Week #53

June 26, 2012

 

Hope that Bear Lake was fun!  I'm sure it was.  A lot of my friends out here have been talking about taking a Lake Powell trip after this is over, I'm way stoked for that. Bear Lake sounds fun too! Any good stories that you guys have from going this weekend?

 

My week was pretty good. Nothing too new.  Sorry I didn't email yesterday.  We got to go to the temple today so yesterday was just a regular day. The temple was really good today and I needed it very much. We only get to go so often if we serve on the islands the temples are on, and that is only on the big island or Oahu.

 

We have seen major progression with Brother Arume and it's been really cool.  I'll share this story with you real quick. So a new technique that our President has us do when we tract is offer a prayer to the families so that might open the door up a little bit. Well, my companion and I felt inspired to knock on a street right before an appointment.  One of the last houses we knocked on, an older woman answered. We were talking for a minute and and I asked her all of a sudden how many kids she had.  I'm not sure why I asked that.  Anyway, she said that her daughter had just died that day and that she is a member of our church but inactive.  Well, we offered to say a prayer and she let us in to her grieving non member family. It was by far the coolest experience on my mission. I know that God leads us to people even if it's just for a few minutes.  He cares about every single one of us. 

 

Have a wonderful week!!!!

Elder Hudson

Week #52

June 18, 2012

I'm doing really good, how are you doing? This past week was a little slow, not much happened which is always a bummer but thats why we keep moving on. How are you?  I'v been praying for you everyday and you're in my mind and heart all the time! Thank you so much for the suit, I love it!  It's so comfortable and feels so nice to wear. So thank you so much mom!

So I can't wait until you start to feel better, I know you will!  The doctors there are definitely some of the best! Completely put your trust in the Lord and He will help you through anything. One thing I never realized was that the Atonement doesn't just take care of our sins, but it also takes care of every cut, bruise, sickness, anything bad it takes care of.  I love it.  I love Jesus Christ so much. Thats what keeps me going, and I know that He will help you through this.

So I'm glad to hear that things are going really good. Things here are good as well.  I'm loving it here. Brother Arume came to church again and so did our other investigator named Kristin. I'm praying for them so hard but I think I need to fast for them too. They both have changed so much and are a lot closer to baptism than either of them think. My companion is good but I still miss Elder Lepule. We aren't in the same zone.  He is in Waipahu. He doesn't like it but he is where he needs to be for sure.  I love that kid and miss him. Thanks for emailing him. I'm sure it made his day!

I''m glad to hear Jake is doing better. This is exactly what he needs probably, just a fresh new start. I sure miss all of you and love all of you so much. I love you mom and I know that the Lord will take care of you right now.  He is watching over you!  Thanks for your example to me throughout my life mom. How is your Book of Mormon reading?  I hope its good. I love the Book of Mormon, I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to have it in their life.  The guy we gave the white shirt to didn't come to church but we will keep trying.

Love

Elder Hudson

Week #51

June 12, 2012

I don't feel any different really since I've been out a year. Maybe a little panic to see how fast time flies and how little time I have left.  I'm trying not to focus on the time cause then I stop focusing all together!  My new companion is Elder Garcia from Colorado Springs. He is a cool guy and we get a long pretty well.  I miss Elder Lepule though. I think he definitely could use an email from you guys though cause I think he is struggling with his new companion.  An email from you would make him happy!

 

The friend that added me is his name Iliesa Delai? I sure hope so, I miss that kid so dang much.  He is the man. I lived with him for the first 6 weeks of my mission and he taught me so much. I sure do miss and love that kid. He is one of my great friends from the mission field.

 

I got the package from the relief society and I'm going to send a letter and this story: so they gave me a hand me down shirt that was like size 18.5 xxl so it was huge! and they gave me a bunch of other stuff to give away too. Well, on Saturday we had an appointment with this less active guy named Maitland, long story short ,he lives in a halfway house and invited his friend who lives there to sit in on the lesson with us. He did and we commited him to church and to take the lessons. He just got out of jail and he is looking for a change in life.  We asked if he needed a white shirt and tie and he said he didn't have anything so I told him how my home ward just sent me a package with a shirt to give to someone, turns out it fit him just perfectly, it was definitely meant for him, and we gave him the Book of Mormon they sent with Hallie Bradshaw's testimony in it. So it was definitely meant for him. It was really cool. So I'll send a letter with that story in it and the picture I took with the guy.

 

So you have surgery on Wednesday?  I'll definitely be praying for you.!  I really know that this will help you feel better. You definitely need this!  It will be good for you mom!  You deserve to do the things that you love to do!! This surgery will be good!

 

So that's good you all had fun at dinner on Sunday. That is a good activity to have a lot of people over and involved in so thats fun! Jake will always be competitive, its funny ha I could picture Austin just laughing, is he ever going to grow his fro back. when are they getting married?

