Joseph Was Prepared

Hi all!

This has been a good week. I sent some photos of our zone activity! We went on a big hike (the same place that I went with Elder Taylor one time, but we went all the way, about two or three times farther than we’d gone before). We invited President, and he came: D and we had a blast.

This week we had zone conferences!! This went well, and I was happy that we were able to do our zone conferences. We are about half way through and so we will be able to visit all the other zones this week. It has been fun to see all of my MTC buddies again, and to give training's to the new missionaries. I had a special opportunity to have an interview with President, It was a good experience. I am so lucky to work with him! I look up to him.

This week, my companion and I had the chance to talk in our sacrament program! It went well. I talked about Joseph Smith, and my companion talked about the organization of the church today. He is a really good speaker, and gave a good talk. My talk went alright. I am just happy that I had the chance to study for it. I read a bit in one of the institute church history manuals about how Joseph Smith was prepared by Heavenly Father, to be the prophet. During my studying, I read that Joseph actually received many many visits from Moroni, and other angelic BoM heroes. It was cool. I really enjoyed reading JSH and as I did, I felt a confidence, and a happy feeling, that I know that he was really a prophet, and that I know the Church is true, even if I didn’t see him in the forest or see him receive the priesthood. I felt that it was an answer to my prayers; I had prayed, not long ago, for a better confirmation of this truth, and I think that Heavenly Father let me have a talk in church, so that I would have the confirmation that I was seeking. Pretty neat.

This weekend, we had a great lesson with our new WML. We taught an elderly Tahitian man about baptism, and we taught using Matthews account of Jesus’ Baptism. The man, who is protestant, was STUNNED by the fact that Jesus was baptized by immersion, and then, in Tahitian (WHICH I UNDERSTOOD!!!) He began expressing how happy he was to hear what we had to say, and then our DMP kept teaching really powerfully in Tahitian. At the end of the lesson, he accepted to be baptized, and was eager to learn more about the Church. It was one of the most singular lessons I have had on my mission. In seconds, this man’s faith was rocked, and he felt happy and confident hearing the message. It was a good lesson, and a neat experience.   

Also this week, I ATE fafaru again, and it wasn’t so bad. I am telling you guys, raw tuna has really been growing on me.

These are my thoughts mostly for this week. We don’t have a lot of time, because the center where we are doing mails today will close in a few minutes. Just know that I love you all and that I am happy that you are my family! I feel lucky to be your son/brother. Have a good week!!!!

-Brigham

Elder Gilson. I love Elder Gilson

A WATERFALL!

Me and the river in the bottom of the valley

A picture of the zone of Papeete, with President

Lawn Mowing Syndrome

Hi, Everyone.

That is awesome to hear about Cody and Keaton. I hope to see them when I get back.

This has been a good week. We were able to teach 16 lessons! (woohooo!) and we've been busy getting ready for our upcoming zone conferences. This next week and a half will be loaded, but I really enjoy zone conferences. 

This week, not a lot exciting took place, besides our monthly Leadership Council, and the fact that I GOT YOUR PACKAGE!!! :D Thank you soo much! The pants fit perfectly, as do socks and shirts. Thank you thank you thank you! 

As far as the Leadership Council goes, we had a good meeting, and President was happy with our presentation. We prepared a statistical report about where the mission is (in regard to where we where at this time last year, and where we should be according to our objectives). It worked out pretty well, and we had a good meeting. I really like it when President Talks, and he has a very good knowledge of the Bible. When I get transferred, I will miss his trainings, and I will miss working with him.

This week, elder Lee Chip Sao and I were able to fast too. Fasting has been rough for me on my mission, but I see the blessings that come when I do. While we were fasting, I was able to read a bunch in the Book of Mormon. I'm currently in Alma. I love the Book of Mormon.

I don't have a lot on my mind, other than the preparations for tomorrows conference. Being a regular missionary will be nice soon. I know that things will work out, I'm just having 'lawn mowing' syndrome. I don't know if you remember that (Mom and Dad) but you always said the hardest part about most things, is just getting started. The hardest thing about mowing the lawn, was always just getting started. I think that has been the story of my life so far. I just need to lose worry about getting started. Conferences will be fine. I just need to finish the preparations. And then I just need them to start.

I love you my family! I miss you, but I know that I will see you soon! Mothers day is coming up, and I think I will be on Tahiti for it (as in not transferred... yet). I hope to Skye! The same family that we Skyped at for Christmas, would be fine if we did Mothers Day Skye. I will confirm details.

Have a good week!!!

-Brigham

With one of my buddies from my last sector! He got baptized not too long ago!

This one is kind of random. I thought the brand of the gas here was funny. Gazi.... :P You can see it marked on one of the tanks.

Brief Note with Pictures

This has been a good week! We had a transfer, shout hooray! AND A BAPTISM!!! And my companion got to baptize an investigator from his old sector. Wooohooo!

This was a full, but fun week.

 

We taught only eight lessons, but we were super super busy because of the transfer. This transfer involved almost only people in the islands, so we were at the airport many many times this week.

I am SO HAPPY to hear about Kendall's endowment and sealing! That is SOOO COOL! I am so happy for him and Annie.

I think we will be off soon to do some shopping, but just know that I love you all.

I need to go help the office couple with Excel.  I will be back.

-Elder Larsen

Conference in the High Council Room

EASTER EGGS!!! (We didn't have real dye, but elder Bakow's mom send some q-tips made for painting Easter eggs.) It was fun and silly.

Baptism and Marriage

(Old Friends of Elder Lee Chip Sao, they got baptized in a neighboring stake, and we got to see their marriage and my companion got to baptize. )  It was awesome.

Elder LCS Friends' Baptism

Some missionary friends on transfer day!

Our baptism this weekend! (We had a baptism shout hooray!)

This morning's hike/walk to the top of the hill.

We went with our buddies Elders Bakow and Gilson who live with us.

The Airport, the ER, and the Office

Hello everybody!

This has been a good week. Things have been really busy, thanks to transfers, but it will all be over on Thursday. Whew. I have been so tired, but the conference was a good break.

Today has been an interesting P-day, too. We've been to the ER, to the airport, and in the office, and I am not sure what we'll be able to do today. Its good though. Gotta see some missionary buddies at the airport, and I will go eat a good lunch soon. DON'T worry, the ER was not for myself. The hospital is very close, and we go often, to give blessings, or to take sick missionaries there.

This week, I have felt more and more demand for my time, and it's been interesting. I love being here, and I love all the chances that my companion and I have to serve, and to work, but it is good sometimes to have a P-day. :D 

This week, we should have a baptism! We started teaching this investigator about one month ago, and he was really prepared. I am stoked. 

We are going to go eat.

I am doing well.

I love you all!

-Brigham