Aloha and Mahalo
Figure we might as well throw some thanks in the title for this week. As a disclaimer, this email may be a little short, and the keyboard I am using is really poorly designed, so I might ask Tiff to spell check this email before she puts it on the blog.... (done)
So, I got transferred. I am no longer in Waimanalo. I am now in Mililani. I have not one, but two companions. Yes, we are in a threesome (which is why I don't have much time to type this out.) We are also on bike, which has been a lot of fun so far, and I am sure will be quite a bit of fun in the near future... My knee is getting a lot of exercise.
My companions are great though. They are two really good elders who know what they are doing. The only problem we have is that they just combined two wards into one as well, so we are having a bit of a transition to that right now.
On Friday we had an awesome experience. Unfortunately, President Monson couldn't make it to Hawaii because his wife had an accident, but Elder Perry came and we got to shake his hand. Then on Sunday he shared a story about a family in my old ward. It was amazing.
So, I'm afraid the last week has been a bit of a blurr, so I don't remember a whole lot. I will fill in more detail's as the time goes on, but I have someone that has the computer reserved right after me, and I'm losing patience with this stupid keyboard.... arg!! Anyway, I love you all, thank you for your care, concern, and reply emails from last week. Aloha!
Elder Kidd
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
11/16/09
Aloha and Aloha
Ok, so this is going to be a difficult and interesting email.
First of all, I need to tell a story from this last week. On Tuesday night, I went on an exchange. Well, I found out when I got picked up that we were going to pick up a couple other elders and have a night of playing some card games. I didn't think it was too bad, so I went along with it. Well, the next day a couple of us felt really bad and called our mission president. So, I will not be a district leader next transfer due to my transgression. I felt and still feel a little horrible, but it has given me the motivation to do better. I feel I have learned a lesson that I wish to share with others now. Follow the rules/commandments, but also that the atonement is real. My biggest worry is how much I have disappointed all of you.
The other news is that I am being transfered. Also, they are splitting the two wards that we covered. So, Elder Call is going to stay in Olomana, and they are bringing two new missionaries into Waimanalo. So, I don't know where I am going to be either. Things are going to be different.
But we had a pretty good week this last week. Rick is having some struggles with his mom right now. She doesn't want him to get baptized, but she is not forbidding it. We told him struggles and trials come, so he is going to pray and see what the answer is. Trayleen is doing well, we just had some trouble with the wards. She lives in one ward, but wants to go to the other. Anyway, things got worked out this last week (probably a little aggressively) and she can now go to the ward she wants to. She is happy about that, but I am sad that I won't be here for her baptism.
We are also going to be able to start working with a couple people we haven't been able to get ahold of for a while. So, things are starting to pick up down here, which seems to follow the general pattern of my mission.
On a better note, all the missionaries on Oahu this next friday (I am staying on Oahu, so that's me as well) have a special meeting. President Monson is coming to Hawaii for a regional conference, and Elder Perry as well. Well, they want to have a special meeting with the missionaries. I am super excited. It is going to be amazing. I'll let you know how it goes!
So, in the end, this has been a week of learning for me. Remember to follow the rules, even if you don't believe that it is that bad. The cool thing that happened though was on Thursday when I felt horrible thinking about what other people would think. Then the spirit gave me the impression of: "It doesn't matter what other people think, only the Lord." So, in the end, I feel bad, stupid, etc... but I know that I am on the right path, and am doing the best I can from this point out. The atonement is real, and the Lord loves us.
I love you all so much. I apologize again for disappointing you. I ask for your forgiveness. Again, I love you.
Elder Kidd
Ok, so this is going to be a difficult and interesting email.
First of all, I need to tell a story from this last week. On Tuesday night, I went on an exchange. Well, I found out when I got picked up that we were going to pick up a couple other elders and have a night of playing some card games. I didn't think it was too bad, so I went along with it. Well, the next day a couple of us felt really bad and called our mission president. So, I will not be a district leader next transfer due to my transgression. I felt and still feel a little horrible, but it has given me the motivation to do better. I feel I have learned a lesson that I wish to share with others now. Follow the rules/commandments, but also that the atonement is real. My biggest worry is how much I have disappointed all of you.
