October 1, 2012
Things are going really good over here. This last week was crazy exciting and fun! First off, I'm sorry about your surgery tomorrow. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as always! I love you mom!!! Everything will be alright! Did Dad give you a Priesthood blessing? Be sure to have him email me or even call the mission office and tell them how you are doing.
So each zone in the mission has a high water mark, meaning the most baptisms they get in a month. The highest any zone has ever gotten was 28 and we felt like we could beat it this month. Our zone is way close to each other and super unified and focused, our high water mark was 24, but our goal was 30. We really felt like it was able to happen. So we had 16 baptisms total by Friday, and then we had one on Friday and 13 on Saturday…so we reached our goal for 30 baptisms and we now have the record for the zone with the most baptisms in one month! By celebrating, our President took us to Outback Steakhouse as a zone. It was probably the best week of my life. Stressful, but I'm super happy here!!!!
So transfers are this week, some of the companionships are changing. I’m getting a companion named Elder Mafi. I’m super excited. He is from Tonga and will be perfect for the Tongan ward. My comp is going to Hilo, but I’m super excited for my new companion. Things are going really good here, mom. Thanks for sending the pictures of Paige's homecoming. It looked super fun, they all look so young, ha-ha…so weird to think I was that age. So I’m trying to attach some photos of when we went to Outback the other night but I don't know if they will send. It’s finally time to send my memory card home. Thank you for everything!!!
LOVE YOU
Elder Hudson
September 24, 2012
Hey!
The Tongan ward is doing great! I love it here! We had three baptisms this last week. Junior, Josiah and Jolynn. It was way cool! My companion baptized all three and I did all three confirmations. They all had super long names so I had to look at their names while I was confirming them. It was tough but we made it through it no problem. So transfers are coming up and since we work in the office with the AP’s some of the time, we went up last night to do numbers and the AP’s try not to let us see the transfer board, we are usually the first missionaries to find out besides the AP’s and President. They always try to keep it a secret but we always sneak in and find out. So last night we went up and two of the AP’s were hidden in a door behind us and jumped out and scared us. We started chasing them and then they ran right past their office door and it was wide open so I darted in and saw the entire transfer board…hahahaha…nobody knew I went in there. Then the two other AP’s came in and were shocked to see me there and they were so mad they started to beat me up…hahahaha… it was so fun! So I know what’s happening all next transfer! I'm training a new zone leader named Elder Mafi. He is from Tonga and I’m so stoked! I love that kid. He is already in the zone but he is just being moved up with me. It’s going to be so fun!
I had no idea there was a temple dedication yesterday. What temple was it? Dang that would have been fun to go to! Ha, I feel the same with you, dad, when I hear other people give prayers and I’m like, what the heck, why can't I do that, or how can I make this more important to my life. God will turn our weaknesses into strengths, always remember that!
The new dog is so cute I'm so excited to meet her when I get home! What kind of dog is she? She will be a good dog I'm sure! It just won’t be the same not having the Gibbons’ family next door!!! Holy cow that neighborhood will not be the same anymore. That's so weird to me. Where are they moving? Are they still staying in our ward? I sure hope they are! Dang I do love that family!
I have applied for Snow College. All I need to do is call a counselor. After Snow I will be going to BYU. I feel that's where I need to go, even though I’ve never thought of going there before. So if Paige wants to go, that would be great! I would keep my eye on her!
Dang, I remember when we would go to that corn field and you would make us bow and arrows, such good days! Don't worry dad, more fun days to come for sure! I sure do love you dad thanks for all you do. Thanks for always being good to Nan. I know she appreciates you so much. You're a great example dad thank you so much for that!!! I LOVE YOU DAD!!!!!
Elder Hudson
So since I’m short on time, I’ll forward you the email I sent dad cause it summed up my week, but I'm glad that you will get your esophagus fixed or however you spell it. You need to be comfortable mom! Glad everything else is going good too. Sounds like a tough week for the Golden Meadows 1st ward, everything is changing and it’s so sad. Can’t we just go back to the days when we all just hung out and were care free? Dang, I sure do love you mom and am so glad you and dad have a strong relationship. Whatever trials need to be worked through will be fixed through the gospel. I know that. I sure do love you and am grateful for you! I’ll keep the Gibbons’ in my prayers!
September 17, 2012
How is it going this week? That's good it was a nice day, I sure miss the fall that's for sure. I hope it lasts a while for ya! How is the weather? Is it getting pretty cold? I’m not going to be used to the cold when I get back. I still can't believe I’m in Hawaii of all places ha-ha.
So thanks for sending the garments with Ken and Bonnie, they were fun! At the end I tried to share a scripture out of the Book of Mormon, but she said only from the Bible, so I’m guessing she is a little anti. So we shared one out of the Bible. Oh well, I tried.
So we had a baptism this last week, Jeffrey, he is from Chuuk. Have you ever heard of that place? It's an island in Micronesia and honestly Chuukese people are God's people for sure. I have never met one Chuukese person who is not humble or loving. I love them so much. Being in the Tongan ward we are supposed to only baptize Tongans but because his fellowship was in our ward we were allowed to baptize him in the Tongan ward. We have 4-5 more baptisms this week and the work is really moving here in the Tongan Ward. I love it here! It's still a little tough because of the language barrier but it's all good. They are a very loving people.
