11-25-13
We had an awesome week with a lot of little miracles! I'm sure I'll be ready to explode by the end of Thursday, but hopefully, I'll be really hungry after the turkey bowl! It's going to be interesting being away from home for Thanksgiving, but I'm glad I get to have it on my mission with the Makasini's! :) That's good that you're tired/exhausted because that means you're working hard and giving it all you got! (I think that's suppose to make me feel better?-haha) Elder Jones is great! We just live in a single bedroom apartment by ourselves-no other missionaries. For Christmas....um maybe some g's and an SD memory card and some guitar tab music. The Target here is just a regular Target. What? Brittney is going to use my room? She is getting married? When did all this happen? Why is she up in Idaho? Man, everyone is getting married! Well, this week was really good! We got 25 lessons, which is awesome. I haven't got 25 lessons for awhile. We usually average 16-18 a week, but this week was really great. We accomplished all our goals for the week or went above! So, it was great! On Thursday, we had 8 people we taught, which is probably the most I've taught in a single day! It was crazy awesome!!!! Semisi's baptism is coming up pretty soon on the 14th of December-which is really exciting!!!!! It rained a lot this week, as well. It rained almost all day Wednesday and Thursday and a little bit on Tuesday. But, Rain or Shine, We Do This All the Time!!!! Hoorah for Israel!!!!!! Haha. We had a great week! We'll see how it goes this week since it's Thanksgiving week. Hopefully, everyone doesn't leave! But, it should be good! Well, I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and a good week!
Love ya,
Ofa Atu,
Elder Whaley
Friday, November 29, 2013
Enjoying his Mission!
11-18-13
I don't know why your email didn't come through and I looked for it, but it wasn't there. The reason we didn't email on Monday was because the library was closed for Veteran's day. On my last pictures I was trying to climb the tree while waiting for some other missionaries. In the other picture, my comp was in the bathroom, so i turned off all the lights and got the Nerf gun and hid in the cabinet, that was TINY! So, basically, he was looking for me and when he opened the cabinet, I scared him and unloaded on him with the Nerf gun. It was pretty funny! They would like us to switch to messenger bags, but my backpack works just fine and the other Elders that got messenger bags say they don't like them especially on bikes. So, I'm alright. You got snow? It's going to be super weird with no snow this year. :/ -but kinda nice! I don't have to shovel or bike in it-haha. They say it takes someone on average 7 positive experiences with the church before they become interested or joining. This week was pretty good. We had Zone Conference, so we heard from President Watkins and talked about how we could improve as missionaries and become more productive/successful. Then, on saturday, we went up to the temple and took some less actives to the visitors center while some of the returning to activity members did baptisms for the dead, which was cool since we have been working with one that went in while we were at the visitors center. I'll send a picture of Tikki Makasini and his wife, Peggy. Oh, and we also contacted a guy on the street named Jacob on Friday night and called him the next day and set up an appointment with him Saturday night and went to went and got Five guys and taught him. It was a good discussion for the most part till the end when he kinda was bashing with us, which was frustrating. We tried to get in contact with him again, but no answer yet. Oh well, we'll see what happens with him. Training is going good. My trainee is awesome and we get along really well. he knows his scriptures, but is still learning how to teach the discussions, so sometimes it feels like I'm talking the whole lesson with investigators, but he is getting there. He will be a great missionary! Things here are good. One of our investigators set up a baptismal date for the 14 of December, so that's exciting!! Other than that, the week has been pretty good and the Makasini's invited us over for Thanksgiving! YES!!!! Wahoo, I'm excited! Anyways, I hope all goes well for ya this week! Love ya!
Elder Whaley
I don't know why your email didn't come through and I looked for it, but it wasn't there. The reason we didn't email on Monday was because the library was closed for Veteran's day. On my last pictures I was trying to climb the tree while waiting for some other missionaries. In the other picture, my comp was in the bathroom, so i turned off all the lights and got the Nerf gun and hid in the cabinet, that was TINY! So, basically, he was looking for me and when he opened the cabinet, I scared him and unloaded on him with the Nerf gun. It was pretty funny! They would like us to switch to messenger bags, but my backpack works just fine and the other Elders that got messenger bags say they don't like them especially on bikes. So, I'm alright. You got snow? It's going to be super weird with no snow this year. :/ -but kinda nice! I don't have to shovel or bike in it-haha. They say it takes someone on average 7 positive experiences with the church before they become interested or joining. This week was pretty good. We had Zone Conference, so we heard from President Watkins and talked about how we could improve as missionaries and become more productive/successful. Then, on saturday, we went up to the temple and took some less actives to the visitors center while some of the returning to activity members did baptisms for the dead, which was cool since we have been working with one that went in while we were at the visitors center. I'll send a picture of Tikki Makasini and his wife, Peggy. Oh, and we also contacted a guy on the street named Jacob on Friday night and called him the next day and set up an appointment with him Saturday night and went to went and got Five guys and taught him. It was a good discussion for the most part till the end when he kinda was bashing with us, which was frustrating. We tried to get in contact with him again, but no answer yet. Oh well, we'll see what happens with him. Training is going good. My trainee is awesome and we get along really well. he knows his scriptures, but is still learning how to teach the discussions, so sometimes it feels like I'm talking the whole lesson with investigators, but he is getting there. He will be a great missionary! Things here are good. One of our investigators set up a baptismal date for the 14 of December, so that's exciting!! Other than that, the week has been pretty good and the Makasini's invited us over for Thanksgiving! YES!!!! Wahoo, I'm excited! Anyways, I hope all goes well for ya this week! Love ya!
