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

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

 

Another Great Trip to Charleston!‏

Again I'm a day late, I know. There is a legitimate reason however. Due to the American Thanksgiving this week out P-Day was split up for Monday Morning, And Thanksgiving Evening. Yesterday we needed to get Laundry done and I didn't get around to an email so we've made a quick trip to the Library today. Thursday We'll be enjoying a feast with the Rainville Family and I'm pretty stoked for that.

So Last week was a great one! We went up to to stay with the Bedford Elders Friday night so we could catch a ride with them to Charleston early the next morning. Its always fun to stay with other missionaries. We got up around 4:40am and stopped in Roanoke at a McD's for Breakfast where I was able to fill my Timmys mug with hot Chocolate and give out a pass along card. Great Start already! The Drive up was fairly uneventful, aside from Elder Wilder and I singing in the back seat, and we arrived in Charleston about an hour before the meeting. The WHOLE mission was there! It was Crazy! No missionary currently serving has ever had it happen in the mission so that in itself was a special event. I got to see Elders that I haven't seen since the MTC days. It was wonderful. We filled every seat in the chapel and were crammed in on the pews. I got the end seat by the aisle I knew Elder Andersen would be walking down. I thought about how cool it would be if I could shake his hand as he walked by... We studied quietly in our seats and tried to invite the spirit as we waited for him to arrive.

When he entered the room we all sood as he walked in with a warm and friendly smile. As he passed he did not shake my hand, But before even getting up to the stand it was announced that he desired to shake everyone's hand in attendance! The coolest thing is how normal and relaxed he was. He'd say a few words as you'd pass by and look at you with a beaming smile. Once the meeting was officially started he stated that he hadn't prepared any specific message for us, but that we'd be able to ask questions and the meeting would be led by the spirit. Elder Andersen was in town for the Charleston Stake Conference the following day but made a specific point to ask and see us missionaries. Also accompanying him was Elder Seldon of the 2nd Quorum of the 70 I believe. He ask if Elder Seldon would Share his conversion story and a bit of his Bio.

I can't share even a portion of the things he said, even thought I tried my best to take as many notes as I could (probably more during that time than any high school class), but I will share some of the things I feel are relevant and that stood out the most to me.

He told us to pay close attention to Pres. Pitt, and always look to his example throughout our lives. He cautioned us not to compare ourselves to others but to "compare yourself with your best self." He talked about some of the experiences with the other Apostles and Prophets. In a meeting with Pres. Monson just last week he said that it came up that he was ordained an Apostle 48 years ago, and that within a month of that occasion, Elder Andersen was ordained a Deacon at 12 years old. We all feel inadequate at times, but its important to Remember how much Christ loves us and will help us through our challenges. He went into how the Priesthood has a part in all aspects of everyone's lives. He broadened our perspective on the "Paradox of Man," in that In view of all Gods great creations we are nothing, yet we are also his Children and his most prized with the potential to become his greatest. Every Soul is of Great worth.

He encouraged us that in order to help others we must "do our best, and Keep doing it. No goodness that we do will never do anything but help. There is power in being True and Faithful. He said many more things to us that I've been pondering lately and have grown in both knowledge and spirit from. But perhaps one of the greatest things he shared with us was his Testimony of Christ, Boldy proclaiming that he was his Witness, and that He Loves each of us. The Merits of our Redeemer mean we will live again with him in Judgment and Mercy. There was no doubt in my mind that this Man was an Apostle of the Lord, who had been commissioned for the work in which he was engaged. Hearing him speak of Christ increased my testimony as well.

His Final Challenge to us was this. The question that Jesus himself posed Rhetorically to the Pharisees in Matt. 22. "What think ye of Christ?" If we truly ponder that question in our minds and hearts we will grow closer to him that brings us peace and happiness throughout the eternities. Truly it was a day to be remembered in the Mission. I hope I was able to convey at least a small part of the spirit of that meeting. I don't know the next time I'll be under the direct sound of the voice of a servant of the Lord, but I know that I'll always strive for every opportunity that presents itself to do so.

