Week 40 - Happiness is the Reward

Dear Mom,

Haha thank you for sending me that Easter egg hunt invite! Good times. I wish I was there to get that egg cuz you know I would have. 

Heimuli Family Easter Egg Hunt invitation

But since Bo and Harry got it I hope they enjoy it. I'll get it back when I come home but that's not for awhile so they are off the hook till then :) Like you I'm glad no one got hurt haha. Harry's protective gear made me laugh! 

Ready to hunt (aka battle) for the golden egg...just missing Elder Heimuli!

And thank you for the Easter package!!! I loved it and so did our zone haha! 

Elder Heimuli & McCloud made Easter goody bags for all the missionaries in their zone

My favorite part though was being able to read all of those funny and loving letters. And Harry's awesome drawings :) And seeing the pics of those aloha outfits on the babies, they are so cute!! haha Keep sending me more pics and vids!

How lucky are Hendrix and Kiegan that their grandparents go shopping for them in Hawaii?! I bet it was fun. Bummer you only got to stay for like a day. Hope Lani feels better and I hope Dallin recovers as well. Tell them both I love them! And congrats to Lana! She will be a great mom!!

I hope Grandpa continues to go to the temple. Glad he has some clothes that fit now. I know it must be very hard when even Grandpa has a hard time, But I also know he will always pull through! Heavenly Father has a special place in his heart for Grandpa. He is my example of temple attendance and a righteous patriarch. I hope I can be just like him. In fact every day it seems I have a chance to think about how grateful I am for the many examples I have had in my life. Hema, Helam, Hevynn, Bo, Alyssa, Norma, Harry too, my grandparents and so many people have influenced me to be better. I hope and pray that I am able to live up to their examples and expectations, and that I can be to someone else, what all of them have been to me :)

Serving here in Niles is a lot of hard work and I love it. It's also a lot of responsibility and I'm slowly getting the hang of it. Some days are better than others but everyday there are people in our zone who need our help. So I try my best, I try to stay positive and I hope that it is enough. 

Elder Heimuli's parents received President Cleveland's letter last week

Fortunately, McCloud is awesome. He works hard and he's great. Our ward had a pinewood derby so we decided to make our own cars so we could join them haha!! Unfortunately we lost but it was still fun.

Elder Heimuli and McCloud with their pinewood derby cars

So this week has been a struggling week for us. Not many people were kind to us but hey whatcha gonna do. We received a call Monday night from the guy who was on date for baptism. He said he didn't want to do it anymore and doesn't want to speak to us anymore either. We were pretty depressed. No, we were very depressed. It was sad. However we prayed hard and we knew we got our answer when we felt that we just needed to go out and work. Of course tracting sucks. I'll be honest, it does haha. Not many people actually want you there and we can tell. But we were obedient and we still did it. By Friday we were so tired of it. We were pretty close to just going back to the apartment, sitting down and just stopping. But then we realized we had a lesson with a part member family. We thought, "Well, we need to go." 

We taught the plan of salvation. And I was reminded again how much God loves His children, every single one. We actually didn't plan on inviting this guy to baptism this early because he used to be pretty hard core anti Mormon. But we did. And he accepted. It makes me emotional again just writing to you about it. I can't even tell you how grateful I was and how humbled I was at that moment. God rewards diligence and obedience. And He will always give us a reason to keep going. We finished out the week strong and even picked up a new investigator that we will be teaching this Friday so I'm excited :)

Besides finding and teaching people we also go on a lot of exchanges with other missionaries. Some areas or companionships just need a boost so we go to see how we can help. I actually really like these because I get to know the other missionaries better than just knowing their names.

On exchanges with an Elder Blakely...from Bountiful :)

Looking back at this week there's no doubt that God is involved in His work. And make no mistake it is HIS work. It's not mine or president's, it's His. And I'm happy to be part of it. Nine months have flown. I have learned alot in this time and I know I still have alot more to learn. During hard weeks like this one I rely alot on the things I've read or heard. This week I remembered a quote my trainer taught me. I loved it so much I wrote it down because it applies not only to missionary work but to each of us as we work on being disciples of Christ! 

Obedience is the price

Faith is the power

Love is the motive

Spirit is the key

Christ is the reason

Happiness is the reward :)

This quote is my favorite and tells me exactly how I can have happiness. It's similar to one of my favorite scriptures D&C 93:1

1 Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;

I testify that if we come unto Christ with faith, being willing to obey all of God's commandments lovingly, and always reaching for the companionship of the Holy Spirit we WILL have happiness.