 

So I called Jake and talked to him did he tell you that?  President Dalton said I could so I got permission. He told me to send my love to the family especially to Jake.  So I wrote a letter to Chalyse just cause I don't have a lot of time to email but I am writing a letter to Bailey cause she emailed me her address. I'm not worried about it right now though. I email Keesh every week.   She says she wants to go on a mission so that would be cool.

 

Love

Elder Hudson

Week #50

June 4, 2012

My week was good. The baptism went great! I love that family, they are the best. I will be so blessed next year right before I go home they will be going through the Temple and I will get to go through with them. It will be great! They are so amazing. She bore her testimony yesterday at Sacrament meeting.  It was awesome. She reminds me a lot of you, hahaha, its funny!

 

So Elder Lepule got transferred to Waipahu.  I miss him a lot. I'm with Elder Garcia who has been out for 3 months.  He is from Colorago Springs, he is cool.

 

It's good to hear that you all had fun at the Grays. That's awesome.  I sure miss them! Sounds like everything is the same pretty much too. I'll be looking forward to Lake Powell with them for sure.

 

Ok, so for the Jake situation, I honestly don't even know what to say. The only thing I can think of to say is that everything will be alright.   I don't know what to say, honestly its hard for me to know what to say cause I don't know the situation. I'm here and not there. I'm going to pray for him. I always do. If we don't do our part we will struggle in this life. If we don't do the things God wants us to do, then we will struggle. I've noticed it on my Mission. When I don't try my hardest I struggle. We just need to do it. We need to forget ourselves and just freaking do it. Plain and simple.

 

That's good everyone else is doing good. Thats good Paige and Zach are good, he sounds like a good kid. So we got the bed bug situation taken care of I think. My right eye has changed prescription. It's now 3.00.  I have a few more cases of contacts so I'll wait it out. Nothing else is new that I can think of.  I'm glad your procedure went good on Wednesday. I'm sure you will feel better after all this is over. I'm excited for you to start real estate classes, that will be cool.  We should start a family business. Well my time is running short. but just know that I love you and am grateful for you.

 

Love,

Elder Hudson

 

p.s. Tell scott and Victoria congrats!  Please tell that kid to email me or something! Gosh he said he would but never has! Thanks for all the struggle you have done to make sure I'm comfortable out here!

Week #49

May 29, 2012

Nothing really to special on Memorial day, just another pday. But it was fun. It was our zones last pday together, there are 18 of us in the zone and every single companionship is getting a new companion. Elder Lepule is getting transferred to Waipahu on Oahu. He isn't too excited.  I'll for sure miss him, but on to a new companion. It's always kind of stressful once transfer week comes around because you don't know what to expect.

 

We have a baptism today for Malia Mataele. I'm so excited! she is so ready and her family has waited a very long time for this. Her husband will be baptizing her today so that will be awesome. I'll let you know how it goes!! I'm way excited.  We also had a baptism last week for Cassidy Kellikipi, a 9 year old girl whose family is less active. it was a great baptism and her family started coming back to church. Her mom isn't a member but her dad told us that she is talking about taking the lessons and he wants to baptize her. That will be SO cool. I love this work!!!

 

I'm sorry about your exam you have to have tomorrow.  I for sure will be praying for you, but that is so good that you will be able to have the surgery.  That will make you feel a lot better!  Keep me updated on how it goes mom, I love you!

 

That is a very cool story about the Samoan Book of Mormon, if it doesnt' get here in time for me to give to Elder Lepule then I know its for someone else.  There are SO many Samoans here so I'll get it to someone. I love the mission. Every day is a new experience and I love it. I love the people, the families, the friends.  I love it all!  I'm going to be so devastated when its all over...

 

So we had a cottage meeting last week, which is a meeting designed for investigators to come to our president's house and listen to the testimonies of recent converts. It's always way cool and this time Jasmine from Makaha bore her testimony.  I was fortunate to have taught her in Makaha and she got baptized right after I left.  It was so cool to see how much she has grown since she has been a member.  I love it.

 

Nothing else is too new, just loving life. I sure love you and miss you mom. Thanks for all you do!

 

Love

Elder Hudson

 

P.S. I'm feeling much better thanks! And tell Travis Smith I miss him, he was a huge example to me!

Week #48

May 21, 2012

Always good to hear from you! This week was pretty good. Nothing too new, we are getting ready for two baptisms this saturday. I'm super stoked for them! Please pray for Cassidy and Kristin. I love being a missionary and watching people progress and become closer to God! This is the greatest thing in the  world for sure.

These people in Hawaii are the greatest people ever. They truly know what the word LOVE really means. They show it to everyone! I love it and I hope I can gain just a little bit of what they have while I'm here.

Elder Lepule was really grateful for your email thank you! I'm  not sure if his family ever emailed him.  I'll have to ask him. We are getting along great, but i'm pretty sure we won't be together next transfer. Next transfer is May 30 so we find out may 27.   I'm pretty sure I'm staying. I really hope so too! So you remember Brother Arume? Well, he has come to church the last two weeks and this past week was Stake Conference in Laie which is 45 minutes away from Kaneohe and he came! It was so awesome. I love it. He is about 5'4 and 76.  I gave him a huge hug, I sure do love that family. We are still working with him to be baptized, but prayer has truly softened his heart!

