HOME SWEET HOME

It felt so nice going back to Upolu! We had such an awesome couple days back at the office. Our last day they didn't buy our ticket till the afternoon so they just let us go to Apia and go to the market and stuff. It felt so good to ride an Upolu bus again for realz. MLC was awesome, and they took us to the TEMPLE! Always an amazing experience, most likely my last time going till I come home. I love the temple.

Joe got baptized!! He is one of the most converted people I have ever met for reals he is just all for it. Absolute miracle. I love the mission. This week Jackie is getting baptized! It has been a long time coming but she is finally prepared and ready to go so we are super excited for her! God is good all the time!

E Paia i le Alii, o le Maota o le Alii

Joe's Baptism! 

 Elder Tapusoa

 Elder Levy

 Yo

Tutuila Squad

Good Times

This week was super busy, some sisters got transferred out of their area which resulted in us picking up their area...back to covering 8 wards, yay. But we just walked into 2 baptisms of these 2 kids which was pretty cool. We got new elders in that area and one of them is actually from Rochester, MN! Elder Pingree is the only other person I have met from Minnesota in a longgggg time.

We have 2 baptisms this week planned for our tiny branch that is on top of a mountain so we are really excited! The work is moving forward always! The Lord is always preparing people!

This week my companion and I are going to Upolu for MLC! Super exited to go back "home" and really hope I run into some people I know. Just can't wait to be back in Western Samoa. The mission is awesome and I am thankful for every minute of it!

Squad

The District

 Jackie

Tito and Ropat's Baptism

Prison

This week was sooo amazing, with so many miracles. First, we went to prison to get a signature for a baptism of our 8 year old friend Melchizedek! He goes by Mel for short. I think of my whole mission this baptismal service was probably the top 5. It was seriously so spiritual. It took so much to get this little kid baptized. Both of his parents are not members but some awesome members of the ward have been picking him up for church the past 2 months. His mom was ok with the baptism, but would not sign the paper. SO WE WENT TO JAIL. His father is in in Jail. Man it was crazy, we had to get patted down and scanned and everything. We ate breakfast with all the inmates (couldn't bring my camera in, otherwise would have gotten a dope pic with the bros) and talked to his father. Man, his father was more than excited for his baptism. Such a humbling experience. His mother came to his baptism and our stake president gave an awesome talk and the mom was just crying the whole time and the baptism was awesome and it was just allll soo awesome, spirit was so strong. Faafetai i le Atua!!!

Mel's baptism was the highlight of the week, other cool things: we got to drive a pickup for a day, did a split with Elders Esplin and Zembal and went on the backside of the island, and played some ball this morning.

Tacoma

 Mel and his Fam

 Mel's Baptism

 Po Boy--better in Louisiana

Morning Ball

Gettin the Area Goin

This last week was just full of so many miracles! We really spent some time in our own area and were able to just see so many miracles. It is truly amazing how the Lord works and just prepares so many people for us to teach. The Highlight is finding this family of a father who is very less active and 3 kids that are not baptized. We shared a little scripture from 3 Nephi 11:33 and he just started crying. His children should be baptized this month!!!

I am so thankful for this opportunity I have to serve the Lord! This truly has been the best experience! So cool seeing lives changed eternally as a family!

 Preparing to meet Nacho in the Ring

Tie Gang

HAPPY NEW YEARS

I set my alarm for 11:55, spent New Years by myself for the second year in a row as my companion slept, and was back asleep by 12:01 so it was pretty lit.

This week has been pretty fun, we went on some more splits with other elders which is always a good time. We found a really golden friend this last week. She is Phillipino and will be getting baptized this month. Her name is Jackie, we met her on Christmas.

We went golfing this morning with Elder Wilde (Senior Missionary) and it was awesome, it started pouring rain but we just played anyways. Only 4 bucks to play 9 holes, only in Samoa.  Pics below!!!

Look Closely you can find the Ball

Elder Roberts and Elder Wilde

Squad

 Leone Split

 Sunset