Elder Whaley
-1.jpg) |
| Bro. Makasini, Elder Jones, Elder Whaley, and Sis. Makasini at the Oakland temple. |
 |
| Oakland Temple |
 |
| California Sunset |
Sunday, November 17, 2013
All is Well!
11-12-13
(Apparently, my email didn't go through-arggg) I don't know if you emailed me or not, but this week was a pretty good week. We got quite a few lessons where we struggled the week before. So, we picked it up. Our Zone is going for 60 baptisms for the year, so we need 20 more to reach that goal by the end of December, but we are working with 3-4 people and a few of them we think we can get baptized by then! But, things with training are going good! Elder Jones is a great missionary! He knows his scriptures, which is awesome. Here's some pics...I made the Plan of Salvation with spray paint!
Love ya,
Elder Whaley
(Apparently, my email didn't go through-arggg) I don't know if you emailed me or not, but this week was a pretty good week. We got quite a few lessons where we struggled the week before. So, we picked it up. Our Zone is going for 60 baptisms for the year, so we need 20 more to reach that goal by the end of December, but we are working with 3-4 people and a few of them we think we can get baptized by then! But, things with training are going good! Elder Jones is a great missionary! He knows his scriptures, which is awesome. Here's some pics...I made the Plan of Salvation with spray paint!
Love ya,
Elder Whaley
 |
| Turning into a tree hugger? Who knows! Climbing the tree waiting for other missionaries. |
 |
| Spray paint Plan of Salvation |
 |
| Maybe he needs some alone time????? Hiding from companion and then blasting him with his Nerf gun! |
 |
| Shad's attack on his companion. |
Sunday, November 10, 2013
It's a boy!!!!!!
11-4-13
Dang, it's snowing?! That's crazy! Well, my companion came in on Halloween. His name is Elder Jones from Springvill, UT. He says he knows the Taylors: Keegan, Courtney, and Lance. He is an 18 year old missionary. He reminds me a lot of Austin, which is weird and cool. I'm sure we'll do great together. It should be interesting to train someone. Hopefully, I don't corrupt him haha-jk. This week wasn't all that great. We had transfers Tuesday and I went to another area for a couple of days waiting for my kid, so the work in our area was super slow because of all the crazy moving missionaries around for transfers. This upcoming week is looking good so far, so that's good. Halloween stunk. We had lunch at 3, after I picked up Elder Jones, then our dinner fed us at 4 since they couldn't do it later, so we were super full, then we tried visiting people, but no one was home because everyone was trick or treating....Halloween stinks-haha. On the way down to pick up our kids, me and another Elder were driving down and a Mazda Miata was going about 100 mph on the highway and almost hit us, then he slowed down next to us and threw a water bottle at our car, but good thing he stunk at it since he missed...that was interesting. Things are going good, other than that. We'll see how this week pans out. I can't think of anything for Christmas right now. Hopefully, you guys have a great week!
Love ya,
Ofa atu,
Elder Whaley
Dang, it's snowing?! That's crazy! Well, my companion came in on Halloween. His name is Elder Jones from Springvill, UT. He says he knows the Taylors: Keegan, Courtney, and Lance. He is an 18 year old missionary. He reminds me a lot of Austin, which is weird and cool. I'm sure we'll do great together. It should be interesting to train someone. Hopefully, I don't corrupt him haha-jk. This week wasn't all that great. We had transfers Tuesday and I went to another area for a couple of days waiting for my kid, so the work in our area was super slow because of all the crazy moving missionaries around for transfers. This upcoming week is looking good so far, so that's good. Halloween stunk. We had lunch at 3, after I picked up Elder Jones, then our dinner fed us at 4 since they couldn't do it later, so we were super full, then we tried visiting people, but no one was home because everyone was trick or treating....Halloween stinks-haha. On the way down to pick up our kids, me and another Elder were driving down and a Mazda Miata was going about 100 mph on the highway and almost hit us, then he slowed down next to us and threw a water bottle at our car, but good thing he stunk at it since he missed...that was interesting. Things are going good, other than that. We'll see how this week pans out. I can't think of anything for Christmas right now. Hopefully, you guys have a great week!
