The One with Concrete
This week we had a great opportunity to serve. One of the people we are teaching needed some remodeling done. So Elder Ellsworth and I were able to go and help him! he had us breaking up a concrete slab in the backyard. We used sledge hammers to break them and then wheeled them to the front yard! After a few hours in the heat it was all done!
I have really gained an appreciation for service and helping others out. As we read in Matthew 25:40; we are serving our Lord when we serve others. As missionaries, we are always looking for opportunities to serve, it's just frustrating when no one will let you!
On Wednesday we met this really cool guy named Sean. we taught him about God's love for him, prophets and the Book of Mormon. He was really excited to read it and pray about it.
On Saturday we got a text from Sister Sackley and her companion, Sister Huber. They told us about a person who wanted to learn more, and had scheduled a time that we could meet with her. Long story short, we met with the person and she is AMAZING! When we introduced the Book of Mormon, she wanted to read it all that night. We really are seeing miracles on the dearly, some more apparent than others!
I know that we are all blessed in different ways. i know that as we look for them in our lives, we will see God's hand.
Sincerely,
Elder Tanuvasa
Monday, March 28, 2016
21 March 2016
Season 3: Episode 7 "The One with Easter"
Good morning everyone!
This was a very spiritual week, as we were all able to recognize and celebrate the last week of our Savior's life. I had a great opportunity to study Christ's life and His Atonement or Sacrifice specifically this week. It was a huge realization to me to recognize where we all would've been, and where I would've been without having a Savior. He has literally saved us all. During my mission so far it has been a tremendously humbling experience, and this week was no exception. As I was sitting in church, listening to the speakers and specifically one speaker talking about "Grace". One of my favorite scriptures came to mind that I feel impressed to share, and it is Alma26:11-12 and it reads
11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.
12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.
And it hit me so hard that I have been relying too much on my own strength and my own abilities, and it was holding me back. It came to me that I needed to give myself over to Him, and instead of relying on myself, I need to rely on Him. As I am yoked with Him (as well as my companion Elder Ellsworth) we will be able to accomplish way more than I ever could by myself.
I am so grateful for our savior Jesus Christ and for His love that we are able to feel constantly. I am grateful for the hope and the strength that His gospel, atonement, life gives me and gives us all. I know that as we rely on him, he will be accomplish miracles in our lives.
Last thought really quick: Also while reflecting this week, I had the opportunity to look back and to see God in my life, and to see how he has gently but firmly led me in the direction that I needed to go. And I know that everyone will be able to see the same thing as you reflect.
Have a great week!
Elder Tanuvasa
Monday, March 21, 2016
14 March 2016
Season 3: Episode 6 "The One with Steve"
This was a very eventful week, on Tuesday we had Zone Training Meeting. Which is basically when a lot of missionaries gather together for a couple hours and receive training on how we can better help those we are teaching!
We went on an exchange on Thursday. Meaning that I was with another missionary for a day! We were in an area where a lot of people speak Spanish...and the limits of my Spanish is....iHola! Haha let's just say I didn't do much talking that day, it's a good thing the missionary I was with spoke it well! I should've paid more attention in Spanish....
On Saturday was Steve's baptism, there was a lot of people there from the local congregation to support him! It's so great to be a part of the Lord's work, and get to see His power work int he lives of not only me, but everyone!
I am so grateful for this opportunity to be serving the Lord full time. Though there are a lot of challenges and distractions, I can feel the strength of all of your prayers.
Elder Tanuvasa
This was a very eventful week, on Tuesday we had Zone Training Meeting. Which is basically when a lot of missionaries gather together for a couple hours and receive training on how we can better help those we are teaching!
We went on an exchange on Thursday. Meaning that I was with another missionary for a day! We were in an area where a lot of people speak Spanish...and the limits of my Spanish is....iHola! Haha let's just say I didn't do much talking that day, it's a good thing the missionary I was with spoke it well! I should've paid more attention in Spanish....
