Sunday, May 3, 2009
April 20, 2009 ltr
April 20, 2009
Nepong ai famini mi fakkun mesei och!
I need to tell you all straight up that you are all way good looking! Holy moly! Those Easter pictures were kick-awesome amazing! I’m not sure I recognize anybody but Mom from those pictures. I’m starting to think that I’m the odd one out. I’m almost positive that I’m giving away all my looks to you guys, you’re all very welcome.
Last Sunday Thomas gave a talk in Sacrament meeting (member of 2 weeks) and he hit it out of the park! It was better than most “long time” member talks that I’ve heard in Chuuk.
For some crazy reason I was made District Leader. Did I already tell you guys that? Well today I had my first District Meeting that I trained at. I rocked it, only because the Lord was helping me. I trained on Finding, but with enthusiasm! Finding isn’t always the most fun thing to do, but it’s necessary and if done with enthusiasm even bearable. Ha
I get more retarded in English every day, I can hardly write my thoughts on paper in a unified train of thoughts. I’m all over the place. But I freaking love you guys!
You wrote a book Dad!? Man you’re a stud. That’s sweet. Mom you still look 36. Kelsey that picture scared me to death. McKenzie you’re the tallest sibling at home! Wow! Zach, you’re looking good I hope the ladies aren’t a problem. Sydnee you have teeth! You have two front teeth, holy moly, that’s weird!
Tong Ennet,
Elder Wells
Ito
Nepong ai famini mi fakkun mesei och!
I need to tell you all straight up that you are all way good looking! Holy moly! Those Easter pictures were kick-awesome amazing! I’m not sure I recognize anybody but Mom from those pictures. I’m starting to think that I’m the odd one out. I’m almost positive that I’m giving away all my looks to you guys, you’re all very welcome.
Last Sunday Thomas gave a talk in Sacrament meeting (member of 2 weeks) and he hit it out of the park! It was better than most “long time” member talks that I’ve heard in Chuuk.
For some crazy reason I was made District Leader. Did I already tell you guys that? Well today I had my first District Meeting that I trained at. I rocked it, only because the Lord was helping me. I trained on Finding, but with enthusiasm! Finding isn’t always the most fun thing to do, but it’s necessary and if done with enthusiasm even bearable. Ha
I get more retarded in English every day, I can hardly write my thoughts on paper in a unified train of thoughts. I’m all over the place. But I freaking love you guys!
You wrote a book Dad!? Man you’re a stud. That’s sweet. Mom you still look 36. Kelsey that picture scared me to death. McKenzie you’re the tallest sibling at home! Wow! Zach, you’re looking good I hope the ladies aren’t a problem. Sydnee you have teeth! You have two front teeth, holy moly, that’s weird!
Tong Ennet,
Elder Wells
Ito
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
4/13/09 ltr
April 13, 2009
Ran Allim! Ai famini!
I’ve received the birthday package as you can tell from this sweet stationery and the package before this one. Thanks a billion, I needed all the things in the package including the Easter eggs!
The Chuukese do celebrate Easter, but they celebrated a week late. Ha And they observe every American holiday plus some I’ve never heard of. They even celebrate UEA. Isn’t that just a Utah thing? Well they do, and all “holidays” involve big parties where Chuukese can eat lots of food. Since eating lots of food is probably the favorite Chuukese custom, they find any reason they can (thus the holiday) to throw a party and eat lots of food. In fact there are two days a year where the Governor of Chuuk, ha, can declare a State Holiday. It’s up to him and when he wants it, it will happen. I will admit that I do not oppose in any way. The more holidays the more parties, meaning more opportunities for Elder Wells to eat some DELICIOUS Chuukese food! I love it!
You’ll have to tell me how Wicked is! That’s kick-awesome that you guys are going to Palmyra and visiting those sights. The things that transpired in those places were the most significant happenings of these latter days. Because of what happened in those places, I am halfway across the world in a group of minute islands called Chuuk, fulfilling the statement/prophecy by the First Prophet in this Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, Joseph Smith, that this Gospel would fill the world!
Fifteen young men, from across the world, packed their bags for two years to come to the islands of Chuuk to declare to these people what happened in the Sacred Grove and those places, and how it can change their lives. Fifteen young men, one unique message, the hope of helping save hundreds of souls, the determination to change Chuuk, and the Champion of Israel going before us, on our right hand and on our left. Who can stop such a force?
Aren’t senior pictures coming up? Kelsey I expect to receive an invitation to your graduation, which is insane by the way.