Love ya,
Ofa atu,
Elder Whaley
Monday, October 28, 2013
Trunk or Treat-Idaho Style!
10-28-13
It's a Boy!!!!!!......
This week was pretty good. It was a little slow since a lot of appointments canceled on us, so we didn't get as many lessons that we were planning on, but oh well, there is always next week. We just had the ward Halloween Trunk or Treat. It was pretty fun. During the Trunk or Treat, I handed out 30 lbs. of potatoes that I bought and rode my bike with to the church with.....that was an adventure....but it was pretty funny. The kids were like, "A Potatoe?!" Some kids came back asking for one-haha. It was pretty funny, but it was a good night. Some members brought their neighbors and we were able to talk to some. We'll see if they'll be interested at all. For Halloween, we can't do anything besides do regular work, but we're going over to the Makasini's for dinner and do stuff with them. The reason why I put it's a boy at the top is because I'll be a daddy....(training a new missionary) and I will pick him up from the Mission home on Halloween day. That will be his first day in the field, so the next time I write you, I will have a greenie! Oh man, it should be interesting, but he's getting born into an awesome area! It's getting cold here, too. It's like 55 degrees in the morning, then gets about 70 degrees. Super cold huh? haha. I hope all goes well with the next doctor's visit the next time you go back down to Utah. I'm glad you guys had fun while you were there! Well, I hope all goes well for this week! Love ya!
Elder Whaley
Ofa Atu
It's a Boy!!!!!!......
This week was pretty good. It was a little slow since a lot of appointments canceled on us, so we didn't get as many lessons that we were planning on, but oh well, there is always next week. We just had the ward Halloween Trunk or Treat. It was pretty fun. During the Trunk or Treat, I handed out 30 lbs. of potatoes that I bought and rode my bike with to the church with.....that was an adventure....but it was pretty funny. The kids were like, "A Potatoe?!" Some kids came back asking for one-haha. It was pretty funny, but it was a good night. Some members brought their neighbors and we were able to talk to some. We'll see if they'll be interested at all. For Halloween, we can't do anything besides do regular work, but we're going over to the Makasini's for dinner and do stuff with them. The reason why I put it's a boy at the top is because I'll be a daddy....(training a new missionary) and I will pick him up from the Mission home on Halloween day. That will be his first day in the field, so the next time I write you, I will have a greenie! Oh man, it should be interesting, but he's getting born into an awesome area! It's getting cold here, too. It's like 55 degrees in the morning, then gets about 70 degrees. Super cold huh? haha. I hope all goes well with the next doctor's visit the next time you go back down to Utah. I'm glad you guys had fun while you were there! Well, I hope all goes well for this week! Love ya!
Elder Whaley
Ofa Atu
 |
| Elder Whaley (Cowboy Shad) handing out 30lbs. of potatoes at the church Trunk or Treat! |
Loving the Area
10-21-13
Things are going great. The lady who was in the baptismal suit was a woman that Elder Dalton and I taught, but found out she didn't live in our boundaries, so we gave her to the Stake Sisters. We set up a baptismal date, then handed her over and the guy next to her is her son who baptized her. Yes, I am loving life! Especially this area! I can't see myself leave this area and I know I'll be sad when I have to leave. The work continues to go on. The little girl in the picture, is the Makasini's granddaughter at a birthday party that they had for one of their grandson's, Kaianu. It was pretty fun. I'm excited for this week to go to the ward Halloween party. It should be fun! Man, it sounds like pretty good weather there for this time of year. It's cold here since it's in the 70s (haha-JK):P It's actually super nice weather. I don't think I've worn a jacket since I've been out here. This past week was good. We had interviews with our president, that went pretty well. We also played some volleyball and got up pretty early to go to Seminary, which was pretty fun-really good, too! I made some cookies for Brother Makasini's birthday and supposedly their kids got some and now they want me to make some for them...dang it! haha I'm glad everything is going well for ya back home and I hope it continues to go well!
Love ya,
Elder Whaley
ofa atu!
