The Beginning of the End.‏

Howdy!

Here it is. I thought perhaps this day would never come. Tomorrow is the first day of my last Transfer!!!...Gosh darn. But the good news is that I'll be staying here with Holder. Elder Turner and Parker will also be staying. But...ELDER WILDER IS MOVING IN JUST A FEW DOORS DOWN WITH ELDER BUTLER!!! I'm so happy that I'll be serving near him. I'll have 2 of the greatest companions together!! So I'm pretty stoked for that. 

This past week was another fun one. Elder Holder and I managed to pull off a decent zone meeting in Roanoke, then I got to travel up to Blacksburg with Elder Morgan. The VT Campus has a very different feel. For one its a lot larger. And its a technical school so most of the students are engineers. I did my best to keep up with them but I don't know much about nano technologies or biomolecular compounds and things of that nature. It was a fun time but It was good to be back in little old BV where kids just talk about Dante's inferno. I think I can keep up with that. 

The rest of the week went on pretty normal. Lots of appointments. Lots of meetings. Saturday I was getting a bit warn down with everything. Just having one of those days where you do lots but wonder if it meant anything. Thankfully Heavenly Father knows when we're going through rough times and knows who to send to cheer me up. Also Sunday was such a good day! There were some wonderful testimonies born and I felt the spirit pretty strongly throughout the day. We had a lesson right after church with a girl who told us that she felt her faith was growing and she could trust God. She still had bad days, but had a determination to do be happy no matter what. Felt good to know that we had helped her along. 

So Overall it was a pretty crazy week. Oh!! Today we went hiking with Wes Butler. But it was raining and we got pretty soaked. We went to a place called the Devils Marble Yard. Pretty much just a big bolder field along the valley side. It felt great to get some rock under my feet and to know that I could still get around up there. I didn't even feel that out of breath. But Maybe I'll just be feeling it tomorrow. 

Well I think thats all I got for now. I love yall and Can't wait to here from you Before I get home ;)

Elder Sunada

Youth Conference

Good Grief what a week! Its been a busy one! Lots of meetings. Lots of
events! This will have to be a short email however.

We had our Photo night on campus Saturday! It was turned out well! Except
for the turnout that is... We didn't get as many families out as we were
hoping to, but what we did have worked out well and we were able to have
some small miracles work out of it. For instance, we found a  less active
YSA girl by chance. She wasn't even there for a photo! But we were able to
get to know her and she welcomed us to come by and visit sometime.
Also did our gig for the Buena Vista Stake Youth Conference. Had 4 classes
of youth come through and we taught for 45 mins. I feel like it went pretty
well and a few of the Youth had some really good responses.

Found out in President interviews that Elder Gurney and I will be split at
the end of this Transfer (22nd), but both staying in the area. That way we
will both get one incoming Elder and know the area well enough to get work
done. We'll still be living in the same apartment so its all good.

Sorry this has to be short. I'm loving these days more and more. I want you
all to know that I love the Lord and all that He's done for me. He Truly
answers prayers and is Mindful of us all.

Till Next time!
Elder Sunada

ZL Conference

This has been quite the ride so far. I don't think my planner has ever been so full. 


Last week was pretty sweet. I was invited to go along to the Zone Leader Council, even though I wasn't a zone leader. I found out the night before too which was cool because the original plan was for me to stay in BV with the other Elders for the day. But Monday night we got together with the other zone leaders and drove to White Sulfur Springs to stay the night so we wouldn't have to get so early to make it to Charleston in time for the meeting. 


White Sulfur Springs is a small town just on the West Virginia side of the Border and is mostly known for its proximity to the PGA Green briar. But we'd have to be driving on past it. More important business was ahead. The Meeting itself was an eye opener as to how the mission really worked. It was especially interesting because most of the participants, including myself, were there for the first time. President had used the craziness of the last transfer to hand pick exactly who he wanted to lead the mission. And I don't think he could have pick a finer group. I knew many of those that sat in the circle. I have served around a lot of them and knew that they were solid in both Testimony and Deed. This ZLC was a special one. It was time for the mission to make some changes and President now had a group of faithful elders to do it. 


