March 16, 2009
Ran Allim ai Familia!
This week was . . . . a little nuts. The Warners are leaving to Yap on Friday and that’s going to be super weird without them here. And Elder Mafileo had three separate asthma attacks. Without any way to receive medical help that caused us to do almost nothing for the past three days. I’m bored out of my mind but his safety is more important than my sanity. Because of the seriousness of the attacks the Zone Leaders decided it would be safer for us to stay at their house so in case he needed to be rushed to the inadequate hospital. He’ll be alright it turns out, so that’s looking good for the end of my boredom. He, Elder Mafileo, has had a lot of problems while I have been his companion, ha. Chuuk is a rough place.
Recently we got a set of solar panels installed. Exciting! We have power! But we still don’t have a water pump so we still hand filter our water and then put Clorox in it. But at least we don’t have to walk a mile and half up the mountain to get water.
We’ve been focusing on having all of our investigators read THROUGH the Book of Mormon, instead of us just giving them tidbits here and there for them to read. It has made a tremendous difference! Our investigators understand better, they are more excited to meet and they enjoy reading! They love the story of Nephi. Our meetings are immensely more productive when they have a more firm desire to learn. It’s wonderful and nothing makes me happier than when the light of understanding is turned on in the mind of the investigator. Having our investigators read from front to back will help them gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon which is the most critical point for them coming unto Christ. Just like when we read through the Book of Mormon and gained our testimony, so will they.
You are all in my prayers and I pray you will all be safe. Kelsey, what’s the update on college selection? I love you all and pray for the Lord to guide and direct your paths.
Tong Ennet,
Elder Ito
Ito: in Chuukese literally means a well, where you draw water from. It’s much easier for them to say than having them try to pronounce L’s. They don’t pronounce L’s but they sure write them a lot. Then again they don’t have a written language so you can spell stuff however you want to. That’s what I do. I just make up spelling when I write in Chuukese , as does everyone else.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
March 9, 2009 Letter
March 9, 2009
Ran Allim!
*Before I forget I need to ask a big favor. If you could send me my priesthood line of authority that would be way sweet and super appreciated. I want to be able to show these people exactly how I received my authority and how it’s not something that can just be claimed but must be given by someone else who already has that authority! That would be kick-awesomely cool!*
We had a kick-awesome zone conference where we learned a bunch of sweet stuff that I just can’t remember but I wrote down so fortunately not lost yet. President Dowdle is a stud!
I don’t remember if I told you all, but they’ve had us start working at night now. We carry around kerosene lanterns and we try and meet people. Chuukese don’t really like this because they particularly enjoy their “rest time”. But we try to be obedient so we do what they ask. Last week as we were out walking around at night we were walking up a hill, one of many in Wichap, when we heard the snap of a slingshot and then I felt the slam of a rock. I got freakin plachenkoed! Plachenko is slingshot and I got freakin slingshotted. They use plachenko’s to kill animals and even people sometimes, and I’m here to testify that they don’t feel good at all. It freakin hurt! I was super mad and if I could’ve found the guy that shot me I would’ve wrung his neck. But it was too dark and I couldn’t see him, so I gave up. I had a nice bruise that I forgot to take a picture of on the right side of my chest. Mom, there is no need to be worried, it only hurt a lot, no permanent damage. When they want to do real damage they use “phillipines” instead of rocks. Phillipines look like this (he drew a real nice picture of a dart :( They’re home made darts with barbs and they do some real damage to people. So I’m just thankful that I didn’t get shot with a phillipine and that I didn’t get shot in the head with a rock. Everything is in working condition and I’m loving it more than ever!
