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Goodbye Trondheim
12 years ago
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Being grown up isn't half as fun as growing up. These are the best days of our lives. The only thing that matters is just following your heart; and eventually you'll finally get it right.
How ya goin' mates? I'm beginning to feel my age out here on my mission. I hit my 1 year mark on Thursday. So I'll SEE YOU IN A YEAR!!! I think it's true, the statement, that you leave a boy, and come back from your mission a man. I'll be honest I never really wanted to grow up, and often times I find my self starring at little kids out playing in the street daydreaming about how cool it would be to be 9 years old again, with out a care in the world, and do it all over again. I'd go back in a second! I Always liked the idea of the Never Never Land portrayed in the Disney movie Peter Pan- where one could escape to, to stay young forever. Being "grown up" just takes all the fun out of everything. However, I have realized that these things are inevitable, and there is no sight of any "Never Lands" in real life, therefore i continue on in this adventure of life and progression. I realize that growth and age is a necessity to our eternal progression. I am finding that there are things to find true Joy in, even as an old fogie (20 yrs. OLD!) That we do need to share the knowledge and experience that we've gained throughout the years with the youth and the rising generation ( we are the youth of a nation). I realized this while listening to a great talk in the April 2007 priesthood session of general conference by Joseph B. Wirthlin entitled "Life's Lessons Learned". I look forward with hope and faith to a future that will inevitably make me older and older. I've learned a lot of lessons in the last year on my mission. I never would of had the same amount of growth with out coming on a mission.
I love it here in Australia just so everyone knows. Everyone should come visit (P.S. its better than Hawaii).
Kristin, are you having a boy or a girl?? Do you know yet? I haven't seen any pictures of you since you've been pregnant. Hook a little brother up with some photos. Oh, I did get your card in the mail the other day! Thank you.
Andrea I got your card and photos! Thank you guys so much! I can't believe Jack was in the Friend!! I hadn't seen it until I got that picture from you in the mail, then next day I went to the chapel and got the new Friend magazine out of the Library and was showing off to everyone 'cause my nephew was in the Friend! The Friend was the only church magazine I ever really read and enjoyed. Oh, and by the way Andrea, I'm saving you a piece of this corn for later! :)
We had another lesson with that old James guy this week out in Yepoon. He said he would be a bit embarrassed to come to church 'cause he has to wear one of those bag things on him like Gramps Hilton, because he can't control his bowels anymore or something. We had another good long chat with him and he gave us all this stuff - 'cup'o'soup' Lime cordial, 5 bucks. We tried to resist him, but he insisted on giving it to us for fuel for the trip out there.
We also have another new investigator because the Polizzi family fulfilled their commitment to find us someone to teach (they've never let us down - Good ol' Polizzis!). They brought one of there friends to church yesterday and she brought her son as well. We have an appointment to teach them in the Polizzis home on Tuesday!!
Our recent converts here unfortunately aren't as enthusiastic and converted I think as Matt's are in Maui. I think they would have a lot more support than our recent converts have up here in a branch. The members up here don't really do much. We had a branch clean up on Saturday and only 6 people showed up, and half of them were us and Elder Wallace.
A Less active, Warren Franks (52) that we helped get back to church received the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday and we were able to stand in the circle as he was ordained to the office of Priest. Yesterday after church we went tracking with the only Priest in the ward (besides Warren). He is 17 and his name is Teru Paia'aua - from the only Samoan family in the branch. He is so funny. It was an enjoyable day of tracking with him. I hope it prepares him for his mission.
Mom, you forward my emails to Matt right? Thanks.
Matt, Kerrod is not a new investigator, we've been teaching him since I have been up here in Rocky (since November). We actually dropped him last week because he wasn't progressing and we had taught him everything. He is not really interested in the church he is just interested in Ellie Hogg - one of the 18 year old Birds in our branch. We are playing tennis with them this arvie (we got rained out last week) and we might teach him a lesson after wards if the Hoggs invite us back to their place. Will he start keeping commitments? YOU DECIDE!!!
Mum and Dad who do you teach in your Sunday school class? We teach a gospel essentials class every week. This week we talked about the temple and watched a lovely little DVD called between heaven and earth. Matt, have you seen that one?
Matt, congrats on your call back to Oahu. If you go back around Laie and BYU Hawaii, look for some Tupuolas (Samoans). Sister Tupuola served in my mission and just went home, she lives some where around there. I'll pray that you serve in another Tongan branch. Do you fly back to Oahu, or take a boat/ferry? How did your last couple days in Maui go? Anything cool happen? I'm sure all your recent converts will be fine and that Greg will take care of them. Matt, I haven't got your package yet, but I'm looking forward to getting it! Thanks heaps! I am still working on my package for you. So sorry I'm taking so long. I have like absolutely no free time anymore, even on Pdays. Each night I come home exhausted, and want to hit the sack.
That is hilarious that Kristin saw elder Houston.
Hes crack up! He is still on my list of people I need to write as well.
Andrea are you still coming to Australia with me as your tour guide when I get home. You have no idea how cool that would be! You should definitely continue to consider it.
Matt I'm jealous of your musical fireside and miss the ones we used to have down in Brisbane. Those do help people feel the spirit heaps and are definite testimony builders.
I know that the gospel has blessed my family heaps and that it all leads to the temple and eternal families. I have to go, I'll try to get some pictures off too. Peace.
Love Elder Prina
The picture is from march 25th my year mark
How ya goin' mates? I'm beginning to feel my age out here on my mission. I hit my 1 year mark on Thursday. So I'll SEE YOU IN A YEAR!!! I think it's true, the statement, that you leave a boy, and come back from your mission a man. I'll be honest I never really wanted to grow up, and often times I find my self starring at little kids out playing in the street daydreaming about how cool it would be to be 9 years old again, with out a care in the world, and do it all over again. I'd go back in a second! I Always liked the idea of the Never Never Land portrayed in the Disney movie Peter Pan- where one could escape to, to stay young forever. Being "grown up" just takes all the fun out of everything. However, I have realized that these things are inevitable, and there is no sight of any "Never Lands" in real life, therefore i continue on in this adventure of life and progression. I realize that growth and age is a necessity to our eternal progression. I am finding that there are things to find true Joy in, even as an old fogie (20 yrs. OLD!) That we do need to share the knowledge and experience that we've gained throughout the years with the youth and the rising generation ( we are the youth of a nation). I realized this while listening to a great talk in the April 2007 priesthood session of general conference by Joseph B. Wirthlin entitled "Life's Lessons Learned". I look forward with hope and faith to a future that will inevitably make me older and older. I've learned a lot of lessons in the last year on my mission. I never would of had the same amount of growth with out coming on a mission.
I love it here in Australia just so everyone knows. Everyone should come visit (P.S. its better than Hawaii).
Kristin, are you having a boy or a girl?? Do you know yet? I haven't seen any pictures of you since you've been pregnant. Hook a little brother up with some photos. Oh, I did get your card in the mail the other day! Thank you.
Andrea I got your card and photos! Thank you guys so much! I can't believe Jack was in the Friend!! I hadn't seen it until I got that picture from you in the mail, then next day I went to the chapel and got the new Friend magazine out of the Library and was showing off to everyone 'cause my nephew was in the Friend! The Friend was the only church magazine I ever really read and enjoyed. Oh, and by the way Andrea, I'm saving you a piece of this corn for later! :)
We had another lesson with that old James guy this week out in Yepoon. He said he would be a bit embarrassed to come to church 'cause he has to wear one of those bag things on him like Gramps Hilton, because he can't control his bowels anymore or something. We had another good long chat with him and he gave us all this stuff - 'cup'o'soup' Lime cordial, 5 bucks. We tried to resist him, but he insisted on giving it to us for fuel for the trip out there.
We also have another new investigator because the Polizzi family fulfilled their commitment to find us someone to teach (they've never let us down - Good ol' Polizzis!). They brought one of there friends to church yesterday and she brought her son as well. We have an appointment to teach them in the Polizzis home on Tuesday!!