The other news is that I am being transfered. Also, they are splitting the two wards that we covered. So, Elder Call is going to stay in Olomana, and they are bringing two new missionaries into Waimanalo. So, I don't know where I am going to be either. Things are going to be different.
But we had a pretty good week this last week. Rick is having some struggles with his mom right now. She doesn't want him to get baptized, but she is not forbidding it. We told him struggles and trials come, so he is going to pray and see what the answer is. Trayleen is doing well, we just had some trouble with the wards. She lives in one ward, but wants to go to the other. Anyway, things got worked out this last week (probably a little aggressively) and she can now go to the ward she wants to. She is happy about that, but I am sad that I won't be here for her baptism.
We are also going to be able to start working with a couple people we haven't been able to get ahold of for a while. So, things are starting to pick up down here, which seems to follow the general pattern of my mission.
On a better note, all the missionaries on Oahu this next friday (I am staying on Oahu, so that's me as well) have a special meeting. President Monson is coming to Hawaii for a regional conference, and Elder Perry as well. Well, they want to have a special meeting with the missionaries. I am super excited. It is going to be amazing. I'll let you know how it goes!
So, in the end, this has been a week of learning for me. Remember to follow the rules, even if you don't believe that it is that bad. The cool thing that happened though was on Thursday when I felt horrible thinking about what other people would think. Then the spirit gave me the impression of: "It doesn't matter what other people think, only the Lord." So, in the end, I feel bad, stupid, etc... but I know that I am on the right path, and am doing the best I can from this point out. The atonement is real, and the Lord loves us.
I love you all so much. I apologize again for disappointing you. I ask for your forgiveness. Again, I love you.
Elder Kidd
11/09/09
Aloha means love
I've decided a lot of the polynesian and micronesian culters have it right. They great people with a word that also means love (the first two that come to mind are 'Aloha' and "Yokwe' (marshalleese). Anyway, here is hopefully an email full of love...
Elder Call is still proving to be a wonderful learning experience for me. I try not to take offense or get irritated at all, but it is starting to be a little bit harder than usual. I think most everyone knows that I don't really like to have to repeat myself over, and over. Well, Elder Call is helping me learn that at times I may need to ask someone to do (or not do) something over, and over again. I pray every night that the Lord will give me more patience.... He has to be laughing at me up in heaven and simply giving me opportunities to learn it...
But, our week was awesome. I have to admit that Wednesday was my favorite day. I went on another exchange with Elder Hill, and I have realized how awesome he is. I would love to be able to be his companion one day. He loves to work, but have fun at the same time. We were able to get so much done, and I felt like I could put some of the burden on him.
Wednesday we had a marvelous experience though. We had a lesson schedualed with a guy named David. We picked up a kid from the ward named Koa to come with us (he is almost finished with his papers). Well, David wasn't home, so we figured we would walk around and talk to a few people. While we were walking, I called Trayleen to keep daily contact with her. Well, I could tell she had been crying, and she said she had just come out of praying. When I asked if she wanted us to come by, she said yes, so over we went.
We talked for a little bit, and then shared a lot about the atonement. It was so cool, and having Koa there was also a blast. Then, she told us that she had canceled her trip to Washington because she knew if she went that she would lose everything that she had gained (first shock). Then, we asked if she still wanted to wait on her baptism, and she said no because she needed the Holy Ghost (second shock). Elder Hill and I looked at each other, and simply said that she was the most golden investigator either of us had ever met. I am so excited for her. The only concern we have is that all of her friends are in one ward, and she lives in another, and the bishop will not let her get baptized in the other ward.... so please pray for us to know how to handle this.
Monday night we had a good lesson with Rick... and committed him to be baptized. He knows it is true, and wants to, just concerned about his mom. When he told her, she didn't seem happy, but I don't think she will forbid it. We need to talk to him again to see how everything is right now.
