03/15/2010

Aloha

So, we had an amazing week this last week. Of course the highlight of that being the baptisms of Chelsey, Rachyl, and Megyn Miller. It almost because a cause of trouble, but in the end it all worked out.

The reason that it almost caused trouble was over a simple thing: food. I am amazed at how important food is for any situation out here. Noah and Kia Miller (the parents) had a pot-luck at their baptism, and wanted it for all of their children. Well, the pot-luck was because six got baptized on one day, and it was on Christmas. So, they didn't seem to understand that, and wanted to have one for every baptism, which begins to drag on the ward a little bit. We tried to encourage them not to, but they still wanted to. Our bishop didn't know about it, and we got a call when one of their neighbors told the bishop's wife that we were going to call all of the ward members and tell them that it was a pot-luck, which we never said. Then, another ward had a baptism as well, and they wanted food, so there was some miscommunication, and Noah thought he was going to have to cancel his food because of them. In the end (and after many prayers) everything went ok, no one got offeneded, and the baptism went fantastically. Then we had the confirmations yesterday as well, which went well. We stopped by early in the morning before church though, which turned out to be a good thing, because one of the daughters had bought a can of iced tea, not thinking about it, and we caught her and got her to not drink it.

Right after the confirmation on Sunday, Elder Mathews went back and sat by Derrick. He told him "You're next." to which Derrick replied "Yeah, maybe." but not disagreeing at all, so we will see how this week goes.

We also began teaching a lady named Charrise on Friday, who is very solid. She says she believes Joseph was a prophet and the book of Mormon is true, but when we got her to realize she would need to become a member, she decided she wanted to pray and come to church first, which we thought was good idea.

On Tuesday we had a fun experience. One of our members called us and wanted us to come give her daughter a blessing. So, she told us the story, and the daughter said she felt that she had done so much evil, and wanted to come to Christ but felt she couldn't. So, I wanted to share the experience of Alma the younger with her. But, the moment I pulled out the Book of Mormon, she asked if I could read from the bible. So, my companion and I were caught off-guard by that, but we were able to share the story of Paul instead, and I gave her the blessing because my companion wanted to tell her sorry and leave. But, I think it all went well in the end.

So, it has been an interesting week, and it looks like it will be another one, but this is the last of the transfer. I hope I get to spend one more transfer with Elder Mathews because I think I could help him a bit more, but we will see what happens. Oh, by the way, I am a district leader, and have been since the last transfer.

Thank you all for the continued support, love, and care. I love you all!

Elder Kidd

03/08/10

Aloha

Another week, and more fun stuff! Lets see, brief summary: party, killing a pig, 7th day adventist, arrogant leaders, baptism inverview... I think that is most everything.

Alright, so, the party and killing a pig go together. Derrick had a birthday party for his one-year-old son on Saturday. To let you know, 1st birthdays out here are no small matter. They are HUGE!. Most of the time you can see anywhere from 100-300 people. I think Derrick was planning on arnd 300. So, imagine having to feed that many people. Well, a 400 lb pig can help. Elder Mathews wanted to go help kill and kalua (cooking it in the ground) it. Well, if you don't know, I don't really do well with blood or killing anything that isn't considered a bug, spider, or something like that. So, we went on a split with some other elders, one of which is from Western Samoa (he wanted to kill the pig) and the two squemish companions (me included) went off to do normal missionary work.

The two of us went out to visit a referal we got from provo. Apparently Alex is ready for baptism in Idaho, but his mom is a 7th day adventist. So, we went to see her to convince her to let him get baptized. Well, it seems he doesn't really want to get baptized, just wanted his mom to tell us that he couldn't... even though we have no connection to Alex. So we felt a little bad about that, but then she started to "lay out the law" on the 4th commandment. So, it turns out that she is only a SDA (seventh-day adventist) because they worship on Saturday. She didn't have any problem breaking the 3rd commandment while we were there. And she doesn't really follow any other SDA teachings. It was sad, but hopefully her heart will be softened by the spirit and the stuff we left, and she will realize that the Lord could change the sabbath (fyi, Mormon Doctrine quotes another book saying that after the Exodus, the children of Israel observed the sabbath on a rotating basis, i.e. Saturday one year, then Sunday, then Monday, etc.) My companion was not very happy with her, but it all worked out.

Early that day I had had some fun with our Zone Leaders during our District Leader Training Meeting (DLTM). Well, they spent a little too much time talking about other missionaries, and not really knowing the whole story. So, when they started into Elder Trujillo, I politely, but firmly gave them the rest of the story, and made sure they understood the situation. They quit discussing it after that. That meeting seems to be such a waste of time to me... oh well, I am sure I can learn from it.

