this week, they get here on Tuesday. I
know she won't be on Maui because we have gotten the list of who is
coming to our zone, but it didn't take a wise guy to figure that one
out .But anywho, yeah she might actually start in my first wards,
Kahala & Hawaii Kai.
I love President Dalton. All the brethren, man I tell you what, they have
a sense of humor that is like nothing else. You guys are going to love
him and his wife, I miss them a lot.
As for us, this week has been pretty good. It's weird, the weeks just
combine together and I don't ever remember what happens from week to
week. We had some awesome lessons with Tasha, she had her baptism
interview yesterday and she is ready to rock, she is the best! Man her
testimony is so solid, and at one of our lessons she said the closing
prayer. Probably the most sincere prayer I have ever heard, it was
great. She will have a ton of people at her baptism, it'll be good.
Saturday was legit, Hana had a baptism so we were able to go out
there. The branch over there is the best, they are all so local and so
loving, and they were so happy to see us come out there because they
haven't seen elders up there in a long time. The drive was beautiful
as always. We had to drive back in the night and that was pretty
crazy, but I was driving so come on nothing too worry about! Haha jk
it was actually a better drive because no one was on the road so it
was quick. It was a great day.
Well anywho I am just rambling on, nothing much to talk about. Hope
all is well back home, love you all! Thanks for everything!
Love, Elder G.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
February 27, 2012
So this week was pretty good, not a lot happened. Some crazy stuff has
gone down on Maui, but it's all good now so there is nothing to worry about.
We had a lesson with Tasha a couple times this week and she is so
solid! She set her date for baptism on the 17th so I can't wait! It's
going to be amazing! The ward is in such support of her, her husband
is so happy and they have already talked about being sealed in the Temple.
We talked to Amanda as well, we have a lesson with her tonight. We are
shooting for the 10th for her baptism, but we might have to push it
back. She is super busy with volleyball, traveling all over the place.
She is a great person. All of our investigaotrs are so solid, we don't have any concerns,
it's been such a blessing serving here in Hawaii in all my areas.
So I have gained a stronger testimony on the power of prayer. This
week in our Ward Council meeting, I saw something that I haven't seen
happen my whole mission. As a WC, we all got one our knees and prayed
for names ready to receive the Gospel and be on the 15 names list.
Well after that, everyone felt inspired of who they were going to
invite, and committed to inviting them. Within 4 hours we already had
2 people that we prayed about say yes, it was insane. If you were a
missionary, you would understand how cool this is because it never
happens! It was just a strong testimony of how important prayer is in
everything that you do. I know it's true, and I know its the way we
communicate with our Father in Heaven.
Hope all is well, Sunday is when we find out transfers. I hope to be on Maui for the rest of my
mission, but I don't know what will happen with Elder Porter, but we will see next week. Hope all is
well back home, love you all!
Elder G.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Post for February 20, 2012 (I'm trying to catch up!)
Well this week has been a good one for us once again! We had some good
lessons with Tasha who is getting baptized on the 3rd, and Amanda
who decided to get baptized on the 10th! They are both so
solid and really are the best people in the World. Maui is rocking it
right now. We have had 6 baptisms the past 2 weekends, and we have 20
with a date for March and definitely more that will come! I love this
place, it is so sweet! We have an awesome zone, everyone gets along
really well and loves each other.
Last Tuesday we had our zone conference which was excellent! It was
nice not know what was going to be said in zone conference haha, it
was good to get a suprise. I was happy to see President and Sister
Dalton again, they are the best! I love those people so much, they
truly are the definition of a disciple of Jesus Christ. The
assistants' are the best, they trained on us the use of time and
taking the mission to the next level. President went hard on the
importance of obedience, and went deeper into the reasons why we are
obedient and the blessings behind it and how those blessings have to
come if we are obedient. It was super good, I wish I had it recorded.
Other than that, the week was awesome. We had Molokai and Lanai
staying at our pad on Tuesday night after zone conference so that was
ridiculous. Had some cool experiences together with all of them. One
of the Tongan elders told me his conversion story, it was amazing.
This zone is something else, one of the best zones that I have ever served in,
I love it. The work is good. We are going to Kihei today, playing
volleyball, horseshoes and rugby, it'll be legit. Hope all is
well back home, sounds like everyone is doing well. I love you all!