Elder Sunada

Just a little late...‏

Hey!

Sorry for the days delay. Yesterday we went out on a hike in Bedford County with the Covingtons. We got to the Covingtons early for a Big Breakfast, then Elder Wilder and I climbed up the Peaks of Otter, which are some of the higher Points of Virginia. It was a fairly decent hike. I'm feeling a little bit of it today in my legs. Partly because yes, I am out of shape for climbing, BUT Also in our defense, we made it to the top in half the time it recommends (about and hour and a half). We booked it up!! And after a short break at the top we ran down in 20 mins. It was really good just to get out and spend some time in nature and to feel the mountain breeze at the top. The Covingtons had Lunch for us at the bottom and we chilled out the rest of the P-day with them. Way fun!! And They are way funny! I've been so blessed to have met such great families on the mission.

We are also getting really excited for This upcoming Saturday's conference with Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles! I've included a few excerpts from My mission President's Email to the Missionaries about this special event!

Our Dear missionaries,

This is going to be an extra-ordinary week as we prepare ourselves to listen to an apostle.  Because of the growth of the church, for an apostle to visit every stake it would take about 27 years to get to them all.  So it is a rare privilege to listen to one, let alone be a missionary who has the chance to listen for two hours as he addresses just the missionaries.

“The Twelve Apostles form a quorum and are second in authority in the Church.  They have delegated to them the duty and responsibility to preach the Gospel, and to see that it is taught in all the world.  They act under the direction of the First Presidency and are called by revelation.  The Twelve are called to the office of the Traveling High Council, and are to preside over the churches of the Saints, among the Gentiles, …and they are to travel and preach among the Gentiles…and to unlock the door of the Kingdom of heaven unto all nations, and to preach the Gospel to every creature.”

So hopefully that outlines a little bit for those of you who don't know much about the Church how cool its going to be to hear from an Apostle of the Lord! And the entire Mission will be there!! I'll do my best to take notes and relay what I can for you about his address next week.

 

This past week for us passed by like most others. I spent a few days in Lynchburg on exchanges with Elder Penn. We had a party and were able to teach a great investigator of theirs. And Elder Wilder and Elder Rish were able to get a new investigator in Gretna! So we had some good success on both ends. We've also been clocking a lot of service. Most of Saturday we helped out at a fish Fry, and we've been cutting lots of wood to help people get ready for the Winter. I'm still doubting they ever get winter here. Its been borderline hot to me these last few days. However, the Signs of fall are clearly here as all of the trees have changed Colour and most have dropped their leaves. Very Pretty indeed.

Well I hope all that is able to make up for my lateness in writing. Love you all and would love to hear from ya!

Elder Sunada

Mmm That's good stuff...‏

Hi Everybody!

This has been another good service week for us. We've been helping The Smoots chop wood several days and getting in a good work out while were at it! In Fact, We decided to spend the better part of our P-Day today helping some more. It always feels good to put on a pair of work gloves and just "Get 'er Done!" My experience of cutting down tree's at LaFarge has come in handy as well. Everytime I pick up a chainsaw I think "yeah, I could be a lumberjack." But I've also had to learn how to cope with the hardwoods out here. It takes a little more"Umphff" To get through some of them. Last week one log in particular got the better of me. It was being stubborn and I couldn't get it to crack or stick enough to drive it with the sledge hammer. I kinda got into a frenzy swinging as hard as I could at the same spot. This mini rage got the better of me and my accuracy was off. I swung a little to far ahead and the handle hit the log breaking off the wedge. I was just a little upset about the whole ordeal. But I learned that sometimes its just not worth it to get too worked up over a little stump. I felt a little better when this morning Elder Wilder did pretty much the same thing and broke his axe handle.

