The final Countdown!!!

 My mission has brought me to crazy lows. Emotional ones I never thought I was capable of. I've always been real careful of who I let in. Doctor house's famous quote "Everybody Lies" has never felt more real.  But I know what to hope for. I know who my friends are. I know who to rely on. I know God lives. I know my Savior lives. The atonement is incredible and he will never forget us. I know me better than I ever have. I know how to trust in whats real. Life got a lot more complicated out here but at the same time so much more simple. I was dead serious when I wrote my email two weeks ago. I may be rough around the edges but I am enlisted, and I'll stand for the title of liberty. I fight. Not because I hate whats in front of me. but because I love whats behind me. That has been my mission. and it forever will be. Satan has personally cut me deep and I've never wanted more to knock him upside the head. double jab, straight. this is my house. kinda deal. My faith has grown. I have learned to recongnize the spirit at the most random times. I needed this. Every young man in God's eternal kingdom needs this. The armor of God does not cover our backs. It's meant for battle. we cannot turn away.

I dont really have a clean shirt. but im not looking to go home all clean and pressed. I'll wear these worn things till i'm done. I can't really tell the luggage stuff now. but i'll look into it. also the activities. I'll finallize it.

Our trip probably wont get approved...but i got a once in a lifetime chance yesterday. I'll tell you guys about that later. :)

I love you guys. I'll see ya'll soon. My camera is full so please bring the macbook and my external hardrive.
 

-Braydon

Finishing!!

Well this week was a good one. mostly because we got to move. Our new house is way legit. I really like it. I've got more space, and a bigger bed. too bad its only mine for the next couple of weeks.  I'm kinda in a weird stage. I woke up the other day with "Kings and queens" by 30 seconds to mars stuck in my head and it carried me through the day. Yesterday I woke up early and I went and sat on the couch and just reflected. I picked up Elder Mafi's guitar and played it a bit. I don't know if I coulda learned all I learned out here with out coming. I've learned so many great facets of life. Before the mission i used to get stressed out and I'd always worry. I'm a lot different now. I look at life differently. I dont think i told you guys, but I ditched the linguistics idea. I'm back on the doctor trip but this time I believe this is it. We'll see how we go. My mission has taught me that the people are what make it all worth it. I've made some great friendships out here. If a place is only as good as the people, this place is good. I've also done a lot of thinking about the places i've gone, the things ive done. Both good and bad. Everything has shaped my character and more likely prepared me for the future. I thought about all those trips with stewart and aaron erick and dillon. about college, skydiving, grade school, family vacations. Life's good. It's fun. sometimes you screw up but everytime you fall you're only making your chin strong. Chris blaser wrote me a story last week. I'm going to include it....." I just read something about a marathon runner who finished an hour later than everybody, because he got an injury half waythrough the race... people wondered why he even finished when he had no chance of winning. He said 'my country didn't send me here to start a race, but to finish'"....ain't that the truth. we're here to finish. Obviously there is a better path and an ideal and excellent way, but some walk a different path, not always by they're own choosing. most importantly we make it through. we triumph, we regulate, we conquer. I've met many people out here who walk through hell. This gospel is true and can pull us out of the deepest holes. You gotta pick yourself off the floor, and although you feel you can't take no more, remember what you're here for. This one goes out to all those I've come to love. from America, to Kosrae, to Europe, to Spain, back to Chuuk, around Guam and currently holding it down in Saipan. God loves you, satan hates you. This world is a fight, and we've gotta go home. Stick with me, i've got your back, and imma take you there. "What we do in life, echo's through eternity." much love ya'll keep holdin it down.
-Elder Lapeyrouse

"until the referee rings the bell, until both your eyes start to swell, until the crowd goes home...what we gonna do ya'll?

The home stretch!