We reviewed that the mission had increased in our teaching and finding skills, but we were still not reaching our goals. He taught us how he received the revelation what needed to happen. He brought several things to our attention then turned it over to the council of Elders to determine what we should do about it. Many things were rough on us as we heard that we needed to changes some of the traditions of the mission that we had always been accustomed to. Even those that had always been accepted as okay. But as we sat there each of us received a witness that those were not only things that we could change, but things that we must so that the Lord could bless us more fully. In simple words, we committed to be Exactly obedient to all mission rules, and to be examples to the rest of the mission. We were to define the mission culture and chose that day the direction the rest of our missions would take. It was the most inspired meeting I have ever been in and driving home our attitudes were positive. We talked about things that we were excited to get rid of and habits that we were happy to drop. President Pitt is truly inspired. 


This week we have even more training meetings and 2 meetings with the Stake to determine the role we will play in building the stake. It's way exciting. 


Oh no! I have to Run! Love you all! Can't wait to share more! One of the things I've committed to do is to only email family as is outlined in the guidelines so I if you want to hear from me personally you'll have to write! 


love yal! 
Elder Sunada

Buena Vista!‏

I love it Here!! Oh my gosh Its going to take several weekly emails to explain how cool this area is. But I guess I should go back to leaving Parkersburg first.

We got to visit a few more of the families which we'd come to love, Never getting enough time to spend with them as we'd like. It was pretty rushed in the last few days. Not only we're we being doubled out, But Sisters were being doubled in. President told me to make sure the apartment was fit for their arrival. And I'll be darned if that apartment has looked better in years! We tried to clean everything we could down to the baseboards. I spent about 4 hours shampooing the carpets, which is pretty crazy considering the apartments not really all that big. I did get a confirming report from the Sisters a few days ago that it was satisfactory and they approved of the many sticky notes we left to fill them in on everything. Sister Scannel, whom I've met a few times before is training a new Sister, who is very nice and I think will do well to take care of my old area. So Its all in good hands :)

Transfers. This was probably one of the most exciting transfers I've ever been too. Perhaps one of the most exciting transfers to happen since President Pitts been here. 20 missionaries going home! That means at least those twenty areas plus that need to be moved around. We filled up the whole chapel with Missionaries! It was Crazy. I'm going to miss them a lot. On the Drive down to Buena Vista (Pronounced BYU-NA Vista) I got to meet some of the Elders I'd be serving with in the Rockbridge district. Its Stacked! There are 4 of us that came out together, Gurney, Allred, Muirbrook, and Myself, And the other elders are Way solid Preach My Gospel Missionaries! We room with Elder Muirbrook and Elder Kieren, who was just trained by Elder Leah, so he's clearly a stud. Its been so much fun living with them! And the zone leaders live in the apartment building next to us! WILD!

So some clarification on our assignment. Elder Gurney is THE Zone leader for the Buena Vista Young Single Adult Zone. President may add another later on but for now he's it! We are covering one family ward and the consolidated YSA ward in the area during the summer, then when Classes get back in we will be covering 3 of the 6 YSA wards! Our priority even now is focus on the YSA and so far it has blow my mind! I've never seen anything like it in the mission. Part of what makes it so great are all the Return missionaries in the area who are stoked to go out with us and continue sharing the Gospel. Everyone who I've met has been so great so far! And With most people being students they are way more flexible to see us or schedule appointments with us. Its definitely a big change, but its been made easy by the willingness of the YSA's. 

We also have unheard of resources at our hands thanks to the high concentration of members and the Faculties of SVU. For instance, UNLIMITED FREE LIBRARY COMPUTER USAGE!! No more time clocks or restricted access. SVU holds its students to an Honour code system which grants them many liberties so long as they're living the rules. Its Kinda like BYU, but with its own flair. This past weekend they had a education week conference where many lds Scholars and well known members spoke. These included Brad Wilcox, Elder Ridges who's published over 20 books, President Hinckley's daughter and the Author of President Monson's Biography "to the Rescue" were speakers. I'll have to fill in more about the university itself as I become more acquainted with it. But They are very supportive of everything we do and help supply us with anything we need. 
I told President this week that I believe This area is the best Kept secret in the mission. 