Our recent converts here unfortunately aren't as enthusiastic and converted I think as Matt's are in Maui. I think they would have a lot more support than our recent converts have up here in a branch. The members up here don't really do much. We had a branch clean up on Saturday and only 6 people showed up, and half of them were us and Elder Wallace.
A Less active, Warren Franks (52) that we helped get back to church received the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday and we were able to stand in the circle as he was ordained to the office of Priest. Yesterday after church we went tracking with the only Priest in the ward (besides Warren). He is 17 and his name is Teru Paia'aua - from the only Samoan family in the branch. He is so funny. It was an enjoyable day of tracking with him. I hope it prepares him for his mission.
Mom, you forward my emails to Matt right? Thanks.
Matt, Kerrod is not a new investigator, we've been teaching him since I have been up here in Rocky (since November). We actually dropped him last week because he wasn't progressing and we had taught him everything. He is not really interested in the church he is just interested in Ellie Hogg - one of the 18 year old Birds in our branch. We are playing tennis with them this arvie (we got rained out last week) and we might teach him a lesson after wards if the Hoggs invite us back to their place. Will he start keeping commitments? YOU DECIDE!!!
Mum and Dad who do you teach in your Sunday school class? We teach a gospel essentials class every week. This week we talked about the temple and watched a lovely little DVD called between heaven and earth. Matt, have you seen that one?
Matt, congrats on your call back to Oahu. If you go back around Laie and BYU Hawaii, look for some Tupuolas (Samoans). Sister Tupuola served in my mission and just went home, she lives some where around there. I'll pray that you serve in another Tongan branch. Do you fly back to Oahu, or take a boat/ferry? How did your last couple days in Maui go? Anything cool happen? I'm sure all your recent converts will be fine and that Greg will take care of them. Matt, I haven't got your package yet, but I'm looking forward to getting it! Thanks heaps! I am still working on my package for you. So sorry I'm taking so long. I have like absolutely no free time anymore, even on Pdays. Each night I come home exhausted, and want to hit the sack.
That is hilarious that Kristin saw elder Houston.
Hes crack up! He is still on my list of people I need to write as well.
Andrea are you still coming to Australia with me as your tour guide when I get home. You have no idea how cool that would be! You should definitely continue to consider it.
Matt I'm jealous of your musical fireside and miss the ones we used to have down in Brisbane. Those do help people feel the spirit heaps and are definite testimony builders.
I know that the gospel has blessed my family heaps and that it all leads to the temple and eternal families. I have to go, I'll try to get some pictures off too. Peace.
Love Elder Prina
The picture is from march 25th my year mark
Monday, March 22, 2010
Matt in Maui and packing
Aloha everyone!
Thanks for the scriptures Rob. I like the sound of your new investigator's name "Kerrod". Will you defeat the Troll Kerrod and find your way to the lair of Trogdor the Burninator? YOU DECIDE!!!
Mom and Dad, who is in your 15 year old class???
I have some CRAZY news for you all today: I'm Returning to Oahu on Wednesday! After six months in Maui I'm Pauhana! I'm completely devastated because this is my home now, I had a hard time calling all of our recent converts last night and breaking the news to them. Iris and Iolani are kind of having trouble excepting it. Iris asked me "Who do I have to complain to!" and then she said "oh, I think I know" and I said "yep, you know". She's gonna take us out for lunch today. I don't know how on earth I'm going to do everything that needs to be done in the next day in a half!
Mom did you get the package I sent you with all the books and stuff? Rob I sent you a little package this week. I'm having trouble finding time to write everyone back. Thanks Mark, Debbie, Andrea and Kristin for the recent mail. So yeah, I'm really sad to leave this place, I guess I thought I would be staying for one last transfer. But I'm excited to see E. Simnitt and E. Kau and everyone on Wednesday.
Kristin, You came to Hawaii!? You saw E. Houston in Honolulu? The kid that used to work with Rob at Emergency Essentials? I was in Kailua with him. Oh my gosh it sounds like you had so much fun! Kayaking, Snorkeling, PCC!!! I want to come Kayaking with you after the Mission!
Last night we had a Stake Musical Fireside. It was definitely one of the highlights of my mission, and a good way to end my stay here in Maui. It started out as a district finding activity Idea but turned into an Island wide event. Elder Unga and I and a few of the other missionaries sang an awesome song called "In this very room", All of the Missionaries sang "We'll bring the world his truth", and our recent convert Kalisi sang "I know that my redeemer lives". It was like a primary program and all of the missionaries got up and said little short powerful statements in between each song. The whole Fireside was based around Families and Missionary work. I felt the spirit so strong. I know the gospel blesses our families more than anything else and that we get to share those blessings with others.
I will let you guys know where I get transferred to next week. Hopefully a Tongan ward...
Ofa Lahi Atu,
Elder Prina
Thanks for the scriptures Rob. I like the sound of your new investigator's name "Kerrod". Will you defeat the Troll Kerrod and find your way to the lair of Trogdor the Burninator? YOU DECIDE!!!
Mom and Dad, who is in your 15 year old class???
I have some CRAZY news for you all today: I'm Returning to Oahu on Wednesday! After six months in Maui I'm Pauhana! I'm completely devastated because this is my home now, I had a hard time calling all of our recent converts last night and breaking the news to them. Iris and Iolani are kind of having trouble excepting it. Iris asked me "Who do I have to complain to!" and then she said "oh, I think I know" and I said "yep, you know". She's gonna take us out for lunch today. I don't know how on earth I'm going to do everything that needs to be done in the next day in a half!
Mom did you get the package I sent you with all the books and stuff? Rob I sent you a little package this week. I'm having trouble finding time to write everyone back. Thanks Mark, Debbie, Andrea and Kristin for the recent mail. So yeah, I'm really sad to leave this place, I guess I thought I would be staying for one last transfer. But I'm excited to see E. Simnitt and E. Kau and everyone on Wednesday.
Kristin, You came to Hawaii!? You saw E. Houston in Honolulu? The kid that used to work with Rob at Emergency Essentials? I was in Kailua with him. Oh my gosh it sounds like you had so much fun! Kayaking, Snorkeling, PCC!!! I want to come Kayaking with you after the Mission!
Last night we had a Stake Musical Fireside. It was definitely one of the highlights of my mission, and a good way to end my stay here in Maui. It started out as a district finding activity Idea but turned into an Island wide event. Elder Unga and I and a few of the other missionaries sang an awesome song called "In this very room", All of the Missionaries sang "We'll bring the world his truth", and our recent convert Kalisi sang "I know that my redeemer lives". It was like a primary program and all of the missionaries got up and said little short powerful statements in between each song. The whole Fireside was based around Families and Missionary work. I felt the spirit so strong. I know the gospel blesses our families more than anything else and that we get to share those blessings with others.
I will let you guys know where I get transferred to next week. Hopefully a Tongan ward...
Ofa Lahi Atu,
Elder Prina
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Rain drops keep falling on my head
Hi there everyone. How ya goin mates?
It was good to hear from you Matt and see a picture. Mum, thanks heaps for the belts in the mail! I shouldn't need anymore for the rest of my mission! Good thing we shopped at MISSIONARY MALL! (I should do a commercial for them).
Actually Matt, I did think of some good scriptures to give IRIS to bring peace to her soul. The first that came to mind was Doctrine and Covenants 121, because that section gave me peace of mind while I was beginning my mission and making that transition. The second one I thought of was Alma 36:17-20 "Oh, what Joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!"