Let’s see.... this last week we went to the Chuukese ward activity and they did a talent show, and about 6 of us missionaries got up and put Chuukese dresses on and did a dance ha-ha they loved it! It was great. I will try and get the video sent to you from another camera from someone who recorded it. Speaking of which the person who recorded it is named Stephanie Borg she tried adding me on Facebook but said nobody added her back so will you please add her?
So you're having another procedure? Holy cow mom! Are you doing ok? I'm sure you will be fine, the doctors over there are some of the best, and the Lord will be watching over you! Let’s get this problem resolved! I'm always praying for your Mom!!!! Love you!
Be sure to keep me updated throughout the week. I usually am able to check my email two to three times a week but may only have a little time to write a response. But know that I love you and thank you for being the best mom. I’m always praying for you and I’m so grateful for your example to me. Thanks for all you do mom!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!! The Church is True!!!!!
Love
Elder Hudson
P.S. I got the ok from Sister Dalton that it’s time to start applying to schools.... I applied to Snow College last night. I just need to call a counselor and have them review my transcripts.... CRAZY!!!!!
September 17, 2012
Dad!!!
What is up! Thank you so much for the new garments. they are exactly what I needed and I love the kind you got so thank you. How is everything going? I had fun with Ken and Bonnie, they told me about how you keep saying a 25 cent bullet would take care of Bonnie and I laughed. It was funny. I tried sharing a scripture from the Book of Mormon but Bonnie said, only the Bible, but at least I tried…maybe one day!
Thanks for the update on the BYU game. I guess God didn't want his team playing on Sunday hahaha. Both teams sound pretty good this year. That’s good! So it’s BYU and BSU this week, yeah? Dang, wish we could be at the Grays for that game!
We had a baptism this last week named Jeffrey. He is from Chuuk. Chuukese people are the best ever. They are so humble and fun to be around. I love them! We have 4-5 more baptisms this week and the work is moving really well. I love it here!
Elder Whiting, who is in the first quorum of the 70, did a fireside cause he is from Hawaii and he said, “it’s easier to go to the Temple once a week than once a month,” it needs to be a weekly thing for all of us, that’s a huge goal of mine when I get home. I’m looking forward to it. But twice a month is really great too. That’s a good goal to have Dad. Just do it! It's only going to help.
You're right about the hardest things in life, good attitudes and being positive is so hard. The only way to stay positive and happy is by going to church, reading and praying. It's so true! I sure do love you dad, thank you for your example and all that you do for me. I always looked at how great of a man and how hard of a worker you are and I’m trying to be like that.
Thank you for how much you care about us as your children. We have always been able to feel your love for us and how much you care for us in everything that we do!
Love,
Elder Hudson
September 10, 2012
Hey!!!
How are you doing? Nothing is too new here. We had two baptisms this past week, Ana and Philip. They were great baptisms and really fun to watch them progress. Elder Maughan baptized Philip and I baptized Ana. We try and get members to do the baptisms but for some reason they don't want to in this ward. It was another great experience though!
We have seen Ana change so much. She was very unhappy when we started teaching her, then as soon as she came to church she was able to receive blessings. She noticed them too which helped her change for all the better. She called us after her baptism and thanked us for helping her and said that we were the first missionaries that really listened to her and helped her feel that the church was true. She definitely has a testimony and she already wants us to teach her boyfriend. We will be teaching him tonight! It will be awesome!
So right now our zone has 6 baptized in the month of September and 28 more people with a baptismal date. It’s so awesome! Our zone is doing so well and we are way tight with each other. I love it. I saw Elder Lepule this last week, I miss that kid ha-ha, and he told me he emailed you guys. He sure loves our family! Ha-ha I miss that kid.
So Jay got baptized in July when I first got to Honolulu, we are still teaching her and she says she wants to go on a mission. That would be cool!
The work is moving along really well and I’m happy when I am working. Sounds like everything is going good at home. Except for the robberies. That is not good! I wish I could be there for the stake out ha-ha. I hope they catch the guy! What have they been stealing? They definitely have hit a lot of houses. That’s a blessing they haven't hit ours! We definitely should get another big dog! Not a retarded one that runs sideways ha-ha. Another Golden Retriever would be cool.
So it sounds like everyone is getting married. That’s good! Ha-ha good for them. How are Austin and Britney doing? Thanks for sending those pictures. I’ll be looking forward to going to their reception when I get back. Any idea why they are waiting so long to have a reception after they get married in the temple?
Ha-ha I’m glad I got to talk to dad! We have Bluetooth in our car so when he called I saw his number pop up on the radio and I was like what the heck? Ha-ha it was good to talk to him! I’ll definitely be looking forward to chilling with the Wunners when they get here. Are they already here?
How is drill going? How is the team looking this year? Things seem to be doing well at home! Sure do love you and miss you! Thanks for all you do! I’ll be talking to you really soon!
Elder Hudson
September 10, 2012
What’s up dad?!!
It was good to talk to you the other day! Very unexpected too! ha-ha. No worries, I’m not trunky. How is everything going? We have Bluetooth in our car and when I saw your name pop up on the screen I was shocked ha-ha. Glad everything is going good though! Things are good here too. We had two baptisms this last week. One that we have been working super hard for is Ana. We tried so hard with her and kept having to push her date back. Finally she recognized the blessings she was getting from coming to church. We helped her feel the spirit and she was ready to be baptized. The same night she got baptized she called us on the phone and thanked us. She said she was feeling so happy inside and that she knew it was true. It was a great experience and strengthened my testimony for sure!
