tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67912840492945814132024-03-05T20:12:03.189-08:00Elder Connor Ward's MissionMissouri Independence January 2012-June 2012
New Zealand Auckland Mission
June 2012-June 2013
New Zealand Hamilton Mission July 2013-January 2014Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-21217779752771422082014-01-26T21:30:00.000-08:002014-01-27T11:47:02.780-08:00A Great Last Week!!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">WWWWHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Today is a good day! I just finished a game of golf with
the Goodmans and I am sending off one last email! I had a GREAT LAST WEEK! I
prayed and asked every day for God's help to endure to the end and I still have
time to go but Sunday was great! It was my last full day of missionary work and,
of course... it decides to POUR DOWN! I was actually excited for the challenge
so instead of walking with umbrellas like we normally do we BIKED ANYWAYS! Haha!
I got soaked! I had to change in between dinner hour. Then after dinner my shirt
was SOOOOOO gross. The top around my neck and shoulders turned brown from the
water and sweat from pumping up and down New Plymouth hills. We had a few great
last experiences—found a keen new investigator who just went through a bad
divorce. We had a few other great miracles happen early in the week too. But I
will tell you! On Sunday there were SO many people that came to church that we
had been working with. Doing the math, there were a little over 20 individuals
at church who we had been working with to bring back throughout my time here in
the Naki. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There have been a lot of great things that have
happened, a lot of nice letters and notes and stuff like that... but yesterday
the most meaningful one of all was Brother Coward, the Rock of a man who used to
be the district president. He was announcing the success of our rescue visits
(he and I got out to 11 families in one night). After that, he thanked me for
everything I did in the branch and said I have been an outstanding missionary
and that I would be greatly missed. He teared up a little which was pretty
shocking coming from him. I love Brother Coward. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It still has not really sunk in that I am finishing up
my mission soon. Hopefully it won’t sink in when I am in public cuz I might be a
mess. Anyways, I love you guys so much! I will see ya tomorrow. haha My
tomorrow—your two days. I will travel back in time to catch up with you guys
though. No worries. Have a good time until then! Thanks for your letter OOBS,
and nice teeth Ava and Despicable Me 2! SOUNDS GREAT!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Elder Ward<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-35240827920036887952014-01-19T21:30:00.000-08:002014-01-22T10:23:13.953-08:00This Gospel Makes Me Happy
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WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!<br />
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GO Collin!!!!!!!!!! That was just about one of the coolest letters I have ever
read on my mission. [Collin’s first real letter from his mission.] I don’t know
about you, Mom and Dad, but it sure is sweet seeing Collin out there. Haha And
AVA, IT IS MY CAR NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mom, let’s suss out the most
important stuff. [Wow! That’s actually a real word. suss<strong>:</strong><span class="ssens"> figure out —usually used with </span><em>out</em><span class="ssens">; to inspect or investigate so as to gain more knowledge] C</span>an
you just send that to the Goodmans? I would send it to President but I think it
would be a little bit better if we sent that to the Goodmans. Good job Mom
inviting friends to the temple open house. That will be an experience and a
half. I think that general authority guy hit it right on the nose! Remember
Craig Christensen’s talk about his 5 year old son who was in the celestial room
and he asked his dad why he had a weird/good feeling in his chest? And Elder Christensen
took the time to kneel down to his son and explain what he was feeling? I know
your friends will feel it along with everyone else who comes along to the open
house... Hopefully we can just help them recognize what that feeling is! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anywho WOW, I only got 8 days
left. I will probably email next week because I still have companions and stuff
who need email so I would not want to be unfair to them. So still email me I
guess and I will probably share some last thoughts in my last letter
home. <o:p></o:p></div>
Now let me tell you something Awesome that happened this
week! I gained a stronger testimony of the Priesthood! On Wednesday we learned
that R, a struggling convert to the Church got hit and run over by a drunk
driver. That was a pretty big shock. He went to the hospital and got admitted
out the day after. Anyways, we got a call from a member asking us to go visit
him in his house and give him a blessing SO we did. When R opened the door
I was a little shocked he was able to walk... he had a big gash on his head,
torn up knuckles, bruised ribs and very sore knees. I still don’t know how
anything was not broken inside his body but we gave him a blessing. Anyways,
the next night he gave us a call and he sounded super happy and excited
(especially for a guy who had just been run over by a car). He called just to
let us know that our "prayer" worked and that he felt better and that
the pain in his ribs and everything was gone. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Another experience was with J. She had not been able to
make it to church the past 3 weeks because of a serious chest infection. She
showed up last Sunday even though she was not doing well at all! When she
talked you could tell she had at least 4 pounds of junk clogging her lungs,
throat, and nose. We gave her a blessing after sacrament and then when she came
out of relief society at the end of the day she said she felt fine and she was
talking perfectly normal without the 4 pounds of junk. Isn't Heavenly Father
GREAT?! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Honestly, I think that those two experiences alone can
explain how awesome my week went but, I just want to let you guys know that I
am happy. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> I hope you guys
are too. I find myself telling that to a lot of people especially as of late. I
explain the whole reason I am here is because this gospel makes me happy and I
know it will do the same for you. So stay happy over there in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Arizona</st1:state></st1:place>. You guys rock.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-33347904374897664762014-01-12T18:00:00.000-08:002014-01-22T10:18:32.255-08:00Happy Birthday to Me!!
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Dear family,<o:p></o:p></div>
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I had an awesome 21st birthday! Lots of love and zero gifts
really. OHHH WAIT NEVERMIND!!! I got a lava lava straight from <st1:place w:st="on">Samoa</st1:place> and some Coa Coa Samoa to share with the family. I
kinda kept the whole birthday thing on the down-low… not sure why.... and no,
you sent the package too late. I won’t get that until I leave for home. SO
yeah...<o:p></o:p></div>
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This week was a little bit testing in different ways, one
way in particular was on Saturday. On Friday we had to have biked at least 12
miles... My butt, thighs, and everything was soooo sore! I was a little tired
of not having set appointments and not being able to find new investigators.
But things went well on Saturday. We had a few mini miracles and we were able
to find a few keen people to teach. Anywho, God is pretty good at helping us be
humble... I read later on in the Book of Mormon when Alma and Amulek had just
watched all their converts burn in a big fire and they were sitting in prison
for ages, when one day a lot of judges, lawyers, and other people came in and
started cleaning them out (smiting their cheeks) until the very last one took
his cheap shot at the two when God finally gave them strength and provided the
miracle. I wondered why even they had to endure such torment but Isaiah 55:8-9,
right? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nothing too different is happening... I decided to finish
the BOM one last time before I finish my mission so I started on Sunday last
week and I made it to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Alma</st1:city></st1:place>
chapter 21 as of today... So halfway through in a week. I think I will be able
to finish by the time I finish. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh, on my birthday I got all that cool Samoan stuff and then
we set up a BBQ Sunday dinner with an American family (the Riggles) and the
Kleins, a family that is just starting to come back to church. They have 5 kids
so it was quite the dinner! Oh and the Riggles have 3! Plus us made 14 of us
total which seemed like a lot, but now saying it Mom is probably laughing
saying, “Try doing 3 times that!” Anyways we had a great time. They even had
hot wings which was so crazy for me because SPICY does not exist in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">New Zealand</st1:country-region></st1:place>!
I almost died the first bite but I really grew to love them. I think I smashed
like 15 hot wings. Now I just fear some Spicy Hot #2 which will probably soon
come. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> I think I have grown to have
more of a liking for spice out here. Not as bad as Uncle Ryan though... Wasn't
he the one that had spicy sauce sent to him in his packages? Anyways after the
BBQ we sat down and watched Mormon messages and the Riggles did a great small
FHE and helped the Kleins feel the spirit! It was a great birthday for me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thanks for your letters everyone. I especially liked the
pictures. Dad, I was a little disappointed that you had nothing to say about my
infringement notice for $600. Just said "Operated Vehicle in a manner
liable to cause annoyance." I am so tempted to leave the country
without paying that fine... NO worries though. I wouldn't want to leave with
that sin on my head. Then I wouldn't be able to come back because there would
be a warrant out for my arrest. Sounds great though 2/16 for my homecoming
talk? haha Aimee Mouser [who will be giving her farewell talk the same meeting]
is going to make my talk trash! Anyways love you guys a ton. Keep praying for me to
finish strong and stay happy. I'm doing my best to not be sad about finishing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Love,<o:p></o:p><br />
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-12102387055824964942014-01-05T16:00:00.000-08:002014-01-22T10:13:58.964-08:00Advice to Collin<br />
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Dear Collin,<o:p></o:p></div>
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This letter is really only going to be titled for you even
though the message is going out to everyone, but I feel it would be a little
bit more meaningful if this letter is a little bit more centered around you.
Before that I need to respond back to some of the emails. First off, nice
temple picture. Mom is looking good! Haven't aged a bit since I have left.
Second, Dad, thanks for the rebuke on the sheep. You were totally right. That
would have been pretty lame getting seriously hurt. Third, Ava's puppy has a
funny looking nose. It's really pink! But so is part of my head that got bashed
into the ground. It might scar! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now Collin time. I got some advice for you! ARE YOU
READY?!?! <o:p></o:p></div>
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#1 This is not going in order of importance. But the first
thing is Be safe on your mission! Don’t chase sheep! Be careful on your bike,
and be careful when you’re driving. Getting tickets is NO FUN! By the
way, more information on my ticket: I got the infringement notice in the
mail... and this is word for word what it said "Operated vehicle in a
manner liable to cause annoyance... 600$" President Rudd will
probably not have me fight it in court as ridiculous as that is, it doesn't look
good for the Church showing up in court... In the States if you took that to a
judge he would probably just laugh.<o:p></o:p></div>
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#2 Work your buns off! We just had the assistants come down
from Ham town to visit us. They stayed two nights and worked with us all
Sunday. I realized something cool. A lot of missionaries need to put on a good
face and plan better for the day, work harder throughout the day, and be a
little more obedient while the APs are watching. It felt really good not having
to worry about putting on a face or changing anything that I would
normally do. A good measure of your work can be seen on how hard you work
when you think nobody is watching (that was kind of half stolen from PMG
chapter 6 under the Christlike attribute Virtue). Also, by the way, one of the
Assistants, Elder Hirschi, has one of those funny chest cavity thingies and he
and I are pretty tight. We play pranks on each other all the time... Anyways
the 1st morning before he got in the shower I got the other elders to pounce on
him and hold him down while I grabbed milk and cereal and poured it
in for a makeshift bowl. Totally got it on video too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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#3 The most important thing that should be focused on is WHO
you become. Let me make this one very clear and something I hope you never
forget. You’re not going on a mission for you. You’re going on a mission
to save others who need saving, and your going because that's what the Lord
wants. However, the reason I say focus on WHO you will become is because
if you become someone who is filled with the Spirit, Testimony, Faith, Optimism,
Hope, Charity, and Complete and Absolute desire to Obey all of God's
Commandments, then your purpose to invite others to come unto Christ will be
SOOOO Much easier. There are so many things that missionaries have to worry
about: Working with Members, Talking with Strangers, Following the Spirit,
Keeping the Rules, Reactivation, Baptizing, Teaching Skills, Leaving and
following up on commitments, Personal and Companion Study, Leadership
Responsibilities, and MUCH MUCH MORE. Elder Galt (the assistant) explained to
me, “I don’t think there will ever be a missionary who is doing everything
PERFECT all at once. There is just so much to do it's near impossible to master
everything at once, but if there is anything that would be important to keep
with us the rest of our lives would be just what I mentioned, WHO we become. <o:p></o:p></div>
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#4 Gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon. That book is so
true. Read it every day of your mission. I think I have finished 6 times and
going for a 7th before I leave the mission field. It will give you so much
power to do your work. Some missionaries go out without reading it all the way
through. I could safely assume you have read it once if not multiple times, but
find a real love for that book on your mission. <o:p></o:p></div>
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#5 Don’t feel bad if things get hard. It’s meant to go that
way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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#6 Follow the Spirit. Don’t be the missionary that needs to
get prompted 3 times.<o:p></o:p></div>
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#7 Sometimes you’re going to have to care more about a
missionary’s salvation than your friendship. <o:p></o:p></div>
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#8 Be careful of what you pack. That is your life for the
next two years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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#9 Don’t be afraid to have fun (appropriate fun). The
Cheerios and milk from the chest bowl may have been a little over the top. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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#10 Live in the moment. Don’t worry about Family, Friends,
School. All of those things can sit and wait. Live in the moment. Make every
day meaningful because one day you will be at the end like me and you will want
to look back on what you accomplished with a big smile on your face. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p><br />
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P.S. There is heaps more advice I could give, but I guess
you will just have to figure that all out. Be good Collin (Elder Ward #3). Save
a seat for me at your setting apart. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-19685284450529960562013-12-29T21:00:00.000-08:002014-01-01T10:50:27.749-08:00Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd
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WOWWZZEEERRRRSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO COLLIN!!!
SPEECH!!!! GIVE THEM A SPEECH!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It's really funny actually. I joined with Collin this week
in a very funny way! I spoke too! For I think the 7th
time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This time my topic was on the worth of
souls. Kinda an easy topic for a missionary. I was at your talk in spirit,
Collin, and I was at Ava's baptism too in spirit. I sat next to Mom at both and
she scratched my back spiritually speaking that is. Thanks for all your letters
everyone. It sure sounds like things have been going great in AZ… stressful,
but great! That's mission life Collin. GET USED TO IT!!!! That’s why Mom is
going to make an awesome missionary with Dad when that time finally comes around
for them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So I have got a FUNNY story for you guys and it’s the reason
why I have made the subject of my letter, “Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd.”
