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

candlelight dinners

Whats cooler than writing letters and eating dinner under candle light? Nothing!  Well there is plenty cooler but I still think this is pretty cool.  Its been pretty rainy lately, so we don't have any power (solar).  I don't mind though.  I dig candle light and fires to cook stuff on.  We have one can of propane left and if we run out, we'll build fires for cooking.  We tried making the corn bread stuff today without eggs or milk.  We used our rice pot, a empty tuna can, a measuring cup, and a ceramic plate to create a steam oven.  It worked..the cornbread was good, but we burned through propane doing so.  Everything is going good out here though.  Elder Valinotti is probably the most similar to me of all my companions yet.  However come to think of it, I haven't had a companion yet that I didn't get along with very well.

I have grown rather apathetic since I've been here.  The kids here grow up getting what they want when they ask for it.  The also feel that they have a right to whatever they see.  I've grown immune to hearing my name and any question that involves Kose Mochen Upwe Angei...(you don't want?...I will have...)  They want Ramen, soy sauce, spam,  50cents, water, salt, plastic bags, tobasco, black pepper, garlic, ramen, water, matches, kool-aid, ramen, water, ramen garlic, ramen, soy sauce, ramen, gum, cardboard, ramen, tuna, ramen, chicken, ramen, and wait.....ramen.  The brochure for this place should read something like:  "Come enjoy the experience of being asked for something twenty times a day or your money back guaranteed."  On the plus side I've gotten used to cold showers, sleeping on the ground, sitting on the ground, and living out here without air conditioning.  The Zone Leaders have air conditioning in their apt  and we all freeze whenever we go in.  The one good part about that is that it makes the tile nice and cool for sleeping.  There are times when I worry a bit about coming home, going from this humidity and heat to the damp bite of fall air back home and then in January, the Utah winter.  I often recall a  memory I have from BYU when I saw a guy in sweats and a hoodie bundled up against a wall in one of my classes.  The TA asked him if he was alright, and he answered that he had recently returned from a mission in the caribbean and that he couldn't seem to get warm.  I now realize that I had laughed at my impending future.

This past week, the A.P's came out.  I got to see Elder Madsen again, and Elder Malit, who has seved on Chuuk, so he was a big help.  Earlier in the transfer another area on the island Weno on Chuuk called us and told us one of their investigators who was doing real well was moving to Tonoas.  A young girl about 10 or so.  She lives about a 30 minute walk away and  we were able to sit down with her parents the day the A.P.'s came.  We had a really good lesson on the restoration.  The spirit was definitely there and after we all shared our testimonies, the man said that he had something he wanted to say.  We were in the heart of Protestant territory so we were like shoot, this stubborn Chuukeese man is going to dominate our faces (earlier when he had seen that we were there he wasn't too happy and asked another woman what our purpose for being there was.)  He started talking rather fast in Chuukese and I could only understand that he was talking about the protestant church.  I felt impressed that he needed a Book of Mormon so I turned to Elder Valinotti, who was struggling to listen and told him about it.  He got one out of his bag.  Elder Malit saw and looked pleased,  When the man finished Elder Malit bore his testimony and then asked Elder Valinotti to explain the Book of Mormon.  After the lesson, I had a real good feeling and I talked to Elder Malit about it.  He told us that the man had basically said that the Protestant church was not true in his eyes.  It was whatever the Pastor had wanted and he(pastor) has never said that it was Jesus Christ's Church.  He has been praying and waiting for someone to tell and show him which church is right.  His wife was like "we give them money every week, but we don't know where it goes, and none of us in the congregation seem to receive any benefit from it.  They are Studdin!

We got to come in to go shopping, and for Zone P-day.  Our really studdin' investigators are doing even better then they already were.  The man Jon asked us how he could become a member of Jesus Christ's church and says that he thinks about baptism when he wakes up, and when he goes to sleep.  We have high hopes for them.  

Rains and winds are picking up here.  We have had some crazy storms lately, which make boat rides choppy and wet.  Those last couple of boxes were really helpful.  My only request is for cookies and baby powder.  I'll hit you up again in 4 weeks.  :)

Wait....I am in dire need of socks.  I think that the trolls or dwarfs stole mine.  I haven't matched socks in awhile.  Maybe like 12 pairs. Please and thank you!!

Elder Lapeyrouse

Creative cooking and...washing!