Anyways that's what stuck out to me the most this week. Love you and I pray for you all always.

Ofa Lahi Atu!

Elder Heimuli

Week 39 - Keep Calm and Don't Worry

Hey Mom!!

Elder McCloud & Elder Heimuli in the truck

Wow babies galore haha!! Well that’s great it’s good to hear that I’ll have more little Heimulis to come see when I get back haha!!! How’s Faith? I hope that she is feeling better! I am still praying for her health and Lani's. How is Aunty Lani? 

The new Provo Temple is just stunning! I mean all temples are beautiful but this one is really cool haha! Harrison has been to alot of open houses!! Keep it up because any chance to go to the temple is great. Speaking of temples how’s everyone’s temple attendance? haha I know you said you just went on Saturday and I know I’m sounding nosey but from the people we work with and the families we've seen whose parents are members I realize how much stronger their relationship could be if they would only go to the temple. The temple helps maintain our families’ relationships. So I just invite everyone at home and whoever reads this to PLEASE go to the temple. I wish I would’ve gone more often before I came out here.

Still busy with all of your YW leadership stuff huh? It sounds like you are doing some great work mom, and I love hearing about that!! And you still find the time to write to me every single week and I am very grateful :) 

How was Uncle Ricky’s wedding? Too bad you had to leave early but how did Dad and Harry enjoy Hawaii? And yeah so the Moala’s father’s name is Pule Moala. However, his son Inoke knows Bruce! Haha so yeah I bet this is the same family that Maryann’s dad converted. It was fun to talk with Inoke about Bruce haha! I miss that guy. How are the Tukuafu's? How’s Norris? I miss that kid too. 

"Welcome to SB (South Bend)" sign

Me? I’m doing great thanks for asking :) This week was good. Unfortunately our investigator who was on date didn’t show up to one of the lessons so we have to push his baptism out until after conference weekend. :( However he still came to church and is progressing really well! Two more investigators came to church and it was awesome. I also had to give a talk last minute because a sister didn’t show up haha, but it went well. This week one of the miracles McCloud and I saw happened while we were driving to an appointment one day. We got a text from another investigator. He said he needed to talk to us ASAP... We were freaked out thinking, "Oh no. What happened?" Well we met him at a resturant and he bought us dinner. Then he said, "Well I just wanted to tell you that I’m getting married. And you two are invited..." haha!!! We were so relieved. He had a long complicated past. But now he is getting married to a member and he has started to express his interest in baptism. We are stoked!!!! 

Enjoying life in the Niles Michigan Zone

Elder McCloud is awesome. I enjoy being his companion and he knows alot. He has been a zone leader for almost 9 months now so he knows how to do things. We were in a Stake Mission Correlation Meeting and the President warned us that the council wasn’t very nice towards the missionaries. He told us to be prepared. Me, being a greenie ZL, I was totally freaked out and I was fumbling through all my papers and stuff. Then McCloud just looked at me and said, "Calm down and don’t worry. I’ll walk you through it." And he did. I think he did for me exactly what Christ does for each one of us. D&C 19:16 reminds us why:

16 For behold I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.

Because He suffered for our sins, pains, sorrows, everything, He is in fact the only one who knows EXACTLY how to walk us through the trials and tribulations of our individual lives. So we should try and remember to "keep calm and don’t worry." He will walk us through it. All we have to do is repent. Anyway, the meeting went well and the stake presidency was satisfied. Grateful to be surrounded by such great missionaries!!

With Elder Taka

Anyways thanks for everything mom :) Love you!! 

Ofa Lahi Atu!!

Elder Heimuli

Week 38 - Flint McCloud

Hi Mom!!

I’m so happy to hear about the tender mercies God has shown towards our families. I’ve also realized that God is always blessing us. Are we just receptive enough to see them? Throughout this experience I can see how He has not only blessed Aunty with health but also many family relationships were strengthened. It’s a big reason why we’re here, to be taking care of one another, willingly sacrificing our own time to help others. But another blessing is that we also appreciate this fragile gift of life. It’s easy to lose and we are only here for but a small moment, that’s why I am so grateful for God’s tender mercies and the blessings of Family. I pray our family continues to stay close and rely on God and His power.

