Another Six Weeks In Kauai

Aloooha!!!


Another week in Kaua'i has come and gone!!! Transfers came and we found out the transfer information. I am staying on Kaua'i and my companion, Elder Watson, is going to Laie to train! My companion is Elder Coffin from Idaho Falls, Idaho. He's 9 months out, so he's super young for a ZL, but it'll be fun! I get to train him as a ZL. So that'll be fun!!
We had an awesome week!!! On Tuesday, we had six lessons scheduled, and we ended up teaching ten!! We were so busy we had to split and go with members of the ward from five to nine. It was wild!! Fun though!!


Let's see. We lost all of our investigators, and than God blessed us to find six more. Four of them are set up to be baptized. Nolan is going to be baptized the 23 of July. He came to church last week, and now really wants to change his life and be baptized. I'm excited for him, he's awesome!!! That's our next baptism!!!


I failed to mention something. Joey C*** who was baptized last week, or two weeks ago, his legal middle name is "The Speedy" because when he was born, he came faster than the doctor did, so they called him the Speedy!! I think that's hilarious!!! I want to name my kid something awesome like that.


Anyways, back on track, we went to Kalaheo to watch the new version of the Joseph Smith movie. It was awesome!!! It's on radio.lds.org or you tube, and it has new material in it!! It's also meant more for people who don't know too much about Joseph Smith, so we took some of our investigators!! I saw the whole Kalaheo ward again!! It was awesome!!! The WML, Dale K***, had me stand up and re-introduced me to the ward. It was cool cuz all the members came up to talk to me again! There are so many good ward members there, I just loved that ward!! They are all incredible. I've been sooo blessed to serve in good wards such as Kalaheo and Kaneohe 3. Those have been my two favorite areas. The members in any area are so devoted to the gospel and so devoted to living it. It's such an awesome example to me of how to be when I am older in life.


Anyways, thanks for all you do!!! Love you all and hope to hear from you soon!!! A new transfer in Kaua'i!!!!

Last Week Of Transfers

Aloooooooha!!!!


Another week has come and gone here in Kaua'i!!! We had the two baptisms of Katherine T*** and Joey C***. They were both very well prepared for the gospel and so ready to be baptized. You can tell there is a different countenance about them when you see them or talk to them. They are just so much happier and know they are taking the right steps to return to live with Heavenly Father again.


I don't know if any of you remember Hilton from when I served in Kalaheo, Kaua'i. But the sisters recently started teaching him again and set a baptism date of July 23 with him. I would be so excited if he got baptized. They said they'll suggest I can do the ordinance as well, which was be awesome to baptize someone from my Greenie days. I sure loved that man and hope he can make it to be baptized. The sisters will do an awesome job with that.


We also had a miracle happen on Sunday. A few weeks ago we called a guy who was taught a long time ago and asked him if he wanted to be taught again, he surprisingly said yes. He said he was going to come to church, but didn't that week. Well, this week, he popped in and stayed all three hours!! We have a lesson set up on Wednesday, and he could be our next baptism!! I'm excited to see how that turns out!!!


Well, this is the last week of the transfer. It's going to be interesting to see how it turns out. Elder Watson could go, I think I'm staying though. I'd be very surprised if I left the island. I'm trying to pull some strings and get Elder Garritson over here. He has been on O'ahu for a year, and should come to Kaua'i with me haha. That would be sickly amazing. We'll hope and see what happens!!


Elder Watson has been sick so I did a massive 8-hour personal study. During that 8 hours I read Leviticus, Numbers, part of Deuteronomy, Mosiah, and finished Jeremiah. I'm almost done with the Old Testament. I just have to read from Ezekial on, but my brain feels like it's going to explode!! Goodness.


Anyways, work is going well, and now it's time to find investigators!!! This week, we'll work hard and see what can happen!! Love you all!!!

Edit: I found out today that Elder Garritson has just been called to be an AP (Assistant to the President) so Elder Travis will probably run into him from time to time but they won't be companions again. I can hardly wait to get his email about it next Monday.