So I was going to use a few lines from hymn #221-Dear to the Heart of the
Shepherd for my talk on the worth of souls... Anyway, on Friday (at least I
think it was Friday) we biked out to a university where we had a few potential
investigators. As we wrapped things up and needed to head off to our next
appointment I did not particularly have the desire to back track and go around
the small nature preserve in between where we were and where we needed to
be. So we threw our bikes over a small fence, hopped it, and started
riding towards where I thought we needed to go. As we made it up a small hill we noticed
a good 50 sheep minding their own business grazing in the fields. Of course, my
boyish side came out and we began to chase the sheep on our bikes! As I was
chasing the sheep they all went for high ground except one broke off from the
99 and instead of laying it on my shoulders rejoicing I chased that one. As I
was chasing it (going down hill) out of nowhere there was a good foot deep
random pot hole in the hill and my front tire jammed right into it, and I went
face first into the ground and rocket launched my Book of Mormon, badge,
pens, pamphlets, and of course my bike in front of me. Two
miracles happened here: 1. I didn’t get seriously hurt—just a good bump on my
head, a grass stain on my shoulder, and small aches and pains everywhere
else; and 2. I didn't land in any sheep POOP because it was
everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!! Long story short I was able to laugh it off and work the
rest of the day. Now it will always be a choice memory of my mission!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I had a great week guys! Elder Johnson and I are
for sure ROCKIN THE BOAT! Honestly, as far as investigators and baptisms
go I might not have another the rest of my mission, but I feel SO
GOOD!!!!!!!!! On Sunday we had 146 AT CHURCH!!!!!!!!!! That is literally
double the average attendance New Plymouth had 6 months ago. I think the
first two Sundays I had in the branch the attendance was 66 and then
73. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Christmas was SOOOO GOOOD!! Being able to talk to you
guys was priceless! The first 20 minutes was a little bit weird because
everyone was in the room with us while I was trying to have a good proper
heart to heart with the family. By the way, Elder Johnson says that Ava is
super cute. He liked Trevor’s Mexican impersonation, and he said that Collin is
going to make a great missionary. I asked him why he thought that and he said
if anyone asks that question it’s a good show of what they are going to become
on their mission. Also Collin, I found answers from the scriptures for what you
need to do. In D&C 4 obviously, but also in 11 too! I studied it this
morning and I found 4 things! 1. HAVE DESIRE!!!!!!!!!! 2. BE WORTHY (I
mentioned that one) 3. Study the Word of the Lord 4. Keep the
commandments (Obedience). Start doing those things now and feel free to read
D&C 11. Collin, I think it would be good. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Other good things that happened this week… T passed the
sacrament, we brought another less active family to church—J and her 4
kids! We had a dinner set up with them and the G family the night before.
She was super shy and scared to go, but it all turned out SUPERDY DUPER! I hope
you guys have a great new year! Collin, be careful. Don’t go to any dumb new
year’s parties. I remember before I left there were heaps of those
and some of them were definitely not the best places to be. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Elder Ward<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-7338892296904004262013-12-22T22:00:00.000-08:002014-01-01T10:46:08.307-08:0040 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS...ROCK THE BOAT!!!!!
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SOUNDS GOOD family. I will do everything to talk to you at 4
[on Christmas Eve] but in all honesty I will probably be a little bit late just
to give you a little bit of time to get home and everything like that so it
might be more like 4:30. Hopefully everything goes off without a hitch and yeah
kind of like how Aubrey said, I guess I will just see you in a month anyway...
It's okay Aubrey. That is totally something I would say. If anything I am
impressed how much you have become like your older brothers! BUT YOU BETTER
STILL WRITE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So the news we have all been waiting for! I am GONE!!!!!!
Serving in the Tongan Princess Ward in Papakura! Jokes. I am staying in New
Plymouth and finishing my mission there. Elder <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Taylor</st1:city></st1:place> is gone now. He left up to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Hamilton</st1:city></st1:place> and my new
companion’s name is Elder Johnson. I know him well. He is one of the most
experienced zone leaders in the mission besides me and Elder Wachob. So I am
pretty excited to be leaving the Taranaki zone leader mantle on him. It’s
really nice to be able to take a break from training too!!!!!! I loved training
but it gets pretty tiresome doing it back-to-back-to-back... It is really cute
though seeing missionaries make all the funny newbie mistakes. For example, we
just picked up a new missionary in the zone and on our way back we stopped at a
gas station and he asked if we were allowed to drink soda still. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> It made me laugh. Oh and yes,
Elder Rasband and Elder Andrus are still with us in the 4 man flat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well, I’m keepin things short today but I will tell you
family that at this point in my mission very few days go by where I can't help
but look back on my mission and see the difference every single day has
made in my life. I know Elder Edward Dube's mom would tell me not to
look back because it is true I have got a lot of work to do in the coming
weeks!!!!!!! I am happy though because MY FIRE IS FUELED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have seen too many missionaries finish regretting their last few weeks,
getting trunky and what not so I’m working my buns off! Elder Johnson and
I hit the ground running straight after our drive back from
transfers. It’s pretty funny and I haven't told a lot of people but on my
last missionary daily planner I have taped on a picture of Noah’s ark...
President Riggle in the district Presidency told me to really pay
attention to how many days I have left not as a countdown but as a reminder of
how short my time really is. So I figured out I had 40 days and 40
nights the day of transfers. I followed his counsel and I am going to do
everything in my power to ROCK THE BOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I have a
cool picture of Noah to help me stay motivated. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sad news Dad, Rmoved to the south Island... He did
it to get away from bad influences so we are going to refer the missionaries
down to him. But for some GREAT news Tabare received the Holy Ghost and is
now an Aaronic Priesthood holder! HAVE a good Christmas Season and
I will talk to you in two days. SEE YA!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder Ward <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-40314560341858897172013-12-15T19:00:00.000-08:002014-01-01T10:35:51.927-08:00Taranaki Hit Their Goal!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTilC3akpsKfWaKqbjXnrcvZa7dVMlVNCcHu9hJjH29Q19tetb7sg9Sl4j3_h0QHRVjnJuQ26ruXu5VqOuCxb7OIR61ppq6KSNaRwHiT4OXj8IkrRb2uEf4KJvP6m227nFIhLQiEcd-Z5h/s1600/DSCN4155%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTilC3akpsKfWaKqbjXnrcvZa7dVMlVNCcHu9hJjH29Q19tetb7sg9Sl4j3_h0QHRVjnJuQ26ruXu5VqOuCxb7OIR61ppq6KSNaRwHiT4OXj8IkrRb2uEf4KJvP6m227nFIhLQiEcd-Z5h/s640/DSCN4155%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T's Baptism</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmcNGraR2Vk9Ai1tiC2TYhAb55yfiuoZlIJXBdBBX9vIz_TRvtpFr7vAtxUayHFTFzsYBwGq9aptHt0iefqhItpeJQ0DB1c9A_e8eMwXSvyf4Zx3adv4yutKSpwM_pYJVzO2D_JgF9A5E/s1600/DSCN4160%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmcNGraR2Vk9Ai1tiC2TYhAb55yfiuoZlIJXBdBBX9vIz_TRvtpFr7vAtxUayHFTFzsYBwGq9aptHt0iefqhItpeJQ0DB1c9A_e8eMwXSvyf4Zx3adv4yutKSpwM_pYJVzO2D_JgF9A5E/s640/DSCN4160%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T's Baptism attendees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So here are some pictures along
with the email. First off, there is a picture of T, my companion, and Noah
Jones, the priest who just moved into our ward from Utah! It was his first baptism so it sure was exciting for the family and especially for him. It was a great after church program. Normally we do the baptisms on Saturday but I wanted to see if it would be a little bit more easy to just have it be done on a Sunday... TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! We just have to wait for him to receive the Holy Ghost till next week and the Aaronic Priesthood. Funny story, it turns out his mom is a less active member and got baptized when she was 14 as well but her dad told her to leave the church and stay away from it, but after her daughter and son joining the church it will be hard for her to stay away. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> Also, there is a picture somewhere on here of everyone who stayed for the baptism after.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
So yeah, my very last transfer.
It’s a little bit nerve racking figuring out what is going to happen to me...
to be quite honest my number one place to go is wherever the Lord wants... A
Tongan ward wouldn't be half bad though. haha Apparently, when missionaries
finish their missions, Tongans throw a huge party for them and go all out with pigs
and everything and then they get young teenage girls and put some kind of oil
stuff on them and as they dance people stick money to their skin. And
everything that gets put on the missionary takes home.... SOUNDS SO WRONG!!!!
But would be sweet. I don’t know anything that is happening yet but sure am
looking forward to it! Getting a little antsy to be honest! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
Other cool stories… at church
on Sunday a really dark Maori guy showed up wearing normal clothes and had a
very long pony tail. His name is R. Turns out this guy was investigating
the church and progressing quite well when the law caught up to him and he
eventually had to go to prison for 6 months... (hopefully not for murder) <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> Because you would be surprised, Dad,
about some of the laws and punishments in this country. I am just using the
word surprised because I am not meant to say anything negative about the
country. In emails home. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> Anyway he
showed up to church and we got talking to him and he knows all the lessons we
teach from Preach M Gospel almost better than I do. He told us he decided to
drop all his addictions and his 6 months in prison helped him do that. Then he
asked how soon he could get baptized. January 4th it’s happenin!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
Taranaki is finally up and
running. An area that had been deeply scarred is now an active, fun running
zone to be in. We had a goal to baptize three people this month and guess what,
SUNDAY WE HIT IT!!!!!!!!! President Rudd told each of the zone leaders he would
like each of us to call him one day and say, we did it president, we hit a
goal! So after our baptism on Sunday we gave him a call to let him know that we
were the first zone in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Hamilton</st1:city></st1:place>
mission history to hit a goal as a zone. Haha President Rudd said, “Hold on a
minute,” as he rolled down his car window and yelled at the top of his lungs,
“WHOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! Taranaki HIT THEIR GOAL!!!!!!!!!!! Well,
Elders, it has been shouted from Tuhikaramea in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Hamilton</st1:city></st1:place>. WELL DONE!” Something along those
lines it was pretty funny. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
I forgot to mention last week
but I finished reading the Book of Mormon again!!! I lost track of how many
times I have read it all the way through. I think it was three before the
mission and six on the mission but I could be wrong... Anyway, I went
downstairs in the middle of personal study after I finished reading it and
prayed to ask God if it was true... again and I just received yet again just
another small confirmation that it was true then I went back upstairs and
disturbed everyone else as they did personal study and said, “Well, I got good
news everyone! The Book of Mormon is still true!” Mom and Aubrey, keep that
challenge. That is the most important book you will ever read in your life, and
most important to keep reading DAILY!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
Anyway, love you guys. Sounds
good for 4:00 pm my time 8:00 your time on Christmas eve. I am Skype-tarded so I
will need a little help on how I will reach you guys so you can just send me
that next week. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Love,<br />
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-82899982866817721192013-12-08T19:36:00.000-08:002013-12-11T19:36:44.109-08:00GOOD NEWS!!!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well family…today is a good day! Once again we had another
good week! Let’s answer some questions first! Yes family, I will be able to
skype and that is what I will be trying to do! President Rudd is also giving us
an hour instead of 30 to 40 minutes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can tell me later about when you would like to skype. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would prefer my Christmas day and your Christmas
eve. It doesn't matter so much for the time and yes, mom, you have a point. We
will give Collin most of the time. I guess just slap him in front of the
computer because I will be able to talk to you guys a month after that call. So
yeah, then for dinner …let’s do In n Out! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
SOOO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS...
your prayers and mine have been answered again! T, a <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kiribati</st1:place></st1:country-region> boy,
is getting baptized on the 15th of December in our branch! We found him early
in the week on Monday. His sister is a recent convert from Tauranga. It's funny
too because I figured out that I had gone to her house there and started to
reactivate her family. Then Elder Reese came and picked up where we left off,
and she ended up getting baptized. Now she has moved down to New Plymouth
and is helping convert her family. So yeah, we are just going to have his baptism
right after church! And it’s good too because it is 4 days right before
transfers! His mom got baptized ages ago and will slowly make her way to church
and we have been trying to work with
the dad too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Other exciting news…I had a really good weekend because of
District Conference. We had a visiting member of the 70 come and visit along
with the Rudds! I LOVE THEM!!!! I got to talk to Elder Dudfield of the 8th quorum
of the 70 for some time! He was awesome! There was just a really good spirit
the whole time! Other good things…we got another set of really good sisters in
our zone and we are going to be the first zone that has hit a baptism goal this
entire year! President Rudd is big on setting goals that we will achieve but
still make us stretch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set a goal for our zone to baptize three
people in one month which is doable but still a hard thing to do. Well we have
two already for the month and things are looking positive for the rest! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Mom and dad keep working hard! AVA!!!! Good luck getting
baptized. Make sure you take lots of pictures and write down how you felt on
your baptism day so that you can remember everything a little bit better. Your
baptism day will be the most important day of your life! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Just a small email today folks. I will send some pictures
but one last piece of cool news. I GOT A NEW CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...like brand
spankin new with only 23 kilometers on it! It's a 2013 Holden Cruze. The thing
purrs like a kitten!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxI-nAVk9M0LNOGqpxbi6iy4HULRTccrGX7MWTElCy7c2Fi5m__MMuQ58iOOF_ClcY-41CQaZMmVNyHhRxeTiisjNnQPufz2sJn85yfOimkXnMqqhaIWMj9OyOvyJ0Rv9y7C0-sgMQ2dB/s1600/Picture+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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</div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-6564684772081612502013-12-01T19:29:00.000-08:002013-12-11T19:30:51.001-08:00Perfect Baptism<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuZCFFYhRm4NNHwuT-e5EuV6xVhlrErEy-04rqRtJ1BUyhL-Nuuf3zJEZiqxOpbdm32kIXe-yEeAakZDW5gJAhIKy_fhGOK0Prpb3aUGUIy0jvt0H7OEF7IPQA53kMbFQkAkz7KyabSBl/s1600/Picture+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuZCFFYhRm4NNHwuT-e5EuV6xVhlrErEy-04rqRtJ1BUyhL-Nuuf3zJEZiqxOpbdm32kIXe-yEeAakZDW5gJAhIKy_fhGOK0Prpb3aUGUIy0jvt0H7OEF7IPQA53kMbFQkAkz7KyabSBl/s640/Picture+054.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J's Baptism</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Dear Family, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It sounds like you had a mean Thanksgiving week full of
heaps of reunion, volleyball, and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">TURKEY</st1:country-region></st1:place>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">New Zealand</st1:country-region></st1:place>
they don’t believe in Thanksgiving so it was easy to forget that all those cool
things were happening back home. Anywho, I am doing quite well this week even
though for some reason I had crazy bad allergies and my eyes were buggin’ out
and goin’ completely red on me. Other than that it was simply marvelous! Oh and
I checked myself for DA BEETUS!!!!!!! And I am all sweet Mom you got me a
little nervous there for a second. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We had Jo's baptism this weekend and it went off just about
as perfect as any baptism I have ever been to. We had a good turnout. People
remembered spare clothes. The branch president was there. The branch mission
leader conducted everything. The water was warm... Elder Rasband and his
trainee are the ones teaching her so they were left in charge for everything
which is STRESSFUL!!!!!!! I was able to help Coach Elder Rasband through
everything he needed to do and prepare for. He did a great job! I had to help
quite a bit but he still did well. I will send a picture of her baptism day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Other cool things that happened this week … we had AN
AWESOME zone conference! President Rudd is the man! He started off by telling
us that we brush over the first bullet point (God is our loving Heavenly
Father) too quickly... He explained that until people really know and
understand who He is and what He is all about it will be very hard for people
to have the desire to want to figure everything else out. Then we did a lot of
other trainings and workshops and stuff like that. It was weird being the
OLDEST missionary there. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Also, random experience for the week... I would like to
have you know I ran over a ducky the other day. It was just chillin’ in the
middle of the road and I was wondering why the cars in front of me were
swerving out of the way... until I saw him. It was too late. There was a big
sickening THUD!!!! and I destroyed Mother Ducky while all of her family was
watching from the other side of the road... What is funny is I felt pretty bad.