Wow, you are just always busy huh mom? But never too busy to go on a date with dad even if it’s to the grocery store haha. How was that movie? Was it good? I often wondered what it would feel like to be the one who had to carry out the order or even just be a part of the crucifixion of Christ. What would I be thinking? Would my beliefs be changed or would I have been so hard-hearted? I hope I would’ve been like the centurion who wept. I hope I would have changed if I was there. 

Yeah Mishawaka Ward is in our zone so if I am ever in that area I will say hi to that Tahitian family if I can :) There are actually a few Poly families up here in South Bend! The Vakalahi's and the Moala's. Guess what? We went to pick up the South Bend elders and the Moala's invited us over to grab some food. They made Lu, Taro and lots of good food. I was so happy!!!

So Uncle Ricky is getting married! Yay tell him congrats from me! I guess I need to study up on the Widow of Nain cuz I don’t remember her. Either way I know Hevynn will do great cuz she always does haha! Hema and Norma are going to Brian Reagan!? Dang I’m jealous! I love Brian Reagan haha. I hope they have fun. How’s Helam doing? How are all of the little families doing? I pray they all raise them like you and dad raised us :) rooted in the gospel, and super good looking (jk that’s just Harrison and Hevynn. Rest of us are out of luck.)

Well, Niles Michigan is interesting. It’s a small town. But because we have a full time truck we have to cover 4 or 5 other towns as well. So our area spans for like 80 mi. It’s a huge area!! But it’s awesome. 

Elder Flint McCloud is my companion. Cool name huh? He is from Kaysville and he has been out for about 18 months. He is great, I love the guy. He knows the area well and we work hard.

The past week we have been getting in each night and right after we are done planning we just pass out haha! But this week we put a man on date for March 26th!! We also have 2 other potentials for baptismal dates that we pray will be receptive and willing to take this step. Please continue to pray for those we are working with. I know you are all praying for us and I want you to know that I can personally feel the blessings coming from all my family’s prayers!

As for the "ward" it’s only 50 members..... the other 100 are all less active, so we have our work cut out for us, haha! But I know God will help us as he does for all of his servants.

Sorry this letter is short. We are super busy and seems we are always running to and from everywhere and everything haha! We have to head out and take some supplies to the elders!! Love you mom and tell the family hi from me!

Ofa Lahi Atu

Week 37 - Work Work Work

Dear Mom,

We had a combined District meeting and it was college-themed -- our last meeting as a district.

So reading about what’s been happening I’ve thought to myself, "Man, this would be detrimental IF we didn’t know about the Plan of Salvation."

I am so grateful for this plan and the way that God has paved for us so we can return to Him. Not only has God given us a way, but He has provided the answers to all our questions and concerns through this plan and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have the beautiful assurance that we WILL be together forever if we choose to follow God’s commandments. In following God’s commandments we are also blessed, we are so blessed LITERALLY, and for the most part I think we understand that.

But then how are we going to get over the various physical trials of mortality? It won’t be easy, but since when was the crucifixion easy? Since when was the suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane easy? Never was it easy for Christ. In Alma 7:11-13 it talks about the reason why Christ suffered so.

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

I know Christ will be there for us in the midst of our afflictions, for He has already suffered them. I pray we always remember and keep in mind the glorious Plan of Salvation and always remember that the center of it is Christ’s Atonement. I invite everyone to read this scripture. I know I’ve probably already shared it before but it’s such an awesome scripture that I have to share it again. Again I will be praying for Aunty Lani, Laukau, Faith, and the Tuipolotu family. I love them all and I know God does as well.

Yay you got to finally go back to WX 17th ward haha! Did you have to introduce yourself? How is everyone? Tell Harry congrats on getting his recommend!!! I bet the Provo temple is beautiful! 

So as for this transfer, we finished on a pretty good note. No, our investigator didn’t come to church but I know he will come next week. Elder Ellsworth will be staying in White River with an Elder G Wright. 

Leaving the big city of Indianapolis -- last stop Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts

I've been assigned to be a Zone Leader in Niles, Michigan, with an Elder McCloud. I was hoping President would let me be with Freeman haha, dang. Also I was kind of mad because I just paid a lot of money to fix my bike and now I won’t use it because I’ll have a full time car, ok so maybe I’m not that mad :/  But if President would’ve told me just a few days ago I wouldn’t have had to spend that money haha! 

A sister in our ward threw us a bonfire for our last night.

Our district is awesome and I’m really going to miss them a lot!! 