On Saturday was Steve's baptism, there was a lot of people there from the local congregation to support him! It's so great to be a part of the Lord's work, and get to see His power work int he lives of not only me, but everyone!
I am so grateful for this opportunity to be serving the Lord full time. Though there are a lot of challenges and distractions, I can feel the strength of all of your prayers.
Elder Tanuvasa
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
7 March 2016
Season 3: Episode 5 "The one with Good, Better, Best"
This week I have had the chance to do a lot of reflecting. One of the people we have been meeting with has been preparing to be baptized. As we kept getting closer to the day, it seemed like more and more problems were arising, employment, etc. He expressed to us that he didn't know if he would be able to provide for his family. I was able to share my experience of putting my trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and putting Him first.
Both my companion and I bore testimony that He knows him, and that He cares and will not allow you to fail. I know that to be true.
I know that we have been blessed with the Spirit to lead and guide us and lead us to do right, it will never lead us astray.
Elder Tanuvasa
This week I have had the chance to do a lot of reflecting. One of the people we have been meeting with has been preparing to be baptized. As we kept getting closer to the day, it seemed like more and more problems were arising, employment, etc. He expressed to us that he didn't know if he would be able to provide for his family. I was able to share my experience of putting my trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and putting Him first.
Both my companion and I bore testimony that He knows him, and that He cares and will not allow you to fail. I know that to be true.
I know that we have been blessed with the Spirit to lead and guide us and lead us to do right, it will never lead us astray.
Elder Tanuvasa
Sunday, March 6, 2016
29 February 2016
Season 3: Episode 4 "The One with Food Poisioning"
This week was very slow. A lot of people were canceling their appointments and people in general were saying no to us more often. Anyways, fast forward to Thursday, I started to get chills, my stomach wasn't doing so well, and I was light headed. My companion ended up calling the nurse for me, cause I didn't want to. Anyways, I was told to rest until I felt better and my symptoms went away. On Friday, I slept 20 out of the 24 hours and was only awake to throw up, use the bathroom or eat, haha. On Saturday we tried to go out again, but had to return early that evening.
Sunday I received a blessing, and was able to make it through all of the church meetings. We had 3 people there that we were teaching, and they really enjoyed it! Rested the rest of the day and that brings me up to now! I am starting to feel better and I hope that this is the end of this sickness, hahah.
Hope y'all have a great week!
Elder Tanuvass
Thursday, March 3, 2016
22 February 2016
Season 3: Episode 3 The One with a Broken Bike
Good Morning!
This week someone's bike broke down...but
it wasn't mine! Elder Ellsworth's bike broke down about a mile from our
destination on Wednesday. We ended up having to walk that mile, and then
walk another 2 miles to wait to get picked up by other missionaries. I
was just grateful that I am in Tampa, and that there are missionaries close by!
If we were anywhere else, it would have been a lot longer.
One of the things that this week has
really brought to my attention was the importance of prayer. The importance
of keeping our Father in Heaven in our lives at all times. In the
scriptures we always read about how people would go through a cycle where they
would be righteous, and then receive blessings. Eventually they would
turn prideful, and lose the strength that they had previously because of their
righteousness. In Alma 63 we learn how we can continue to be blessed
without being prideful. We learn that we should 1) remember all of what
God has done for us and 2) pray continually. As I've continued to pray continually,
I've noticed a change of attitude and I am much more receptive to the
promptings of the Spirit.
Elder Tanuvasa
Friday, February 26, 2016
15 February 2016
Season 3: Episode 2 The one with Speaking in Church
Yesterday at church my companion (Elder Ellsworth) and I were asked to speak. It was very short notice, but I really enjoyed it! We had the chance to speak on Faith and Obedience. One of my favorite parts about a mission, is that I can have set apart time to study the scriptures, it's definitely something that I will continue to do. This time has really blessed me, in that I now find solace while reading. The scriptures answer so many questions, and I now find it enjoyable to bury myself in them!
One of the blessings about serving in Tampa is that there are so many people walking around! We will bike to our set appointments, and then talk to people along the way! You never really know who you're going to meet, so it's always engaging, haha. I haven't biked in awhile, so I've started to get my biking legs back. It's not uncommon for us to bike 20-25 miles a day.