We've also got a decent teaching Pool. There are a few people in the family ward who we have started to work with as well as at least 3 solid investigators who fall into the YSA Category. One of them we just picked up yesterday. A member invited a kid he worked with to dinner with us then we shared a lesson. We've got feedback that he really enjoyed it and had a great time! We also stared working with one less active who hadn't been to church in 4 years...He was there yesterday and said that it felt really good. Also he made a commitment to a friend (who may have been a cute girl) that he would come every week. At first that was a little concerning, but he's also shown desires that he truly does want to change and have the peace of the Gospel back in his life. Already so much has been happening and we've been greatly blessed. This is the busiest I've been with appointments every hour of our day. I can't wait to see what else will happen here in Buena Vista! 


Its Truly a Great Day in the Kingdom!
Elder Sunada

Going Back to Dixie‏

Hey Yall!

Oh my heck there's so much to say I don't even know where to begin! Well if you've been counting the weeks you may notice this is Transfer week again. Leading up to it I really felt like I wanted to stay in Parkersburg, even though I've been here now for 6 months. Starting off I didn't really think much of the city. But I think my time here has been the most instructive part of my mission so far. It was almost never easy. It seemed like challenges seemed to follow each other. I had to exercise greater faith with each experience and with that grew my testimony. I've also yet again fallen in love with the people here who've treated me as though I was their own. Leaving will not be easy.

Sunday night we received a call from President Pitt. He asked to speak to me and began to explain about the new stake in our mission. I'll briefly paraphrase his explanation. Recently the Church in the Salt Lake Valley has set up several Young Single Adult (YSA) stakes replacing what were once student wards. The boundaries of these stakes overlap those of existing stakes but only include the 18-30 year old population who are single. One of the main reasons for this is now a Stake President can focus 100% of his attention to that demographic and create programs specifically for this vital age group. Out West this has proven very successful with an average of 1000 YSA being picked up per a stake where before they had fallen by the Wayside.

BUENA VISTA VIRGINIA YSA STAKE was created on April 15, 2012, the First YSA stake outside of the Salt Lake Valley. I have been assigned to the Buena Vista Area to Cover the North end of this Stake. There will also be a set in Lynchburg, and another Set in Roanoke. My companion will be Elder Gurney!! It may have been a while since you've heard that name. He was my District leader/roommate in the MTC. We came out together!! He will be a Zone Leader. The other Zone leader will be in Roanoke. At least for now. Seeing as this is a new thing to our mission part of this will be experimenting to see exactly how the area is going to work. They're still working out details with the Stake President and President Pitt. So no one really knows much of what its going to be like in terms of work yet. Luckily its summer and school will be out, giving us time to figure things out before we are overloaded with Students. Within the area are Southern Virginia University (SVU), a Liberal arts school owned by members and 95%+ Lds population. Also Virginia Military Institute (VMI), a private officer school for the Military and one other school which I can't recall. The draw back of serving specifically YSA is that we will not get to work much with Children, youth, Young families, more experienced families and so forth. So a big change up for me.

So aside from all of that I've been working frantically to pack (almost done!) and clean the apartment for the new missionaries...Elder Penn will also be transferred out and sent to Floyd, VA. In our Place will be Sister Scannel, and a new sister missionary to the Field. So We've also been cleaning the apartment pretty well. To our Credit it was not that dirty to begin with and far better than the average Elder Apartment in my opinion. We've spent the last 2 days visiting families and saying our goodbyes. Even more to go to today. I'm glad for the sisters though, We've got a good pool built up for them to teach and I feel good leaving the area with them. I've also left probably 50+ sticky notes in the area book and around the apartment to help them get up to speed.

This transfer I will also say goodbye to some of my best friends on the mission. 18 Missionaries will be going home, including my first two companions, Elder Pendleton and Elder Conger, My dear Brother Elder Moreang who I've spent these last 6 months serving around, Elder Leah, Elder Taylor and many others. I'm glad I'll get one last chance to wish them all well as they return to the Dark and dreary world. 

Well, I'd better stop now before everyone gets tired of reading. 

Love you all. Thank you for your Prayers. Each one is felt. :)

Elder Sunada 

Sigh of Relief‏

So because I've been rushed for time in writing my general email to everyone, I decided that I should try to write it first, that way I'll be able to finish what I want to say without having to beat the Library computer clock. 