So, things are going well. The members of my district are struggling, but hopefully the training tomorrow will help with that. So, trust in the Lord, He gives what we know we need (even when we hate it). He does love us, and He hates to see us sad, but knows it is for our good (isn't that awesome but depressing at the same time). Keep smiling everyone. Satan hates a righteous smile. I love you all! Thanks for supporting me!
Elder Kidd
I've decided a lot of the polynesian and micronesian culters have it right. They great people with a word that also means love (the first two that come to mind are 'Aloha' and "Yokwe' (marshalleese). Anyway, here is hopefully an email full of love...
Elder Call is still proving to be a wonderful learning experience for me. I try not to take offense or get irritated at all, but it is starting to be a little bit harder than usual. I think most everyone knows that I don't really like to have to repeat myself over, and over. Well, Elder Call is helping me learn that at times I may need to ask someone to do (or not do) something over, and over again. I pray every night that the Lord will give me more patience.... He has to be laughing at me up in heaven and simply giving me opportunities to learn it...
But, our week was awesome. I have to admit that Wednesday was my favorite day. I went on another exchange with Elder Hill, and I have realized how awesome he is. I would love to be able to be his companion one day. He loves to work, but have fun at the same time. We were able to get so much done, and I felt like I could put some of the burden on him.
Wednesday we had a marvelous experience though. We had a lesson schedualed with a guy named David. We picked up a kid from the ward named Koa to come with us (he is almost finished with his papers). Well, David wasn't home, so we figured we would walk around and talk to a few people. While we were walking, I called Trayleen to keep daily contact with her. Well, I could tell she had been crying, and she said she had just come out of praying. When I asked if she wanted us to come by, she said yes, so over we went.
We talked for a little bit, and then shared a lot about the atonement. It was so cool, and having Koa there was also a blast. Then, she told us that she had canceled her trip to Washington because she knew if she went that she would lose everything that she had gained (first shock). Then, we asked if she still wanted to wait on her baptism, and she said no because she needed the Holy Ghost (second shock). Elder Hill and I looked at each other, and simply said that she was the most golden investigator either of us had ever met. I am so excited for her. The only concern we have is that all of her friends are in one ward, and she lives in another, and the bishop will not let her get baptized in the other ward.... so please pray for us to know how to handle this.
Monday night we had a good lesson with Rick... and committed him to be baptized. He knows it is true, and wants to, just concerned about his mom. When he told her, she didn't seem happy, but I don't think she will forbid it. We need to talk to him again to see how everything is right now.
So, things are going well. The members of my district are struggling, but hopefully the training tomorrow will help with that. So, trust in the Lord, He gives what we know we need (even when we hate it). He does love us, and He hates to see us sad, but knows it is for our good (isn't that awesome but depressing at the same time). Keep smiling everyone. Satan hates a righteous smile. I love you all! Thanks for supporting me!
Elder Kidd
11/02/09
Aloha
I've decided that mom has this great way of saying exactly what needs to be said to make you feel guilty as heck and encourage you to do what needs to be done... Long enough sentance? Basically, I have been struggling like crazy recently with Elder Call. I am trying my best to help him, be nice, encourage him, etc. but it has been a very draining experience. Then mom tells me of a poem written by a kid in the school about beauty, and not having any friends, and of course I start to analyze and realize that I need to be Elder Call's friend... Now how to do it is the hard part...
But anway, now that I feel guilty (thanks lots mom! ; ) the rest of the week. Well, we had another week of struggles, but not without rewards. Mostly we know that this will be a great week, and Trayleen continues to work towards baptism. She met with our bishop yesterday, came out and told us she had been crying a lot, to which we shared that the church could supply the world with water for about a year just through our tears... (should we market that?) But she is doing great. We are meeting again with her tonight, and hoping to help strengthen her resolve to quit whatever actions are keeping her from baptism. We reset her date to the 5th of December.
We are going to meet with Rick tonight (he had to cancel last week). There are full-time missionaries over the singles ward, and the call seems to be that our assistants think that if they can go there, they should because it will be "better for them." Well, one of Rick's fellowshippers thinks that that idea is one of the dumbest he has ever heard. He is worried about the family and doesn't think that Rick will want them to teach him, so he may keep coming to the family ward. We will see how it plays out.