G MONEY OUT!
lessons with Tasha who is getting baptized on the 3rd, and Amanda
who decided to get baptized on the 10th! They are both so
solid and really are the best people in the World. Maui is rocking it
right now. We have had 6 baptisms the past 2 weekends, and we have 20
with a date for March and definitely more that will come! I love this
place, it is so sweet! We have an awesome zone, everyone gets along
really well and loves each other.
Last Tuesday we had our zone conference which was excellent! It was
nice not know what was going to be said in zone conference haha, it
was good to get a suprise. I was happy to see President and Sister
Dalton again, they are the best! I love those people so much, they
truly are the definition of a disciple of Jesus Christ. The
assistants' are the best, they trained on us the use of time and
taking the mission to the next level. President went hard on the
importance of obedience, and went deeper into the reasons why we are
obedient and the blessings behind it and how those blessings have to
come if we are obedient. It was super good, I wish I had it recorded.
Other than that, the week was awesome. We had Molokai and Lanai
staying at our pad on Tuesday night after zone conference so that was
ridiculous. Had some cool experiences together with all of them. One
of the Tongan elders told me his conversion story, it was amazing.
This zone is something else, one of the best zones that I have ever served in,
I love it. The work is good. We are going to Kihei today, playing
volleyball, horseshoes and rugby, it'll be legit. Hope all is
well back home, sounds like everyone is doing well. I love you all!
G MONEY OUT!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Wow! February 13, 2012
Boy it's been a while since I have written and a lot has happened
since then! First and foremost, I am in Maui now baby! I love this
place, its sweet. I am in the Waiehu ward and the Kamehameha Singles
Branch. My companion is Elder Porter, I am super stoked to be back
with him! He is the man and we have been having great success over
here. This ward has a lot of Hawaiians, so everyone is really local,
way laid back and chill. It's a nice change from being in town for the
last 8 months, so I'm loving life.
We started off with the first Saturday (the 29th) I was here we had a
baptism! His name was Chris and he just got here from Guam. He came to
live with his uncle and family who are all active members in the
church. Chris is Chuukese and so he hasn't been able to get into
school yet, so every morning he wakes up for seminary at 6 and then
that's all he is able to do. He is super cool. The first lesson that I
had with him was the plan of salvation and it was cool to see the
change in him as we taught him the purpose of life. He opened up
really quick, and at the end of the lesson he said I know this is
true. Chris comes to church everyweek, has gotten the Priesthood and
has an active part in the ward!
This past week has really been a week of miracles. So we have been
teaching this family, Tess and Boobie. Boobie is a member, he got
baptized in Utah and his wife Tess is not a member. All they need to
do is get married and then she can get baptized. Well on Wednesday
morning we got a call from Tess telling us that Bishop is going to
marry them that night! So that night we were able to sit in Bishop's
office as they got married, it was pretty cool! After that, they said
"3 PM this Saturday?" So yesterday they got baptized. We gave Boobie
the priesthood on Friday night, that way on Saturday morning he was
able to baptize his wonderful wife. It was so cool. They are the best.
They said that now they decided to do this, they are going 100
percent! On Friday night at our lesson, they were already looking at
2013 dates of when they would be able to get sealed. It was something
else, super powerful!
We had another miracle last night. One of our members set up a lesson
for us for a family that have been coming to church for a while. The
husband is a member, and the wife is the one investigating the church.
She has been taught one lesson, so we were giving her the second
lesson. Her husband, and the 2 other fellowshippers at the lesson were
all converts. What we taught yesterday was the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We started off with a mormon message by Elder Holland, and that played
right into faith, repentance and baptism. That brought the Spirit so
strongly and really made the lesson I think. Those mormon messages are
the BOMB! So anywho, the lesson was probably one of the most spiritual
lessons I have ever been a part of. She bore one of the most powerful
testimonies on prayer that I have ever heard from a nonmember. There
wasn't a dry eye in the room. As we got to baptism, we asked one of
the fellowshippers how being baptized has helped him in his life. He
gave a great answer, but the best thing he said was the last
statement. He said "I have done a lot of things in my life, but the
best thing I have ever done was getting baptized." I honestly haven't
felt the Spirit that strong in a very long time. It was amazing. Right
after that we invited her to be baptized and she said I will
absolutely be baptized! So needless to say she will be getting
baptized on the 4th. The husband was so happy, and you can tell he has
been waiting for this. I have learned so much on my mission. I have
learned how important it is to be bold and just invite people. Who
cares. Most the time, they are just waiting for you to ask them! She
has been taught for a while, and I know tonight's lesson played a big
role in her decision, but I can't believe she wasn't invited before.
