Goodbye President & Sister Thornock!

Pres. & Sis. Thornock

Transfer day

I'm travel size

RedNecks are awesome!

Curtis(Grey Ghost), Kym, Kenny, Us, J.J.

Road kill, anyone?

OK 8 mins to write so I'll just have to send this all at once.

 

Last week we had Zone Conference. Which was Way sweet as we got to go to Buena Vista (pronounced: BYU-NA VIS-TAH) and meet the rest of the Zone. Sadly though this was President Thornocks last visit to the mission, and Likely the last time I'll see him on the mission. :( Sad day. He leaves the end of this month And President Pitt will be here on the 30th of June I think. So some big changes coming up in the mission. It was a great Conference and we watched probably one of the coolest MTC talks by Jeffery R. Holland. It was so intense and made me want to work so much harder.

 

I hate ticks. They are the worst. I've had to pull 2 out of me so far, as well one day I found up to 5 crawling on me. Nastiest little things... egh. We've been excited for some people we are working with in the Branch though. It was pretty dry when I got here as we only had 1 real investigator on the road to baptism. But as of these past few weeks we've been able to find and teach some good potentials as well as get investigators to church! Yesterday in Fast and testimony meeting an investigator actually got up and bore her testimony of Christ and you could tell that she was feeling the spirit. I'm so excited for all of the people! Country folk are so much nicer, if only slightly more awkward to get along with, but that's all good.

 

We've been spending a good amount of time with some of the Lynchburg Elders. I'm actually in Lynchburg yet again. We'll be going back to Gretna tonight for some appointments, then back here tomorrow morning for a District meeting. I've been learning lots of cool tricks and life skills out here. Such as how to throw cards, read minds, play crazy red neck games and make egg nog in a blender in June! Missions are pretty great, I highly recommend for anyone thinking about serving the Lord.

 

Elder Houghton and I are also making big plans for when we get back. He's from Fresno CA, and a pretty rocking dude. We're going to go do a survival hike in Southern Utah, then up to the Canadian Rockies for some Fantastic vista's and climbing!

 

This past weekend we also went to a small local Event Called Uncle Billys day in Alta Vista. We decided that instead of knocking a bunch of doors with no one home we'd go down and work the crowds. It worked out well as we found some long lost Less active members and now we get to go visit them! Towards the end of the day we did some tracting and found a man who's day we were able to brighten and enlighten. We're going back to teach him next week :)

 

The Work is great and the cause is Glorious. I'm so Pleased to be out here doing this. I miss you all and would love some mail! I hear there's a postal strike going around in Rotation so hopefully that won't mess too much up.

 

Catch ya later!

Elder Sunada

More mail please!

Good To hear from you all! I opened my email this morning and it was pretty bleak looking. Its always good to hear whats going on with everyone, even it nothings really going on.

(Replying to the trip going on at Dana's house)
Party in Idaho much?! I might have to do some of that when I get back, but first I need to spend some time on Canadian soil wallowing in the Alberta Loam. Its nice down here but Its just not home.

Gretna is quite different from Cave Spring. Its small. Like really small. And we tract out a lot of hallars. Which means walking along a lot of long driveways and no where roads. I've taken a few vids to demonstrate that I'll send home with my package. I still have it and am just looking for a few thigns to fill it up so I'll send in home in the next week or two.

Elder Fisher and I are Rockin it down here so far. I got Whit's Email! I'll send her one back sometime soon too.

Ya'll Take care over there!
Love 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!

Life in Transition (powaqqatsi)

Its finally P-Day. Waiting that Extra day sometimes makes a big difference when your waiting to hear word from Family and Friends. Its also the Day before Transfers. We found out that Elder Pendleton is being transferred to Sissonville West Virginia. So he's leaving the promised land of the mission early tomorrow morning. He's been a good Trainer and I've learned a lot from him. I'll be sad to see him go because we worked pretty well together and now I'll have to learn how to work with someone else but I guess that's just how life rolls out here in the mission field. My new companion will be Elder Conger from somewhere in Utah. I knew I'd have to get a Utah Elder sometime or another. Its inevitable. Though I'm actually pretty excited. I'll give y'all and update next week on what he's like.

Elder Pendleton had a pretty good idea he'd be getting transferred out so we've been visiting a lot of family's and investigators just to say goodbye and get one last picture with them. It kinda made me sad because we've both grown to love the people here so much and to leave will be heart wrenching. I'll be here at least another six weeks but beyond that who knows! So We've had some pretty interesting visits.