hey guys, how's it going? I didn't think I needed to elaborate on last week. It was just a week full of really good hopes that all fell through. Seemed like the more I tried the more it fell apart type thing. This past week though, this past week was good. It started off super strong with Monday and Tuesday. We were shooting for a 30 lesson week. we lost momentum in the middle and picked it up at the end. It feels good to have stuff work out. Slow weeks are more heavy the closer you get to going home. We've got some good new investigators coming out of the work though. I'm excited. and this past week we had a really good heart to heart lesson with Two guys, chuukese, Jay and YJ. 19 and 17 respectively. two brothers. No addictions, but they've done stupid things. Jay is actually almost exactly like me. Just I grew up in the gospel and he didn't. these guys are like brothers to me and I've been working with them since I got here. We just barely picked up YJ last week and that was the push Jay needed. They both accepted baptisimal dates. I'm way excited. Thats the highlight of my week. I'm just working on puttin out these last two months. They're kinda bittersweet. I don't want to leave Saipan. But I'm super excited for my post mission life. I've made such good friendships with this ward. One of the youth richard who comes with us all the time is moving to idaho next year with a family in the ward. before he goes on his mission. He's yapese but he's got dreams and he'll make them happen. I told him he could fly into uah cause it'd be cheeper and him and I would rode trip up to idaho seeing some other people along the way. Yes bring me some clothes. and the puppies are way cute. Thanks for nameing Maui Maui. I thikn the name fits. I guess he's my replacment yah? Aight guys, take care. I love you guys. shoots. -Elder Lapeyrouse

Plain and Simple Truths!!!

 

 Ive got a pretty cool story today. It was actually from over a week ago but I forgot to write it. Yesterday though it was fast and testimony meeting I felt prompted to share it and it was really awesome.

 

Last week I got to go on an exchange with Elder Mafi so that I could do a baptisimal interview. While I was there we had an appointment with a man from Thailand. An older guy probably in his 50's that didn't speak very much English. As I was turning in my papers to go on my mission I was nervous that I would be called to a place where I would have to teach the gospel to people who didn't have a christian background. Not that I was afraid of teaching people who God and Jesus Christ were, but that I wasn't sure how to explain these two important figures in our lives and their role in our lives to people who had never heard of sure doctrine. Before the lesson the other night I said, "Elder Mafi, I've never taught someone like this before." He was like "We'll get it, or try to" We were supposed to teach about baptism, but as we sat down, Elder Mafi leaned over and whispered that we would teach about Who Jesus Christ was. I've come to love my Gospel Art Book on my mission and I use it in teaching all the time because people learn better when they can see it. I pulled out the Gospel art book hoping it would help and opened to the first page, A picture of the Savior. Elder Mafi looked at the man then pointed to the picture and said "This, this Jesus Christ. This man name Jesus Christ" The man nodded. "Jesus Christ, big power this guy. Big power." Elder Mafi then pointed to the picture of the Earth and the Universe that was right next to it. "He make this. He make Earth. He make stars. The dogs. You and me." "big power this guy." Flip a couple pages and there's the Saviors birth, a couple more and there he is teaching, calling his apostles, giving them Priesthood Authority, performing miracles, healing and helping the sick, suffering in the Garden of Gethsemene, hanging on the cross, and rising from the dead. In sentences no bigger than about 5 words, using words no bigger than 5 or so letters, we sat there and page by page highlighted and illustrated the important aspects and characteristics of our Savior. Near the end I felt prompted to turn to one of my favorite pictures in the book. A picture or The Savior holding the lost lamb. I opened it and layed it on the table, withdrew my hands and we waited. He picked it up and brought it close because his eyes aren't so good. He pointed at the lamb and said "This one, sick. This one hurt. Need help." Elder Mafi touched the lamb and said "This one, you. You, sick, you hurt. You need help." The Spirit filled the room and we just sat there I in complete awe at the feeling. The outside world disappeared and in probably the most touching moment on my mission this man who had never heard of Jesus Christ before raised his hand and lightly touched the savior as he quietly said. "he help us."  I fought back tears as I found myself, An American boy from North Carolina, on this itty bitty island of Saipan, teaching with a guy from Hawaii, the essential and simple truths of our Savior and Redeemer to a man from Thailand who didn't really speak English, And in his little room/appt. This man, through the Spirit discovered the simplest, coolest, and essential aspect of the Gospel. He died for us. He suffered for us. He perfectly knows each and everyone one of us. Our trials, our concerns, our afflictions. Our burdens, our pains, our guilt and our sorrow. Perfectly. Jesus Christ The Son of God IS our Savior and Redeemer. He helps us. He guides us. He knows the way out and he lovingly does all he can and did for us. All of us.

 

"You or I in a moment of weakness may cry out. 'No one understands. No one knows.' No human being, perhaps, knows. But the Son of God Perfectly knows and understands, for he felt and bore our burdens before we ever did. And because he paid the ultimate price and bore that burden, he has perfect empathy and can extend to us his arm of mercy in so many phases or our life. He can reach out, touch, succor -literally run to us- and strengthen us" -Elder David A. Bednar

 

I haven't been able to watch conference yet this year but I do remember a talk by Jeffery R. Holland in an April conference some years ago in which he spoke about the Savior and His selfless acts in a talk entitled None Were With Him. I want to quote Elder Holland as he says "May we stand by Jesus Christ at all times, in all things, and in all places that we may be in, even until death...For surely that is how he stood by us. When it was unto death, and when he had to stand completely and utterly alone. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

I'm not gonna lie...I felt kinda studly!!!