I think my mission has changed me heaps more than I expected it to.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Lately I have been working HARD in the east side of New
Plymouth. Basically from Ground Zero... My missionary sons are GREAT but the
problem was they got stuck seeing a lot of the same people who would accept
visits but would not keep a single commitment. So now we are kind of weeding
out the wheat from the tares. I think I might need you guys to pray for us to
find more investigators again because the WEST SIDE is still SUPER
PROSPEROUS!!! Good things are happening down here. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I think this a pretty boring letter. I don't have much to
say about this week other than that. So I will just tell you guys that I have
really loved every bit of my mission. Mom, I thought a lot about what you
shared with me from Alex's mission conference and it is so true. I think this is
the closest I have ever been to REAL LIFE than anything else I have experienced
before. I love <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">New Zealand</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
I love EVERY SINGLE PERSON I talk to like they are my own family. Then once
again, I think I mention this almost every week but serving out here has made
me gain such an appreciation for MY OWN family. I love you guys so much and the
sacrifices you have made for me. I am grateful for all of your good examples
and for helping me love serving God and being a part of this church. You guys
are GREAT!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder Ward <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Ij2yDVNzSMULzxxRdLZKmTDUGnnVcvCPYuPThNjK2q5y6FfFtQaAhclMpwGorLJHb1CfMV4J-DLvdLF9Y077w7EBxjCgwf8KUS7QwuV0fx8XtYarUQx8siOtWUfHLrbF7JbLSJOgP16/s1600/Picture+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2Ij2yDVNzSMULzxxRdLZKmTDUGnnVcvCPYuPThNjK2q5y6FfFtQaAhclMpwGorLJHb1CfMV4J-DLvdLF9Y077w7EBxjCgwf8KUS7QwuV0fx8XtYarUQx8siOtWUfHLrbF7JbLSJOgP16/s640/Picture+052.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Baptism in our Zone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTrM9Dx1gWwKieuJQhOXL19k4Ewd8T6CiR_QjgslCmW8AXlSErN5Dicy8HuoAQ0RceLLF8IiHkXK9bZijQxKgjKmqMf8LWQy1lwc36BxJsqw2sHCx0do-H2iCIUP_aul3sIer1xAifUpc/s1600/Picture+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36BZZt1YWcu03SZyaZBXVFMyObLyEemQIF2hM4HSXKmIbzTNxQRVoHu1O7Xt_a0Zm82pW7lGC635k-TtsjTuUTOlflVdL6dUFiAMoKwBn0MTs4CSAieUDQVP8dYuANn3YmhswaT8O-rT6/s1600/Picture+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36BZZt1YWcu03SZyaZBXVFMyObLyEemQIF2hM4HSXKmIbzTNxQRVoHu1O7Xt_a0Zm82pW7lGC635k-TtsjTuUTOlflVdL6dUFiAMoKwBn0MTs4CSAieUDQVP8dYuANn3YmhswaT8O-rT6/s400/Picture+012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Zealand Currency</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHWKUZ8sOaMaaWq1CM8PTjYn0qJcOGdXvVBQiY9iPmnnzCoVcQ94rqv2f16HiTUMFflWEeoXU8I1eaEX2oYDvcgxIqeItSMtw4FElcX3R1po4fFxDYIM5m6-BQ-GUX2NP0hBtz1cfS6EK/s1600/Picture+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHWKUZ8sOaMaaWq1CM8PTjYn0qJcOGdXvVBQiY9iPmnnzCoVcQ94rqv2f16HiTUMFflWEeoXU8I1eaEX2oYDvcgxIqeItSMtw4FElcX3R1po4fFxDYIM5m6-BQ-GUX2NP0hBtz1cfS6EK/s400/Picture+023.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Andrus' bicycle burnt hands...Ouch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB-NEbka2U0FB02sLS07loJTua20V1QHyxQXKwXjUIrIiKJg8YTdU579vZFIFklbAAfiIuz_rRPqNjRxpR5At55qFPTIhiPzNaeYlNKB7gBnJbe1np0y6PI2BM2P9So71487ZwwFVEibd/s1600/Picture+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHB-NEbka2U0FB02sLS07loJTua20V1QHyxQXKwXjUIrIiKJg8YTdU579vZFIFklbAAfiIuz_rRPqNjRxpR5At55qFPTIhiPzNaeYlNKB7gBnJbe1np0y6PI2BM2P9So71487ZwwFVEibd/s400/Picture+035.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P-day at the TSB Bowl</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeKTBdQQYULQ8tE62JsWwVPXRXIAVqAhlcXLDFhntZz8VNiLlJp0OIR636s4hbbUc5HbRyjuICDSU7KyVccOhHD4Rzn64c56csoP2JwppGbNDZmJY7QCGaFzXjxumND5cZFrRRBzkkQX3/s1600/Picture+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeKTBdQQYULQ8tE62JsWwVPXRXIAVqAhlcXLDFhntZz8VNiLlJp0OIR636s4hbbUc5HbRyjuICDSU7KyVccOhHD4Rzn64c56csoP2JwppGbNDZmJY7QCGaFzXjxumND5cZFrRRBzkkQX3/s400/Picture+044.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Zealand Ice Cream</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uIZ_nQr6G-BGEvw7_g5tD6BtVc0mGMbWe6x2xUGakV7aWyFPuiPF4WmTJMp4e_wByNDgMsEBaawUBox79IaOfcyqp3NJZWa1jZgHALeDqFVqp28vuurfc5535VUrr8kDcppI47PUVXLq/s1600/Picture+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uIZ_nQr6G-BGEvw7_g5tD6BtVc0mGMbWe6x2xUGakV7aWyFPuiPF4WmTJMp4e_wByNDgMsEBaawUBox79IaOfcyqp3NJZWa1jZgHALeDqFVqp28vuurfc5535VUrr8kDcppI47PUVXLq/s400/Picture+050.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another random P-day picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-21665312459664007162013-11-24T18:55:00.000-08:002013-12-11T18:55:26.340-08:00On Top of the World!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj981sTaDgU0jLSFbxH_xxLWoHnEFni1NGHGhyrVAtpyUUR4ZFq6zssmQjzXRA-KwdENt0IkS6df2Cf8esPLWgzlszDG2OLBotg84f7NUUXCZ4_YT4cOgMlicEg1yP2FoDeMF7zRg11NGdB/s1600/DSCN4050%5B1%5D_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj981sTaDgU0jLSFbxH_xxLWoHnEFni1NGHGhyrVAtpyUUR4ZFq6zssmQjzXRA-KwdENt0IkS6df2Cf8esPLWgzlszDG2OLBotg84f7NUUXCZ4_YT4cOgMlicEg1yP2FoDeMF7zRg11NGdB/s640/DSCN4050%5B1%5D_crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Posterity: Elder Rasband & trainee, Elder Taylor & Elder Ward, Elder Misbach, Elder Hammar & trainee<br />
</td></tr>
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Dearest Mother and Father and the rest of the family,<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So good to hear from you again. Mom, I will start
things off by saying I am totally fine and do not have diabetes... I pee a lot
in the morning because I drink a lot in the morning but other than that I am
sweet as. I have not gained or lost anything for almost my whole mission after <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Missouri</st1:state></st1:place>. I feel the
same I always have when it comes to eating habits, and as far as fatigue goes I
think I have more energy than I have ever had in my life. I wake up alive and
ready to go at 6:30 am. I think I have only not woken up at 6:30 two days on my
mission because an alarm clock didn't go off, but I actually find myself waking
up at like 6:00 because I feel too well rested and am worried I have slept in.
So no worries Mom. I am feeling great! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So yes, the long-awaited news!!! Mom and Dad I am
staying in New Plymouth! I am also training yet again... another new
missionary!!! Gee wiz. I am almost tired of training...haha. I'm also co-training my
grandson because Elder Rasband is training now after me just training him for 8 weeks. Also, Elder
Hammar is training but he has moved on to another zone in Rotorua. My POSTERITY
IS FLOURISHING!!!! Haha I took a picture of all the new additions to the
family. I will make sure I send you a picture today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I will be honest. I was hoping I would leave because if I
get transferred next transfer I will be in a brand new area 6 days before
Christmas where I don’t know ANYONE! It's nice to have some kind of family, but
either way I will be fine, because when President called I felt the spirit
letting me know that my work was not finished in New Plymouth. SO I AM HAPPY. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Other news. J? Remember her? She is finally getting
baptized!!!!!!! WHOOOHOOOO!!! She is getting baptized on the 30th!!!
Elder Rasband and I are on top of the world. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well, Mom and Dad, I am doing well. I fight more and more
every day to not care to look at a calendar or look at the days I have
left. I didn't really finish strong with my pest control job, but I am
doing a little bit better on the final stretch of my mission. I was proud of
myself. We ate lunch Sunday and then members invited us in for a steak dinner
right after we finished. I turned them down so we could go out and get work
done. THAT WAS PAINFUL!!!! I haven’t had a legit steak in ages!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
OH and I almost forgot, Elder Taylor is my new companion. He
is from Aussie... my 4th from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Australia</st1:country-region></st1:place>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I actually don’t have too many funny stories or super
exciting things that happened this week... I lost almost half my zone yesterday
though. That was a big bummer. And to make things worse I don’t even know why I
had 4 missionaries leave out of my 12. President asked me to not ask any
questions so I didn't but man I am struggling not knowing why. Also pray for President
Rudd. He is about to lose his mom. I called him yesterday and he told me he
wasn't doing the best because his mom is slipping away. The whole family is
gathered there and Thomas S. Monson even came and gave her a blessing. I don’t
think I could have ended this letter on a more negative note.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
But I will send some cool pictures and just know that I am
UBER happy and I feel good because looking back on the past 22 months I don’t
have any regrets! The Church is true everyone. The Church is true.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-29248051908355296802013-11-17T21:23:00.000-08:002013-11-18T21:39:37.851-08:00Heavnenly Father Knows Us and is Mindful of Us
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehgt3M_MPTEmFPLaVO94hGVaVe9j08hdilKKv2TooRiTiU6QErjVTXVnlqKfgKHBLKE5zwBqDGJ0BwBXiZbq3hJBtIR8wHMyhOkZfuCtINzkq_cEm9X0N6vetV-3TfCQBYJ8VwsZLVIsg/s1600/DSCN0284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehgt3M_MPTEmFPLaVO94hGVaVe9j08hdilKKv2TooRiTiU6QErjVTXVnlqKfgKHBLKE5zwBqDGJ0BwBXiZbq3hJBtIR8wHMyhOkZfuCtINzkq_cEm9X0N6vetV-3TfCQBYJ8VwsZLVIsg/s640/DSCN0284.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my boys...Elder Rasband, Elder Hammar, and Elder Misbach</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Dear Family, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
My time is very very short today because this is the last p-day
of the transfer!!! So the whole zone is getting together for a massive PDAY
experience where we will have an eating contest and other crazy and stupid
activities. One of our district leaders is buying two cases of Dr. Pepper which
is a huge deal for us American folk, We are doing an eat off between three
elders in the zone who are all tanks and then we are going to play a mean game
of touch rugby.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
First item of business, I think I have gathered that I still
have all the money in my checking account from home. I would like you, mom, to
take all of that out except for 500 dollars and give the rest to you and dad. I
DONT WANT you guys paying for my mission. I know I didn't earn enough for all of
it but I want to come home a very poor man, and I want to know my money is
being spent on my mission. I know my dentist fee is around 600 dollars. I
already took out 300 hundred for part of it, so I will take out the other 300
maybe today. So just keep enough in there for emergencies and stuff but other
than that I want all my money out and paid back to you guys for helping with my
mission funds. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It sounds like exciting stuff is going on over there. I am
glad everyone is doing well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
appreciate your guys emails so much every week! To answer your question mom we
are still all in the same place and we all attend the same branch... in fact I
just sent in a request to have another two sets of missionaries to come down
and help out in this area. So we will more than likely in the near future have
4 companionships attending this one branch... how about that?! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MOM SAMMIE JONES!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She and I were pretty good friends my senior year of high school. I went to some
dance with her…I think it might have been the one in the fall.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So let me tell you of two awesome experiences I had this
week. One was in Waitara where two elders had a baptism happening for S and
B. It was happening at six o clock that Saturday and when I got
there the elders were stressed to the MAX. One was even angry because he had
gone through probably one of the worst days of his mission and then to make
things worse, they forgot to fill the font so the water was going to be
freezing and a combination of a lot of other bad things. I pulled him aside and
tried to be as cheerful as possible and said look this is normal…Satan is
trying everything he has got up his sleeve to make you feel like junk while
your doing something so good. Now you have worked for months to have this
happen so we are going to say a prayer to make sure that you can enjoy the
thing that you've worked so hard for. So I said a prayer for him and he still
wasn't doing the best... especially when he got in the FREEZING COLD WATER!!! Later
that night though he called me and he thanked me and told me that as soon as he
baptized her the spirit just rushed in and it honestly felt like he was getting
baptized too. It was a good day for everyone. :) We even had J, the
lady we have been bringing to church, come! And she loved it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Another awesome miracle that happened this week was
we were visiting the C family who is from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Fiji</st1:place></st1:country-region>. They
are a less active, part member family. We had a great visit with them and after
we were done I asked if I could use the toilet (because they say toilet here
instead of bathroom…if you ask for the bathroom they will think you’re weird
and wonder why you want to go take a shower) Anyways while I was in
there…which by the way I NEED TO GO ALL THE TIME NOW!!! I don’t know if its cuz
I actually drink a lot of water now or what but I go like 10 to 20
times a day. Anyways, back to the story… I felt we should go out
and visit our branch president who lives all the way out in
the Whop-Whops. I pondered more and never really said no but the thought
came back with just a little bit more force three times. After we left I
told Elder Misbach…I don’t get obvious promptings a whole lot but we
should go to the branch president's house. So we drove out despite it already being 8:30 at
night. We got there at like 8:45 and when Sister C answered the
door I explained we felt prompted to come and asked if we could do
anything. She invited us in and grabbed her husband from upstairs.