This is Transfer week again, and to kill the suspense early I'll let yall know that I'm staying in Parkersburg with Elder Penn for another round. Elder Dayley will be leaving and going to Salem Virginia, which was in my first district next to Cave Spring. I told him its a great area and how much I loved the Roanoke Zone, but he's still pretty bummed to be leaving the area. In part I suppose because things have been going pretty good for Southside. Bro Hutchinson got Baptized last Thursday and it was a great time! We've all loved getting to work with and know the Hutchinson Family. They will always be among the Families that come to mind when I think of my mission. To Replace Elder Dayley we will be getting Elder Squires!!! I'm way stoked for that! I served around him while in Gretna and we even went on a few exchanges. He loves to cook as well so hopefully he'll help me hone in on my culinary skillz. He's from Fallon Nevada but has lived kinda all over. Its going to be great!

As talk of transfers was coming up missionaries often  talk about who is going home in the coming weeks. It was mentioned that one of the Sisters I came out with will be going home the transfer after this. Kinda strange. Also made me realize that I'm getting close to my 3/4 mark in the mission. I took a little time to reflect on all that has happened. The good times and the bad. Yesterday for instance a man on his bike stopped us and proceeded to give us the usual dribble of anti-Mormon sentiments. He eventually got mad and biked away because I just kept smiling at him. I've realized how much I've grown in how I felt after he left. A year ago I might have been very disgruntled and discouraged. Now I get over it almost as soon as its over and just go on. I'm still a little sad that sometimes no matter what I do, I can't do anything to help some people (I even tried to commend him for doing what he thought was right, he didn't like that either) But aside from that the discouragement that would follow those situations and others seems much smaller. I've found that increased earnest prayer has been such a huge help in getting me through tough times. I'm excited to see what The Lord has in store for me in the coming months. There's still so much time. So I'm not to worried about everything ending yet. Perhaps that will come when I get down to a month or two. Hopefully it won't hit me till a day or two before I board that plane. I'm happy to be where I am, doing what I'm doing. I know God Needs me here and that is enough.

Otherwise in the work we've had good meetings with a lot of less actives this past week. We are going to work on teaching them and helping them come to church more often. What good is it to go and Baptize people if after a few years they stop coming and learning more? The beauty of the Gospel is that we are never done learning. Just this morning in Scripture study I found answers to questions that I had. I've been told that "the Creation" Is one of the Three Pillars of Eternity, according to Bruce R. McConkie anyways. But I could never figure out why it was so important. I mean it seemed pretty straight forward. An Earth was organized, day was divided by night, the waters from the land and so on. But without even looking for answers specifically I came across some scriptures, which while I'd read them before, took on a deeper meaning and I feel like now I Understand better the importance of the Event. Though perhaps not enough to explain it more fully at present haha but that may come with more time and study.

Also! Elder Penn found my camera!! It was under a couch which I'm sure I've checked under, but somehow it appeared when he was looking for some Malt balls that he'd dropped between the cushions. And who said snacking wasn't a productive activity? The problem now being that I have two cameras, and my new one is a good deal nicer. So Still unsure of what I'm going to do with the old one. But I'm glad that at least I was able to recover the pictures that were on it :) In Lieu of recent events I've tried to do better at Journal writing, whereas before I relied upon a Digital Photo Journal. I also realized how many precious moments that I'd missed on recording and so I'm hoping to record them as I go.

Well I think this was a much better week for Writing. I've been getting a few hand written letters out too, so for all you who are waiting a reply, I Haven't forgotten! I'm just slow. I'm stoked for the Wedding coming up and Can't wait to hear about the details when it finally goes down! Love hearing about the goings on back there and I appreciate all the Prayers.

Love Yall!

Elder Sunada

In the Twinkling of an eye...

Hey!

 

Ok yes, I know. I'm a day late. Again. But I have a good reason!! I was in Charleston most of Yesterday and didn't have a chance to write. But I'll start at the top of the week.

 

During the First part of the week things were going pretty normal. Had some good lessons and Elder Heiner and I were getting more accustomed to getting around by bike. The work was going well and we stayed pretty busy. Thursday however Elder Moreang became pretty sick. It was decided that he would stay in our apartment with one of us while the other two Elders would take the car and try to make the appointments of both North and South Parkersburg. So I spent all of Friday and half of Saturday inside taking care of him. I figured it was only fair as He'd done so for me when I was recovering. It was also a great chance to get some cooking practice in! I made several meals for all of us so the Others could come, eat and run. Did some good cleaning, and took a well needed nap. Thankfully he got better by Sunday morning and things went by normally for Church. We even had 2 investigators and a Random who showed up and said we could teach him!