We’ve been doing lot’s of work trying to find more people to teach. We’ve had three baptisms in Wichap and 18 total in Chuuk so far this year! We have a goal as a Chuuk zone for 72 baptisms which is super high because in years past the highest for Chuuk was about 44. We’re doing work and I just want to find people that are ready to be baptized so bad! The only obstacle is that we’ve talked to most everyone in Wichap 2, 3, …. 5 times. I have faith that the Lord will continue to prepare people for baptism and that maybe even the 2nd, 3rd or 5th time we talk to them will be the time they feel they need to listen to this message. We do the physical work and the Lord will prepare people spiritually; and people who will accept baptism will be found!
I just barely got the pictures from February, but thank you so much! The Chuukese will love them. I did get the Valentine box and thank you for that as well, I haven’t received a box this month, I don’t know if you’ve sent one, just thought I’d keep you updated. Hint. Ha
Love you all! You’re the greatest, and man Kelsey you’re almost 18! You’re old! That’s crazy! Zach I’d dominate you in anything right now, and I’ll be more than able to dominate you in anything when I return. So, maybe you should work harder so I won’t have to beat you as badly! Ha
Tong Ennet,
Elder Wells
Ran Allim!
*Before I forget I need to ask a big favor. If you could send me my priesthood line of authority that would be way sweet and super appreciated. I want to be able to show these people exactly how I received my authority and how it’s not something that can just be claimed but must be given by someone else who already has that authority! That would be kick-awesomely cool!*
We had a kick-awesome zone conference where we learned a bunch of sweet stuff that I just can’t remember but I wrote down so fortunately not lost yet. President Dowdle is a stud!
I don’t remember if I told you all, but they’ve had us start working at night now. We carry around kerosene lanterns and we try and meet people. Chuukese don’t really like this because they particularly enjoy their “rest time”. But we try to be obedient so we do what they ask. Last week as we were out walking around at night we were walking up a hill, one of many in Wichap, when we heard the snap of a slingshot and then I felt the slam of a rock. I got freakin plachenkoed! Plachenko is slingshot and I got freakin slingshotted. They use plachenko’s to kill animals and even people sometimes, and I’m here to testify that they don’t feel good at all. It freakin hurt! I was super mad and if I could’ve found the guy that shot me I would’ve wrung his neck. But it was too dark and I couldn’t see him, so I gave up. I had a nice bruise that I forgot to take a picture of on the right side of my chest. Mom, there is no need to be worried, it only hurt a lot, no permanent damage. When they want to do real damage they use “phillipines” instead of rocks. Phillipines look like this (he drew a real nice picture of a dart :( They’re home made darts with barbs and they do some real damage to people. So I’m just thankful that I didn’t get shot with a phillipine and that I didn’t get shot in the head with a rock. Everything is in working condition and I’m loving it more than ever!
We’ve been doing lot’s of work trying to find more people to teach. We’ve had three baptisms in Wichap and 18 total in Chuuk so far this year! We have a goal as a Chuuk zone for 72 baptisms which is super high because in years past the highest for Chuuk was about 44. We’re doing work and I just want to find people that are ready to be baptized so bad! The only obstacle is that we’ve talked to most everyone in Wichap 2, 3, …. 5 times. I have faith that the Lord will continue to prepare people for baptism and that maybe even the 2nd, 3rd or 5th time we talk to them will be the time they feel they need to listen to this message. We do the physical work and the Lord will prepare people spiritually; and people who will accept baptism will be found!
I just barely got the pictures from February, but thank you so much! The Chuukese will love them. I did get the Valentine box and thank you for that as well, I haven’t received a box this month, I don’t know if you’ve sent one, just thought I’d keep you updated. Hint. Ha
Love you all! You’re the greatest, and man Kelsey you’re almost 18! You’re old! That’s crazy! Zach I’d dominate you in anything right now, and I’ll be more than able to dominate you in anything when I return. So, maybe you should work harder so I won’t have to beat you as badly! Ha
Tong Ennet,
Elder Wells
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Parts of March letter
Postmarked March 3, 2009
Ran Allim!