We sat down in their living room and I told them what I
experienced at the C's house and felt like we needed to
come. President C then broke down into tears and told us how the past
two weeks have been dreadful for him. We all felt Heavenly Father’s love that
night and it helped me gain a stronger testimony of how much Heavenly Father KNOWS
us and is mindful of us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I will end with those and try and send some pictures love
you guys heaps! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wStvwR8B77xphczOoQSHbcHPGRE-nzIOUjbKGKnhriwdiO4FeuPSnY6fyxtDaI4VU8qxCJIdg7ZUjSmx7SHICe3-y5oG2VcGf0GdfuW8GAmcS-cUywxA0971Ow0YR0OWmp3gIwDBcSUO/s1600/DSCN0317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wStvwR8B77xphczOoQSHbcHPGRE-nzIOUjbKGKnhriwdiO4FeuPSnY6fyxtDaI4VU8qxCJIdg7ZUjSmx7SHICe3-y5oG2VcGf0GdfuW8GAmcS-cUywxA0971Ow0YR0OWmp3gIwDBcSUO/s400/DSCN0317.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNMXngxd2qo9CwVsJNKLVCxWgQeGAZoQwYtIXR4qLDztqeRRsoFQ-NNNlqJ1qILSV5tBcLlwewkyHmL-kv_E_CLr9yDRrF-ny57-F3a7gSHEMQRbtAXqjPeeC0wdgjVHegvhyeLxBLG_v/s1600/DSCN0293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNMXngxd2qo9CwVsJNKLVCxWgQeGAZoQwYtIXR4qLDztqeRRsoFQ-NNNlqJ1qILSV5tBcLlwewkyHmL-kv_E_CLr9yDRrF-ny57-F3a7gSHEMQRbtAXqjPeeC0wdgjVHegvhyeLxBLG_v/s640/DSCN0293.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First baptism in New Plymouth...not sure why I have the serious face??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkv7w6KdYFN_24M8-zAtF_Pomm3_YsU2hCd-h-54WAa8_b1qpxh6EUUyAv9V-ARSfF4fxBiQSIl8X-54MLqd7djDU3tq5ZdjWtMcXMexYg28TsXU2cUTkZWEaLovd1dbpFNn4PszdxFWBG/s1600/DSCN0228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkv7w6KdYFN_24M8-zAtF_Pomm3_YsU2hCd-h-54WAa8_b1qpxh6EUUyAv9V-ARSfF4fxBiQSIl8X-54MLqd7djDU3tq5ZdjWtMcXMexYg28TsXU2cUTkZWEaLovd1dbpFNn4PszdxFWBG/s400/DSCN0228.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fitzroy bridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynFMpifpQ7XkxCHU3gG9v9vAzXwbWCiDOzyHgLAytH9Z6b36ga8VfrwVEXmpRrgoPK0QMZL57QEE8KtYdKR-vRe-EuTpSk_cALGkxUpiHa6rYp74XeUS7A90fNiDmTCpAPCY8qwlru7e-/s1600/DSCN0184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynFMpifpQ7XkxCHU3gG9v9vAzXwbWCiDOzyHgLAytH9Z6b36ga8VfrwVEXmpRrgoPK0QMZL57QEE8KtYdKR-vRe-EuTpSk_cALGkxUpiHa6rYp74XeUS7A90fNiDmTCpAPCY8qwlru7e-/s400/DSCN0184.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Misbach (I played my first game of golf on p-day!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTt1sZlGgdY_z0iArkPxmHCOb3ndK4lht2hN0seKjZ9fbvNa4nk7xq7HTQm6ksLid0feb1YMeikzhDYNXpbNn2lOJdcfTLcJ5kruLmwYkdexUDzdJP2U0TVbPFmvbpWGzOn0ILyUXHSAQ/s1600/DSCN0257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTt1sZlGgdY_z0iArkPxmHCOb3ndK4lht2hN0seKjZ9fbvNa4nk7xq7HTQm6ksLid0feb1YMeikzhDYNXpbNn2lOJdcfTLcJ5kruLmwYkdexUDzdJP2U0TVbPFmvbpWGzOn0ILyUXHSAQ/s400/DSCN0257.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rugby stadium down the street from my flat (Mt. Taranaki in the background)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
</div>
</div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-65129651000674196732013-11-10T21:16:00.000-08:002013-11-18T21:17:05.693-08:00126 This Week!!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Good thing I am so forgiving <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
[We were late getting our letters to him again.] I guess I will just send you
an email without hearing from you guys first... But anyway, this week WAS
AWESOME!!! The Chapmans’ son got baptized on Saturday!!! WHOOHOOO!!! I think
there were at least 10 non-members there too. I tracked down most of them and
got a few good potential future baptism candidates! So yes, finally baptized
someone in New Plymouth! But at the same time I have come to realize how much
success we have been having in this area. Remember how I told you that
when I first came here our average attendance was in the low to mid 70s
consistently the previous 4 months. Well, the past three months have been in
the hundreds and now this month in November we had 117 attending the first week
and just had 126 come this week! We almost had to open the back doors for the
first time in YEARS!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So this week has been quite the week I have switched to the
EAST side of New <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Plymouth</st1:city></st1:place>....
and Elder Hammar came back to the West side. Elder Misbach and Elder Rasband
are now taking the role of senior companions. It was pretty hard to leave all of
the families I have grown to love, but it was for the best. Plus, I might be
leaving within two weeks anyway... So yeah, I am starting things over and
meeting all sorts of investigators and less active families. V and J
is a couple we have been teaching. V is Maori and J is Samoan. They are getting married
this weekend! J is a member and is sister to our branch mission leader
and V is keen on joining the Church. He has a few concerns which I am
having a hard time figuring out... he isn't married and he smokes, but he has
almost quit. He has never once prayed asking God if he should get baptized or
to ask if the Book of Mormon is true or anything like that. He still prays but
just not to find answers. We are planning on just asking him why he won’t pray
specifically for those things, but yeah that’s them! Also he went to the
Chapman’s baptism and HE FELT THE SPIRIT STRONG!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
What else happened??? OH yes, Elder Misbach and I started
playing pranks on the other two elders... we think of the dumbest things! We planned
to have the elders open the garage and the garage would make something fall
yanking another string tied to an egg that would fall off a ledge and pedulum
swing into the person opening the garage. We spent half of our lunch hour
preparing it and doing practice runs... but IT DIDN'T EVEN WORK!!! It was still
funny though. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I finally got your letters. It’s good to hear from you guys
as usual. I like the random trip to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">California</st1:state></st1:place>
too. That sounds pretty awesome! WAY TO GO ON THE MISSIONARY EXPERIENCE!!! DID
you get a return appointment? Ask if you can have them come and be taught in
your house with the missionaries there! That is such an ideal situation! DO IT
DO IT DO IT DO IT!!!!!!!! In fact, let’s use the Preach My Gospel commitment
pattern. Mom and Dad will you invite them back to have a lesson with the
missionaries??? Awesome! I knew you would accept. I PROMISE YOU that if you do
that it will invite a powerful spirit in our home which will be beneficial for
not only you but for Ava, and Aubrey. Then your joy will be great as you
fulfill the Prophet’s call to RESCUE! I know that this will happen because I
have seen it time and time again and even you can remember how special it was
having Joey and his family taught in our home! I will follow up on how you guys
do next week! OH and have the missionaries come over before so that you can
inform them of where they are at. I know it's hard trusting 18 and 19 year old
boys but I just trusted an 18 and 19 year old with HEAPS OF PEOPLE!!! The
missionaries will do Great! <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Oh and Mom, I think dad and president Nuttall was right. It
would be better for you to appreciate the temple while you’re working there.
SIGN ME UP!!! I will be keen to help out there! Put me in the Celestial ROOM!!!
haha I saw the announcement of the temple on Lds.org. I am pumped! I was so
sure it would be finished before I got home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Anyway, I love you guys. The Church is definitely true and
OH WAIT, I got this question/theory. You know how the three wise men came to
see the baby Jesus? And how they said they came from the East and saw the star
there (Matthew 2:1-3)? Do you think it's possible it could have been Nephites
or Lamanites? Cuz Samuel the Lamanite disappeared and then Nephi did as
well. I forget the chapter and verse but it mentions him randomly leaving and
not being found anywhere in the land??? <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Also question number 2, in D&C 20:37 it talks about the
qualifications of baptism and one of them is receiving the spirit of Christ
unto a remission of their sins. Does that mean people are forgiven after they
repent before they get baptized? All my sons think that is the case but that
does not sit well with me. I always thought forgiveness came after
baptism and confirmation. Anyway, things to ponder on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-60552029931906327152013-11-03T21:07:00.000-08:002013-11-18T21:07:29.268-08:00I am Still Sweet As!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well family, it’s a crazy hectic day at the library and
there are a lot of people here so I am going to have to make this letter pretty
brief as well!!! Thanks Dad. I forgive you [for being a little late writing the
week before]. D&C 58:42-43 I won’t remember that one slip-up you had any
more. Hahaha. And I did come as a thief in the night didn't I? haha And Dad, I
liked your scripture next to Mom’s picture. We had the assistants come down for
companion exchanges and Elder Lui, the assistant closest to going home, told me
to Read 1 Nephi chapter 11 verse 10 and then jump down right to verse 15.... <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Anyway, back to what’s going on in my mission! Everything is
going quite well. I am leaving NEW PLYMOUTH WEST!!! and going to NEW PLYMOUTH EAST!!!!
I am not super thrilled about it but it’s for the best... Our transfer will be
a little longer and last for another 2 weeks. Then the one after that will be
cut short 2 weeks and last for 4... SO yeah, that’s what is happenin’. Mum, I
still am coming home toward the end of January but yeah, I am really starting
to hear it from everybody, “YOUR TIME IS SO SHORT,” the Elder who is
about to finish his mission. haha Don’t worry though. I am still unfazed. <span style="background: yellow;">I think I would be embarrassed to admit if I was
fazed but I am still sweet as!</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This week I had another awesome mission leadership council
at President Rudd’s house. I took up Elder Christie, the Canadian district
leader in our zone, just to have a mean 3-hour heart-to-heart with him on the
trip up and then for the trip down. I learned a lot from him, especially at
night. He knelt down and prayed for at least 20 minutes. He inspired me to stop
saying lousy prayers where I am kneeling with my face in my bed, and to get
away from my bed and to start my prayer with a small hymn or something to help
me focus cuz I lose focus easy. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Anyway, things are going great. The entire zone has 7 people
set with a baptism date now!!! That is phenomenal! SO I couldn't be more
proud of the effort and hard work that has been put into making this area
awesome to be in! It's fun and exciting too because I kinda get to play a big
role in developing the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Hamilton</st1:city></st1:place>
mission. I am determining areas that missionaries will be put in for the
Taranaki Zone... Of course, President gets the final say but President has
trusted the zone leaders to figure out what areas should start being covered
and stuff like that! So it’s fun serving right now. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Other good news, J is still progressing. She came to church
for the 2nd week in a row! She was deathly afraid to be there still but she
came! We have a few other investigators starting to progress so that makes
things really exciting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Another completely random side note… remember how we always
used to watch the same movie on Sunday—The Other Side of Heaven? Since I have
been on my mission I have collected A LOT OF DVDs... Another Testament, How
Rare a Possesion, D&C Resource DVD which has Legacy, Mountain of the Lord,
Only a Stonecutter, the John Tanner story and the Joseph Smith movie... the Old
Testament resource DVD, the old Family Home Evening DVD, On Our Way Home,
Mormon Messages, Reflections of Christ (thanks Mom), Between Heaven and Earth,
On the Lord’s Errand, and Finding Faith in Christ... Mom, I have one request.