This past weekend was also stake conference! And I got to go to the Adult session for the first time. I loved it even though most of the talks really didn't apply to me at the time (How to raise your kids in a loving environment, setting sights on the temple, Ect.) We also got Jason and Kim out to that church for the first time during that Session! WHOOHOOO! Its about time. They've been really sincere the whole time about coming but something always comes up. The Sunday before last for instance Jason didn't make it because his tire was flat. Now normally when you hear something like that as a missionary you know people are trying to avoid you. But as it turns out one of his neighbors got made and decided to slash his tire, which is why they also decided to move out of their current apartment. This is good news because the place they moved into is much nicer, out in the country and way safer for when their baby arrives. The Sad news, They moved so far out that they are only barely Salem's boundaries. I really hope that I'll be able to do exchanges and visit them like that but for now they have been passed over to the Salem Elders. They said they'd call me up when the baby was born though as the hospital is still in my area :)

Earlier in the week we also were able to work with President Thornock, who was in town for the conference. He even called one morning to inform us that he and Sister Thornock would be joining us for companionship study that morning. Luckily the apartment wasn't in to much disarray and we had a very enjoyable visit with them. About ten Minutes after they left however they called and said they'd forgotten to tell me something so they were returning. President then informed me that Grandpa Sunada had passed away. I was shocked, but it wasn't a total surprise. He was nearly 87 and had been experiencing some problems within the last few months. I was sad to hear of his passing, but upon saying a prayer I felt that Heavenly Father had things under Control. Because of the Gospel I know that I'll see him again. I'm so grateful for this knowledge and the strength it gives me to carry on. Sometimes I don't think I fear death enough, and perhaps I should a little more the next time I'm standing on the edge of a 5 story building, But in any case death is only a temporary separation. Its great to be able to share that knowledge with others as it can comfort them as it has me. Its the same reason that I know Ross has been able to do so well when his Mother Passed away. He knows he'll see her again. I know it. I want the world to know it. But I'll have to worry about teaching the people of the Virginia's for now. One lesson at a time.

I hope everyone back home knows how much I love and care about them. Grandpa will always be alive to me, both in memory and spirit. I'm very proud to Share his name where ever I go.

Elder K. Masato Sunada

 

McAfee Knob

Covering New Ground

Hey Everybody!

Wow I'm Tired. I could really use a nap right now. So the reason why this email is getting out a little late today is because Last night a member invited Elder Pendleton and I to go on a hike this morning. It was short notice but I was game. So we reversed our schedules and did our activity first and now are trying to get everything else done before we go back to work tonight.

He took us up part of the Appalachian trail to a peak called McAfee's Knob. It was a decent little jaunt over a few of the old stony mountains which was about an 7 mile round trip. It felt Great to get some real rock under my feet again and even more so to finally get out of the valley to a vantage point and see exactly where I've been all this time. Granted these are no Rockies. But they do, in their own Sublime way, have a beauty and peace about them. I was Kind of bummed out when I saw a guy climbing up a massive rock slab in a pair of 5-10 Climbing shoes. I have a pair back home that I bought before coming out and never got a chance to wear them! Frustrating, but it will be something to look forward too. Just keep in mind, I'll be needing a climbing partner in about two years.

Anyways, This past week went by rather fast. Last Monday we decided to go bowling again. This time the new Sister Missionaries in the area Joined us. Sis. Theut from Las Vegas Beat Elder Pendleton one round. He didn't take it well. He can't stand the thought of losing to girls. Its bad enough when he loses at anything but he has a particular belief that he can beat any girl in the world at Basketball in one on one and is entirely convinced about it. Now whether thats true or not I don't know but in any case I was glad to see him humbled about it. He still hates it when I bring it up haha.

Tuesday was a day of moving people. The Sisters where Moving apartments, and we also got a call to help another family move in that same day. The only sad thing about that was the place we moved them into. It was.....uninhabitable by most peoples standards. Located in a shady part of Vinton, above a Tattoo parlor. But they seemed happy with it because their dog was allowed. People and their dogs... Good Grief. I still like dogs, But like the mail man, I've also got my reasons to despise them. Actually the seeing Eye dog that lives upstiars from me is the best and I play with her quite a bit. All you Dog lovers out there, PLEASE. Train your dog not to bark or growl at strangers.