So Chuuk has been a good ride thus far.  Besides the fact that it's hot as hades out here.  I had forgotten how much I loved Micronesia.  Guam was nice, definitely had more food and technology perks, but nothing beats the simplicity of an island, And now Elder Valinotti and I have one all to ourselves.  Chuuk is seriously the place I think every young boys should of had as his playground.  A lagoon of about a hundred or more islands, Many small and uninhabited.  You could sail around, explore the islands, or go diving to the beautiful reefs filled with tropical fish and sea turtles, and tons of WWII submarine and ship wreckage. 

Speaking of boats, and islands, we get to go into Weno on Zone P-day (if zone p-day is on Weno) and the first monday of each month.  This is when we go shopping.  Elder Valinotti and I get to go to Uman every thursday for district meeting.  Besides those times, its good ole Tonoas for us.  Normally the missionary boat is about 18ft and looks like a cross between a bayliner and a pontoon.  However, the week before I came to chuuk a heavy storm sunk it, ruining both engines.  They have to buy a new boat, and in the meantime, we use little boats, 10ft or so with a 40 mph engine.  The only thing I don't like about Chuuk so far is laundry.  I said goodbye to the only apartment in Guam with a working washing machine, and received a warm welcome from my buddy the "Ace hardward Bucket"  Laundry goes like this:  Wake up, fill the bucket 3/4 with water, dissolve powdered soap, add bleach (if whites), add clothes, then using a plunger with holes you pull some butter churning moves and get it all nice and mixed up.  Then you let it sit and soak and that evening dump out the BROWN water (Note I don't think that most people in the states realize how much body sweat and soil are in our clothes when there is no visible dirt)  But trust me, 10 "rinse cycles" later, and trust me I UNDERSTAND  how much dirt there is, you wring out each individual piece of clothing and hang it up on the line.  If there is a stubborn stain, you can throw a washboard step in there somewhere.  Surprisingly I don't miss air conditioning at all.  For most of the mission, thus far, until Yigo North, my houses haven't had much of an AC unit.  I had to remind myself the other day that Tonoas doesn't have one at all.  We both sleep on mats on the floor with  about a foot between the mats.  We place a small fan at the head of the gap.  Half the time, our solar power runs out and the fan cuts off in the middle of the night.   We leave all the windows open though.  Elder Valinotti and I are going to buy some candles this upcoming monday so we don't have to use the energy on our light bulbs, and we can use more for the fan.  I guess this would be a good time to mention that fridges, ovens, and microwaves are non-existent out here.  So we don't have anything dairy, and we get inventive with our Japanese propane stove.  The other day I cooked one of those Betty Crocker Warm Delight things that you sent me using a steam cooker that I crafted out of a pot, a empty chicken can, and a makeshift lid.  It worked pretty dang well.  

Chuukeese is coming faster that Kosraen did.  But it couldn't come fast enough.  We get owned daily out here because neither of us know chuukeese that well.  Its all good though.  No better way to learn right?  Regardless....other than crazy, drunk, men who get way wasted/angry, and start fights at nightfall, Chuuk has been real nice.  Its a nice challenging change of environment.  I will probably spend my 2nd year here so I look forward to all the crazy adventures this part of the Federated States of Micronesia can bring.  Transfers are coming up, but I don't expect much to change.  As for the boxes the past few have been good (Guam and Chuuk)  Maybe some drink mixes would be nice though.  Oh!!  I would like my priesthood lineage and an updated address list (including Aaron's mission office one since he never gave it to me)  Tell the ward Hi for me.  Can anyone believe that we have already been out a year  (sorry Nicholls just a few more months).  Al tong noenikemi! 

Much love, take it easy!

Elder Braydon Lapeyrouse

Just sit right back, and you'll hear a tale...(Gilligan's island theme song)

A couple years ago in seminary (ok..many years ago hehe) I remember watching a church video about an older lady who walked everyday to the mailbox waiting for a letter, and each time finding it empty (called the Mailbox).  I have recalled this many times over the last 4 weeks waiting to hear something from Gilligan, I mean Braydon.  hehe  Anyway yesterday I was able to do the happy dance after checking the mailbox.    Here it is.  

August 15, 2011

I think there is a misconception prevalent  within the Micronesia Guam Mission.  One that is common among those that are "born" (start out) on one of the outer FSM, CMNI, or Palau Zones.  This idea being that we would start out on these islands and learn the language, serving there for sometime before "doing time" in Guam and then finishing our mission in our own respective islands.  President Dowdle realized quickly the dangerous effect this manner of isolated thinking had on the mission.  Before he got here and early in his mission, Zones had rivalries.  Guam was looked at as the punishment island.  Languages were used as cliques, and mission unity was something everyone professed to have, but many would show otherwise.