That is what the mission is all about. That was so cool! I have never
felt so good after a lesson as I did after that one. She is so solid!
That is kind of the exciting things that have happened the past 3
weeks since I haven't written. Last week we went to Lanai and did a
baptismal interview. That was way sweet, we took the early ferry ride
over and saw a ton of whales! Man whales are definitely my favorite
animals. We saw probably 20 or so, and at one point we were like 20
feet away from one so we had to turn of the ferry and stuff. That was
neat. Lanai was cool, but it rained like mad! We were all soaking wet!
It was a lot of fun.
Well that's about all I got, hope all is well. I love you all, thanks
for everything! Oh just a congrats to Ethan, just found out that you
get home tomorrow. Well done my friend, thanks for serving the Lord
for 2 years. Cant wait to get back home and ball it up again.
Love you
man!
Elder G.
since then! First and foremost, I am in Maui now baby! I love this
place, its sweet. I am in the Waiehu ward and the Kamehameha Singles
Branch. My companion is Elder Porter, I am super stoked to be back
with him! He is the man and we have been having great success over
here. This ward has a lot of Hawaiians, so everyone is really local,
way laid back and chill. It's a nice change from being in town for the
last 8 months, so I'm loving life.
We started off with the first Saturday (the 29th) I was here we had a
baptism! His name was Chris and he just got here from Guam. He came to
live with his uncle and family who are all active members in the
church. Chris is Chuukese and so he hasn't been able to get into
school yet, so every morning he wakes up for seminary at 6 and then
that's all he is able to do. He is super cool. The first lesson that I
had with him was the plan of salvation and it was cool to see the
change in him as we taught him the purpose of life. He opened up
really quick, and at the end of the lesson he said I know this is
true. Chris comes to church everyweek, has gotten the Priesthood and
has an active part in the ward!
This past week has really been a week of miracles. So we have been
teaching this family, Tess and Boobie. Boobie is a member, he got
baptized in Utah and his wife Tess is not a member. All they need to
do is get married and then she can get baptized. Well on Wednesday
morning we got a call from Tess telling us that Bishop is going to
marry them that night! So that night we were able to sit in Bishop's
office as they got married, it was pretty cool! After that, they said
"3 PM this Saturday?" So yesterday they got baptized. We gave Boobie
the priesthood on Friday night, that way on Saturday morning he was
able to baptize his wonderful wife. It was so cool. They are the best.
They said that now they decided to do this, they are going 100
percent! On Friday night at our lesson, they were already looking at
2013 dates of when they would be able to get sealed. It was something
else, super powerful!
We had another miracle last night. One of our members set up a lesson
for us for a family that have been coming to church for a while. The
husband is a member, and the wife is the one investigating the church.
She has been taught one lesson, so we were giving her the second
lesson. Her husband, and the 2 other fellowshippers at the lesson were
all converts. What we taught yesterday was the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We started off with a mormon message by Elder Holland, and that played
right into faith, repentance and baptism. That brought the Spirit so
strongly and really made the lesson I think. Those mormon messages are
the BOMB! So anywho, the lesson was probably one of the most spiritual
lessons I have ever been a part of. She bore one of the most powerful
testimonies on prayer that I have ever heard from a nonmember. There
wasn't a dry eye in the room. As we got to baptism, we asked one of
the fellowshippers how being baptized has helped him in his life. He
gave a great answer, but the best thing he said was the last
statement. He said "I have done a lot of things in my life, but the
best thing I have ever done was getting baptized." I honestly haven't
felt the Spirit that strong in a very long time. It was amazing. Right
after that we invited her to be baptized and she said I will
absolutely be baptized! So needless to say she will be getting
baptized on the 4th. The husband was so happy, and you can tell he has
been waiting for this. I have learned so much on my mission. I have
learned how important it is to be bold and just invite people. Who
cares. Most the time, they are just waiting for you to ask them! She
has been taught for a while, and I know tonight's lesson played a big
role in her decision, but I can't believe she wasn't invited before.