Wednesday was my first official Zone conference. President came down and so did the Assistants. They shared some great messages and any opportunity to see President is welcome. He is the Man!

The rest of the week was back to our normal routine. Back to teaching and working with members. Pres. McBride took us to the hospital one night to visit some members who were there. That was awesome. It was two older ladies who'd lived super righteous lives it sounds like. One was a convert when she was young. She told us she always had a soft spot for missionaries. Even though we never met her before she beamed at the whole time through bright blue eyes. Even though both of them were not at the best of life and health, it was clear to see how the Gospel and their faith in their Redeemer gave them strength and kept their spirits lifted all the while.

Sunday was a pretty fun day as well. It was, after all, SUPER BOWL SUNDAY! which means very little to me seeing as I've never been a football fan nor did I really know anything about either team playing. But you could tell there was a certain anxiety around certain members. Too funny. Church was awesome as well. Fast and Sunday in the Back Creek Ward has been pretty powerful the last two times I've been there. That night we spent time with a Family from that ward that night teaching their Daughter who is getting ready to be baptised after she's 8. She's such a great example to me in how eager she is to read the scriptures and be part of that wonderful ordinance. We stayed there the rest of the night in order to stay away from the football Madness.
Spent time singing with EMILY and MADY while they sang and played piano.

All in all a great week!

Elder Sunada

They Call this Winter??

Hey Everyone!

Life got a world better this week upon my discovery of J&L Oriental food mart. I HAVE FOUND GOOD RICE. And also some Furikake (rice seasoning) as well as some japanese Jelly cups. It was awesome! I finally got to use my rice cooker and almost cried at the beauty of that first bite of rice. Ok well maybe I'm a little to excited about rice but needless to say it was a huge moral boost.

We've been keeping busy this week again with more Elders crashing at our place overnight so they can attend training meetings and the like. So our schedule's been put a little off but I think its fair to say that making exceptions to the schedule IS part of the schedule, seeing as it happens so often. Monday for P-day was spent almost entirely at the Stake Center where most of the Elders Played some ball and I played on the piano in the chapel, Because it was one of the few times when I'd have time to play a in tune piano. So I was cool with that. This week I'm hoping that we can get into some more diverse activities. I'd like to go for a drive up along the Blue Ridge parkway which has some good views of the valley, or to the Museum of Transportation downtown is said to have some cool things to see. Elder Pendleton wants to try and get out to see more too before he leaves so hopefullly next week I'll have a good adventure to tell yall. <---Dang strait I'm using the Lingo.

We've had some really cool meetings with investigators this week. The first one was with Danny, a man who is married to a member and we helped their family move in a few weeks ago. He's super friendly and open to talking with us just to learn more about the Gospel and what we believe in general. He's got some sweet storys as he served two tours in Iraq and has been hit by IED's twice. But he's just chill to have us come over and teach him whenever! Missionaries love people who are open to listen. He also cooks a mean pulled pork.

One morning we got a call from a member asking us if we'd go with him to check on some families he'd been assigned to visit. They were all people who's records were in the church but hadn't been heard from in a very long time. We almost didn't go because it was going to interfere with another plan we'd made to do that morning. But we decided that it could be good to meet some less active members. We drove to at least 6-7 houses and didn't get an answer until the last house, in which there lived a sister who answered the door. As we talked to her we found out that she'd been dealing with a lot of medical issues and couldn't make it to church for a few years. Also that her husband was very hard set against the church and would not let her talk to the missionaries when they came. But what she told us next brought tears to my eyes. She'd been wanting to come back to church. She missed it and the blessings it brought into her life. She had prayed that morning that Heavenly Father would help her get through these times because she didn't think she could do it anymore. She told us that we were an answer to her prayer. We were able to give her a priesthood blessing for her health and she asked if she could hug us before we left. Its been a long time since I've given and received such a sincere hug. It just reminds me of how much Heavenly Father loves his children and knows how to answer prayers.