Signs In Kauai

Here are some more silly signs of Kauai.Everyone seems to be warning us of this.This one makes me laugh right out loud!
Definitely a drink I wouldn't want to try!

Sister Missionaries In Kauai

Aloha!!!!

Another week is down in the famous life of a missionary. We had a baptism of Lisa W*** this Saturday. Her daughter is very interested and will probably follow. The sisters still teach her because she likes them better haha. But it's a baptism in the same sense, so it's ok!!! President and Sister Dalton flew out to it because they know how hard the sisters worked to get her, and it's their first baptism in Kaua'i. It was cool to see that.We have a surprise baptism this Friday!! Katherine wanted to get baptized a week earlier!! So Friday she'll be baptized!! Than on Saturday Joey will be baptized. So we have two baptisms this week. I just love being a missionary. We are seeing so many miracles and so many awesome things happening. We are certainly busy and working hard. I'm glad Elder Watson is seeing a close to his mission like this, like Elder Barraza did. I want an end like this!! Hope I do, we'll see :)
on the other hand, we had ZLC this week. It was good, we counseled as leadership of the mission how to achieve vision 200. It'll take a very long process and hard work and diligence from future missionaries, but President wants to hit it before he leaves. It's possible, all things are with God. I'll keep my eyes on that bit of knowledge!!! Right now we are striving to hit vision 115. The most the mission has every baptized was 113, and we had 108 last May of 2010. So we'll see if we can beat that before I leave!!
Anyways, aside from that, we spent a lot of time this week contacting people who used to be taught by missionaries, and part member families. We are starting to run dry of investigators here in Kaua'i. We don't want to sink into a 0 investigator pit after this week. So hopefully we'll find more who are prepared!!! That was our problem in Kaneohe, we baptized 6 people in 6 weeks and ran out of people to teach. It's a wonderful problem to have, so we just have to fix it!!
Aside from that, it's been a fun week and we've been working hard.I love it here in Kaua'i and the ward is magnificent. Hawaii is a very blessed place to serve!!!


Love you all and can't wait to hear from you!!!

Kauai News

Well, another week in Kaua'i!!!

First off, we had our baptism for Teagan ***. We should have one this Saturday for Lisa ***, then Joey and Katherine. We are excited to see those go through!! I didn't do too much to help with Teagan, but it's awesome to always see baptisms.
We had a meeting with Elder Whiting on Sunday. It was just a conference call but it was still cool!! He's less intimidating in person and not so ...rebuking haha. Maybe it's cuz Kaua'i is doing better than Kaneohe baptisms wise, I'm not sure.

On the other hand, we figured out that Elder Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy is coming to speak to the Kaua'i stake in July!! I'm stoked for that. I missed Elder Russel M. Nelson, but I can see Elder Rasband, whom I just love!!


We had a cool experience with Katherine. She told us that she was beginning to feel doubt about the church and didn't feel ready. She was ready to call it all off and stop meeting with us, but she decided to pray first (smart choice). She than prayed, and on her way to church, she said she felt an overwhelming feeling of peace, and felt the desire to be baptized. She now wants to be baptized really bad!! She will wait till the 25th cuz it's a special day for her, but it's a true testimony to me on how the Lord truly does work through our investigators. I believed it was Elder Pearson who told us that, "Thousands of legions of angels are preparing the hearts of investigators. More than you can possibly see or comprehend."


I just love being a missionary, and this Thursday I hit my 18 month mark. I don't even know what's happened to my time. But I know that I will work my hardest the last 6 months, and when I walk off to that airplane in the Honolulu Hawaii airport, I want to know within my heart that I did ALL I could to bring souls to Christ. I want that sense of accomplishment and peace, instead of doubt and guilty thoughts. I love this gospel, more than I can say. I love my Savior who I know will one day stand before my face, and plead my cause before the Father. I hope and pray I may stand worthy in front of Him and say, "I did ALL I could do". I encourage everyone to look to Jesus, and let Him heal you.
Love you all and hope to hear from you soon!!

