Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Well, last Monday I was supposed to fly back to Nikunua, but the
flight was delayed. I was so disapointed by it that I couldn't pull
myself together to write a letter. That worked out nicely though because it gave
me the chance to do a surprise Skype with my family. Here they are
thinking that they will have to endure Christmas with no phone call
and then, 'Hello!' So I feel really bad about not being in Nikunau,
but there are positives. After my flight was cancelled last week I
called the airport about 50 times in 3 days to get myself a new
flight, but to no avail. Now it looks like I'll leave first thing next
monday morning Jan. 4.
After the flight didn't go my companion Elder Tonini and I were so
frustrated with going on splits every day (seriously, we had been
comps for over 2 weeks and hadn't taught a single lesson together). So
we visited President and begged for an area. He had already been
planning on splitting the West Zone leaders area in Half this month,
so he gave that area to us. This is cool because that is the area that
I have been working in on splits, so I already know it and love the
people. I'll stay in Ambo until I finally get to leave the island. We
have lots of people that I really love, but I have really enjoyed
teaching one lady in particular. Her name is Ramwaua (it's like a
combimation of Ramen and hour). We started teaching her and she has
been really accepting the lessons. But then we started the Plan of
Salvation and asked her if she has ever pondered the questions where
did I come from? Why am I here? and Where am I going after this life?
before. Every one says no to that question. She said no at first, then
said that actually she has had a question like it before. Throughout
her life, especially right now, she has wondered why she is here. She
feels that her life is too hard and she wonders what she did wrong to
cause it. She has a husband and 3 little children that she doesn't
have the money to feed. SHe feels that she is keeping comandments and
living a good life, but that God must not love her because she can not
feel his love. SHe wonders if it is better if she just dies. Oh, I
almost cried when I heard her laments. But luckily those are the
questions this church is designed to answer. I have had so much fun
answering her questions. But before you give me any credit, I really
didn't do anything, it was all the Holy Ghost and the Words of God. We
felt that we should break up the PoS into 3 lessons, one for each
question.
The first we focused heavily (more so than usual) on Adam
and Eve. We taught how it really was a good thing that they ate the
fruit, because it gave us a chance to come here and have joy. When we
read 2 Nephi 2:25 she laughed, she had never seen the truth of that in
her life. We explained that yes all of the sadness and despair she has
felt in this life came from the Fall, but so has all the happiness she
has felt and the joy she can;t even imagine. Next we taught the
importance of this life, focusing on the Savior. We read Matthew
11:28-30, Come unto me all ye that labor... and I will give you rest.
She looked doubtful, but the combination of that scripture with our
words and the beautiful feeling lead her to say this in her closing
prayer, 'Thank you God for answering my questions [why is my life so
hard? Does God love me? etc.]. My soul is at peace.' Then yesterday we
finished the Plan showing how much happiness our Heavenly Father has
promised for ALL of us. My favorite thing in the world is teaching
lessons. I feel so blessed to help her. Now her Less Active family is
starting to join in and I know she will see Miracles in her life. Soon
I'll go back to Nikunau, but until then I'll 'Give 'em Heaven' here in
Ambo!
Love,
Elder Morley
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Saturday, December 26, 2015
The unexpected Christmas Skype 12/25/2015
I've decided to share this little bit more.
On Christmas morning I woke up to a dream. In my dream I realized that I hadn't seen David in a long time and that it was time for him to catch the bus to go to school. So I went to the bus stop and waited for him. He arrived at the bus stop and was his younger self. He said to me, "You have been gone a long time." I said, "I'm sorry that I was away, but I came straight here so that I could see you." Then his hair was awry so I reached out to straighten it and we talked for a few minutes, but I don't remember the conversation. Then he said, "Oh No! I have just missed the bus." For a moment we both felt alarmed and then I recalled all the times that he had missed the bus in his youth, as he was our youngest child and the only one at home, I had often taken him to school. So I looked into his face and said, "Don't worry, I'll take you." Then I woke up.
At first the dream seemed so innocent and brief that I thought nothing of it. But then I realized that I could still feel how his hair had felt when I was smoothing it, and I realized that the conversation had been direct and personal and that we had been face to face together. I carried the dream around in my heart and found it very comforting through Christmas morning.
In the afternoon we were surprised when our eldest son called us and said, Come to skype quickly, David is on. We were in shock because in our mind David was safely back in Nikunau and we were very settled about him being there. But, there he was on the computer screen. So his story to us was that he and his companion had gone to the airplane last Monday only to find out that the flight had been canceled. Pilot was either too tired or some reason like that, but the whole flight had been canceled. David was beyond discouraged. There was usually another airplane that could be chartered, but that airplane needed to be inspected and the inspection person lived in New Zealand and wouldn't be back until after the New Years. This flight only flew once per week and next Monday was already sold out. (The airplane holds 20 passengers and goes to other islands a long the way, like Beru.) They have tickets for January 4th which will make it 1 month since he was away and left the island without any leadership. Elder Jenks, the new Senior missionary had already called all of the 20 passengers on the flight and asked them to give up their seats for our missionaries. Even offered them a monetary award if they would give up their seats, but they were all waiting to get home as well and said no.
David was worried that because the congregation is so young in the gospel and the persecution so great on the island that in their absence that some might be led astray. In the mean time he and Elder Tonini had requested their own area in Tarawa so that they could work freely and not be reliant on the zone leaders. Also, in the mean time, he had been able to see Elder Weir every day of this week, which was a great privledge having not seen him much at all his whole mission.
So, I guess that yesterday all the other Elders were skyping home and Sister Sue Richins Alldredge had offered to him to get on the computer and tell us Merry Christmas. He told her that he already had had his skype and she said, (bless her heart) that he could just quickly tell us Merry Christmas if he wanted to. So when we saw him, we were actually kind of sad, because we wanted him so much to be able to be on his island doing his work. At the end of the conversation, I told him about my dream. Then he said, "But Mom! I did miss my bus!" and then his dad said, "Well, David there must be a reason for it."
So, last night and this morning, I pondered everything and it came to me that in the dream, I helped him to get to school, so then there really was something that I could do this time. I could pray for him. So this morning, I have prayed for the Lord's will to be done. I have realized that the Lord might have a larger purpose in mind in keeping David on Tarawa, but that if it was His will that he be allowed to finish his purpose on Tarawa and return quickly to Nikunau. I'm feeling really centered in the fact that I can not do anything my self personally, and that the Lord knows the situation exactly and that all will be right. Also feeling very grateful that David was able to see his mission president this week. He loves Pres. Weir so much. This story does not have a resolution, but it does show the tender mercy of the Lord in sending me a dream that had the purpose of helping me direct my prayers.
I asked David to thank Sister Alldredge for me. He said, "Of course mom!" and I also saw Elder Carrington and Elder Hilliard briefly during the skype, recognized them, called them by name and said Hello to them. Wow, what a crazy mission.
Jennifer Seguine, Miwako Farley, Gaye Anne Edwards Hilliard, Koreen Carrington
Sunday, December 20, 2015
12/20/2015
If all went well, then David left this morning to go back to Nikunau. I received this short email in the middle of the night last night and read it this morning. Pretty much made me cry, but it is the kind of letter you wait a lifetime to receive.
Hey Mom,
Hey Mom,
I asked to have one last time to email before I fly out tomorrow. We are supposed to check in at 8 tomorrow morning. I just wanted to say that I love you. I wish that I could promise that I could email you every week, but I cannot promise what will happen out there. But I can promise that I will write a letter at least once a week. That is not this letter. This letter is a last good bye for who knows how long. I love this work. I KNOW with all my heart that I am Exactly where I am supposed to be. I am more watched over and loved that I could possible imagine before I got to this country. I also know that you are watched over as well. I love reading your letters. Angel is really the best way to describe you in every sense of the word. I read Elder Hollands talk about a Mothers Love, and it so perfectly described the relationship you have with me and I have with you. We have a special connection that cannot be broken by time or space or lack of modern technology. I love you. I love you. I love you. Be good. Be safe. Stay healthy and strong. Do all that the Lord tells you to do and all will go Exactly as it should.
Love,
Elder Morley
Monday, December 14, 2015
Snail mail written Monday Nov. 30, 2015
On the same day that we skyped David, we also received this letter.
Monday Nov. 30, 2015
Hey Folks!
So, ah, funny story.... Last week, Wednesday night, um, the internet place burned down. There's only 1 spot on the island with internet and well, it went up in smoke. Thursday, (Thanksgiving) we went into town to do service for a member who lives by the government office. We biked past and, to our surprise, where there used to be 4 buildings, now there was only 3. The Protestant church in Kiribati is really big into fundraising. There was a group renting the government's oven to make scones. Well, they chose to do it into the middle of the night and while their last batch was cooking they left to take a break leaving the kerosene stove untended. To their disappointment they came back at 2am to find their scones burnt and coincidentally the entire office in flames. That office stored all the birth, death and marriage records that haven't entered into the computer, the fund raising efforts for women and youth, 2 generators, 3 laptops, a printer, a modem and a satellite dish. All gone. So it looks like we're back to letters her on out.
Due to time change, looks like this may be a good time to say "Merry Christmas!" or maybe Happy New Year! as long as we're not at Have a Jolly Groundhog's day we are doing all right.
Whenever this gets to you I want to make sure to say Congrats to the Beautiful Mrs. Rachael Ann Quinn! I hope you had a wonderful day. I sure did. I decided that you would probably get married right around noon on the 28th. So Sunday morning when I first woke up I decided to celebrate with you. I can't be in the temple with you just yet, but I can join in prayer and scripture study. I woke up and studied about the New and Everlasting covenant, about Temples and about marriage. You did a beautiful thing. The sealing is my favorite part of temple work. Such amazing promises are made and there is always a wonderful spirit there. In church I taught the members about Temples. All the members in Nikunau send their Congrats and Good luck.