Hey everybody hows the week been?

 We had a pretty good week here. We had two baptisms this past Saturday. well actually 3. the other Elders had one as well. I'd like to send you guys a picture but this computer place is pretty lame and keeps all its gear behind a screen. I got the camera. Its way nice. I didn't expect that kind of one. It takes really good pictures, and it has 14x zoom, thats way far! It tracks my GPS location so thats a little crazy. This past week I had a pretty cool moment. We stopped by to see a family that is Marshellese and the first person I talked to was Kosraean.  It took a couple of cranks but I got the motor rolling and talking to him.  I then turned around and spoke Chuukese with their neighbors. I had everybody in a loop with that one. To finish it off I used the few lines of Marshellese that Elder Rufus had taught me. This had em all going, and I'm not going to lie, I felt kinda studly. I really don't know what to do for the car. What are the prices? I really don't want a Corolla. I've been kinda fed up with Corollas and Yaris' since on my mission. I want something that I can do a little more with. That Grand Cherokee looks nice. Is it automatic or standard? Whats their track record? How well do they hold? We'll continue to talk. I've been thinking lately that I'll probably finish my mission here in Saipan. That would be cool. I hope I don't move around much more. 4 islands is enough. well I love you guys!  Hit me up!

 

-Elder Lapeyrouse

April 22, 2012

So Saipan.....Man I love filipino food. So my song I hear now is one I hear on all the car stereos and stores. Something about hearts and stereos. Man music is crazy, I've got a lot of catching up to do. This past week, The AP's Elder Johnson (go Chuuk) and Elder Carlson came to visit. We also had a zone conference with Elder Ringwood. Basically, it was a really good week. We have some really good investigators. Two of which are getting baptized this weekend. I got the box with the ab roller and the gyro ball. I hope I get the camera today. I really want to start taking some pictures. Things are going really good with Elder Roko! I really like him a lot.  I've enjoyed every companion a lot so far. I'm really blessed. The other night when the Ap's were here we went on a split. Elder Johnson with me and Elder carlson With Elder Roko. We went a taught our baptisimal dates while Roko and Carlson went to see a new guy. He fell through so Elder Roko went to a LA's house. While there they saw a girl sitting all on her own watching TV. They invited her over and taught the Restoration. she felt the spirit a lot and really got into it. Yesterday we saw her again and taught the Plan of Salvation. The spirit was so strong. She accepted the Baptisimal date without hesitation. At the beggining of the lesson the member was not really into it. he was stressed and wanted to get other things done. But after we finished he bore his testimony of the spirit. How it had calmed him and helped him relax. He talked about his life before when he was Catholic and didn't feel it. And how he felt when he prayed about the book of Mormon. Lets just say, I'm excited for the 26th of May. She's a 17 year old named Jasmine. Filipina. I'm looking forward to getting the box with the pictures. I can't wait to see what you all look like. I love you all, and I talk to you in a bit. -Elder Lapeyrouse

Saipan!

Hey guys! hafa adai from Saipan!

I must say, I didn't quite expect this transfer. I am now in Saipan with Elder Rokodakunivosa. He's from Fiji. The best thing about him, he has a culinary degree. I was really sad to leave Chuuk but maybe I'll go back. I was able to get one baptism in before I left Chuuk though. While I was with the Zone leaders I Kept getting a call from the Uman Branch President. He said that one of our investigators was ready for baptism. So Elder Jones, Elder Valinotti and I went out to Uman over one weekend to see. It turned out that he was super prepared. I was a little shocked because this guy would avoid us while we were on Uman. Regardless, he got baptized and it was a sweet experience. However Saturday night we got a call from the zone leaders and they said that Elder Jones was going to Guam on Tuesday for the orientation meeting. He's training in Tonoas. So I went with Elder Valinotti on Tonoas till wed. On Wed Elder Butler called and said he was sending the boat out so I could go to Uman and get the rest of my stuff. I took that as I wasn't going back. Sure enough I got the call the next night that I was coming to Saipan. Its way cool so far. Not as built up as guam is but it has everything I could want. And it's quiet. Thats the best part. I got here and Had to do a Baptisimal interview the next day. The sisters' investigator. She was well prepared and The baptism went well. The ward here is really awesome. I've already got some good friends. I hope to make more. 