Transfers are today, and we will find out what's happening pretty soon! I'll probably write it in at the end of this, once we find out so.....yeah.
Love,
Elder Tanuvasa
p.s. no transfer
Yesterday at church my companion (Elder Ellsworth) and I were asked to speak. It was very short notice, but I really enjoyed it! We had the chance to speak on Faith and Obedience. One of my favorite parts about a mission, is that I can have set apart time to study the scriptures, it's definitely something that I will continue to do. This time has really blessed me, in that I now find solace while reading. The scriptures answer so many questions, and I now find it enjoyable to bury myself in them!
One of the blessings about serving in Tampa is that there are so many people walking around! We will bike to our set appointments, and then talk to people along the way! You never really know who you're going to meet, so it's always engaging, haha. I haven't biked in awhile, so I've started to get my biking legs back. It's not uncommon for us to bike 20-25 miles a day.
Transfers are today, and we will find out what's happening pretty soon! I'll probably write it in at the end of this, once we find out so.....yeah.
Love,
Elder Tanuvasa
p.s. no transfer
8 February 2016
Season 3: Episode 1 The One with the Transfer
Good Morning!
So I am now in Tampa Florida! I am serving in the Carrollwood ward. Sister Sackley (who is serving in Tampa 2) is north of me! We are in the same zone, but not district! I am now with Elder Ellsworth he is super funny and hard working! We get along great!
The Tampa Bay Bucs stadium is in our area, so I HAD to get a picture of course, haha. Also, had the opportunity to cut my own hair, and it's not too shabby!
Anyways, not much happened this week other than that. On Saturday, it was raining all day, so we weren't able to be on our bikes. We ended up walking to our appointments, and talking to people on the way! We walked for about 5 hours! My feet are starting to low-key blister, hahah
I love you all and I hope you have a great week!
Elder Tanuvasa
Good Morning!
So I am now in Tampa Florida! I am serving in the Carrollwood ward. Sister Sackley (who is serving in Tampa 2) is north of me! We are in the same zone, but not district! I am now with Elder Ellsworth he is super funny and hard working! We get along great!
The Tampa Bay Bucs stadium is in our area, so I HAD to get a picture of course, haha. Also, had the opportunity to cut my own hair, and it's not too shabby!
Anyways, not much happened this week other than that. On Saturday, it was raining all day, so we weren't able to be on our bikes. We ended up walking to our appointments, and talking to people on the way! We walked for about 5 hours! My feet are starting to low-key blister, hahah
I love you all and I hope you have a great week!
Elder Tanuvasa
Monday, February 8, 2016
1 February 2016
Season 2: Episode 4
Good Afternoon Family and Friends!
On Monday, we went bowling and I STILL GOT IT!
Today, we went golf, and I STILL GOT IT!
Lol, anywho last week we had a baptism, so that's always cool. It's awesome to see someone change their life, and follow Christ and His example. I was also able to meet someone who served his mission with my Dad! So it was pretty cool. I believe that there is a picture, hopefully mi mama will put it in.
I was on an exchange with Elder Bowden on Tuesday and it was so much fun! Elder Bowden and I were companions in the MTC together, so it was awesome to see him again!
Sorry, nothing special this week.
Love,
Elder Tanuvasa
The Former Elder Kirkland of the Oregon Portland Mission
Good Afternoon Family and Friends!
On Monday, we went bowling and I STILL GOT IT!
Today, we went golf, and I STILL GOT IT!
Lol, anywho last week we had a baptism, so that's always cool. It's awesome to see someone change their life, and follow Christ and His example. I was also able to meet someone who served his mission with my Dad! So it was pretty cool. I believe that there is a picture, hopefully mi mama will put it in.
I was on an exchange with Elder Bowden on Tuesday and it was so much fun! Elder Bowden and I were companions in the MTC together, so it was awesome to see him again!
Sorry, nothing special this week.