At our second session of church (one up North in Monubenua, one down South in Nikumanu) there were 13 natives there. That might sound lame, but it was a miracle. My first week, there were 4 kids, then 6, then 7, and this week 13 with adults. A miracle. Ironically this miracle was provided by a KUC Minister name Tio. He is an RM that is the strongest oppose of our church on the island. Whenever we do something he fins a way to combat it. We hold church in a member's house in Nikumanu, unfortunately the members are in Tarawa. We can still use the house, but the people watching the house are KUC. This week Tio scheduled a pot luck lunch with them at the exact same time as our church. So their house was busy with a whole bunch of guests coming over. We found out on Saturday and quickly asked an investigator if we could borrow his house. This investigator, Ruoi and his wife maomao were progressing great, but I think he got discouraged going to church with only 4 kids so stopped progressing. We've started holding FHE in his house on Tuesdays so he was chill to let us borrow it again. Why is this another great example of the Lord's timing? The Lord is so good at turning weaknesses into strengths. We have 1 golden investigator, Tabeti. We invited her to church for the 1 st time this week. She accepted, but we were kind of embarrassed to have her come to church to see a bunch of kids there. ("oh the Mormon is a church for children ' is not an idea we wanted to get started. So basically in the ministers attempt to mess up our church, he helped 3 investigators all see that this is a church for adults. I think we'll have a lot of investigators coming in no time. Next week is combined Fast Sunday up North, so I think a lot will get on the car and see how big this church really is!
After church we went on splits from about 330 - 4pm or your time, 8:30 - 9pm Sat.. 28) I was working with Teiaaba, the Dad at the house I live in. The whole time I was just so filled with happiness. I just loved sharing the gospel with a good friend of mine who is kind of like a dad. I just couldn't stop telling him how I have the greatest job in the world and talking up our work. I was so overjoyed. At one point, biking a long a thought popped in my head. It said, "I am the most blessed person in the world." Rachael I hope that is how you and our whole family felt on that great day. We are truly blessed and watched over every day of our lives.
New from here. Since I first got here we found 30 new investigators, 2 are Golden and are leading their families, lots are making amazing progression and almost all keep letting us come back. We'll go tracting on Wednesday, so hopefully that will increase. Max church in my time, 35. Max lessons in 1 week 37, average 32. Our current goal is 40 church and 42 lessons, so a few more investigators will make that comfortably possible. Transfers on Thursday.
Merry Christmas
Love,
Elder Morley
Monday Nov. 30, 2015
Hey Folks!
So, ah, funny story.... Last week, Wednesday night, um, the internet place burned down. There's only 1 spot on the island with internet and well, it went up in smoke. Thursday, (Thanksgiving) we went into town to do service for a member who lives by the government office. We biked past and, to our surprise, where there used to be 4 buildings, now there was only 3. The Protestant church in Kiribati is really big into fundraising. There was a group renting the government's oven to make scones. Well, they chose to do it into the middle of the night and while their last batch was cooking they left to take a break leaving the kerosene stove untended. To their disappointment they came back at 2am to find their scones burnt and coincidentally the entire office in flames. That office stored all the birth, death and marriage records that haven't entered into the computer, the fund raising efforts for women and youth, 2 generators, 3 laptops, a printer, a modem and a satellite dish. All gone. So it looks like we're back to letters her on out.
Due to time change, looks like this may be a good time to say "Merry Christmas!" or maybe Happy New Year! as long as we're not at Have a Jolly Groundhog's day we are doing all right.
Whenever this gets to you I want to make sure to say Congrats to the Beautiful Mrs. Rachael Ann Quinn! I hope you had a wonderful day. I sure did. I decided that you would probably get married right around noon on the 28th. So Sunday morning when I first woke up I decided to celebrate with you. I can't be in the temple with you just yet, but I can join in prayer and scripture study. I woke up and studied about the New and Everlasting covenant, about Temples and about marriage. You did a beautiful thing. The sealing is my favorite part of temple work. Such amazing promises are made and there is always a wonderful spirit there. In church I taught the members about Temples. All the members in Nikunau send their Congrats and Good luck.
At our second session of church (one up North in Monubenua, one down South in Nikumanu) there were 13 natives there. That might sound lame, but it was a miracle. My first week, there were 4 kids, then 6, then 7, and this week 13 with adults. A miracle. Ironically this miracle was provided by a KUC Minister name Tio. He is an RM that is the strongest oppose of our church on the island. Whenever we do something he fins a way to combat it. We hold church in a member's house in Nikumanu, unfortunately the members are in Tarawa. We can still use the house, but the people watching the house are KUC. This week Tio scheduled a pot luck lunch with them at the exact same time as our church. So their house was busy with a whole bunch of guests coming over. We found out on Saturday and quickly asked an investigator if we could borrow his house. This investigator, Ruoi and his wife maomao were progressing great, but I think he got discouraged going to church with only 4 kids so stopped progressing. We've started holding FHE in his house on Tuesdays so he was chill to let us borrow it again. Why is this another great example of the Lord's timing? The Lord is so good at turning weaknesses into strengths. We have 1 golden investigator, Tabeti. We invited her to church for the 1 st time this week. She accepted, but we were kind of embarrassed to have her come to church to see a bunch of kids there. ("oh the Mormon is a church for children ' is not an idea we wanted to get started. So basically in the ministers attempt to mess up our church, he helped 3 investigators all see that this is a church for adults. I think we'll have a lot of investigators coming in no time. Next week is combined Fast Sunday up North, so I think a lot will get on the car and see how big this church really is!
After church we went on splits from about 330 - 4pm or your time, 8:30 - 9pm Sat.. 28) I was working with Teiaaba, the Dad at the house I live in. The whole time I was just so filled with happiness. I just loved sharing the gospel with a good friend of mine who is kind of like a dad. I just couldn't stop telling him how I have the greatest job in the world and talking up our work. I was so overjoyed. At one point, biking a long a thought popped in my head. It said, "I am the most blessed person in the world." Rachael I hope that is how you and our whole family felt on that great day. We are truly blessed and watched over every day of our lives.
New from here. Since I first got here we found 30 new investigators, 2 are Golden and are leading their families, lots are making amazing progression and almost all keep letting us come back. We'll go tracting on Wednesday, so hopefully that will increase. Max church in my time, 35. Max lessons in 1 week 37, average 32. Our current goal is 40 church and 42 lessons, so a few more investigators will make that comfortably possible. Transfers on Thursday.
Merry Christmas
Love,
Elder Morley
Sunday, December 13, 2015
12/13/2015 Tarawa
Hi all!
My companion had some medical concerns.
And since there is no reliable way of comunication
from Nikunau we decided, through prayer, to take a 'roadtrip' by
airplane back to Tarawa. I remember my sister's mission and her not
being able to leave her area which was on the other side of the
street, and now I was buying an airplane flight (with cash) for $320.
So, Hi Tarawa! I almost cried leaving that island not knowing when or
if I would be able to get back. So, back to culture shock.
In Tarawa I was miserable. My brand new companion was taken away from
me and given to Elder Carrington. Now I got Elder Carringtons
companion, Elder Tonini from Texas. He has worked a year in Marshalls
and now is here without any MTC language training, so I'll train him,
sorta. When you train here we call it your son. So my son was taken
and I got a strange benjamin button child who is old and good with
culture, but can't talk. Fun! He is awesome and I can't wait to work
with him. Trying to focus on lessons was tough because every time we
heard a concern or met a person all I could think about was Nikunau and
my family and investigators there. I did everything I could to get
back.
We thought that I would be able to get out last Thursday, but
the air Kiribati flight that I flew in on was full flying back. It is
full until the 21st of December. We tried to charter our way out, but
his airplane is getting a yearly inspection and wont be ready until
Wednesday. So I'll probably leave on wednesday, but that was hard to
accept last monday. I prayed, called the airport and even did a
special fast so that I could get out. But my prayer was answered when
I tried the last time to check if there was a space on the flight. I
called the airport the night before 4 times. Our house has no service
so I tried to walk out to the road. I don't wear shoes as much
anymore, so I was standing at the end of our driveway when I started
having the strangest sensation on my feet. It was like I was being
stabbed with dozens of needles. I ran back to the house and found my
legs completely covered in red ants. Hmm. I don't take hints easy, so
I tried again, now with shoes ina different spot. It rings. Rings.
Rings for ages and sound like someone answers, but then the service
dies. SO then I decide to try someplace high. I am so desperate that I
climb up on the ZLs big van and try there. Same thing. It rings.
Rings. Rings for ages and sound like someone answers, but then the
service dies. So I get down and bash my arm into the cement garage
wall. Just another thing telling me, 'No Elder Morley, your work here
isn't done yet." So I went to work the next day and felt awful. So I
prayed super hard and asked for the strength to let go of Nikunau for
a little while and be able to work for real here. After I did that I
was blessed to be able to see how wonderful the work here is. My time
isn't done outie, but I think I would be able work here. Since we were
on splits all week the area exploded. They got so many investigators
and we were able to teach 59 lessons. I love this work and know that I
am where I am supposed to be. I hope you all have a great christmas.
If all goes well, see you in the new year!
Love
Elder Morley
--
Elder Morley
My companion had some medical concerns.
And since there is no reliable way of comunication
from Nikunau we decided, through prayer, to take a 'roadtrip' by
airplane back to Tarawa. I remember my sister's mission and her not
being able to leave her area which was on the other side of the
street, and now I was buying an airplane flight (with cash) for $320.