Mark! Happy Birthday! I've read your letters through a few times and I read them on your birthday 'cause... well, 'cause it was your birthday. I got the birthday package you sent and the package you sent with the gold stars and orbit and stuff. But I didn't get any of your letters in between. You must have sent them to the mission office. They may or may not send them up to me in Rocky; if they don't, I will just get to read them when I go back down to Brisbane in 5 weeks. Thanks again for all the support, you guys are always in my prayers. I'm now working on a letter/package for you. I finished the tape I made for the young men in the ward - and that is for you and Scoty to listen to as well. I'm sending it to John and Sierra in a package I'm sending them. So hit them up about it.
Mum, I'm finally going to be making some cookies today to give to the cool members in the branch. Thanks for the recipes (and thanks for the memories). What does the measurement "3 'squares' of butter" amount to? I don't think they sell butter in the same manner over here. How much would a 'square' be? Oh, mom! I neeeeeeed Alex Ramsays Mission Address! I need it i Neeeeeed it (Nick Hershey). Please could you get it from Sister Ramsay and email it to me ASAP.
Today for Pday we are going to play Tennis with one of our investigators Kerrod (18). He is pretty cool.
Your prayers for us have been answered here in Rocky as well because we were able to find one new investigator this past week. He is this guy that lives in a tiny shack by himself and his cat out in Yepoon. He actually has some members on his late wife's side that are related to him through her; and some of them (the Parrish's) were in my ward down in Waterford. At first he told us he didn't have time to talk because he had to start chopping up veggies for his dinner. But we got talking to him and he invited us to come sit down on the porch, got us both a nice glass of lime cordial (a house hold staple in Aussie land), and we talked/taught for and hour and half. It was great and we have a return appointment for next week. He talks like he is already a member. We talked a lot about the plan of salvation and how he will see his wife again. He also enjoyed talking to me about Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, Jesse James and Bing Cosby (he is probably in his 80's). He has got his head on strait and we look forward to teaching him more. We have some good older members that live out in Yepoon so hopefully they can fellowship him.
Things are going alright with Elder Paki the younger. He is 4 years younger than my last Elder Paki (who was 24) so he is a little less experienced and smart. But I've been transitioning all right.
Dad how is BYU doing? Has March Madness started? Where is the tournament? Is it snowing there? A cyclone was forecast to hit us this past Saturday but it just missed us and hit the city Mackay (where the next area with missionaries north of us are). We talked to the missionaries there this morning and they are all right but they said it made a mess of the town. We just got the heavy rain and wind down here. Our investigator the Polizzi's are progressing nicely and 6 of them (all but the 5 year old) will be baptized April 24th by their dad, Mario. They are awesome and are probably more converted than most of the members in the branch. Last time we were there we committed them to have weekly family home evening and to think of someone they can share the gospel with. They haven't let us down on a commitment so far.
Matt I apologize for my improper use of the word their. Matt good luck in Hawaii. I love/ miss all you all back home. Cheers mates.
Love Elder Prina.
It was good to hear from you Matt and see a picture. Mum, thanks heaps for the belts in the mail! I shouldn't need anymore for the rest of my mission! Good thing we shopped at MISSIONARY MALL! (I should do a commercial for them).
Actually Matt, I did think of some good scriptures to give IRIS to bring peace to her soul. The first that came to mind was Doctrine and Covenants 121, because that section gave me peace of mind while I was beginning my mission and making that transition. The second one I thought of was Alma 36:17-20 "Oh, what Joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!"
Mark! Happy Birthday! I've read your letters through a few times and I read them on your birthday 'cause... well, 'cause it was your birthday. I got the birthday package you sent and the package you sent with the gold stars and orbit and stuff. But I didn't get any of your letters in between. You must have sent them to the mission office. They may or may not send them up to me in Rocky; if they don't, I will just get to read them when I go back down to Brisbane in 5 weeks. Thanks again for all the support, you guys are always in my prayers. I'm now working on a letter/package for you. I finished the tape I made for the young men in the ward - and that is for you and Scoty to listen to as well. I'm sending it to John and Sierra in a package I'm sending them. So hit them up about it.
Mum, I'm finally going to be making some cookies today to give to the cool members in the branch. Thanks for the recipes (and thanks for the memories). What does the measurement "3 'squares' of butter" amount to? I don't think they sell butter in the same manner over here. How much would a 'square' be? Oh, mom! I neeeeeeed Alex Ramsays Mission Address! I need it i Neeeeeed it (Nick Hershey). Please could you get it from Sister Ramsay and email it to me ASAP.
Today for Pday we are going to play Tennis with one of our investigators Kerrod (18). He is pretty cool.
Your prayers for us have been answered here in Rocky as well because we were able to find one new investigator this past week. He is this guy that lives in a tiny shack by himself and his cat out in Yepoon. He actually has some members on his late wife's side that are related to him through her; and some of them (the Parrish's) were in my ward down in Waterford. At first he told us he didn't have time to talk because he had to start chopping up veggies for his dinner. But we got talking to him and he invited us to come sit down on the porch, got us both a nice glass of lime cordial (a house hold staple in Aussie land), and we talked/taught for and hour and half. It was great and we have a return appointment for next week. He talks like he is already a member. We talked a lot about the plan of salvation and how he will see his wife again. He also enjoyed talking to me about Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, Jesse James and Bing Cosby (he is probably in his 80's). He has got his head on strait and we look forward to teaching him more. We have some good older members that live out in Yepoon so hopefully they can fellowship him.
Things are going alright with Elder Paki the younger. He is 4 years younger than my last Elder Paki (who was 24) so he is a little less experienced and smart. But I've been transitioning all right.
Dad how is BYU doing? Has March Madness started? Where is the tournament? Is it snowing there? A cyclone was forecast to hit us this past Saturday but it just missed us and hit the city Mackay (where the next area with missionaries north of us are). We talked to the missionaries there this morning and they are all right but they said it made a mess of the town. We just got the heavy rain and wind down here. Our investigator the Polizzi's are progressing nicely and 6 of them (all but the 5 year old) will be baptized April 24th by their dad, Mario. They are awesome and are probably more converted than most of the members in the branch. Last time we were there we committed them to have weekly family home evening and to think of someone they can share the gospel with. They haven't let us down on a commitment so far.
Matt I apologize for my improper use of the word their. Matt good luck in Hawaii. I love/ miss all you all back home. Cheers mates.
Love Elder Prina.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Matt in Maui
Hello Family,
I don't have too much time this week but it was good to read all of your emails. First of all, Scoty, congratulations on the call! Elder Unga and I opened your call letter together and were both very excited!
Mom, no I haven't had time to make the gingerbread cookies, I don't think the Tongans have those Palongi type fixin's. Also, your prayers were answered because we were able to find many new investigators last week. Elder Unga's Mom's cell phone number is 808 427 3211 so give them a call and learn a little about the Tongan culture.
Rob, Congratulations on your new Elder Paki! I hope to meet Elder Paki Sr. someday because he sounds like the coolest guy ever.
I felt similar to you the other day when I rolled up my window in the car because it was cold outside when we were driving, then I looked at the temperature on the screen and realized It was 70 degrees. Haha, how are we going to survive when we get back to Utah!? By the way Rob used "there" instead of "their" inappropriately 3 times at the end of your email, "might want to do something about that" "I will do what I must". With that I'll just say I second everything Rob said. I'll try to get you a better email next week.
Mom, I got the pants, thank you so much! I love and miss you guys this much (my hands and arms are spread out as far as they will go).
Much Aloha,
Elder Prina!
-The picture is Elder Kau and I with Iris, Iolani and Lisa back on December 18th when Iris got baptized. Lisa still isn't baptized and probably won't for a long time, the devil has quite a hold on her and it's sad to see her throw her happiness away for a mess of pottage (or in her case a mess of pot). Iris called me early this morning and asked me for a scripture that would give her some peace, I gave her Mosiah 2 and 4. Any other suggestions? She is really going through a hard time right now and trying so hard to do whats right.
I don't have too much time this week but it was good to read all of your emails. First of all, Scoty, congratulations on the call! Elder Unga and I opened your call letter together and were both very excited!