Thanks for all you do for me dad! This work is the greatest, it’s hard and a struggle everyday but I know it will be worth it in the end. Keep working hard with real estate. You’re the perfect guy for the job! Sure do love you dad! Keep me updated with everything. I LOVE YOU!!!!!
Elder Hudson
September 3, 2012
What up family!!!!
No worries about the internet being down. It happens! I’ll give you a rundown of my week. We were supposed to have three baptisms last week but one fell through and the other two followed as well, so all three are for this week so no worries! Anna is one that I’m super excited for. You know that this is the Lord's work when someone tells you that they have been waiting for you to teach them this. It's amazing and a huge testimony builder to me that the Church is true. Her baptism fell through because she got sick, but she came to church yesterday and she said she is ready for Saturday. So stoked! My companion and I go over there like three times a week to teach her with a Tongan named Lone (Loan A). He is the greatest! He is like 78 years old and he loves missionary work. He barely speaks any English and it’s so funny to always go out with him. He goes back to Tonga next week and I’m going to miss him like crazy when he leaves. He looks like the old preacher on Nacho Libre, the one that never says anything ha-ha. It's great.
Our mission found 246 new investigators this week. I think that is the most the mission has found in one week. 37 came from our zone and our goal was 30. It was a great week for the mission and we are looking for 140 baptisms in the month of September. The work is moving right along here and its fun to be a part of. It sounds like everything is going good back at home. I feel like I have so much to tell all of you, but I know it will all come out when I get home.
Hope you guys had a fun anniversary in the eagles nest? Did you get eagle powers? Haha, gosh you two are funny. Glad Paige and Zach are doing better... no relationship is perfect ha-ha. But glad they are good. Nothing else is too new with me. Just trying to stay focused, not think too much. I love the people, and will miss this place like crazy. I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD! Thank you for all you do for me. You guys are the best. I’ll be in this area for probably three months on Oahu. So no real worries about getting transferred right now. I love the Gospel, I love Jesus Christ, and He loves us. I love you guys. Have a great week!
Elder Hudson
August 27, 2012
Hi mom!
Good to hear from you! Sounds like a good week this week, that's good! Looks like Paige is quite the popular girl, good for her! She definitely takes after her mom! How was your week? You glad summer is almost over? I can't believe this was my second summer on my mission so crazy! So today we have a baptism for Anna. It was one of the coolest experiences of my mission last night..... So she came to church Sunday and our Bishop asked her to be baptized Tuesday, which is today, she said she doesn't know. So we went and taught her last night and she said that she was struggling with making payments and the day after she went to church she was able to pay for all her financial problems and she was stress free. We helped her realize that those are blessings from God and she said that we are the only elders that have helped her come to get her to be baptized, so she is getting baptized tonight! I’m so excited for that! It will be awesome!!!
So that's about all that new with me. Nobody sneaking out this week which was nice. This week was kind of tough, just one of those weeks I guess, but I’m all good. I had revelation when I was in the Temple today that I need to simply work harder and smarter. I love the mission. It's tough but it will set the tone for the rest of my life. I’m sorry this is a short email I got to run to get ready for the baptism. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!! Can't believe how fast time is going. I sure do miss you and love you all. Hope all is good. Thanks for everything MOM!!!!
P.S. My apartment is in the ghetto so you were probably right when you searched it. We live in an apartment, bottom floor, first one when you walk up the stairs. It’s pretty ghetto but not bad.
August 20, 2012
Aloha family!!!!!!!!!
I'm sending all of you this email because it's been a crazy freaking weekend, and I’m ready to just go chill on today’s p-day. So being a zone leader is so hard, especially when elders step out of line. Last night after we finished up numbers at the tabernacle we felt like we should check on 2 elders; some of the highest baptizing in the mission. Well, it was 10:30 and they weren't home, and every missionary is supposed to be home at 9:00. So we went into their apartment and found out that they weren’t' there. We waited and waited and waited. We weren't going to call because we wanted to make them feel dumb when they came home, then the assistants came over and we went looking. Turns out they were 25 minutes away in Waipahu, cruising at a member’s house. By this time it was 1:30 in the morning. They got back to their apartment and we told them straight up how stupid the decisions they were making were. After we fixed that problem we had a feeling to check on another elder, so we went to their apartment as well and only one missionary was sleeping in his bed. The other one had left to go use his android tablet, which is not allowed at all on the mission. So we found him, and we had to take the tablet and yeah it was a stressful crazy night and we didn't get done until 5 am. So I’m super tired and it was just so dumb! But we are all good now and I truly feel like I love these elders more than ever now.
Sounds like you all had a great week and that’s good! I got the photo album, thank you sooooooo much!!!!!!!!!! I love it and it makes me miss all of you so so much. I love it! This week is a big week for our zone. We are on track for hitting 20 baptisms for the month of August and we hit 20 in July. If we hit it back to back, that is something that has never been done before. We are at 14 right now with six more this week, so we are very hopeful! It's a great time to be here on a mission. In July we hit 150 baptisms, the most in the United States missions, besides Utah of course, but we are on a roll here in this mission. I love it! The excitement is up and everyone is happy. I love the mission! Time is flying by and as my friends start getting home it makes me a little nervous to know I’ll be there one day. I can't believe how fast time is flying by!!!