Its a good thing that I have experiences like that too because another lesson that I taught this past week was not so well received. We met again with a family and tried to share with them the message of the Book of Mormon. They had very strong biblical beliefs and were good, honest and happy people. I had such hope going in because we had left a copy and the wife seemed very keen to read it! Things started off pretty well, but I could tell something wasn't quite right. The wife had in fact read much of the Book of Mormon and recalled to us many passages. But The Husband and chosen not to read it and instead to remain firm in his original belief that no other book could be compared to the Bible. I discerned that while she had read she began to ask questions. And he would not open his heart to the message so he shut them all down and dropped what he'd known to crush all questioning. They even looked up some Anti, whether his intention was to destroy or to find out more information they took the words of others instead of finding out for themselves about the things that were written. To gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon you have to read and study it for yourself. It just doesn't work any other way. It doesn't matter if we are preaching for it, or others against it, the Truth comes from reading, pondering and praying. Anyways, they gave back the copy against all our pleading. We left on good terms, but I left with a hole in my heart because such good people had declined to hear us out and find out for themselves. Its frustrating for a missionary. I can understand why people don't want to listen to us, why they might be opposed to us, why they might think we are fools. But so few actually listen to what we're asking. So few try to hear us and our message without judging us.

Thank Heavens for Crawford this week. Later that night of the same day we visited Crawford in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He'd been admitted for having fluid in his lungs or something like that. Crawford has been investigating since before I got here and he was in fact the first lesson that I taught in the field. We told him a little about what we'd gone through that day and he comforted us. He is one of the few who has persisted in knowing the truth. He has struggled to lay aside his preconceptions about us and understand what we're teaching him. I've seen him grow so much just in the time I've been here. He is still working on finding out if this is the path that God wants him to take. Being sick has humbled him quite a bit. But even though he does not yet believe, he understands our message. He knows that what most of the world thinks about us is untrue. He has opened his mind to the possibility that it could happen, and that has made all the difference. Elder Pendleton and I are nearly convinced that Crawford knows what we say is true, he just hasn't found out that he knows yet. We visited him last night and told him about the Word of Wisdom. He accepted every word. In fact he got to many points we were teaching before we did! He smokes, and knows he needs to stop. I'm so hopeful that Crawford will be able to and progress because he has opened his mind and his heart to our Message. He's beginning to change for the better. It has been a great week in the Kingdom.

I hope everyone back home has been staying safe and warm in these cold conditions. I love you all and Can't wait to hear from people about life on the home front! Which reminds me, HEY FATTY (oliver), I finally got your letter from before Christmas. Either the mail is way late or you slacked hardcore. I'll write you back soon. And I'm working on a list of letters to write to everyone else who's sent me mail. {if you want your name to get to the top of that list a second letter would promote a more rapid response ;)}

I love you all and wish you the best from the South!

Elder Sunada

Southern Hospitality‏

So I'm starting to worry a little. My fears are slowly coming true. And what they say about the south is true. THEY LOVE THEIR FRIED CHICKEN. From the time that I left the MTC up until now I've gained nearly 5 pounds. Maybe that doesn't seem like much to some people but put it in perspective. I've gained the same amount in the last 2 months that I have in the last 2 years. Now to be fair it should be expected I should gain a little seeing as I've gone from long hours of manual labor to a labour of love. And contained within that labour of love I am often fed by members who share their love by making sure that we never walk out of their house hungry. Or less than bloated in most occasions. What doesn't help is the fact that most of them are pretty good cooks and the reason why the food tastes so good is because its drenched in butter and sugars and all manor of wonderus things devoid of nutritious value. I thought I'd be safe dipping into a bowl of green beans the other night, when at the bottom of the bowl I discovered several strips of bacon. I guess theres just no getting away from it. At least its not showing yet.

We almost moved this past weekend too! The Zone leaders had scoped out a super nice apartment that we could all live in. It had a work out gym, a racketball court, tennis courts, an outdoor pool that we could never use, and it was in a super nice area. And Best of all it would be cheaper for us all to live together anyways! That is if the lease on the Zone leaders current apartment wasn't up till May... So after touring around the complex we found out that it was a no go. It was a little upsetting as livng with the zone leaders would probably have been a great thing and having a gym and courts would have made working out much easier and more appealing. Perhaps I'll stay in the area long enough for the lease to end!