So, Hi Tarawa! I almost cried leaving that island not knowing when or
if I would be able to get back. So, back to culture shock.
In Tarawa I was miserable. My brand new companion was taken away from
me and given to Elder Carrington. Now I got Elder Carringtons
companion, Elder Tonini from Texas. He has worked a year in Marshalls
and now is here without any MTC language training, so I'll train him,
sorta. When you train here we call it your son. So my son was taken
and I got a strange benjamin button child who is old and good with
culture, but can't talk. Fun! He is awesome and I can't wait to work
with him. Trying to focus on lessons was tough because every time we
heard a concern or met a person all I could think about was Nikunau and
my family and investigators there. I did everything I could to get
back.
We thought that I would be able to get out last Thursday, but
the air Kiribati flight that I flew in on was full flying back. It is
full until the 21st of December. We tried to charter our way out, but
his airplane is getting a yearly inspection and wont be ready until
Wednesday. So I'll probably leave on wednesday, but that was hard to
accept last monday. I prayed, called the airport and even did a
special fast so that I could get out. But my prayer was answered when
I tried the last time to check if there was a space on the flight. I
called the airport the night before 4 times. Our house has no service
so I tried to walk out to the road. I don't wear shoes as much
anymore, so I was standing at the end of our driveway when I started
having the strangest sensation on my feet. It was like I was being
stabbed with dozens of needles. I ran back to the house and found my
legs completely covered in red ants. Hmm. I don't take hints easy, so
I tried again, now with shoes ina different spot. It rings. Rings.
Rings for ages and sound like someone answers, but then the service
dies. SO then I decide to try someplace high. I am so desperate that I
climb up on the ZLs big van and try there. Same thing. It rings.
Rings. Rings for ages and sound like someone answers, but then the
service dies. So I get down and bash my arm into the cement garage
wall. Just another thing telling me, 'No Elder Morley, your work here
isn't done yet." So I went to work the next day and felt awful. So I
prayed super hard and asked for the strength to let go of Nikunau for
a little while and be able to work for real here. After I did that I
was blessed to be able to see how wonderful the work here is. My time
isn't done outie, but I think I would be able work here. Since we were
on splits all week the area exploded. They got so many investigators
and we were able to teach 59 lessons. I love this work and know that I
am where I am supposed to be. I hope you all have a great christmas.
If all goes well, see you in the new year!
Love
Elder Morley
--
Elder Morley
Monday, December 7, 2015
12/7/2015 back to Tarawa for stats....
Hi all,
I don't have much time. The Wednesday before last the Government office that is the only place with internet on the island of Nikunau burned down. Ooops! Well lon gstory short I'll be in Tarawa for a few days making sure our stats get in on time.
Nikunau is awesome. We have 23 progressing investigators and the work is just exploding. One investigator's name is Ieremia (Jeremiah). We have been telling him every visit to pray about the Prophet Thomas S Monson and then about new things as new lessons come up. But he is only free on Saturdays, so I've only had a few chances to meet/ teach with him. Well last Saturday he told us that he has been praying every night for the testimony of President MOnson. Last Wednesday he had a dream where he was praying and a man in white appeared to him. The man was floating in the air and Ieremia thought that it was God. But then he looked up and the man had the face of President Monson. He woke up in the morning and asked a dream interpreter what it meant. The dream interpreter said it wasn't a dream, it was a vision (potential investigator?). So our investigator was so excited to tell us about it. So I am so excited to work with him a little more. Now he is reading the Book of Mormon.
Well, I love you all lots. See you after Christmas!
Love,
Elder Morley
Sunday, December 6, 2015
12/6/2015 Internet site burned
We received this letter from David's former companion. I didn't know that there was only one internet site on the island. I think that it could be a while until we hear from him now. I will publish the snail mail when it gets here. Diane
Mauri
But Elder Morley told me to send this mail to you.
Monday, November 23, 2015
11/22/2015
Nikunau is so much awesome. Preaching the Gospel has never been so
much fun. This week everything has continued to progress. Slowly but
surely. Since we've spent so much time finding new investigators we
are now starting to teach them all of the first lessons. We teach
first about the Godhead and Prayer, then about Prophets and Thomas S
Monson, then about Christ's Church and Joseph Smith. Some times we
combine, but most of the time we break it all up so they can
understand everything. I have loved sharing my testimony of President
Monson basically every day. I have taught about him at least 15 times
since I got here. Every time I teach it, I love it more. The spirit
testifies to me of his Divine Calling even as I testify to others.
Also we have been teaching some people that have callings in their
churches. We have been careful to make sure that it is an uplifting
gospel conversation and not a chance to bible bash. We have been very
successful and I have enjoyed hearing some interesting views from
those of other faiths. In the culture here old men are very respected
and young men aren't given any attention, but since we are religious
leaders they let us in. People have been amazed at our knowledge of
the bible. We have gotten some difficult bible questions about the
Trinity. As I have studied for future discussions (The ministers got
scared so all of our bible discussions didn't last long) I have
received a greater testimony of this gospel. How grateful I am for
Joseph Smith and for having the fullness of restored truth restored to
us in these days. The truth just makes sense and it rings true with
the soul and brings joy. I love this gospel and savor every moment
that I have to share it with these wonderful people. I love you all!
Elder Morley,
P.S. Don't eat to much!
much fun. This week everything has continued to progress. Slowly but
surely. Since we've spent so much time finding new investigators we
are now starting to teach them all of the first lessons. We teach
first about the Godhead and Prayer, then about Prophets and Thomas S
Monson, then about Christ's Church and Joseph Smith. Some times we
combine, but most of the time we break it all up so they can
understand everything. I have loved sharing my testimony of President
Monson basically every day. I have taught about him at least 15 times
since I got here. Every time I teach it, I love it more. The spirit
testifies to me of his Divine Calling even as I testify to others.
Also we have been teaching some people that have callings in their
churches. We have been careful to make sure that it is an uplifting
gospel conversation and not a chance to bible bash. We have been very
successful and I have enjoyed hearing some interesting views from
those of other faiths. In the culture here old men are very respected
and young men aren't given any attention, but since we are religious
leaders they let us in. People have been amazed at our knowledge of
the bible. We have gotten some difficult bible questions about the
Trinity. As I have studied for future discussions (The ministers got
scared so all of our bible discussions didn't last long) I have
received a greater testimony of this gospel. How grateful I am for
Joseph Smith and for having the fullness of restored truth restored to
us in these days. The truth just makes sense and it rings true with
the soul and brings joy. I love this gospel and savor every moment
that I have to share it with these wonderful people. I love you all!
Elder Morley,
P.S. Don't eat to much!
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Nov. 15, 2015 Tracting on Nikunau
Hello from The Best Island Ever!
The only scrawny white boy on the island of Nikunau is still having a
blast. We've been working our tails off and are starting to see the
fruits of our labors. Last week we tracted into 15 new investigators,
and most of them seem solid. This week we tried something new. We did
it once in Nonouti, and it did alright, but we tried again here and it
was amazing! We went on Splits! Elder Tiaon worked with the Dad in the
house I live in, Teiaba, and I worked with one of our amazing recent
converts, Bill (kindof a rare kiribati name. He aparently has some
irish heritage somehow). Bill was baptized 6 months ago. He was so
scared to go out with us because this church is still mocked on this
island. He was worried that if he was seen with missionaries, biking
down the street in a white shirt and tie he would be laughed at.
Unfortunately he was right. We heard lots of laughs and comments like,
'Look a new Elder!' 'Hi Elder Bill' and less nice ones too. He said
that he was shy at first, and almost back out. But because we prayed
before we started off he was comforted. Before long he didn't care
about their laughs or pay attention to their snide coments. The best
part, proabably my favorite part of this whole week, was teaching with
him. It was his first time, so I taught the whole lesson, then gave
the time to him to bare testimony. We didn't tell him what to say, but
in each of our lessons he shared a brief but powerful version of his
conversion story. It went about like this, About 6 months ago I
started lessons with Elders. I listened to their lessons and followed
their words and prayed about it. I have found the truth and happiness
that doesn't end. I have seen the difference. I used to drink alcohol,
kava, and smoke all the time, but now I don't worry about those
things. I havn't smoked in almost 7 months now. I am happier,
healthier, and less lazy. My wife and I don't fight anymore, whereas
before we almost divorced. I know this church is true and it can help
you too. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen. Sometimes he would say
more, but it was always full of Power and Truth and all of our
investigators felt it. It strengthened my testimony of the importance
of members in Missionary work. I love this Work. I love this Church,
and know it can help you too.
Love
Elder Morley
The only scrawny white boy on the island of Nikunau is still having a
blast. We've been working our tails off and are starting to see the
fruits of our labors. Last week we tracted into 15 new investigators,
and most of them seem solid. This week we tried something new. We did
it once in Nonouti, and it did alright, but we tried again here and it
was amazing! We went on Splits! Elder Tiaon worked with the Dad in the
house I live in, Teiaba, and I worked with one of our amazing recent
converts, Bill (kindof a rare kiribati name. He aparently has some
irish heritage somehow). Bill was baptized 6 months ago. He was so
scared to go out with us because this church is still mocked on this
island. He was worried that if he was seen with missionaries, biking
down the street in a white shirt and tie he would be laughed at.