That is what the mission is all about. That was so cool! I have never
felt so good after a lesson as I did after that one. She is so solid!
That is kind of the exciting things that have happened the past 3
weeks since I haven't written. Last week we went to Lanai and did a
baptismal interview. That was way sweet, we took the early ferry ride
over and saw a ton of whales! Man whales are definitely my favorite
animals. We saw probably 20 or so, and at one point we were like 20
feet away from one so we had to turn of the ferry and stuff. That was
neat. Lanai was cool, but it rained like mad! We were all soaking wet!
It was a lot of fun.
A couple weeks ago we were on Big Island doing all the interviews and
that was super fun! We basically saw every part of the island, man
that place is so different! You can go from hot desert to cold climate
super fast! We went to the Southmost point of the United States, that
was cool! I wanted to jump off the cliff but President wouldn't let
me. In the future! We also saw the volcano, that's pretty cool to say
I've seen an active volcano. It was a lot of fun. It was awesome being
able to serve around President and Sister Dalton. I just want you all
to know how much I love them and how much of an impact they have made
in my life. They will forever be my second parents. They shaped me to
become a much better person, and taught me so much not only about the
Gospel but life in general. It was hard to say bye to them, even though I
wasn't even leaving the mission. That right there is a testimony to me
of how true this work is. You have a couple like that, who leave their
kids and grandkids, and serve 100 percent each and everyday for 3
years. It's unreal, they are the best people ever, I love them so
much!
that was super fun! We basically saw every part of the island, man
that place is so different! You can go from hot desert to cold climate
super fast! We went to the Southmost point of the United States, that
was cool! I wanted to jump off the cliff but President wouldn't let
me. In the future! We also saw the volcano, that's pretty cool to say
I've seen an active volcano. It was a lot of fun. It was awesome being
able to serve around President and Sister Dalton. I just want you all
to know how much I love them and how much of an impact they have made
in my life. They will forever be my second parents. They shaped me to
become a much better person, and taught me so much not only about the
Gospel but life in general. It was hard to say bye to them, even though I
wasn't even leaving the mission. That right there is a testimony to me
of how true this work is. You have a couple like that, who leave their
kids and grandkids, and serve 100 percent each and everyday for 3
years. It's unreal, they are the best people ever, I love them so
much!
Well that's about all I got, hope all is well. I love you all, thanks
for everything! Oh just a congrats to Ethan, just found out that you
get home tomorrow. Well done my friend, thanks for serving the Lord
for 2 years. Cant wait to get back home and ball it up again.
Love you
man!
Elder G.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The Real January 9, 2012 letter!
Well I felt like I should give everyone an update on such a
spectacular week, probably the most insane but rewarding week of my
mission, it was unreal!
So first off, President decided that he wanted us to go on interviews
with him so we will be doing a lot of traveling the next couple weeks.
This past Tuesday we were on Kauai, oh blessed Kauai that place is so
pretty. The missionaries over there are always so happy and there is a
reason why. I went out on exchanges with Elder Ence and Elder Taylor,
I love them so much. Superb elders and I learned a lot from them. We
had a really good time.
On Wednesday night I saw one of the biggest miracles of my whole life.
The family we found last week is unbelievable. So prepared and elect!
We went by to see them and only the Mom was home. She said it was
perfect timing, she barely walked in the door. Elder Menlove and I
weren't going to visit her because the next day we had to wake up at
4:30, so we were just going to go to bed but we decided to go see her.
This was probably the best lesson I have ever been a part of! The
Spirit was so strong, it was unreal! I have never felt it so strong.
She just started asking us questions like "how can I be less angry in
life, how can I become a better parent, how can I feel what I feel
with you all the time!" You'd think I was lying but she is for real.