Other than that our week has been less eventful with the exception of transfer day on Wednesday. We had a couple of Elders stay the night with us as we waited for everyone to get shifted around. Its always great to spend time with other Elders. Hear their stories about crazy tracting experiences and also a couple of fresh jokes. Aside from the Salem Elders and the Zone leaders we don't often see anyone else most weeks. Wednesday night an Elder Brady was assigned to us while he waited for his companion to arrive in the area. He was totally awesome! He'd been working the Lynchberg area. At Lynchberg there is a school that is equivalent to BYU for baptists, therefor the city is like a Baptist Provo. They said they get a lot of theologians and students who are studying to become priests and preachers. Some of them want to hear what Mormons believe to help get a better understanding of us. But most are just interested in bashing and contending with them. Hopefully I don't get sent there anytime soon as my scriptural knowledge is not as thorough as is should be yet. But I am working hard at it!

Anyways, that night we Visited Jason and Kim again. After sharing a short message we invited them to be Baptized on Feb. 5th! And Jason was all over it! Kim who will be nealry 8 months pregnant by that time was a little reluctant for that reason, but Jason was the one who encouraged her that we'd find a way to make it work. We're Super Stoked For them! The only problem is we haven't gotten them to church yet. Sickness and health caused all 4 of the investigators we hoped to see at church this week to miss out. So we're a little upset by that, but all we can do is keep working and hope for better results next week.

I finally realized how warm it is here. The whole Fahrenheit system is outta wack! Even when I ask Americans about it they agree Celsius makes much more sense. Same goes for the Metric system. I was standing outside our place the other night when I looked up and noticed the clear night sky. I stood there for a minute or two just enjoying the dark majesty of it. Then I realized that its the middle of winter, and if I'd been at home I'd be frozen stiff. Its been in the low 40s, which is to say a little above freezing most the week. I miss the cold and when I tell people about the sensation of having cold air freeze your lungs and eyelashes together, they think me crazy. I'm probably not helping the Sterotype of Canada Being the Great White North and I try to explain to them that its really not that bad. But maybe it really is that cold to them. Hmm.

These past two weeks I've devoted most of my Study time just to reading the Book of Mormon. President gives each new missionary a hard cover and the challenge to go through and highlight all the times it talks about Christ. So far I'm in Mosiah 20, almost halfway through the book and there hasn't been a single page that is unmarked. Some pages and dotted up pretty good. Its such a powerful book, and its sad when the people here don't even give it a chance before they know what it is. But Our job is to find those who have humbled hearts and who's ears are open to our message. But I know that this work cannot be stopped. Truth is flooding the land and I'm grateful to be even the smallest part of that.

 

I hope everyone at home is doing well. I pray for you all and think and miss you all dearly. Perhaps sometimes more than I should. Such is the life of a missionary.

Elder Sunada

 

Its a Great day in the Kingdom!‏

Things are finally starting to pick up for us in the field. Everything is getting back to its usual pace and we've been able to start working with a lot of follow ups and our investigators more closely. This is really exciting for me because working with people one on one is when I feel like I'm making the biggest difference in someone's life. Perhaps I'll share some of the people we've been working with.

I've told you a little about Crawford I think. He's The black hipster who's 56. He has a goal that by February 1st, He'll know if the Book of Mormon is true. He's come a long ways and shows up to church every Sunday he can! Also he makes Gospel Principles class a riot! Too funny.

Then We have Jason and Kim. Jason got in contact with us the week before Christmas. His mother was a member but his father who was a Baptist was really controlling and they didn't get to go to church much. But from those early memories he knew that the church helped people. Kim is expecting in 2 months and Jason, who was injured while serving in Iraq hasn't been able to get enough hours between the job he's working now and his duties in the Military. They we're low on food and had been warned that their power was going to be turned off. It took us a while to get him in contact with the Bishop because he was crazy sick with the flu. Its that time of year and most people have come down with it. I've always had a good immunity to sickness but I really think that the reason I never got it this year was due in part to the flu shot I got before coming out. Anyways, They finally met with the Bishop last week and said they nearly broke down when he said the Church would help. Jason and Kim have always been firm believers in Christ and have been wanting to find a church to go to since they moved into the Roanoke Area. Because of their situation they've been humbled greatly and recognize the need to make church and Christ a Priority in their lives. They are super receptive to what we say and the coolest part is that when they went to the church to visit the Bishop they said that the moment they entered the building they felt something different and felt at peace. Its so cool when investigators get chances like that to feel the spirit and it makes our jobs much easier as missionaries. The Lord has prepared this family to hear his Gospel. Jason asked us the other day if we were allowed to take field trips. He wants to take us to a US ARMY Base and show us around what he does. Its a pretty big stretch that it'll ever happen but he also said if the mobile command unit ever comes through Roanoke he'd show us inside. You can control satellites and get a live feed!! Like google earth in Real time video!!! So I'm really hoping we'll get that opportunity.
We have a few other investigators who we've just started working with too. George Van Dyke, Who is apparently Dick's second cousin is a man who we just started seeing. He follows a masonic order currently and has some pretty interesting beliefs but he's really friendly and loves talking to us.
Then there's Lloyd, who lost his legs from Diabetes, but is still filled with high spirits all the time. He's also a musician and used to travel around with his wife doing shows. Because of his close calls with death he feels like theirs something more out there for him. He thinks that God probably sent us to him, which I think is pretty cool, because thats what we think too! Anyways those are just a few of the main ones right now. I'll keep yall posted if we get any who are progressing well.