One of my favorite missionaries, Elder Huntington, from West Jordan! I love this guy. I'll miss him.

But it’s all part of being a missionary right? 

Last week we decided to tour Lucas Oil Stadium because we knew half the zone was leaving. It was such a blast!!!  I got to see my first NFL stadium ever!!! While we were there I was able to take some pretty cool pictures that I’ll send to you. 

Me in front of Frank Gore's locker!!!

I don't know why I started flexing again just because I stepped foot on a football field haha! Trying to pretend I'm still in shape (not).

Also this week Ellsworth and I were able to find a couple of new progressing investigators. I hope they keep progressing here in White River!!!

Thanks so much for sending all the pics of the family and especially the babies. I watched that video of Kiegan rolling haha! And Hendrix is just so happy and handsome. Speaking of babies, I finally made a planner cover of the babies, and everyone loves it. I love it most of all and they are growing so fast, holy crap! Time does fly fast, especially in football, too. I can’t believe it’s Helam’s senior year, last spring ball, he should tear it up this year, then go NFL! I know he can, just needs to work work work. He's no stranger to that. And what? Norms made pork hash! How did she know how to make that? See, if she never married Hema she would’ve never known what pork hash was, so now that she does, please tell her to send me some haha. I miss playing 5 Crowns with the family. Good job mom in winning, it’s all because I wasn’t there to beat everyone ;) haha. 

But to sum it all up I am so excited to see what Niles and my new zone holds. Hopefully God will guide me and help me grow into this new role. Love you guys soooo much and I will see y’all again!

Ofa Lahi Atu

Elder Heimuli

Week 36 - I Know All About the Mormons

I’m doing great out here! It’s the last week of training Elder Ellsworth so it’s pretty crazy how fast time flies!!

Wow, another little Heimuli coming and around Hevynn's birthday!! That’s great!! Haha tell them congrats from me and that I love them. 

What great scriptures you shared. Keeping God’s commandments brings blessings, ESPECIALLY during tribulations. That’s where many people who leave the Church believe God has abandoned them. But I testify that God will never abandon us, usually we abandon Him. Scripture study and prayer will definitely get us through the different trials we are facing. It’s when we stop doing those things that we start to lose our faith and start to fall in the midst of our trials. It’s all like one giant circle, but to sum it up, prayer, reading, and keeping the commandments will ultimately bless us and keep us from straying from the path.

I was just thinking about Aunty Lani when I read Alma 26:27 where it talks about how when we bear with patience all of our afflictions, God will give us success. This means that even if we have all the diligence and obedience in the world, we will still have to bear the challenges we are facing. Again, God never abandons us. He provides ways for us to get through these trials through the love we receive from our family, good friends, leaders, His Gospel, repentance and the Plan of Salvation. 

When loved ones pass, it’s sad. I’m so sad for Uncle Tom and Aunty Ana and glad you and dad are going there to support them. We all know how they feel because we have all felt it. Nephi felt it in 2Nephi 4. But instead of letting it shake his faith, it increased his faith. Read this scripture, it will help. And I will keep everyone in my prayers!!

Tell Harrison, Congrats!! I’m proud of him, he is killing it right now haha, even if he doesn’t think so. That’s good that he didn’t lose on asparagus ;) And what’s a carafe? Did you feed that to him for dinner the next day like you did with me and asparagus haha.

Well this week we had a pretty cool experience. So we were biking to an area about 7-9 miles away from our house and halfway to that area my tire like blew up!!! So we stopped. No one could give us a ride for like 4 hours. So we looked at each other and half-jokingly I said, "Well God wanted us right here since he popped my tire so let’s work." We really did believe we needed to be there. So we tracted for 3 hrs. Finally on the last house a woman came out and answered the door. I told her we were missionaries and she said, "Oh you’re Mormons!! I know all about the Mormons!!"

We both thought in our head, “Oh crap, she knows ‘all about’ the Mormons.....then she surprised us when she said, ‘I love them.’

She then told us the story of how when she was about to die from a clot when her neighbors, who were Mormons, prayed and checked up on her constantly. She lived, much to the surprise of the doctors, and she was grateful to our Church. So we were able to teach her and we are going to see her again this week! Anyways just a reminder of how charity goes a long way. That’s pretty much the highlight of my week. I am still reeling from how fast this is going! Love you mom and tell everyone I love them as well!

Ofa Lahi Atu!