So we had a mission tour this last week, thats when a general authority comes to the mission and trains us.  It was way good. I met the Nielsen's niece! Sister Lambertsen, I think her name was or something? Anyway she came up to me and started talking to me about her uncle and aunt and it finally clicked of who she was! She is way cool and seems like a great missionary! I'm sure she is doing great! It was cool to meet her!

That's so cool Jarom is engaged. good for him! I heard his girlfriend is younger than me?  That's what Austin told me. Thanks for the pictures that you sent me! Feels like yesterday that I saw all of you guys! Austin looks happy and that's what matters. Jake looks goofy in all the pictures,  you and dad look good of course! So does paige!  I miss you all.

I had my eye apts. and everything is squared away no worries.

Time is flying by too fast. I love the mission. everyday is a new challenge, a new experience, but its so worth it. I've made some of my best friends out here and I love it here. you remember Jasmine Martin or "Tati" and "Keke" Martin?  They are converts from Makaha, well they are moving to Utah next June because the want to be around Elder Robbins and me and to have a better life for their kids. That will be so cool! Anyways nothing else too new here. I'm loving it. I sure miss you Mom and am grateful for all you do. I'm cutting this email a little short because i'm super tired and don't feel very good.  Thanks for everything!

Love,

Elder Hudson

Week #47

May 14, 2012

It was good to talk to you guys yesterday! That made my day! I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!

 

Today I had my eye appointment.  Apparantely they are having me come back in next week to get my eyes dialated.  My eye did need a stronger level so I'm good now but yeah have to go back next week.  They didn't charge me this time just next week.... so yeah... anyways I don't have much to say thats new.  That is SO awesome about Connor Evans!!! Thats so cool. Good for him!  He will be a great missionary!   That's so awesome. I'll have to email him!

 

Nothing is really going on this week.  We do have mission tour and that is when a general authority comes and speaks to the mission. This year the general authority is Elder Larry Wilson. That will be fun!  I'll let you know how that goes.

Thats cool that Christian saw you! haha!  Any plans for him for a mission? He was always fun to be around.  That's good that everyone was able to talk to their parents. It's crazy.  Like, I know I'm still a part of the family but when I talk to you guys I feel so distant... I know you guys are taken care of, but I'm not like home sick like I thought I would be.  It feels like before my mission never even happened. I don't know it's a weird feeling. but I sure enjoyed talking to you guys yesterday! I called Jake last night. tried to encourgae him to go through the Temple. I hope it didn't just go in one ear and out the other. I think it would be good for him. I told Elder Lepule to email you and he sent it to me so I forwarded it. So yeah. anyways nothing really too new. 

 

Thank you for all you do for me! I can't wait to talk to you again! Oh you forgot to give me that email address I asked you about! haha. I am so grateful for you in everyway. Have a wonderful week!!!!

 

Love

Elder Hudson

Week #46

May 7, 2012

 

I know 11 months is too crazy. I have a lot to learn still! I can't wait to talk to you guys on Sunday! I'll be calling around 4 there ok? I'm so excited! I can't wait! I can't believe it's already 5 months since I talked to you guys! Time is flying by too fast.

 

So we have three baptisms coming up at the end of May. The one that I'm most excited for is Melia Mataele. She has been taking the lessons for 11 years and she finally committed herself yesterday in church!  I'm so excited!  She is so ready. She comes to church every Sunday and she has even given talks in sacrament meeting. She just has never been baptized. Her husband is an RM and her son plays football at Snow. I don't know him but I'll meet him this week. I'm so excited for them.

 

Love the pictures from Morp. Zach looks like a cool kid. That is too bad about his truck getting egged while it was parked at our house.  Paige, I love her, she looks so grown up, so crazy!

 

Brother Arume didn't come to church this week but we will still keep trying with him. They are a great family. I love them so much!  Nothing else really new here. Same ol stuff!

 

My release date I think is June 13th.  Not sure exactly.  I'm glad you are going to read the Book of Mormon during the summer, that is awesome! Even if it' one verse a night it still counts.

We have one investigator who we had a hard time waking up for church at 9 am so we decided to walk over to her house yesterday and she woke up and came to church.  That was cool.  It's so cool to see people progress. I love it! Tell Alex I say hey and good luck to him. Tell Aaron Kunz congrats! Thats cool.  Tell everyone hi and I can't wait to talk to them on Sunday!!!!

Love,

Elder Hudson

Week #45

April 30, 2012

I'm doing pretty good how are you? Lets see....Saturday it was Mormon Helping Hands. The only day of the year that we get to step on the beach!!!  It was cool. I had to take advantage of it haha. Glad you liked the picture of us on the beach!Love you mom!!