Love,
Elder Tanuvasa
The Former Elder Kirkland of the Oregon Portland Mission
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
25 January 2016
Season 2: Episode 3 The One with the Funeral
So this week, the funeral for one of our friends' mother. I was asked to sing Amazing Grace as part of the service. One of the things that was consistent as these family members/friends were saying brief things, was that they regret not showing/telling the other person how much they loved her. It really hit me that, hey, you never know when it's someone's time, so always express your love, and leave no regrets.
On a slightly less somber note, I finally got my hands on an ukulele and a guitar! One of the people that we are teaching had them and we jammed for a few minutes, and that was a lot of Fun!
Not really too much this week, just cherish those whom you love.
Love,
Elder Tanuvasa
So this week, the funeral for one of our friends' mother. I was asked to sing Amazing Grace as part of the service. One of the things that was consistent as these family members/friends were saying brief things, was that they regret not showing/telling the other person how much they loved her. It really hit me that, hey, you never know when it's someone's time, so always express your love, and leave no regrets.
On a slightly less somber note, I finally got my hands on an ukulele and a guitar! One of the people that we are teaching had them and we jammed for a few minutes, and that was a lot of Fun!
Not really too much this week, just cherish those whom you love.
Love,
Elder Tanuvasa
18 January 2016
Dear Mom,
Sorry you are getting an answer to a question that Dad asked me in a letter, I hope you will both read this and share them with everyone you feel prompted to, even the blog.
Some things that I have learned about myself on my mission: I look at myself in the mirror, and I'm changed physically. But I ask myself, how else have I changed. And something that I have noticed is that I'm self-motivated. Not that I wasn't before, but I was always with someone else, like during workouts, I always had at least Dad to help me. And now, I'm on my own, that accountability is gone, it's just me and the Lord, sure my companion can help motivate, but for the most part, it has to come through me. I've learned that hey, I can be diligent on my own and obey with exactness.
Second, I've always been a leader, but I believe so far, the Lord has been teaching me how to be a follower. How to take some correction with the best attitude. And that has been a huge blessing. I have a testimony that He knows me personally and desires my success, so he puts me with people and in situations where I can have the opportunities to do so.
Love you! Your son,
Elder Tanuvasa
Sorry you are getting an answer to a question that Dad asked me in a letter, I hope you will both read this and share them with everyone you feel prompted to, even the blog.
Some things that I have learned about myself on my mission: I look at myself in the mirror, and I'm changed physically. But I ask myself, how else have I changed. And something that I have noticed is that I'm self-motivated. Not that I wasn't before, but I was always with someone else, like during workouts, I always had at least Dad to help me. And now, I'm on my own, that accountability is gone, it's just me and the Lord, sure my companion can help motivate, but for the most part, it has to come through me. I've learned that hey, I can be diligent on my own and obey with exactness.
Second, I've always been a leader, but I believe so far, the Lord has been teaching me how to be a follower. How to take some correction with the best attitude. And that has been a huge blessing. I have a testimony that He knows me personally and desires my success, so he puts me with people and in situations where I can have the opportunities to do so.
Love you! Your son,
Elder Tanuvasa
Thursday, January 28, 2016
21 January 2016
Side note: Elder Tanuvasa has family in Mission Viejo. Turns out Sister Felt (and Sister Sackley - another Summerlake Ward Missionary - are companions) had home teachers in Mission Viejo by the name of Tanuvasa - Shawn (uncle) and Kanoah (cousin)! Small world
18 January 2016
Season 2: Episode 8 "The one with the Storm"
Hello, hello!
As per labeled my episode this week, there was a storm. It was from Saturday night to Sunday morning. At 4 a.m. we were woken up by our Hazard Alert radio that was blaring (it sounded like someone pulled the school fire alarm, if that helps). Anyways, I got up, and was listening to the emergency radio that was going off too; it was talking about tornado warnings or something like that. I was like "oh snap, it's going down!" and that excitement lasted all of about 3 seconds before I crawled back in bed and fell asleep, lo. You could hear the thunder booming and you could see lightning flashing, my attitude was "hey, if it's my time, it's my time." It wasn't my time, we got up in the morning, got dressed and went outside and saw trees that were blown over and a whole bunch of debris was in the streets, so we spent a good amount of time clearing those. As we were talking to some people at church, they said that winds were anywhere from 40-70 mph, I don't know how true that is, but yeah. That's my weather excitement for the week.