Otherwise, our week was amazing. We found several new people to teach, and taught a lot of lessons. We have a few people that we are going to stop teaching because they won't keep any committements. It always seems strange, but it reminds us that the Lord requires us to do our part as well. Also, when those that bring the spirit leave, often people will notice (finally) the spirit and want it in their lives. Hopefully that happens with JJ in the next couple of weeks.

But, life in Hawaii continues on. Elder Mathews steadily improves, and I bought myself some sick board shorts today. They stretch, and are long, so I think I will use them to work out in, and then swim when I get back to USU (I will shower before I swim).

I love you all so much, and am so grateful for your continued support, encouragement, and prayers.

Elder Kidd

03/01/2010

So, first of all, the Tsunami did hit, but not enough to even get above the sand line on the beaches... and only on two of the other islands, so we were ok. It was a lot of fun to gt a call at 3:30 in the morning telling us to drive to the stake center. I was actually asleep when the Tsunami was supposed to happen. We ended up driving up this huge hill to the Makakilo stake center, and then we played "Crowd Control" for the rest of the day. I never thought it could be that tiring, or maybe it was simply being outside, or maybe just trying to avoid stupid immature missionaries, but I crashed after lunch for about half an hour. In the end, everyone was safe, and ok, and we had to reschedual our 7 appointments....

The rest of the week was fairly good. In fact, on Wednesday we saw a miracle. Megyn and Rachyl have one older sister who hasn't been baptized yet. She actually got scared away by a missionary who told her she should give up her baby and she couldn't be saved because she broke the Law of Chastity... or atleast that is what she heard. Anyway, after a bit of work from us, and her parents, she came up to us on Wednesday and wondered if she could get baptized with her two sisters... Of course we told her no and that if you don't decided to get baptized right when we start teaching you, you can't be saved.... Oh wait, no, of course not. We contained our enthusiasm as we told her of course, and double checked that she was ready. We have taught her every day since (even after the tsunami). She is solid. The Lord does provide miracles.

On Thursday we had interviews with our mission president, and Elder Mathews' and my companionship was called a "match made in heaven." He asked me to continue doing what I was, and that Elder Mathews has made some great strides. It is still slightly frustrating at times, but I know with the Lord's help that he will be able to become a great missionary. He loves the ward, but doesn't have much patience. I just worry when I go on exchanges and he isn't around me that he slips back a little bit.

But things are going well. The Tsunami really threw everything around last week, and afraid was the main focus on attention. But it did bring a lot of thoughts to mind. Any type of disaster makes you really think and ponder on what is really important. In that danger, no one worries about their card, their computer, their phone (though they still grab them). We worry about our families. We worry about those we care for. A missionary asked me if I was scared, and I told him no. I was more worried about everyone at home worrying about me, and those that were in danger, and all those in Chile. It was nice to hear from a member yesterday that all of the missionaries in Chile are ok, so I know that Kyle Rosenloft is ok. But, let us learn from this, and pray the Lord doesn't have to send something else to us. Appreciate our families. Take care of them. Tell them we love them. Provide service. Break out of the selfish atmosphere we have, and do something for someone else today.

As always, thank you all for the support, care, and love. I love you all so much.

Elder Kidd

02/22/10

Aloha!

Well, this morning has been an interesting morning. Elder Trujillo and I just came from a funeral of a member who worked with one of the members in our ward. It was a good service, but interesting as I had never met him. Also, I realized this morning that only at mormon funerals do you ever hear people laughing. There seemed to be a fair number of jokes, and I think everyone left with uplifted spirits. Also, I love that whenever a funeral is held at a church, they always have the Plan of Salvation. Isn't it great that we know these truths? And how much do we need to share them.

Other than that, it has been a good week. I went on two exchanges this last week, so it interesting to be away from my companion. He is a good kid, just not overly motivated. We did have a good conversation one morning where he told me that he is starting to get some of the desire back. I think the way I am working with him is helpful to him, and it keeps the work going.

We committed two girls to get baptized this last week: Megyn and Rachyl Miller. They are Mandy's sisters. After them, there is only one more sister, and then the whole family will be ready to be sealed in the temple. It is so awesome to be able to work with families and to see the blessings that the gospel brings into their lives.

Derrick continues to do well. He still has a few concerns that he has to work out (marriage and word of wisdom) but he knows he wants to get baptized, and wants to be with his family forever. We were able to teach him a few times this last week, and he is doing wonderfully. We just need to get a little more fan on the fire to get him to hurry as he needs to.

