Matt's Latest Letter

Laie

Ultimate Frisbee

Are the Cougars out yet?...                             Aug.10, 2009

Hey everyone, how’s it? I don’t have much time. I'm still having trouble with the email a little bit. I got everything but it said mom's email was from my old companion Elder Stewart and Jeanie's thing came in two pieces and it took forever to load dad's email. I'm tempted to just use hotmail like a lot of elders do but maybe I'll just endure to the end. It was really good to hear about your trip to Yellowstone mom and dad, it sounded like so much fun! I was so scared that you guys weren't going to have a life after we left but it sounds like you’re having way more fun than you did when we were there. Dad thanks for the email. I want to thank you guys for raising me with a hate of sin and for worldly things. I was just reading about the ammonites in the book of Alma who were some of the most righteous people in the Book of Mormon. One of their coolest characteristics was their hate of sin. I see this characteristic in my nephews and nieces and it makes me happy because like you said, the temptation is so rapid and the sin is so acceptable these days. You said it was subtle, I guess it is to a certain extent but.... I don't know it doesn't seem subtle to me at all it seem so obvious. Look at tv 20 years ago and look at it now. There’s nothing subtle about it. Things are going great here. We get busier and busier every week. I'm glad you guys already got the package, I hope everyone liked their letters and pictures, sorry all the pictures are like a month old. I think I sent you guys the pictures of my shoes, if I did can you take it into missionary mall and ask for new ones, if not I'll send it next week. Last Saturday (the 8th) Mike Brett was Baptized, I gave a talk on baptism and his wife gave a talk on the holy ghost and also talked a little about how the lord has been preparing him his whole life to be baptized. He is the coolest guy, he reminds me a little of John. He is 29 and married to a less active member who is no longer less active. He was the first person that I have found, taught, and brought to the waters of baptism. But I know I was just an instrument in the lord's hands. He was baptized by his brother in law Kevin who is also a member of our ward. It was an amazing baptism and the spirit was felt very strongly. Right now we are reading the book of Mormon with him and watching the living scriptures tapes. I've never done that before but it really helps him understand. Its funny I can still quote like every line, I love them. We watched the Ammon one last night "but to me, he does not stink", Hahaha! ok, at least my siblings know what I'm talking about. I always think about you guys when I'm at church on Sunday. Mom, even thought your not here, I can still feel your arm lifting me up when my elbows rest on my knees and I put my head down cuz I've been in church for 8 hrs straight. The Tongan language is still coming along, my new comp doesn't have any interest in learning it so its hard. We got a new investigator in the Tongan ward yesterday so he should be baptized as soon as we get him to overcome smoking and drinking. Mom and Dad I was wondering if you could sent me some copies of pictures of my baptism. Did you guys ever find that anniversary dvd I made for you, if not I know Lisa and Val have a copy. I laughed so hard about the croquet thing, that’s awesome, that’s the way it should be. So John and Sierra are back? I can't believe its August already. What was the verdict? Did you hit your pay scale? ok I gotta go. Mom, I already bought a new recorder but I do need a new digital camera... or an old one. Maybe a b-day gift or six month mark gift of something. Tell everyone I say aloha, I love and miss you guys!

                                  Maholo, Elder Matt Prina