 

So something amazing happened on Sunday. So we have been working with this part member family named the Arumes. Sis. Arume is very active and has been through theTemple but her husband is not a member. His son was just named the bishop in my last area on Kauai so I'm real close with this family. He has been taking the lessons for awhile but never has even wanted to come to church and says he doesn't want to be baptized "right now". So we go over there once a week and teach him a lesson with his wife. So we always say "we will see you at church Brother Arume!"  He always just laughs.  He is about 5'4 and is Japanese.  So, anyways come Sunday we were walking into the church and we saw him sitting in the chapel with Sis Arume! We were so excited!!! haha it was so great!  We ran over to him and gave him a huge hug!  It was so amazing. Keep him in your prayers, this man is ready he just doesnt know it yet!  It's the first time he has ever been to church on his own willingness.

 

 I got the shoes, thank you sooooo much!  I love them.  They are so comfortable.  I was actually thinking about just sending the old ones home. They are full of holes and are disgusting.  I'll send them home.

 

So the Chris person that took that picture is from Boise. He and his family moved here to see what it was like.  I love that family.  We are way close in fact his wife snuck up behind me while i was typing this haha!  I'll definitely be keeping in touch with them when I get back.  He added me on Facebook I believe. Chris Mecias.

 

Paige has a good head on her shoulders haha. She is too funny!  Tell her I like the shocka picture her and Zach are doing in the prom picture. He looks like a cool kid.

 

I love the Grays and I'm going to give them the Book of Mormon when I get home and they will read it.  Tell Tim I found a replacement for his coffee. It's called Coco Samoa.  It looks like coffee but has the same amount of caffeine. It's samoan hot chocolate made from the real cocoa bean.  My companion made it for me. It's super good. My companion and I are getting along great.  He is awesome. I sure love the kid. We are working hard. We walk all over and don't have a whole lot of investigators but the ones we do have are pretty solid and should be baptized soon.

 

So yeah nothing too new here either.  The transfer is halfway over.  All my friends are starting to go home which is kind of sad but whatever.  I like where I'm at in Kaneohe and don't want to leave.  I love it here.  I hope I'm here for a couple more transfers. But other than that nothing is too new.  Thank you for all you do!

 

Love,

Elder Hudson

Week #44

April 23, 2012

So first things first, we had a baptism this past Saturday. For Tatum Spencer. She is 12 years old and she has been trying to get baptized for a few years it just never worked out. We started teaching her and she wanted to be baptized so bad. She set her own date and the night before her baptism she was pretty sick but she was in Ewa Beach (Ewa is pronounced like Evuh) which is an hour away so we couldnt give her a blessing, but she still wanted to be baptized the following day. Elder Lepule and I prayed super hard for her and what do you know the next day she was feeling all the way better. It was a great baptism and a great experience. I was blessed to be a part of her baptism and was able to be the one to baptize her. There is nothing better than the gospel of Jesus Christ! For real it's true happiness and it's truly what life is all about! We are way close to that family now we are going over there tonight to start her after baptism lessons. Her family is all members except her older brother but we will try to work with him. I'm excited!

 

 We are also teaching a lady named Malia Mataele, I think I've told you a little about her. her husband is an RM and very active and she has been coming to church for 11 years and has been taking the discussions. She is finally going to be baptized! May 26th is when we are shooting for her date. Her sons are in the mainland going to school and playing football. one goes to Snow actually, I don't know him, it' is his first year there. She is awesome and she is definitely ready. I'm so stoked for this baptism!

 

Wow good for Ben peterson and Jordan Taylor! That's awesome. They will be good missionaries. So many people are leaving from our ward.  How many is that going to be once they all leave? 10?  That's so many! Its crazy to see the differences in the church like here than Utah. Here wards have maybe one or two missionaries out, but no matter where we go the church is the same which is the good thing! Tell them congratulations for me!

 

That's good Jake is registered again for school.  I got an email from him so I'm excited. Let's see any more news on Austin getting engaged? I email Austin and Caleb frequently. I love all of you.  I just want to tell you that. But right now I'm loving Hawaii. I love these people. Some of my best friends are here and I will be devastated when I have to leave. I don't hear from Maddy anymore.  I hear from Keeshia every week. We strengthen each other through our trials. She is dating some BYU football player, I bet they get married. I think my release date is like June 13th or something. It's just the Friday the transfer is over that I'll be home. So people pretty much figure it out on their own. I cant wait to come back here with all of you.  For real, I'm so stoked.  My companion is teaching me how to break open coconuts and stuff and I'll be able to show you guys all that when we come back. Can't believe Dad is already requesting work off.  That's so crazy. That proves how fast time is flying by.  I'm sure this next year will fly by. Some of my good friends I've met on my mission are going home and it's sad. I'll miss them for sure.

 

Lets see i don't have anything new really to say. the work is going good.  I love Kaneohe. I love Hawaii. The church is SO TRUE.  I love it. I just wish i would have applied the gospel earlier in my life.

 

Love

Elder Hudson

Week #43

April 16, 2012

Things are pretty good. Yes Elder Lepule and I got our packages.  Thank you very much. I loved it and he loved it too so thank you so much. I know he really loved it and was very appreciative of it, so thank you so much!

