Week 9

This week has been so good, definitely the best week so far here in the field. Ive been able to take a step back and just relax, which has been nice. I think living right on the ocean helps, my first area and the missionaries im with truly has been such a blessing. Getting to stand outside on the ocean, and look at the stars with almost no light pollution every night, really puts things into perspective of what this journey of life really is. Things here have started to feel more normal, sometimes I I'll be walking and just be like dang i really live in kiribati. The people here are like nothing I've ever seen, they are so funny. yesterday I was laughing so hard, I think its the hardest I've laughed in years. What a blessing to have just gotten here being so far away from everything i know, and getting to feel such joy. 

Its hard to pick out distinct things that have happened because there is so much but I'll try. First no one lives in houses, its all pavilion type things and the people just sleep on a piece of wood elevated off the ground its crazy. First week here me and my comp gave a blessing to a lady that fell out of a hammock, she was so sweet and was trying to talk to us but was in so much pain it broke my heart. Unfortunately a few days after the blessing she passed away. There has been a lot of death here, which has been hard to see, especially with family being absolutely everything to these people. But the positivity and the smile that these people have on their faces no matter what is so admirable, I can't comprehend how Incredible they are. The members in our area are the absolute best, ive become close with lots of them, and they adore missionaries here. We have been teaching a cute kid that's about to be baptized, his dad used to be the branch president, but has word of wisdom issues, and thinks he is ready to baptize his kid which has been a complicated situation, but we are figuring it out. We've also been meeting with a guy who was a in a gang, I shared about him a little bit ago so I wont go into detail but he is the best. I went on a exchange with one of the zone leaders, it was such a great day, had so many teaching opportunities and the spirit was so strong the whole day.

I love you so much mom, I wouldn't be out here if it wasn't for your perfect example, and the spirit that shines through you. 

Here is some photos:)

the sunset is my front yard!

The hatchet is this guy we cut palm trees to build a little house.

And then that's a soccer goal btw haha

Week 8

Posting this with Cannon’s permission since getting him to write a letter for the blog is proving to be difficult 

Hey dad, just wanted to tap in real quick and share a spiritual experience i just had tonight as we were teaching. We have been teaching this little kid who is about to be baptized he is super cool, we had our last lesson with him and extended the invitation to get baptized and he is going to next Saturday. Anyway he lives right next to a 25 year old guy who we had a short lesson with last time  after we taught this little kid. Today I heard all about the unfortunate things going on back at home with Charlie getting shot at UVU, the singer David finding the chopped up body in his car and the school shootings going on. My reaction to hearing these was not anger at these people who have committed these beyond horrible acts, but sadness that they are so lost and whatever life has thrown at them has brought them to the point of making decisions as bad as what's been going on. After we taught this little boy his last lesson we stopped by at the guys house again, we were there for a long time, my Kiribati is getting better especially understanding, but I couldn't pick up what this guy was saying, but I could feel the spirit particularly strong. When we left i asked my comp what he was talking about. He said he was in a gang and they would go out at night and beat people, and whatever else was going on. He said not too long ago a massive guy came to jump him and he said he all the sudden felt a warm feeling and could hear a voice tell him to get away from that lifestyle. He told the guy he no longer wanted to he apart of anything gang related and the guy let him go. His whole family is catholic but he said he has felt that meeting with the missionaries feels like the truth and he wants to get baptized. I could feel his testimony and desire for goodness and truth, despite his past. I know times are hard and people can seem horrible, but these are all gods children and so many people are lost and just need to be loved. Just a spiritual thought and experience I thought I would share with you.

Miss you and love you lots

-Elder Thorn:)

Week 7 Made it to Kiribati serving in Temwaiku

 

  

September 5th: Landed safe. In the Mission home now.

First official full day here I attended a funeral and a baptism.

My companion is Elder Autufunga from New Zealand

This is my house

I live at the end of this street

View from my front door

Cannon loves his comp. Lots of fun:)

          

Week 6 Headed to Kiribati

Headed to Kiribati

Leaving the MTC this Wednesday and arriving in Kiribati on Friday. I already got my assignment and I will be serving in South Tarawa. The city is Temwaiku. I'm actually so excited. Apparently I'm getting a goat comp and my house is the nicest in the mission it has ac.