Do you realize that I’ll be calling home in a couple weeks! Crazy! I thought I talked to you guys last week.
Thomas received the Aaronic Priesthood in the office of Priest on Sunday. I had the opportunity to give it to him. Man and talking about Sunday, Sundays are always super busy. I’ll give you a sample. Yesterday, Sunday, I made some kind of pancake for the sacrament, then I got and prepared the water as well. I broke and blessed the bread and blessed the water. After which I gave a talk that needed to last for 40 minutes to fill time requirements but only lasted 16 minutes, ha. After sacrament I taught Sunday School and taught about the signs of the 2nd coming, which apparently was new to them so I spent much time answering the craziest questions. After Sunday School, the Elders Quorum President began teaching about Home Teaching, which he really didn’t know anything about so he gave me all the time to teach about Home Teaching. The quorum president then began to organize it, but it was all wrong so he gave me the rest of the time to explain to everyone the organization of Home Teaching and then I set it up for them. I then gave Thomas the Priesthood, after which gave the closing prayer. Then I compiled the financial report for the branch, fixed mathematical errors and collected all receipts. After all that I was able to throw down some tapioca and metton (coconut milk) before heading to our appointments.
That is, in fact, a very typical Sunday, and I love it! It’s hard to imagine a smooth running ward in Utah. Do they really exist?
“Ai tong ngenikemi, esap much.” Which is Chuukese for “my love for you guys, will never end.” Ha
Tong Ennet,
Elder Ito
P.S. Our solar power only powers our lights. Dumb. After doing things by candle light for so long it’s weird with light. So we don’t even use it. We just continue to use our candles. Solar is worthless. Maybe I’ll go live with the Amish when I come back. Ha
Ran Allim! Ai famini!
I’ve received the birthday package as you can tell from this sweet stationery and the package before this one. Thanks a billion, I needed all the things in the package including the Easter eggs!
The Chuukese do celebrate Easter, but they celebrated a week late. Ha And they observe every American holiday plus some I’ve never heard of. They even celebrate UEA. Isn’t that just a Utah thing? Well they do, and all “holidays” involve big parties where Chuukese can eat lots of food. Since eating lots of food is probably the favorite Chuukese custom, they find any reason they can (thus the holiday) to throw a party and eat lots of food. In fact there are two days a year where the Governor of Chuuk, ha, can declare a State Holiday. It’s up to him and when he wants it, it will happen. I will admit that I do not oppose in any way. The more holidays the more parties, meaning more opportunities for Elder Wells to eat some DELICIOUS Chuukese food! I love it!
You’ll have to tell me how Wicked is! That’s kick-awesome that you guys are going to Palmyra and visiting those sights. The things that transpired in those places were the most significant happenings of these latter days. Because of what happened in those places, I am halfway across the world in a group of minute islands called Chuuk, fulfilling the statement/prophecy by the First Prophet in this Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, Joseph Smith, that this Gospel would fill the world!
Fifteen young men, from across the world, packed their bags for two years to come to the islands of Chuuk to declare to these people what happened in the Sacred Grove and those places, and how it can change their lives. Fifteen young men, one unique message, the hope of helping save hundreds of souls, the determination to change Chuuk, and the Champion of Israel going before us, on our right hand and on our left. Who can stop such a force?
Aren’t senior pictures coming up? Kelsey I expect to receive an invitation to your graduation, which is insane by the way.
Do you realize that I’ll be calling home in a couple weeks! Crazy! I thought I talked to you guys last week.
Thomas received the Aaronic Priesthood in the office of Priest on Sunday. I had the opportunity to give it to him. Man and talking about Sunday, Sundays are always super busy. I’ll give you a sample. Yesterday, Sunday, I made some kind of pancake for the sacrament, then I got and prepared the water as well. I broke and blessed the bread and blessed the water. After which I gave a talk that needed to last for 40 minutes to fill time requirements but only lasted 16 minutes, ha. After sacrament I taught Sunday School and taught about the signs of the 2nd coming, which apparently was new to them so I spent much time answering the craziest questions. After Sunday School, the Elders Quorum President began teaching about Home Teaching, which he really didn’t know anything about so he gave me all the time to teach about Home Teaching. The quorum president then began to organize it, but it was all wrong so he gave me the rest of the time to explain to everyone the organization of Home Teaching and then I set it up for them. I then gave Thomas the Priesthood, after which gave the closing prayer. Then I compiled the financial report for the branch, fixed mathematical errors and collected all receipts. After all that I was able to throw down some tapioca and metton (coconut milk) before heading to our appointments.