 

Yeah I'm still loving it just need to put my head down and go to work. But all in all its good. We have a baptism this week for Tatum she is 12 and is really ready to be baptized i'm excited! Transfers came and went yesterday and Elder Lepule and I are staying together again. I'm fine with that. s Give me more time to learn some more Samoan hopefully. We get to go to the Temple tomorrow, I'm excited.  I really need it!  But other than that things are pretty much the same. Nothing new really.

 

That's awesome Austin is happy. After all thats what its all about right? Don't worry, I'll marry someone who has cool parents where you guys can get a long with them.  Wow, Paige is a typical high school girl!

 

The work is going good here in Kaneohe. We were hoping for a few more baptisms this month but definitely some in May, so that's good. Honestly, nothing is too new.  I'm enjoying this very much and I love the gospel. God is there. He loves us and will help us. We just need to be obedient. Mom and Dad I challenge you to read the Book of Mormon together. Please! It will only strenghten you guys and decrease the stress in your life. I know this because I've felt it in my life. Whenever I read the Book of Mormon I just get filled with joy. I never knew that you had to come to love God and Jesus Christ but the Book of Mormon provides us with the knowledge we need to love Them.

 

Love,

Elder Hudson

Week #42

April 9, 2012

Can't believe I've been out for 10 months!  So crazy!  But I'm trying not to focus on the time, just work.  I'm loving the mission and don't want to leave. Ever. I love it. I love the people.  I love the gospel.  I love everything about a mission. The challenge, the hard work, the families, the trials. I know it will all be worth it.  Thank you so much for the Easter package, that meant a lot! I love the tie and the shirt, thank you so much for all the candy too! It was just what I needed! Tell Nan thank you too!  I'll be sending her a letter today. Thanks for sending my companion a package, I know it bugs him when I get mail and he doesn't get anything and I feel bad for him. But I know this package will help him out a ton so thank you so much mom!!!

 

Elder Lepule is his name and he is from Western Samoa.  We came to Hawaii at the same time but he was in the MTC a little longer to learn English but we technically came out together.. He and his older sister are the only members his parents and the rest of his 4 siblings are not.  He came on a mission in hopes to convert his mom.  He is a great guy. Tough to deal with sometimes but I love him. So yesterday for Easter was a typical Sunday. We had church starting with ward council from 7 am then the Kaneohe 2nd ward from 9-12 then another meeting in the Kaneohe 1st ward from 1-4. It was a long day but good too.  I've definitely appreciated holidays more ever since being on a mission and looked at them with a different more spiritual perspective.

 

That's awesome Paige brought Chalyse to church.  She has always been a good missionary.  Good for her! Chalyse is the little cute blonde one yeah?  That's awesome.  I bet she will be baptized too! that will be great! That's crazy that Austin is getting engaged! that's good though, does his girl still go to church regularly?  That's the hardest thing for us here is keeping recent converts active.  It's so tough. We had some good success this week . We found a new investigator and commited another to baptism on April 21. Her name is Tatum and is 12.  She is way excited to be baptized. We were supposed to have a baptism this week for Peyton who is 26 but he is still smoking but we know he will be able to quit by next month he already has said that he has lost the urge almost... so good things are happening over here in Kaneohe and I love it.

 

As a district leader I have three other elders in my district.  I train on topics at district meetings every Tuesday and conduct baptism interviews.  If the elders in my district are out of line I have to take the fall for it.  It's definitely teaching me a lot which is good.

 

I hope everyone is good. I can't wait to talk to you on Mother's Day! Only a month a way almost so crazy! This time last year I was going through the Temple.  It needs to slow down but I hear the second year goes by so much faster.  I'm going to be so sad when this is all over.

 

Love

Elder Hudson

Week #41

April 2, 2012

 

How was Cali? Sounds like some fun! Hope it was fun! Sounds tiring though, I'm sure youre pretty tired! Well today is pday as you know and some of our members came over to the house today (we live with a member) to climb coconut trees. It was so hard! My feet are torn up from it haha.  It was so fun though.   My samoan companion taught us how to do it.  The members are the Mecias' from Boise Idaho. Me and Chris Mecias have become way tight, he is cool. I think he added me on Facebook.

 

Conference was great!  I loved it and I know I need to improve on a lot. we watched at the Keolu Hills chapel.  It was mostly us missionaries in the zone that were there because the sessions were at 6 am and 10 am. So it was all good. Then we went to priesthood session with Chris Mecias. It was cool.  The second session on Saturday the Mecias' made us breakfast.  We spent a lot of time over there this weekend.  Then Sunday we watched it as a zone at the chapel. In between sessions some sisters in another ward made us a huge breakfast!  It was so good! They are all missionary moms. I know that you would do the same exact thing!

 

My favorite talk was probably Elder Hollstrom's. About how being active in the Church and active in the gospel are two different things. We could be active in church but not live the gospel principles out side of church. I loved it.  I need to work on a lot. They also talked A LOT about how we need to stop judging so many people. President Uchtdorf said simply "Stop it" -  it was great.