I got to go on splits this week as well! Two in fact. First was with Elder Call in the Salem area. Salem area is currently a bike/walking area, and thats exactly what we did. We got dropped off on the far side of town and tried to go to a few appointments and visit some follow ups. But of course all of them fell through and we ended up walking at least a good 4 miles around town. Thankfully its not quite as cold as it is at home. We did have an appointment with a man that night who's been investigating the Church for nearly two years now! He knows basically all of the Doctrine and is just working on finding out if its what God wants for him. We mostly talked with him and tried to encourage him to continue to read and pray. His diligence reminds me of Brigham Young's. Apparently it took Brigham Young a few years himself to know if the Book of Mormon was true. His family started joining the Church and slowly he came in more and more contact with the Book of Mormon till finally he did what was necessary to receive an answer. I love learning about church history Especially as I think more about my own Ancestors who were a part of that. The Other transfer was in my own area with Elder Fisher. We were able to help a member move some things in her house, and then she made us Brownies! Service does have its rewards, and they are sweet! The big meeting of that day was with a man named Tony and his Wife Michelle. They were a family we tracted into before Christmas and gave us a book and invited us back. The book was called "Claiming Christ" and was a Debate between an evangelical and a Mormon Scholar who talked about the differences between their beliefs about Jesus. I was able to skim a portion of it and to my relief it was not as bad as I had feared it might be. It was actually a great example of how we can get along even with our differences in beliefs. Tony and his family are awesome. He Loves the Bible like crazy. They hold the Sabbath on the Saturday just like in the old testament and spend a good part of their day reading scriptures and studying with their little children. It was a little tough when we tried to share the Book of Mormon with him. Like many people they find it hard to accept even the Idea of the Book of Mormon, which is funny cause they often have little idea of what it actually is or how it came about. They just know it as the "Mormon Bible". In any case we had a good discussion with them and he's more than willing to have us back to talk more.

I'm so pleased to be serving out here. Working with people makes all the difference. I'm not gunna lie there's a lot of hard times and unpleasant things I've had to do. Home would be so much easier. But its seeing the change in the lives of others that keeps me strong and lets me know that my decision matters. It helps me carry on each day. Mail helps a lot too! Knowing that their are people back home who love and support me makes a world of difference. I love all of you! I keep you in my Prayers. And I can't wait till I'm back and hear Pres. Carter say "Its a Great Day in the Kingdom!"
Till then I'll miss ya,

Elder Sunada

Pics

Roanoke Star!

Elder Pendleton and Elder Botkin overlooking the city from the star

Bumper damage

Elder Jackman Showing why we don't put sweaters in the Dryer

Fattys near failed attempt at addressing a letter.

Its Beggening to look alot like Chirstmas!

Howdy Y'all

What another crazy week! Its been pretty sweet though. We've been out doing lot more tracting and trying to visit with people. I Always have a hard time remembering what I wrote in my last letters home and where I should start. So things may not be in Chronological order but I'll just spurt out a few of my highlights.

I love teaching! Well we only have one investigator that I've been teaching but I wait excitedly every week for when we can go visit him. He's this 56 year old black guy who is pretty gansta. Sometimes he wears a wide brim ball cap off to the side of his head. He's a smart guy who knows the Bible Pretty well and really enjoys us coming over to talk to him. He has a baptismal date set for February but we have a lot of work until that point. He likes to challenge us to think alot. I have to be very care full about what I say because he'll always find a way to turn things on your head. Its pretty funny actually. He reminds me of Uncle Jim haha. But we also had a run in to a 17 girl and her mom who we are hopefully going to start teaching this week.