That is, in fact, a very typical Sunday, and I love it! It’s hard to imagine a smooth running ward in Utah. Do they really exist?
“Ai tong ngenikemi, esap much.” Which is Chuukese for “my love for you guys, will never end.” Ha
Tong Ennet,
Elder Ito
P.S. Our solar power only powers our lights. Dumb. After doing things by candle light for so long it’s weird with light. So we don’t even use it. We just continue to use our candles. Solar is worthless. Maybe I’ll go live with the Amish when I come back. Ha
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
4/6/09 Letter
April 6, 2009
Nepong Allim! Ai we famili,
I forgot what I wrote in Sammy’s letter, glad you all liked it. Ha Good questions mom about the language. It’s not a written language but people sure try hard to write it. Ha One word, if tried to spell correctly, can literally be written over 50 different ways. You can write madness and it will look like it makes sense. Because people just try to write the language is the main reason investigators don’t read the Book of Mormon. They say the wording and spelling is confusing and I’ll agree, but then again almost anything written that’s over a paragraph long is confusing. They only have some selections of the Book of Mormon translated in Chuukese. We have plenty copies of the Book of Mormon to hand out, as well as the Proclamation to the Family. Thank you for sending those I’m amazed you found them. And yes Wichap is the roughest area in Weno (Moen). It’s where the biggest gangs live. Ha But truth be told Faichuuk, which includes Romalum and Paata, two villages were quite literally at war with each other. Everyone was in by 5:00 pm because that’s when the battle from the previous day would begin. Some trails we just didn’t walk on at all because that was a “war zone” and those who walked on them were phillipined (the home made darts). I could go into more detail, but it’ll suffice to say that Wichap is not as rough as Faichuuk (a group of islands).
But enough of that, that’s not the important stuff. The important stuff is we had two baptisms this week! Thomas and Rina! And I had the amazing privilege of baptizing both of them. Dad, you know the feeling, but it’s hard to describe the feeling I get at each baptismal service. When someone you have taught and strived with makes the life changing decision to be baptized words cannot express the tender feelings the Spirit gives to you at that time. At each service I feel that I am a part of a miracle. The miracle of eternal life is opened to those baptized at these services and what a blessing it is to have been a part of as many as I have. Though no glory or thanks to me. Glory be to the Lord for He is the one that converted them; all we did was find them and even then the Lord led us to them or them to us, so in reality we did very little. . . I just smile a lot and say thanks. Ha
That’s way sweet that you guys will go visit those places. I’m sure that will be a neat experience. I will be interested to hear ALL of your thoughts and feelings about that trip. Hint, hint: Kelsey, McKenzie, Zach, Sydnee ha
I hope everything goes well with your business analysis dad. I don’t know if I ever told you this but you’re really smart. I mean really, really smart. But I tell all my companions that to make up. Ha You too mom. Elder Hill loves you, and so does Elder Fox. Fox just barely went home and he might call you. He’s a Chuuk thug.
Iwe, a wes met ua mochen makkei iei, ua tongeikemi chapur, pwan iotek fan itemi.
Ousap mano!
Tong Ennet,
Elder Ito
Nepong Allim! Ai we famili,
I forgot what I wrote in Sammy’s letter, glad you all liked it. Ha Good questions mom about the language. It’s not a written language but people sure try hard to write it. Ha One word, if tried to spell correctly, can literally be written over 50 different ways. You can write madness and it will look like it makes sense. Because people just try to write the language is the main reason investigators don’t read the Book of Mormon. They say the wording and spelling is confusing and I’ll agree, but then again almost anything written that’s over a paragraph long is confusing. They only have some selections of the Book of Mormon translated in Chuukese. We have plenty copies of the Book of Mormon to hand out, as well as the Proclamation to the Family. Thank you for sending those I’m amazed you found them. And yes Wichap is the roughest area in Weno (Moen). It’s where the biggest gangs live. Ha But truth be told Faichuuk, which includes Romalum and Paata, two villages were quite literally at war with each other. Everyone was in by 5:00 pm because that’s when the battle from the previous day would begin. Some trails we just didn’t walk on at all because that was a “war zone” and those who walked on them were phillipined (the home made darts). I could go into more detail, but it’ll suffice to say that Wichap is not as rough as Faichuuk (a group of islands).