 

After returning home from Church however we got a phone Call. Elder Heiner answered. It was President. He would be at our apartment in 45mins so sit tight. After he hung up we sat there looking at each other. "Did you commit any large or grievous Sins lately?". Nope. Hmm. Its always a little unnerving when President says he's stopping by Randomly. Last time it happened I was informed that Grandpa had passed away. We waited somewhat uneasily to hear what News or rebuking we would get. I'll confirm right now that we didn't do anything bad! Turns out it was something quite different.

 

They Showed up around 3. When he walked into the door he gave us only a brief greeting then said he needed to meet with us both privately. He and Elder Heiner went up stairs while Sister Pitt and I talked about missionaries and mission experience. After about 10 or 15 mins Elder Heiner came down and we exchanged places. Presidents opening words to me after a prayer were "Now the Elders down in Russel are having some problems..." I knew that could only mean one thing. Emergency Transfer. Either Elder Heiner or I would be leaving Parkersburg, and soon. They were both good Elders who just really struggled with each others personalities for even the remaining week before Transfers. President Explained that after giving the situation considerable thought and prayer he felt it right that Elder Heiner should go and Replace Elder Penn in Russel, and that Elder Penn would join me here in Parkersburg. We were to meet in Charleston at 9am Monday morning. I admit I was a bit shocked. Elder Heiner and I had accomplished so much together. We had worked hard to build an area that had only 2 people to a whiteboard full of investigators and potential contacts. Also we'd come a long ways in our personal journeys. We'd both been tried and tested together and Also built a great Friendship. It was going to be sad to see him leave so suddenly.

 

And then there was Elder Penn. I've actually served around Elder Penn in Lynchburg. He was one of my District leaders there just before I left. He's from Ventura California and is a Recent Convert of 3 years. Part way through his mission he had to go home and get spinal surgery. He returned a few months later and has been working on adapting to the mission again. There's a good reason why they don't like sending us home half way through. Its always hard to find your place again once you've been released and called again. I'm not sure if its comforting to know that President trusts me enough to put me in difficult circumstances haha. But If I do know anything its that I can trust that He is the Lords servant, and this is the Lords will. I've seen it many times that President Pitt is inspired to lead this mission. In fact in this past transfer has been the most successful Transfer the mission has ever seen. He's been inspired to send me help even though he had no idea I was struggling. I know that whatever comes of all this It will work out.

 

The Other Missionaries joined us for his last night of packing and getting things ready for the following day. I got to bed pretty late and up early to drive. We got to the mission home and made the exchange. For Elder Heiner even though he hated leaving Parkersburg he did get one perk. He's serving with Elder Rollins, whom he'd served with near the beginning of his mission. He told many stories about him and is excited for this rare exception of getting to reserve with a old companion.

 

The first order of Business Elder Penn and I had was to get new tires for the car. The steel wires were showing on one of the tires and the rest were pretty bald. We had said a prayer going down that they'd last us till Charleston. Waiting for the tires gave us some time to walk around and catch some lunch together. He was way excited to serve with me, and despite his exuberance of energy at times, I was kinda grateful for him too. I knew it was going to be an interesting Transition (for instance last night, he likes it really cold when he sleeps. I froze out but we'll work through that) He also has the most Baptisms in the mission at 26. There is much excitement about it all!

 

Before heading back to Parkersburg there was one other thing we had to do. We walked into the ICU at Charleston Memorial to go Visit Scott Walker, The Very man who met me in a hospital bed a few months before. He'd had a heart attack at a stake dance the weekend previous. He was grateful to see us and we gave him another blessing. It was nice to be able to pay him back in a way.

 

Well my times up. I love you all. Always be grateful for the challenges God gives us to Grow.

Elder Sunada

 

 

 

 

 

NEW ADDRESS!

1107 32ND ST APT 2
PARKERSBURG WV 26104-1732

USA

 

Hey just a quick update! This is my new address. I'm really excited to be in Parkersburg. We have a lot of work to do and Elder Hiner is Great! 

 

Well thats all I can do for now. Love ya!

Elder Sunada

I'll Be in ******* For Christmas‏

Hey Everybody!