If you REALLY NEED to send a package for Christmas, there is now a Mormon Messages 2 DVD… it
should have a green cover... Elder Hammar got it and it is AWESOME!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Anyway, love you guys and good luck at the temple
dedication!!! Make sure everyone gets those booties on! OH and YOU DIDN’T TELL
ME THE MISSOURI MISSION SENT A COPY of the cultural celebration!!! That’s awesome! I am stoked
for that! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-49674778319369941752013-10-27T22:01:00.000-07:002013-10-29T22:01:57.020-07:00Happy Birthday Mum!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrlaXDBGXU9QKDlh5plFqDxpgujLi4mkYhisalBaqj1BrdGA9hAS3VEKjaVxNJcwRV9dFldYxDnOULto6fNGafwxx_79U8PcjJnGP24rLxCmvbq1SDqKfhN97MOl0sx_SPSvR_xpWa0F-/s1600/DSCN3827%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrlaXDBGXU9QKDlh5plFqDxpgujLi4mkYhisalBaqj1BrdGA9hAS3VEKjaVxNJcwRV9dFldYxDnOULto6fNGafwxx_79U8PcjJnGP24rLxCmvbq1SDqKfhN97MOl0sx_SPSvR_xpWa0F-/s640/DSCN3827%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamilton Temple at Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I am here a little bit early today because the library is
shut down so we are at the chapel. We got permission from the assistants to
have one companionship email first while the other does companion study and
then swap to save time. Sooo yeah, here I am!!!<br />
<br />
I started with the paragraph below but I figured that I better move up a little
and start with something a little bit more uplifting. MOM I LOVE YOU! Happy
Birthday YOU DID IT! How old are you now? 39? Still lookin good for your age,
Mom. You got all the boys wanting you to hug them. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> It was really fortunate actually that I remembered your
birthday. haha I woke up this morning not even knowing if it was November or
October let alone which day of the month. I did the usual exercise, shower, eat
breakfast routine and I had about 20 minutes before study and I was looking in
my study desk and I found that calendar you made for me... Sorry MOM. I love
the calendar and the time and effort you put into it, but I usually keep it hidden
down in my drawer... I don’t know why but I picked it up to check what day it
was and I look down and it's mum’s birthday! It just registered now that it’s
actually tomorrow for you so happy early birthday Mom. Even though I have been
away for awhile and changed a lot on my mission you don’t have to worry that I
will never change from being a total complete momma’s boy. In fact, my mission
has probably just made me more of one especially cuz I do all the cooking in my
house full of noobs! I miss you Mom and look forward to getting a hug from you
even more than Hans Peter. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now time for the not-so-positive portion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom, don’t worry about sending me a package on Christmas.
Honestly, it's not worth it... Haha Maybe it will make my companion feel bad
for me and he will just give me some of his stuff. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> jokes Do what you like, Mom. In fact, you probably won’t
want to get anything for me any more because I have some bad news. This week I
went to the DENTIST!!! and I had to get some work done... $600 dollars worth in
NZ money so probably 520 American... I just got two cavities filled and this
stupid gap in the back of my mouth from wearing those brackets for my braces,
one of the two cavities was found under one of my fillings. The dentist had to
take out the old filling and put in a new one IT STUNK!!!!!!!!! I almost had to
get a root canal. They suggested doing it in two different parts but I HATE
WASTING TIME!!! so I said nope lets get it all done at once. MY WHOLE mouth was
numb for a couple of hours that day I sounded SO DUMB!!!!!! Anyways I thought
that it would be covered by the mission but it turns out they don’t do dental
sooo they asked me to ask you to contact the mission office and pay them or I
could just use my own personal card... I honestly just don’t know how much
money I have on mine and I am scared to use it. Mom can you figure that out for
me? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So other awesome news this week, J came to church this
week!!!! WHOOOHOOOO! She is an awesome lady. It’s really sad she suffers from
anxiety and post traumatic stress and does not do well in large groups of
people!!! But she came to church and I knew she was having a hard time but all
the relief society sisters really helped out and held her hand and were really
nice to her! So yeah, this week was pretty good. My companion, Elder Rasband,
got really sick. He has bronchitis so we have had some serious ups and downs
this past week. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyways, I honestly don’t have a whole bunch of time but
tell Trevor thanks for the letter to me with all those suggestions for member
missionary work. Keep being good and pressing on. Tell dad that he is lame and
needs to not be in the habit of doing things last second (<st1:place w:st="on">Alma</st1:place> 34:32-34) but that I still love
him! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh just real quick, other cool things that happened this week,
the C family, the less active family that we helped come back met with the
branch president and arranged a baptism date for their son! It’s not a convert
baptism but I couldn’t care less!!!!! And then one last thing that I did this
week was I spoke again at church for the third time. Missionaries are pretty
much the high council speakers... We usually get called monthly here. Have a
good day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Ward</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxu7xbCIcemWLJStZysZF9veclobOqCPliSJJJmJajmIGAQV-czZ4BN7sGkzHxozcMl_HwdMJu6VF81z2yHrmHtZGHyevFY8hH23gstyEjmzDVPXsThr6Xx5DBbhzkf9XbBfReyAD1wDT/s1600/DSCN3861%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxu7xbCIcemWLJStZysZF9veclobOqCPliSJJJmJajmIGAQV-czZ4BN7sGkzHxozcMl_HwdMJu6VF81z2yHrmHtZGHyevFY8hH23gstyEjmzDVPXsThr6Xx5DBbhzkf9XbBfReyAD1wDT/s640/DSCN3861%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P-day on Mt. Taranaki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p>Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-17575388720109816252013-10-20T21:51:00.000-07:002013-10-29T21:52:16.032-07:00AWESOME Week!!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear family,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sheesh! Mom and Dad, it feels like I have written way too
many of these letters but really you guys have been writing them twice as long
as me and still have quite a few more to go. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
hahaha No breaks. Back to back to back. So thanks for always emailing me. It's
cool you guys do that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To answer some questions, Matt Devlin—I am shocked that he remembers
me... That was ages ago! I am surprised. I don’t even remember watching The
Other Side of Heaven with him, but obviously he remembers. That is pretty
funny. Oh and Mom, that is totally fine by me. I don’t need anything for
Christmas. Maybe it would be sweet if I had a combined Christmas and birthday
when I get home??? Feel free to wrap up whatever Collin leaves behind that will
still fit me... I am not sure if I have gotten any bigger or skinnier which is
shocking with all the Massive Samoan feeds I have received, but even they
couldn't break the Ward Family curse/blessing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, Robby is home. Karson is coming home. Ryan Nelson is
back. Sean Wade should be home pretty soon... All of Trevor’s friends are getting
married. haha Well, at least all the guys are that happened to the girls before
I left. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> Time will never slow down
will it? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Good job Dad. It sounds like things are really good in young
men’s. Between you, Brother Aubrey and Brother Morris, you three coached a
super team of awesome young men... Even guys that I thought wouldn't make it on
a mission have made it. Give yourself a pat on the back and keep working at it
because just like Edward Dube's mother said, don’t look back—we still got a lot
of work to do.” Oh, and something must be terribly wrong. Mom informed me more
about volleyball this week than you did!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So let me tell you what happened this week! I will start off
by saying this week was AWESOME!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the foremost experiences was when I was sleeping and
I had this dream... I think I was still a missionary in <st1:place w:st="on">New Zealand</st1:place> because I was in the
passenger side which was on the left side of the car... Anywho, it was dark
outside and there were a lot of dark, low-hanging clouds. When I saw them I
thought, "Oh shoot, that looks like a tornado forming." Then, next
minute A MASSIVE tornado touched down in the street in front of us. Weird
though. I wasn't really scared I kinda just felt at peace and figured it would
be okay. God would protect us... Then we drove straight into this tornado and
as we passed this thick wall of gray there was a big light shining above our
heads over the car. Everything kinda just slowed down and I tried to look up to
see where that light was coming from, but then we passed through the other side
of the tornado. I still looked back behind and the tornado was actually lifting
back into the sky and the light was coming out from the bottom... As I kept
watching some kind of angelic being came out and stretched his hand out after
me and I just remember hearing “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of
the Son....” And then I woke up completely overwhelmed by the spirit. I
knelt down and said a quick prayer and thanked Heavenly Father for letting me
experience that. Then I went back to sleep... Later that morning during
personal study I read a cool scripture. I think it is in <st1:city w:st="on">Alma</st1:city>
26:5 where <st1:place w:st="on">Alma</st1:place>
is glorying in God and is happy over the people he converted and it talks about
how they will avoid the storms and strong winds... <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other things that happened, we keep finding all these
investigators. We found 31 in the past three weeks... That is no small task but
a lot of these people are not doing the best at progressing or keeping
appointments... Sooo we’re going to have to change something in order to have
more success. I do a pretty sad job at working with members to
find people to teach which isn't good because that is the best way to find
people that are solid and ready to progress, so I will try to change
that around. Trevor, do you have any good ideas for working with members? I
have heaps that are keen to have us over for lessons with our investigators and
family home evenings which we try to do a lot, but when we try to find
people to teach through them I have been met with small success here in
New Plymouth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also WE DID IT!!! Elder Rasband and I had an awesome lesson
with a lady who suffers from post traumatic stress from all the
abuse in her life... We taught a really powerful lesson and Elder Rasband
invited her to be baptized on the first lesson. She said yes but she
wouldn't commit to a date cuz she is leaving to <st1:place w:st="on">Hamilton</st1:place> for 2 weeks. So we will
wait till she gets back! Keep pressing on family! The Church is
true and I love you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Ward <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-45556902253719778712013-10-13T21:50:00.000-07:002013-10-29T21:50:18.246-07:00Conference Was Spectacular!<div class="MsoNormal">
Dearest Loved and Cherished People,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
GOOOO UTTTAAAHHHHH! It sounds like you guys had a
great time while you were there. Mom, that is actually where my two new sons
are from—<st1:state w:st="on">Utah</st1:state>, one from <st1:city w:st="on">Orem</st1:city>
and the other from <st1:place w:st="on">Provo</st1:place>.
Haha It’s so funny how ashamed missionaries from <st1:state w:st="on">Utah</st1:state>
are about being from <st1:place w:st="on">Utah</st1:place>.
Some elders just say the city they are from and some even say they are from
somewhere else justifying their lie when they say they were born in <st1:state w:st="on">California</st1:state> even though they lived in <st1:place w:st="on">Utah</st1:place> the past 19 years... I have no idea why
I’m starting my letter this way but just a fun fact.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Way to go Collin! You made it to the <st1:place w:st="on">Temple</st1:place>!!! It’s cool to see on MLS or a ward
list a family that has marked down an Elder or High Priest and it's really cool
to see Endowed or Sealed next to their name as well... It's funny. This is my
missionary way of thinking, but I would like to see what our Family Household
report would look like on paper... with 4 Elders, 5 Endowed, and 2 Sealed. I
would kill to have a family like that move into our branch. Anyway, this is
once again, another weird topic to be starting on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SO sorry I just keep getting interrupted by a lot of
different things and I have to work on some accident report because we got
backed into yesterday by a less active member... We got her details but I just
felt bad for her because she is not insured. I tried to make a few jokes to
lighten the situation and did my best to let her know I didn't care at all that
she hit our car. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other news, I had to help with an emergency shift of an
elder up to <st1:place w:st="on">Hamilton</st1:place>
because he was having some concerns so that was pretty bummer...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enough with the negative! Time for some positive!!!!!!!!!!!
WE found 15 new investigators this week which was pretty dang awesome. One lady
was having some major problems with her 17 year old son. We had a good lesson
with her and her 5 kids. Then we found a less-active member and taught him and
his 5 kids the ten commandments and they all felt the spirit and he just promised us
last night he is coming back to church this Sunday. And then we found another
mom with a few kids. This week was absolutely awesome!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Conference was spectacular! My favorite talks were given by
Edward Dube, David Bednar, Henry B. Eyring, our beloved Prophet and the
usual Jeffrey R. Holland. I learned a lot and made a few suggestions for
myself to improve after listening to all the general authorities speak.
I know for sure those men aren't just your average old and dusties THEY
ARE special witnesses of Jesus Christ and everything they spoke was pure
truth. Don’t forget Elder Ballard’s challenge FAMILY!!! INVITE ONE PERSON
BEFORE CHRISTMAS!!!! Don’t worry. I will join in on his challenge too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another good experience this week was I was talking to an
elder who is having a hard time recognizing the spirit. We had a
good chat to make sure he was worthy, and he was so I assured him that he
does have the spirit with him as long as he is praying, reading and partaking
of the sacrament, and doing the things he is meant to be doing... He was still
a little bit down SO I told him here is what we’re going to do today. Not
only are we going to pray to have the spirit with us throughout the day (like
we normally do) but we are going to pray to recognize the spirit’s
guiding influence everywhere we go, and in everything we say!!! The
very first time we prayed to recognize the spirit we talked to a lady who
was not very keen to talk to us at first... We offered service and we started
talking about her family and then we started talking about the gospel. Little
by little her countenance changed until she told us she could give
us 30 minutes when at first she was pretending to be in a rush out of her
house. After, we had a short lesson with her. I pointed out how her
whole entire countenance changed as we met with her. The spirit is so quiet and
so gentle but it is SOOOO POWERFUL!!! I don’t think we realize how much
the Holy Ghost influences our day-to-day actions. Always live
worthy of its guidance family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love you guys heaps and miss you too even while I am in
the best place and amongst the best people on Earth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Ward <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-68302803978469575462013-10-06T21:00:00.000-07:002013-10-11T15:24:50.009-07:00My Mission ROCKS!!!!!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Dearest Family,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Let me start by answering whatever questions you might have.
