Serving in Suva

Bula Vinaka!  It's been a crazy week, but that's not a bad thing. As far as how this week was, I'm honestly not sure on where to start. I guess I'll start with the trip to Levuka. Anyways, there's this island just off the coast of the biggest Island in Fiji, and it's called Levuka. There are 2 Elders in that area, and because I'm companions with the district leader, we get to go over there once or twice a transfer. It's so gorgeous over there, and the Elders have a wonderful view of the ocean. The only downside is that to get over there is a 5 hour bus/boat ride. But it was really cool, I got to see Elder Suguturaga again, so that's pretty cool. I know he'll do great out there, and is going to love it. Then, the other day, I spent several hours in the maternity ward of the local hospital because one of Elder Jessee's recent converts went into labor. She gave birth to a beautiful new baby boy. I don't remember what his name was, I

Bula Vinaka! Well, I guess the first thing I want to say is it's been a crazy week or so. But I guess traveling and living in Fiji will do that to you. The second thing I want to say is I'm sorry to Mom, mostly because I have somehow mostly forgotten to take pictures, but I do have a couple. As far as where Korovou is, I really just know it's on the east side and above Suva. It's a little Bousch, but that's alright. The members have been trying to get me to say "Au mai Korovou", which means I'm from Korovou. I'll probably start doing that at some point, but right now, I'm sticking with Utah. The First picture is of my companion, Elder Jessee. He's from Seattle, but his family has lived in Dubai for the last 3 years. He enjoys swimming & water polo. He was a little disapointed when he found out he wasn't allowed to get into the water to much here, but he's alright with it. He like the color blue. His favorite animal is th

As the title says, this is it. I'm leaving the MTC in the next couple days, and to be honest, I'm stressing just a little bit. But I guess that's normal. My experience here has been really great for the most part, but I'm also a little ready to leave. The problem is I'm not exactly ready to go. But I guess that's alright, seeing as I'm leaving on Monday.  I've decided that there haven't exactly been a whole lot of pictures, and there probably won't be a whole ton in this e-mail, but I have decided that Elder Collier could be one of the models on the guidelines for mission appropriate clothing. Unless you consider his feet, which wear the Jerusalem Cruisers. Seeing as I for some reason can't send pictures right now, I'll just tell you about the rest of my week. It got very cold suddenly, but snow will do that.  I also want to insert this line from a song to demonstrate how breakfast has been going: When I was a lad I ate 3

Well, this is kind of weird, mostly because when I look back on this week, and my journal, it seems to have just gone by in the blink of an eye. I was looking in my journal to find things to talk about, but that search wasn't exactly fruitful. I do remember however that we had a TRC yesterday, and we taught this guy named Cale. We had a couple of technical difficulties with Skype, but they were fixed. My companion did great, while I was honestly a lot more stressed than I should have been. I personally think the lesson went well. My favorite part of it was at the end, when Cale told us that we should have fun on our missions, but fun isn't the main part of it. It looks like I’m leaving the MTC on the 10 of December! I guess in other news, I found out that you can sneak machetes into the US by wrapping them in t-shirts to avoid TSA, but it should still be put in a checked bag. Sorry for the short email without pictures, this week was kind of a blur. Au lo

Hello there, and happy thanksgiving! There were a couple things that happened this week, so I’ll just go through it all. I think I’ve mostly mastered 3 of the pronoun charts in Fijian, and can put sentences together without help, which I am very proud of. Elder Collier was engaged on Wednesday? It was all due to Sister Rouland and Elder Ceja replying to each other without knowing it was them through paper airplane communication. Unfortunately, Sister Young, the bride to be, decided that Elder Collier was too short, so it was called off. The elders have decided that I am yalokaukauwa. In English, they decided I am a rather stubborn person. I’m slowly picking up on vocabulary, bit not as fast as I’d like though, but I’m working on it. So, you remember Emma, the Cardboard Girlfriend (Patent Pending)?  Anyways, turns out, Elder Suguturaga went to school with her, and she’s actually at the MTC right now. So a couple days ago,  Elder Collier got a picture with her, in norma

Well, I guess the first thing to say here is that I’m doing rather well, unless you relate the amount of pictures I send directly to how I’m doing because I’ve only got one (he actually sent two) this week. This is Elder Collier next to Emma, the Cardboard Girlfriend (In the process of trademarking) I really don’t know why this picture is a thing. This is Elder Suapaia? I in the hammock I recently rediscovered last night. It’s also rather comfortable to sleep in. This last Tuesday, we had a devotional with Elder Gary E Stevenson, and he talked a lot about how missionary work has changed. He also said something that I think would be good to hear. Obedience bring blessings. Blessings bring happiness. As a group we’ve been trying to work on that, specifically going to bed on time. Time to confess something, it’s not always easy to get along with everyone here. They all have their quirks, good and bad. Part of the problem is that I have discovered that past