Unfortunately he was right. We heard lots of laughs and comments like,
'Look a new Elder!' 'Hi Elder Bill' and less nice ones too. He said
that he was shy at first, and almost back out. But because we prayed
before we started off he was comforted. Before long he didn't care
about their laughs or pay attention to their snide coments. The best
part, proabably my favorite part of this whole week, was teaching with
him. It was his first time, so I taught the whole lesson, then gave
the time to him to bare testimony. We didn't tell him what to say, but
in each of our lessons he shared a brief but powerful version of his
conversion story. It went about like this, About 6 months ago I
started lessons with Elders. I listened to their lessons and followed
their words and prayed about it. I have found the truth and happiness
that doesn't end. I have seen the difference. I used to drink alcohol,
kava, and smoke all the time, but now I don't worry about those
things. I havn't smoked in almost 7 months now. I am happier,
healthier, and less lazy. My wife and I don't fight anymore, whereas
before we almost divorced. I know this church is true and it can help
you too. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen. Sometimes he would say
more, but it was always full of Power and Truth and all of our
investigators felt it. It strengthened my testimony of the importance
of members in Missionary work. I love this Work. I love this Church,
and know it can help you too.
Love
Elder Morley
11/15/2015 Dear Brethren
My beloved Brethren,
I am writing this letter to you because I need some help. Right now I
am serving a mission in the islands of Kiribati. Right now I am on the
island of Nikunau, a cute little island that takes about 40 minutes to
bike from end to end. This island was opened for missionary work for
the first time at the beginning of the year. There are probably 60ish
people on the island with names on record, that either just joined the
church or were baptized years ago, then moved here where there was no
church, went less active and have little desire to come back. I am the
Branch President on this island with all of the responsibilities that
entails, but also a missionary with all of the responsibilities that
that entails as well. The church here started off well but then
suffered heavy persecution and hasn't quite recovered all the way. So
my concern is two fold. First, church attendance last week on the
island was 30. We hold church in 2 places and the southern location
only had 6 kids attending. The southern location is also where the
majority of our investigators are. That leads me to my 2nd concern.
Since I arrived on the island 18 days ago we have found or received 29
new investigators and I am almost embarrassed to invited them to
church with only kids between the ages of 10-15 attending. I have
chosen to send this letter to all of you because of my deep respect
and friendship with/ for all of you, time is short, so if I have
forgotten anyone, please include them. If you have any suggestions for
reactivation and retention work, please send your responses to me at
dmorley@myldsmail.net. Currently we are starting a Family Home Evening
in both locations. We plan to start a 'Game Night' in both locations
this week or next. We are doing as much service as we can. We went on
splits yesterday to get active branch members involved. We are doing
the best we can and seeking they Lord's help Always, I just want to
know if you have any advice.
Thank you All,
Love
Elder Morley
Sunday, November 8, 2015
11/8/2015 Nikunau Rocks!
Hi all!
I'm having a great time in the islands. Elder Tiaon and I are working
out tails off and loving every moment of it. We have been receiving new
investigators and seeing miracles. The ward members are awesome and
firmly rooted in the truth. They all have a strong testimony of how
the Lord's Hand came down to make this island ready for Elders to
come.
First off the house that I live in. It is the house of an old man
named Ivin. He joined the church when the church first got to Kiribati
and all of his kids were baptized then too. They were all really
little and only a few have stayed strong until now. One, his daughter
named Tarawaa, served a mission in Kiribati. She was offered all sorts
of jobs in New Zealand and almost went to school in BYU, but just
didn't feel good about leaving her homeland. So after her mission
finished she came back to her home here in Nikunau. She married here
and helped her husband to get baptized years before the church got
here. She would hold family home evening at her house and after a
while not only just her family came, but another family down the
street that hadn't been baptized yet. She refused to turn from her
religion on an island where her religion didn't exist yet. She would
go back to Tarawa to get her children blessed. They would go to
General Conference in Tarawa and tried to be as active as she could.
The Elders that first came here back at the begining of the year,
Elder Farley and Elder Seguine, had no home to stay in and had no idea
if they would be accepted here. They got off of the airplane and who
was the 1st person they saw? That lady, Tarawaa. She ran up to meet
them and asked them what they were doing. They said they were going to
work here and she got so excited. She quickly introduced them to the
members of her family. They, just 3 days before, had finished
building a spare house that they were planning to use as a spare space
or guest 'room'. They had also just barely finnished a mwaneaba, kind
of like a gathering hall. They immediately offered up their house for
missionaries, they hadn't even used it yet, and gave the mwaneaba to
be used to church on sundays. One lady had a dream a few weeks earlier
about 2 people in nice clean long pants and white shirts coming off of
the air plane. She saw a light around them and immediately started
running to tell people that Christ's messengers had come. In her dream
she was yelled at by the ministers of other faiths. She told everyone
in the town her dream, and was amazed when it came true just a week or
so later. This island was prepared in so many ways and they all came
together just a few days before so that the Church could come. I love
this work. Things are not easy, but they are exactly as they should be.
I am on the Lord's errand and loving it.
Have a great week!
Love
Elder Morley
I'm having a great time in the islands. Elder Tiaon and I are working
out tails off and loving every moment of it. We have been receiving new
investigators and seeing miracles. The ward members are awesome and
firmly rooted in the truth. They all have a strong testimony of how
the Lord's Hand came down to make this island ready for Elders to
come.
First off the house that I live in. It is the house of an old man
named Ivin. He joined the church when the church first got to Kiribati
and all of his kids were baptized then too. They were all really
little and only a few have stayed strong until now. One, his daughter
named Tarawaa, served a mission in Kiribati. She was offered all sorts
of jobs in New Zealand and almost went to school in BYU, but just
didn't feel good about leaving her homeland. So after her mission
finished she came back to her home here in Nikunau. She married here
and helped her husband to get baptized years before the church got
here. She would hold family home evening at her house and after a
while not only just her family came, but another family down the
street that hadn't been baptized yet. She refused to turn from her
religion on an island where her religion didn't exist yet. She would
go back to Tarawa to get her children blessed. They would go to
General Conference in Tarawa and tried to be as active as she could.
The Elders that first came here back at the begining of the year,
Elder Farley and Elder Seguine, had no home to stay in and had no idea
if they would be accepted here. They got off of the airplane and who
was the 1st person they saw? That lady, Tarawaa. She ran up to meet
them and asked them what they were doing. They said they were going to
work here and she got so excited. She quickly introduced them to the
members of her family. They, just 3 days before, had finished
building a spare house that they were planning to use as a spare space
or guest 'room'. They had also just barely finnished a mwaneaba, kind
of like a gathering hall. They immediately offered up their house for
missionaries, they hadn't even used it yet, and gave the mwaneaba to
be used to church on sundays. One lady had a dream a few weeks earlier
about 2 people in nice clean long pants and white shirts coming off of
the air plane. She saw a light around them and immediately started
running to tell people that Christ's messengers had come. In her dream
she was yelled at by the ministers of other faiths. She told everyone
in the town her dream, and was amazed when it came true just a week or
so later. This island was prepared in so many ways and they all came
together just a few days before so that the Church could come. I love
this work. Things are not easy, but they are exactly as they should be.
I am on the Lord's errand and loving it.
Have a great week!
Love
Elder Morley
Nov. 1, 2015 Nikunau!
Thanks for the email! I'll answer it in chunks so that you can read it
as it gets to you. First about the camera. Now I use Elder Smith's
camera that is broken a little ,but does everything I need. He is very
kind. We tried to send that dancing video home, but the internet
wasn't good enough to allow it. I can't believe that he included the
boil video. Such a poor guy. That one on his back practically killed
him (not literally of course). My legs are spotless of boils. I am
relatively immune to mosquitos so don't itch. Plus is a boil ever
starts I have learned the 'splinter lesson' and fix it quick so it
heals and doesn't scar. I'm glad you got to see some happy Nonouti
memories. My memory card of my first 6 months is gone.
Here is my letter to President this week.
President Weir,
You were right. I LOVE Nikunau. It is wonderful here. This isn't
something I say without reason. I am fully aware of the persecution
that this island faces. The first words Elder Tiaon said to me were
describing the opposition that the members here face. However the
members are wonderful. They do their best to do new things. Elder
Seguine kind of gave up of fast and testimony meeting, so yesterday
was their first time in a while. But the first lady who stood up said
something to the point of, I did not know that this was the time to
bear my testimony, but Elder Morley invited us to do so, so I will
try. I got the same response when I invited someone to give a talk
next week. They work hard to not allow any anger or hard feelings lay
between them. They all strive and work hard for the church and for
unity. I am reminded of Zion. Plus our home with them is so nice. I am
fully welcome and feel completely at home. I love it here. Elder Tiaon
is, as you said, a very different missionary than my past experience
with an I Kiribati. He is amazing. I love him already. We do our best
to be obedient and are already seeing miracles. I will repeat Elder
Davis's request to you and ask for a good long stay here. As your
favorite scripture states, I wish to stay here, 'perhaps until the day
I die.'
I saw P Weir on tarawa and informed him that I felt like I deserved a
good interview (I told him through E Smith). We chatted for 1.5 hours.
I needed that. He helped me know lots of good administrative things
that I can do while here, plus we talked about the work. It was
wonderful. To be honest I was praying for the plane to be delayed, or
for something to happen so I could spend 1 sunday on Tarawa. I just
wanted to see how the church runs when I'm not personally running it.
My hope didn't happen, but I did see a Zone Meeting and almost cried
seeing the church run as an organized unit. It was beautiful.
Elder Tiaon is AMAZING. It looks like he may be my favorite companion
thus far. He is new so still has the new missionary fire. Plus he is
completely willing to give his all to this work. He wants complete
obedience and really understands how this work works. He is so cool.