 

The baptism isn't until the 14th of April so about 2 weeks away, but other than that the work is tough here. We walk so much and talk to so many people but people won't listen. It's tough! No new stories or anything. I really like my companion and hope we stay another transfer together.  I'm almost out a year. So freaking crazy! I hear it's all down hill the second year, which makes me sad. I was laying in bed the other night thinking about the time when I will be done and it made me sad.  I don't want to leave here.  There is so much to do and I love the people so much that I never want to leave.

 

So PROPET is the name of a shoe. and a size 10 would be good. Also I NEED A NEW SUIT COAT.   Mine still fits but it's not too comfortable.  My address before I forget is 45-657 Puohala Street . I think that's the number. Two big coconut trees in front.  We live in a studio in the house.

 

Love 

Elder Hudson

Week #40

March 27, 2012

Sorry I didn't email you yesterday the library was closed because it was some Hawaiian holiday. Kuhio day or something. No school, no work, no nothing. They try to get a day off whenever they can! haha so engagements that's cool. It's so crazy how my friends and stuff are all getting married. I'm so excited for Lexie and Sherm. They are getting married in the Manti Temple. He is a cool kid for sure. Can you have him email me? He likes you haha!

Prom: Hahahaha i could picture the whole thing in my head as I was reading it. So funny. Sounds like a tough start but a finishing to a good night. You would text him that haha, I'm sure he was so freaking excited.  That Cole Painter kid, I'm kinda friends with his brother who is on his mission in Russia. That's cool.  So weird that Paige is going to prom, she seems so young still!  Good luck in Cali! That will be fun i'm sure. Hopefully drama free.

So the work here in Kaneohe is good. We committed a guy named Peyton to baptism yesterday. We taught him for the first time since we took over the first ward. He will be baptized on April 14th. I'm stoked! Lets see.... So there was a family on Kauai named the Arume's. My favorite family probably. I got transferred over to Kaneohe and I told them that before I left Kauai and Sis. Srume said "oh if you go to the Kaneohe first ward, baptize Bro. Arume's dad. I didn't think much of it. His mom and dad are in the first ward and we just barely took over the first ward. I was able to see the Arume's from Kauai cause they came to Kaneohe and we met with them again it was cool. Now we are teaching the dad actively every week, but he has a hard heart right now, nothing the Lord can't soften!

The story with dad on ambien had me rolling! hahaha that's so funny!  I wish you would have taped it! haha. "Shon a ween"?  Tha'ts funny!  It's so weird to hear my first name.  I'm so used to Elder. haha. That's so funny though I could picture the whole thing as well. Good times! So nothing else is too new. I'm adjusting to two wards. we are hopefully getting a car soon. But we are still walking at the moment. That's way cool about the Tongan ward.  That is exactly how it happens in Hawaii. Do they sing really loud too? Cause here they sing SO LOUD!!! IT's cool though. I will be so stoked to see that when I get home. Makes me excited just thinking about it.

We have interviews with President Dalton today. I'm excited. He is definitely a role model in my life. Just as all of you are! So nothing else is too new honestly..... it rains a lot here and it's nice waking up each morning looking at the water falls in the mountains.  It's awesome. We get to go to the temple in April. I'm way excited for that! But MOm.  Thank you for all you do. Have fun in California!!!!  Be safe. Know that Ofa Lahi Atu!!!! Can't wait to talk to you! Almoooooooostt to the year point. Im enjoying it here very much.

God Bless!

Elder Hudson

Week #39

March 19, 2012

The new area is good. It's definitely a work in progress though. Some cool experiences to start this week off. So last Wednesday we had dinner with the Elder's quorom pres. and his wife who is not a member. She has been taking the lessons for 11 years and is waiting for "a sign".  We were able to teach her a way good lesson and it was super spiritual. Just how the spirit speaks through our feelings with love, joy, peace (Galatians 5:22). We invited her to be baptized and she said she would pray. After we left she had a feeling that we talked about and she told her husband she is ready to be baptized! It is way cool. She is waiting for her sons to come home from College. One plays football at Snow, I didn't know him though cause this is his first year. So miracle number one right there.

 

Miracle number 2: We have a district leader training meeting every Friday and so I was with a different elder than my companion and we had to pick our companions up some lunch because we ate without them. I had a feeling to go to McDonalds.  Ha, weird I know. So we went in and the lady at the register said "HEY ELDER HUDSON!" I didn't recognize her at all. She said "It's Kanani from Makaha!" This girl was my VERY FIRST LESSON when I got to Makaha on my first day of my mission. She was not in a good situation when I first taught her, but now she seemed so happy, it was so cool. I asked if we could still teach her, we were never able to baptize her, and she said of course, so we got her number and will start teaching her this week. I love the Mission, it's so crazy!!!! Just another testimony that means I'm supposed to be here I guess haha.

 

So we are walking..... no bikes, it's tough. We aren't able to see a lot of families each day which sucks.  It seems like we aren't getting any work done but we work so hard. I hope they give us a car soon. Even our zone leaders say we need a car, but we will see.

