Dear Family,
I'm still doing well. I think I'll always be doing well. That's what's so cool about the spirit. As long as I'm living worthy, I'll have his constant companionship and will be able to get over whatever struggle or problem that I'm facing. Korean is coming quickly. I love the language so much. My testimony is also growing a ton. There's not a day that passes where I don't have some kind of truth revealed to me. I'm constantly given the chance to humble myself, repent and love more.
I'm slowly growing out of my "make-fun-of-everyone" mentality. It's hard though. It takes a lot for me to not turn around and mock the utter goonery that goes on around me sometimes. Keeping my mouth shut about the awkward scarf and sweater combos I see here, along with the amount of "I'm pretty sure George Bush is the greatest president to live" statements, is the hardest thing for me. This week we got new Elders on our floor. The Korean elders seem nice, but a little goofy. I'm sure we came off the same way though. It's hard for me to watch some of these English speaking Elder's on my floor waste their time by coming back to the residence hall to sit around, or by yelling during quiet time. I never thought I'd be one to care about rules, but I'm starting to appreciate some of them. We're here to serve a mission. This isn't EFY or Youth Conference. Just like Spencer W. Kimball said, we've been literally set apart from the world. One of the teachers in our building pulled us into a room after hearing us being rowdy, and began to teach us. He spoke with such a calm spirit about him. He left us with the words "You are no longer your own". That's stuck with me ever since. I'm still Sam. I still love the things I love retain my same personality, but my will is now the Lord's, and that's what's important.
This week we were able to host new missionaries. Well, kind of. When we all met up for the pre-hosting meeting Harkness and I were picked out of the group of about 50 missionaries to go do traffic duty. Essentially all we did was wear neon yellow jackets and point at parking spots. As lame as that sounds, it was really enjoyable! As I watched crying parents leave their kids at the curb I had a huge desire to let them know that this is the BEST thing for their kid. Also, many people waved and smiled at me as they left. I think being a brown person with a friendly demeanor goes a long way.
Harkness and I have been able to teach with the spirit a lot more lately. I can testify that as we're willing to pray about others, and study with them in mind, the Lord will provide a way for us to meet the needs of others. It's such an excellent feeling to be lead by the spirit. I look back now and am kinda shocked with how much I took the spirit's companionship for granted. No alcohol related language mix ups this week.
Also, thank you so much for the noodles and drinks. I would love some more. Also, if you plan on dropping off perishable food, you can't send it through the mail room. They confiscated my buddy Glover's burrito. Just bare that in mind.
We're all getting along really well. We study hard every single day. For entertainment we watch this banana that was tossed on the roof the first day we got here decompose. It started at a bright green and has slowly developed into a shriveled up black.
Also, a follow up on my Virginian's-Like-To-Throw-
"We missed you while we were picking apples in the orchard. I did not miss however constantly having to ask you to stop throwing apples at me."
Coincidence? Not at all.
Spencer- Thanks for the lyrics and the stories. I've been reading them aloud to get a good laugh out of the elders in my district. Also, as far as music, I have the whole Nujabes/Hideout collection downloaded. Have Sawyer teach you how to torrent stuff. Also, I strongly advise to pray and read daily. I feel so much guidance in my life when I do these things. Also, I told everyone about the time you were followed home by some guy and when you got out of the car, the follower yelled "Next Time!" and sped off as fast as he could. That's quoted daily.
Brooke- I'm so sorry about your sternum, but I'm not entirely surprised that that's how it happened. I hope you get better soon. Just keep resting and have faith that the blessing will do something for you.
Eliza- Be nice to your mom. lolololol. Also, please stretch and warm up before you play volleyball. It will greatly decrease the chance of being injured. Take it from someone who used to rip their pants open and hurt their back all of the time. Also, be confident in your ability when you play volleyball! Let me share a quote with you:
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - A billboard
Katie- What to heck is up? I haven't heard from you in a minute. Make sure you keep yourself busy, young one. Also, be wary of Victor and his secret doings. Sibuna. EYE TO EYE.
Lilly- I forgot to tell you! Your teacher's younger brother, Elder Anderson, was in the MTC with me! He left about two weeks ago. Funny story, I had to lend him my suit so he could get into the Sunday Night Devotional. The suit looked like a halloween costume on him. It was so baggy, but none the less he was able to get into the devotional.
Also, as far as my camera goes, it might be better to just send me a little point and shoot. If one exists, could you look into getting an LCD attatchment for my Go Pro?
Mom- I will pray for you as you study. I was cracking up reading about your experience subbing. I'm sure it'll get better with time. The first couple weeks here were rough for me as well,but with practice and the Lord's help things become easier.
Dad- After reading your letters I now realize where my desire to make fun of people comes from. I'm so glad to hear that new work opportunities are opening up. I've honestly been praying about that since I've got here. Remember to pray always and follow the spirit.
That's about it for my week. I've been loving the cold weather and the companionship of my fellow elders. The Book of Mormon is true. If we abide by it's teachings, we will become happier, better people. I can say this with certainty for I've seen it in my life. I love you all so much.
With Love,
Elder Samuel Loa Tuinei
I'm still doing well. I think I'll always be doing well. That's what's so cool about the spirit. As long as I'm living worthy, I'll have his constant companionship and will be able to get over whatever struggle or problem that I'm facing. Korean is coming quickly. I love the language so much. My testimony is also growing a ton. There's not a day that passes where I don't have some kind of truth revealed to me. I'm constantly given the chance to humble myself, repent and love more.