Josh and Isaiah may not be getting baptized for a while. I think Aunty Momi (the grandma) is still mad at us since she hasn't spoken to us at all. Our bishop is going to talk to her again because right now she wants to wait until next year for them to get baptized, and our bishop thinks it should be soon (we agree). I love our bishop.
Halloween is pretty lame on a mission. You can't do anything. We had a great dinner with uncle Ray though, and I patched up a huge hole in my soul... wait... sole... of my shoe... yeah, that one. Shoe goo is fantastic.
So, we are really excited about this week. I am also excited for Saturday because UH plays USU... so we will see how it goes.
A bit of a spiritual thought, and slight rant. Most missionaries either love or hate fast sunday because of the 'testimonies' that are shared. Yesterday was a prime example. We had some good, some bad, some stories, some 'What was that?'s, but in the end I think it is ok. A young couple that moved into our ward brought a friend to church, and she seemed to enjoy it all. But, the point is, a testimony is simply a declaration of belief. To say I know something is a testimony. I know the Savior lived and dies and lives again, for us. He loves us so much. He cares for us so much. He teaches us through the Holy Ghost. Joseph Smith is his prophet and revelator for these last days. And with everything we do, we say all things, and do all things in the name of Christ.
Thank you all for your continued support, love, encouragement, teaching, etc. I love you all!
Elder Kidd
I've decided that mom has this great way of saying exactly what needs to be said to make you feel guilty as heck and encourage you to do what needs to be done... Long enough sentance? Basically, I have been struggling like crazy recently with Elder Call. I am trying my best to help him, be nice, encourage him, etc. but it has been a very draining experience. Then mom tells me of a poem written by a kid in the school about beauty, and not having any friends, and of course I start to analyze and realize that I need to be Elder Call's friend... Now how to do it is the hard part...
But anway, now that I feel guilty (thanks lots mom! ; ) the rest of the week. Well, we had another week of struggles, but not without rewards. Mostly we know that this will be a great week, and Trayleen continues to work towards baptism. She met with our bishop yesterday, came out and told us she had been crying a lot, to which we shared that the church could supply the world with water for about a year just through our tears... (should we market that?) But she is doing great. We are meeting again with her tonight, and hoping to help strengthen her resolve to quit whatever actions are keeping her from baptism. We reset her date to the 5th of December.
We are going to meet with Rick tonight (he had to cancel last week). There are full-time missionaries over the singles ward, and the call seems to be that our assistants think that if they can go there, they should because it will be "better for them." Well, one of Rick's fellowshippers thinks that that idea is one of the dumbest he has ever heard. He is worried about the family and doesn't think that Rick will want them to teach him, so he may keep coming to the family ward. We will see how it plays out.
Josh and Isaiah may not be getting baptized for a while. I think Aunty Momi (the grandma) is still mad at us since she hasn't spoken to us at all. Our bishop is going to talk to her again because right now she wants to wait until next year for them to get baptized, and our bishop thinks it should be soon (we agree). I love our bishop.
Halloween is pretty lame on a mission. You can't do anything. We had a great dinner with uncle Ray though, and I patched up a huge hole in my soul... wait... sole... of my shoe... yeah, that one. Shoe goo is fantastic.
So, we are really excited about this week. I am also excited for Saturday because UH plays USU... so we will see how it goes.
A bit of a spiritual thought, and slight rant. Most missionaries either love or hate fast sunday because of the 'testimonies' that are shared. Yesterday was a prime example. We had some good, some bad, some stories, some 'What was that?'s, but in the end I think it is ok. A young couple that moved into our ward brought a friend to church, and she seemed to enjoy it all. But, the point is, a testimony is simply a declaration of belief. To say I know something is a testimony. I know the Savior lived and dies and lives again, for us. He loves us so much. He cares for us so much. He teaches us through the Holy Ghost. Joseph Smith is his prophet and revelator for these last days. And with everything we do, we say all things, and do all things in the name of Christ.
Thank you all for your continued support, love, encouragement, teaching, etc. I love you all!
Elder Kidd
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