We taught her about the Holy Ghost and how she can have it and then
invited her to be baptized and she said "I'd love to, I'll pray about
it tonight!" Unbelievable, she is so amazing! I have never met anyone
else more prepared in my life. She told us her New Year's resolution is
to come closer to God. I kid you not, this is for real, I am not just
trying to liven up my emails!! Haha this was a mission changer for me,
big rejuvination. Her daughter she said "seriously wants to consider
this church" so there will be many that follow in her footsteps. She
showed up to church on Sunday and loved testimony meeting. I have
never been so happy in my whole life, this was one of the coolest
experiences ever. I have learned that if you do what's right, the Lord
will put people in your path to change and shape you. I love this
family so much!
The rest of the week was interviews for us. We were on 4 different
islands on Thursday, there are some cool islands over in the Maui
zone. That's the excitement for the week. I hope all is well with you,
may the Lord bless each and everyone of you. My favorite quote this
week came from President Dalton, he said the purpose of a mission "is
to prepare the Hawaiian islands and build the Kingdom here, to hand
back to the Savior at the Second Coming." If that doesn't touch you, I
don't know what does.
Love you all!
spectacular week, probably the most insane but rewarding week of my
mission, it was unreal!
So first off, President decided that he wanted us to go on interviews
with him so we will be doing a lot of traveling the next couple weeks.
This past Tuesday we were on Kauai, oh blessed Kauai that place is so
pretty. The missionaries over there are always so happy and there is a
reason why. I went out on exchanges with Elder Ence and Elder Taylor,
I love them so much. Superb elders and I learned a lot from them. We
had a really good time.
On Wednesday night I saw one of the biggest miracles of my whole life.
The family we found last week is unbelievable. So prepared and elect!
We went by to see them and only the Mom was home. She said it was
perfect timing, she barely walked in the door. Elder Menlove and I
weren't going to visit her because the next day we had to wake up at
4:30, so we were just going to go to bed but we decided to go see her.
This was probably the best lesson I have ever been a part of! The
Spirit was so strong, it was unreal! I have never felt it so strong.
She just started asking us questions like "how can I be less angry in
life, how can I become a better parent, how can I feel what I feel
with you all the time!" You'd think I was lying but she is for real.
We taught her about the Holy Ghost and how she can have it and then
invited her to be baptized and she said "I'd love to, I'll pray about
it tonight!" Unbelievable, she is so amazing! I have never met anyone
else more prepared in my life. She told us her New Year's resolution is
to come closer to God. I kid you not, this is for real, I am not just
trying to liven up my emails!! Haha this was a mission changer for me,
big rejuvination. Her daughter she said "seriously wants to consider
this church" so there will be many that follow in her footsteps. She
showed up to church on Sunday and loved testimony meeting. I have
never been so happy in my whole life, this was one of the coolest
experiences ever. I have learned that if you do what's right, the Lord
will put people in your path to change and shape you. I love this
family so much!
The rest of the week was interviews for us. We were on 4 different
islands on Thursday, there are some cool islands over in the Maui
zone. That's the excitement for the week. I hope all is well with you,
may the Lord bless each and everyone of you. My favorite quote this
week came from President Dalton, he said the purpose of a mission "is
to prepare the Hawaiian islands and build the Kingdom here, to hand
back to the Savior at the Second Coming." If that doesn't touch you, I
don't know what does.
Love you all!
Monday, January 9, 2012
January 2, 2012 Late posting this! Busy week!
Well Happy New Year to all!
This year wasn't nearly as big as last year.
Everything was banned starting this year, so it was harder for people
to pop fireworks. I mean people did and it was still loud, but last
year was unreal. It was fun for us, the Honolulu Zone all went to the
institute, hung out and ate. We got to stay up late, the only time the
whole mission, so that was nice. It was a good year, 2011 was a big
one. Looking forward to 2012, a lot of good stuff will happen!
So we had a couple of huge miracles this week, it was awesome! First
off, we found a new family to teach! About 1 month ago we were walking
around and we talked to this lady who had a baby. She was probably 23
or so, and we just small talked and then asked if we could come over.
She told us where she lived and said come over whenever. Well that was
right during zone conference and stuff so we were super busy and never
had a chance to make it over to her house. We always talked about her
and how cool she was and that we needed to see her, but never did.