It is fun to hear of snow from everyone back home. I don't think there was any snow that actually stuck this last year in Hawaii. But I guess there is still time. I wake up a little chilly some mornings....

So, one thing I remembered this last week is that one of our recent converts is friends with the son of the guy that used to own JJ's Froststop in Hurricane (get all that?). What was fun is that he gave us $10 to go buy a snack right in the middle of a lesson we were teaching. That is a fun one to have to explain. He said his dad is over the missionaries, but he isn't a member. Too bad we only see him once every two months.

We also had a good lesson with Jonathan and his wife Ann last night. They have been taking the lessons for a while now, and at one point Jonathan wanted to be baptized, but pulled out. He committed himself last night to continue moving. Actually, he told us that he was moving slowly, and I told him that moving requires some progression. So, he acknowledged that, and is planning on comming to church regularily now. Hurray!!

Other than that, I think all is going well. Remember that if we have "aloha" or love, we may show it in different ways. It doesn't always have to be doing everything for someone, though they may expect it. As a couple members in our ward have learned, love sometimes comes in making them take responsibility. As we take responsibility for our lives, we learn, we grow, and we continue on the path to our Heavenly Father.

As always, thank you all for your continued love, support, and encouragement. I love you all.

Elder Kidd

02/16/10

Aloha

So, this may be the last week that I email from this account. The church has set up a new server with google, so I should be switching soon. You can continue to send emails to this account though. They will keep it in tact so that emails still come to it and get forwarded to the other.

This has definately been an interesting week. I am not entirely sure about my companion right now. Some days it feels like we can do wonderfully, and others I wonder if I am going to survive this time with him. His name is Elder Mathews. He's from Mesa Arizona. The problem I have is that he really doesn't care anymore about rules or the mission. So.... you can see my quandry. He has been out about 10.5 months.... so a ways to go. I was about ready to call our mission president yesterday and ask what I should do about a companion that doesn't really want to work, and has no problems breaking the rules. But, we had a good conversation this morning, and are working on things. He is one that doesn't like to be forced into anything, and will rebel if someone tries to. He also told me that he has done better with me than his last few companions. So, I may be onto something to be able to help him. I have told him that I won't join in on anything, but that I can't force him, and he seems to respect that. He is willing to follow me, just not necissarily(sp?) willing to take the lead. So, I am praying the Lord will help me help him, and also give me the strength to continue on. Also, I will learn all I can to improve myself as well.

But other than that.... last week was pretty good. We began teaching the sisters of the girl we baptized the week before. Megyn and Rachyl (yes, I spelled those right) are 14 and 9. They are the last two daughters of Noah and Kia to be taught. One other daughter was taught but stopped, but hopefully we can get her to start again soon. They are doing well.

Derrick is also doing well. We just had a lesson/lunch with him. He has some pretty big concerns, but is willing to change. He wants to give up his WoW concerns, and get married. He wants to Holy Ghost. Now we just have to set goals to do it soon.

JJ still hasn't come to church. We have some ideas to help him, but he knows he needs to. He has said that a lot of times it takes a lot to get him moving on things. But, like a freight train, I would imagine once he starts it will be hard to get him to stop.

Yesterday was a fun day. We woke up early and went on a very, very long hike. I will try to send pictures next week. We started at about 7 and got back around 1. It was awesome, but very tiring, and I am now sunburnt. But, that is what always seems to happen to me.

Some other news, Elder Simnitt (if you remember him from a few months ago) is in my district, and I am actually going on an exchange with him on Friday. It is going to be interesting to go on exchanges with a former companion again (I did it before with Elder Aldridge).

Also, we had district meeting this morning, and I want to share some things from that. Our bishop actually gave me the inspiration. In Ether 1, we read about the Brother of Jared, and Jared (ever notice Jared kinda bosses his brother around? :-) and the tower of Babel. When the people were doing this wickedness, the first thing the Lord did was to confound the language. How important was communication to them, and to us today? The Brother of Jared prayed for help to overcome that. We need to pray to the Lord for help with communicating, and do all we can to improve communication.

Well, I think that is all. Happy Birthday to all that have had a birthday. Keep smiling, keep strong, thanks for all you do, and I love you all.

Elder Kidd

02/08/10

loha, and G'day mate

So, I think Ben will be most excited about this. My companion, Elder Ka'ahanui and I were able to come down to his house yesterday so that he could open his mission call. And he is going to....... Australia, Adalaide mission! So, he is super excited about that. The only problem is that I have to get him to focus on this work for one more day. I don't think it will be too hard, but he is definately looking forward to going home on Wednesday.