Elder Heimuli

P.S. haha GHS!!! What a lame high school [Elder Heimuli got this picture of Harrison at the District Spelling Competition held at Viewmont]

Week 35 - You Ees the Missionarees?

HIYA :)

Well this week has been very busy. I decided to push my district and shoot for 100 lessons and 20 new investigators. We only got 96 lessons, but we found 33 new people to teach!!! Haha it was a great week, and so we are going to be full of appointments for the next few days haha. But that was a result of us going out constantly and working. I can’t lie, it was tiring. But this week should be great!

Isn't this a great wall painting?

No I have not been able to reach the New Zealanders from Butler because I’ve been helping out the other missionaries in the area. But I’m hoping to contact them soon!

At Butler University

You’ve been running around a lot too! Glad you met Dook’s brother at the youth dance. I didn't know people actually went to those jk jk. His name is Simi. I remember him from LPA!! He's awesome. If you see him say Houston says hi. And tell the Munk family I said hi and tell them I asked how Harley is doing on her mish! Also I’m excited for Norris this season! With Coach J there it will be such a great offense. Makes me almost wish I could be there haha. But I am still grateful for Coach Wall and his work ethic he instilled in all the players at BHS. Greatest program ever and Norris will do great. Tell him hi from me and to keep trucking everyone that comes across him in football.

I Have a Testimony is such a beautiful song. Thanks for sending it to me Mom. And it’s even better when all of those beautiful voices come together. Hevynn and Harry killed it!! Hema, Helam, and Bo did also!! Bo would decide to start singing really good when I’m now on a mission haha! I already told you this but I’ll say it again for all the family to see. I showed the other elders and they were like, "Whoa your family is so talented! What happened to you?" I replied, "I got the good looks. They just got the good voices." ;) Haha. And yes I did give them all that winky face when I said it cuz you know I got both, lol!! I’m so blessed to be part of such a talented and spiritual family! 

So again it was a busy week. A lot of tracting. As all the siblings know, tracting is FUN (haha) but LONG. It’s even longer when people just talk for hours. However something funny happened. Elder Huntington and I were on a litte exchange when we knocked on a door. The guy looked at us and walked away. I said, "Well, he's not coming out. Let’s move on and keep knocking." Huntington told me to wait. He said he felt like he would answer. Suddenly, the door burst open and a little Spanish dude came out and yelled, "You es the missionarees?" We said yes! He shook our hands vigorously and said, "I’m Fabio!!! I love missionaries!! I live in Utah back in time!! My family members, but not me. I want to be baptized!"

We had a lengthy conversation then he invited us to come back for cake and kool aid. So I’m pretty pumped for that (the invite, not the cake and kool aid. Ok I’m pretty pumped about the cake and kool aid too). But it just goes to show that a little patience goes a long way. In this case, eternal salvation for Fabio.

Sunday was kind of frustrating because the people on baptismal date couldn’t make it to church. So now we have to push it back to March 22nd and I won’t be here most likely because that’s when I’ll be finished training Ellsworth. He’s doing good. He’s picking up the work well.

With Elder Ellsworth in the background

Oh and the district LOVED my Valentine’s bags for them haha!! I wish I would’ve snagged pictures of that but I forgot. Sorry!

I see Brad more often than you would think. He's in a different stake but I see him a lot at meetings. I will tell him you said hi. He is doing great too. Also Mana is leaving on April 6th so the farewell will probably be the Sunday before then. Thanks for wanting to go support him.

Whoa congrats to Maddie and Dallin on their mission calls!! Haha I’m excited for both of them!! They will come out and I will be just about a year out, that’s freaky!! Do you have dallins email? I would love to email him! Also with Dallin’s court of honor Aunty Lani will be busy! Tell their family I love them and I miss them. Not Lauryn as much, just the rest of them ;) haha jk jk

Oh btw I found some of Sifa's hats here at the Lids store! Haha I freaked out because I was like, "My cousin made those!!!!" I saw a kid walking out with one so I was pretty pumped. What happened to Faith? I hope she will be fine. I’ll keep her in my prayers. and if you see them again tell them hi from me. I love them more than Bo haha!! And I also hope Hevynn is ok. Seems like medical issues just plague our family :/ along with you guys being old! For real though, read Alma 26:27 :) it talks about afflictions and bearing with them and the promise God gives us. I reflect on this scripture a lot because I get a lot of doors slammed in my face. :/

27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren…and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.