Man it was a good week here! We had no problems (osukosuks) so we had a whole full week to work in our area, which is a rarity since I’ve been on Weno. Grandma and Grandpa sent a box, it was sweet, it had good food and a new CD! By the way, the last CD they sent is officially the #1 CD in the mission. It is literally on every island! ha They even know their names Marlin and Delores so they were ALL excited when they saw a box from them! ha Please tell them thank you. Yep, they’re famous.
I don’t know if I’ve told you all before, but Wichap is turning out to be pretty small, almost like Romalum, except not the same kind of people or area. But, we’ve walked on every trail countless times. We’ve talked to every person, since forever ago I feel like, and we just talk to them all over again each week. It’s enjoyable but the people are different than Romalum, not as friendly, if that’s possible for this people. ha
We also had a change in rules and we’re supposed to work til 7:30 every night instead of coming in when it’s dark. That’s interesting, and scary. ha We don’t have flashlights and man it’s dark out here! Walking around on a mountain without light is definitely a dangerous thing. One, falling off cliffs is a real possibility. Two, drunks throwing rocks or plachenko (slingshot) at people is a common occurrence and three girls really like my Tongan companion and let’s just say it’s good he doesn’t understand Chuukese. But we just be obedient and do what they tell us to and so far no injuries except me falling in to a pit. Bright side, at least it wasn’t a cliff :) I love it!
Recently I’ve gained a better appreciation for the Chuukese culture. So much of it revolves around their belief in Jesus Christ. I have not talked to one person that does not believe that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer and I think that that is so cool! People are so open to talk with us about Jesus Christ, literally every person we talk to would make time to talk with us at that very moment if we asked. The only little hitch is that when we start talking about Joseph Smith they want us to stop and return to talking about Jesus. It’s hard for them to understand authority from God, because they believe ALL churches are true because ALL believe in God. But what they really have is only bits and pieces of the true gospel, and what we’re giving them is the FULLNESS of the gospel. I only wish they could understand because it makes so much sense!! The Lord truly prepares people, because those looking for the fullness of truth are few and far between, but when we find one the hand of the Lord is undeniably present in the life of that individual and we can just tell they’re ready. So in a really round about way the Chuukese culture gives me the greatest thanks to the Lord for His work and all I want to do is find those that He’s worked with, because I’m nothing. The Lord does so much, and He’s doing it all over the world so that we’ll be ready for his coming! And man I’m excited for it, wherever I’ll be. I’ll be stoked!!
I love you all, you’re the best, for real.
Tong Ennet,
Elder Wells
Ran Allim!
Man it was a good week here! We had no problems (osukosuks) so we had a whole full week to work in our area, which is a rarity since I’ve been on Weno. Grandma and Grandpa sent a box, it was sweet, it had good food and a new CD! By the way, the last CD they sent is officially the #1 CD in the mission. It is literally on every island! ha They even know their names Marlin and Delores so they were ALL excited when they saw a box from them! ha Please tell them thank you. Yep, they’re famous.
I don’t know if I’ve told you all before, but Wichap is turning out to be pretty small, almost like Romalum, except not the same kind of people or area. But, we’ve walked on every trail countless times. We’ve talked to every person, since forever ago I feel like, and we just talk to them all over again each week. It’s enjoyable but the people are different than Romalum, not as friendly, if that’s possible for this people. ha
We also had a change in rules and we’re supposed to work til 7:30 every night instead of coming in when it’s dark. That’s interesting, and scary. ha We don’t have flashlights and man it’s dark out here! Walking around on a mountain without light is definitely a dangerous thing. One, falling off cliffs is a real possibility. Two, drunks throwing rocks or plachenko (slingshot) at people is a common occurrence and three girls really like my Tongan companion and let’s just say it’s good he doesn’t understand Chuukese. But we just be obedient and do what they tell us to and so far no injuries except me falling in to a pit. Bright side, at least it wasn’t a cliff :) I love it!