Last Friday night the Covingtons took us out to a real Southern Restaurant which featured good ole country style cooking. Yes, there was fried chicken, Fried Fish, Biscuits, Buttery mash Potatoes and BBQ Ribs. But There was also some other things that I'd never seen before. Try Pork feet for instance. Pretty much from the Elbow of the hog down, just boiled I think. Tasty right? Well you know I had to try some, cause I'll try just about anything once, and there might now be another time to try this so what the heck. It was very fatty. Lots of Cartilage and goupy tissue. In the Heel I did find some meat that was a little more palatable though. I tried to eat as much of the Non-Fat parts as I could. Apparently people who like it will suck everything off down to the bone. Mmm. Then Brother Covington coaxed me into trying one of his favourite dishes. Its called Souse (pronounced Sao-se) meat. Its served in little inch sized cubes and looking at it is a mixture of pink and white gelatinous mass. Wanna Guess what it is? More pork feet. Just ground up and pickled or something. This was a little more hard to get down. I had to pull a bone out, gag twice and drink a glass of water to swallow. Interesting aftertaste as well. Gotta Love that country cookin!

So I'm still learning a lot about the south. Another fun Family is the Rainville's, who are originally from the New England area. I think the Cockney accent is awesome! One of these days I'll have to make a trip back down here and swing by the North East Just to see how things are different up there.

But I think thats all thats going on this week. I'm going to plan on getting some new investigators in the upcoming weeks. I'm excited to do some more teaching and hope that we'll be blessed in our finding but We'll just have to see how things pan out. Holiday season gets people busy so I hope that by having a bunch of names to go visit at least one of them will always come through.

Love you all! Enjoy the Good Eats back home!
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!

There is a season, Turn Turn Turn‏

Hey Yall!

 

Good News! I'm Pretty much over my Cold. Bad news. Elder Wilder has been working through his this past week. Which meant another slower week as he needed more rest and we tried to avoid farther spread of the germs. But we did have some good highlights. We were able to do some good yard work this week. Elder Wilder got his education on a ride on lawn mower. I cut the first half of the lot then instructed him on how to do the rest. As I set him out across the field I realized I didn't tell him what to do when he got to the Ditch. Sure enough he tried to go straight down it. Luckily it wasn't to steep and he was able to get it out without damage. I had a pretty good laugh and he did a good Job on the rest. 

 

The trees are really starting to turn pretty down here. Anther week or tow and they'll be perfect colours. I'm also trying to make a point of Keeping my "U"s in my words so that I can Retain my Canadian Stature. We're hanging out in Lynchburg today with Elder Parker and Taylor. Its nice to have another Canadian around. At least the odds are even and we can hold our own if we get picked on. 

 

I'm so glad we have a good branch. The members are very good to us. Maybe too much at times. I haven't had to spend much money on food because Our fridge is always full with Leftovers. They also do a great job of helping us out when we need it. Hopefully I can help them out and grow the Branch a little more before I leave. Transfers is coming up pretty soon. Almost 1 full year in Virginia! Wowzas! 

 

They keep us pretty busy at church too. Yesterday Sis. Tuck had me do a musical number on the Piano again. a Marvin Goldstien arr. of "Lord, I would Follow Thee". Considering the lack of practise i had it went alright. Only 2 small hiccups. Then I taught the lesson in Sunday school. E.Wilder taught Priesthood. But it feels good when they keep us busy. Next week, We both Give 20 min talks! yay. Oh and a Trunk or treat on Friday! I'm dressing up as Elder Wilder wearing his Badge and a fat Poly tie. He'll wear one of my Skinnies. But yeah it should be a better week with both of us feeling better now. 

 

Love Yall!

Elder Sunada

Pictures/ Come Listen to a Prophets Voice!‏

Hey Everyone!

So its been a fun week of traveling around and gettin er done!  We tried to do some service for a man by helping him Harvest Tobacco... don't ask me because I Don't know. For better or worse we couldn't find him in the Fields so Bro Smoot just showed us how to pic it and Elder Wilder Snagged a few leaves haha. We also put in some more great time at the Nursing home. It can be a lot of fun with some of those people. Your never sure just whats going to come out sometimes!