What A Busy Week in Gretna! We did Even more service this week trying to get people ready for the winter season ahead. More Chopping and Delivering wood and even installing a chimney sleeve 30 feet up! It felt good to get up on a roof again. Its Finally starting to get cooler in Gretna. Meaning there's actually some frost on the Ground in the mornings, but it normally disappears by mid day. Elder Wilder and I have been doing a lot of running around and visiting people. Oh! We went to Lexington Last Sunday! Got to hear Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the 70 and the Stake president give some good talks! Sadly we didn't have any investigators show up. They all ditched a few days before. Its hard to get people to understand just how important coming to Church is in the first place, not to mention when there's a General Authority there. Until they actually go they'll never fully understand that its so much more important than whatever else comes up Sunday. I'm glad I've learned for when I go home not to miss Church unless I absolutely have too. I can't afford too! Luckily the Covingtons saved the day again and we went with them using Mark as our "Less Active" hahah. I am going to miss them both so dearly, as well as all of the other Familes in the Gretna area because....

 

Yes, I am finally getting transferred. No big Surprise. Not to pleased either. I would have loved to stay for Christmas, but I'm ok with what the Lord has in store for me else where. I'm going to be serving in a ward. A good Ward from what I hear. In a small city. But then again, all of the cities here are small. Its going to be farther north which means... Yup! You guessed it, I'm Finally going to be serving in WEST VIRGINIA! Parkersburg North to be exact. Its one of the most Northern parts of our mission, so I'll be going to the opposite end of the mission (long Drive tomorrow...) Its on the boarder of Ohio along the Ohio river and we will actually get to cover part of that state as well I Believe so I'm super stoked for that!! And Hopefully with the northerly climate I'll get some snow along too!! The Down side? From what I hear we share the city with another set of Elders, and also share a car. Meaning one week we drive, the next we walk. In the winter. But that means maybe I'll get back into shape! My companion is Elder Hiener (I think thats how its spelt). I know I've met him once before but I still can't recall his face. I hear he's pretty legit though and I'll get along with him great so I'm excited to meet him and work with him. 

 

Well, thats the main bit of news. Now I just have to cope with leaving behind the Town I love, as well as a great Branch (perhaps one of the best in the Mission) and a fantastic companion. Elder Wilder and I have had way too much fun together and we never got in a single fight or even argument. I can't wait to chill with him in the Future. I'm excited for the new challenges ahead, and to finally be a real West Virginia missionary. Its going to be a blast! 

 

Love you All! 

Merry Christmas Season!

Elder Sunada

 

Last week before transfers...‏

That's right, its that time again. Transfers is coming up right around the corner. Let this be a reminder that Next weeks email will come Tuesday. Also this could mean that I may be leaving the little Town of Gretna just prior to Christmas. People keep asking me if I'm tired of Gretna. Really I'm not. I could stay one more very easily. I have a form of Family here. People that I love and care for, and they do so in return. I guess I'll have to do as I've done thus far, and trust that Wherever the Lord sends me, it will serve his purpose and not mine. I've taken comfort in the scriptures:

Isaiah 55
8 ¶For my ^athoughts are not ^byour thoughts, neither are your ^cways my ^dways, saith the Lord.

 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ^aways ^bhigher than your ways, and my ^cthoughts than your thoughts.

So come what may, I'll keep my head up, and love it.

Last night was the First Presidency's Christmas devotional. For any of you who didn't get to see it, may I suggest that you go watch it soon?
http://lds.org/broadcasts/languages/christmas-devotional/2011/12?lang=eng

I wanted to share one of the exciting things that was released during the devotional. President Eyring shared that the Church's work on short videos based on the Bible is now becoming available for all the world to have. He described it as a gift from the First Presidency of the Church to the world. A 9 min Clip was shown of examples during the conference which was so neat to see! Also the Church has announced that some 100 Short clips will eventually be released based on Stories from the bible, free to the world.

“We intend for these videos to be used freely by individuals, families, and groups,” said Elder Lynn G. Robbins, Executive Director of the Media Services Department. “We want to help our own members strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ, and we offer this freely to other churches who may wish to use these videos in a similar way. The message of the Lord Jesus Christ needs to be shared as widely as possible throughout the world.”

I'm super stoked to be able to check these videos out in the Future as well as share these with others to help them strengthen their faith in Christ. I can't wait to make watching the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional a yearly tradition in my family as I feel it really starts off the Christmas season well and with Christ as the Focus.