Mom, no I haven't had time to make the gingerbread cookies, I don't think the Tongans have those Palongi type fixin's. Also, your prayers were answered because we were able to find many new investigators last week. Elder Unga's Mom's cell phone number is 808 427 3211 so give them a call and learn a little about the Tongan culture.
Rob, Congratulations on your new Elder Paki! I hope to meet Elder Paki Sr. someday because he sounds like the coolest guy ever.
I felt similar to you the other day when I rolled up my window in the car because it was cold outside when we were driving, then I looked at the temperature on the screen and realized It was 70 degrees. Haha, how are we going to survive when we get back to Utah!? By the way Rob used "there" instead of "their" inappropriately 3 times at the end of your email, "might want to do something about that" "I will do what I must". With that I'll just say I second everything Rob said. I'll try to get you a better email next week.
Mom, I got the pants, thank you so much! I love and miss you guys this much (my hands and arms are spread out as far as they will go).
Much Aloha,
Elder Prina!
-The picture is Elder Kau and I with Iris, Iolani and Lisa back on December 18th when Iris got baptized. Lisa still isn't baptized and probably won't for a long time, the devil has quite a hold on her and it's sad to see her throw her happiness away for a mess of pottage (or in her case a mess of pot). Iris called me early this morning and asked me for a scripture that would give her some peace, I gave her Mosiah 2 and 4. Any other suggestions? She is really going through a hard time right now and trying so hard to do whats right.
Elder Paki is transferred
Hey there family and friends.
How ya doing? It was good to hear from you Dad, Mom, Matt, and Travis. Also it was the best thing in the world to get stuff from Mark and Scoty this week. Thanks heaps guys! Mark I'm working on sending you something. Thanks for all the stuff. Scoty thanks for the letter mate. I'm SO EXCITED! Fairdinkum Mate! Buenos Aires! God speed with all your preparation and learning Spanish. I will get a letter off to you ASAP. I also want you and Mark to listen to the tape I am making for the young m)en in the ward.
Dad thanks again for the BYU news. I heard most of it this morning from Elder Wallace. He teaches seminary in the mornings, so we see him over there in the mornings when we are playing basketball at the court out in front of the chapel. The senior missionary rules are a bit looser than ours. So they have internet and TV and get to hear a bit more news from the real world. But he also told me today that BYU got the #7 seed in the NCAA tournament. He was taking a picture of me and Elder Paki at the airport before he left today and he said 1, 2, 3, Smile - BYU got the 7th seed! (He knew that would make me smile!). It is a shame that UNLV gets to play the tournament on their home court every year.
Soooooooo... Speaking of home court. First off: There are 2 Elder Paki's in the Australia Brisbane Mission. My companion (Elder M. Paki from Sydney) and another (Elder C. Paki from Melbourne). Elder Paki got the call from the APs at around 10:00 Friday night saying that he was getting transferred back down to Brisbane and that his plane leaves Monday morning. Then they told us that we need to pick up the new missionary at the greyhound station in town. His bus arrived at midnight Saturday night (Sunday morning). We asked the APs who we should be looking for and they said "Elder Paki". We said "no, who are we picking up" and they said "Elder Paki". "no for real". Elder C. Paki.
Saturday night I picked up my new companion Elder Paki from Melbourne Australia. This morning at 11:50 My companion Elder Paki left on a plane back down to Brisbane. So I have a new companion. Same name. Get it? Good. I laughed on the ground for about 10 minutes after I heard the news. I'm like - so how are we going to explain this to people?
They have been out the same amount of time (about 8 months) and they were even companions in the New Zealand MTC. So they already knew each other. They have the same name but that is about the only thing they have in common. They aren't related. The new one, Elder Paki 2,or Elder Paki the younger, as he has begun being called, has a bit more New Zea-lander blood in him and has more of the Kiwi accent. He is much different than Elder Paki (The Elder). But we will get along just fine. It is still all settling in. I was with Elder Paki for 3 transfers, four and half months- the longest I've ever been with any companion - and it was to the point where it was kind of like Me and Matt (finishing each others sentences, inside jokes galore, know what each other is thinking). So I really enjoyed my time with him it was good. He was sad to leave Rocky and said that he didn't want to go back down to the big city and all the missionary's. But he will be fine. He bore a great testimony in sacrament meeting yesterday (the branch president invited him to come up).
Everyone at church thought we were playing around with them. They couldn't believe that I brought 2 Elder Pakis' with me to church. They thought he was just borrowing his badge or something. HAHA.
So I survived another transfer and I am still up here in Rockhampton with Elder Paki. Haha. I will probably just be up here for 6 more weeks.
I wish I could have heard Chris Miller's talk. He has a strong spirit and it sounds like he is showing it more often now. I wish I could see him as a missionary. Tell him he needs to send me some pictures of himself in the MTC in his missionary clothes and all. Tell Chris I say God Bless. I'm positive that the Lord will make him a powerful tool in his hands. Good on ya Chris!
How was the new summit ward munch and mingle? Are the 2 wards blending well or are they sticking to themselves a bit. Its good to hear you will have a normal 3 block schedule this next week, consistency is important.
Dad, as it warms up into the 60s there, it has been cooling down to the high 60s here (quite chilly). I looked at the temperature yesterday morning (because I was cold) and I noticed that it is the first time since I've been in Rocky that I've seen the temperature go below 70 degrees. I had to go find a blanket!
It is good to hear the gathering at the Millers for Christian's birthday went well and that more family gatherings are coming up soon. I sure miss those gatherings and all the cute nieces and nephews. But I have adopted a few nieces and nephews up here in our branch. There are some cute kids up here and they know my name and get excited when they see me. They remind me of my own cute nieces and nephews back home.
It is too bad to hear America is going down the tube. We should just all move to Brisbane Australia! It is tight as bet over here! I even saw a Chevy Silverado this morning! (I've seen maybe 3 since I've been over here.)
Mum, thanks for the inspiring conference quotes! I love general conference! We listen to it in the car and in the flat! Elder Eyring is a favorite. Remember when he came and visited us in Bloomfield Hills stake center?
Mum, like you I had a visit to physical therapy this week. He said a lot (most of it I didn't understand) but he said that my back is healing well naturally since the pain has subsided considerably. He gave me some advice and did teach me some exercises to strengthen the muscles. They put heat on it, he popped a few things in my back, and we even had a lovely discussion about a few things. He told me his opinions on chiropractors, I talked about being a missionary, a few of our beliefs, we talked about both of our families and things. He had 7 daughters between the ages of 7 weeks and 17. I told him I come from a family of 7 kids and he thought that was cool. So contrary to your preconceived - irrational notions Matt, Physical therapists (at least in Australia) are pretty alright. So my back is fine Mum. The pain is barely there anymore, it is healing nicely, I am back to playing basketball, and no, it had nothing to do with my belts. I hurt it playing basketball. I bought a cheap belt at Target in the meantime, but thank you for the belts in the mail!
My belts broke because I've been using them every day for a year, and because all my muscle turned to fat because I didn't work out for a month while my back was hurting. So this transfer I am on the rebound and determined to get my 6 pack abs back!
That is sweet that our ward building was dedicated by Le Grand Richards! I didn't know that! Dad when did you get released as ward sports guy? Is there Church ball this year?
Chantale, thank you heaps for forwarding Travi's emails! I love reading about how ridiculously huge the work is over there! Tell him I am aiming to have 44 investigators at church now! He has always been a good example to us Prina boys. Good on Him!
Matt I love to hear of all the cool ideas and fun that you have there. Slip and slides, forts, side walk chalking and soap boxing. You inspire me. How are things going with Elder Unga? You should try being more humble... Like me. HAHAHAHAHAHA Just kidding, Sorry I still haven't got around to sending you the tape, pictures and other stuff. I'll work on that. Its been a crazy week.