He's also super funny. People asked if Elder Seguine had left. He
would respond, yes, didn't you hear the rain last night? Because a
real storm was coming out of His and the member's eyes! Side note. It
was really tender watching Elder Seguine get on the plane. He has such a
beautiful connection with these members. He was the first to bring
them the truth and they are forever greatful to him. This morning a
baby boy was born and they named it Seguine after him so that his name
will be remembered on Nikunau.
I got the candy in time to give it to some elders at zone conference.
THe rest I asked Elder Smith to send over to me. I think he'll help me
out. Thank you for the packages. They were great. When I got to Tarawa
I was in massive culture shock. I refused to sleep on a bed and
thought everyone was so filthy rich that I was uncomfortable. I was so
happy to leave. My home and my heart right now lies in the midst of
coconut trees and next to the beach. Any how, I didn't eat much candy,
but those around me were very greatful. Thank you for the tools! I
love being prepared. My favorite was the letters. You basically said
in your letter written months ago that I would go to Nikunau. Mom,
from now on, if you know my transfer will you just tell me and get rid
of the susupense? It was fun to read.
As far as gifts. I'm not sure yet. It's hard to give a good gift when
you don't know them very well. But for kids markers and a coloring
book would be cool. These people love watching movies. So any church
movies would be cool (like mormon messages, the Restoration, 17
Miracles, that kind of thing). That would help the whole branch. Elder
Tiaon I just barely told him that my guess is that he will leave on
December 10. We'll se how close my guess is.
President told me that I would be with him for a little while just to
get to know the area, then I would Train. I have wanted to train for
months, but I feel sorry for any Elder that has to start off here.
HUGE culture shock. Me I am completely used to it after Nonouti and am
completely adapted and at home. Pres also told me that I would be here
3 months to which I immediately protested. I told him that I have been
praying for Nikunau to become for me as Abaiang was for Elder Davis.
(It has happened) President then said that I would stay until either 1
he needs me or 2 I 'cry uncle' and ask to be moved, which did happen
in Nonouti, so it could happen here. So my guess is that I'll be here
until March.
My house (I live with members) have a dvd player and a big flat screen
tv (the people on this island are literally rich. They never have
cargo to spend their money of food, so they get cool imatong things)
They LOVE Elder Farley here. I need to meet that man someday. I have
followed him to 3 of my 4 areas, but have never seen him in the flesh.
I have NEVER heard a bad thing about him. Everyone loves him. He is
pretty much a legend in this mission.
This island is TINY!!! I've been wanting a small island for AGES.
Abaiang and and Nonouti are among the longest islands here. This
island is equevelant to one town in Nonouti. The first thing we did
when I got here was to bike from the airport (the northernmost point)
to the southernmost point. It took 35-40 minutes. In Nonouti it would
take 4-5 hours! I love it here.
The family we live with feeds us all the time. They own a store so
always keep some food storage in case of a shortage in cargo. So I
haven't had any needs there yet, even though others have. Well, I can't really imagine
America at this point so you know... I now know why president brings
Elders in to Tarawa before they go. It is so that they don't die when
they get to america from the culture shock. When I got to Tarawa last
year I thought it was the lowest type of living possible. Now I
thought that it was America. Oh how things change.
That is the biggest reason I have wanted a small island. A big one
takes all of your time to be with people. Yesterday we had 32 in
church. 3 Mel Priesthood holders (we are included in both stats). Our
family is among the strongest. There is a core of 8 or so adults that
were converted when the Elders first got here. Most of them are
Deacons in the Protestant church. We had Probably 10 adults, 5-10
teens, and 10 kids. I can't give exact numbers because I don't know
anyone yet.
Some gifts of the spirit that I have are interesting and very obvious.
In every island that I go to I am blessed to remember everyone's name.
I new the names of probably 1/2 of the population of those in Nonouti
and their dogs (only a small exaggeration). But as soon as I leave a
place, it has happened every time, all the names leave my head and
only the faces stay. Even when I see an old friend I can't remember
their name. It is already starting to happen here. Pray for me to be
able to grasp all the names as fast as I can. That is important.
Another gift is my language. As soon as I got wit Elder Vaai my
language grew and became cleaner. He is not quite as good as Elder
Smith. But now that I am here with a Kiribati companion my language
has shrunk. My gift of tongues is being held for a little bit which
is hard. I have full faith that as soon as I train or have some new
less fluent companion it will come back. But that is another thing to
pray for.
I now watch the stars while showring at night. It is beautiful.
I really have to go.
I love you so much
Elder Morley
as it gets to you. First about the camera. Now I use Elder Smith's
camera that is broken a little ,but does everything I need. He is very
kind. We tried to send that dancing video home, but the internet
wasn't good enough to allow it. I can't believe that he included the
boil video. Such a poor guy. That one on his back practically killed
him (not literally of course). My legs are spotless of boils. I am
relatively immune to mosquitos so don't itch. Plus is a boil ever
starts I have learned the 'splinter lesson' and fix it quick so it
heals and doesn't scar. I'm glad you got to see some happy Nonouti
memories. My memory card of my first 6 months is gone.
Here is my letter to President this week.
President Weir,
You were right. I LOVE Nikunau. It is wonderful here. This isn't
something I say without reason. I am fully aware of the persecution
that this island faces. The first words Elder Tiaon said to me were
describing the opposition that the members here face. However the
members are wonderful. They do their best to do new things. Elder
Seguine kind of gave up of fast and testimony meeting, so yesterday
was their first time in a while. But the first lady who stood up said
something to the point of, I did not know that this was the time to
bear my testimony, but Elder Morley invited us to do so, so I will
try. I got the same response when I invited someone to give a talk
next week. They work hard to not allow any anger or hard feelings lay
between them. They all strive and work hard for the church and for
unity. I am reminded of Zion. Plus our home with them is so nice. I am
fully welcome and feel completely at home. I love it here. Elder Tiaon
is, as you said, a very different missionary than my past experience
with an I Kiribati. He is amazing. I love him already. We do our best
to be obedient and are already seeing miracles. I will repeat Elder
Davis's request to you and ask for a good long stay here. As your
favorite scripture states, I wish to stay here, 'perhaps until the day
I die.'
I saw P Weir on tarawa and informed him that I felt like I deserved a
good interview (I told him through E Smith). We chatted for 1.5 hours.
I needed that. He helped me know lots of good administrative things
that I can do while here, plus we talked about the work. It was
wonderful. To be honest I was praying for the plane to be delayed, or
for something to happen so I could spend 1 sunday on Tarawa. I just
wanted to see how the church runs when I'm not personally running it.
My hope didn't happen, but I did see a Zone Meeting and almost cried
seeing the church run as an organized unit. It was beautiful.
Elder Tiaon is AMAZING. It looks like he may be my favorite companion
thus far. He is new so still has the new missionary fire. Plus he is
completely willing to give his all to this work. He wants complete
obedience and really understands how this work works. He is so cool.
He's also super funny. People asked if Elder Seguine had left. He
would respond, yes, didn't you hear the rain last night? Because a
real storm was coming out of His and the member's eyes! Side note. It
was really tender watching Elder Seguine get on the plane. He has such a
beautiful connection with these members. He was the first to bring
them the truth and they are forever greatful to him. This morning a
baby boy was born and they named it Seguine after him so that his name
will be remembered on Nikunau.
I got the candy in time to give it to some elders at zone conference.
THe rest I asked Elder Smith to send over to me. I think he'll help me
out. Thank you for the packages. They were great. When I got to Tarawa
I was in massive culture shock. I refused to sleep on a bed and
thought everyone was so filthy rich that I was uncomfortable. I was so
happy to leave. My home and my heart right now lies in the midst of
coconut trees and next to the beach. Any how, I didn't eat much candy,
but those around me were very greatful. Thank you for the tools! I
love being prepared. My favorite was the letters. You basically said
in your letter written months ago that I would go to Nikunau. Mom,
from now on, if you know my transfer will you just tell me and get rid
of the susupense? It was fun to read.
As far as gifts. I'm not sure yet. It's hard to give a good gift when
you don't know them very well. But for kids markers and a coloring
book would be cool. These people love watching movies. So any church
movies would be cool (like mormon messages, the Restoration, 17
Miracles, that kind of thing). That would help the whole branch. Elder
Tiaon I just barely told him that my guess is that he will leave on
December 10. We'll se how close my guess is.
President told me that I would be with him for a little while just to
get to know the area, then I would Train. I have wanted to train for
months, but I feel sorry for any Elder that has to start off here.
HUGE culture shock. Me I am completely used to it after Nonouti and am
completely adapted and at home. Pres also told me that I would be here
3 months to which I immediately protested. I told him that I have been
praying for Nikunau to become for me as Abaiang was for Elder Davis.
(It has happened) President then said that I would stay until either 1
he needs me or 2 I 'cry uncle' and ask to be moved, which did happen
in Nonouti, so it could happen here. So my guess is that I'll be here
until March.
My house (I live with members) have a dvd player and a big flat screen
tv (the people on this island are literally rich. They never have
cargo to spend their money of food, so they get cool imatong things)
They LOVE Elder Farley here. I need to meet that man someday. I have
followed him to 3 of my 4 areas, but have never seen him in the flesh.
I have NEVER heard a bad thing about him. Everyone loves him. He is
pretty much a legend in this mission.
This island is TINY!!! I've been wanting a small island for AGES.
Abaiang and and Nonouti are among the longest islands here. This
island is equevelant to one town in Nonouti. The first thing we did
when I got here was to bike from the airport (the northernmost point)
to the southernmost point. It took 35-40 minutes. In Nonouti it would
take 4-5 hours! I love it here.