First off, I am leaning more towards a 4 out of 10 (in regards to whether he
wants us to pick him up or not).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will just go home the normal way. Also, all
three missionaries are still my companions and I am still the zone leader, and
I have the choice to go with whatever missionary in whatever way I feel is most
affective... THIS IS LIKE EVERY MISSIONARY’S DREAM!!! Haha! I find myself
a lot more tired by the end of the day though. Training can be a little bit
taxing sometimes…especially 3 at a time.:) Definitely worthwhile though! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sounds like Conference is pretty awesome…thank you for not
spoiling too much for me! (Connor doesn’t get to watch it until the following
week.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am guessing they announced a
few more temples and stuff like that? And I still don’t understand why the
family finally decides to go and do something fun and new and exciting that we
have never done before while I am away! (We attended general conference in the
conference center…first time for some in our family.) All sweet though! :)
Sooooo let’s see what happened this week...<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
1. I got to drive sister Rudd’s car…that was awesome!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
2. Had another great missionary leadership council! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
3. Afterwards picked up Elder Temarono who came down with me
but had stayed the day with another set of missionaries and mooched some grilled
cheese sandwiches off the Rudds before we drove back down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
4. We had a good trade off with the new traveling assistant,
Elder Williams. He was super funny and he complimented me on the quality of my “children”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
5. Before Elder Williams left I thought it would be funny to
throw water on his car from the balcony. It would have been hilarious, but his
window was down! I felt SOOO BAD, but he still thought it was really funny.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
6. We had a few awesome lessons this week. I will go into
these with a little more detail…<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
One was with a mom and her 2 little girls. She plays a little too much World of Warcraft, so her house and a few other things in her life are a little out of order. But anywho, we tried to teach her but
she would never let us in until one day we offered to do her lawns for her. It
was quite the job moving everything out of the way so that we wouldn't mow up bike
pieces, stuffed animals, real animals…dead and alive, cards, trash, you name it.
It reminded me of what we did to Mitchell Shepherd’s house a long time ago when
we got into big trouble...still not proud of that one! Anyways she
invited us in right after and we had a great lesson! They felt the spirit and
the next day we came to watch Finding Faith in Christ with her and the children.
The Spirit was strong as I asked the kids to count the miracles that Jesus
Christ performed in the movie after describing that a miracle is doing
something that no ordinary person can do. When it got to the scene where Jesus
was being whipped and carrying his cross, the seven year old was so sad
that they were doing that to Jesus... It was powerful to see how much she cared
about Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Another lesson we had wasn't even so much of a lesson. Normally
I am pretty gung ho for being bold and telling people they need to get baptized
or come back to church, but not so as we visited the M’s home. The
husband is a less active returned missionary and his wife is less
active as well. These two were classed in the Branch council as people that will
take a lot of time. When a member of the branch presidency visited
them, the first thing Brother M said was, “Don’t talk to me about
the Church”. Anyways, I felt that we just needed to have a good heart to heart
with them without so much of the rebuke about not coming to church. I asked a
lot about his mission and really just had a good talk. We left with a prayer
and I didn't think much of the visit after... BUT THIS SUNDAY THEY CAME
TO CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It brought tears to my eyes when I saw them walk
into the building. My mission ROCKS!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Going on with the list…<o:p></o:p></div>
7. A little bit more negative…but I just dropped a
missionary off at the bus stop who is quite possibly going home. His companion
is joining with us for the time being. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
8. We have a member feeding us dinner soon who let us
know he is going to boil up a full pig head and feed us everything that falls
off the skull…brains, eyes, tongue..you name it! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I think that is just about it, but HEY COLLIN, you enjoy the
temple! You will be able to feel the spirit there soooo strong! I am jealous
for the rest of the family because when you all get to spend a little time in
the celestial room together, you will definitely get a good taste
of heaven on earth. Enjoy good ole <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Utah</st1:state></st1:place> and let all of the rest of the
family know that I think that they are awesome! See ya guys! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
Elder Ward <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-44908736466993488352013-09-29T22:00:00.000-07:002013-10-02T09:55:04.974-07:00Running a Mini MTC<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuhWxetPTHqMGo8yl9LNUxuNdr6-eLGMF5SuCOd4m7jWfEk-vXUj2K30UaArIF2cZuOXeLgaspaUsUtv_f37MRahBypYrND8I-0A14TRI6uclY44priYdC58RZUOAdOjxGtBwVa12p2JR/s1600/DSCN3779%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuhWxetPTHqMGo8yl9LNUxuNdr6-eLGMF5SuCOd4m7jWfEk-vXUj2K30UaArIF2cZuOXeLgaspaUsUtv_f37MRahBypYrND8I-0A14TRI6uclY44priYdC58RZUOAdOjxGtBwVa12p2JR/s640/DSCN3779%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taranki Sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Dearest family,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFseUdyDLwDMJW35nY9Uqq-18lDFPuLeJo9Qrow9V15CWEPeAqmMvugq6FLsiymA9P-s3dVTLaqLr06yI8SDK4gFLVLWa-S8H0qhhW6-Ea5x61iobry09HbF8ir7K0F8Kgf5Bs-HtESZq/s1600/DSCN3742%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFseUdyDLwDMJW35nY9Uqq-18lDFPuLeJo9Qrow9V15CWEPeAqmMvugq6FLsiymA9P-s3dVTLaqLr06yI8SDK4gFLVLWa-S8H0qhhW6-Ea5x61iobry09HbF8ir7K0F8Kgf5Bs-HtESZq/s400/DSCN3742%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Hammar is the Man!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Another transfer finished! So here is the report. I AM STILL
IN NEW <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">PLYMOUTH</st1:city></st1:place>!!!!
Also more fun news, I have two more boys that I am training. I had TWINS!!!
Elder Rasband and Elder Misbach (MIZ-BOK). And Elder Hammar who I have been
training for only 6 weeks is still in the same 4-person flat with me so I am,
in President’s words, running a little mini MTC... How’s that? It’s a little
taxing sometimes but I love the challenge. Elder Hammar is the man and is
helping me out big time with a lot of the training. But yeah, that now makes
four children in my mission posterity—Elder Loffhagen, Elder Hammar, and the
two newest additions to the family. I know Elder Loffhagen cooked me up a
grandson already so I am hoping to have a pretty rich posterity before I <o:p></o:p></div>
leave.
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
To answer some of your questions, Mom, I do not wear those
white slippers [see picture] as proselyting shoes. They’re comfy,
around-the-flat shoes. They [the Goodmans] came in the middle of our companion
study. And yes, I believe that was Elder Hammar [in the picture]... Thanks for
your letters everyone. It’s good to hear from everyone, and sorry Ava that you’re
sick... that’s why you should become a missionary and choose the right because
if you do that even when you get sick the Lord will help you get better way
faster!!! I was only sick from Sunday morning to Sunday night. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklBMTkh2vZGyUcOJyNjhyphenhyphenVLAQVE33NjJf002dI6LIDIkoowsJMfhXLSgTZNGcOiUEnwHjwocHZH1U6olBK2lo8u4iUvl0kVHa9AHxyUNGynMjSZUp2_RKu5GZ4oDkRacK_Y1uQh8GVr6o/s1600/DSCN3769%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklBMTkh2vZGyUcOJyNjhyphenhyphenVLAQVE33NjJf002dI6LIDIkoowsJMfhXLSgTZNGcOiUEnwHjwocHZH1U6olBK2lo8u4iUvl0kVHa9AHxyUNGynMjSZUp2_RKu5GZ4oDkRacK_Y1uQh8GVr6o/s400/DSCN3769%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Goodmans picking up junk from our flat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sorry, got to go quick. I have to help some sick
missionaries do their shopping and drive them around. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Other funny news… we had interviews with President this
week. He came down to help out in the district and to make some callings and do
some temple recommend stuff. Anyway, I told President my PERFECT KIWI FRUIT
PLAN.... Haha. We had a good laugh but he let me know the obvious, that it
probably couldn't happen... Parents, I only want to do what makes everyone
happy. I will put the ball in your court. If you come what would you want to
do? Give me some details on your expectations (how long you would want to stay,
min or max, things like that, and I know money isn't everything but an overall
cost for the whole trip.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sooo one funny thing that happened this week is my mission
president’s WIFE GAVE ME A HUG!!!!!!!!!! It was the most special moment of my
life. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> And then right after that,
Sister Labrum one of the cute, old office ladies gave me a hug too!!! haha I
have reduced myself to hitting on old ladies <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> like
the 86-year-old librarian at our branch, Sister Hamilton. I always tell her she
is beautiful and that she is the best librarian in the history of the Church...
She has been doing it for 26 years now so she better be good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The work continues to press forward. We continue to find
people to teach and things are going well. I love you guys and please don't
think that it was the kiwi fruit that was more important than the family... it
definitely is a WHOLE lot more than a bunch of fruit. I look
forward to seeing you guys more and more every day and if I wasn't engaged in
such a good cause I would probably have asked to come home sooner, but I
want to let you guys know that you’re more important than kiwi fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
Elder ward <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXKo2bbPlbK0nRUd9f9tmceut4k_3w4SdSnJ7iqKJL0ZDSG8LMAhjIFPW_SWxXcTSpmDbMXjj7ub_ZNL-m1mJkqtA9bQWauJAxA-41VrJ4TPzwPcA_WG4zr9pWSKLXBE4bc3x64kxqAkU/s1600/DSCN3770%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXKo2bbPlbK0nRUd9f9tmceut4k_3w4SdSnJ7iqKJL0ZDSG8LMAhjIFPW_SWxXcTSpmDbMXjj7ub_ZNL-m1mJkqtA9bQWauJAxA-41VrJ4TPzwPcA_WG4zr9pWSKLXBE4bc3x64kxqAkU/s400/DSCN3770%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Sister M</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr1rxH1a55u8wxsN9gs4ZaWIG1XNyDwXucl8mU2NHrN5Pi_T__miNozOgfJgVQXzzXcAgmNMVPv5-vW7uTbpahUID6E8xt52yOGPG7jb183dAE1GRClAN24CNo3NbaJMa2_JKuUPnF46U/s1600/DSCN3800%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr1rxH1a55u8wxsN9gs4ZaWIG1XNyDwXucl8mU2NHrN5Pi_T__miNozOgfJgVQXzzXcAgmNMVPv5-vW7uTbpahUID6E8xt52yOGPG7jb183dAE1GRClAN24CNo3NbaJMa2_JKuUPnF46U/s640/DSCN3800%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepover at President Rudd's </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KvYhJE_3WUiVSFsezO7fBePjqT3Vwo45cdhsocjY6RLsOtdsX6OkUCn1cBmMQ0oGapsJZU1hFBinfJ1zmkprOYRcz2fWGjDLtbW1MhAc1LS3KV9odVcOpswOQrIBxBTSlOuRGzbvQZrl/s1600/DSCN3816%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KvYhJE_3WUiVSFsezO7fBePjqT3Vwo45cdhsocjY6RLsOtdsX6OkUCn1cBmMQ0oGapsJZU1hFBinfJ1zmkprOYRcz2fWGjDLtbW1MhAc1LS3KV9odVcOpswOQrIBxBTSlOuRGzbvQZrl/s400/DSCN3816%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool Jammies!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-48943385013213842852013-09-22T18:30:00.000-07:002013-10-02T10:05:19.199-07:00Growing Leaps and Bounds in New Plymouth<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Good to hear from everyone! I am not going to lie. The
excitement from reading emails from family never has really worn on me... I
look forward to hearing from you guys every week. Soooooo lots to talk about.
Let’s start with Aubrey first. Sorry about your lip!!! That will hopefully stop
you from kissin any boys for the next while <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
and shoot, dang, was Aubrey the one on the very right of that picture??? You
have some buff thighs (especially getting first) I thought Wards are meant to
be the small people in pictures. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Mom and Dad, this might sound really silly (yes it does and
is not going to happen) but I had an idea that got cooked into my brain this
week. So, I figure that since I would be finishing my mission at the end of
January I would be going NUTS!!!!!!!! until school started and I definitely do
not want to get back into the lazy old person that played way too many
video/computer games and watched TV all the time. SO I was wondering if we
could somehow work out that I end up getting released while in NZ and I can go
live with members or Golf back in Tauranga and work a job picking kiwi fruit.
They make about 120 a day (that’s probably $90 in American money). Then I would
just stay for a good 3 months or so until school starts up and I can apply for BYU
Idaho where all the lazy bums who didn't apply themselves like me go. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> I know this may sound a
little out of it but I think it would be good for me. Plus I think the only way
I would be able to make that happen is if you come get me. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> And if you did come, I would like to
stay as long as you like. The only problem is the $$$$ it would cost to do
everything. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Anyways yes I will give it more thought. I am still torn...<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
More news, yesterday I got SUPER SICK… probably the
worst I have ever been on my mission. It was absolutely miserable to the point
where I had to ask for permission to take it easy for the day... The first time
ever on my mission where I had to stay at home because of illness... NOT FUN.