I love you all. I pray that God will always guide us and that we will be receptive and ready to act on that prompting. 

Love you Mom and Ofa Lahi Atu:)

Sincerely, Elder Heimuli

Week 34 - Fefe hake?

Hey mom!

Yup you already guessed it. Because of Presidents’ Day so we couldn’t email yesterday :( 

First off thank you for the package!! I got them all and I was able to make some nice little valentine gifts for everyone! You’re the best mom! And I’m glad the flowers made it to you. Even though I couldn’t be there I hope the flowers kinda felt like I was home.

So the best thing that happened this week was that one of the investigators decided to take a job where he has Sundays off!!!! So we are hoping he will then come to church more often (he has no excuse now haha). But other than that things have been going well. It’s been a bit chilly but the area is great and I am loving the people! 

This week we also went on exchanges with the Zone Leaders and there is a college in my area called Butler. Elder Shoeneman and I went there to personal contact and tract. 

We got cold and no one wanted to stop and listen to us, so we went inside the basketball stadium to warm up. Then we saw these two brown girls walk past and Elder Shoeneman said, "I think they’re poly." I looked at him skeptically and said, "We’re in Indiana. There are no polys." But I decided to muster all the Tongan I knew and yelled to them, "Fefe hake?"

One of them turned and said in a New Zealand accent, "I’m not Tongan. Sorry!!" haha!! So I ran up to talk to them. They are both from Auckland. One’s Cook Islander and the other is Maori. I was soooooo happy! We got their information and, hopefully, we will start teaching them this week :) So pray that they want to learn more!

So on Valentine’s Day I actually went on exchanges to Carmel area to go sing at a baptism. When I got there I met a lot of really nice members who, upon seeing my name tag, looked at me and asked, "Any relation to the Heimulis who played at BYU?" Then we had that conversation again (the one I’ve had over and over many time, haha) about Dad. Haha it’s always funny. As soon as the baptism ended, a family invited us over to their house. It was fun! We just got to know each other, played games and the family actually knows Uncle Vai. He was their stake president!  We talked and talked and then we had another jam session. Our cars were grounded so we couldn’t go anywhere. I was fortunate enough to have such a great family allow us to be in their home.

Haha wow my grandparents now have 8 baby chicks, huh? Happy anniversary to Grandpa and Grams! What a special bond to be married for that long, and even more special is the eternal bond that they share as well!! I love them so much and pray for them always. I really don’t have any clever or cool names to give to the chicks, so I’ll just let Harry take care of that. He is a lot more creative than I am haha!

Here’s my favorite scriptures from the chapter you guys are reading in John (chapter 15).

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

To put it simply, follow His counsel and commandments. Later in the chapter we read that the 2 great commandments are, Love God and love thy neighbor. It makes sense then that if we love God, we keep His commandments even as Christ did (because again, aren’t we disciples and followers of Christ?). And because Christ followed God’s commandments He abided in God’s love, and we can also if we but just follow His commandments, too. The Savior promised in verse 10 and 11 that we will abide in God’s love and our joy will be magnified and full. That is such a wonderful scripture and I hope you all keeping reading and keep studying!! 

I’m sorry mom, but I forgot my camera when I came emailing.... so I will get them to you a later time!! Love you mom and tell the family I love them!

Ofa Lahi Atu

Sincerely, Elder Heimuli

Week 33 - Crazy Awesome Day

Hey MOM:)

Yeah I actually was at a member’s house and they "accidentally" left the game on. We told them we couldn’t watch it and they refused to turn it off. So we decided to give up and watch the first half and have dinner haha!! 

Then after that we left before half time and went home and got things ready for P-day. Anyways that’s what we did yesterday.

The Hodson family used to live in Hilo. The asked me what I like to eat and I said I love Spam. They went all out with Spam musubi, poke, spam, rice, pineapples and li hing mui. Then they gave me all this Hawaiian food to take home with me so I probably gained 20 lbs at their house. Don't send me any more food please haha!!!! I was soooooo happy that night!

This week was very busy. Tuesday we did service pretty much all day so we were exhausted. 

Chopping wood. That's right, with my bare hands...

We decided to head to a Taco Bell and have lunch. While we were there, there was a girl who was just staring at us. Finally we turned, and her dad who was standing next to her said, "Oh Elders!!!" Haha the girl was wondering who we were because we were all dressed up and stuff! She didn’t see our tags. We found out she was looking for the YSA ward here. She lived in Italy and her dad was visiting to help move her stuff in. So we chatted and got her on her way to the YSA ward and the chapel. 