But enough of that, that’s not the important stuff. The important stuff is we had two baptisms this week! Thomas and Rina! And I had the amazing privilege of baptizing both of them. Dad, you know the feeling, but it’s hard to describe the feeling I get at each baptismal service. When someone you have taught and strived with makes the life changing decision to be baptized words cannot express the tender feelings the Spirit gives to you at that time. At each service I feel that I am a part of a miracle. The miracle of eternal life is opened to those baptized at these services and what a blessing it is to have been a part of as many as I have. Though no glory or thanks to me. Glory be to the Lord for He is the one that converted them; all we did was find them and even then the Lord led us to them or them to us, so in reality we did very little. . . I just smile a lot and say thanks. Ha
That’s way sweet that you guys will go visit those places. I’m sure that will be a neat experience. I will be interested to hear ALL of your thoughts and feelings about that trip. Hint, hint: Kelsey, McKenzie, Zach, Sydnee ha
I hope everything goes well with your business analysis dad. I don’t know if I ever told you this but you’re really smart. I mean really, really smart. But I tell all my companions that to make up. Ha You too mom. Elder Hill loves you, and so does Elder Fox. Fox just barely went home and he might call you. He’s a Chuuk thug.
Iwe, a wes met ua mochen makkei iei, ua tongeikemi chapur, pwan iotek fan itemi.
Ousap mano!
Tong Ennet,
Elder Ito
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Part of March 25, 2009 Ltr
March 25, 2009
Nekunion Allim! Ai famili!
I can’t keep track of time it’s going so fast. I can’t explain why. I love it more than ever and love Wichap more than ever before. I love the members even though they are some of the most difficult, stubborn people I’ve ever met; I love the non-members even though they are some of the most rude people, but I love them to death all the more because of it! I don’t know what it is but I love Chuukese more than I thought possible, they are so amazing! I feel extremely blessed to be able to bring the greatest message on earth to a people I love more than gummy bears and Journey. Ha Just kidding, but for real I feel lucky to be able to spend time with such fantastic people!
A thought that has never crossed my mind, came across during our Zone Conference that we just had. Ever since I was called to Chuuk, the first night in the mission home, I never dreamed I would ever serve anywhere else. I thought I was to stay in Chuuk until I returned home.... President D said at this last Zone Conference to the Zone Leaders that it will be very rare for a missionary to stay in Chuuk his whole mission. To put it nicely, I’ll just say that that was not something I wanted to hear. I hope I may be one of the rare ones who stays. But will gladly serve the Lord wherever He desires.
Chuuk thug for life.
Tong Ennet,
Elder Wells
Nekunion Allim! Ai famili!
I can’t keep track of time it’s going so fast. I can’t explain why. I love it more than ever and love Wichap more than ever before. I love the members even though they are some of the most difficult, stubborn people I’ve ever met; I love the non-members even though they are some of the most rude people, but I love them to death all the more because of it! I don’t know what it is but I love Chuukese more than I thought possible, they are so amazing! I feel extremely blessed to be able to bring the greatest message on earth to a people I love more than gummy bears and Journey. Ha Just kidding, but for real I feel lucky to be able to spend time with such fantastic people!
A thought that has never crossed my mind, came across during our Zone Conference that we just had. Ever since I was called to Chuuk, the first night in the mission home, I never dreamed I would ever serve anywhere else. I thought I was to stay in Chuuk until I returned home.... President D said at this last Zone Conference to the Zone Leaders that it will be very rare for a missionary to stay in Chuuk his whole mission. To put it nicely, I’ll just say that that was not something I wanted to hear. I hope I may be one of the rare ones who stays. But will gladly serve the Lord wherever He desires.
Chuuk thug for life.
Tong Ennet,
Elder Wells
March 23, 2009
Ran Allim! Ai tong ngenikemi!
Man I appreciate your continued letters, it’s always exciting to hear what’s going on, even if I only comprehend half of what’s going on. Way to show ‘em how it’s done at work dad, and mom I believe I have received all your boxes thank you. My favorite tie you guys sent was that purple one with green dots, so whoever picked that, good work. The ties were greatly needed, drinking coconuts everyday severely hampers their original beauty. Ha Kelsey you need to give me some updates on school selection. Do you know you’re 18! Man you’re old, maybe I’ll finally send that Christmas box hmmm…… I hope you tore it up Kenzie at your meet, I’ll expect a full report. Zach I’m glad you came to your senses and realized that I’m only getting stronger not fatter out here. And Sydnee I loved the picture you drew and yes we are teaching four families.