I'm slowly growing out of my "make-fun-of-everyone" mentality. It's hard though. It takes a lot for me to not turn around and mock the utter goonery that goes on around me sometimes. Keeping my mouth shut about the awkward scarf and sweater combos I see here, along with the amount of "I'm pretty sure George Bush is the greatest president to live" statements, is the hardest thing for me. This week we got new Elders on our floor. The Korean elders seem nice, but a little goofy. I'm sure we came off the same way though. It's hard for me to watch some of these English speaking Elder's on my floor waste their time by coming back to the residence hall to sit around, or by yelling during quiet time. I never thought I'd be one to care about rules, but I'm starting to appreciate some of them. We're here to serve a mission. This isn't EFY or Youth Conference. Just like Spencer W. Kimball said, we've been literally set apart from the world. One of the teachers in our building pulled us into a room after hearing us being rowdy, and began to teach us. He spoke with such a calm spirit about him. He left us with the words "You are no longer your own". That's stuck with me ever since. I'm still Sam. I still love the things I love retain my same personality, but my will is now the Lord's, and that's what's important.
This week we were able to host new missionaries. Well, kind of. When we all met up for the pre-hosting meeting Harkness and I were picked out of the group of about 50 missionaries to go do traffic duty. Essentially all we did was wear neon yellow jackets and point at parking spots. As lame as that sounds, it was really enjoyable! As I watched crying parents leave their kids at the curb I had a huge desire to let them know that this is the BEST thing for their kid. Also, many people waved and smiled at me as they left. I think being a brown person with a friendly demeanor goes a long way.
Harkness and I have been able to teach with the spirit a lot more lately. I can testify that as we're willing to pray about others, and study with them in mind, the Lord will provide a way for us to meet the needs of others. It's such an excellent feeling to be lead by the spirit. I look back now and am kinda shocked with how much I took the spirit's companionship for granted. No alcohol related language mix ups this week.
Also, thank you so much for the noodles and drinks. I would love some more. Also, if you plan on dropping off perishable food, you can't send it through the mail room. They confiscated my buddy Glover's burrito. Just bare that in mind.
We're all getting along really well. We study hard every single day. For entertainment we watch this banana that was tossed on the roof the first day we got here decompose. It started at a bright green and has slowly developed into a shriveled up black.
Also, a follow up on my Virginian's-Like-To-Throw-
"We missed you while we were picking apples in the orchard. I did not miss however constantly having to ask you to stop throwing apples at me."
Coincidence? Not at all.
Spencer- Thanks for the lyrics and the stories. I've been reading them aloud to get a good laugh out of the elders in my district. Also, as far as music, I have the whole Nujabes/Hideout collection downloaded. Have Sawyer teach you how to torrent stuff. Also, I strongly advise to pray and read daily. I feel so much guidance in my life when I do these things. Also, I told everyone about the time you were followed home by some guy and when you got out of the car, the follower yelled "Next Time!" and sped off as fast as he could. That's quoted daily.
Brooke- I'm so sorry about your sternum, but I'm not entirely surprised that that's how it happened. I hope you get better soon. Just keep resting and have faith that the blessing will do something for you.
Eliza- Be nice to your mom. lolololol. Also, please stretch and warm up before you play volleyball. It will greatly decrease the chance of being injured. Take it from someone who used to rip their pants open and hurt their back all of the time. Also, be confident in your ability when you play volleyball! Let me share a quote with you:
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - A billboard
Katie- What to heck is up? I haven't heard from you in a minute. Make sure you keep yourself busy, young one. Also, be wary of Victor and his secret doings. Sibuna. EYE TO EYE.
Lilly- I forgot to tell you! Your teacher's younger brother, Elder Anderson, was in the MTC with me! He left about two weeks ago. Funny story, I had to lend him my suit so he could get into the Sunday Night Devotional. The suit looked like a halloween costume on him. It was so baggy, but none the less he was able to get into the devotional.
Also, as far as my camera goes, it might be better to just send me a little point and shoot. If one exists, could you look into getting an LCD attatchment for my Go Pro?
Mom- I will pray for you as you study. I was cracking up reading about your experience subbing. I'm sure it'll get better with time. The first couple weeks here were rough for me as well,but with practice and the Lord's help things become easier.
Dad- After reading your letters I now realize where my desire to make fun of people comes from. I'm so glad to hear that new work opportunities are opening up. I've honestly been praying about that since I've got here. Remember to pray always and follow the spirit.
That's about it for my week. I've been loving the cold weather and the companionship of my fellow elders. The Book of Mormon is true. If we abide by it's teachings, we will become happier, better people. I can say this with certainty for I've seen it in my life. I love you all so much.
With Love,
Elder Samuel Loa Tuinei
Oh my gosh,Sam------you are so awesome!!! I love how intelligent you are and so very 'on track'!!!! but then again you always have been---just on a different level. I applaud your self control on not speaking the things going through your mind!! lol Yes all that comes from my side---my Dad,I so wish you could have known him---you would have found him so entertaining ----- quick wit,but yes sadly we tend to find humor in the oddities of others---lol. You are too cool to have to rub shoulders with so many geeks---haha. Your letter was as always so very entertaining! I LOVE YOU,so very much!!!! Grams.
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