I'm not sure how many of the stories that I've heard have been exaggerated or not, but I do know that it was enough for President to spend a lot of effort on unifying the mission.  I think that one way of doing so was getting Elders to understand that they were never assigned to serve only within a specific Zone or language.  There have been a few Elders who have demonstrated that we are not as "safe" as we had thought.  Elder South for example from Chuuk, to Pohnpei, then back to Chuuk.  Elder Pearl from Chuuk to Yap.  As President Dowdle's Mission came to an end, transfers became more crazy and unpredictable then they had been.  Closing some areas, and opening up new ones.  Elder Allred on Chuuk doing a swap with Elder Henrie in Yap.  Elder Agalzoff from Palau to Guam for one transfer and the replacing me as Elder Andrew's new companion in Utwe on Kosrae.  When I was transferred to Guam needless to say, I had figured enough craziness had already happened, and the fact that it was President Mecham's first transfer led me to believe that upon taking Elder Agelzoff's place in Yigo North I would be in Guam for some time.  Especially since we were losing six Elder's and only getting three new ones.  However, transfer calls came. Elder Adams is writing down the names....gets done with writing down the Guam Zone, and my name isn't on the list.  Just seconds after being excited upon hearing that Elder Madsen was the new Assistant to the President, I was overcome with a number of feelings as Elder Adams asked about me.  My filipino brother Elder Iglasia on the other side of the wire laughs a bit, starts in with the info and pauses after "going to"... just for the sake of tormenting me...then finishes with "....Chuuk,  he's going to Chuuk".

I was shocked, blown away, excited, and yet nervous.  I sat there on the couch and...just sat there.  The fact that Elder Valinotti, who was part of my MTC group, was going to by my new companion on one of the outer islands of Chuuk still didn't even register.  I only knew two things:

1.  I was once again boarding that island-hopper flight again a lot sooner that I thought I would.  2.  I was in for a ride.

So Chuuk....A blast so far.  That main island Weno (pronounced "Would-A) is well.....I can't put it into words.  All roads are dirt and have Gigantic craters/lakes in the middle of them.  The mission cars (Toyota Tacomas) are all beat up.  Alignments shot, power steering doesn't work, the windows on the (couldn't read the word hehe) are smashed, the gas cover has been ripped off, dents, dents, and more dents.  Damage from Locals, and from the local roads.  Its like a giant Ghetto with a billion people (ok exaggeration) living on it.  Power is on for 4 hours then off for 4 hours.  The outer island...no power, no roads (walking only), no cars, not Ghetto, but very rural.  Our house has three small solar panels to run our 1 florescent bulb, small fans, and our water pump.  I guess you could say that we have a fridge, but it gets no colder that 70 degrees.  No oven, No AC.  We have a butane stove (scratch that) burner that we cook on.  Roughly a 20 square foot house situated quite nicely on a green tropical island amid sparkling blue waters.   I get to ride a boat to district meetings and any other time we need to get off this island (which is only every 4 weeks).  We get to end our day at dark because its too dangerous to be out.  (Chuukeese men like to get drunk, have bad tempers, and walk around when drunk looking for fights,)  There are many islands that are unsafe.  Decapitations..impalements...slingshots designed to kill....you know, the usual.  Shooting each other with spear guns....Wait,What?..Who said that?  I was talking about how neither Elder Valinotti or I know Chuukeese very well.

I seriously am loving it out here.  The only things that keep on the outer islands are Spam, Corned Beef, Rice, and other canned goods.   So thats all we have to eat.  We have a stud of a Branch President.  (who is the only worth Melchizedek priesthood holder in the branch)  He helps us a lot.  We have a definite baptism coming up, and her husband is doing well also and is making us slingshots.  Its great being Elder Valinotti's companion and seeing him again, having Elder Butler in the same Zone, ( he is ZL) and learning a second language.  Well I guess that is a third personal language.  Its coming faster than I thought it would as well.

There are days that Elder V and I wake up on our sleeping pad/cot/ mattress thingy (we sleep on the floor) and both make the comment that we feel like we are camping.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be in this mission.  For this experience, and for this trust.  I've met too many people, missionaries, and locals alike, and seen and done many things that have changed my life forever!  I can't believe there's only a year left.  Time is so short.  I love you all...Oh! I forgot to mention how strong the Brotherhood is between all the Chuuk Elders.  It reminds me of the Squirrels.  In Chuukeese custom there are "Promise Brothers", which is the Chuukeese equivalent of blood brothers.  The Elders in the Chuuk Zone treat everybody as such.  Our own Chuuk Island family.  There are no individuals in this Zone, and our relationships emulate island custom.  I look forward to whats ahead, and I hope that you all are doing well.