 

Glad you like the photos. Send the memory card back when you can and I'll send the one I have now which has a lot of Kauai pics on it that you were asking about. Before I forget, Facebook Eva Hoopii and tell her I'm in Kaneohe and I cover HPU. I never got to say bye to them but I'm covering where their daughter is in college. I want to see if we could teach her cause she is unbaptized. Maybe just give them my number cause I tried to get theirs but it isn't the right one or something. Actually just ask for her number, I'll call her. She loves you.

 

I forgot about the address. I'm sorry, I'll get it next week.  We are in a studio that is pretty small but I really like it. I like this area, I feel so much better since I left Kauai, even though I loved it there I was really stressed.

 

Sherm came to my farewell, Lexie's fiance. He is the one that you said looked like Brian Hermanson haha. He is so cool! That's awesome for them. Tell them to send me an invite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Could you possibly get Sherms' address for me?

Who is Anndee Carter getting married to? That is good for her!Tell her to send me one too! Keeshia is great, we will be friends forever.  Alissa wrote me a letter . She is great.  Austin emails me, havent heard from Caleb in awhile. I miss them. Havent heard from Maddy.

 

Paige will be fine with this kid.I've seen the way his dad handles kids who get out of line, if there are any problems Officer Cameron won't put up with it. I don't think he remembers me. I always talked about the Yankees with him though. He was cool.  Anything else new? Tell everyone I say hi! I'm enjoying Kaneohe, we are about to play some flag football so it will be fun.

 

Love,

Elder Hudson

Week #38

March 12, 2012

 

The new area is tough. I'm covering Kaneohe 1st and 2nd ward on a bike! It's a huge area haha, but I guess we just have to do it. I'm with a Samoan named Elder Lepule. We came out together. He is Polynesian and is way cool.  Travis Smith! You'll have to tell him I say hi. He was one of my favorite zone leaders.

 

Glad you got the package! Put that lava lava somewhere safe please! haha. Yes I did find my camera!! I've taken a lot of pictures and for real my card is on it's way. I'm sending it today or tomorrow. Give me Kevin's email or have him email. I need to talk some sense into that guy. Does he still look the same? Haha, I miss that kid.

 

Tell Austin "hi", too.  Did he ever propose to that girl?  I'll let you know what is needed here in Kaneohe for the Relief Society thing. I'm not entirely sure just yet cause I just got here and I have no Idea. Thank you so much for doing that. that's awesome!!!

 

I sure am glad to be here on a mission and I wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't for you and Dad! I love you with all my heart! I'm excited for things to come. I know the church is true, I know that God lives and loves us each individually. I'm grateful to be your son, mom. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sending pictures and a letter today so that is why this email is a little short.

 

OFA LAHI ATU!!!!
Elder Hudson

Week #37

March 5, 2012

Things are good. I'm getting transferred to Kaneohe. It's on Oahu and apparently it's the prettiest part of Oahu. I've been called as a District Leader. President Dalton called me last night and said "How are things on Kauai?" I said great and I never want to leave. He Said "well I'm going to shake your world up a bit, you've been called as a District leader".  I'm bummed I'm leaving but excited to move on.  I don't know the Lord definitely prepares us when we are about to leave. It's crazy. Like I felt like I was leaving like two weeks ago so I think I'm ready.  I'll miss the people for sure but I'm excited for a new area. Volcano lava spilling into Hanalei Bay? What the heck?  I haven't heard anything about that. I know it's been raining for like a week straight. It's crazy. Apparently it rained for 42 days in 2006. So that would be crazy if it happened again, but haven't heard any thing about the lava?   Interesting. The work slowed down this last week. Nothing happened it was a slow week. 

 

I met up with Jake's friend David, and the way it sounded it sounded like Jake is still the same. I definitely can see how a mission would have helped him in his life.  It's broken me down and made me realize that I'm nothing, but I know that if  I trust in the Lord then he will make me something. He has helped me to become more patient, definitely has humbled me, helped me feel loved, helped me question everything I've known. He has made me work to find out if this is true or not. Yesterday I was reading Teachings of Joseph Smith. And I asked myself a question in my head, "Was Joseph Smith really a prophet, did he really see what he said?" Soon as I asked that an overwhelming sense of peace and love came into my mind and my heart. It was really cool.  The mission is awesome. Tough as heck, but way awesome.

 

God works very very mysteriously, and everything He does for us is to strengthen us. Freak I don't want to do this mission thing everyday but I know it's going to strengthen me.  So packing for transfers is stressful we usually sleep at the zone leaders pad the night before we fly out. It's a fun time.  I'm excited and nervous. We will see how it goes. I haven't sent home my card yet because I've been printing pictures for signing journals. signing journals is like a memory book, I guess you can say. We give it to elders that are transferring and they sign it and put pictures in it for memories and their information as well.  It's pretty cool.  So that's why I havent sent it yet but it's on its way.  I'm excited to get a new companion I feel stress free now kind of haha. So Paige is almost done with the Book of Mormon? That's awesome! What about you and Dad? Have you guys ever read it together? Can't believe she is going to prom soon. Can't believe she is a junior. I can't believe Jake is engaged and I'm 20 years old. where has the time gone! So crazy.