The family we live with feeds us all the time. They own a store so
always keep some food storage in case of a shortage in cargo. So I
haven't had any needs there yet, even though others have. Well, I can't really imagine
America at this point so you know... I now know why president brings
Elders in to Tarawa before they go. It is so that they don't die when
they get to america from the culture shock. When I got to Tarawa last
year I thought it was the lowest type of living possible. Now I
thought that it was America. Oh how things change.
That is the biggest reason I have wanted a small island. A big one
takes all of your time to be with people. Yesterday we had 32 in
church. 3 Mel Priesthood holders (we are included in both stats). Our
family is among the strongest. There is a core of 8 or so adults that
were converted when the Elders first got here. Most of them are
Deacons in the Protestant church. We had Probably 10 adults, 5-10
teens, and 10 kids. I can't give exact numbers because I don't know
anyone yet.
Some gifts of the spirit that I have are interesting and very obvious.
In every island that I go to I am blessed to remember everyone's name.
I new the names of probably 1/2 of the population of those in Nonouti
and their dogs (only a small exaggeration). But as soon as I leave a
place, it has happened every time, all the names leave my head and
only the faces stay. Even when I see an old friend I can't remember
their name. It is already starting to happen here. Pray for me to be
able to grasp all the names as fast as I can. That is important.
Another gift is my language. As soon as I got wit Elder Vaai my
language grew and became cleaner. He is not quite as good as Elder
Smith. But now that I am here with a Kiribati companion my language
has shrunk. My gift of tongues is being held for a little bit which
is hard. I have full faith that as soon as I train or have some new
less fluent companion it will come back. But that is another thing to
pray for.
I now watch the stars while showring at night. It is beautiful.
I really have to go.
I love you so much
Elder Morley
Monday, October 12, 2015
Oct. 11, 2015 Pioneers
Hello!
This has been another great week! Before I start I have some news...
I'm getting transferred. I will fly off of this island on Monday
October 26 after almost 6 months here. I will then wait in Tarawa for
a few days, then fly to Nikunau. I will be companions with [....] a
Kiribati Elder. I will be senior companion and since this island was
opened for missionary work just at the beginning of the year, I will
also be the Branch President. The work there will be similar to here:
being in charge of all members, investigators, less actives and
everyone else. It should be fun!
Last week was fun because the government on this island completely ran
out of money. We couldn't get our money for the month. All of the
teachers and government workers didn't get paid. Plus the main income
for people is copra and the money comes through the government, so the
entire island was out of money for a week. Now we've gotter money, but
most people are still broke. Good thing food doesn't cost anything!
Yesterday in church I was responsible for giving a training to all the
members. I taught them how to teach. Basically I tried to help them
learn how to make the simplest talk, lesson, or spiritual thought
possible. It has been kind of awkward uptil now. We ask someone to
give a talk and 1 of 2 things occur. First, they give a really strange
talk (We've had some fun ones...) or second, they go less-active. So
hopefully the training helped. I had lots of fun. I had to be fun, ask
them questions, do roll plays, etc. I felt like a seminary teacher
with no practice and minimal preparation! Also last week we got 10 or
so copies of the Liahona in Kiribati, so for the training (and also
for my talk) we talked about the Home Teaching message by President
Uctdorf, 'All is Well.' It is all about pioneers.
As I was studying the talk to first teach then train with it occurred
to me that these people have no idea what a Pioneer is. They've never
even heard the word. So I prepared to describe what a pioneer is, and
it occurred to me that We are Pioneers. All of my members and
investigators here are pioneers. They are the first to come to church
here. They are setting the culture that will be built upon and used
for years in the future. Then it hit, I am a pioneer. I am the 10th
Elder on this island. I will be the 4th Elder on Nikunau. A
large responsibility has been placed upon me. I am ready to accept
this work. I'll do the best that I can, and with the Lord's help All
things are possible. I know this work is true. I am greatful for this
chance I have to work with and be a Pioneer in these exciting times.
As President Brigham Young stated, "We're not going to wait for
Angels...We are going to build [Zion ourselves]!" I pray for you all!
Love
Elder Morley
This has been another great week! Before I start I have some news...
I'm getting transferred. I will fly off of this island on Monday
October 26 after almost 6 months here. I will then wait in Tarawa for
a few days, then fly to Nikunau. I will be companions with [....] a
Kiribati Elder. I will be senior companion and since this island was
opened for missionary work just at the beginning of the year, I will
also be the Branch President. The work there will be similar to here:
being in charge of all members, investigators, less actives and
everyone else. It should be fun!
Last week was fun because the government on this island completely ran
out of money. We couldn't get our money for the month. All of the
teachers and government workers didn't get paid. Plus the main income
for people is copra and the money comes through the government, so the
entire island was out of money for a week. Now we've gotter money, but
most people are still broke. Good thing food doesn't cost anything!
Yesterday in church I was responsible for giving a training to all the
members. I taught them how to teach. Basically I tried to help them
learn how to make the simplest talk, lesson, or spiritual thought
possible. It has been kind of awkward uptil now. We ask someone to
give a talk and 1 of 2 things occur. First, they give a really strange
talk (We've had some fun ones...) or second, they go less-active. So
hopefully the training helped. I had lots of fun. I had to be fun, ask
them questions, do roll plays, etc. I felt like a seminary teacher
with no practice and minimal preparation! Also last week we got 10 or
so copies of the Liahona in Kiribati, so for the training (and also
for my talk) we talked about the Home Teaching message by President
Uctdorf, 'All is Well.' It is all about pioneers.
As I was studying the talk to first teach then train with it occurred
to me that these people have no idea what a Pioneer is. They've never
even heard the word. So I prepared to describe what a pioneer is, and
it occurred to me that We are Pioneers. All of my members and
investigators here are pioneers. They are the first to come to church
here. They are setting the culture that will be built upon and used
for years in the future. Then it hit, I am a pioneer. I am the 10th
Elder on this island. I will be the 4th Elder on Nikunau. A
large responsibility has been placed upon me. I am ready to accept
this work. I'll do the best that I can, and with the Lord's help All
things are possible. I know this work is true. I am greatful for this
chance I have to work with and be a Pioneer in these exciting times.
As President Brigham Young stated, "We're not going to wait for
Angels...We are going to build [Zion ourselves]!" I pray for you all!
Love
Elder Morley
Sunday, September 27, 2015
09/27/2015
I'm alive and well, but starting to get worn down from this island. I
hit 5 months here tomorrow. I can't wait to attend sacrament that
isn't run be me. Yesterday was my first time not giving a talk in
sacrament in 5 months. The only awkward part was that Nobody gave
talks... Life is good
Sorry, the internet didn't work last week. The internet operator, the
one that turns it on, didn't come into work because it was raining and
she was cold. It's actually a really common problem and the reason why
church stats are low on rainy days. I could've turned on the internet
myself, but it is a government office and sometimes they are touchy
about those things.
This has been a good week. This week we started a youth program up
again. There used to be tons of youth in this branch, but their Elder
left and they all went inactive because their play buddy left. We
focused on strengthening the adults and the kids just kinda got pushed
under the rug. Now the adults are doing alright so we decided to
reincorporate the kids. It is hard because we run literally every
portion of the missionary, and branch work, but we felt it was time.
So we went and invited all of the kids to church. They were all
excited and happy to come. I prayed super hard all week for it to not
rain so that they wouldn't need that trial of their faith this first
week. I can't pray for that every week, but just this once, for the
kids, I felt it was alright. I had complete faith that my prayer would
be answered and it was. (unfortunately I forgot about sunscreen, so I'm
super burnt now... I just never learn) The only problem was that the
truck for the south and the majority of our youth didn't come. But we
had a few. It started with 3, then 4, maybe next week 10+. This week
always starts slow. Just like an avalanche. One pebble dropping then 2
then a flood. Or even maybe like a stone cut out of the mountain with
out hands. This is the Lords work and we should all feel blessed to be
a part of it. To work hard, but also to watch and learn. I love you
all!
--
Elder MorleyP.S. My watch died yesterday. I am now the only white person on an
island with at tops 30 working clocks. Fun stuff. (This is not an
invite to send me stuff, I'll find one soon)
hit 5 months here tomorrow. I can't wait to attend sacrament that
isn't run be me. Yesterday was my first time not giving a talk in
sacrament in 5 months. The only awkward part was that Nobody gave
talks... Life is good
Sorry, the internet didn't work last week. The internet operator, the
one that turns it on, didn't come into work because it was raining and
she was cold. It's actually a really common problem and the reason why
church stats are low on rainy days. I could've turned on the internet
myself, but it is a government office and sometimes they are touchy
about those things.
This has been a good week. This week we started a youth program up
again. There used to be tons of youth in this branch, but their Elder
left and they all went inactive because their play buddy left. We
focused on strengthening the adults and the kids just kinda got pushed
under the rug. Now the adults are doing alright so we decided to
reincorporate the kids. It is hard because we run literally every
portion of the missionary, and branch work, but we felt it was time.
So we went and invited all of the kids to church. They were all
excited and happy to come. I prayed super hard all week for it to not
rain so that they wouldn't need that trial of their faith this first
week. I can't pray for that every week, but just this once, for the
kids, I felt it was alright. I had complete faith that my prayer would
be answered and it was. (unfortunately I forgot about sunscreen, so I'm
super burnt now... I just never learn) The only problem was that the
truck for the south and the majority of our youth didn't come. But we
had a few. It started with 3, then 4, maybe next week 10+. This week
always starts slow. Just like an avalanche. One pebble dropping then 2
then a flood. Or even maybe like a stone cut out of the mountain with
out hands. This is the Lords work and we should all feel blessed to be
a part of it. To work hard, but also to watch and learn. I love you
all!
