20/21 November 2011

Hello my family,

Well, It's been a good week. I had a great time while I was in Levin from Monday to Thursday, and was able to learn a lot from Elder Kaumavae and his Tongan flavor of doing things. It was really fun for me to be able to be back in Levin and see a few familiar faces. I realized, however, that members aren't very good at remembering missionaries' names, or maybe it's just mine that they had forgotten. I was able to see the Huavi's really quickly and was glad to hear that they're still coming to church and praying. It was also weird for me to back in a small town again, where you could say Hi to anyone and they'd at least acknowledge you if not greet you warmly with a G'day.

I always enjoy exchanges because I always enjoy a little bit of change in my life, but only good change. The best part about exchanges is the "exchange" of ideas that happens. I always love learning new ways of teaching, finding, and talking with people. Especially from enthusiastic, and sometimes crazy, new missionaries. And it's always great to come back to your area to see what miracles had taken place while I was away/ share with your companion what miracles had happened while he was away. So it's great. In fact, I'm going up to Hawera again today for another exchange!

In other news, the Taukapos are doing really well. Yesterday, we drove up to their Tongan church which finishes at 12 and talked to Sis Taukapo about her daughters coming to church. She agreed to drive them and she would follow us. We were hoping she would just stay, and when she got there, I don't know what it was, but she did. It was probably because the Tongan sister in the ward that she knows was outside waiting when we drove up. That was really great and she felt really welcome. So the whole Taukapo family was at church yesterday, expect for the dad who was still at his other church. It's okay, he'll come eventually!

It's always great going to the Taukapos, as of yesterday, I think I've officially become Kolipoki. Sis Taukapo was telling us that she and her husband watche "The Other Side of Heaven" all of the time, because they love it so much. And since I'm usually the only white boy in that house, and am even more so when the other two missionaries come over there, I'm quite honored to have become Kolipoki. Though I think that means I'll shortly have to learn the language.

Well I gotta go, Thank you for all you do!

I love you

Just remember:
"True happiness comes only by making others happy"---David O. McKay
Keep doing what is right, and praying day and night!
Have a wonderful week!
I love you all so very much!

Love,

Elder David John Rowe