21/22 April 2012

Happy Autumn!

The mornings and nights are getting colder and colder. But that's mainly because the sky has been really clear, making it nice and toasty during the day, but all of that heat isn't being held in, so Elder Niutua is always in need of a coat. Because he's not as manly when it comes to cold weather like I am. After all, I'm from Utah. Just kidding, I'm always in need of a coat too, and wear more clothes to bed than he does, so I think we're both cold in different ways. Speaking of toast, our toaster broke and I've been struggling these past couple of days, because I'm no longer able to go and "have some toast in my quarters."

Anyway, Elder Niutua is a fitness king, it's probably the Aucklander in him. We've been going running almost every morning, and it's great! So, I'll be back to my slim and trim self soon. Probably not, but I do feel a lot better during the day because of it.

To answer your question, Elder Niutua grew up in Samoa, but, then moved to New Zealand when he was about 10 maybe? So he speaks Samoan fluently, but also speaks English like a regular Kiwi.

Well it’s been a really interesting week in the land of North Palmers Town. I never had a full real day of regular missionary work.  Monday was P-day, Tuesday was Wellington for Zone Leader Council, Wednesday we went to Wanganui to relay all the previous day’s information to the District leaders, Thursday was interviews with President Kezerian as part of our District meeting, and then Friday was our weekly planning. And then Saturday comes along, a whole day to see everyone, and no one seemed to be at home. I blame the beautiful weather. 

So this transfer is starting off interesting. I need to find a better word than interesting. Peculiar? We have a lot of great people with a lot of potential we’re working with, we just need to do some better planning to see everyone! I think one of the problems with being here so long is that I know too many people. There seem to be too many options of who I can go visit in a day. So we’ll be doing a bit of sorting out the wheat from the tares. I hope that doesn’t sound harsh. It’s a tough thing to do, but I guess it’s all a part of picking the ripe, low hanging apples off the tree. Rather than aiming for those high up ones that aren’t ripe yet.  Do you need some more analogies?

Among the heaps of different cultures here in Zealand, I've recently grown a great love for Indian people. We teach a group of students all from India who are all flatting in nearby flats. I think they're all Hindu, but some of them have some Christian beliefs as well. It's just been really cool to see their interest and enthusiasm in learning about the Gospel. They're always excited to see us and ask questions, or have us say a prayer for them. And they're always fascinated or confused about some of our beliefs or rules as missionaries. They also make really good Nan bread. Of course.  

Well thanks for everything. I always love hearing from you and what's happening in life. Even the silliest little things. And thanks for forwarding Matt's email. He sounds the same, but different in a wonderful, wonderful way.

Have an amazing week!

New quote:

"The most important mission that I have in this life is: First, to keep the commandments of God as they have been to taught to me. Next, to teach them to my Father's children who do not understand them."

-George Albert Smith

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