Much love...take it easy

Elder Braydon Lapeyrouse

Dogs, dogs and more dogs

my pwipwi's, Ngon mochen Guam. The Chuukese Language is so gangsta'. I'm enjoying studying it. I got the Pictures from the wedding and it looked really cool. And the boxes, thank you. Guam has been really cool thus far. I feel like I'm learning so much. We have an investigator now that will be baptized on the 16th. Her name is Jade and She's doing really well. We have about 3 other baptisimal prospects but they are a little frustrating because they arent as consistant as I would want them to be. Well two of them have only been taught once this past week and are new so I cant really say that. Two of the guys we are teaching are car finatics and have their own projects. I saw a sick 63 bug last night. and Chamorro trucks....The chamorros here love their drag/lowriders. We see some interesting cars. So I get to meet the new President today. Saying goodbye to President and Sister Dowdle was really sad. I cant wait till mission renunions.  We have interviews tomorrow and a zone conference on Wednesday. I'm really excited. Elder Adams and I are getting along really well and I am looking forward to the upcoming weeks. On a funny side, The other night Elder Adams and I went to contact a Chuukese family the other night but the only one home was their 18 year old daughter. She had the door open before we even got to the door, came outside and sat down, flattening out her skirt, and tidying up her hair. She was a lil flirty but not enough for us to be sure so we told her we'd check back later. The second time she was the only one home  again but she didn't seem excited to see us. Same goes for this time. Yesterday at church I walk into the Chapel and see this girl sitting with some friends. She waves and smiles and I was just thinking "you've gotta be kidding me" Elder Adams welcomed her and then we took our seats and laughed about the matter. Her family and her friends family really do have good potential though so I dunno. Other than that its been, dogs, dogs, more dogs, ugly dogs, annoying small dogs, wait! a cute puppy. and more ugly dogs. A few slammed doors, a "busy" stonner, so many phillipinos!! And Chuukese. I love the Micronesian people. Elder Adams and I have the "ranches" in our area. All dirt roads, out in the back country that only the Micronesians live on. They live everywhere but only micronesians are on the ranches. We like those better than the normal housing because we've both become so accustomed to the culture and we feel more comfortable out there. Its all good. I do ask however that you send my express jacket because the apartment is cold, and my Black shoes are done for. The missionary mall should have some good ones. Elder Adams has "Borns." the Air Force base is also in my area and so my ward is basically all Airforce personnel. As for the Flashdrive....whenever. I'll check back next week, Happy 4th of July!

-Elder Lapeyrouse

SPEND 4 DAYS IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRY HOSPITAL......CHECK

  THIS IS NOT THE TYPE OF EMAIL THAT YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE FROM YOUR MISSIONARY.  HE NEVER ANSWERED THE QUESTION ON WHETHER OR NOT THE TEST CAME BACK POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE.

"kiss from a rose" - Seal

I'm terribly sorry you never got the Walung email. I resent it. In the meantime, I'm going to let you all know about my experience with a hospital in a 3rd world country.

After monday night, I only seemed to get worse. Tuesday morning I felt alright, and even ate some toast, eggs, and bacon. Then I starting cramping throughout my whole body, sweating, felt extremely light headed, and so on. President had suggested we go to the hospital and get them to take a blood sample to test for Dengue fever (I don't know how to spell it) I ended up getting admitted because no on has a clue here.  I was given a sodium chloride IV and a nice rock to lay on for the next 4 days. The hospital here.....is a bed. you bring everything else, toilet paper, water, pillows, bed sheets, a fan (you'll want a fan) and so on. I don't even want to describe this place and the bathroom shall never be mentioned again. But there I lay. At first in a room with 5 other sick people and their families. (families watch over the sick because the nurses don't) and the rooms aren't that big. They soon moved me to another room with one other guy and his wife. This guy shook the walls when he snored, but he was leaving the next day so that worked out. Elder Coffey ended up getting admitted into the same room as I for dehydration, which meant that every other missionary had to spend the night on mats on the ground. It was a very long, 4 days. On one particular night in which I was feeling extra loopy, and sick I began singing kiss from a rose by seal. My IV probably fell out 4 times in total and I don't want to know how many airbubbles got into to my bloodstream due to their lack of competance. On one of the nights I changed the IV so it would drip super fast and hurried up and finished the bag and locked it off before I went to sleep. I also gladly took that tube out when they shook their shoulders to answer my question of if I needed it or not.   The whole experience can now be checked off my bucket list though I am not glad to say I have done so. I was so glad to eat food again upon getting out becuase I refused to eat the boiled chunk of skipjack tuna  or turkey tail they served every meal. The good news is I'm all better now. The other news is, I'm pretty sure I'm being transfererred from Kosrae this week. Should be interesting. Much Love

-Elder Lapeyrouse

Lovin my Bike!