--
Elder MorleyP.S. My watch died yesterday. I am now the only white person on an
island with at tops 30 working clocks. Fun stuff. (This is not an
invite to send me stuff, I'll find one soon)
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Sept. 6, 2015 I Defy the Armies of Israel this Day
Hello Everyone!
Sorry for the intimidating subject line. That is a quote from Goliath
in 1 Samuel 17:10. I really like the Liken the Scriptures Series so
always imagine that line in the voice of Thurl Bailey. It is in
reference something that I thought of a few months ago but remember
sometimes.
Some days when we bike it is awful weather. Sometimes the wind is
blowing so strong and seems to be competing with us, or trying oppose,
interfere with or even to, 'Defy' our work. I remember the first time
it came to me. We were pushing as hard as we could on our bikes to get
to our last lesson of the day. It was almost night and getting dark
fast. The wind was roaring in our ears and Goliath seemed to be saying
'I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may
fight together.' I thought of that and remembered David of Old's
fearless response and over all triumph.
'David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of
the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of
the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the
Lord be with thee... Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to
me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to
thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of
Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee
into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee;
and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day
unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that
all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.' (1 Samuel 17:
37, 45-46)
I laughed at the wind and biked even harder and encouraged my
companion, then Elder Smith, to do the same. This week we were in
almost exactly the same place, and the same time, with the same
rushing wind. I remembered that day and it seemed to be a them of the
week and or some of my missionary experiences. Sometimes we try very
hard to achieve some objective or goal and there is an opposing Force
trying just as hard to oppose us. The thing to remember and take heart
in is that when we are 'on the Lord's Errand, we are entitled to his
help' (paraphrased quote of President Monson).
This week our investigator ____ was baptized. She has been working
with Missionaries since before my time. When I first got here she was
ready to be baptized. She had finished her lessons, she had a
testimony, and she passed the Baptismal Interview. However, when her
date came up she got so scared. She was close to having a nervous
break down. She didn't show up to her baptism. The next week we went
at our time to visit her, but she was drunk. She started lying to us a
lot and for the first time since she started lessons, she started
missing church. We were super sad about it, but we dropped her.
'Goliath' was working hard in her life and it seemed like he would
win. After a month in a half or so we decided to visit her again. I
was afraid as she started to progress again that she would again come
to the time where she should be baptized. She had lied to us enough
that I didn't know if I could baptize her in good conscience. However
on the day of her 2nd Baptismal Interview I was filled with peace. We
walked away and Elder Va'ai said she passed. I was content. I calmly
felt that now, finally she was ready. She had that struggle, but she
came away stronger for it.
Saturday she was baptized and it continued to be a struggle. Her ride
to the baptismal site forgot to pick her up. By the time she arrived
the tide was almost all the way out leaving the ocean to low to
baptize her. We made things work, and now she is a full member of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
David asked, 'for who is this, that he should defy the armies of the
living God?' (1 Samuel 17:26). When the Lord is on your side, and you
are doing his work, that 'uncircumcised Philistine' is no one to
worry about. All will work out in it's proper way in the end.
I love you all,
Elder Morley
Sorry for the intimidating subject line. That is a quote from Goliath
in 1 Samuel 17:10. I really like the Liken the Scriptures Series so
always imagine that line in the voice of Thurl Bailey. It is in
reference something that I thought of a few months ago but remember
sometimes.
Some days when we bike it is awful weather. Sometimes the wind is
blowing so strong and seems to be competing with us, or trying oppose,
interfere with or even to, 'Defy' our work. I remember the first time
it came to me. We were pushing as hard as we could on our bikes to get
to our last lesson of the day. It was almost night and getting dark
fast. The wind was roaring in our ears and Goliath seemed to be saying
'I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may
fight together.' I thought of that and remembered David of Old's
fearless response and over all triumph.
'David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of
the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of
the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the
Lord be with thee... Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to
me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to
thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of
Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee
into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee;
and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day
unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that
all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.' (1 Samuel 17:
37, 45-46)
I laughed at the wind and biked even harder and encouraged my
companion, then Elder Smith, to do the same. This week we were in
almost exactly the same place, and the same time, with the same
rushing wind. I remembered that day and it seemed to be a them of the
week and or some of my missionary experiences. Sometimes we try very
hard to achieve some objective or goal and there is an opposing Force
trying just as hard to oppose us. The thing to remember and take heart
in is that when we are 'on the Lord's Errand, we are entitled to his
help' (paraphrased quote of President Monson).
This week our investigator ____ was baptized. She has been working
with Missionaries since before my time. When I first got here she was
ready to be baptized. She had finished her lessons, she had a
testimony, and she passed the Baptismal Interview. However, when her
date came up she got so scared. She was close to having a nervous
break down. She didn't show up to her baptism. The next week we went
at our time to visit her, but she was drunk. She started lying to us a
lot and for the first time since she started lessons, she started
missing church. We were super sad about it, but we dropped her.
'Goliath' was working hard in her life and it seemed like he would
win. After a month in a half or so we decided to visit her again. I
was afraid as she started to progress again that she would again come
to the time where she should be baptized. She had lied to us enough
that I didn't know if I could baptize her in good conscience. However
on the day of her 2nd Baptismal Interview I was filled with peace. We
walked away and Elder Va'ai said she passed. I was content. I calmly
felt that now, finally she was ready. She had that struggle, but she
came away stronger for it.
Saturday she was baptized and it continued to be a struggle. Her ride
to the baptismal site forgot to pick her up. By the time she arrived
the tide was almost all the way out leaving the ocean to low to
baptize her. We made things work, and now she is a full member of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
David asked, 'for who is this, that he should defy the armies of the
living God?' (1 Samuel 17:26). When the Lord is on your side, and you
are doing his work, that 'uncircumcised Philistine' is no one to
worry about. All will work out in it's proper way in the end.
I love you all,
Elder Morley
Aug. 30, 2015 One Year Mark
This has been a great week for of progress and miracles. I just
remembered while sitting here that I hit my 4 month mark on this
island and my 1 year mark on a mission this past week. The time goes
far too fast. It's driving me crazy. There is really just not enough
time.
There is always lots to say, but in the interest of time I'll talk
about just one person. There is a little boy named _____.He
is 11 years old and lives with his grand parents. His grandma,
_____, is super faithful in the church and does everything to help
her grandchildren that live with her. His grandpa, is paralyzed and only has small control of his head,
arms, and speech. _______'s problem is that he is addicted to smoking.
He can smoke the equivalent of a pack a day, but he also really wants
to be baptized. This life has been rough on him. We decided long ago
that the goal for him was not really baptism, that can happen at any
time in the future. The goal for him is to save his future. He doesn't
go to school, and his life will be very short both because of
cigarettes.
We have been working with him for months. He can quit for a
few days, then gets bored and goes back. However this week, Elder Vaai
was prompted to ask what his dreams for the future are. He wants to be
a pilot, basically the highest goal for any Kiribati person (almost
as crazy as me being an astronaut, but just as possible if he works
for it.) We told him that if he wants to be a pilot he will need to
quit smoking and go to school. This was the first time that when he
said, I'll quit, that it really seemed like he meant it! I love him
like a little brother and his grandmother like a grandmother. We
consistently go to their house to do service. We helped rebuild their
house, whenever we get food given to us that we won't have time to
cook or eat we give it to them.
This small but constant help has
helped ______ as well. He can't move, but he is very strong willed. He
had the protestant ministers visit him every sunday, but last week he
told us (through ______) that he wants to be Mormon again. So
yesterday we were blessed with the opportunity to bring the Sacrament
to this man and his family that couldn't come to church. I love
this work and the time it gives me to work with so many choice
children of our Heavenly Father. I am greatful for my time to serve
Him here in Nonouti, I wouldn't give this time away for anything in
the world. I love it SO much. I hope this next year goes slow and
gives me the chance to help and love many more people. I love you ALL!
Elder Morley
P.S. Can you send me inspirational stories, I want to encourage this
kid all I can!
remembered while sitting here that I hit my 4 month mark on this
island and my 1 year mark on a mission this past week. The time goes
far too fast. It's driving me crazy. There is really just not enough
time.
There is always lots to say, but in the interest of time I'll talk
about just one person. There is a little boy named _____.He
is 11 years old and lives with his grand parents. His grandma,
_____, is super faithful in the church and does everything to help
her grandchildren that live with her. His grandpa, is paralyzed and only has small control of his head,
arms, and speech. _______'s problem is that he is addicted to smoking.
He can smoke the equivalent of a pack a day, but he also really wants
to be baptized. This life has been rough on him. We decided long ago
that the goal for him was not really baptism, that can happen at any
time in the future. The goal for him is to save his future. He doesn't
go to school, and his life will be very short both because of
cigarettes.
We have been working with him for months. He can quit for a
few days, then gets bored and goes back. However this week, Elder Vaai
was prompted to ask what his dreams for the future are. He wants to be
a pilot, basically the highest goal for any Kiribati person (almost
as crazy as me being an astronaut, but just as possible if he works
for it.) We told him that if he wants to be a pilot he will need to
quit smoking and go to school. This was the first time that when he
said, I'll quit, that it really seemed like he meant it! I love him
like a little brother and his grandmother like a grandmother. We
consistently go to their house to do service. We helped rebuild their
house, whenever we get food given to us that we won't have time to
cook or eat we give it to them.
This small but constant help has
helped ______ as well. He can't move, but he is very strong willed. He
had the protestant ministers visit him every sunday, but last week he
told us (through ______) that he wants to be Mormon again. So
yesterday we were blessed with the opportunity to bring the Sacrament
to this man and his family that couldn't come to church. I love
this work and the time it gives me to work with so many choice
children of our Heavenly Father. I am greatful for my time to serve
Him here in Nonouti, I wouldn't give this time away for anything in
the world. I love it SO much. I hope this next year goes slow and
gives me the chance to help and love many more people. I love you ALL!
