Sunday, April 12

We got to watch conference this weekend, which was awesome. They showed the Priesthood session first on Saturday afternoon, followed by the morning and afternoon sessions. Then, today we watched both Sunday sessions. I sat through the first two, watching in Tongan and not understanding a thing! Until I found out there was a separate room where they were playing it in English! Ha Ha. We just watched it at the Stake Center on a projector screen, just like the Priesthood session back home. My favorite talks were from Elder's Cook, Holland, Snow, and Oaks (especially Oaks). But, I really enjoyed the whole thing. The first time in my life I have ever been excited about conference! Ha Ha.

This transfer has kind of sucked. My companion is what Tony Perkis would call "a destroyer". He hates to work and loves to break rules. Much of my time has been spent studying while he sleeps or messes around with some of the guys from the neighborhood. We haven't been teaching much, but I have enjoyed my study time. I am putting together a nice little library that is helping me a lot. My first companion, Elder Alatini, gave me some student and teacher study manuals from the Old Testament, Book of Morman, Doctrine and Covenants that help alot; plus Preach My Gospel and the book you sent me by Elder Holland have helped me so much! I am beginning to find a ton of joy in studying the scriptures. I have noticed now that I can read faster and get more out of it than I used to. I am finding that there is so much knowledge to be found that I never get bored.

A few nights ago, I had dinner at the home of President Moleni, who was the mission president here before President McMurray, and he gave me a Tongan name. Taulani. It means tow truck. Ha. He said it's because I need to pull my companion along, just like a tow truck would, when he is not working right.

Well I want you to know that I am doing good. Sometimes I get discouraged and tell myself that I can't do this for 20 more months. But then I just remember that I've already done it for 4 months, so I know I can do 4 more. By that time, I will have done 8, so I'll know I can do 8 more. Even though I wish the time would go faster, I must admit that its gone pretty fast so far. Can you believe I've already completed 1/6 of my mission! I'll be back home before you know it. I love you guys so much and I pray for you every night. I am so grateful for your love, prayers, and support. I know this is where I need to be. And no matter how hard it gets, I can always remember Elder Hollands talk from the Sunday morning session and take comfort in knowing that the Lord will not leave me alone. And, "the Lord will shape the back to fit the burden placed upon it".

Ofa Lahi Atu,

Elder Tulane "Taulani"



(We posted lots of new things today, so continue looking down the page for more updates and lots of fun pictures!!!)