Well on Thursday we a little time to go out to our area and we were
like let's go see her. So it was like 630, we had dinner at 7 so we
decided we would stop by. We parked and starting walking toward to her
house. A truck drove by, and when we met her she was driving a truck.
Elder Menlove & I looked at each other and were like was that her? But
we weren't sure. We got to her house and then we look behind us and
the truck is reversing toward us! She rolled the window down and was
like "hey I was the one you met in Pololo, I have to go pick someone
up but come back in like an hour."
So we went back that night and the family is so sick!!! Man they are the best. The Mom, the girl we met and her sister were super interested. It was funny, her sister in 19
and we were telling her what we don't do as missionaries and her eyes
were getting bigger and bigger. Her facial expressions were priceless,
we were laughing our heads off! The Mom was amazing, they know about
the Church, and have some extended family that are members. She was
golden man, telling us about how she wish she grew up as a member and
what not. We answered a lot of questions and then taught the
Restoration. It was so tight!! This was one of the biggest miracles of
my whole mission. I guarantee they will be baptized. Elder Menlove and
I love them so much, they are family already! So many things came
togther at the exact right time. We had extra time, we had dinner in
that area at 7, we parked right as she was driving away, so much. Oh
and even more, they were going to go out and eat as a family but they
saw us and said they would stay home. UNREAL! Take all these so called
"coincidences" and that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, full of
miracles. I love this work man, this was one of the happiest days of
my whole mission. We are going to see many miracles happen with these
amazing people. We also have found a couple other people that are
super cool and we will continue to work with, it's going to be a good
month!
All is well out here, I love you all! May the Lord bless each one of
you as you begin this year of 2012!
Elder G OUT!
This year wasn't nearly as big as last year.
Everything was banned starting this year, so it was harder for people
to pop fireworks. I mean people did and it was still loud, but last
year was unreal. It was fun for us, the Honolulu Zone all went to the
institute, hung out and ate. We got to stay up late, the only time the
whole mission, so that was nice. It was a good year, 2011 was a big
one. Looking forward to 2012, a lot of good stuff will happen!
So we had a couple of huge miracles this week, it was awesome! First
off, we found a new family to teach! About 1 month ago we were walking
around and we talked to this lady who had a baby. She was probably 23
or so, and we just small talked and then asked if we could come over.
She told us where she lived and said come over whenever. Well that was
right during zone conference and stuff so we were super busy and never
had a chance to make it over to her house. We always talked about her
and how cool she was and that we needed to see her, but never did.
Well on Thursday we a little time to go out to our area and we were
like let's go see her. So it was like 630, we had dinner at 7 so we
decided we would stop by. We parked and starting walking toward to her
house. A truck drove by, and when we met her she was driving a truck.
Elder Menlove & I looked at each other and were like was that her? But
we weren't sure. We got to her house and then we look behind us and
the truck is reversing toward us! She rolled the window down and was
like "hey I was the one you met in Pololo, I have to go pick someone
up but come back in like an hour."
So we went back that night and the family is so sick!!! Man they are the best. The Mom, the girl we met and her sister were super interested. It was funny, her sister in 19
and we were telling her what we don't do as missionaries and her eyes
were getting bigger and bigger. Her facial expressions were priceless,
we were laughing our heads off! The Mom was amazing, they know about
the Church, and have some extended family that are members. She was
golden man, telling us about how she wish she grew up as a member and
what not. We answered a lot of questions and then taught the
Restoration. It was so tight!! This was one of the biggest miracles of
my whole mission. I guarantee they will be baptized. Elder Menlove and
I love them so much, they are family already! So many things came
togther at the exact right time. We had extra time, we had dinner in
that area at 7, we parked right as she was driving away, so much. Oh
and even more, they were going to go out and eat as a family but they
saw us and said they would stay home. UNREAL! Take all these so called
"coincidences" and that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, full of
miracles. I love this work man, this was one of the happiest days of
my whole mission. We are going to see many miracles happen with these
amazing people. We also have found a couple other people that are
super cool and we will continue to work with, it's going to be a good
month!
All is well out here, I love you all! May the Lord bless each one of
you as you begin this year of 2012!
Elder G OUT!
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