We were putting up Christmas lights for the Anders family. They used to be less active but we got the 10 year old twins baptised just before I entered the area and they've been coming to church. I was the one who got to go up on the roof to hang lights off the eaves trough. I think its pretty smart that we cheat and keep ours up year round at home. It took us two nights to get them all up. On the second day we went over this 17 year old girl named Charlotte came up to us and got all excited! "I love missionaries, you guys are awesome, oh yeah I'm Mormon" as she was smoking a cigarette haha. Apparently she was baptised when she was younger but her mom and her have been inactive for a while. So we stopped by to see them a few days ago and Charlotte is excited to meet with us. The mom probably not so much but We'll see what we can do there.

Oh On Friday we got to go to the Back Creek Wards Christmas party! It was alot of fun! I finally got to meet many of the members of that ward. The funny thing is that nearly everyone is related! Now before you start thinking they all married their own cousins they didn't. That's what happens in West Virginia apparently... I think it works something like It all started at the Ferguson family which had many daughters, who married the Christly's, McBride's, Anderson's and so on. The Youth hate it because all of the other kids in the ward are most likely their cousins (Hence no dating pool). But Most of them are super nice and all are friendly to the missionaries.

We are fed well on a regular basis. The Christmas party was no exception. As part of the program for the evening, and Unbeknown to us, the missionaries are presented with a large gift basket each. Both included gift cards for grocery's, Burger King, Panera Bread (like a fancy starbuckesque Subway) and a joint called Ruby Tuesday, varied candies, a mug with a variety of premium Hot chocolates, and many other goodies. Each basket also had a supper meal. Elder Pendletons had Cans of Chunky soup and crackers, mine had pasta boxes and fancy sauces, a long french loaf, Parmesan cheese, mild Cheddar cheese, a chipotle jack cheese, and a large hickory smoked sausage. I'm sure that there is easily $100 worth in each basket. The people in the area are fairly well off and receiving the baskets filled my heart with joy and gratitude. Also I'm determined to work even harder to help show that I'm worthy of such a grand gift.

Mom will be pleased to know that my Piano playing skills have been in much use on the mission. I had to play a bunch in the MTC. For a while I was the only one in the Zone who could play piano. I later found out that another member of my district could play just fine but didn't bother to let anyone else know! Since being out in the field I've had to play hymns in zone and branch meetings as well I played at a baptism that was set up by the Elders in the Salem Area. I started playing prelude because I thought we were going to start but they were waiting for someone else to show up so I ended up playing for nearly 15 mins, frantically trying to flip to hymns I could play on the spot without biffing! But I've had plenty of opportunity to keep it up, Hymns anyways. If you get a chance copy some Chopin Pieces or anything else out of what we have at home that I used to play.

Yesterday we were invited to go to see a children's Choral Chirstmas Concert! It was Fantastic! When I get home I'm going to try and get in an auditioned choir. I miss Singing alot. You can Let Mrs. Wood know haha! But this week has been a pretty good one. Didn't get any mail from home yet but I'll be keeping a close watch for that package!

I love you all and hope you are all enjoying this Christmas Season as much as I am.

Much Love,

Elder Sunada

Howdy from Virginia

I'm Finally here!!

What a journey it has been. Last Tuesday we woke up at three so we could finish getting everything together and be ready to leave the travel office at 4 in the morning. As we drove away from the MTC I felt that I was going to miss the place that had been my home for only 20 days. I'd learnt so much there! The Drive to the airport seemed to last forever. I did get a chance to make a few quick phone calls home though! Talked to Steven And Mis Padres. But I had to board so I didn't get a chance to call the sisters before we left. We had a layover in Detroit for a while, where I nearly got left behind. For some reason they never gave me a boarding pass to get on. And several of the other Elders only had Seats requested. After talking to the lady at the desk she was able to ask the captain and he said that we could allow 36 instead of 35 on the plane. I was that lucky number 36!

After a short flight we were getting ready to land in Charleston. As we descended below the clouds a land of endless hills, Tress and valleys was laid before us. Small roads going between the hills that led to small houses and yards. Landing was a little frightening as there doesn't appear to be any flat space in any direction. This is pretty much the case with the whole state apparently. The Airport sits upon a hill that has been leveled off just long enough for a short airstrip. It was raining pretty hard when we stepped off. Ever since Detroit I'd felt the Humidity. As I took breaths of air I could feel the weight of it in my lungs. Super cool. The Rain however was warm and inviting.