I've come to really enjoying putting my Presidents letters in here. I don't have a song for this week, but Dierks Bently was hard to get out of my head after you guys told me you were going to see him in concert.....at a race. jealous kuhtuh sriksrik. but I would like to give a shoutout to my bro Aaron who's about to leave on his mission to Mexico. Much love my brother, it's been sweet reflectin on the good times. Godspeed.

 

 

 

President Dowdle,
I really enjoy this opportunity to be back in....I'm not sure why I just used the terminology "Back in" but I meant to say that I really enjoy that I can work in and focus on Utwe. I suppose I said "Back in" because I literally feel refreshed after being briefed on this new missionary program. I'm looking forward to two hours of companion study and the applications that are designed to push both of us. Back to basics, I guess you could say. The most essential and most important. I'm also really loving my bike. It took a lot of headache to finally get it but its well worth it. I was a big fan of mountain biking back home, as well as riding through the city on one so this feels more natural to me than a car. I also get exercise, and the opportunity to travel through the village without the isolating barriers of windows. Good things are ahead President and I'm looking forward to them. In fact. A referral I've been needing to contact came to church yesterday with three inactive teenage or slightly older than teenage boys. He expressed a desire to be baptized and said he was free all the time. Satan's hold is weakening, and I say it's time we mute those ol' bells of Hell.
I hope that Sister Dowdle and yourself can enjoy your time left in Micronesia. I really appreciate your work President, take care.
-Elder Lapeyrouse

 

 

So anyways, I got my bike this week. Its a GT Agressor 1.0 if you want to look that up. Mine is mostly white, with blue and yellow. Its sick and I love it. Elder Andrew isn't too big on it now. He fell yesterday and scraped his knee pretty bad. but spirits are high, the works picking up, The exercise will make me hungier so I can eat more rice. haha  And the mission field has introduced a brand new program. Its supposed to be for new missionaries and their trainers who recieved the same training I did in the MTC. Apparently they are field testing it before they make it final. Its a 12 week course of basically Preach My Gospel boot camp designed to push, strengthen, and fine tune new missionaries. With the hopes that they can train after their third transfer. We get an extra hour for companion study each day and a syllabus/study guide thing with topics, goals, activities, and so on. I'm loving it so far because it's everything I learned in the MTC put into action. Everyone in the mission field knows what the "8 lessons) are and this is what the program is centered around. The Essentials of Preach My Gospel. It's a sweet deal. I look forward to being able to study more. As for a box, I like mac and cheese, the chicken helper, the fruit, and other food items, not really anything sweet, and no more potatoes because I have enough of them. Apparently there are also Italian sides, so thats an interest of mine. I would also request Taco bell sauce packets. a good number of each flavor. Elders Sturms family did that and I'm jealous. however my time is up, and I must go. I love you guys, take it easy.

-Elder Lapeyrouse

"Yeah man, thats the good stuff"

"We are the Kings and Queens of Promise"

 

So I figured I'd throw a little 30 Seconds to Mars at ya'll this week. Thats kinda been my theme of this week. Well theme #1, until I got to watch conference. Theme #2 goes a little like this:

 

 "It's the first long kiss on the second date, mommas all worried when you get home late, dropping the ring in the spaghetti plate, cause your hands are shakin' so much. And it's the way she looks with that rice in her hair, eatin' burnt suppers that whole first year, and askin for seconds to keep her from tearing up. yeah man thats the good stuff." (Kenny Chesney)

 

So the assistants were here this past week. Elder Matthews (Kosraean Elder) and Elder Barlow (Palauan Elder). Elder Matthews really enjoyed being back on Kosrae since he didn't really get much of a good-bye last time. Him and I put a big effort on throwing a last minute District party Friday night before they left on Saturday.  We succeeded.  So then they left and we got to watch conference. Awesome by the way. After watching saturday morning, saturday afternoon and sunday morning sessions, Elder Sturm and I were talking to Dr. Ken about how we liked it and how cool we thought it was that they didnt have topics. He was a little confused so we told him that we thought that they all prayed about it and that their talks would specifically touch everyone who listens to them in a different way. About how different people hear different things over and over. And then......In Sunday Afternoon Holland gave a talk on what we had been talking about. We thought that was pretty cool.