As for this upcoming week, its going to be a busy one! It always seems that you have the most plans on the last week of the Transfer. A lot of this week is service based. Chopping more wood, scraping up old floors, moving furniture, burning leaves, etc. I've actually got some callus back on my hands! Feels Great :D But we also have some good lesson's planned and are working towards a special focus this week. This upcoming Sunday in yet another special one. Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Presidency of the Quorum of the seventy will be in the Buena Vista Stake and has asked for all missionaries serving in the stake Boundaries to invite all investigators, recent converts, and less actives to a special meeting Sunday morning just prior to the regular Sunday services. Way cool!! Another General Authority this Transfer. Apparently Elder Jensen used to be the Chancellor of Church Education. The Drawback? The meeting is at 9 am in Lexington, some 65 miles way, over a windy mountain pass. So it may be hard to get some of the people we've invited there but I have faith that If they truly put forth the Effort, God will bless them in securing a way for them. Exactly what is going to be said there is any one's guess, but I know that the Spirit of God will be present and all in attendance will come away with a Strengthened testimony of the Restored Gospel. So, if this is my Final Hurrah in the Gretna Branch, then I'm going to do my Darnedest to get people to this conference and leave the Area on a high.

I realize that I'm jumping around quite a bit but I just wanted to comment a little more on Yesterday. We had such a great fast and testimony meeting yesterday! The Spirit really was strong and many great testimonies were borne. I wanted to get up and speak knowing that it could be my last Sunday, but the time went over and I was not able to get up on time. So make sure you never let those awkward moments pass when no one else is getting up. Be the one to start the trend! I will make sure not to let that happen next time. We visited a few other families that afternoon and had a Great Supper with the Covingtons. I really could write a full email just about them and how much they do for us. They even prepared for us a special gift that I will cherish forever. May Heaven Bless them Both!

Well I think I've gotten out most of what I need to for the time Present. I hope that everyone is able to get into the Christmas spirit soon this year. Look for opportunities to serve and give to others. Remember always that Christ is at the Centre of all our Christmas Celebrations and it is all in Loving memory of Him.

Much Love,
Elder Sunada

Almost over the Hump‏

Hey Everyone!

 

Happy Belated Halloween!! Guess what, I was Dressed up as a....missionary! Thought it was pretty clever myself. I did have on a orange, grey and Black skinny tie to help better match with the season. We spent last night in Lynchburg so I'm just hoping the apartment didn't get egged. Like all missionary apartments there's a picture of Jesus on the front door, so perhaps that was enough to deter them. 

 

Lets see, this past week we had a branch trunk or treat/ potluck. Sadly the weather outside was cold and rainy so they just had it all inside and had the kids go around to the classrooms to collect their candy. The treats that I got in my package came in Handy! And there wasn't too many kids either so I still had plenty to snack on with the other elders. The Event was well attended though! We even had to set up extra tables in the cultural hall. A fun night and our fridge was again replenished with a weeks worth of Leftovers. No complaints though. Gretna Branch knows how to cook! I don't think we've had to buy any real food besides milk in a few weeks. 

 

Sunday we both were assigned to give talks in Sacrament meeting. The topic was on Scriptures so I decided to talk on how the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price all focus on Jesus Christ. It also helped that I had almost finished reading Elder Talmages "Jesus the Christ" (I finished it yesterday, started back in January!). So it went over pretty smoothly. I feel better every time I give a talk. Less scared every time. But there's still times I'm thankful that I've been given the talent of being able to think on my feet. 

 

Well Seeing as tomorrow is Transfers Your all eager to hear where it is that I'll be going. Its a little town about 40 Miles South of where I am now. Yes indeed, I am staying in Gretna! (I'm in Lynchburg at the moment.) To both Elder Wilder's and my's surprise and pleasure we will be sticking it through till at least December 14th. Which makes 7 and a half months in Gretna, and 13 days over a year in Virginia. Who Knows where I'll be for Christmas but at least I'll be sticking around here for American Thanksgiving! Mmmm

 

In other news, we found out that on the 19th of November, there's going to be a mission Conference. Yes, the WHOLE mission will be meeting together in one place. Elder Neil Anderson of the Quorum of the 12 Apostle's will be coming to visit our mission and speak to us!!! Way cool!! Super Excited!! 

 

Also the 10th of November is the day the tides changes for me. It will be my "Hump" day, and the days that I've been out will become greater than the days I have left. A bitter sweet thought, like many things, but I'm working on making the next year even more productive than the first! 