Elder Morley
P.S. Can you send me inspirational stories, I want to encourage this
kid all I can!
Sunday, August 23, 2015
08/23/2015
I just had the thought that maybe some of my letters haven't made it
with the poor internet.
Whenever the internet dies I start a letter in Word and save it, then
finish it on line here are the 2 partial letters I have from this
month:
August 17
¬¬¬¬¬Hello Everybody,
This has been another wonderful week. The work is progressing and all
is well my companion and I get along well. I’m happy and healthy as
usual. The week last week started off with the adventure of Elder
Vaai’s bike. Monday night the pedal completely snapped off. It’s an
easy fix, if you have the right tools, which unfortunately we didn’t.
Tokarerei is a super strong member that lives close to the airport so
whenever an Elder’s bike breaks he holds it for spare parts. So the
pedal broke, the next day we went to visit Tokarerei. When none of our
tools was the right size to take the pedal off to put on a new one he
said, ‘Well here’s an old bike frame, let’s just switch everything!’
So we proceeded to take everything off of his current bike to put on
to the old one. Unfortunately everything was so rusty that it made the
simple project a little more interesting. Long story short, after lots
of random tools used and parts taken off of an even older bike we got
Elder Vaai a working bicycle again. He was left with an old red bike
with a green mud guard and a chain that broke 8 miles later. I had a
blast, I miss working with tools and making things work. When the
chain broke it miraculously snapped in front of an old man’s house
with lots of tools. He had the whole thing fixed in less than 10
minutes. Potential investigator!
August 11 - With this one I sent a picture, but it took ages to load
and when it did, internet for the whole office died for the rest of
the day. Sorry no pics from here
This was another Wonderful (and wet) Week!
The internet was down yesterday, so I don't have much time today, but
I do want to share that we had a baptism last Saturday. If the Picture
works you will see Etuati's (Edward's) family. In the back there is
Edward next to me, then Wiinaba, his wife, and Miire, his Aunt. In the
front (from right to left) his children Bibi, Taokai, Max, and
Tamariti, and his neice Muamua. He is a Melchezidek Priesthood holder,
but has been inactive for the past 5-10 years. It was a long process,
but his whole family is now active and baptized. We have spent a lot
of time at their house trying to help them to come back to the Truth
and now all of his kids feel like brothers and sisters to me. When he
asked me to baptize his children I happily accepted and as I stood in
the ocean with Max I felt like it was with a little brother. He was
funny. He has never seen a baptism before, so when I put my arm to the
square to say the Prayer, he thought I was going for a high five. We
did it twice before I was able to convince him that that is how the
prayer works. His family is completed and they and I feel so much joy
because of it. I have been so blessed to be able to watch the Holy
Ghost work this great change in their lives. I know that change is
possible, for with God and with Faith ALL things can come to pass. I
love you all and wish you the best in all of your endeavors. I keep
you all in my prayers often.
Love,
Elder Morley
K I've got to go now. I love you all so much. Today we're going to go
to service Killing a dog that bites passerbys (Elder Vaai is actually
pretty talented at it). Then service at a recently reactivated
member's house. Then Dance practice, then FHE at the same person's
house. Mwaaia and Teraita. More about them later.
Love you guys both so much!
Elder Morley
(David just told his that on his authority card it says that he is coming home on Aug. 9. When we asked him what an authority card was, he sent this email.
It is the card that says that I have the authority to be a
representative of the church. I forget the official name.
Woah, I did visit you guys while sleeping this week. I dream every
night, but I never ever remember my dreams. This week, my Friday night
I dreamed that I was in my house in America. I immediately did the
math and found that I still had 12 months left and started sobbing, I
didn't want to be home. You guys tried to feed me my favorite Kiribati
food: fish and bread fruit, but I was so distraught I didn't want to
eat. I love America, but it was another reminder that I love it here
too much to leave just yet, We'll look forward to next year!)
Elder Morley performs a wedding and has a healing 8/23/2015
This has been another great week full of miracles. The first cool note
of notice is that I Elder Morley, performed my first marriage. A few
weeks ago we were asking the Clerk in the government office here if
she was available to do Edward's (the guy whose kids were baptized a
few weeks ago) marriage. She said she was, but why don't I do it
myself. I asked what she meant and she said, ' didn't you know, a
notice just came in that you have the authority to do marriages on
this island.'
So Last Wednesday Edward and his wife were finally
married by yours truly. It was fun. I felt so official reading the
marriage prayer put out by the church in Handbook #1. Marriage is such
a beautiful thing, it was cool to see how they tried to make it
similar to the temple sealing which is the most beautiful thing on
earth. It was simple and nice. I was so pleased to be able to first
baptize his children, then marry him and his wife. I am greatful that
I have been able to work so closely with this family that I love.
The biggest miracle of this week happened last Friday. Mom sent me
some oatmeal, so I planned to make it for breakfast. But I spent the
morning writing in my journal catching up, so ran out of time to make
a fire to boil the water. I saw our neighbor cooking and asked her to
help me out. Pretty quick she had a nice pot of happily boiling water
for my sugary American breakfast. I brought over a big bowl to carry
the water back, but as I was walking back to my 'house' I got stupid.
My thoughts were occupied with the nice treat I was about to have. I
walked fast and the water spilled a little on my left hand. Now, I
know the proper thing to do is to freeze and the water will calm and
no harm will come. But as I said I was distracted. I jerked my hand
so it splashed on my right hand, so I dropped the bowl and boiling
water splashed all over my face. Ooops... Man it hurt. I felt like 2
face, one half fine, the other half quickly turned bright red with
burns. I quickly dunked my head in cold water and left it there for 20
minutes. When ever it wasn't in the water it hurt so bad and I could
just imagine the long term effects of having a burn over my right eye,
cheek, and nose. Long story short, I asked Elder Vaai for a blessing
and in his infinite wisdom and love Heavenly Father saw fit to answer
my prayer sooner than later. By noon my face was completely healed. No
pain, hardly a remnant. I testify that Heavenly Father loves and cares
for each of us and will bless us in our times of trouble and peace. I
love this work.
Love ,
Elder Morley
of notice is that I Elder Morley, performed my first marriage. A few
weeks ago we were asking the Clerk in the government office here if
she was available to do Edward's (the guy whose kids were baptized a
few weeks ago) marriage. She said she was, but why don't I do it
myself. I asked what she meant and she said, ' didn't you know, a
notice just came in that you have the authority to do marriages on
this island.'
So Last Wednesday Edward and his wife were finally
married by yours truly. It was fun. I felt so official reading the
marriage prayer put out by the church in Handbook #1. Marriage is such
a beautiful thing, it was cool to see how they tried to make it
similar to the temple sealing which is the most beautiful thing on
earth. It was simple and nice. I was so pleased to be able to first
baptize his children, then marry him and his wife. I am greatful that
I have been able to work so closely with this family that I love.
The biggest miracle of this week happened last Friday. Mom sent me
some oatmeal, so I planned to make it for breakfast. But I spent the
morning writing in my journal catching up, so ran out of time to make
a fire to boil the water. I saw our neighbor cooking and asked her to
help me out. Pretty quick she had a nice pot of happily boiling water
for my sugary American breakfast. I brought over a big bowl to carry
the water back, but as I was walking back to my 'house' I got stupid.
My thoughts were occupied with the nice treat I was about to have. I
walked fast and the water spilled a little on my left hand. Now, I
know the proper thing to do is to freeze and the water will calm and
no harm will come. But as I said I was distracted. I jerked my hand
so it splashed on my right hand, so I dropped the bowl and boiling
water splashed all over my face. Ooops... Man it hurt. I felt like 2
face, one half fine, the other half quickly turned bright red with
burns. I quickly dunked my head in cold water and left it there for 20
minutes. When ever it wasn't in the water it hurt so bad and I could
just imagine the long term effects of having a burn over my right eye,
cheek, and nose. Long story short, I asked Elder Vaai for a blessing
and in his infinite wisdom and love Heavenly Father saw fit to answer
my prayer sooner than later. By noon my face was completely healed. No
pain, hardly a remnant. I testify that Heavenly Father loves and cares
for each of us and will bless us in our times of trouble and peace. I
love this work.
Love ,
Elder Morley
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Aug. 10, 2015
Internet died yesterday... We'll try another Tuesday morning this
week.
All's well here. Love!
You've been asking for what I could use for a package. I know you
won't like it, but I'm just a little too practical. As for what would
be nice (as usual all wants not needs):
Screwdriver (Phillips and flat)
Lectures on Faith by Joseph Smith
Beef Jerky for Elder Vaai
Gospel Art Book (mine is deteriorated after the rain and the mission is out)
Calendar book Planner like Elder Smith's
Pictures of Temples and Jesus to give away so that members can have pictures in their homes
Tooth brush and tooth paste
One of the captain Moroni figurines in my room (I believe they belong
to nate, but he hasn't taken them yet I think)
Battery Powered alarm clock, my watch is quiet. My body is pretty well
trained, but wake up still varies so a little more
precision would be nice
Did you know that you raised a missionary. The entire way of life is
entirely lived in our home. Bed time, work ethic, scripture study,
music, and more are completely natural and fun to me.
Elder Vaai is also a hard worker. He came from Betio where
he was getting 40-50 lessons a week and want to achieve it here. He is
a good leader and we will do great work together.
(It seems that the internet wasn't doing well this week either, because this is all we received. But enough to know that he is well.)
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