Matt you said that you are a bit like me in that you don't have any baptismal dates... But we have 5 the Polizzi family are getting Baptized on April 24th by there father Mario! They are the best family and are even inviting there friends to come to church! They gave me and Elder Paki a framed picture of there family as a gift.
Oh - I gotta go. Thanks for everything guys -I love you all. I know definitely that this Church is true and my testimony continues to grow heaps. I'll get you some pictures next week.
Heaps of love,
Elder Prina
Ya ya ya Ofa atu... and stuff.
How ya doing? It was good to hear from you Dad, Mom, Matt, and Travis. Also it was the best thing in the world to get stuff from Mark and Scoty this week. Thanks heaps guys! Mark I'm working on sending you something. Thanks for all the stuff. Scoty thanks for the letter mate. I'm SO EXCITED! Fairdinkum Mate! Buenos Aires! God speed with all your preparation and learning Spanish. I will get a letter off to you ASAP. I also want you and Mark to listen to the tape I am making for the young m)en in the ward.
Dad thanks again for the BYU news. I heard most of it this morning from Elder Wallace. He teaches seminary in the mornings, so we see him over there in the mornings when we are playing basketball at the court out in front of the chapel. The senior missionary rules are a bit looser than ours. So they have internet and TV and get to hear a bit more news from the real world. But he also told me today that BYU got the #7 seed in the NCAA tournament. He was taking a picture of me and Elder Paki at the airport before he left today and he said 1, 2, 3, Smile - BYU got the 7th seed! (He knew that would make me smile!). It is a shame that UNLV gets to play the tournament on their home court every year.
Soooooooo... Speaking of home court. First off: There are 2 Elder Paki's in the Australia Brisbane Mission. My companion (Elder M. Paki from Sydney) and another (Elder C. Paki from Melbourne). Elder Paki got the call from the APs at around 10:00 Friday night saying that he was getting transferred back down to Brisbane and that his plane leaves Monday morning. Then they told us that we need to pick up the new missionary at the greyhound station in town. His bus arrived at midnight Saturday night (Sunday morning). We asked the APs who we should be looking for and they said "Elder Paki". We said "no, who are we picking up" and they said "Elder Paki". "no for real". Elder C. Paki.
Saturday night I picked up my new companion Elder Paki from Melbourne Australia. This morning at 11:50 My companion Elder Paki left on a plane back down to Brisbane. So I have a new companion. Same name. Get it? Good. I laughed on the ground for about 10 minutes after I heard the news. I'm like - so how are we going to explain this to people?
They have been out the same amount of time (about 8 months) and they were even companions in the New Zealand MTC. So they already knew each other. They have the same name but that is about the only thing they have in common. They aren't related. The new one, Elder Paki 2,or Elder Paki the younger, as he has begun being called, has a bit more New Zea-lander blood in him and has more of the Kiwi accent. He is much different than Elder Paki (The Elder). But we will get along just fine. It is still all settling in. I was with Elder Paki for 3 transfers, four and half months- the longest I've ever been with any companion - and it was to the point where it was kind of like Me and Matt (finishing each others sentences, inside jokes galore, know what each other is thinking). So I really enjoyed my time with him it was good. He was sad to leave Rocky and said that he didn't want to go back down to the big city and all the missionary's. But he will be fine. He bore a great testimony in sacrament meeting yesterday (the branch president invited him to come up).
Everyone at church thought we were playing around with them. They couldn't believe that I brought 2 Elder Pakis' with me to church. They thought he was just borrowing his badge or something. HAHA.
So I survived another transfer and I am still up here in Rockhampton with Elder Paki. Haha. I will probably just be up here for 6 more weeks.
I wish I could have heard Chris Miller's talk. He has a strong spirit and it sounds like he is showing it more often now. I wish I could see him as a missionary. Tell him he needs to send me some pictures of himself in the MTC in his missionary clothes and all. Tell Chris I say God Bless. I'm positive that the Lord will make him a powerful tool in his hands. Good on ya Chris!
How was the new summit ward munch and mingle? Are the 2 wards blending well or are they sticking to themselves a bit. Its good to hear you will have a normal 3 block schedule this next week, consistency is important.
Dad, as it warms up into the 60s there, it has been cooling down to the high 60s here (quite chilly). I looked at the temperature yesterday morning (because I was cold) and I noticed that it is the first time since I've been in Rocky that I've seen the temperature go below 70 degrees. I had to go find a blanket!
It is good to hear the gathering at the Millers for Christian's birthday went well and that more family gatherings are coming up soon. I sure miss those gatherings and all the cute nieces and nephews. But I have adopted a few nieces and nephews up here in our branch. There are some cute kids up here and they know my name and get excited when they see me. They remind me of my own cute nieces and nephews back home.
It is too bad to hear America is going down the tube. We should just all move to Brisbane Australia! It is tight as bet over here! I even saw a Chevy Silverado this morning! (I've seen maybe 3 since I've been over here.)
Mum, thanks for the inspiring conference quotes! I love general conference! We listen to it in the car and in the flat! Elder Eyring is a favorite. Remember when he came and visited us in Bloomfield Hills stake center?
Mum, like you I had a visit to physical therapy this week. He said a lot (most of it I didn't understand) but he said that my back is healing well naturally since the pain has subsided considerably. He gave me some advice and did teach me some exercises to strengthen the muscles. They put heat on it, he popped a few things in my back, and we even had a lovely discussion about a few things. He told me his opinions on chiropractors, I talked about being a missionary, a few of our beliefs, we talked about both of our families and things. He had 7 daughters between the ages of 7 weeks and 17. I told him I come from a family of 7 kids and he thought that was cool. So contrary to your preconceived - irrational notions Matt, Physical therapists (at least in Australia) are pretty alright. So my back is fine Mum. The pain is barely there anymore, it is healing nicely, I am back to playing basketball, and no, it had nothing to do with my belts. I hurt it playing basketball. I bought a cheap belt at Target in the meantime, but thank you for the belts in the mail!
My belts broke because I've been using them every day for a year, and because all my muscle turned to fat because I didn't work out for a month while my back was hurting. So this transfer I am on the rebound and determined to get my 6 pack abs back!
That is sweet that our ward building was dedicated by Le Grand Richards! I didn't know that! Dad when did you get released as ward sports guy? Is there Church ball this year?
Chantale, thank you heaps for forwarding Travi's emails! I love reading about how ridiculously huge the work is over there! Tell him I am aiming to have 44 investigators at church now! He has always been a good example to us Prina boys. Good on Him!
Matt I love to hear of all the cool ideas and fun that you have there. Slip and slides, forts, side walk chalking and soap boxing. You inspire me. How are things going with Elder Unga? You should try being more humble... Like me. HAHAHAHAHAHA Just kidding, Sorry I still haven't got around to sending you the tape, pictures and other stuff. I'll work on that. Its been a crazy week.
Matt you said that you are a bit like me in that you don't have any baptismal dates... But we have 5 the Polizzi family are getting Baptized on April 24th by there father Mario! They are the best family and are even inviting there friends to come to church! They gave me and Elder Paki a framed picture of there family as a gift.
Oh - I gotta go. Thanks for everything guys -I love you all. I know definitely that this Church is true and my testimony continues to grow heaps. I'll get you some pictures next week.
Heaps of love,
Elder Prina
Ya ya ya Ofa atu... and stuff.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Aloha
Good Morning Brothers and Sisters and Aloha!