November 5 th , 2018 Dear Mom, First off, I want to thank you for everything that you’ve sent me and my roommates.   I want you to know that I love you and miss you. There is so much that I want to tell you all so story time:   I love it here at the MTC, and my roommates and district are fantastic!   I have learned that though we have all received separate calls, we are supposed to be together here.   I know I have been strengthened simply by being close to each other.   The language of Fijian is HARD, and nothing like Japanese or English, but I can witness that with the help of the Lord, we can do anything. This last Sunday, we had a devotional with Brother Young, who served as a Mission President in Ecuador.   When he was serving as a Missionary, he had a companion who wasn’t doing well.   They decided to go tracting and Elder Young would knock on the door and when it was answered he would do the talking.   Elder Saunders (his companion) would just stand there.

*For anyone wondering...Justin has a scale of 1 to 7 that he judges his days by.  So the fact that his week has been a 6.5 is actually a really positive thing. :) Well, one could say that I "survived" the first week of the MTC.  Which is a good thing. It's not too bad over here. my roommates/companion can be very loud for several hours at a time, but they are still some of the most loving people I've met.  As far as the first round of questions, here goes: 1. I'd like to think that my week has been a solid 6.5.  2. If I'm smiling, I should think I am, but can't exactly see my face all the time.  3. I don't really like chocolate milk in general, so I haven't tried it, however, they have Minute Maid apple juice, so      I'm happy.  4. I did make it to the Temple last Friday, and will be going again today, so I'll try to get you some pictures. My typical day isn't nearly what I thought it was going to be like. Going i

Well, to say the least, it’s been a crazy couple days. First off, I am doing great, forgot tennis shoes somehow, but the sandals work just fine. My companion, Elder Collier is pretty great. Found out he ran track and cross country yesterday, but aside from that, not a whole lot aside from he seems to have a strong quiet spirit. But that might just be because I talk his ear off and don’t let him get a word in edgewise. I also found out that his mother is from the Philippines? Probably spelled that wrong. In the room I’m assigned to, there are six of us altogether. There’s me, Elder Collier, Elder Woodruff, Elder Ramsey, Elder Ceja, and Elder Sunguturanga. Elder Woodruff is probably one of the friendliest people I know, what with him always welcoming people to the MTC even though he just got here on Wednesday. I can’t say I know Elder Ramsey all that well, but he seems to be a pretty great person to be around. Elder Ceja is one of my favorit

Justin entered the MTC on October 31st.  Yep, that's right.  Halloween!  These pictures are not the traditional MTC pictures, but they tell a story. He was lucky enough to be welcomed into the MTC by a dear friend!  She sent us some pictures from the inside!  :) He was able to send a very brief email right after we dropped him off in Provo...                                                                                         Well, I made it, but you already knew that didn't you. It's pretty chill here, have no idea where I'm going, but hey, I made to the point where I email you guys. I think I heard that my P-day was Friday, but I could be wrong, but if it is, you'll here from me on Friday. Make it a 7

Justin was set-apart as a full-time Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on October 30th at his home.  President Jeff Spencer said the Opening Prayer and President Jan Newman set him apart.  Justin was reminded that his mission would be difficult, but that if dug in, and worked in faith, he would get through the difficult times.   President Linford and Bishop Paxton were also there and offered words of encouragement and support.

Justin's Farewell was held at the Elk Ridge 4th Ward on October 22, 2018 at 11:00 am.  He spoke about his trip to the Narrows at Zions Canyon earlier in the week, and how that related to faith.  He was reminded by the High Councilman to: 1.  Remember His Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Always 2.  Love his companion.  Always. 3.  Love the Fijian people.  Always.

And so it begins... Mission Papers Submitted:                 June 24, 2018 Mission Call Assigned:                      June 28, 2018 Mission Call Received and Opened:  July 9, 2018 Wow!  That was fast!  Justin will be going to the Provo MTC on October 31, 2018 to serve in the Fiji, Suva Mission speaking Fijian (or at least attempting to) for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  When Tommy heard that Justin had been called to serve in Fiji...he dropped everything and came over in his sulu to share some memories with Justin.  It was incredible!  He even gave Justin his very first sulu and Fijian Book of Mormon.  We couldn't have asked for a better finish to an amazing day!