As for the rest of our week. This seemed to be the week of canceled appointments. I think by the end of the week we had somewhere near 10 of our appointments cancel. So, that always makes things a little more difficult, but you endure through and do the best that you can.

JJ still seems to be struggling a lot with commitment. He "guarenteed" (sp?) us that he would be in church on Sunday... and he wasn't. One of our bishop's councilors knows him, and said that he just doesn't feel ready to make the commitment. So, hopefully one or two more bold lessons will help him with the commitment. Otherwise, some other missionaries may have to help him.

On Friday we had a wonderful baptism for Mandy. Everything seemed to go well, and we had a lot of people there. I forgot to grab my camera, or else I would include pictures. When I do, I promise that Mandy is a girl (though she doesn't look it: short hair and boy clothes). Her parents are going to work on that aspect thought. Then yesterday I was able to confirm her in sacrament meeting, which was a great blessing.

Saturday we had an open house at our chapel, which was awesome. It was supposed to be for the members to bring their friends to to introduce them to the gospel. Well, not many did that. But, most of the people that came were from Waianae ward, and most were either recent converts, or less-actives that are coming back to the church. Also, our bishop came and loved it, and told us we need to do it again, and next time he will bring people. Then, 7 of the 8 people that bore their testimonies yesterday had come to the openhouse, and said that it was a wonderful experience. I think next time we will have a lot more support.

I also got some fantastic news as I logged onto the computer to send this home. If everyone remembers the Taufa'asau's from Mililani that I wrote about around 6-10 weeks ago.... Mandy (the wife) and Jensen (the older son) got baptized this last Saturday. They emailed me and invited me to the baptism. Unfortunately I didn't find the email until today.... but I am still super excited that they got baptized.

Also, I got a phone call from President Peterson this morning, and I will be a district leader again next transfer. So, I get to serve more missionaries again. I am excited to be able to do these things once more.

Yesterday we gave a good lesson to the young men in our ward, and I wanted to share a little from it. We talked a little bit about the things they liked to do (all talked about the super bowl). Then, we told them about how they couldn't do any of that on their missions, and asked why would anyone want to serve? Then we went on about sacrifice, having a testimony, etc. But, for us, how many things in our lives does the Lord ask us to give up? What things do we have to sacrifice? Why do we do it? I think there may be a lot of answers, but doesn't it come down to a couple basic things: we love the Lord, and want to follow Him; we love the Savior for all that He has done, and want to be worthy of His sacrifice for us; we love our families and want to be with them forever. What wouldn't we give up for that?

I love you all so much. Thank you continually for the support and love that you give to me.

Elder Kidd

02/01/10

First of all since I have forgotten to say it the last two weeks, Happy Birthday to Dad and Jeremy (and probably to add to foot-in-mouth) and anyone else in January!

So, it seemed this last week as though the Lord wished to bless us even more since Sunday was disappointing. We found six new people to teach this last week, one of those belonging to a family. Another part of a less-active family we hope will come back through our efforts. So, there is a lot of potential.

Derrick is doing great. He loves the things we are telling him, and the joy it is bringing into his life. The only problem we have is that his girlfriend used to go to another ward, and her family is there, so she still wants to go there. Hopefully when they are more comfortable they will start coming to ours. Until that day though, we will help them all that we can.

Thursday this last week was amazing. We had our zone conference, and as always it was motivational. The cool thing this time was a role play that I was able to do with Elder Trujillo. We were supposed to be listening to the spirit for guidance about how to resolve concerns (rather than going to the usual list we seem to carry in our heads). Well, I wanted to have the spirit inspire me to give a concern to him. And it did. I realized that the concern I gave was one that he had before he got baptized. So, by the end of the role play, I was in tears, and he was close. It was such an awesome experience, and a chance for him and I to grow closer together.

Sunday again turned into a little bit of a disappointing day. We found out one of our less actives that had been coming back might have fallen off the deep end again, and a few people didn't come to church that said they would. Anyway, means we have a lot of work to do this week, so we will be busy.

Elder Ka'ahanui acts like a regular missionary while he is with me, but hopefully he will be getting his call in the next day or two. Then, he goes back home next wednesday and I will get another companion. So, I will have had 14 companions. I'm half shooting to have 17 by the end of my mission.

Thank you all for the continued support, love, and care. I love you all!

Elder Kidd