It's so good to see your beautiful smiling faces! That's what President Peterson is going to say this week when we have Zone Conference. Yes I'm still with Elder Unga here in Maui and If I'm lucky I'll get to serve with him one more transfer. We are commencing week five of my fourth transfer here in Maui and I am loving life. This morning it started raining really hard right at the close of Comp. study so all four of us in the pad got into our gym shorts and t-shirts and jumped in the puddles in front of the house and made a slip and slide out of the grass in front of the church parking lot. I guess I was being a little too up tight with my boy Elder Unga, our district leader elder LeJohn sat us down last night and conducted a pretty intense companionship inventory where we said a lot of things that needed to be said. I've learned a lot of patience over the last 3 months and I'm working on being more humble. Sometimes I feel like my companion is holding me back but I needed to realize that he is my responsibility just as much as the area is my responsibility. I love Elder Unga and I've gotten to know him so much more than I knew "Greg" back home, he has a whole different side and has taught me so much of the Tongan Culture. Last night I decided that we needed to bond more so we all built a fort covering the entire kitchen starting from the top of the fridge and holding down the sheets with weights and packaging tape. We all slept underneath it and I froze because all of my blankets and sheets were making the fort instead of covering me!
Believe it or not we are doing a lot more than building forts and playing in the rain. We are trying really hard to teach all of our lessons in Tongan from now on. Every day for Comp study we memorize one of the principals from the lessons in Tongan and do a role play. Rob, we are kind of the same as you right now. We don't have anyone with a baptismal date and are struggling to find new investigators who will keep their commitments. Lisa failed the 15 step program. Yes it is the same one with the grapefruit juice and the vitamin c. We dropped her but are currently teaching her Mom and her sister (IOLANI not LOLANI) the after baptism lessons. Because we don't have tons of investigators right now we are working hard on our recent converts. In my opinion retention is just as important as baptizing. Nela Bloomfield (the big Tongan kid with the fro) is finally thinking about cutting his hair so he can bless the sacrament and get his patriarchal blessing. It is really hard for him because both of his parents are dead and all of his immediate family hates the church (including his parents when they were alive). Luckily he has an Uncle who is on the stake High Council who is a really good example and said if Nela decides to serve a mission he would pay for the whole thing for him. He currently doesn't want to go but if he did it would be the happiest day of my life, he is praying about it. Nela got baptized right before I got to Maui.
Mom, I got the new shoes, thank you so much! I haven't received the pants yet though. I loved yours and dad's Emails, they are always the best!
Rob, good luck with your back, I was just telling elder Unga this week about how I think Physical Therapists are so creepy. Remember the freaky guy who took pictures at all the Timpview Basketball games (not to be confused with the freaky man)?
Another cool thing is that two random people just walked up to us last week and asked us if they could come to our church on Sunday (two days in row). Too bad they probably won't come to the Tongan speaking ward!
Scoty, can't wait to get your letter you, little norker dorker!
I love you all and I love this work! I bore my testimony again yesterday, the Tongan people say I'm their inspiration. Last week for a finding activity we went to a big parking lot and drew with sidewalk chalk the plan of salvation over the whole thing and talked to people who started watching. Also for a finding activity this week we did "soap boxin", we went out and stood on a raised platform and preached in public Dan Jones style, it was so fun to boldly declare the mission of Jesus Christ. I'll send you guys some Pictures and maybe a video.
Any cameras coming soon? Disposables are lame...
Tau Toki Sio Eh?
Ofa Atu
Elder Prina.
It's so good to see your beautiful smiling faces! That's what President Peterson is going to say this week when we have Zone Conference. Yes I'm still with Elder Unga here in Maui and If I'm lucky I'll get to serve with him one more transfer. We are commencing week five of my fourth transfer here in Maui and I am loving life. This morning it started raining really hard right at the close of Comp. study so all four of us in the pad got into our gym shorts and t-shirts and jumped in the puddles in front of the house and made a slip and slide out of the grass in front of the church parking lot. I guess I was being a little too up tight with my boy Elder Unga, our district leader elder LeJohn sat us down last night and conducted a pretty intense companionship inventory where we said a lot of things that needed to be said. I've learned a lot of patience over the last 3 months and I'm working on being more humble. Sometimes I feel like my companion is holding me back but I needed to realize that he is my responsibility just as much as the area is my responsibility. I love Elder Unga and I've gotten to know him so much more than I knew "Greg" back home, he has a whole different side and has taught me so much of the Tongan Culture. Last night I decided that we needed to bond more so we all built a fort covering the entire kitchen starting from the top of the fridge and holding down the sheets with weights and packaging tape. We all slept underneath it and I froze because all of my blankets and sheets were making the fort instead of covering me!
Believe it or not we are doing a lot more than building forts and playing in the rain. We are trying really hard to teach all of our lessons in Tongan from now on. Every day for Comp study we memorize one of the principals from the lessons in Tongan and do a role play. Rob, we are kind of the same as you right now. We don't have anyone with a baptismal date and are struggling to find new investigators who will keep their commitments. Lisa failed the 15 step program. Yes it is the same one with the grapefruit juice and the vitamin c. We dropped her but are currently teaching her Mom and her sister (IOLANI not LOLANI) the after baptism lessons. Because we don't have tons of investigators right now we are working hard on our recent converts. In my opinion retention is just as important as baptizing. Nela Bloomfield (the big Tongan kid with the fro) is finally thinking about cutting his hair so he can bless the sacrament and get his patriarchal blessing. It is really hard for him because both of his parents are dead and all of his immediate family hates the church (including his parents when they were alive). Luckily he has an Uncle who is on the stake High Council who is a really good example and said if Nela decides to serve a mission he would pay for the whole thing for him. He currently doesn't want to go but if he did it would be the happiest day of my life, he is praying about it. Nela got baptized right before I got to Maui.
Mom, I got the new shoes, thank you so much! I haven't received the pants yet though. I loved yours and dad's Emails, they are always the best!
Rob, good luck with your back, I was just telling elder Unga this week about how I think Physical Therapists are so creepy. Remember the freaky guy who took pictures at all the Timpview Basketball games (not to be confused with the freaky man)?
Another cool thing is that two random people just walked up to us last week and asked us if they could come to our church on Sunday (two days in row). Too bad they probably won't come to the Tongan speaking ward!
Scoty, can't wait to get your letter you, little norker dorker!
I love you all and I love this work! I bore my testimony again yesterday, the Tongan people say I'm their inspiration. Last week for a finding activity we went to a big parking lot and drew with sidewalk chalk the plan of salvation over the whole thing and talked to people who started watching. Also for a finding activity this week we did "soap boxin", we went out and stood on a raised platform and preached in public Dan Jones style, it was so fun to boldly declare the mission of Jesus Christ. I'll send you guys some Pictures and maybe a video.
Any cameras coming soon? Disposables are lame...
Tau Toki Sio Eh?
Ofa Atu
Elder Prina.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
G'day Mates
G'day Mates. How ya goin?
Today is Monday the 1st of March here in Rocky with Elder Paki. I sent some pictures, hope you enjoy. I don't know where to start today. I had a doctors apt. this morning and he looked at my x-rays that I got done last week. He said the only thing that is wrong is that it looks like there is a bit of mild curvature in the middle of my spine. So basically I bent my back bone playing one on one with Elder Paki. I'll get him back once im healed up though. It doesn't help that I had to leave my basketball shoes in the mission home down in Brisbane when I came up here in November. So mom, I will be sent to a physical therapist some time this week and i'm sure they'll tell me all the back exercises I need to do. I wish Uncle Mark was here so he could just be like Wam Bam - done... and I could go back to work. I hate not being able to exercise normally and play sports.
In a few minutes we will go shopping and then this evening we are going up to Mt. Morgan to have a birthday dinner for Mario at the Polizzi's home. He is turning 55. The reason the birthday is of such significance is that they were going to the Jehovah Witness church for a long time, so they haven't celebrated any birthdays or holidays in the family for a long time. So we hope to make this a special one for him and his family. The Wallace's, the senior missionary couple in the branch, got him and his wife nice triple combination's for a gift and we signed our names and testimonies in them.
^^^
^^^
^^^
I wrote all that last week but I ran out of time and the computer shut off. But luckily with the new Myldsmail it saves everything so I didn't lose it! So just so you know that was a week ago. Now its the 8th of March, Monday.