But the busiest part of this week was Caitlin’s baptism! 

At Caitlin's baptism (I can never get a serious pose!)

Ellsworth and I were so happy to see her baptized and confirmed the following day. It’s a funny story. She was baptized before but she was never confirmed because after the baptism the family actually fell away from the church for 3 years. 

With Caitlin's awesome family

We finally contacted her again and she was baptized! The other elders in our ward also had 3 baptisms so we had a total of 4 baptisms!!! We were at the church from about 10am to 4pm just getting thigs set up and taking things down. What a crazy awesome day. 

Other than that things have been pretty good. The weather isn’t freezing anymore and we are able to tract alot now that things are warmer. However please keep the other 2 investigators who are on date in your prayers please. They are struggling and we need all the help we can get! 

Things are still busy as usual back at home huh? But it looks like the family is still going strong!! Oh and by the way I got a package from Helam and Alyssa :)

Care package from Helam & Alyssa

Tell him thank you soooo much and I got the pics of baby Kiegan! Now they are hanging up on my wall! 

My wall's looking better!

Kincade emailed me and told me about Coach Wall. How blessed I was to be part of such a great football program and to be taught by such a great coach! I love him and the whole coaching staff! I wish the best for Coach Wall and I can’t wait to hear who the next coach will be. I’m guessing Coach J :) Tell everyone on the staff I said hi and thank you. Again, congratulations to them for overseeing such a great program and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to play football there and at the next level.

Anyways the biggest thing I’ve learned this week was about Faith. Faith is a power, not just a passive belief. And if we want to use this power we must first strengthen our faith. This is all through diligent scripture study and prayer, obedience to god’s will and commandments, and praying sincerely and honestly. I promise you, this will bring miracles if we are willing to do these things. Where are you lacking? What lack ye yet in these areas? I challenge you all to find one of these areas, and work on it!!! 

Anyways I love and miss you all!! I pray for you guys and wish the best for everyone in everything!!

Ofa Lahi Atu

Elder Heimuli

Got 2 bloody noses during my studies, so I took care of that problem!

Week 32 - Go NOW

Hi Mom :)

I am doing great!! Things this week were pretty good. I think the best thing about this week was the beautiful weather we've been having! It went from negatives to 40's and 50's!! We were so blessed. There were also some pretty cool miracles that happened this week.

Out enjoying the "warm" weather today, I just had to snap this pic of black Jesus

So one of the investigators on date wouldn’t answer the phone or answer the door for the last couple of weeks so we decided to just ease off and see what happens. One day we were driving around her neighborhood going to another appointment when something said, "Visit her now." I thought it was just me being me and I thought, "I need to get to this appointment right now. I’ll do it after."

But it came to me again saying, "Go NOW" so I literally flipped a U-turn and went immediately to her house. As we pulled up she was just about to leave her house. We were able to talk to her and figure things out! Listening and heeding the promptings of the Spirit should always trump other things that we had planned at the time. And we still made it to the appointment on time as well!! BLESSINGS!!

At home

Your schedule sounds hectic! But when the Stake Presidency receives revelation then we must follow the revelation they receive as swiftly as possible, and Go NOW. I bet it was great to see all the youth! I know you love that. 

Haha and Helam is 24 daaaaaaaang!!!! Sad I missed his bday but from the pics it looks like you guys had enough good company around. So fun to have the whole fam there except Harry :) And that sneaky Aunty Nei, always paying for stuff, though I never complained haha. Tell her hi from me and that I love her!! How are the little families doing? I’m loving the pics of the babies :) 

This is my study area. I've gotta add the pics of the babies!

It is such a blessing to have chapels to meet in and worship in. Being in Utah we have the extraordinary blessing of having them almost on every street, and in Woods Cross, some of them are literally right next to each other! However, we must be careful not to take those blessings for granted. I love seeing members here because they drive from long distances and everywhere to come to church. And having the opportunity to clean that place is yet another way we can show our gratitude to God for the gift we have been given. I’m glad you and Dad had a chance to teach Harry about this blessing :)  I kinda miss those times. When I would do all the work and he would play with the toys in the nursery haha. 

Trying to practice uke and sing every once in a while...of course it was a church song!