-love Elder Lapeyrouse

Just another day in paradise..if you don't count the machete attack!

 February 27, 2012

Hey Guys!  How is everything going.  Things are pretty much the same here as far as the work is concerned.  Two really old people died and that pretty much kills missionary work because everyone is "busy" or gone.

So onto the real eventful part of the week. I still have to remind myself that it actually did happen.  Sooo it was friday, late in the day, almost dusk.  We were going to see the Branch President to ask if we could work out at his house the next morning.  (In Chuuk we finish proselyting at 6:00pm because it gets dark and dangerous)  It was pretty close to six.  We stop at an Ute near his house.  Ute's are kind of like picnic shelters at parks, but smaller.  We started talking to the Branch Presidents daughter, an investigator, and a bunch of children.  While I was talking to them, Elder Blauser was called over by another one of our investigators.  I could still hear and see him, so no worries right.  I asked the Branch Presidents daughter a question, and she was halfway through her answer when she switched and started speaking really fast as something hit the sand next to me.  They all got up and ran!  I turned around expecting to see two drunk guys shooting slingshots at one another.  What I saw instead was one man walking.  A member who was a bit less active that we had been working with.  No slingshot or anything.  I still figured it best to leave when I felt a tug on the back of my pants.  A little girl was sitting behind me trying to ask a question.  I immediately thought "Dang, it what about her?" I started to tell her "Let's go"  When I got pushed really hard from behind.  Keep in mind that this is all within 5 or so seconds.  I fell over her then got up real fast calling the name of the man hoping he'd realize what he just did.  Instead I see him running towards an object on the ground, a thick stick.  As he picked it up, I thought "DANG IT,  he's going to throw that big ol' stick at me,  thats gonna hurt."  I then noticed he started to move in my direction.  My thoughts changed to "He's gonna hit me with that stick, and that'll hurt worse!"  Sooo I made the decision to turn and run.  That decision didn't make it much further than my brain before I changed my mind.  As he stepped up into the Ute, the object in his hand hit one of the pillars, and I distinctly heard steel hit concrete.  This time my thought read "Mwasamwas!  Adrenaline kicked in as everything started happening in slow motion.  By this time it was pretty dark so everything was like in silhouettes.  As he got closer and raised his arm, I could clearly see the shape of the MACHETE in his hand.  I lunged forward raising my left hand towards his right wrist.  I figured if I moved first, I'd throw him off.  I crashed into him, left arm locked and grabbed his wrist with my hand forcing his swing straight down.  His head was low so I happened to elbow him in the face and I scrambled for his head with my right arm.  He raised his right arm to strike again.  I missed his wrist this time since I was so close, but his wrist hit my wrist which stopped most of the motion.  I got his head though, got his wrist, and was able to push and hold his head down and lock his arm.  He pushed against me and I got backed up into a pillar with my left shoulder.  I spun and fell out of the Ute and into the sand, I've still got that hold though.  Elder Blauser ripped the guy off me and I said "Get the knife, Get the knife"  He pulled the knife from the guy and I went to wrestle the man to the ground.  Shortly he was on his knees,  Blauser had handed off the machete and was moving to help when the Branch President grabbed the guys other arm.  I switched hands, grabbed his right wrist with my right hand, and pulled it out while putting my left hand on his shoulder blade, and with Elder Blauser's help pitched the man forward onto his face in the sand.  He then started to say some really bad things about our moms so I put more weight on his back so he had to speak his words through the sand,  Needless to say, I was ticked.  Fortunately though, I was more surprised and offset than anything as to supersede my temper which is why I didn't consider it worth while to "vindicate" myself by beating him, but oh how much I did want to sock him in the face.   Some more locals came over and seized him and took him away. (I don't know where they were during this whole time)  I stood up and the world came back to me.  A little kid came up and handed me my scripture case.  I tried not to think about the crowd and checked myself out.  Bruise on my left wrist, minor scrapes on both wrists, and a small scuff on my elbow.  Chuukeese smackdown number 2.  Lets just hope that the old adage isn't true that it's three strikes and your out!!

Well, I was completely serious when I said that nothing else happened this week.  When people die out here, funerals last over a week and everyone is always gone to them.  I love you guys, and I hope to hear from you soon.  All is well here in Chuuk.  Don't worry!! No one can fight the Lord and win!  Much love.  Take it easy!

Elder Lapeyrouse

P-day, the mission boat, and the work!