I'm afraid todays will have to be somewhat short but I wanted to touch on some of the highlights of this weekend.

ITS FINALLY FEELING COLD...ish. Getting down the the low 50's and sometimes even 40's! Feels good :)

Also it was General Conference!! For anyone who hasn't seen it yet I recommend watching it Asap!  I absolutely loved it! There was so much great guidance that I got from it. I love listening to a prophets Voice! Especially because Pres. Monson was so funny. His opening Remarks were this " HELLO. Now who should I call on to substitute for me this morning?" haha but more than that I felt strongly what he said was true. that the change in what the World thinks is morally right is growing rapidly. I see far too many families without Fathers or Mothers. Kids growing up in homes that are broken and destitute. So many don't know how much God loves them and how the Gospel can bless their lives. To have the words of a living Prophet to lead and guide us is such a great blessing! I can't wait to study the conference Ensign in the coming months. I also Loved Sis. Daltons talk on how Fathers should raise their daughters. I know, I've got a few years to go but I felt it was wise council I'll log away till then.

Well I really do have to be running. Love you all!

Thanks to those who've written letters. Each one Brightens my day!

Elder Sunada

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 WHERE?!‏

Wow. Busy Week. Long Week. Much Happened. Much yet to Happen.

So Last Monday Elder Wiederholt and I went on Exchanges. We Spent that night, Tuesday, Wednesday and  Thursday Morning together. Tuesday he was able to give Tiffiney her interview for baptism. Wednesday we both Got up at 2:50am and Drove to Roanoke, then caught the Van up to Charleston. I actually managed to stay awake the whole trip up and back. Dozed a few times in the meeting but besides that I didn't get sleep till 12am that night! We got home just a little after 11PM. It was such a great meeting though! There were trainers from the MTC who flew out and taught us how we could improve the mission. After that meeting my Philosophy on many areas of Missionary work changed. I've got a way better sense of my purpose now. I know how to make Weekly goals happen through Daily Action. And I'm finally seeing why and how the things I've been taught and been teaching to Elder Bolan can be so effective when done properly. It was so cool and I'm excited to see changes across the mission! There was also nearly a Third of the mission there if no a little more so I got to see some old Friends again including Elder Pendleton (My Trainer) and Elder Partridge, who as it turns out is going to be the new zone Leader here! It was a great Trip and I'm so happy I was able to go and learn so much.

Friday was the Big Day for Tiffiney. Big day for us too. Thank heavens for the Branch members who helped out so much in getting things ready. It was the first time a Baptism actually happened in the Area I'm serving in while I was there! So I learned how to do all the Paper work and such. Tiffiney asked President Fowler to Baptize her which was way cool cause he's helped her so much and she said He never forced her to do anything but was always there to help her. He's so great!

Also on Sunday the Lot fell to me to confirm her a member of the Church and Give her the Holy Ghost. That was pretty sweet and something I'd never done before but it wasn't as scary as I would have thought at the Beginning of my mission. I've become quite comfortable now giving blessings and serving in that capacity. So we had a great week all in all.

I suppose your all now wondering where it is they'll be sending me...Well I got the Call and.....I'm going to Gretna!!! haha That's right had you all fooled. Had me fooled too. I'd packed up my desk and nik nacks. Small task mind you. Elder Bolan will be going to Peterstown WV, Which is awesome because I've heard great things about the place. But I'm totally cool with Staying another in Grenta! I've got much left to do here and I'll be getting Elder Wilder, Who I'm told is a very fun guy, to finish up what I've started. I'm super stoked! its going to be a great Transfer I'm sure!

So Don't worry My address will stay the same and I'll be here till I hit my Year mark 6 weeks from now...WHOA.

Till next week, LOVE YALL!
Elder Sunada