Recently I’ve gained a better appreciation for the Chuukese culture. So much of it revolves around their belief in Jesus Christ. I have not talked to one person that does not believe that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer and I think that that is so cool! People are so open to talk with us about Jesus Christ, literally every person we talk to would make time to talk with us at that very moment if we asked. The only little hitch is that when we start talking about Joseph Smith they want us to stop and return to talking about Jesus. It’s hard for them to understand authority from God, because they believe ALL churches are true because ALL believe in God. But what they really have is only bits and pieces of the true gospel, and what we’re giving them is the FULLNESS of the gospel. I only wish they could understand because it makes so much sense!! The Lord truly prepares people, because those looking for the fullness of truth are few and far between, but when we find one the hand of the Lord is undeniably present in the life of that individual and we can just tell they’re ready. So in a really round about way the Chuukese culture gives me the greatest thanks to the Lord for His work and all I want to do is find those that He’s worked with, because I’m nothing. The Lord does so much, and He’s doing it all over the world so that we’ll be ready for his coming! And man I’m excited for it, wherever I’ll be. I’ll be stoked!!
I love you all, you’re the best, for real.
Tong Ennet,
Elder Wells
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Answers to questionnaire sent to Brady
Postmarked February 19, 2009
Answers to questionnaire I sent Brady:
Did you really eat the turtle? How sad. How did it taste?
You bet we ate that turtle. Golden! It’s was way good. Turtle is delicious! It was kind of sad though when I found out they have tear ducts, no worries I’d eat it again, and hope I do.
The short-term cancer, how did that happen?
It happened when I got the brilliant idea to fry our Spam in oil Ha Definitely the greasiest thing I’ve ever eaten. It was almost instantaneous cancer. It swelled up within 10 minutes.
Where is Elder Lange? Is he still in Chuuk so you see him?
Elder Lange is nowhere close to Chuuk. He got transferred to Guam to be a Zone Leader. Man that was crazy! I wish I could see him. No chance.
Is there electricity in Wichap?
There is no electricity! Ha Or at least there wasn’t until yesterday! For the past three months we’ve had absolutely no electricity, and I’ll be honest I’m scared of it. I don’t turn the light on because I’m terrified of it. Literally.
Where do you do baptisms in Wichap?
We do them in the ocean or in the font. It just depends on where the people want to be baptized. Our last baptism we had in the ocean. I like those the best.
Can you see the ocean from where you live now?
Unfortunately not, I miss the ocean every day. I want to swim so bad! Especially reading about Kelsey’s success. I want to get in and train.
Did you get Valentine’s pkg? Is Mafileo still your companion?
Yes and yes. I loved Valentine’s, I miss giving Valentine’s. Mafileo is still my companion but I have a feeling it’s coming to an end this transfer.
People who have seen the video clip of going into Paata all think you sound like a native. Do you feel like you’re a native? (I know stupid question, of course you do, you’re “in tune” with the islands)
I’m freakin’ Chuukese!! I built a “pweiker” a tool that you shave the hard coconut meat with. So I open coconuts with my machete, shave the coconut meat and I put coconut milk on everything! So yeah I cook Chuukese food. And I’m learning to pound breadfruit which is the staple of their diet.
Still no girls writing you?
There are a few. Leah is probably the best! The others are all just hit and miss, so far I’ve seen four “Dear Johns”. It’s looking bad for all of us out here in Chuuk. I think the girls don’t realize how studly we are.
From these last pictures your pants look so clean, ha – do you need new ones? And for not wanting to buy the “brown” pants you sure seem to wear them a lot. ha
My brown pants are definitely my favorite, because they can get all muddy and you can’t tell because they’re brown. Those pictures I hadn’t been able to wash for a week and they were the last ones.
Have there been transfers again? Who got moved where?
It’s coming up in two weeks! And let me tell you, it’s going to be similar to a nuclear bomb.
Elder Sears mom and I went to lunch and took a photo so you could see. How is Elder Sears doing? How often do you see the other Elders?
Once a week on P-day, we’ll do something with the other Elders on Weno. That’s sweet you had lunch with his mom. He’s doing well.