***Elder Travis pointing to the red dirt of Kauai but......this picture shows the color better, end of edit.

Back To Kauai

Alooooha!!

First: THERE ARE SO MANY CHICKENS IN KAUA'I!!!


We had such a terrific week in Kaua'i. Our mission has been pushing for 100 baptisms in May!! Well on Sunday, we found out we had 101 baptisms!! We accomplished a miracle that hasn't happened in nearly a year!! Crazy!!!We had two baptisms our self, Clara H*** and George B***. It was such a terrific event, they were truly prepared by the Lord and it was a miracle to see Clara get baptized. We were trying so hard to get her dad to do the baptism, but he was being resistant. We finally got him to meet the Bishop and was cleared to do the baptism. Afterwards, we were getting ready to confirm her when the Bishop found out that he couldn't let him do it cuz he didn't have a current temple recommend. So the confirmation was called off until next week, which at the time would have put our mission at 99 instead of 100. It was kinda sad haha. But President Dalton called and said, "Elders, I have the keys over converts in the mission, and she's getting confirmed tonight by the Bishop" and we hit 100 through that. It was wild!!!


We have Zone Conference tomorrow. We, since we are the Zone Leaders, have to do the trainings, so we prepared for that. I'm excited it's going to be very epic!!


Anywho, we are also getting a BRAND NEW 2011 COROLLA in our area. I'm happy we're driving a new car. The one we have right now is an 07 so it's not as amazing as the others.

I don't' know if any of you know Ken F***, but he's a guy who's been in every movie that Chuck Norris has been in, we are going to start teaching him this week!!!


All in all, it's been a good week. We've seen so many miracles. I love the ward and love the area. I still really miss Kaneohe though. I really didn't realize how much I would miss the members there. A lot of families became like family to me out there. Especially the families I worked closely with, the Pasikala's, Jackola's, and Tsukayama's. I can't wait for the day I get to see them all again at the airport!!

Anyways, thanks for your support, I love you all and hope to hear from you guys soon!! You are all awesome!!!

Flying Back To Oahu

EDIT: These pictures are from Oahu since I don't have any pictures from Kauai yet - Elder Travis' mom.


ALOOOOHA
How are all of you doing?!!! I'm doing swell here on the beautiful island of Kaua'i!! I absolutely love it out here!!!
We had such an awesome week!! We have a few set up for baptism this week and the following weeks, so we'll see miracles out here!! The island is nearly the exact same when I left, it's kinda weird haha. But it's awesome. I love it out here. I saw my old ward!!! Bishop Herr, Sister Peterson, the Wilcox, Merv, haha it was crazy!!! I talked to Bishop about the people I worked with in Kalaheo!! The people who were baptized are all still active except L*** and K***, because her husband doesn't want her to go to church anymore. Sad story. But Romina is working for the temple, and same With Jeff S***!!!!
I have been missing Kaneohe. I sure did love it out there. The members were just beyond terrific. I had a good companion, and I loved it there. At first I wanted to leave when I returned to Kaneohe, but now I miss it like crazy. It is such a blessed place to serve there.Aside from that, we flew to O'ahu yesterday to see Kevin Pearson of the Seventy speak. He laid it out flat on us. He told us straight up what is expected of us. it was kinda freaky haha. But he gave a very good training and really taught me lot. We had a separate meeting as Zone Leaders and it was very...intimidating being in that room. He taught a lot on our own personal conversion and working as hard as we possibly can. It was a very good training. From there, we flew back to Kaua'i and taught a referral!! A RC (someone who progressed like Jocelyn) had her sister invited to a lesson, and she's now committed for baptism next month. That was exciting to see, and was very awesome to hear. I'm looking forward to seeing her progression. She seems very prepared and anxious to learn!!!
But all in all, that was it. It's been weird having to say goodbye to so many "family" members and now flying to Kaua'i to re-adjust to this island. It's gorgeous though and I already love it here. We'll see miracles out here and see what can happen!!