But I woke up this morning with a somewhat miraculous recovery. I felt a lot
better. Still a little bit of aches and pains but I am doing 1000 times better
than yesterday. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Mom, thank you for continuing to pray for us to find more
people to teach because things are still going AMAZING. I have started to
figure out that the Lord has sent me here to just start things going—to start
from ground zero and begin to build a solid foundation whether it's with the
teaching pool, members’ trust, and a good solid attitude of working hard and
positive. New <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Plymouth</st1:city></st1:place>
and most of the Taranaki zone has made leaps and bounds in the past 2 and half
months. I haven't baptized a single soul down here but I am still grateful that
I got to come down. Oh anyways, about finding more investigators, ON Saturday
WE HAD A MEAN DAY!!!! We found a mom (brother M's daughter, the guy who played
badminton with us.) Then we found C and his brother (a lost recent convert and
his non-member brother) they came to church yesterday and then we found a young
couple who just had a baby. The guy is a less active member who wants to come
back and his wife is keen to be taught. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
GOOD NEWS, remember the C family???? Their dad has finally
picked a date for their son to get baptized. I believe it is October 28th!!!
Not a convert baptism but it still means the world to me! I am so pumped they
let us know when we went to their house on Friday. Anyway, I finally have my
camera, my cord, and the right memory card so I will send some pictures. Loves
you! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Love,<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-1548082268139431512013-09-15T17:05:00.000-07:002013-09-17T17:05:43.916-07:00Your Prayers Actually Worked!!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Dear family,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
You would not believe it!!!!!! Your prayers actually
worked!!!!!! Hahaha I totally forgot that I asked you guys to pray that me and
Elder Hammar would find a few more people to teach... Well IT HAPPENED!!!!!!!
We found 6 new investigators this week!!! The past average has probably been
1.5 and those 1.5 have not been that solid anyway, but yesterday we found two
ladies who both have lost loved ones recently. They invited us in and we shared
the Plan of Salvation with them. WHOOHOO!!!!!!!! They were in tears half of the
lesson and we got invited back for another lesson tonight. Also, Dad was right.
One of the members of our ward is from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region></st1:place> and she brought her friend to
church who is divorced and going through a hard time and is looking for
truth. She is super out going and even though we already had 8 people in the
Gospel Principles class we basically focused it all on her, which she was
perfectly fine with. So thank you family…your prayers and many of mine were
answered. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Siiiiiggggggggggghhhhhhh.... Sooo I have some news to break.
Last Monday I was pretty dang conflicted after I learned that Collin would be
leaving January 7th. I kinda started making a list of what I would be missing
out on if I didn't make it home in December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
1. Collin <br />
2. Christmas <br />
3. School <br />
4. Ava's baptism then a few other things... <br />
I was so conflicted that I asked President Rudd if I could
talk to him when we had our mission temple trip which I will let you know more
about later. Anyways, I will admit I told him how I felt and that it would be
nice to see if going home in December would be an option, and I asked for his
opinion on everything. He didn't really give me an opinion.. :I but he told
me he would see what he could do. I prayed and asked a lot to know what I
should do before and after but it wasn't that clear. It honestly was making me
angry that it was weighing so heavily on my mind. Then eventually on Sunday
during Priesthood we had a lesson on submitting to the will of Heaven. I
honestly couldn't focus on the lesson, and I will admit that I probably didn't
hear a single thing that was being said. Then out of nowhere someone said
something that reminded me of a scripture I had read earlier that morning. In 2
Nephi 9:39 it talks about being spiritually minded leads to life eternal. Then
the Spirit slapped me in the face and said something along the lines of “Elder
Ward you need to be a little bit more spiritually minded”. So I quickly texted
the mission president and said something along the lines of... "forget everything I
talked to you about leaving early. I can't escape the feeling that even though
I would miss out on a lot back home, I would miss out on a whole lot more if I
finished my mission six weeks early." President Rudd approved and told me the
Lord's choice is always the right choice. So sorry Bro!! Know that I still love
you heaps! :)<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In other news though remember how I said I got to talk to
President??? Well on Monday when we figured out we were going to the temple in
Hamilton, we asked president Rudd if we could come and stay at his house the
night before ( because we were coming up anyway but would have had to stay in
a small missionary flat with no available beds...) So we stayed the night
at President’s house. I got to sleep in a room by myself on a well furnished
queen-sized mattress. I was so comfortable I didn't sleep well, and even though
my companion was in the room across with a bathroom adjoining with the doors
open…I felt lonely...haha. I am going to have some serious anxiety when I come
home. :) We woke up the next morning and ran around the temple grounds bare
foot and in our jammies for our 30 minutes of exercise. THAT WAS FUNNY... Then
Sister Rudd made us one of the best breakfast meals I have ever eaten on
my mission.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
The temple was
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait to go as a family
(minus Collin) haha…jokes. I’m definitely looking forward to all of us. We will
just have to wait until 2016. I had a great experience at the temple and it is
still my favorite place to be in the whole world! How’s the Gilbert temple
doing??? Any word on completion dates??? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sorry Dad, I don’t remember all your questions and I don’t have
heaps of time buts let’s just say that the changes I have made over the past
however long I have been serving, I would not trade for anything in the whole
world. Even something as simple as 42 days (six weeks) I would sacrifice a lot for
because I know that those 42 days will be more beneficial for my life than
anything else has to offer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Anywho… keep being awesome family! Mom, I am sorry if I made
you use a couple of extra tissues, but with all these changes I am starting to
consider a whole lot more having you guys pick me up. Elder Lamb (former
companion) is getting picked up by his parents in a week... So we will see how
I feel when it gets closer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Oh and WAY TO GO COLLIN!!!! Keep it UP!!!...before you
become an awkward mess like me!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
Elder Ward #3 <o:p></o:p><br />
Technically if you include Dad <o:p></o:p><br />
Elder Ward #2 if this is just between the boys<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-55742988650291881322013-09-08T21:32:00.000-07:002013-09-10T21:37:35.682-07:00HE CAME!!!! <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
You’re doin’ it Collin!!!!!!! YOU’RE REALLY DOIN’
IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">SPAIN</st1:country-region></st1:place>????
hahaha That’s sooo nuts! So it turns out Aubrey will have to be the one that
goes to <st1:place w:st="on">Africa</st1:place>, or Jared since you've got Europe covered.... Funny. Micaella
Wilson is doing a nanny job in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Spain</st1:country-region></st1:place>
for the time being. She was just telling me how pumped she is that my little
brother is going to serve there. Well DANG! I will admit when I saw January 7th
I was a little bit taken back. [This means that they will probably miss seeing each other
by about three weeks.] Whatever the Lord wants though right??? You’re going to be
great, Collin! Start preparing now. I know you have been but even double now!
Mom is right. Still focus on your school (you kinda need to), but YOU
ABSOLUTELY cannot lose focus of the little things (Book of Mormon reading,
praying, and other church duties) don’t get stressed out and enjoy every bit
while you can!!!!!!! The next minute you will be on your mission wearing a suit
and tie every day! Remember YOU. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sorry Mommy. I did not send the pictures last week because I forgot my
cord and I did not realize that until after I sent my email and I had limited
time left. Then I went to find my camera today and … sad news … I left it in my
backpack which I forgot at an investigator’s house... DARN!!!! I STILL FORGET
EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!! hahaha Even though I’m training I find that I am the one
being reminded to do certain things or to not forget my planner, or to remember
to put the phone on the table so we don’t leave it behind.... I am proud of my
son (trainee). He is pretty dang good. I have made it a goal to have him ready to train
in six weeks. We do something new called the 12-week program which might be
just before Trevor’s time, but we do an extra hour of companion study, going
through this program to let the new elder take the lead in different things bit
by bit until on the 12th week they take over on everything as a senior
companion. I am trying really hard to cram all of the 12 weeks into 6 so I am
definitely working Elder Hammar hard and making him take on a lot of</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
responsibility and he is doing a good job! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Awesome story that happened this week… we ran into Brother M a
Maori fella who was once a bishop in Tauranga but then moved down here and has
been less active for more than 20 years... We met with him to give his wife a
blessing, then a week later we visited him at his house. We started to get to
know him and I figured out he plays badminton. I am still trying to figure out
if it was my own will or the Spirit telling me to offer to play with him (it
was probably both), but we asked if we could come play with him... Sure enough
he agreed and we told him we would call our mission president to get permission
and let him know what we would be doing. So after we left I called president
Rudd and he said, “Yeah, go for it!” So we went for it! We played on Thursday
night at the local YMCA so we played with a big group that gets together every
week. I still got GAME!!! It wasn't super competitive but still great. Then
when we had to leave, Brother M gave us a hug and said, “Thank you Elders for
coming out with me. I will see you at church on Sunday.” <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> And when Sunday came around, HE
CAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He actually made it!!! So that was a big deal and a half. It
made me happy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Lately I have been having a hard time because we have very
few progressing investigators with C and C putting the brakes on
things... We have been doing excellent bringing a lot of less active families
and people back, but I still get a little bummed sometimes with how few people
we have to teach, especially while I am training Elder Hammar... It would be
great if this week the family could just pray for us to find some investigators
who are ready to receive the gospel! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I hope things are going well at home. It sounds like Aubrey
is having fun doing swim! Don’t quit, Aubrey. And keep having fun with it! Ava
is still Ava. Dad hasn't broken down yet. It sounds pretty much normal to me.
Give me a round of inspired questions if you can, Mom! You should find a
“Preach My Gospel and go to Chapter 10 and look under “Asking Questions and
Listening,” two awesome chapters in PMG!!! That story was great! Thank you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Love you tons family,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-39381745200348338572013-09-01T21:20:00.000-07:002013-09-10T21:20:24.793-07:00Never Lose Hope in Jesus Christ
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Tenakoe Whanua,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I probably horribly misspelled that! WEIRD how much things
have changed! I think it’s a pretty reoccurring subject that comes up when I
email home and receive emails from you guys. The CHANGES that are happening,
It's funny. A lot of them are bittersweet, but honestly, I can’t
remember any of them being negative except for that dent Collin put in the car
while backing out. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> Correct
me if I am wrong. There could be more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
So, I really do appreciate all your letters, especially
Mom’s. When I first heard she was doing it from her phone I thought,
"Oh great, another short one," especially when I saw the big font. I
snickered because I thought she just made the font big so her letter would not
look so small. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> It wasn't, and when
she told me she typed it for 1 hour and 45 minutes I was impressed. I LOVE YOU
MOMMY.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Happy Kiwi Fathers Day Dad. We just celebrated it yesterday
in the beautiful <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">land</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">NZ</st1:placename></st1:place>! I had a real cool
sacrament meeting regardless of the bummer turnout on our end... I finished the
Book of Mormon once again on my mission. I was reading in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Moroni</st1:city></st1:place> 9:25 I believe (sorry I don’t have a
copy on me—what kind of missionary am I?!). As I read Mormon's letter of
encouragement to his son, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Moroni</st1:city></st1:place>,
encouraging him even though he had faced a lot of things that would cause most
to lose hope, quit or give up, that he should never lose hope in Jesus Christ!
It made me think of my daddy and all the good things he has done for me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This week we had a great lesson with a member family... We visited them last week and encouraged them to help move the
missionary efforts forward in the branch with whatever they could contribute.
Right before we left they said, “Elders, invite any of your investigators for a
dinner at our place.” SO WE DID! We invited a less-active mom and her daughters
to dinner at their house (part-member family). We had dinner, the family
enjoyed their time, and right when we finished the Mom knew what was going to
happen so she asked our spiritual thought to be short. In a little bit of a
panic (we had planned to teach the whole plan of salvation), so last minute I
decided to just focus on one aspect of that plan—the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
We turned to Alma 7:11-13 and explained that each of those things that Jesus
suffered he did out of love so that he can succor or know how to fix the
problem whether it be pains, sickness, infirmities, temptations, weaknesses,
sins, and even death. The girls and even the mom got really into the
lesson along with the member family. They couldn't hold themselves back and added a few
points and their testimony. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I sure do love good ole New Plymouth and all the people
here. I am sorry I have to keep this relatively short. I promise I will have
something better next week but to make up for the shortness of the letter I
will send a few pictures (which he didn't!). Good luck with Collin’s mission call!!!! I CAN’T WAIT
FOR NEXT WEEK!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-76765644079770288372013-08-25T17:14:00.000-07:002013-09-10T17:16:08.264-07:00An Action-Packed Week!!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I HAVE GOT SOME HUGE NEWS AND AWESOME ACTION PACKED STORIES
FOR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But first off let me begin by
telling you guys that I appreciate all your letters big time! I logged on to my
email today and I had 18 emails in my inbox. Two were from stake
presidents—ours and my last one in Tauranga, two were from converts (Micaella
being one), Grandpa, old companions, and members from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Missouri</st1:state></st1:place>. I sure do feel soooo
grateful for my missionary service. I just read my patriarchal blessing today
too and everything it says about my mission is PRETTY SPOT ON (haha minus my
companions loving <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">me.</st1:state></st1:place>)
haha jokes.. Micaella emailed me as well and she thanked me for being a
good missionary. Let’s just say I have had a really good morning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
As for Mom and Dad, I am sorry about your grieving (with kids leaving the home). <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> President Monson nailed it when he said
that to your surprise you will miss us profoundly. haha...I remember before my
mission when I would bug the heck out of Mom by either burping, forgetting to
do something important, or just bugging another family member. I would tell her
in a half-joking way, “You’re going to miss me sooo much!!!!!!” Congrats Mom on
your new calling to help in the special needs seminary class! That will probably be one heck of a
character-spiritual-strengthening calling. Teaching seminary is one thing....
but teaching seminary to some of the most special spirits Heavenly Father has
to offer is pretty dang sweet. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Well well well. The IN-Famous (form Three Amigos) mission picks
are happening again! Grandpa will probably let you know what I sent in, but
through much prayer and fasting (not really), I have come to the conclusion
that my little brother will be going to the New Zealand Auckland
Mission!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! haha jokes He will either be going to 1. the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Congo</st1:country-region></st1:place>
2. the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Dominican Republic</st1:country-region></st1:place>
or 3. the Western States. I guessed the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Congo</st1:country-region></st1:place> first because the family
needs to serve worldwide! I got the Pacific. Zach’s got the States and Trevor
has got Central/South<st1:place w:st="on"> America</st1:place>. When Collin gets the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Congo</st1:country-region> that covers <st1:place w:st="on">Africa</st1:place>!