Speaking of chapels, another cool miracle. We were practicing how to conduct a church tour. Elder Ellsworth and I were about halfway through when a member walked in and said, "Are you doing a church tour?"

"Well we are practicing for one."

Then he said, "Well me and my friends are going to take a walk around the city and they aren’t members. You think you could give them one real quick?"

We both were shocked because we had no plans of teaching anyone or giving a tour anytime soon. But of course we said yes. It was a really spiritual tour and the couple loved it. Another example of how to just go and do as the Spirit directs. This couple live in a different ward’s boundary but I know the Spirit they felt will help them. In the Lord’s house is where His Spirit can abide, and I’m sure that’s why we love church buildings, chapels and temples, so much!!!

Things have been going well. We have been able to teach alot and we have a baptism this Saturday!!! I’m so excited. Also Ellsworth is doing really well and he has come a long way!!! Things are starting to look really good in this area and I’m so grateful for the many tender mercies God shows us every single day!!

I hope things keep going great! Love you.

Ofa Lahi Atu

Elder Heimuli

Week 31 - Missionaries Don't Convert

Mom, I am doing GREAT :)

So the best thing that happened this week? Well first off we had a missionary training session that was broadcast from Utah. Elders Bednar and Oaks were the Presiding Apostles at it and it was a training session to all the missionaries in the world. And what a blessing.

Missionary Training Session with my District

They taught a lot about teaching repentance and letting the Holy Ghost be our guide. Because if I learned anything from this conference, it’s that missionaries DON’T CONVERT. We baptize the converted. Weird right? But think about it, why baptize them unless they have expressed true repentance? If they have applied the Atonement in their lives and felt its power, through the Holy Ghost, then they will be converted. We as missionaries must have the Holy Ghost be with us constantly in order to help convert. A missionary brought up the point that the Spirit brings the truth into the investigator’s heart. But Elder Bednar stopped, and said "Well yes the spirit can bring it UNTO, but into." People need to accept it for themselves. We merely bring it unto them, right outside the gates of their hearts, and furiously knock on the doors. But the most crucial step in conversion, is letting it in. So in order for all this to happen we need to have the companionship of the Spirit through diligence and obedience. 

Also this week we had 2 of 3 investigators on date come to church :)  Ellsworth and I were so happy!! In fact we had 4 total investigators at church and our ward set a record for the most people at church ever. So it was pretty cool. However I will not forget that the Lord had His hand in having them all there. I mean, this IS the Lord’s work!

I did not know Hevynn was working there at the temple! That’s great, and you got to spend some time with your 2 favorite grandchildren too! Hendrix is getting so big and handsome like his uncle, and Kiegan is sooooooo cute :) 

Hevynn and Bo spoke in their ward? Well, put two spiritual giants together and you are bound to feel the Spirit then! Bo's story about obeying the Lord’s will is so applicable to missionary work and everyday life. I know that in order to give that blessing Bo must have been really in tune with the Spirit, meaning that Bo had to have been obedient and diligent, ready to be that vessel for the Spirit. As members we should always strive to stay worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. That way when the opportunity arises for us to go and bless others, we will know what to say at the very hour and minute we need it. 

Now follow that up with Hevynn singing a musical number!? I wish I was there!!

How’s Harry doing? How are Hema and Norma? How are Helam and Alyssa? And how are Hevynn and Bo? How is the whole family doing? If there is anything I can do, I will do. I love everyone and miss you all! I worry about dad also. He's not as young as he used to be and I know he's constantly working his butt off just to provide for us, but don't let him kill himself doing it. 

I received the packages and thank you :) haha spam and rice is the bomb!! And there’s nothing you need to send me mom. Don't worry about sending packages and stuff. Just keep me updated on the family and that will be more than enough for me :)  I’ll manage just fine!!!

Elder Ellsworth is still going! He's starting to pick up the aspect of missionary work, but one of the most noticeable part about training him is that I've realized there’s not only a lot to improve on for him, but even more so for me! My district is great! 

My District is the best!

We are leading the mission so far, we just gotta keep working and keep praying! Oh and transfers are tomorrow! Of course I’ll be staying for 6 more weeks but Elder Moli and Elder Tafuna will be moving in just 4 miles from our house and into our zone! Haha, so 2 more Polys.

Elder Cruz is transferring. I'm gonna miss him!

Love you mom and thank you for everything:)

Ofa Lahi Atu! 

Your favorite Elder Heimuli, right Hema and Helam? :)