Serving in Suva

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 (...

*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...

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.