One of the people at church's mother passed away this week, it was really scary cause we had no joke talked with her 2 days before. She never had any health problems, was super active, she was 55! She woke up, didn't feel good, and went back to sleep, and then...you know....it's just crazy to see how fragile life really is, you never really think anything is going to happen to you. As we were comforting the family, it caused me to reflect on this. Please keep the Barnes family in your prayers.
Something that I have noticed this week was how planning and telling the Lord your plans will bless you. As we've made our plans so specific, they are almost tedious, and as we inform the Lord, where we are going to be at a certain time and place. He is able to place people in our paths, that we never would've seen if we decided to just go do something else. And I think that is very applicable to life, as we express to Him, our goals, and our plans to achieve those goals, He is able to open opportunities that wouldn't have been there before!
Anyways, love you all!
Elder Tanuvasa
Hello, hello!
As per labeled my episode this week, there was a storm. It was from Saturday night to Sunday morning. At 4 a.m. we were woken up by our Hazard Alert radio that was blaring (it sounded like someone pulled the school fire alarm, if that helps). Anyways, I got up, and was listening to the emergency radio that was going off too; it was talking about tornado warnings or something like that. I was like "oh snap, it's going down!" and that excitement lasted all of about 3 seconds before I crawled back in bed and fell asleep, lo. You could hear the thunder booming and you could see lightning flashing, my attitude was "hey, if it's my time, it's my time." It wasn't my time, we got up in the morning, got dressed and went outside and saw trees that were blown over and a whole bunch of debris was in the streets, so we spent a good amount of time clearing those. As we were talking to some people at church, they said that winds were anywhere from 40-70 mph, I don't know how true that is, but yeah. That's my weather excitement for the week.
One of the people at church's mother passed away this week, it was really scary cause we had no joke talked with her 2 days before. She never had any health problems, was super active, she was 55! She woke up, didn't feel good, and went back to sleep, and then...you know....it's just crazy to see how fragile life really is, you never really think anything is going to happen to you. As we were comforting the family, it caused me to reflect on this. Please keep the Barnes family in your prayers.
Something that I have noticed this week was how planning and telling the Lord your plans will bless you. As we've made our plans so specific, they are almost tedious, and as we inform the Lord, where we are going to be at a certain time and place. He is able to place people in our paths, that we never would've seen if we decided to just go do something else. And I think that is very applicable to life, as we express to Him, our goals, and our plans to achieve those goals, He is able to open opportunities that wouldn't have been there before!
Anyways, love you all!
Elder Tanuvasa
Monday, January 18, 2016
11 January 2016
Season 2: Episode 7: "The One with the Snake?"
Dear Friends and Family,
So much happened this week, I'll try and get it all down. On Monday, we made an impulsive decision to go hit 9-holes of golf, so that was a ton of fun! There was a lot of people there, and we didn't even hold anyone up!
On Thursday, we were meeting with this girl whose dad is a member, but her mom isn't. they live way out in the country. So we went out out see them, and the meeting went really well! The spirit was so strong! And after we met, they gave us a tour of the farm, and it just so happens that two days earlier, one of their mama's had a kid. Hence you see me with a tiny goat. They were not potty trained. There were poop pellets ALL over the place.
On Saturday we were talking to people in a parking lot, and we met this guy named Jose, who didn't speak English, used my Espanol dos skillz and was able to teach a little, and say a prayer in Spanish! So yeah, language barriers are basically gone, totally fluent in Spanish right now, hahha.