 

Well I think that's All I got for now. Love you all!

Elder Sunada

 

PS: For anyone who hasn't yet, you should make a Mormon.org profile and then let me know about it so I can share it with others! You can be a missionary too!

Transfer week‏

The Start of another Transfer always is a hectic time. Elders Coming and going. Getting up early or staying up late to get things done. Trying to update new planners and getting everything settled just takes a lot of time. But Thus far its all been awesome.

We stayed the Night in Lynchburg and got up early in the morning to Take Elder Bolan to the drop point. After we gave our farewells Elder Stucki and I went back and crashed for a few more hours (we had to have them at the drop at 4am). When we got up we decided that their apartment needed a major overhaul cleaning so I spent nearly 6 hours in the kitchen going over floors, walls, appliances, organizing cupboards and sanitizing everything in sight. Just so you know - I'm not a clean freak but when I see a dirty space and I feel the need to clean I get a little crazy about it.

Finally the Transfer train came in and we picked up my new companion Elder Wilder. He's is as awesome as he sounds, its true. We've been having a great time thus far. I have more in common with him than I have anyone else up to this point so we've been talking alot and quoting music and movies that we used to know back home. Even more exciting is that he's not afraid to get out there and talk to people! We also had our first lesson last night and I felt we did a good job of backing each other up and filling in where the other left off. I'm very excited to get some good work down this transfer and find out what else the Lord has in store for keeping me here. Elder Wilder is loving the area thus far. He's been in more urban area's and was shocked to see how far away houses were and got really excited to see all the fields of Tobacco. He wants to get a service job harvesting Tobacco plants haha.

Lets see, other than that we've just been getting back to regular work. Teaching him the area and meeting lots of people. Oh! President Fowler asked us if we would set up the satilite Broadcast at church for the General Relief Society meeting. Seeing as we didn't have anything left to do at that time we decided to watch it. First time I'd seen it but I really loved Elder Uchtdorfs message about the "Forget me nots" I think it was a great talk that applies to everyone. Check it out!

Well that seems to be all for the moment. OH WAIT. GENERAL CONFERENCE IS ON NEXT WEEK! Its that time again to listen to a Prophets Voice. Its probably one of the most exciting times of the year for missionaries. I hope everyone gets a chance to sit down and watch a least one session.

Its about time for me to get running now.
Love you all Much and Can't wait to get your Mail

Elder Sunada

I'm going to...

So Its Official.

I got the Call last night and I will be leaving the Beautiful Roanoke Valley Tomorrow morning. I've been here now 6 months. Its been a wild time but I've loved it all. I've grown really close to the ward members and I am defiantly making plans to return to the Valley someday, whether on my mission or after.

I Guess I should let everyone know where I'm going though now....DrumRoll!!.....GRETNA!.... Yeah I don't know much about it either. Its still in Virginia. A little ways south and east of here. I hear its a small town with only a branch. I'll be Companions with Elder Fisher, who was my first Zone leader so I'm pretty stoked for that! Actually I'm going to Kill him...hehehe. In missionary terminology this means that I'm going to be his last companion before he goes home or "Dies". Mission life is just that. A life within a life. Part of, though totally separate from everything you've done before. Time is short here for our work to do. But It is a great time, as well as a difficult one.

These last few days I've been trying to get around and see many of the people who I've come to love and will miss. There just is not enough time to see them all and it will be sad to leave some without the chance to say goodbye. I think I've made some long term friendships in the area that I hope to maintain throughout the years. I know some of them have Facebook creeped me already so it shouldn't be that hard haha.

And I was worried that since I've acquired a few new things since coming out that I'd need to get an extra travel bag to carry them around in. Thankfully I was able to fit my rice cooker, the Charlie Brown Christmas tree, a bag of Rice and a few extra tee shirts. SO PLEASED. Years of tetris Late at night have paid off! But anyways I'll be able to give a more full report of everything next week when I get there.

My time is expired. Love you all!

Elder Sunada

Tetris skillz have I

I sure am going to this Area! So many cool Families!

Made Some Awesome Smores for Dinner last night

TURTLE POWER.

Apparently they found him Crossing their Front Driveway. Super Sweet.

This is how we Roll.

Using some pro Packing skills I've managed to fit my ricecooker, 4kgs of rice,

and a Christmas Tree in my suitcase. So pleased!