How is everybody? Thank you so much for the valentines cards mom! I gave the other one to Elder Paki. I was very pleased to get mail and stuff from the Ramsay family, Sierra and Sheyene! Thank you so much for the pictures, stories, news, and encouragement! I love hearing from you!
I want to say a happy Birthday to you Sheyene! 1 year older than me and wiser than me too --> Happy birthday... TO YOU!
Christian I thought of you on your birthday as well this past week. It seems like you just barely turned 12. Are you in 7th grade right now? Lisa I'd like to hear from those kids of yours again. I also love drawings, so if the kids draw any pictures you should send some over. John and Sierra thanks for the American lollys. I made sure to share them.
I started making a tape today for the young men in the ward to listen to. I call it: A day in the life of a missionary. so I'm just going to record stuff as I go through each day of the week, so they can see a little bit of what a mission is like. When I send it home if you guys could share it with the young men in the ward (only the 15th ward boys though, not the 13th ward... HAHA just playin).
It has been an ok week. Elder Paki is probably leaving in a weeks time to get transferred back down to Brisbane. This is something that neither of us are looking forward to, as we both enjoy being up here together. Pray that I get a cool companion come up here. I've really enjoyed being with Australian and New Zealand companions most of my mission, I think I get along with them very well.
I have an apt. at the Physical therapist tomorrow to check my back. The pain has gone way down, and I feel alright, but I still want to make sure nothing is permanently damaged anywhere. The sooner I get it fixed the better though, because I'm tired of watching elder Paki play basketball while I sit on the side lines.
Dad I enjoyed reading your insights you sent me this morning. They are interesting to me, because they are actually both topics that I have given much thought and study to as of late. Thank you - I enjoy your temporal as well as your spiritual updates. RISE AND SHOUT THE COUGARS ARE OUT... GO COUGARS! I love the basketball news! I'll have to rub it in to Elder Wallace that we beat his Runnin' Utes. Have the Jensen's been back down much at all lately to watch any games or to visit or anything? Any family gatherings lately?
Wait hold on hold on hold on. Timpview Basketball won the state championship?? They beat Provo?! That is even cooler than BYU winning. Another good year in sports it looks like. All the sports here are dumb - cricket, net ball, rugby league... BORING.
Dad when you say brother 'Waite' are you talking about Jake weight's Dad? Are they in our ward? I reckon the new Y/M Y/W would be pretty huge. Who is the young mens presidency in the ward now? what are Mike Stewart, and Jim Peterson's callings now if they're not in the Bishopric? Are there any Murrays in the ward now? Its going to be weird going home and not having John and Sierra or Mike and Lisa in the ward anymore. Just make sure the Stobbes dont leave too.
To all my Nieces and Nephews - Did you get my Christmas Present I sent home? If any of you make snowmen or anything you will have to take pictures of them and show me! It doesn't EVER snow here. Mom it is so good to hear everything about the family gathering for Christians birthday dinner you are going to tonight ;).
SCOTYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! My Patience!............AHHHHHHHHHHHH. THE SUSPENSE!!!! Why don't you just tell us!!!!!!!! Its good to hear you have a letter in the mail for us though! don't anyone say anything now, 'cause I'll probably get my letter like 2 weeks after Matt gets his considering how slow I get things over here. I'm so psyched for you Scoty!!! I'm going to make a tape for you and the Posse.
Mum, what is Alex Ramsay's mission addy? I have two letters written and stamped, but I just need his Address. Could you help me out with that? Thanks again for all you do mum.
Matt Lolani seems sweet. That is so cool that she is getting her patriarchal blessing! Our recent convert Matt (Popey) is getting ready to get the Priesthood.
Matt I love getting the pictures. Are you still with Greg? When are your transfers? I will be sending you the tape from Mom and the fam, a tape from me, and some pictures shortly... did you say you had something in the post for me?
Are the Unga's in our ward now? The news about the ward was shocking. The Summit ward? Sounds like a new summer sales company ("Pinnacle" "APX"). I'm sure all will be well by the time we get home though. Is there any church ball this season dad? Are you still the ward sports guy/chairmen/coordinator/secretservice advisor thingo?
Matt did you really get to call and talk to mom?!? Struth! You lucky snigger wigger! We should have a tsunami here too! Fairdink! But I guess its good to hear you are still alive and all over there. We should be able to call home if the humidity here gets over 95% i think - cause you feel like you're gonnna die.
Matt I told everyone I knew about your spider bite story, I thought that was crack up... so no spidy senses yet? How are the 15 steps going for Lisa? Is it the same as it is over here? The one where you have to brush your teeth and drink grapefruit juice all the time?
The work has been a bit slow lately- a few Lessons here and there, but no knew investigators this week unfortunately. We are having trouble getting our investigators to come to church. There isn't a lot of decent fellowship in the branch, which makes it hard. Its good to hear that you guys back home (especially Mom, Sierra, And Sheyene) are befriending and fellow shipping all the nonmembers and less actives in your path. I love to hear about your missionary experiences.
Mom and Dad, I pray for you each night that you will find new work. Don't do anything that will hurt yourselves. Dad - We need to play basketball when we get home!
It does get hard like you said sometimes Mom, but... well, we've been listening to a lot of Neal A. Maxwell's talks lately (he's a new favorite), and he talks a lot about trials and is very strait forward about how we need to endure them well and be even as Jesus Christ was. I have learned much about Humility and Meekness as of late and it gets easier and easier to get over hard times. I love you all and most importantly I know that this work is true, because of the Book Of Mormon.
Love, Elder Prina
PEACE!
Today is Monday the 1st of March here in Rocky with Elder Paki. I sent some pictures, hope you enjoy. I don't know where to start today. I had a doctors apt. this morning and he looked at my x-rays that I got done last week. He said the only thing that is wrong is that it looks like there is a bit of mild curvature in the middle of my spine. So basically I bent my back bone playing one on one with Elder Paki. I'll get him back once im healed up though. It doesn't help that I had to leave my basketball shoes in the mission home down in Brisbane when I came up here in November. So mom, I will be sent to a physical therapist some time this week and i'm sure they'll tell me all the back exercises I need to do. I wish Uncle Mark was here so he could just be like Wam Bam - done... and I could go back to work. I hate not being able to exercise normally and play sports.
In a few minutes we will go shopping and then this evening we are going up to Mt. Morgan to have a birthday dinner for Mario at the Polizzi's home. He is turning 55. The reason the birthday is of such significance is that they were going to the Jehovah Witness church for a long time, so they haven't celebrated any birthdays or holidays in the family for a long time. So we hope to make this a special one for him and his family. The Wallace's, the senior missionary couple in the branch, got him and his wife nice triple combination's for a gift and we signed our names and testimonies in them.
^^^
^^^
^^^
I wrote all that last week but I ran out of time and the computer shut off. But luckily with the new Myldsmail it saves everything so I didn't lose it! So just so you know that was a week ago. Now its the 8th of March, Monday.
How is everybody? Thank you so much for the valentines cards mom! I gave the other one to Elder Paki. I was very pleased to get mail and stuff from the Ramsay family, Sierra and Sheyene! Thank you so much for the pictures, stories, news, and encouragement! I love hearing from you!
I want to say a happy Birthday to you Sheyene! 1 year older than me and wiser than me too --> Happy birthday... TO YOU!
Christian I thought of you on your birthday as well this past week. It seems like you just barely turned 12. Are you in 7th grade right now? Lisa I'd like to hear from those kids of yours again. I also love drawings, so if the kids draw any pictures you should send some over. John and Sierra thanks for the American lollys. I made sure to share them.
I started making a tape today for the young men in the ward to listen to. I call it: A day in the life of a missionary. so I'm just going to record stuff as I go through each day of the week, so they can see a little bit of what a mission is like. When I send it home if you guys could share it with the young men in the ward (only the 15th ward boys though, not the 13th ward... HAHA just playin).