Thanks for all you do and hope to hear from you soon!!! Love you all!!!

Changing Islands

Aloooooha!!

EDIT: Elder Travis pictured above doing service cleaning up the beach holding a crab.

As you all know...this was transfer week!!! I am ...outstanded (Elder Trav's mom - I laugh at this word that's not really a word!) as to what is happening with transfers. I can't believe it!!! Let me explain: I started my mission on Kaua'i, than served in Kaneohe, than in Honolulu, returned to Kaneohe, now I am returning to Kaua'i. I will be serving in the Lihue ward. So i will be out there in the beloved Garden Isle...again, in a more furter north part. It's the eastern part of the island by my old area. So it will be good to be there again!! I love that island. My new companions name is Elder Watson. He goes home in three months with Elder Garrard and I'm pretty sure he's from Utah, if not Washington. I actually replaced Elder Watson in Kailua with Elder Standiford. So he'll know him and that area!!!We had Jocelyn's baptism this week. It was so awesome. President Dalton came and spoke at it. It was so cool to see him come to that. He gave such an excellent talk on missionary work and Jocelyn. It was a very satisfying experience. She told us she wants to get sealed in the Salt Lake temple in a year, and so of course, I promised her I would be there when that day comes in 2012.Remember Taylor J***? I got a wonderful birthday present with that family. We had dinner with President Kaluhiokalani, the stake president, and we invited them to come along since they live across the street. They did!! We watched two wonderful "Mormon Messages" on the Atonement (Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light, and Lifting Burdens). It was so awesome. The spirit was so strong!! We than invited Taylor to be baptized and she accepted. She will probably get baptized next week!! I'm excited for her, sad I won't be there, but excited for her as well.Also, we went over to a wonderful family, the K***'s. She is a member, and the people she lives with (T***) are not members. They are wonderful and very catholic. But are so very friendly and willing to let us come and talk with them. Such...good, nice, Christ-like people. We had dinner, and showed the same "Mormon Messages." The spirit was amazingly strong. We talked about what Christ can do for us, and His atonement. Afterwards, the husband gave the closing prayer, and the family was all in tears. It was amazing because I know without a doubt that he knows, the Book of Mormon is true. He went to BYU-Hawaii and has read the BOM many times. I think he's just scared of change and doesn't know what to expect. But, I saw his spirit change when we left the home. He had that look in his eye that maybe, just maybe, this was the right thing to do. It was a very VERY large first step, but very important. I will keep a close eye on their progress!!Next week as well, on the 23rd, Elder Kevin Pearson of the Seventy is doing a mission tour. Since I'm now on Kaua'i, on Monday, they will fly us to Kaneohe stake center (weird?) and we'll hear the words from him that day!! So as far as email goes, I'll email next Tuesday. Just a heads up (same as the first Monday in June). But, I am excited to hear what he has to say!
Also, we had a meeting with Elder Whiting, the Area Seventy (pictured above on the right). He is a terrific man. He gave such a good accounting to the stake, and really spoke to our hearts. He talked a lot about following the spirit in all that we do. He is awesome.
I will miss Elder Garrard. He has been such a good companion for me and he's been terrific. He promised me he'll come to my homecoming and visit me. He's a very good friend and was an excellent companion.


Well, that was our week. Busy week, but an awesome one!! I'll be emailing from Kaua'i next week, and probably for a good couple of months!!

I love you all and can't wait to hear from ya!!!

Aloha!

Seventeen Month Mark

Alooooha!!!