February 20, 2012

Hurro Famini!  How are you guys this week?  Sorry its been a while since you've heard from me but I goofed and forgot to get my last letter off.  I just found it a lil' bit ago in my binder.

So this past week was a big week.  Zone conference, Zone p-day, and big news.  First off, Zone p-day.  It was moved to wed. of this past week because zone conference was on thursday.  Working on monday after a Sunday in Uman is Blehhh.  But the week definitely made up for it.  Wed. morning we got picked up by the boat. (Rodger drove with Wonzo as boat boy.  Rodger is the 19 year old kid that drove Elder Valinotti and I back in that video of us on the boat at sunset.)  I knew it would be a good day, because I love when Rodger drives.  He's a good clean kid whose a tad bit crazy and would fit in well with my friends back home.  Like a mixture of Ryan Bills, Aaron, and the guys from the Salem Branch.  There was one day that the leads on the boats battery weren't connected correctly and Esmate asked Rodger to fix them.  So he decided to hold them and screamed like the Disney character Goofy does when they turned the ignition.

So we board the boat, curve south then south-west around Uman.  Proceed west along the side of the Lagoon then North West through and next to Tiis, Param, Udot, and Eot until we reached Romonnum  It was about one and a half hours by boat.  I was super excited to see Romonnum.  The missionary house on Romonnum is on the west back side of the island.  From their beach, you can see two really small islands.  The more southern one was our destination.  (I'm being real descriptive so you can look it all up on google.)  The islands name begins with an F, But I have for gotten it.  It's only about 140 yards long and 70 yards wide, it that.  It had about 10-15 yards of white sand beaches all around, and a reef around a bit of it.  We built a fire and cooked out with chicken and rice.  We played soccer, and rugby, and football up and down the beach, went fishing with Chuukeese reels (Elder Shakespear caught one fish and one shark)  and played volleyball on a court that the locals had made.  I've got some really cool pictures.  (Wonzo scaled and gutted the fish that Elder Shakespear caught within a few minutes after it was caught and then threw it on the fire.  It was eaten shortly thereafter.  Probably the freshest fish I've ever eaten.  I've actually like reef fish, especially with time...but I still hate all others, especially tuna!  It was a really fun Zone p-day.  When we left, all 14 of us boarded two boats.  Herman drove the other boat and we headed towards Weno.  The usual 45 min. trip took another hour and a half.  We had dropped some stuff in Romonnum and when we rounded the North-Western part of the island we realized that we couldn't see Weno.  We ended up riding through the biggest storm I've ever been on the boat for.  We gave Rodger a pair of sunglasses and he whooped as we drove in a REALLY TALL, REALLY BROAD, REALLY BLACK WALL.   It was really rough, real cold, and real...fun.  Lets just say that I am glad that the boat was weighted down with nine of us.  One of those being 290lb Elder Fisher. The boat didn't get tossed around as much, and with Fisher up front we rammed through the waves that we would probably have caught air on.  When we finally popped out we were right close to Weno and there was a really cool sunset.  About 800 yards out to half a mile, Rodger stopped so he could relieve himself off the back of the boat. (not an uncommon thing for this culture)  Unfortunately for him the waves rocked and spun us around parallel to the island just as another boat was heading out.  "whoa Dang!  says Rodger as we all laugh at him, including those on the other boat.

Zone Conference was amazin.  It was the spiritual experience that I've been praying and craving for.  It strengthened my testimony on personal revelation and was such a relief from the frustration of Uman.  The missionaries did a special musical number.  We did a pretty cool Chuukese song.  We also practiced finding with the senior couples.  I learned I'm doomed if I ever work on Guam again because my English  stinks.  I get super tongue tied and that found that many sentences didn't make sense spoken in the way that my mind works now.