 

So back to Kenny. Elmer's 1 year old daughter was in front of me while we were watching conference and she has the biggest and (excuse the non manly terms) most adorable eyes of any kid I know. And she sat there and stared at me, and stared at me.  I told Elder Sturm about it and  he said that everytime she does that to him it makes him want to say "awww I want one."  It also doesn't help that so many of the speakers at conference talked about we should strive for an eternal family. To be married in the temple and about all the blessings of it. President Monsons talk at the priesthood session was amazing and had me counting how many months in Micronesia I have left. So not going to lie, I've been thinking about my future wife all weekend and seriously pondering about the time I do decide to get married. Thinking about the Priesthood responsibility of marriage. (listen to Monsons talk from the Priesthood session) They tore into us about robbing daughters of God of the chance to start an eternal family, and about how men usually let their wives fill the void that we lack to fill. I imagine most girls would get a kick out of monson's talk. But conference was also good about learning to be charitable, give service, any desires can be overcome by something greater and the affects of the atonement. I also want to point out that Elder Gary E. Stevenson gave the opening prayer for the Sunday Morning Session. I was actually hoping he would talk but I did get to see him nonetheless. I spent 6 hours across a 2 1/2 foot table with that man and president Dowdle in a little 15 by 8 hotel room a couple weeks ago. I love Zone Conferences. Especially when General Authorities join. Anyways, all is good here, I'm really excited for next transfer because its supposed to be a big one. It will be the last or second to last transfer that President Dowdle will do before he leaves. He wants everyone to be in a fresh area that they can stay in for awhile so that President Mecham won't have to make a big transfer while he is still new. Anndd I've been in Utwe practically my whole mission. We'll see what changes happen. There are even rumors of two zone leaders on Kosrae and 3 companionships. (or so President himself has mentioned). we'll see in three weeks though.

 

Love you all

-Elder Lapeyrouse

NO LAUGHING MATTER....

Braydon sent me a quick email before this one telling me that his email was sort of a Declaration, and to please post it...all of it.  It is rather lengthly, but Braydon felt that it was important to say.....

"That's just Satan...but he can go to Hell" - Elder Foote

 

"Everybody used to tell me that big boys don't cry, but I've figured out enough to know that that was the lie, that held back the tears in the eyes of a thousand prodigal sons. We are children no more, we have sinned and grown old, but our Father still waits and he watches down below to see his crying boys come running back to his arms. And were growing young..."

 

Addiction, Satan's tool to take away our agency. These past 6 months I have seen just how pathetic we make ourselves when we give him control. Mainly since almost everyone on this island has an addiction. Mostly alcohol and its because there's not much to shoot for here. Sadly, over the past few weeks I've seen it completely take control of some of those that I love very dearly. I cannot begin to describe the shuddering story of a good friend of ours that reached his all time low on a pitch black night, no moon, and a blueish glow on a small flashlight reflecting against the window.   There was blasting country music, blood covering the ENTIRE inside of his house, and him lost in the abyss of alcoholism in a heap on the ground screaming that no one loves him and laughing hysterically ( Elder Sturm describes the story)   

 

"Ok, I'll tell it. I still lose sleep over it, but oh well. I'll just keep it short and quick. He had been drinking for a long time. He is a recent convert (oh yeah, by the way Abraham and Elcina are both members too). He has been having a lot of problems. One night we got there (around 8:30) nearing what became the end of a 3-week-drunken experience. Both Elder Madsen and myself had several very strong feelings to not go, but being dumb and prideful we ignored them.
Again, very long story short, the mansion house of Doctor Ken was pitch black, lit by the moonlight reflecting off the ocean and the blue-ish flashlight of our cell phone. Very loud country music was playing drunken, broken up love songs. Due to an accident that had yet to be cleaned up (and made much worse due to several subsequent blunders) the house was covered in blood. I don't know how he bled that much, but the 7 inch gash on his head is pretty nice. We finally find him in his room, curled up on his now-more-red-than-blue sheets ranting. (If you haven't noticed, this house would have just won the "Best Haunted House of the Year!" award if it weren't for the "no use of real demons" clause in section 3.55a.... sorry, maybe not a funny joke.)
Anyway, here we are, standing in this room, drunk crying/ranting/and laughing (totally adds to the effect), country music, and an actual odor of blood (which followed us around that whole night). Suddenly I felt very lightheaded and... I don't really know. Just not feeling good.  I guess snapped out of it when I realized Elder Madsen had fallen over. Luckily an office wheel chair was there to break his fall. Elder Madsen had completely passed out, and would probably have a similar injury to Ken's if the chair didn't break his fall (the chair fell over, but he landed confortably on the back side of it which slid down the wall quite slowly).
Several seemingly hour long seconds passed by until my companion woke up, VERY confused. I started praying, though Elder Madsen had not quite figured out where he was (he thought I had just been waking him up in bed and was wondering why I had country music playing. I think he figured it out sometime during the prayer). As Elder Madsen was on the floor and getting up and as we prayed Dr. Ken kept saying "Did he just fall?" and "He fell!" and other such remarks as he laughed. The laughing was not really helpful.
So then we left. I think I said a hundred prayers before I went in, several hundred prayers while I was in the house, and thousands more later that night. But, I always felt safe :) " (Elder Sturm)