Well, I am 21. I do not feel 21, and do not feel like today is my 17 month mark from when I went into the MTC. Time is faster and faster.
(Edit: Picture above is of Elder Travis and Elder Barraza. Elder Barazza had gone home a month or two ago and was back visiting already!) We had a crazy morning. We have a missionary in our zone who is struggling right now. We were doing a district companionship study, when he all of a sudden blew up in his companions face about everything that he's struggling with and how he hates his companion. Me, my companion, and the District Leader, spent the next 45 minutes of counseling him and trying to help him realize that because he hasn't had a baptism, doesn't mean he's a failure of a missionary. It was a crazy morning...but it worked out. Sometimes as leaders, we have to do that counseling, and therapy-like situations for missionaries, and it's not fun. It's my least favorite part of the mission.


On the other hand, we had a couple of lessons with Jocelyn. She is still solid!! Her baptism is this Saturday and she's getting married right after. It's going to be a busy day haha. But we are super excited. for her!! President Dalton will be coming down to that!!!


We have transfers next week. We will find out this Sunday the results of the transfer. It's really up in the air, I could go, I could stay, I don't know haha. I've been in Kaneohe 3rd ward for 4 months, and Kaneohe zone for 9 months. I would love to go off-island, but we'll see how that goes. I'd love to go to Maui, but I could be destined for O'ahu my whole mission. We'll see :) Sunday will be very interesting.


Other than that, all of our investigator lessons canceled, so it was kind of tough to get those taught, but we should get them back. We have a lesson with the J***'s tonight, and hopefully it won't cancel cuz we want to invite Taylor to be baptized. Jamie and Tiare canceled for the next few weeks cuz of school (they are teachers) and finals going on. But they said their summer is definitely open. Which is understandable.


Well, Mothers Day was yesterday, happy Mothers Day!! (Edit: Picture above taken on Mother's Day and emailed to Elder Travis' family. He and Elder Garrard made the Scotcheroo balls!) It was good to talk to the family again, and hear how everyone is doing. It's weird that that was my last phone call home for the mission. The next time I talk to my family will be at the airport in Salt Lake City in December. It's still 7 months away, but it was awfully fast so far.


I love all of you and thanks for your support!! Let me know if I can do anything for you!!!!

"Exact Obedience Brings Miracles"

ALOOOOHA!!!


How are you guys doing?? I'm very good!!!I heard the news of Osama bin Laden. I can't believe it's been 10 years since the 9/11 catastrophe and now we finally caught the man. I must say, it is wonderful news especially for our beloved President Bush who went after him in the first place. Now off the politics.We had a terrific week. Well, decent week. We taught Joselyn quite a bit. She is doing wonderful!! She is getting baptized on next Saturday and so I'm very excited to see that happen!! President is going to come to that since it is downright a pure miracle that she is getting baptized. Even right after he told us, "exact obedience brings miracles." That's just outstanding. Miracle!!

Jamie and Tiare canceled because of their son being sick. That happens...we are teaching them on Friday!! We were going to teach the Jackola's but they were too tired and canceled. We planned to invite Taylor to be baptized in that lesson. It amazes me how the devil somehow stops all of our lessons when we have that planned. Oh the cunning plan of the evil one!!!
Anyways, We did a beach clean up on Waimanalo beach park. it was beautiful and wonderful to be on the beach again!! I played in the sand (not the water) and got lots of pictures. Brother Beatty, the first counselor in our bishopric, went crabbing and got a huge crab for us!! He had us hold it, it was kinda creepy haha. I snapped his shell a bit, I felt bad, but I was scared of getting pinched. I definitely look forward to coming back to the beach and ocean when it's time!!


Mother's day is coming up!! I plan on calling home at 1 Hawaii time, if Utah is 4 hours difference, than it will be 5 Utah time. It's so freaking weird to think that this will be my last time calling home on my mission. The next time I talk to you guys will be at the airport in December. Unless of course a tsunami happens. But, in other words, it will be here in May!!


Also congrats to Breezie and giving birth to my new niece fetus. I hope she is healthy since Breezie is still in labor.

Well, love you all, can't wait to talk to you on Sunday!!! Much love and aloha!!
Trav