After Zone Conference, the outer islanders had President interviews. (outside under a coconut tree!)  While I was waiting for my turn, Elder Butler gave me a letter stamped with the 14th of February.  I don't know how it got here because it didn't have a post mark from America.  The stamp is still good.  I opened it and learned that Grandpa Allen had passed away 2 weeks prior.  I was sitting on the ground leaning against the wall.  After the first couple of line I stopped and looked down at the binder on my lap.  I opened it and slide a letter addressed to him from the inside pocket.  I sort of twirled it around at the corners for a few rounds then put it back and read the rest of Dad's letter.  I think I'll hold onto it for now.  Dad's letter ended with probably the most appropriate words. "He defined Wonderful!"  I scratched my head and smiled.  He's with grandma now, and he's probably happier than he's ever been.  Resting from the torrents and worries of the world until that glorious day that our Savior shall come again.  More humbling to me, about two weeks ago during morning studies, I began to contemplate marriage.  Yeah, Yeah  I know call me trunky, no getting away from it.  I kinda sorta miss girls, and music, a lot, but thats not the point.  I was thinking about how depending on who and when I marry, the wedding could very well take place in one of the temples in Utah.  I was thinking about how much I really wanted to have my 97,98 or so year old Great Grandfather at my wedding.  The thought then occurred to me that at 95 1/2 now, he would be 100 in 5 years.  I got a bit sad as I realized my desire might now be probable.  The pamphlet "Preparing to enter the Holy Temple" was sitting on my desk because there's been talk that the missionaries will get to start a temple prep class here in a bit.  I picked up the pamphlet, and turned right to the page I had thought of "(The Sealing Room) is beautiful in its appointment, quiet and serene in spirit, and hallowed by the sacred work that is performed there....temples were built as a sanctuary for such ordinances as this.  We are not in the world.  The things of the world do not apply here and should have no influence upon what we do here.  We have come out of the world into the Temple of the Lord."  I was et with a warm feeling as I realized that he(grandpa) would be present no matter what.

So, back to Zone Conference.  When it came time for my interview, I walked outside and started across the deck.  Elder Valinotti was just getting through with his and he was walking back.  It was ark and he was about 10 feet from me when he asked "is everything alright?"  Elder Valinotti is someone I could tell anything to.  I thought that it was cool that he picked up on it.  Especially since I don't generally show that sort of stuff on my face.  I related it all to him quickly and he was like "well, I would say that's exactly it.  "Until that day."  He left and I turned down the stairs.  "Until that day"  I whispered looking out over the ocean,  Sorry I'm getting a little poetic on you guys, but its pretty vivid in my mind.

One final story!  We gave a blessing yesterday.  I've given many on my mission and they've all been really cool, but this one yesterday was a big testimony builder.  I've gained and unshakeable testimony on the power of the Priesthood out here so far.  So when the woman approached us holding her child and told us that he has been sick for 2 weeks.  Able to do nothing more than lay there, and asked us to bless him, I had no doubt that he would quickly get better.  Not even two minutes after the blessing, the kids stood up on his own.  The next day, both he and his mother came to church and he was fine.

It's not looking like were going to get a baptism out of this transfer.  This past one has been a frustrating one.  We've got Jon, whose real close, and only has to quiet chewing snuff first.  A couple named AJ and Annis.  AJ's given up alcohol and Annis has given up Betelnut(stimulant).  AJ only has to get over smoking and They've got to get married.  AJ is really trying but Annis's dad is a pain.  One of these "as long as I live,  my family will always be in our church" kind of guys.  He's been the headache for quite a few of our investigators.  Once he goes though....But, just the dramatic change that AJ and Annis have made since being first contacted is amazing though.  They didn't take to us well at first at all.  Now each lesson is like a Family Home Evening and they both want to join our church.  The spirit has definitely born witness to them of the doctrine.  AJ was quick to accept but Annis was always. "no, no, no"  In every lesson, she was determined to fight it and would always bring up baptism on her own.  Annis "you guys don't believe the baptism our church does on babies is correct, right?"  Us: "No"  Annis "wellhow do you guys think it should be done?  Like Jesus Christ by immersion?  Us "Yes!"  Annis "........."  After a few more of those she stopped, accepted commitments to read and pray, and now enjoys it.  AJ makes comments like "I've always wondered why there are no other churches on the island that bear the Saviors name.  That if Christ were to walk down the road he would read the names of the churches Happy Family Church,  "Nope not mine", Peace Church,  "not mine either"  The Church of Jesus Christ, "ah, there it is"  He's also told us that He has heard Pastors from both the Catholic and Protestant churches say that the true church is the one that gets persecuted.  "They pick on you guys all the time, and I don't think that there is a more hated group than you guys, This must be it!"  I'm excited for them.  Especially once I convert that old stick in the mud on the hill.  hehe

This letter has gotten pretty long, and I'm kinda chipwan of writing it.  I had a lot to tell you guys about so I hope that you don't mind the length.  I love you guys (even those who read this on the blog)  Keep me posted on what's happening and the poraus in your lives.  Take it easy.

P.s  For those of you out there drop me a line.  It will be great to hear from ya!  Plus this is a shoutout to Elder and Sister Tiffany since they just told me this past week that they read this.