Thanks for the money in my account. I bought one new pair of pants so far and will buy another one. So thank you! Everything is so much more expensive here. I’m looking forward to paying 2.25 for milk and not 5.00 anymore. Haha!
So I’ve been thinking and praying and I feel like I need to go back to Snow college and then BYU after. That’s still a ways away, but it's going to come up super fast.
Things are good here. How is everything at home? You guys could probably email me Sunday night too if you want. I am up in the office and have time to email then, too. I hope all is good. Sorry I had to combine this one but I’ll send individuals next week. I sure love you guys and pray for you always. Thank you for all you do for me and the example that you set for me. Continue to do everything you can to come closer to Jesus Christ. I know that when we teach people, if they don't commit to read pray and go to church, they are missing out on blessings. We all need to be grateful for everything we have. I’ve struggled to learn that on my mission. I’ve taken a lot for granted, but always remember that "the gospel is to turn bad men good, and good men better." I love this gospel and Jesus Christ. I love you guys dad, mom, Jake and Paige. I sure love all of you. Thanks for all you do. God Bless!
Love
Elder Hudson
August 13, 2012
Always good to hear from you!!! Nothing is too new. This week was kind of long and tough. Just trying to get things used to here still. The Tongan ward is so hard, because they just see you as the missionaries there really aren’t any connection at all, so it's kind of tough. But, I’ll be good. Transfers are coming up and I’m staying with my companion. I’m pretty excited for this next transfer, it will be a good one and we have some great new elders coming in.
So I live in Honolulu. Like 10 minutes away from the mission office. There are zone leaders for each island, there are 11 zones, so 22 zone leaders. I’m not sure if I’ll stay on Oahu for the rest of my mission, it kind of looks that way, but I’ll be fine about that. I know I’ll be in this Tongan ward for a little while, so I’ll have Oahu down pretty well I think.
The work is good, we are teaching two Tongan families who are both pretty solid, and so it will be cool. The ward really wants baptisms and will do anything to get it. Last week they gave these families 1000 dollars each worth of food, so it’s kind of like bribing, but they want the baptisms. It’s tough to just sit and watch it, but it's all up to the bishop. I'm doing well though!
Glad to hear that everything is going good! Thanks for that picture from the drill girls. I love it, ha-ha! It definitely made my day and made me feel good. THANK YOU!!! How is drill going? So far it sounds good, that's the way it should be. Drama free!
So Nan is having a tough time right now? Does she have an email? I need to email her or write her a letter. That’s one thing I don't do well is writing other family members. Not because I don't want to, time is just so short. I’ll make it a priority though!!!!!
Yeah, add anyone from Hawaii on Facebook. They should all be mutual friends with other people so it will be good.
So I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately and am trying to figure out what I’m doing for school. I am honestly feeling like Snow college again. I didn't for the longest time but now I feel like that's where I need to go. I’m just getting mom's input! What do you think?
So... what else... nothing too new besides what I’ve told you already. Things are good, the gospel is true, Jesus Christ lives. Pictures coming soon. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!! Congrats on your new job. That’s a huge blessing for our family. You and dad have always taken good care of us!!!!!!! I love you!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
What's up?!!
How are you doing? Things are going good here how bout there?! Dang you have had quite the past few weeks Mom. Surgery, cutting your finger open, now this! Are you doing ok??? Dang mom, be careful! Is Nan doing ok? What plant was it exactly? I'm glad you're laughing it off though but be careful mom!!!!
So you guys went to the Journey concert? That's cool! Who all went? I’m sure that was fun for you guys. I’m definitely looking forward to some concerts next year when I get home. k so I think I might be losing my hair too, it's scaring me.
Our mission had a goal to reach 125 baptisms something that has never been done before, so we hit it and our zone had the last 5 baptisms which was great! We had two of them. Jake Fatu and Moroni Mareko. I was asked to baptize both of them so that was a good experience. but it was cool. I love this work. They are such good missionaries and missionary minded, its' really good, but sometimes they push the limit and they baptize people that shouldn't be baptized. But, hey if we argue with them no baptisms so we have to let it happen I guess. I’m enjoying it over here though. My companion is good. I love the area and the people too. I can't believe I only have 10 months left..... is that for real? That is insane!!!! It feels literally like yesterday I left home. I can't believe it, I’ll be down to single digits soon. So crazy, but I can't worry about that. I really am focused on the work. We have the capability of baptizing a lot over here and I’m stoked. We had a family of 11 that came to church this last week so that got us super stoked and we are just doing everything we can to help people progress. This truly is the Lord's work.
So today we had Zone Leader Council. Or ZLC. It’s where all the zone leaders and the assistants and the President and his wife get together and discuss the needs of the mission. We council on items that need to be discussed and set goals for the mission. The new goal is 130 baptisms for this month. It's going to be hard but it's very achievable. I love it. I'm calling it right now mom. I bet you're going to be a young women’s leader next or in the relief society, or maybe they will give you a short break for a while. Wherever you are called, you will do great at and it's what you will need to be doing.