It has been an ok week. Elder Paki is probably leaving in a weeks time to get transferred back down to Brisbane. This is something that neither of us are looking forward to, as we both enjoy being up here together. Pray that I get a cool companion come up here. I've really enjoyed being with Australian and New Zealand companions most of my mission, I think I get along with them very well.
I have an apt. at the Physical therapist tomorrow to check my back. The pain has gone way down, and I feel alright, but I still want to make sure nothing is permanently damaged anywhere. The sooner I get it fixed the better though, because I'm tired of watching elder Paki play basketball while I sit on the side lines.
Dad I enjoyed reading your insights you sent me this morning. They are interesting to me, because they are actually both topics that I have given much thought and study to as of late. Thank you - I enjoy your temporal as well as your spiritual updates. RISE AND SHOUT THE COUGARS ARE OUT... GO COUGARS! I love the basketball news! I'll have to rub it in to Elder Wallace that we beat his Runnin' Utes. Have the Jensen's been back down much at all lately to watch any games or to visit or anything? Any family gatherings lately?
Wait hold on hold on hold on. Timpview Basketball won the state championship?? They beat Provo?! That is even cooler than BYU winning. Another good year in sports it looks like. All the sports here are dumb - cricket, net ball, rugby league... BORING.
Dad when you say brother 'Waite' are you talking about Jake weight's Dad? Are they in our ward? I reckon the new Y/M Y/W would be pretty huge. Who is the young mens presidency in the ward now? what are Mike Stewart, and Jim Peterson's callings now if they're not in the Bishopric? Are there any Murrays in the ward now? Its going to be weird going home and not having John and Sierra or Mike and Lisa in the ward anymore. Just make sure the Stobbes dont leave too.
To all my Nieces and Nephews - Did you get my Christmas Present I sent home? If any of you make snowmen or anything you will have to take pictures of them and show me! It doesn't EVER snow here. Mom it is so good to hear everything about the family gathering for Christians birthday dinner you are going to tonight ;).
SCOTYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! My Patience!............AHHHHHHHHHHHH. THE SUSPENSE!!!! Why don't you just tell us!!!!!!!! Its good to hear you have a letter in the mail for us though! don't anyone say anything now, 'cause I'll probably get my letter like 2 weeks after Matt gets his considering how slow I get things over here. I'm so psyched for you Scoty!!! I'm going to make a tape for you and the Posse.
Mum, what is Alex Ramsay's mission addy? I have two letters written and stamped, but I just need his Address. Could you help me out with that? Thanks again for all you do mum.
Matt Lolani seems sweet. That is so cool that she is getting her patriarchal blessing! Our recent convert Matt (Popey) is getting ready to get the Priesthood.
Matt I love getting the pictures. Are you still with Greg? When are your transfers? I will be sending you the tape from Mom and the fam, a tape from me, and some pictures shortly... did you say you had something in the post for me?
Are the Unga's in our ward now? The news about the ward was shocking. The Summit ward? Sounds like a new summer sales company ("Pinnacle" "APX"). I'm sure all will be well by the time we get home though. Is there any church ball this season dad? Are you still the ward sports guy/chairmen/coordinator/secretservice advisor thingo?
Matt did you really get to call and talk to mom?!? Struth! You lucky snigger wigger! We should have a tsunami here too! Fairdink! But I guess its good to hear you are still alive and all over there. We should be able to call home if the humidity here gets over 95% i think - cause you feel like you're gonnna die.
Matt I told everyone I knew about your spider bite story, I thought that was crack up... so no spidy senses yet? How are the 15 steps going for Lisa? Is it the same as it is over here? The one where you have to brush your teeth and drink grapefruit juice all the time?
The work has been a bit slow lately- a few Lessons here and there, but no knew investigators this week unfortunately. We are having trouble getting our investigators to come to church. There isn't a lot of decent fellowship in the branch, which makes it hard. Its good to hear that you guys back home (especially Mom, Sierra, And Sheyene) are befriending and fellow shipping all the nonmembers and less actives in your path. I love to hear about your missionary experiences.
Mom and Dad, I pray for you each night that you will find new work. Don't do anything that will hurt yourselves. Dad - We need to play basketball when we get home!
It does get hard like you said sometimes Mom, but... well, we've been listening to a lot of Neal A. Maxwell's talks lately (he's a new favorite), and he talks a lot about trials and is very strait forward about how we need to endure them well and be even as Jesus Christ was. I have learned much about Humility and Meekness as of late and it gets easier and easier to get over hard times. I love you all and most importantly I know that this work is true, because of the Book Of Mormon.
Love, Elder Prina
PEACE!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Aloha
Good Morning everyone and Aloha!
Mom, first off and most importantly I need you to send me a copy of the Gingerbread cookie recipe because I got one of those life threatening sudden cravings for those last week. In less important matters, No Sierra, Elder Unga's parents are not divorced! Why did you think that!? But they did just move into the Waterford condos so they live like 30 sec. away from us now. Mom and Dad you should go meet them, maybe you can get of the taste of the culture I am involved in out here. Wait, is that in our ward now??
First they take away the best part of our ward and then they combine our ward with our mortal enemy rival ward??? Sounds like you guys are being put through the refiners fire back there, hang on.
Thank you Sheyene and Sierra for your letters and pictures, they are always the best! Also if anyone has any good church C.D.s they could send it would be much appreciated. You don't know what 12 months of the same songs over and over and over can do to one's mind.
Happy birthday to Sheyene, Christian and I think Mark this week.Prinamade.0.
Just so everyone knows I'm perfectly alive and Maui was completely untouched. I got a call from Solo Anitema, the bishops son at 3:07 on Saturday morning notifying me that there was a "giant tsunami headed for Hawaii". I went back to sleep. I got another call at 4:08 from one of our investigators saying the same thing and that the alarms would sound at 6:00. After that I couldn't go back to sleep. I woke everyone else up and told them what was going on. There were tons of cars driving by our house outside and the gas station like a block away had like 50 cars at it. It looked like something from "I am Legend". We were directed to pack our bags with the things that we would need and go "up country" (what they call the area on the side of the mountain). Well long story short we sat on the mountain and watched the beach all day and got a sunburn and nothing ever happened. So It was kind of disappointing at first but I guess it was an answer to our prayers. I did get to call mom for 2 minutes.
Elder Prina
Mom, first off and most importantly I need you to send me a copy of the Gingerbread cookie recipe because I got one of those life threatening sudden cravings for those last week. In less important matters, No Sierra, Elder Unga's parents are not divorced! Why did you think that!? But they did just move into the Waterford condos so they live like 30 sec. away from us now. Mom and Dad you should go meet them, maybe you can get of the taste of the culture I am involved in out here. Wait, is that in our ward now??
First they take away the best part of our ward and then they combine our ward with our mortal enemy rival ward??? Sounds like you guys are being put through the refiners fire back there, hang on.
Thank you Sheyene and Sierra for your letters and pictures, they are always the best! Also if anyone has any good church C.D.s they could send it would be much appreciated. You don't know what 12 months of the same songs over and over and over can do to one's mind.
Happy birthday to Sheyene, Christian and I think Mark this week.Prinamade.0.
Just so everyone knows I'm perfectly alive and Maui was completely untouched. I got a call from Solo Anitema, the bishops son at 3:07 on Saturday morning notifying me that there was a "giant tsunami headed for Hawaii". I went back to sleep. I got another call at 4:08 from one of our investigators saying the same thing and that the alarms would sound at 6:00. After that I couldn't go back to sleep. I woke everyone else up and told them what was going on. There were tons of cars driving by our house outside and the gas station like a block away had like 50 cars at it. It looked like something from "I am Legend". We were directed to pack our bags with the things that we would need and go "up country" (what they call the area on the side of the mountain). Well long story short we sat on the mountain and watched the beach all day and got a sunburn and nothing ever happened. So It was kind of disappointing at first but I guess it was an answer to our prayers. I did get to call mom for 2 minutes.
Elder Prina
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