Then Aubrey will go to <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region>
(better start learning French) and then by the time Ava hits age 19 <st1:country-region w:st="on">China</st1:country-region> will have been opened and there will be a
huge push in the Church there so she will be sent to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">China</st1:country-region></st1:place>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So the huge and awesome news… #1 Everything in the area is
running quite smooth. We still had a 100 flat at church, Elder Hammar is doing awesome
and we brought 10 out of those 100 to church yesterday sooo no complaints
there. #2 We got called in to have a Mission Leadership Council with Elder
Haleck. Then we were the only zone who got to meet with him as well. The very
next day I got to walk with him the short, 400-foot walk from President Rudd’s
house to the temple to take a picture and have a good 1-on-2 conversation with
him and his wife... IT IS SO COOL being with a general authority. #3 Hold on. I
might need to start a new paragraph for this one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekP-FmPAf1y2FRnaU1lOUOuvedQ3M5lwRrczF2zVQqRqM1XOOEMXNVvqMoziARKIDsHgFmE6MSIrb48hEMM8fIMmwSWZLi_GVQkCMcEnrYA0QaHWDLey88LE2k0HIh5dmPyBEtsE29DYf/s1600/MLC2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekP-FmPAf1y2FRnaU1lOUOuvedQ3M5lwRrczF2zVQqRqM1XOOEMXNVvqMoziARKIDsHgFmE6MSIrb48hEMM8fIMmwSWZLi_GVQkCMcEnrYA0QaHWDLey88LE2k0HIh5dmPyBEtsE29DYf/s640/MLC2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mission Leadership Council with Elder Haleck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
So Thursday, after MLC, I had to go pick up my companion.
Then we were going to spend the night with the <st1:place w:st="on">Glenview</st1:place>
zone leaders, Elder Galt and Elder Lelenoa, both of whom I have previously
served with! I was super excited because I was going to go with Elder Galt on a
split in his area and I haven't served with him since I was his district leader
in Papakura almost a year ago. Anyways, we got super lost on the way when Elder
Lelenoa called letting us know that Elder Galt was in need of a blessing. We
were still fifteen minutes away so we did our best to hurry. When we got there
he had already given him a blessing but Elder Galt was in so much pain he
literally could not move off his bed. So Elder Lelenoa and I carried him off
his bed and into the car. My companion was about to hop in to drive because
I've been banned from driving <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> but
I said I will drive because I knew the general direction of the hospital... It
sure was an adrenaline rush. It was probably as crazy as the time Dad was
flying down that dirt road after Collin broke his arm. Long story short, Elder
Galt had a kidney stone. I stayed the night with him while our companions
visited appointments and did baptismal interviews. President Rudd and
Sister Rudd made it to the hospital after things calmed down. It was pretty
comical. I was trying to crack jokes to Elder Galt while he was going through
his agony... Like “Elder Galt, how come dinosaurs don't talk???” “Why?” “Cuz
they’re all dead!” Then it was cool to spend the rest of the night till 11:30
with the Rudds while we waited to get discharged from the hospital. Then the
next day Sister Rudd gave a training on companionship unity and talked about
that experience (in front of Elder Haleck and half the mission). It sure was
special!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Anyways got to go family! Love you heaps. Elder Hammar is
doin it all. A little bit difficult sometimes but we’re two peas in a pod.
Every now and again when we are talking to people on the street he will do the
little look to me... to either back him up, or to make sure what he is saying
is okay... Really though, he is pretty well prepared. He is doing good and I
love serving with him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Love,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Elder Ward<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh actually I got a little bit more time... so I might as
well explain the not-allowed-to-drive story. Soo I tried to get my license
converted but my <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Arizona</st1:state></st1:place>
graduated one would not allow me to convert it to a a full license. So that
means I would not be able to drive anyone but myself, which is useless when
you’re a missionary. Hence the reason why I asked Mom to send me an upgraded
license for me to convert over. After a year my American license is NO GOOD so
technically I have been driving illegally the past two months or so. I also got
flashed twice by cameras. One was in May. That just came up this week and the
other on August 6<sup>th</sup>. So I took that as a sign that I should probably
live the law especially as a missionary. I am not exactly proud of doing that
but the mission has such a shortage of drivers that it would have probably
ruined a lot of things if I had been removed from a driving position. I
let my mission president know the circumstances... He kinda just laughed and
said “you’re the man... just don't drive anymore until you get it converted.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-39630553848351800152013-08-18T20:15:00.000-07:002013-08-21T20:15:21.946-07:00So Much Fun to Train New Missionaries!!!
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Collin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NICE BRO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Haha…that is
crazy! I guess we will have to see what happens. (Collin decided last week to
submit his mission papers before heading up to BYU and may end up leaving
before Connor comes home.) I am glad you chose to follow the spirit even though
it may not have completely made sense. :) I can tell you right now that it was
the right decision because it was made by the spirit and the spirit will never
prompt anyone to make a wrong choice. In fact, I sent a copy of your same
e-mail to one of my converts, Micaella, so that she can see your faith and
build a little bit of hers. WAY TO GO!!! Oh and Collin, to answer your
question, yes I do say heaps, keen, true, skux, flash, and sweet as. Also, try
and figure out which investigator he is talking about on facebook or something.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
So yes family, I have my 2nd BOY!!! His name is Elder Hammar.
He is from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Las Vegas</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">Nevada</st1:state></st1:place>. I think you should have gotten an
email from the mission President with a picture of me and him. It is so much fun
to train new missionaries! Things are definitely going a WHOLE LOT BETTER now!
The branch is still picking up. We had an even more astounding 115 AT
CHURCH!!!! I am definitely working Elder Hammar hard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have already had him lead the way from house
to house and have him do a whole lot of the talking with people and teaching in
the lessons. It was really cool at transfers seeing the 26 new missionaries
coming in and figuring out that A LOT OF areas are going to start getting
covered that were not covered before and a lot of wards are starting to get a
2nd set of missionaries!!!! For example Redhill (my 1st NZ area) and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Welcome</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place> (my last area) have 4 missionaries
serving in them now!!!!! Also, it was cool too because President Rudd
took all of the POWERHOUSE missionaries (besides me haha) to go and train the
new incoming missionaries. Most of the trainers have been out for a long
time or are zone leaders of some sort and all are just powerful missionaries. There
is a lot of cool things happening. OH, and I forgot to mention EVERYONE in our
zone right now is training a new missionary. That is unheard of! OH and there
is a missionary named Elder Anderson from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Gilbert</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">Arizona</st1:state></st1:place>, in my zone!<o:p></o:p><br />
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So yup that is the update on all the transfers and
everything. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!! You are getting SO OLD!!! Haha…I remember
telling you so many times that you’re not old till you’re 50, so I won’t call
you old man or pops yet. But make sure you enjoy every ounce of youth (find joy
in the journey right???). It sounds like you have a lot of things to be joyful
over, especially that day in the temple with two of your young men right next
to you. If it makes you feel any better, we ran into a 52 year old guy who
honestly looked like he was in his late 30's, had long flowing hair, was wearing
a tank top, and told us he gets to work by longboarding for 15 minutes through
Auckland City. So if you ever start to feel old, those are some options that
can make you look younger... or you could just buy a Corvette…either or. I miss
you dad! If it counts for anything, I remembered your birthday during the week
because of that calendar you guys sent for Christmas. I think you’re
doing a great job and I want to let you know I am proud to call you my father. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In other news, sheesh, I think I have driven the 5 to 6 hour
long trip from New Plymouth to Hamilton and back 4 times already within the
last month…twice this last week. Exciting news though…I get to go AGAIN this
week for a surprise mission leadership council with Elder Hallick…I believe
from the quorum of the seventy and then a zone conference held in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hamilton</st1:place></st1:city> the very next
day!!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HAHA…I AM SO SICK OF
DRIVING!!!!!!!!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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C and C are still doing great! They accept everything we
teach with excitement and they are reading the BOM and coming to church and praying
together and all those good things, but we have kinda hit a stand still with
the whole marriage thing. I will keep you updated, but please keep them in your
prayers. I have faith something will make things turn around in the near
future. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
I love you family! BE good! Once again Collin, good choice!!!
And Aubrey....sorry I don’t get to respond to your letter but I did get it and
it made me so happy! I am glad you like high school AND WAY TO GO SWIM TEAM!!!
Stick with swim NO matter how crazy hard it gets….because that does sound
pretty tough! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Love,<o:p></o:p><br />
Elder Ward<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791284049294581413.post-4876150691800956222013-08-11T17:00:00.000-07:002013-08-13T17:01:13.707-07:00Our Branch DID IT AGAIN!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Kia Ora,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It sounds like everything is going back into FULL
SWING!!! That’s awesome that Ava is having so many “10” days. haha When you’re a
missionary there are a lot of “10” days, but to be quite honest, I would kill to
have a “10” day every day. But now, looking back, I think what matters most is
the full experience of my mission will always be a "10"—the good and the bad.
Speaking of GOOD, transfers are happening this week!!! WhoooHOOOO!!! I try
really hard not to look forward to transfers because a lot of missionaries catch
that disease where every time transfers roll around if they could just get a new
companion or just get a new area then everything will be just fine and dandy.
But it’s just like Mormon’s scripture, “he that is filthy will be filthy still,”
he that is unhappy will be unhappy still. In other words, he who isn't a good
missionary still won’t be a good missionary and he who is unhappy serving will
still be unhappy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So yes, I did get your package Mom. Thanks for your
letter. You were definitely right and even though it is not completely all good
I am still pretty happy with the improvements that have been made... So this
week was a toughy! It started on Monday with me getting pretty dang sick. I went
on tradeoff to the smallest branch in the whole mission!!! There are a sum total
of 10 to 15 active members and a branch list that takes up half a piece of
paper. I also went with one of the least enthusiastic elders I have ever met on
my mission. Needless to say it was a rough night. The trade off went over night
Monday to Tuesday and was extended to Tuesday so he could come to MLC mission
leadership council with me. So we took the 3-hour drive up to New Plymouth with
each other. On the way up I had a good conversation with this elder (and by the
way he HATES ZONE LEADERS). I told him I thought he was a great missionary and
he had great teaching skills and that he had power to do a lot of good things
(which was all true by the way), but I pretty bluntly told him that he needed to
QUIT COMPLAINING about his companion, the area, and everything
else... <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I got reunited with Elder Lamb on Tuesday night!!! We
were so happy to see each other so we reminisced and told stories and had a good
time Tuesday night. Then we went to MLC the next day which was another really
cool experience!!! Man, I love President Rudd! I learned a lot about revelation
and how the Lord works... I think we all came to the conclusion that now that we
are here we can't run the mission the <st1:city w:st="on">Auckland</st1:city>
way or the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wellington</st1:place></st1:city> way but that we need to do it the
Lord’s way... And the Lord’s way will come through whatever President Rudd is
inspired to do. I also recognized that President Rudd can't be doing things how
President Lekias did things. I learned a lot. It was
cool.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Other really exciting news is our BRANCH did it AGAIN!!!
We had 108 people attend!!! We had 101 last week which everyone thought was a
fluke but boy there was a good spirit in the branch yesterday... especially too
because a family with 3 boys moved in from Utah. The dad is SUPER FAITHFUL. He
took a 71 percent pay cut just to come down here. hahaha I feel he will probably
be in the district presidency in no time—at least the branch presidency (we’re
missing a 2nd counselor). There are BIG THINGs happening in the Church around
the world. All these new missionaries are tremendous!!! AT MLC we had a big
board with all the areas that are going to start getting double covered and
areas that aren't being covered that are going to start being covered! Elder
Goodman, the mission finance guy, (I believe the job Trevor did) has quite the
job finding as many missionary apartments that he needs
to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Anyway, life is good. C and C are still
awesome, still progressing. We had a big FHE with them and the C family
(the less active family) at the C’s house. (We asked them for help
fellowshipping C and C) so it works out perfect. C and C
have friends at church now and the C's have more pressure to stay ACTIVE!!!
Anyways hope you guys have a good rest of the Sabbath day. Let everyone know I
love them heaps. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Elder Ward</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwiBURnKIh6sIZldsblSiNX3X58oSq1LtsMfMCg6ta9PAg88NmclHFroD31SIspm9ObNmkJb5YjJ7NVX28MegorXVACFfgYZLJOtnlRccEjmYQfh9aELwIjQ87ShKrtMwjTiCXDQe5VC8/s1600/DSCN3705%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwiBURnKIh6sIZldsblSiNX3X58oSq1LtsMfMCg6ta9PAg88NmclHFroD31SIspm9ObNmkJb5YjJ7NVX28MegorXVACFfgYZLJOtnlRccEjmYQfh9aELwIjQ87ShKrtMwjTiCXDQe5VC8/s640/DSCN3705%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FHE at our branch mission leader's house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWlwgGmg39tVeZOrA54Y-uAiYJNFPGfPGJSXEW7kwUpI59KZ-dPPfKFDAGm5daIaeYx8NUN-P1dRJoTu5_HD-w_Uoel4w1HfKdiXuZGXCWD3zQgjOWgDPI6R7wbkjl-loBEWnoVGHmgYX/s1600/DSCN3709%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWlwgGmg39tVeZOrA54Y-uAiYJNFPGfPGJSXEW7kwUpI59KZ-dPPfKFDAGm5daIaeYx8NUN-P1dRJoTu5_HD-w_Uoel4w1HfKdiXuZGXCWD3zQgjOWgDPI6R7wbkjl-loBEWnoVGHmgYX/s640/DSCN3709%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Elders in our flat...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
Julie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652137052286402076noreply@blogger.com0