We have two baptisms coming up this weekend. Thomas, an amazing man that I love to death! And a cute little girl named Rina. Thomas has been one of those investigators I dream about. We found him, met with him and continued to return. Nothing happened until he read the Book of Mormon and then like a light switch, he turned on. Everything made sense to him, he hung on every word we spoke, lived every commandment we presented. It was unreal! He loves reading the Book of Mormon and probably knows more about the Book of Mormon than 90% of the members! He’s not yet baptized but he takes the initiative and goes to less-actives and brings them to church himself. He is incredible in every way and only a witness from the Holy Ghost could bring such a change. He always has multiple referrals that he wants us to go see, and he can hardly wait til he can home teach and come with us to everybody’s house. It’s a special experience and I am so grateful that I could be here to witness it. When these two are baptized Wichap will have five baptisms on the year which is fantastic for an area that just opened.
Our Branch President Macky Felix just came down, he says to send his love to you. A kapachenong an kapwong me tong ngenikemi. Macky is a stud and a half. I love him! I want to just bring him back to America with me. Him and his whole family. Do we have room for four at home? Ha For reals you guys would love him, even though he can’t speak English. :)
I don’t really need anything for my birthday. I love chocolate chip cookies! I could use another journal sometime soon. I’ve filled one and am half way though the other; three more would be good. More pictures is always good. The Chuukese and I love pictures. Members throughout Chuuk like you guys, when they see my pictures they always want to keep one. I can’t say no, so there are pictures of you guys all over Chuuk. Ha I know! Colgate 360 toothbrush! It’s the best toothbrush on this planet, us Chuuk missionaries have started a club. The Colgate 360 club. (wow, how things change when you have so little--Kanani) It’s very elite and only those who have the privilege of owning a Colgate 360 can be in it. This is just a question but can people buy The History of the Church? I’m going to read that some time, it’s pretty sweet.
Man I love you guys! Thanks for your love I’m sure you’re all very good looking:)
Don’t Die
Tong Ennet,
Elder Wells
Man I appreciate your continued letters, it’s always exciting to hear what’s going on, even if I only comprehend half of what’s going on. Way to show ‘em how it’s done at work dad, and mom I believe I have received all your boxes thank you. My favorite tie you guys sent was that purple one with green dots, so whoever picked that, good work. The ties were greatly needed, drinking coconuts everyday severely hampers their original beauty. Ha Kelsey you need to give me some updates on school selection. Do you know you’re 18! Man you’re old, maybe I’ll finally send that Christmas box hmmm…… I hope you tore it up Kenzie at your meet, I’ll expect a full report. Zach I’m glad you came to your senses and realized that I’m only getting stronger not fatter out here. And Sydnee I loved the picture you drew and yes we are teaching four families.
We have two baptisms coming up this weekend. Thomas, an amazing man that I love to death! And a cute little girl named Rina. Thomas has been one of those investigators I dream about. We found him, met with him and continued to return. Nothing happened until he read the Book of Mormon and then like a light switch, he turned on. Everything made sense to him, he hung on every word we spoke, lived every commandment we presented. It was unreal! He loves reading the Book of Mormon and probably knows more about the Book of Mormon than 90% of the members! He’s not yet baptized but he takes the initiative and goes to less-actives and brings them to church himself. He is incredible in every way and only a witness from the Holy Ghost could bring such a change. He always has multiple referrals that he wants us to go see, and he can hardly wait til he can home teach and come with us to everybody’s house. It’s a special experience and I am so grateful that I could be here to witness it. When these two are baptized Wichap will have five baptisms on the year which is fantastic for an area that just opened.
Our Branch President Macky Felix just came down, he says to send his love to you. A kapachenong an kapwong me tong ngenikemi. Macky is a stud and a half. I love him! I want to just bring him back to America with me. Him and his whole family. Do we have room for four at home? Ha For reals you guys would love him, even though he can’t speak English. :)
I don’t really need anything for my birthday. I love chocolate chip cookies! I could use another journal sometime soon. I’ve filled one and am half way though the other; three more would be good. More pictures is always good. The Chuukese and I love pictures. Members throughout Chuuk like you guys, when they see my pictures they always want to keep one. I can’t say no, so there are pictures of you guys all over Chuuk. Ha I know! Colgate 360 toothbrush! It’s the best toothbrush on this planet, us Chuuk missionaries have started a club. The Colgate 360 club. (wow, how things change when you have so little--Kanani) It’s very elite and only those who have the privilege of owning a Colgate 360 can be in it. This is just a question but can people buy The History of the Church? I’m going to read that some time, it’s pretty sweet.
Man I love you guys! Thanks for your love I’m sure you’re all very good looking:)
Don’t Die
Tong Ennet,
Elder Wells
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