A Quick Note

Hi all

 

I am sending a quick note, sorry I did not get one sent on Monday, or Tuesday, or Wednesday, or yesterday... :/

This has been a busy week,

We got several new missionaries, and I was ill on Tuesday. No fun. Still getting back to normal, non grogginess. I am POOOPED, but I will be fine :) I am happy.

Just know that I am well, and that I love you!

My new companion is elder Lee Chip Sao (I have already done splits with him when I was in Hitiaa)

He is really nice, and I will tell you more about him on Monday.

Things are going well.

-Brigham

Oh, and thanks for all the emails! I will probably print them off so I can read them later.

This Week Has Been a Good One

This e-mail has been typed on a French Keyboard, with the English input settings. Being in the office has helped my no-look typing abilities ;D  (That smiley face isn't supposed to be winking, I  just forgot which key does the colon.)

This week has been a good one. We've had a lot of things going on, with preparations for the upcoming transfer, and with the missionaries getting ready to go home. It will be weird to say goodbye, and then it gets even weirder thinking that I only have six months left on my mission. Yikes.

Thanks for the e-mails! Dad, I think it is pretty cool that you got to see Steve Young, front row and all, even though it wasn't for a football game :P 

Mom, thanks for the e-mail as well. I am doing well, and I am glad to hear about my cousins getting married. It seems so weird thinking about that, but I am happy for them, and I hope that all goes well. 

[This paragraph originally omitted] This week, we did some good lessons, and we had several meetings with President Bize. It looks like I will stay in the office for a while longer, and Elder White will be going to another sector shortly. Elder White and I were a little sad, because of how much fun we have had serving together, but I am happy for him, and I know that the new transfer will just be another chance to learn. I don't know who my next companion will be, or when exactly things will change, but things will work out. I have really enjoyed being with elder White, and I hope to make the best of the remaining time we have as companions. 

This week we also welcomed a new missionary couple to the mission, Elder and Sister Jones, from the UK. The are very gentle people, and I am happy to know them. They are very intelligent, and I think that they will be a big help to the mission. It is amazing how the Lord prepares people to come here, and at the same time, it is amazing how the Lord is preparing people to be taught. Elder and Sister Jones will be helping us in the visitors center, and will be working with President to help youth in the islands. 

This week, Elder White and I had some neat experiences, and looking back, I was happy that Heavenly Father helped us use all our time. We had some lessons fall through Wednesday, I think, and as we began calling our investigator who we'd gone to visit, we met a less active member who was just passing by. We said hi, and got to know him, and it was a good opportunity to fulfill our missionary purpose, even though the lesson had been cancelled. I was happy to meet this man, and I hope that his faith stays strong, and that he will have joy. Even if our little talk was simple, and short, I hope that we gave him an occasion to augment his faith. The sad thing about visiting less practicing members, is that they are often 'less active' because of the actions of another. Elder Bednar's talk "And nothing shall offend them" is an awesome explication of why many people leave their faith, and an encouragement for us as disciples, to go and help them. We should do our best to be good friends, and neighbors, and we should all chose for ourselves to not be offended. A cool talk.

These are my thoughts for today. Again, sorry if they are scrambled or short. I am doing well. I am learning more about myself here, and I am learning about how important it is to help others. I am happy to be a missionary, and I hope to become a more effective one. I love you all. Thanks for being such a good family. I miss you, but I am doing OK. I am a little tired today, but thank goodness that it's a P-day. I just hope that I will do my best, and that my best will be good enough this week.

Have a good week, and know that I love you all! Thanks for all your support, and love, and prayers.

-Brigham

Oh, and sorry, I didn't take many pictures this week. I'll send some next week!

I Want to be a Missionary Always

Hi Mom, and Dad!

Good to hear from you! Thanks for your emails!

This week, was a good week. It ended really well, with a baptism (picture should be attached). It was for an investigator who is like almost 80 years old. The baptism went really well, and it was a special, nice service. A brother, (his member integrator) baptized him, and Elder White confirmed him in Tahitian! It was super cool, because the confirmation prayer is pretty hard, and he got it perfectly, then gave a nice inspired blessing. Pretty cool :D

This week, President took a trip to Rurutu, and Tubuai, so Elder White and I were lucky, and got to teach a lot! A lot more than 6 lessons that is... :P We taught 19 investigator lessons, and some other lessons. It was a good week, and it felt very productive. We had some good experiences as we both felt like we needed to find new people to teach. We studied PMG chapter nine (finding people) and we both felt like Heavenly Father has got people READY and waiting for our message. Having this in mind, made contacting and other efforts easier, and it made them make more sense. I remember that last week, when we watched Meet the Mormons, I had felt the Spirit, and I felt an excitement and desire to spread the news about Christ, and to really help others go to Him. That feeling carried over throughout the week, and was a good help. I think that feeling, and the feeling of knowing that Heavenly Father is happy with your efforts, are really what makes missionary work so rewarding, and worth doing. The peace, and simple joy that the holy Ghost communicates, makes every thing else calm down, and is so worth fighting for.