Things are going great. The lady who was in the baptismal suit was a woman that Elder Dalton and I taught, but found out she didn't live in our boundaries, so we gave her to the Stake Sisters. We set up a baptismal date, then handed her over and the guy next to her is her son who baptized her. Yes, I am loving life! Especially this area! I can't see myself leave this area and I know I'll be sad when I have to leave. The work continues to go on. The little girl in the picture, is the Makasini's granddaughter at a birthday party that they had for one of their grandson's, Kaianu. It was pretty fun. I'm excited for this week to go to the ward Halloween party. It should be fun! Man, it sounds like pretty good weather there for this time of year. It's cold here since it's in the 70s (haha-JK):P It's actually super nice weather. I don't think I've worn a jacket since I've been out here. This past week was good. We had interviews with our president, that went pretty well. We also played some volleyball and got up pretty early to go to Seminary, which was pretty fun-really good, too! I made some cookies for Brother Makasini's birthday and supposedly their kids got some and now they want me to make some for them...dang it! haha I'm glad everything is going well for ya back home and I hope it continues to go well!
Love ya,
Elder Whaley
ofa atu!
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Crazy man at Wendy's
10-14-13
Ceipe,
There's a tongan sister there? Cool! There was an Elder Kaffi that served in my area-his name tag is still in our apartment. I was upset that I missed Penny. We were at the apartment having lunch and I ate my food super fast so I could take a power nap because I was super tired. All of a sudden, my companion came in with a box and said, "This is from your mom." I was like, what the heck? He said a lady dropped it off. I told him he should have woken me up-hello! So yes, I got the stuff and the card-THANK YOU!!!!!!!! There were cupcakes and peach rings and other candy-it was nice. I wish I could have thanked her, though! My companion is from Sugarland, Texas and he likes to run. :/ He is probably going back to the Spanish program this next transfer, though. The pictures I sent last time, were from touring the google campus. Ohhhh-I have a story. So this week we went to Wendy's to visit a less active, but we got there before him. There was a homeless man in there asking us for money to buy food. I had a free frosty coupon, so I gave it to him. He just sat there and started talking to us about how his life stunk and he was really depressed and started crying. Then, he started saying, "I'm going to kill myself....I'm going to go run into the road and get hit by a car." He kept saying that and we told him he shouldn't, then all of the sudden, he gets up and runs outside of Wendy's to the road. So my companion and I chased him down and stopped him from running into the road and made him sit down while the manager of Wendy's called the cops. While we were waiting for the cops, he kept crying and saying, "I'm going to kill myself" and tried running to the street, but we just grabbed him and made him sit down. Finally, after awhile, the cops showed up and took him away. Quite the story huh? This last week was good! A lady and me and my last companion, Elder Dalton, taught, Sheila, got baptized, but we handed her over to the sister missionaries since she wasn't in our ward boundaries-but it was still cool! Everything here is going good and the work is going great. We had an investigator come to church for the first time and have another with a baptismal date, so things are going good! The people here are awesome! Sounds like you had a good week and hopefully it goes well for you this week, as well!
Love ya,
Elder Whaley
Ofa Atu
Ceipe,
There's a tongan sister there? Cool! There was an Elder Kaffi that served in my area-his name tag is still in our apartment. I was upset that I missed Penny. We were at the apartment having lunch and I ate my food super fast so I could take a power nap because I was super tired. All of a sudden, my companion came in with a box and said, "This is from your mom." I was like, what the heck? He said a lady dropped it off. I told him he should have woken me up-hello! So yes, I got the stuff and the card-THANK YOU!!!!!!!! There were cupcakes and peach rings and other candy-it was nice. I wish I could have thanked her, though! My companion is from Sugarland, Texas and he likes to run. :/ He is probably going back to the Spanish program this next transfer, though. The pictures I sent last time, were from touring the google campus. Ohhhh-I have a story. So this week we went to Wendy's to visit a less active, but we got there before him. There was a homeless man in there asking us for money to buy food. I had a free frosty coupon, so I gave it to him. He just sat there and started talking to us about how his life stunk and he was really depressed and started crying. Then, he started saying, "I'm going to kill myself....I'm going to go run into the road and get hit by a car." He kept saying that and we told him he shouldn't, then all of the sudden, he gets up and runs outside of Wendy's to the road. So my companion and I chased him down and stopped him from running into the road and made him sit down while the manager of Wendy's called the cops. While we were waiting for the cops, he kept crying and saying, "I'm going to kill myself" and tried running to the street, but we just grabbed him and made him sit down. Finally, after awhile, the cops showed up and took him away. Quite the story huh? This last week was good! A lady and me and my last companion, Elder Dalton, taught, Sheila, got baptized, but we handed her over to the sister missionaries since she wasn't in our ward boundaries-but it was still cool! Everything here is going good and the work is going great. We had an investigator come to church for the first time and have another with a baptismal date, so things are going good! The people here are awesome! Sounds like you had a good week and hopefully it goes well for you this week, as well!
Love ya,
Elder Whaley
Ofa Atu
 |
| The lady that Shad and his past companion taught that they handed over to the sister missionaries. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)