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

A Change of Season

Hey Everyone!

Its been a fairly quiet week for us here in Gretna. Last Monday we went Bowling with the Lynchburg Elders. I bowled over 100 again! Hey, its a big deal for me.

I've had a bit of a cold going on this past week which has kept me rather tired. I went to bed before 10:00pm one night!! I don't think thats happened more than twice before on the mission. So I've been getting more sleep in. Taking lots of naps during lunch hours too. I'm just about over it at least so no worries. A lot of people around have been sick lately due to the changing of the seasons. Its made the work a little slower as well unfortunately but we're still finding ways to keep busy.

We had kind of a neat moment the other day too. We were looking for a less active woman who's address doesn't exsist... We knew what street she lived on but there was no house at the number. So we were able to ask a random walking out on the street if he knew where we could find her. He was kinda a sketchy character but he said that he knew her and she lived in a trailer just down the road. We stopped by that day and found no one at home. Then this past week we tried to stop by again. A young man, about our age answered the door. She didn't live there nor did he have any idea who she was. Oh well. But right after we talked to him for a few minutes he invited us in. We had a pretty good conversation with him and he agreed to let us come back and teach him more about the Gospel. So even though somethings don't work out the way you want them too, Heavenly Father always knows where we need to be and who we need to see. Its always a good reminder to us that its his work that we're doing and not ours.

Oh! The Fall season is setting in down here. The Tree's are starting to change colours and the leaves are everywhere. It came a little quicker than I was expecting. I'll try to get some pictures so yall can see what its like.

Friday was a pretty crazy day. We drove over 160 miles to Buena Vista and back for a Zone meeting. I love the Elders and Sisters in our Zone! They are way too funny and cool. Elder Klain of Cardston and I are dreaming of the day when we're both home and will be chillin in Southern Alberta Together. Waterton here we come! When we got back to our area we got a call to help a member move back into the area, but they lived way out in the Boons so we ended up driving another 50+ miles that night! It was pretty crazy but luckily We were able to stop at the Campbells for some great food and company.

I think thats all thats been going on lately. Well I love Yall and Hope to hear from you soon!

Elder Sunada

Happy CAN T-Giving!

Hey Everybody!

 

This week has been pretty crazy. Yet again more Travel and much Service work. Sadly this also meant less teaching. But here's what went down. Monday we went over and Helped out Bro. Covington do some work on his house. Typically you don't do service work on a Pday but the Covingtons are chill enough that even when working Spending time with them is awesome. I call Sis. Covington Mama Covington because she takes such good care of us (feeding, mending clothes, scolding, etc) OH NO! The computer says I have 4 mins! Lame. I'll have to keep this one brief and try to finish tomorrow as I'll have work to do on the computer anyways. 

 

Thursday we went helped out at a funeral for an Elderly Woman in our Branch. We sang a short number and then helped with serving the Family lunch afterwords. It took the better part of our day to get it all done but we got to talk to a lot of less actives which was great and there were also Funeral Potatoes. You can't be too sad when your eating Funeral Potatoes. 

 

Well I'll have to finish this story tomorrow Ya'll. Love you much and Catch ya later!

 

Elder Sunada

Alright, So I have a few minutes to continue on where I left off.

The Weekend was a particularly busy one for us. We stayed in Lynchburg Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Saturday morning we traveled to Buena Vista for President Interviews/ district meeting, and Sunday morning we got a ride from Lynchburg to Lexington with President Fowler for the Stake Conference. It was super awesome as the Majority of the talks were those of either recent converts and reactivated less actives. There were many strong testimonies born and stories of the Miracles that took place for those people to be where they are today. Then the stake President got up and spoke on Honest and Nailed in home. It was pretty intense but I think it was a great reminder for everyone just how important it is to be exactly honest in all of our dealings. President Fowler took us back to his home afterwards where his wife had made us a grand Sunday feast! These southern Biscuits may just be the end of me one of these days...

Monday we stayed up for our P-Day and spent it hanging out with Elder Stucki Who's going home this week. He was part of the other mission before it was joined with ours so his time is up and he's finally going to "the Land of Eternal P-Days". Actually he's pretty bummed that its all over so we tried to console him that at least now he can go hug a girl.

Last night The Smoots fed us again. We pretty much have a standing appointment to eat there on Monday nights. They are so much fun to be around! Sis. Smoot Always makes great home cooked meals. She even remembered to wish me Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! That was really nice and made me feel better about being here in the "Land of the Free and home of the Brave" thing. I was also able to talk to my other Canadian Cohorts in the mission and we offered each other a greeting and some comfort. But it was all good.

I got a letter from home last week with all the family in it! Thanks Guys I love you! Mail has a surprising effect on missionary Moral.

Well I guess that's all I got for now. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving weekend!

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