Ai tong ngenikemi, tori frinfeno chok

Elder Lapeyrouse

Droughts!

February 6, 2012

The Missionary Handbook on page 31 states:  "If you live in an apartment with more than one room, always sleep in the same room as your companion, but not in the same bed."  But what about showering at the same time as your companion?  Is that against missionary rules?  (explained further on in letter)
   
Alright, so here's the low down.  Up until yesterday and Saturday, it hadn't rained for about two and a half to three weeks in Chuuk.  We ran out of water.  Well actually all the missionaries did except for Tonoas because they've been in Mwan with the zone leaders because Elder Jones had an ingrown toenail that got infected. (Sorry going on a tangent here)  It seems like you can't get a mosquito bite in Tonoas without it getting infected.  No seriously, I had four bites that developed into these ugly sores that took over two weeks to go away.  But the reason I went on this tangent was to tell you guys that we now know why its a cesspool.  I used to the it was just because the house is built over a giant cesspool.  When it rains, a pool of water bigger that the house forms that never goes away.  It starts growing nasty stuff and I'm sure its the perfect breeding ground for mosquito's.  The house had screens but nosy children and drunks took care of those.  Plus, there's more.  We've discovered that there is quite a big hole in the septic tank and when it rains it leaks into that pool of water.

So back to the no rain and Am Futo Fengen (I have no idea)  One companionship pulls water from a stream and boils the stuff they drank.  Well, actually, I'm assuming they did.  They could have just had the zone leaders buy a couple of those 5 gallon jugs since they are on Weno.  When we started getting low we determined we couldn't take showers in the house, and the toilet wouldn't be flushed until after multiple uses, (within reason of course).  For our showers, we went to a members house.  What they have are long small pvc pipes that run from somewhere on the mountains.  The water generally runs into a plastic basin in which they dunk buckets in and pour over themselves.  Throw on some basketball shorts and your good to go.  The first time we used their Nenien Tutu, we went at night after exercising. They moon was super bright and somebody was playing a ukelele.  It was way cool to look up and see all the coconut trees and hear the ocean,  They only down side is that we stand about a foot over most chuukese  people so therefore we towered over the tin roof fence that was built right under their head level.

We were probably one day from running completely out of drinking water when one night, that ocean and the sky decided to switch places, but gravity stepped in and pulled the ocean back down again......for the next two days.  Pretty much killed proselyting efforts and church attendance, but I was happy because we got water.  Rain water is so cold.  We weren't the only ones hurting for water.  Lots were happy!

I got your guys' box Kinisou!!  We were really low on food when we got it.  A mistake of thinking we had bought some ramen and accidentally leaving our pancake mis in Weno, left us at only being able to eat one meal a day if we were to last.  Good thing that food is such a big part of the culture here.  Definitely  got by that week by eating with the locals.  The senior couple came out with the mission nurse to check our house and they brought your box and the pancake mix.

This week went a little bit better.  Our investigators are still pulling the "were busy" card, but we got two new investigators this past week that have baptismal dates, and really want to really want to reach those dates.  Another wants to get baptized and is thinking of his date.  Our other baptismal date, the soon to be wife of the Branch Presidents son, is still terrified of us.  We worry that she is only saying she wants to get baptized because by custom she does her husbands wishes.  Plus he is the Mwanichi and the Branch President is still the head of the house.  He says if she doesn't get baptized they will have to divorce.  The Mwanichi is the firstborn son.  It has even greater meaning is he's the oldest child.  By birthright he gets his fathers house when he passes and can stay once he is married.  Other siblings, move out when they marry.  Mwanichi's get more respect, both within and outside the family.  They have the final and ruling word over their siblings and others aside from their parents can't chastise or discipline(beat) them.  They have to ask permission from the head of the house first.  (Hence why that one drunk guy on Tonoas was mad at me.  One of the kids that I told to go away was a Mwanichi, but I now have permission from the kids father to throw him off the porch or whatever.)  The interesting part of it all, is once people ask me about my family and find out that I am technically the Mwanichi of my family and that my dad was of his their demeanor towards me changes.  No one will ignore my words like they do to some of Elder Blausers.  They won't always accept them, but they won't show me any disrespect.  We also get the respect of the "chon Sounang"  or in other words they recognize  us as ministers of the Gospel.  Those strong in culture would treat us like they would a protestant pastor or catholic priest.  For many though, culture doesn't seem to apply when it comes to our church.

Well, thats just a bit of an update.  I hope that you guys are all doing well.  I love you guys.  Take it easy!!