On Sunday the YW President had us come in and show the Young Women how they could use the Book of Mormon to answer their prayers. We started off by getting a question from them that applies to their life. We then all knelt down and had that person pray, and ask the question to Heavenly Father and to ask him to place one word in their head to look up in the Index of the Book of Mormon. Afterwards we looked up the word and she went through, reading the brief summaries in there, and when a scripture stuck out to her, we went there, and BANG! Found her answer. The spirit was so strong.
I've put this to the test, I dont' know how many times but every time, it's answered! Sometimes we kneel/wait longer than we thought we would, but without fail, or question is answered!!
I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God, as well as the Bible and know that our Father in Heaven can use it to answer our questions, and I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love you all, until next week,
Elder Tanuvasa
(From his email: "And we found a dead snake in our dryer.. had to get it out cause it STANK, and of course, I had to get a pic with it!")
Dear Friends and Family,
So much happened this week, I'll try and get it all down. On Monday, we made an impulsive decision to go hit 9-holes of golf, so that was a ton of fun! There was a lot of people there, and we didn't even hold anyone up!
On Thursday, we were meeting with this girl whose dad is a member, but her mom isn't. they live way out in the country. So we went out out see them, and the meeting went really well! The spirit was so strong! And after we met, they gave us a tour of the farm, and it just so happens that two days earlier, one of their mama's had a kid. Hence you see me with a tiny goat. They were not potty trained. There were poop pellets ALL over the place.
On Saturday we were talking to people in a parking lot, and we met this guy named Jose, who didn't speak English, used my Espanol dos skillz and was able to teach a little, and say a prayer in Spanish! So yeah, language barriers are basically gone, totally fluent in Spanish right now, hahha.
On Sunday the YW President had us come in and show the Young Women how they could use the Book of Mormon to answer their prayers. We started off by getting a question from them that applies to their life. We then all knelt down and had that person pray, and ask the question to Heavenly Father and to ask him to place one word in their head to look up in the Index of the Book of Mormon. Afterwards we looked up the word and she went through, reading the brief summaries in there, and when a scripture stuck out to her, we went there, and BANG! Found her answer. The spirit was so strong.
I've put this to the test, I dont' know how many times but every time, it's answered! Sometimes we kneel/wait longer than we thought we would, but without fail, or question is answered!!
I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God, as well as the Bible and know that our Father in Heaven can use it to answer our questions, and I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love you all, until next week,
Elder Tanuvasa
(From his email: "And we found a dead snake in our dryer.. had to get it out cause it STANK, and of course, I had to get a pic with it!")
Monday, January 11, 2016
4 January 2016
Season 2: Episode 6 "The One with New Years"
Happy New Year's y'all!
I was informed by my family and friends that I "talk differently" now. I am unable to see how that would work seeing that I am in the United States and speaking English...speaking of that, that reminds me of when I was calling to confirm an appointment (a long time ago) and I asked "is there going to be a male there?" and her response was "well, I have chicken in the fridge...." HAHAHA she thought I said MEAL instead of MALE. Anyways, that is just a good 'ole story to start us out.
Nothing really happened to us on New Years Eve and New Years that was out of the norm. It seemed like everyone was getting pulled over however, which I thought was no bueno. Made me a little nervous while running the next morning.
Not too much to write about. Happy B-Day Pops! That would be on 5 Jan 2015 if any of y'all are wondering!
Love you all,
Elder Tanuvasa
Happy New Year's y'all!
I was informed by my family and friends that I "talk differently" now. I am unable to see how that would work seeing that I am in the United States and speaking English...speaking of that, that reminds me of when I was calling to confirm an appointment (a long time ago) and I asked "is there going to be a male there?" and her response was "well, I have chicken in the fridge...." HAHAHA she thought I said MEAL instead of MALE. Anyways, that is just a good 'ole story to start us out.
Nothing really happened to us on New Years Eve and New Years that was out of the norm. It seemed like everyone was getting pulled over however, which I thought was no bueno. Made me a little nervous while running the next morning.
Not too much to write about. Happy B-Day Pops! That would be on 5 Jan 2015 if any of y'all are wondering!
Love you all,
Elder Tanuvasa
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