Aloha Ohana,
Believe it or not we did more tree chopping this week. We do seem to have lots of service here, which seems to be working really well for us. Dad you are right, everyone here has more or less heard about the gospel so typical knocking doors isn't really effective. Bro Kelley our ward mission leader is awesome though and is always setting us up with service for less active and non member friends, as well as the ward council is super great at feeding us with referrals. Members are so key to helping missionaries, especially here because like Grantsville everyone knows everyone pretty well as has member friends to help them feel comfortable. I was thinking about Alma and Amulek in Ammonihah this week. It struck me how Alma had tried to teach there, and they threw him out. When he went back he taught Amulek and then Amulek taught the people. I don't assume Amulek said or taught anything Alma didn't, but they trusted him more. Kinda like how Investigators feel more comfortable with friends from the community instead of just some strangers.
Anyway, I realized that I forgot to tell you about P day last week in my email. We went to the beach where the closing scene of Pirates 3 was filmed. You know the part where Will kisses Elizabeth goodbye before he gets on the Black Pearl. It was a little tougher than we planned, but we made it. We just a a roughly drawn map and the dirt road was pretty washed out, but our truck got it done ha ha. The beach was pretty cool and there were plenty of rocks to stand on to avoid the sand. :) Anyway we brought some fishing poles along to do some fishing which was lots of fun. I caught a good looking Green with red stripes fish. Probably about 6 lbs. Elder Davis and Mafi did pretty well catching 2 a piece as well as an eel which was kind of exciting. I sent a couple cd's home this week, but I had already made them before i took the pictures from here. It was lots of fun though probably worth going back again sometime.
Wednesday we had a good morning of lessons with some of our investigators. One went especially well. It was about Faith and I think he finally is starting to understand the need to read and pray. He even offered to say the opening prayer which was a big awesome step! That afternoon we had service with a non member couple cleaning up their yard. They were very appreciative and came to church. We ate at Apuna's that night and had Katsu which is always good! We also watched Tyler Haws's mormon message thing which was pretty cool I thought.
Thursday we busted out the machetes and Chain saw and took out some more iron wood trees to help bro Lenwai's garden get more sun. It was a good time and we had a good lesson with him after. He mentioned he wanted to start coming back to church and read his scriptures more so he committed to start reading from 1 ne so that was exciting. The rest of the day we spent mostly finishing up plans for Kiahi's baptism on Saturday. Lots of little things kept getting in the way, but we eventually got everything worked out and good to go.
Friday we headed to the West side town of Mauna Loa. It is kinda of ghost town, but there are still 100 people or so and a few less actives and an investigator to visit so we go up once a week. It was awesome!!! we ended up teaching 9 lessons of Friday as well as break up a dog fight. Got to admit I felt a little bit like Michael Vick! lol. Elder Mafi is fearless. The pit bulls were locked on each others neck and a member was holding one, and Elder Mafi just walked over grabbed the other by the back legs and just started beating it til it let go eventually. Kinda crazy but no injuries to us or that dogs so that was a blessing I guess.
Saturday was awesome! Baptisms are always awesome. Kiahi was so ready. He and his wife are so excited about the temple in a year. I am just so excited for him. It took a while for it to happen, but I am so glad I could be a part of it. He is such a cool guy. I was asked to talk on the Holy Ghost and it went pretty well I thought. We had a great turn out from the ward which was awesome. They are so supportive of everyone here. On a side note in the morning we got invited to go to an EQ activity fishing on the wharf with Kaunakakai ward. Anyway it just so happened that a small cruise ship was coming in that morning so things were a little crazy . Everything went pretty smooth though just a few signs and stuff, but the coast guard was called in to keep things calm. So that was interesting I guess.
Yesterday was ward conference so the Stake Leaders from Maui were out. President Wonder is so cool. He has a great love for the gospel. He reminds me a lot of Coach Harrison so that is kinda fun too. They gave some good messages on temples and Emergency preparedness. Apparently it was the 3rd year in a row they have talked about being prepared for emergencies so must be something coming soon right? Last night we had a great time with "Uncle Jr". He is a way cool guy and so in tune with the spirit he is lots of fun to talk too. Elder Davis is the only one leaving so we will be getting a new district leader. If it is one of us we will find out probably tonight but it might be the new guy so we will see ha ha.
All is well thanks for the letters as usual have a good trip mom and dad. Jake hope you have a good time with the Jazz game. ha ha Gotta say your house is pretty cool. Hope all is well. Love you guys! Aloha!
Love, Elder Tripp
No comments:
Post a Comment