Elder White is such an amazing companion. I feel really lucky to be with him. He works really hard, and as we were studying chapter nine this week, he picked up on some opportunities I would have missed. At the baptismal service, Saturday, Elder White talked to a couple who came, and found out that they were taught a long time ago, and that the husband in the couple, would love to be baptized.... :D Wow. That was amazing. We'd like to help him with that. :D

This week, we also had the chance to give some priesthood blessings. There is a member family here, who I love so much. The sister in this family asked us for a blessing once, a few months ago, because she was sick, and because her husband wasn't there. We came, and gave her a blessing with her brother in law. Now, she's doing better, and she just had a baby. We got to stand in on their baby's blessing, and it was a neat experience. This Sunday there were 4 blessings, and 1 confirmation, all before the sacrament. I was struck by the power of the ordinances, and thrilled to have been able to participate in some of them. This sacrament meeting, I got to translate all the testimonies into English, for the Warner couple (I love this couple!) Sister Warner is the mission nurse, and her husband, is such a cool man. They don't speak or understand much french or Tahitian, so we sat with them, and I got to whisper all of what happened in the meeting, in English to them. I enjoyed translating for them, and as I did, I was touched by some of the testimonies. When you have to focus on the meaning of every word, the level of understanding, and of effort put in to listening, really goes up. It was a neat experience. I have loved translating for meetings, and this was my first time with fast and testimony meeting. Sunday was just uplifting.

Speaking of PMG chapter nine, I had a strong impression this week, that I wanted to share with you. As we studied this chapter, I felt very strongly, that the family can prepare somebody for the missionary lessons. In 6 months I will be home, and I felt VERY strongly, that we can get someone ready to follow the lessons by the time I get home. I know that like all our friends are members( all is a slight exaggeration), and I know that it isn't really the easiest thing, but I really felt like the family can do it. I see the efforts of other families here, and I know that having a project, or "game plan" (as Elder Neilsen said) should consist of specific names, and specific goals (such as FHEs and sacrament meetings, leading up to missionary visits). Again, I don't know why I felt this, but as I read PMG chapter nine, I very strongly felt that we can do it, and that we could have someone in our family game plan, to get ready for the sisters in our stake to teach. I'd like to know what you all think about that. I really felt strongly, to ask you about it in my letter home this week. (its been written in my planner since Tuesday)

This week, I have thought a lot about what I'd like to be as a missionary, and what I'd like to be afterwards. I have come to the conclusion, 

(long long pause for suspense :D)

that I don't know what I'd like to be afterwards, but I know that I always want to be a missionary. I love my mission. I love the people, and I am sooo glad that I am here. I want to be a better servant for Heavenly Father, and I know that the work we are involved in is real. It feels like a game to some people, and some times, people look at it as a game, or as something secondary to 'real life'. But this has been the most rewarding, challenging, and happy period of my life. I know that Heavenly Father is real, and that His work is real. I am so happy to be a missionary. I love you. And I hope that I will always be able to be a missionary, and to work for Heavenly Father. 

These are my thoughts this week. 

 

Know that I am doing well, and that I love you so much! I am so thankful for all that you have given me, as my parents,and for all that you do for me. I miss you, but I know that I will see you when it is time.

Thank you for all your love, prayers, and help.

Have a good week!

-Brigham

Meet the Mormons

Thanks for the email mom! :D It really made my day!

This has been a good P-day. This last week was a whirlwind, and WHEW! it's over :D

Today was the most relax P-day ever. I got two loads of laundry done (and I even got my shirts hung up fresh out of the drier NO WRINKLES), did some deep cleaning of the bathroom, some sport (consisting of physical therapy exercises, push ups and sit ups), and had a hamburger for lunch. It has been a good P-day. Tonight we are going to watch Meet the Mormons with President :D Lucky us!

This last week, our zone conference trainings went really well. Elder White talked about personal consecration, and I talked about Doctrine and Alliances 121 (many are called, but few are chosen). Our last training was about the fact that we are all called, and this one was all about the fact that we must choose to be chosen (aka, to have success as a missionary, and to help others come to Christ). It went great, and I felt the holy Ghost help us. I was thrilled that the missionaries listened, and that I think it might have helped some of them. It was good.