We quickly ran into the terminal where we were greeted by our President Thornock and his wife. I really like him and am anxious to serve under him in this Mission. We went to the mission office that night for a short orientation, then to the mission home where we would sleep. There were 13 of us from the MTC. 2 sisters, and 11 Elders. 5 bunk beds. Again I was the odd man out. As I was getting ready to sleep on the Floor Sister Thornock told me I could sleep in the room where they housed the General Authorities and other visitors when they stayed in the mission. I thought it was pretty cool seeing as Elder Christianson of the seventy had stayed there just the other week. Then someone reminded me that His Wife had also slept in one of the two beds, which was a little weird. But they were probably the most comfortable beds there! 

In the Morning we were given our assignments. President Thornock informed me that I would be Going to the Cave Springs Area, which is in Roanoke Virginia, and serving with Elder Pendleton. I was a little sad to be leaving the state of West Virginia so soon but still excited to see what this land has in store. The Landscape didn't change much. More hills, Trees and narrow winding roads. But the Area is super nice! Along the way we dropped off Elders serving in other areas such as Virginia Tech! I saw the stadium where the mountaineers play.

When we got to the Roanoke Stake Centre I finally got to meet my companion. Elder Pendleton is 6'7, Loves sports and has been showing me the ropes of how to be a missionary. Its been pretty sweet so far! Our apartment is in the basement of a less actives home and is relatively nice. We have our own washer and dryer, pool table and air hockey, but I haven't found much time to use the latter two yet. And Mother will be pleased to know that I have been cleaning the kitchen ever since I got there. In fact I'm planning on buying some more cleaning supplies later today to help the cause. I should have taken a before and after picture. Maybe next area lol.

The area that we cover is one of the nicer ones in the mission. Many of the people in the ward are very well off and live in nice houses in the hills. I guess everyone lives in the hills here, but these houses are particularly nice. At the moment We only have 1 investigator. Just prior to my arrival they baptised 3 people so now we have to go back to finding. Which means I've already been doing some tracting!! Sometimes its kinda scary. Some are very kind and politely turn us away and wish us well. Others are very abrupt and won't bother even saying hi. One man even answered the door with a gun in a chest holster and after we had introduced our selves he said something to the effect of "Get lost". We decided this was wise council. But It hasn't gotten me down yet.

I'm excited when people stop and talk with us for even a short while. We have a message that can help change there lives for good and bring happiness. However many of the people here are already in a church and have been warned against us. They don't call this area the Bible Belt for nothing! There are churches everywhere. And some of them are huge!! If you stood on a large hill you could easily count a dozen without having to turn your head. Most of the people here are Baptist, though we've also met Methodists, Lutherans and many other Protestant faiths. And being that it is a nice area it is hard to get people to listen as they feel they have all they need. But I Know there are people out there waiting. We will find them.

The Ward Members are wonderful. In this area we cover the Cave Spring Ward, as well as the Back Creek Ward. We get fed nearly every night and the people love the missionaries. I've met with a few of them who have young families and little children who remind me of the Grandkids. I miss Our kids so much. Those of you back home better be giving them extra hugs and kisses for me.

Check this out. So Saturday it started snowing a bit. Probably 3 inches in all, but most of it melting before it could build up. We get to church at 8:45 as church is supposed to start at 9, but there are only 4 cars in the lot. Apparently due to the snow it was to dangerous to get to church that morning so they had combined the two ward meetings and planned to meet at 1130. I thought that was pretty ridiculous. In all my years back home I can't remember a time when church has ever been cancelled due to weather. But to be fair the roads here are very sketch. There is no shoulder at all and they wind all over the place. Some of the driveways we walk up to houses are so steep that if they got more than a few inches of snow I'm sure they'ed never be able to drive even a 4x4 up them. So apparently this much snow is a big deal haha.

Anyways, I'm running out of time. I can't wait to hear from you back home! I've even got time now to write letters! But I need people to send me something first so I can have addresses!

The address that I'll have for the next few weeks is:

 3216 Lawndale Road

Roanoke, Virginia

24018

Hope all is well back home. Keep me posted on whats going on!

Elder Sunada