 

 

     Fortunately this same man has risen out of his hellish endeavor after an experience much like the combination of Alma the younger and Enos. He's doing really well and that song at the beginning of my post was for him. Two days ago we witnessed another account in which a drunk ex- pro- kickboxer threatened to end Elder Sturm's life. (see his email after mine. He says some really good things especially his testimony.) On of the nicest people we know and one of our greatest friends destroyed by his own choice to relinquish his agency. Its an ongoing battle that has left us many times in tearful prayers for these people that they might find the strength inside themselves and pull through. I'm literally standing in the devils play ground and he's not too fond of us. I wish to bear witness to the destruction, the hopelessness, the terror, pathetic yet tantalizing despair of forsaking ones agency. It all falls on us, we choose who to give ourselves to and the results are exponential in both directions. Addictions: pornography, alcohol, drugs, etc. are a filth and a plague that only injure you and have the very power bring you within the hellish hands of the devil himself. There is no escape, there is no hope,  and there is no " doing it only a little".  The Prince of Darkness and his fallen brethren will own you, control you, and bring you down. They hate you, wish to bind you in chains and make you suffer eternal torment, and they are the puppeteers that have a copyright on addictions and your despair is all they seek. I bear witness to how true this is because I see it often with my own eyes, and I wish that those who read this will please not tempt it. I have seen those I love beaten, battered, and torn. There is a saying: The Savior never said it would be easy, only that it would be worth it. I would like to point out that the Savior never actually said that at all. There is no record of it. But what he did say "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matt. 11:29-30)

His yoke is easy, his burden is light. Choose him and you shall find rest, peace, and joy. It all starts with choice, its not hard to choose either one but beware of whose yoke you are taking upon you. For I testify without a doubt that the long journey back under the yoke of the Adversary is a daunting one, and one of much trail and suffering to bear. In the name of our loving brother, our friend and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

J. Golden Kimble wasn't too far off when he said "Baptize the Hell outta' 'em" was he?

 

 (The following is Elder Sturms email to family)

 

 

Elder Sturm:

 

Well, it's been an exciting week! I can now say that I have sat at the foot of a man with a fifty-something-win/two-loss record/kick boxing champion of Hawaii as he threatened to kill me. And since missions are all about coming out and getting cool stories, I'm excited! Ha. I'm just kidding. Anyway, I'll get to that story. Friday during weekly planning we wrote down a goal of "one baptized, one confirmed" for the following week!  It's the first time we have been this close to a baptism since the last batism 4 months ago! I am SO excited! But then something happened. I wrote it all down in my President's letter, so I just copied and pasted it to here. Hopefully it all makes sense being written straight to you as well, but who knows. I spent a lot of time on his letter so I can't really spend time rereading it or rewriting it. We only have so long on the computers :)