This week, I also had the chance to do another split with my friends, the zone leaders of Papeari (Vairao, my old sector with Elder Clark and Ball). I went with them after their zone conference, and I got to see a bunch of my old converts. I really was lucky and happy to go again. Elder Tago (from AUS) was there with me. He has been a ZL for a few months now, and I really really enjoyed being with him. He is a smart, nice man, and I learn a lot from getting to work with elders like him. While on the split, we saw some inactive converts as well. That was rough, and I think it was an eye opener for me, as to the fact that once people are baptized, its not the end. Oh boy. I felt so sad for a sister I met, who was sobbing. She really needed our visit. She was a new member when I arrived in the ward, and this last year has been so hard for her. I think That I realized a bit more about what the 'true religion' is (according to James 1 27). I am sooooooo lucky to have had you and dad as good examples, and to be able to be a missionary thanks to your choices, and my choices. Wow, I feel sooooo lucky and so blessed! I just hope that I can be an effective tool for Heavenly Father.

This week, we have a lot of time to teach ahead. Elder White and I taught 12 lessons this last week, despite all of the conferences, and all of the time spent elsewhere. Whewwww... So glad that that week is over. And in about 2 weeks, it will allllll start again. We've got a big promotion of new missionaries coming in from Provo.

I will send some pictures, and then send my last thoughts for today. Sorry its a short email. Elder White and I will be going to Papeari and back tonight, to drop off some baggage for an Elder. And don't forget the meet the Mormons :D

I love you all my family, and congrats Dad for magnifying of callings! I am happy to hear that you will be helping the Stake get on target with YM's and Scouting. 

Also, I am proud of you baby Hannah! 

Well my family, that is about all for tonight. Have a good week. I am doing well. I am safe, and I am happy. ANNND, I am well fed. :D

Have a good night!

-Brigham

Me and an old friend from Vairao. He fed me Jack Fruit (relative of durian, that actually tastes sweet) :D

Elder Tago and Me

The good old ZL truck... :D I missed it.

Zone Conference Papeete (best zone ever!)

All-Time Teaching Record

So, this week. Was an adventure. I did get some good photos :D

I am going to give a quick daily summary of this week:

Monday, was filled up (like I said.... Sorry) We said goodbye to Elder Tau, Elder Holding, and some other missionaries. 

Tuesday, we received a group of new missionaries (all from Tahiti) Did some orientation, and got them taken care of.

Wednesday, we worked with the new missionaries then sent them to their sectors, then we had a big meeting with all the WML's on Tahiti. That was stressful.

Thursday, we had an all-day leadership council. It went very well.

Friday we took off! We did a zone conference at Raiatea, and then did some splits and lessons with the ZL's there. Elder Rose and Lee Chip Sao. Very cool Elders :D I love those guys! 

Saturday, we got up, went to Bora, and then did another zone conference (with the Bora Bora district), and then we came back on Sunday.

So, that is a quick summary. I am doing good, and I will be doing even better in a week or so :D 

We've got a lot of conferences this week, but the week after should be nice. This week, we only taught about 6 lessons :( All time record for me (as in least IVE EVER TAUGHT...) yikes. I sure hope to get some more lessons in this week.

The conferences went pretty well. We taught about helping people make it to baptism, and how we should be able to accompany the investigators all the way through their conversion process. It was a special chance to teach with President, and to see the other missionaries. In Bora, they had 6 Elders in the house, and we stayed there, making it 8. It was awesome being able to talk to them, and see how things are going. It was a special trip, and I hope that other missionaries learned from the conferences, like I did. 

I am SOOO happy to hear that Sister and baby are doing well! I am proud of you guys! Seeing those pictures was so cool! I cant wait to meet her, someday!

I am doing well. Thanks for all the prayers, and for helping me to be here. I am so glad to be here. Some weeks are easier that others. This week was stressful, but really really cool, being able to see some islands. I hope we get a lot done this week in our sector.

These are my thoughts for this week. Again, know that I am doing well, and that I love you all! I can not believe that it is already 2015. I just hope that I can do my best for the next seven months, and that my best is good enough!

Have a good week I LOVE YOU!

-Brigham

This is a picture of Elder Tau. He finished last Monday. Crazy.

The Tahitian group that just came in. (this is all Monday/ Tuesday)

We went to Raieatea!

Me and Elder Franco (MTC companion!)

Yes... we got on planes :D

This is the Airport at Raiatea.

Here you see the whole thing. The gate, and the check in counter. Tiny.

Then we went to Bora Bora

You have to take a boat to get from the airport to the island... wow.

This is a pic of us on the ferry

This is me and Elder Ball!