 

Give them Chet & Arda a big hug for me! I sure do love them. I'll pray for them too. I pray for you guys every night and I thank you for the examples that you are for me!  Remember, it's only when we apply the gospel in our lives and obedient to the commandments when the blessings start to come. I love you so much! Thanks for EVERYTHING you do for me!

 

Mahalo nui loa! Ofa lahi atu.

Elder Hudson

Week #36

February 27, 2012

Hey!

So yeah, I think we are going with Jakes friend tomorrow or something. He seems cool.  I'll tell him lots of things to tell you guys don't worry. Speaking of pictures, I'm sending my memory card home.  I put a new one in my camera and now I can't find my camera!!! I'm sure it's around somewhere.

 

So a typical day in the mission field:  Wake up at 6:30, go running on the bike path by the beach, eat breakfast, by 8 we are studying personally, then from 9 to 11 we companion study cause I'm still with a greeny.  We have 2 hours of companion study. Then we usually take lunch at 11 and then start our day at 12. Tracting, contacting, finding, inviting people to get baptized and then we have dinner with a family. We share a message with them then go and try to find more people to teach. We have an area book with names of former investigators and recent converts and less actives that we try to go see each day too. We then return to our pad by 9 plan for the next day and go to bed. It's pretty much the way you see it on the movies. In bed by 1030 haha.

 

Things are going well with my companion. Transfers are coming up, I'm ready for a new one but I'll miss the area if I leave. We have found 14 new investigators in the last 5 weeks but none are progressing which is frustrating but what can you do.

 

K you guys NEED TO SEND ME PICTURES OF WHATS GOING ON!!!!!! I havent seen one from sweethearts or anything.  I'm sending like 500 pictures home tomorrow.  So I think I could use a couple!

 

That's funny about the blue goat. Was it Bingham?  Did they find out who did it?  K so good for Jake and Melina, thanks for the pictures you sent me of them. Glad they are moving forward.  Glad to hear Kevin is home. Tell him I say whats up and give him a big hug for me. That's good Melina is asking questions. Dad you could answer most of them probably better than anyone.  So the work is picking up, dad you asked about Virginia, she said that she almost went back to being Catholic because the Jehovas Witness missionaries ruined her faith in God. Then we tracted into her and she loves us teaching her. She has prayed and says she feels happy when she reads the Book of Mormon. She wanted to know if she could be with her family again forever so we taught her the Plan of Salvation. She doesn't want to feel rushed to be baptized because that's what the jw's did. So she is super solid! I hope I can be here for her to get baptized. We also tracted into a tongan kid named Sova.  He said we could come back and teach him. We went back the next day and he said his sister would be joining the lesson too. His sister pulled up and she was laughing, we thought she was laughing at us, then she sat down right as we were bearing our testimonies and I said "you probably wonder whats going on with what we are teaching" she said "no I was baptized a Mormon 4 years ago".  How crazy is that!  She knew everything.  She was laughing cause it reminded her of the missionaries teaching her. Miracles I'm telling you. The Lord truly puts people into our path!! I think I will be getting transferred. I'll let you guys know by next week. 

 

I miss you guys and love you guys so very much! Thank you so much for all your support and all you do for me!
Elder Hudson

Week #35

February 21, 2012

This week was pretty good. We taught choke lessons and we had 2 investigators at sacrament.  One investigator is 16 and his name is Atta. He is way cool and might play at Snow when he graduates. The other is the Louis family. They just got engaged.   Missionaries have been teaching them for almost a year and their daughters were already baptized last year. They finally decided to get engaged and he came to church.  It was really cool and  I'm seeing the miracles here in the field. We have been working with a part member family named the Shiroma's. The dad isn't a member and the mom is very active. We had dinner at their house and taught him the Restoration. We asked him to be baptized and he is thinking about it. It was way cool.   I love that family.   I want to be here for when he gets baptized, but if the Lord needs me somewhere else then I will have to leave. I am kind of feeling like I'm going to leave which I'll be sad but it is bound to happen some day. We definitely should move to Kauai!

 

So whats new with the family?   I know I'm not missing out on anything. I'm fine here. I'm going to finish this mission. No doubt in my mind. I definitely have been humbled.  I'm going to start to be a more positive person right now. Negativity only brings discouragement.

 

Ive almost been out one year. so crazy.   So fast.   So much left to do.   So much left to become.   So many people to help change their lives.   I do love this work.   I do love the Lord.  I'm learning to rely on Him. That's what we all need to do. Mom know that I'm doing good and I appreciate EVERYTHING that you have ever done for me in my life. I love you with all of my heart. I'm so grateful to be your son. 

 

Thanks for the package, you picked my favorite Reeses. Thanks for the FB things too.   Tell Sam Askerlund I'll write her back haha.  I will talk to you soon. Have a wonderful week!!!!!!!!!!

 

Love ,

Elder Hudson