President Dowdle,
It's a good thing the Church is true. I would probably be a very sad person at all times if it wasn't.
You'll notice our goal for baptisms this week is one! Julie is doing amazingly. She has been reading, praying, coming to church, and has been very excited for her baptismal date on the 16th. She is now living with Abraham and Elcina Abraham next to the Nautilus. She apparently does not get along with her mom and her step dad (her dad recently died, we're not sure how long ago). We encouraged her many times to call her mom, although she is 21 and (not that I know the actual law here) old enough to choose for herself.
Yesterday we got to their house for an appointment and she was the only one in the house. She seemed really sad about something, but she would only respond with the usual "I'm fine" or "I'm well." We asked her where Abraham was and she pointed across the street. Abraham called us over. Not to a huge surprise we found him with several (10? 15?) beer cans, all empty. He started talking to us about family problems from Julie's family, and how he didn't want to have to deal with them anymore. Julie finally came over and I asked her if she had called her mom. She said yes, and they were not happy. Apparently Abraham has been getting a lot of opposition from her family saying he was the one forcing her to be baptized.
Obviously with him drunk no good came of the conversation, but we just kept talking, him ranting about how he knew the church was true, but wondering why we even come over anymore, complaining about how messed up he is. Then he told us that the choice was Julie's. We (I'm with Elders Lapeyrouse/Andrew right now) turned to Julie and talked to her about her choice she had to make. I told her we didn't want to tear apart her family but that her and I both know what she needs and wants to do. No one can force her. She didn't say anything really, just sat thinking.
Abraham then went on for a long rant about whatever came to his drunk mind. Something he kept saying about how messed up he was made me really want to address that. I hunched down in front of him and basically bore my testimony to him(looking back I have no idea why, it was probably quite difficult for the Spirit to make it past whatever wall he had built; I guess it just seemed right at the time). I told him he can change, he can overcome this, but he has to trust God. Have faith, pray, then do your part. Actually try to stop. He started crying, then just got angry. At this point the fact that he is an ex-professional kickboxer came back to my mind, and my current position was a little disadvantageous. (Is that a word?) Abraham said (in English in a voice which I later found out was almost inaudible to anyone besides me, two feet in front of his face) "do you want to see how bad I can get? Do you realize how close you are to me ending your life? Do you realize how easy that would be?" I felt the Spirit, so I knew I was safe (or at least I wasn't afraid, whatever it meant). But I stood up very slowly, asked him what he wanted us to do, and he said leave and don't come back. I tuned down the language a bit.
So we left. We walked back over to his house on the other side where our car was parked, leaving behind what we were hoping (and are still hoping?) will be our first baptism for the year. We got to the car and I started crying. I don't think I have ever cried like that for that long. I hate sin, I hate Satan. I love those people! I asked Elder Lapeyrouse to pray before we left. As he prayed we heard somebody coming, it was Julie. We closed the prayer and waited. She told us "I'm going to keep reading the Book of Mormon and praying. This choice is mine and if I want to be baptized I will. I'll let you know." We told her to kampare and headed out.
Anyway, that is my experience for the week. President Jonathan said he wanted to head down there and "soften his heart" before we went back again, so we didn't go back yesterday. We'll probably stop by tonight anyway. Abraham is the nicest guy I know when he is sober. I just hope some of the "I guess the church really can't help me" thoughts haven't carried over.
So yeah, all is well. No worries here, just a very sad Elder Sturm. Every song in Sacrament meeting the next day was about how happy the gospel makes you and the Sacrament song talking about these covenants and taking the Atonement upon ourselves and being made clean. Needless to say they have never had more meaning to me.
But like I said, all is well. Satan is really putting forth his best effort right now, but I know he won't win. He hates me, but I would have it no other way. He is powerless compared to my Savior and my King. The nation of Israel will win, our forces will triumph. Patience, Elder Sturm, patience.
Thanks for everything President, sorry you had such a long letter to read. Have a good week! Until then, Kampare!
Elder Sturm
 

So anyway I am quite a large deal over my time limit, but I thought those two stories should get home. No worries, I'm not in any physical or spiritual danger from either of these people (in fact, I was having a great spiritual experience last time I was in Ken's house, he is doing well).
I guess I should just add my encouragement to obey the Word of Wisdom. Abraham is the nicest guy I know on Kosrae until he is drunk. He is aparrently slightly different after a few drinks.
I'll leave with bearing my very strong testimony that God lives, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and our King (who will soon come and literally reign as a King over the restored nation of Israel), that the Holy Ghost is promised by an eternal, perfected, and glorified Father to each and every one of His children who want that guidance, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only and true church of the Lord Jesus Christ, the very same that was established by His hand in the days that He walked this Earth. We have been promised an eternal and ever-lasting gift of happiness not only in the presence of our Father who loves us, but to become as Him and live as He lives now. I know that these things are true, and I know Satan hates them all. He hates me, he hates you, and he wants you to be miserable even as he is (2 Nephi 2:27). He will not win The War. The only person who can decide who wins the battles is you. Please use your agency wisely. It is everything. I promise you that it is not worth it to choose incorrectly. We all make mistakes, but if you truly desire to come unto the Father it is always possible.
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
Repentance.
Baptism.
Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
Enduring to the End.

Do that and we are saved. Eternal happiness is waiting for each and every one of us. Do we want it?
Please choose wisely what you do with your "probationary state." It means everything, and can cost everything.
I know these things are true, independent of any other person. I share them to you in the name of my Beloved Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.