Elder Lapeyrouse

My spelling is suffering!!!

Hello Family,

I had to think for a bit of how to spell Family.  So how are things?  I'm assuming things are going slow moving with house still so I'm sending this letter to the Chinaps(grandparents) address.  Tell them thank you for that box back at Christmas time.  Living in a 24-7 soap operat tends to cause me to forget things.  

Not too much has changed here in Uman.  We just entered into a new transfer and I'm still in Uman with Elder Blaser.  As for Chuuk, Elders Meldrum and Butler switched.  Meldrum to Saipan and Butler back to Chuuk.  We also got two new missionaries.  Elder Sofele from Utah and Elder Parra from Arizona.  We also opened up the Wichap area which brought our Zone up to 14 Missionaries.  Yeah!  Biggest Zone in the mission.  But yeah nothing really different on Uman.  Still a soap-opera, still on a shortage of investigators, and still no power in our house.  Okay I can't be too dramatic on that.  We can still power some lights, our chill box, and our pump with our solar batteries.  In Tonas right now, they only have power for their pump.  The rest of the batteries are shot.  On the plus side, I am pretty used to a nice, humid, 85 degrees with no fan on or anything.  It takes a bit of time, but it's not as bad as you might think.  However, I freee my butt off wen we got in Mwan.

Oh, I guess I do have some news.  I passed off my Chuukeese Language Mastery about a week or so ago.  So that is 2 languages I have mastered on my mission.  I also want to say Happy Birthday to Kylee.  Sorry it's a bit late, but days have long past their distinction now that I have been stuck in summer since April 2010.

Sounds like a lot has happened recently.  All of the marriages, missionaries coming home/going out, and the tornado among other things.  So how was Christmas?  I feel like thats where I left off if I was reading a book about your lives.  What did you guys get?  and...I am guessing that Dad was talking about Mission Impossible 4?  (In his latest letter)

I would say that since I've been on my mission I've begun to spend more time in my head thinking about subjects, topics you name it.  Nicholls might not like this, but I think I do it more now that I did it at school.  I used to pull him into deep thought discussion all the time at BYU.  He called me a nut!  I'll probably talk for two weeks straight when I get back.  Please don't hate me!  hehe  I just really like churning and digesting information in my mind.  Whether it be from observation, analysis, or reading.  I have yet to find the end to the depth of the Gospel, and the Scriptures.  It's actually fun spending a couple of days on one Chapter in The Book of Mormon.  Especially when after those 2 days you have probably ten tangents you want to study further, and those have tangents and so on that all tie together and support each other and build off of each other.  2 Nephi 9, 2 Nephi 31, Jacob 5, Mosiah 2, Alma 32-34, 3 Nephi 11, Moroni 7.  (These should keep you guys going for awhile)  Another book that is probably one of my more favorite is life is Jesus The Christ  by James E. Talmage.  Its deep, powerful, bold, and comprehensive.  I look forward to everyday to reading it.  I actually hunger for it and is often leaves me in deep thought and sometimes in Awe.  I highly recommend that Josh reads if before his mission, but don't let it hinder the reading of the scriptures.  When I get back I also want to read The Great Apostasy andArticles of Faith also by Talmage.  Maybe look into some of Hollands writings and Packers, and most of all, I want to go to the Temple again.  The only bad thing about this is that I like to discuss what I've learned.  Elder Sturm was good for that, but these talks are never short.  Hope you guys look forward to it.

Okay now that that tangent is gone, Josh, how are you liking the Community College?  Kylee... High school?  Hows work for you all?  out here it is slow.  outside of Sopowtiw, lessons are hard in coming.  They have actually been pretty slow coming in general but there's a man above us with a real genuine desire to learn.  He's humble, friendly(didn't use to be) and asks good questions.  He's protestant, but not biased.  We have some good discussion.  The other day we spent a whole lesson on faith and repentance.  At the end, he said probably the most honest prayer I've ever heard an investigator say.  It was a genuine humble communication with his Father in Heaven.  He was thankful, accountable, and hopeful.  It's been a blessing to teach a man like this.  Glad we found him.

Yesterday, marked the point where I have 8 months left. Time flies by, and a very, long 24 hours worth of airtime, in flights draws nearer.  I really do not look forward to the much travel.  We have a Zone conference coming up this next week.  it should be a good one.  other than that, there's really  not too much more that going to be happening her for awhile.  I'm  gonna go ahead and wrap this thing up and say  I love you guys, and you guys take it easy.

Elder Lapeyrouse