Jake and Melina... I’m going to be bold with Jake. I need to tell him how it is. He is getting these things handed to him and he isn't doing anything about it. He has a chance to teach Melina and bring her closer to Jesus Christ and he is not doing it. What is he thinking? I’ve never prayed harder for someone. Eventually he will be softened. Long suffering.
I got your email from Brandon Shaffer. Hahira, he is so freaking funny. Good for him though he sounds like he is having a blast! How are the other elders doing in the ward. What about Jared Wendel? What is he up to do you know?
K so my camera is fine I figured it out, no worries. I need to send pictures home. Sorry that is taking awhile! Contacts, I’ll get it taken care of. I just need the insurance card, right?
So I want to tell you about our investigator named Lavi. Her sister was in the hospital because she had an epidural that paralyzed the right side of her leg. We taught Lavi about prayer and she said she would pray and as soon as she prayed she felt the spirit and when she got done she got a call from her sister that said she was able to feel her leg again. How awesome is that! Lavi also has almost lost the urge completely to drink alcohol, we haven’t even taught her the word of wisdom, and she just said that there is something about us that is making her want to become a better person. I know it is the Lord preparing her for greater things for her life.
So nothing too new besides that, as a zone leader we just help the zone and mission reach the goals we have set. We have a goal of 24 baptisms as a zone and that is called our high water mark that is the highest baptisms our zone has had. Each zone has one. This last month we got 20 which are really good but we know that we can do it this month. I love it here! I love you mom. Get feeling better and stay safe!!!!! Be smart mom ha-ha. I sure do love you and am so grateful for you. Thank you mom. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 30, 2012
Hey Mom!
Things are going good here in Honolulu. I just got done doing numbers with the assistants in the office so now I am just cruising and have a little time to email you. The baptisms didn't go through, that ok, we are hopeful for this week though! It's good to email you again, I always look forward to it!
Sounds like a busy Sunday for sure, that's good though! It was a busy Sunday for us too. We had some investigators come to church so that was good. I love the Tongan ward. It’s definitely different but it is fun. The only way that we are going to learn the language is if we have faith ha-ha. I sure hope I can it would help the work move forward I think.
So that first half of the letter was last night so here is the second half. I didn't get enough time to finish it all.
So today has been an interesting day, I am on my last pair of contacts and I’ve been wearing my glasses more, then this morning I stepped on my glasses and they broke, not all the way just the part that goes on my ears is cracked and its all bent up when I wear them. Then we went to a place called the spouting cave and I charged my camera all night and guess what, my camera is broken and I either have to get a new camera or new battery. So it’s been a frustrating day, but one thing I’m grateful that I’ve learned on my mission is to not sweat the small stuff. I'm not too worried about it. No worries!
So things are going good here. I'm enjoying it for sure. I think this last month of July has been a little dragging but it's all good, just need to keep moving forward. Our mission has 122 baptisms for the whole months this month, that ties the record for most ever in this mission and so we are really pushing for these last couple of days for miracles. We are very hopeful and just need to keep looking for those who are ready to be baptized.
SO I understood most of your email even though you were on ambien although you did cut out about your bee stinging story ha-ha but I’m glad you're ok! I'm glad you’re ok with your finger too! I’m sorry about that! That is not fun, how many stitches did you have to get? That's crazy that Megan is married I remember last year when they said they would be getting married this July. that is so crazy! But, good for them. What are their plans?
So that's awesome that our ward has so many missionaries out. That is really great, we definitely have some great representatives from our ward. Tell Aaron and Jordan if you see them good luck. They will do great. So will Jake R. He will love it.
I'm grateful for this gospel. I don't know how anyone lives without it. It's crazy to me to think that people won't accept it. It's up to us the members to help them realize the importance of it. Everyone has the light of Christ in them, we just need to help them recognize the spirit. That's all we are here to do! I love the Gospel. I love Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for your mom and love you so much. Thank you for all you do and for the wonderful example you are to me. I don't know what I would do without you guys. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!!! Good luck with drill! Don't let it stress you out. Have fun, don't sweat the small stuff, and don't be discouraged. I sure do love you Mom and I will talk to you next week. I love you!!!!!!!!!
Elder Hudson
P.S. Tell Scott to email me if you remember! That is awesome! Good for them!!!!
Monday, July 30, 2012
What’s up Dad!!!!
Not much is going on today just Pday, later we are getting together as a zone to play broom hockey, that will be fun. Today we just walked by the ocean to a place called spouting cave, water goes into the cave and shoots out. It’s pretty cool ha-ha. We have 14 elders in the zone and 2 sisters so quite a big zone so it's a lot of fun. What was the average number of missionaries you guys had during your mission? Zone conference is this week and we don't have to train, the APS do ha-ha. They are really cool and I’ve served around most of them. Last night my companion and I and two of the apes were trying to get on the roof to throw water balloons at the other apes who were coming up to the office a little later, but it was locked and not possible to get up. Haha. But we will get it eventually.
So how is the work in our ward? I guess it's something I never really payed any attention too ha-ha. Do we have like elders specifically for our ward or do they cover other wards too? I’m looking forward to going out with the missionaries when I get home.
How was golf? That’s got to be fun to go out with them! How did you do? I was never any good at golf, but that’s good you guys went out and played.