This is the UNREAL lagoon at Bora Bora. HOLY COW

This is Leaving Bora on plane.
yes I was like a little boy on the plane. GLUED to the window :

Less of a P-Day

Holy cow! I have another niece! :D Best p-day news ever!  I am proud of you my sister!  She is so cute!

This P-day has been less of a P-day. Woke up at 5:20... and it wasn't to go fishing :P Finally we have a few minutes to mail you!

Dropped off an Elder who will serve in Brisbane, then I got a haircut from Elder Twede again :D. Then we spend some time getting the returning missionaries of this week to their interviews, and making sure that things were managed with them. Whew. We've got some Zone conferences coming up, and a transfer in process, and 7 new Tahitian missionaries coming in on Tuesday afternoon. There's also a meeting on Wednesday for the WML's on Tahiti, and then on Thursday there is a leadership council. Friday Elder White and I will be in all-day meetings. We'll have NO time for our sector this week. OH man. Thanks for the prayers, and for thinking about me. I just hope we can get all we need to done, and not forget important stuff.

I will try and log back on after our FHE so I can write a tad more, and send pics. I left the good card at the house (got my pics on it, and just changed to a new one).

Know that I am well, and that I love you.

Have a good week!

Elder Larsen

Happy New Year!

Hi everyone!

This week has gone by SO fast! Some really cool things happened, and I feel so lucky to be here. It is SO good to hear about you! Dad, I am happy that the camp-out was a success, and that you and the boys had a good time. It made me chuckle to think about the McDonald's-smelling bivy. Hahha! I loved the Brigham Young quotes too.

New Years Day was.... interesting. We spent it at the office, making some reports. When we went into the sector, wow. Lots of drinking. Not cool man. I understand why some missions have missionaries stay in. Either way, we taught a bit, and worked in the office. We also got to eat steaks with president. :D that was fun. Now that the holidays are over, here comes the work! oh yeah! Can't wait for this week to get going. We should teach a lot more this week.

This week, I got to do a split with the Elders from Punnauia (the Zone Leaders, that is.) I was with elder Sandstrom (I dunno if I told you about the other split I did with him as his Zone Leader). He finishes in a few weeks, and it was great fun being together. We got some good work done, and I really enjoyed learning more from him, and with him. Heavenly Father really gave us a special miracle. The first lesson we did there, was right after our weekly district meeting. We went to their meeting, then afterwards, I was with Elder Sandstrom, and we went to the lesson. When we got there, he said ‘’oh, you might know these people, they are from Vairao (my old sector). ‘’ They had seen them one time, and knew that they were just visiting Punnauia so thought we’d try and teach a lesson real quick.  We showed up, and sure enough, I totally do know them! We fixed their baptismal date, and I will be able to be there! It was just a cool turn of events. Heavenly Father let me be there, at a ‘random’split, and at just the right time. It was so cool to see them!

This week we are getting ready for the Transfers! Wooo hoo! It feels like every week is transfer planning now. It involves a LOT of time meeting with president, about the strategy of what sectors to cover, or open or close, and then President getting the revelation to know where to put the missionaries. It is a cool process, and I am lucky to participate, but it does take a lot of time. I look up to president.

This morning I studied about Ezra Taft Benson. Holy cow that guy was an AWESOME prophet. Holy cow. I got a copy of the manual from our ward secretary (:D) and then got to read some of it this morning. I got kind of sucked in, reading about his life. He is a Hero. Really though. I want to be that good of a servant for my God, and I want to be that kind, and that serviceable. Wow, it was a good study. I want to be the best I can be, and help Heavenly Father. I am amazed by the example of the living prophets. I really love those manuals, and get a lot from them.

SO, that is most of what is on my mind today. Just know that I am well, and that things are going alright here in Tahiti. I sure do miss you, but it seems weird now, thinking that I finish this year. Hmmph. Weird. This is going by really really fast. Like really though. Christmas is already over. WOW. I can't wait to see you all. I love you and I pray for you too!

I love you my family! Thanks for everything, and for taking care of me! Tell Grandma and Grandpa thanks, and that I love them as well. It will be so fun to see them again too! 

Have a good week, and thanks for all the prayers! 

-Brigham

Sister Naylor's going away crepes and enchilada party (at the Anderson's :D)

She was with us at the MTC. A super nice sister. Her parents are in the photo.  They came down to pick her up.

The baptism that happened last week! :D

The white pants are soooo comfy (and SOOO BAGGY :P)

Me last night with an elder who was at the MTC with me! Elder Haumani

This is a pic of IDAHO POTATOES !!!! I saw the box in the dumpster on the street, and I was SO happy, that I took a picture :D Go Idaho!

Beach soccer today, turned into grass soccer.

I sat it out and took pictures :D