Do you go to the main “city” more now that you are in Wichap?
We go into “town” more often than when I was in Romalum and Paata, but still rarely. It’s almost like an outer island, except with a lot more drunks.
If you want to give money to anything it would be best to help a family that is trying to go to the temple. There is a temple trip this year and there is a family that just needs to be able to pay for passports, and they’ll be able to go. I don’t know if that’s possible or a good idea... But it’s all up to you, you’re smart, bordering genius, I’m sure whatever you do it’ll be good.
Ito
Answers to questionnaire I sent Brady:
Did you really eat the turtle? How sad. How did it taste?
You bet we ate that turtle. Golden! It’s was way good. Turtle is delicious! It was kind of sad though when I found out they have tear ducts, no worries I’d eat it again, and hope I do.
The short-term cancer, how did that happen?
It happened when I got the brilliant idea to fry our Spam in oil Ha Definitely the greasiest thing I’ve ever eaten. It was almost instantaneous cancer. It swelled up within 10 minutes.
Where is Elder Lange? Is he still in Chuuk so you see him?
Elder Lange is nowhere close to Chuuk. He got transferred to Guam to be a Zone Leader. Man that was crazy! I wish I could see him. No chance.
Is there electricity in Wichap?
There is no electricity! Ha Or at least there wasn’t until yesterday! For the past three months we’ve had absolutely no electricity, and I’ll be honest I’m scared of it. I don’t turn the light on because I’m terrified of it. Literally.
Where do you do baptisms in Wichap?
We do them in the ocean or in the font. It just depends on where the people want to be baptized. Our last baptism we had in the ocean. I like those the best.
Can you see the ocean from where you live now?
Unfortunately not, I miss the ocean every day. I want to swim so bad! Especially reading about Kelsey’s success. I want to get in and train.
Did you get Valentine’s pkg? Is Mafileo still your companion?
Yes and yes. I loved Valentine’s, I miss giving Valentine’s. Mafileo is still my companion but I have a feeling it’s coming to an end this transfer.
People who have seen the video clip of going into Paata all think you sound like a native. Do you feel like you’re a native? (I know stupid question, of course you do, you’re “in tune” with the islands)
I’m freakin’ Chuukese!! I built a “pweiker” a tool that you shave the hard coconut meat with. So I open coconuts with my machete, shave the coconut meat and I put coconut milk on everything! So yeah I cook Chuukese food. And I’m learning to pound breadfruit which is the staple of their diet.
Still no girls writing you?
There are a few. Leah is probably the best! The others are all just hit and miss, so far I’ve seen four “Dear Johns”. It’s looking bad for all of us out here in Chuuk. I think the girls don’t realize how studly we are.
From these last pictures your pants look so clean, ha – do you need new ones? And for not wanting to buy the “brown” pants you sure seem to wear them a lot. ha
My brown pants are definitely my favorite, because they can get all muddy and you can’t tell because they’re brown. Those pictures I hadn’t been able to wash for a week and they were the last ones.
Have there been transfers again? Who got moved where?
It’s coming up in two weeks! And let me tell you, it’s going to be similar to a nuclear bomb.
Elder Sears mom and I went to lunch and took a photo so you could see. How is Elder Sears doing? How often do you see the other Elders?
Once a week on P-day, we’ll do something with the other Elders on Weno. That’s sweet you had lunch with his mom. He’s doing well.
Do you go to the main “city” more now that you are in Wichap?
We go into “town” more often than when I was in Romalum and Paata, but still rarely. It’s almost like an outer island, except with a lot more drunks.
If you want to give money to anything it would be best to help a family that is trying to go to the temple. There is a temple trip this year and there is a family that just needs to be able to pay for passports, and they’ll be able to go. I don’t know if that’s possible or a good idea... But it’s all up to you, you’re smart, bordering genius, I’m sure whatever you do it’ll be good.
Ito
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