The missionary work is good, it’s different in the Tongan ward. They baptize anyone.... and I mean anyone.... our second counselor told his Samoan employee to get baptized or else he won't pay him. They just don't care. They just want the baptisms. So it’s kind of crazy. And if you disagree with who they are baptizing they won't like you at all. So our president just told us to be smart about it. ha-ha it’s tough. I’m enjoying it though. Things are going good dad. I did break my glasses today and my camera is acting up but other than that everything is cherry. No worries. How is everything with you? I hope it’s all good. I sure do love you dad. Almost down to 10 months. I have so much to do and learn still. I’m looking forward to it. I know without a doubt that Jesus Christ lives. No doubt about it. I love Him and He loves us. It’s up to us to share this message to everyone. I sure do love you dad and miss you. Thank you for your example. I LOVE YOU DAD!!!!! Have a great week!
Love
Elder Hudson
Jul 23, 2012
Hey Dad!
How are you doing? I’m different each week because we never go at
the same time to email. It depends on what is happening on that day. So
sorry about that! So all zone leaders have cars. So as long as I’m a zone
leader will have a car but I miss being a regular missionary. Just work and
have fun. Now it’s stressful and annoying at times but whatever it’s a
growing experience. My companion is good got a few things to work on but it
will be good. I love the Tongan ward. It’s interesting because all of church
except Sunday school is in Tongan. so it’s interesting. I need to learn the
language!!!! Two white kids from Utah can't get a lot done by not learning
the language. Although we did have a baptism this last week. Her name is
Jay. My companion or I never really taught her the Tongans just said "we
have baptism dis Saturday." So we show up and they had her there. ha-ha the
Tongan way definitely isn't' the best way to do missionary work but it gets
done. Funny story, the assistants broke into our pad while we were sleeping
and slapped us in the face with fish and then ran. We kept the fish and
last night broke into their brand new mission owned truck and put the fish
in their vents and picked up TV’s and a bunch of garbage people just put
in the road and put it in their truck. then we filled the elevator up with
the decorations and plants and stuff that was in the lobby so they had to
put it all back when they got done way late last night ha-ha it was so
great. Their truck stinks so bad but it was funny.
Glad you guys had fun at bear lake! That is good the grays went too. It’s
good they got out of the normal everyday routine.
We just need to keep praying for Jake. That is all we can do. It’s up to
him to change. Nobody else. All we can do is pray. You have set a great
example and I’m so grateful for it. I love you dad. We are supposed to have
3 baptisms this week so ill keep you updated and I’m sending pictures. DAD
I LOVE YOU. Thank you for all you do!!!!! LOVE YOU DAD!!!!
Love
Elder Hudson
Jul y 23, 2012
Malo le lei Mom!
How are you? things are good here in Honolulu! I am enjoying it. We had a baptism this weekend and it was really good. Her name is Jay and it was a miracle she just told us she wanted to be baptized and so we got it all set up. it was great. The Lord worlds in mysterious ways for sure. So I’m glad you had fun at bear lake! that is really good. Sounds like a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to that when I get home!
I don't know our address exactly... we live in an apartment building plus I haven't received a letter or anything from anyone so I have no idea what the address is. ill for sure get it to you next week. So the Tongan ward is very missionary minded which is great. we like just teach the people they tell us too and then they get baptized we are hopeful for three baptisms this week!
Being a zone leader is ok. its hard and more responsibility which sucks sometimes but I mean its whatever. I hate the title for sure. people look at you different and it's so annoying. but it’s all good. to answer your questions... yes I see President a lot more now. we do a lot of work with him and the assistants so it’s fun. We are right in Presidents sight all the time too so we need to be on our game ha-ha. I do like being in the city. it reminds me a lot of home and I like it. I do like seeing the city lights and all of the strange people walking around at night too. I’m getting ready to send a lot of pictures so be ready.
sounds like everything is good at home. everything is good here. I’m kind of at the dragging point in my mission I think now. I’m almost down to single digit months which are so weird, but it’s kind of slowing down right now. just need to stay focused and work hard and it will be all good. the zone that I am in and the elders I’m with are way good. it’s awesome. it’s the biggest zone and the most baptizing zone as well. it is awesome. my companion and I are getting a long pretty good. I need to talk to him about some things but it will be good.
the mission is preparing me for life and I love it. I absolutely love growing in the gospel. it’s so true mom. Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven ARE there! And they love us and want the best for us. and the best thing for us is the Gospel. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!! Thank you for everything that you do. I definitely have a lot of stories just from this Tongan ward. I’m trying to learn the language. its hard though. I need to get some books or something in Tongan hopefully. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!! have a wonderful week!!!! Ofa Lahi Atu!!!!!!
Elder Hudson
July 16, 2012
Hey Mom!
Things are good here in Honolulu. I like it over here. I’ve been in the country most my mission so it’s nice to get a mix up of things ad be in the city again. my companion is elder maughan and he is really great. he is from Monticello and we get a long great. we as a zone have a chance to do something that has never been done before by getting the most baptisms in any zone. our goal is 24, that's the most it has ever been and we are trying to get it. we have like 24 with a date right now which is awesome. this zone is the strongest zone I’ve been in for sure. I love the Tongan ward. I’ll definitely be packing on more weight.... for example last night we ate with a young married couple that fed me and my companion 6 huge ribs each 2 chicken breasts two tapioca, tapioca is like a huge potato, and then a bowl full of ice cream with 2 pieces of cake. it was honestly the most I’ve ever ate at one period of time. it was so hard! The thing is if you don't eat everything they won't find you baptisms. this ward is one of the highest baptizing in the mission and it is very famous so all eyes are on us ha-ha. please don't make a big deal about being a zone leader. it’s really not a huge deal, I can't stand when people like brag about being a leader. it’s not a big deal. I’m just a normal missionary with a tiny bit more responsibility.
I'm so happy for the hoopii's! that's so freaking awesome! I truly would love to hear from them and here how they got baptized! that's great! the missionaries over there right now are super solid so that's awesome. My new number is 7788684 so if she wants to call she can. I don't really mind. that is so awesome! I really wish I could have been there for that. that's wonderful for that family.
so it sounds like everything is going good at home. didn't get an email from dad today . haven't heard from Jake in a while. Paige is cute and emails me often. mom I’m not worried about who I’m going to marry right now. my focus is these last 10 months of my mission. I will be home before I know it and I can worry about it then. so no worries here. speaking of Hawaii, we still planning on coming back in November next year? we still going to lake Powell? I mean I know I’m in Hawaii but it seems like you always go to bear lake without me. the whole family does, so when I get home. I want to go to lake Powell. that my request. obviously if it’s one or the other ill choose Hawaii but I’m just saying. That should be fun though with the grays. maybe see if Jake would meet with the missionaries. ha-ha I mean we visit less active people all the time and just share them a message and it turns their day around. I love it. I love this work, the church is true! The Tongan ward is the best. they find us baptism for us and it’s so great. just yesterday the second counselor came up to us and said "we have three people get poppied dis Saturday" poppied means baptism. ha-ha. but yeah it was great. I love it here. I’m glad everything is going good at home. I sure do miss you and love you all. thanks for all you do for me. elder cart was a great companion, I will be in touch with that kid for sure. I only have 10.5 months left. time to focus for good. I sure love you mom. thanks for all you do!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!
p.s. how are you feeling? Don't know elder lepules release date he leaves 6 weeks before me cause he had to learn English. I'm driving and spent a lot of time on the computer doing computer stuff but we work like crazy and I love it. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!!! P.s. all missionaries have tons of pictures of their family. and I have liked non. could a get like a photo album sent to me or something? cause I don't have anything. I love you mom!!!
July 9, 2012
Malo le lei Mom!
So I’m in Kaneohe until Wednesday. I 'm getting transferred to Honolulu in a Tongan ward. Yes a Tongan ward. I will have to try and learn Tongan while I’m there. I’m so stoked. I got a call from our President last night just before transfer calls came in and he told me that the Lord has a new calling for me to be a zone leader in Honolulu. I'm super nervous but pretty excited at the same time. It's going to be fun though I’m excited to serve around Tongan people, it will be really great. My new companion is Elder Maughan and he is from Monticello Utah. He is way cool and I’m stoked to be with him. I will miss Kaneohe so much though. I miss everywhere that I’ve been for sure. there is something about Kaneohe that I love though. I am pretty excited though. Sister Tripp is Elder Tripp’s sister in law.. I came out with elder Tripp and his brother is in our ward cause he is in the Air Force. that is a great family. Before I forget will you add these people on facebook... Kanoa Kanahele. Esei Mataele( There are two Esei mataeles the one I want you to add is the one with his young son as his profile picture.) Jasmine Black. and I’ll try to think of some more for sure.
So brother arume never committed but it's ok. he will one day. he is making improvements for sure. he comes to church and reads with his wife and she prays. nothing too new this past week. we did find some new investigators which was good and these areas have a lot of potential.
sounds like a fun 4th of July you guys had! that good! our 4th of July was pretty low key. not too much excitement going on that day. we only worked until 5 then we had to either be with a member or our zone. elder Garcia and I went to a member in the first ward and they fed us dinner and we just cruised with them. it was so fun. that is the Kanaheles they are the best. Other than that this week was pretty low key. All of the leaders in the mission did have a training though and that was good. Elder Allen from the 5th quorum of the 70 came and taught us how to be better leaders. it was really good and just what we all needed.
sounds like you had fun at the party with dad. sounds pretty crazy too! ha-ha that is funny about you riding off on the motorcycle with p.j. jordy. I could definitely picture that and it's pretty funny to think about. that good you went with him and that is good that you had fun too! sounds like Paige is having a lot of fun and that is good for her. Zach sounds like a good guy.
let’s see.... I am on my second to last pair of contacts, the lady who saw me last said to just keep cleaning my contacts really good and if I need anything or stuff just let her know. but I’ll need some contacts in a couple months or weeks. I’ll let you know.
Mom I love you. I’m glad you're going better and that you are sleeping better especially. I can’t believe I have 11 months left. it sucks. like I’m excited but at the same time I know I’m going to miss this so so much. I love you Mom. The church is true. Thank you for everything that you do for me. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!!!!!!!
Love
Elder Hudson
July 2, 2012
Hey Dad
Things are good today how are things with you? how was working in the yard?
I’m sure that was fun! ha-ha sounds like mom is keeping you pretty busy.
That good to be busy. Here it hasn't been too busy which stinks. Kaneohe is
a tough area but we just need to keep working hard and the Lord will bless
us. my companion is ok. he is the most prideful kid I’ve ever met but I’m
with him for a reason and I’ll work with him. transfers are this week and
I’m pretty sure that I’m leaving but if I don't any worries. there will be a
reason that I have to stay. I have 11 months to work my tail off. and I
will do that. I will not leave here being one of those missionaries who
went home regretting the way they worked on their missions. that would
suck. I know that I need to do better. we all do, and when we do better
and are more obedient then we will receive happiness. what greater gift?
The 4th of July is not too special here cause fireworks cost so much money.
we will be at our member’s house for dinner. his name is brother kanahele
and they are the coolest family ever. are you guys just doing the usual?
that is always fun! anyways nothing is too new with me. time is flying by
too fast but I know that I’m where I’m supposed to be. I sure do love you
dad! Keep working hard and I will keep working hard. keep the faith and
fight the good fight. I sure do love you and miss you dad. Hope all is
well!!! Thanks for everything. Love you dad!
Elder Hudson
July 2, 2012
Hey mom!
Things are going good here in Kaneohe. Transfers are coming up. This Sunday we find out, I’m pretty sure I’m leaving but you never know. I will miss Kaneohe for sure. but you never know, I just might stay!
That terrible to hear about Kathy's daughter. I’ll keep that family in my prayers for sure. that is terrible and whoever did that, will be punished for doing so. She definitely is in a better place though and is sitting next to Heavenly Father right now.
Thank you for the card from bear lake! I love it ha-ha that's fun that those girls wrote on it. I wrote bailey a letter today so she should get it soon. ha-ha I’m sure elder lepule loved the card. thank you for doing that.
I have so much to learn as well and I definitely need to be better in everything. July 4th is just another day pretty much, I’m not too worried about it. we are having dinner with the Kanaheles who is one of my favorite families so I’m sure it will be fun. before I forget, President Dalton has approved us to vote this year so can you send me any info I need for me to register? that will be cool. I don't know anything about Politics but a Mormon president would be cool.
so nothing else is too new. the work is slow right now. it's tough. we are trying to find, and get referrals but neither is happening right now. we just need to keep working. but brother arume is still coming to church which is way awesome. I sure do love that family!
I don't know that elder who was with Diane. we are in the other zone next to hauula, they are in the Laie zone, so I wouldn’t know him. that is cool though!
So nothing else I really new.... can't believe how fast time is going by. everyday just goes by faster. I’m sure when this is all over though I’ll be ready to come home, but as for now, I’m here and have plenty worked to do. I sure do love you mom and I sure am so glad that you are feeling better. you definitely deserve to. I love you mom thank you for everything. I will talk to you next week!
Love Elder Hudson
June 26, 2012
Dad what is up!
Sounds hot over there! It's pretty cool over here. I love it! it's so beautiful and to see the ocean everyday is just the greatest! I Love the green mountains and the brown people over here. ha-ha I love this for sure! ha-ha how is everything over there? sounds like things are going good. thanks for the pictures, they are fun! that's cool that that happened. pretty crazy too that a butterfly was flying over Utah Lake.
so I’ve already talked to some of my best buds out here to get ready to go to lake Powell when we get home. I’m so excited!! you will love the friends that I’ve met out here.
that's good you're keeping bust with work though, it’s better to be busy than not at all right? good job dad!
ha-ha I know that if you send that black dog to Waipahu that there would be some very happy Filipinos that love black dog.
the dl responsibilities are good. its challenging but it's forcing me to grow which is good. the comp is a little difficult but will work with him.
But I do enjoy being a district leader. it is tough. but worth it. I love the mission. I love having to be challenged. it’s a great experience.
the members are wonderful. I love them. there is such a great spirit here that I’ve never felt anywhere else before. it’s amazing. You will love it here. thank you so much for the money for the shirts. that means a lot. mine have been brown ever since my second transfer cause of the heat and dirt in the air. ha-ha. Thank you so much Dad that means a lot! So I hear the Heat won, that's good for Lebron ha-ha. was Austin pretty happy? this work truly is the Lords work. the other day we were tracting and ran into an inactive member that nobody in the ward knows whose daughter died that day and we were able to say a prayer with her and her non member family. the Lord cares about every single one of us. it's so amazing! I sure do love this work!
I LOVE YOU DAD!!!!!!!! Thank you for all you do for me. I appreciate your hard work and unconditional love you have for us. I love you dad. you are the best!!!!!!!!
June 26, 2012
Hey mom!
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 Big island or Oahu.
glad to hear that you are feeling so much better! that's a relief! So did they take your gall bladder out? I forgot about that part. but I’m really happy to hear that you are doing better!
ha-ha thanks for telling dad to put money in my account. I’ll buy new shirts today for sure. ha-ha I laughed about the old shirt part, to be honest for most of my mission I’ve had brown shirts because of my first area of Makaha ha-ha. it's all good though. I’m excited to get some new ones!!!! I've got some new pictures coming soon, thank you for updating my blog! I’m sure it looks great!
Other than that nothing is too new. we have seen major progression with brother arume and it's been really cool. ill share you this story real quick. so a new technique that our President have 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 a street right before an apt. one of the last houses we knocked on an older woman answered. we were talking for a minute and and I asked here 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 just 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. I SURE DO LOVE YOU MOM!!!!!!! I’m so glad that you are feeling better. Thanks for all you do mom. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!! Have a wonderful week!!!!
Love
Elder Hudson
