Micronesia Guam Mission...

Good-bye Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae

2011-06-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

Chuuk Missionaries

Saying good-bye as we drive away for the last time in the car.

The family history couple, The Peterson's

One of our final zone conferences

They gave us an island party with food and dancing to say good-bye
in many parts of the mission.

one last zone conference picture in Pohnpei

...plus two that we missed

President Hemon, the District President and his wife and family from Pohnpei

Our senior couple in Pohnpei, the Kjars

...and more missionary good-byes

Kosrae Saints

Elder Sturm

Elder Rufus

Elder Lapeyrouse

Elder Andrew

Elder Coffey

Elder Matthews

Our Senior Couple, Elder and Sister Wright

The District President, President Jonathan and Sister Jonathan.

Sasaki George and his wife. He had and read the Book of Mormon for 25 years before joining the church. He was baptised on Christmas Day 2009. His wife was the first convert in January of 2010.

Good-bye Palau

2011-06-22T00:22:00.000-07:00

John Jr. and his beautiful family.

Elder and Sister Hansen, our wonderful Palau missionary couple.

A great returned missionary, Rodney, not one of ours, but he is now the young mens president.

Rebluud and Jonnie Kesolei. He is our branch president in Palau. She is a new convert and is now teaching seminary.

This is Toby with President Stevenson. He is also a new convert. He used to walk for 2 hours to church each Sunday hoping someone would pick him up and drive him the rest of the way. If he didn't get picked up after 2 hours, he would turn around and go home. Now is has a scooter that gets him back and forth to church. FYI, it rains almost 400 inches a year in Palau. He wears his rain coat on his scooter, but it doesn't always protect him from the elements.

This is our Relief Society President Mona Carlson. She gives some of the greatest lessons I've heard.

Eric Carlson with one of his twins... Gideon or Teancum, I'm not sure which!

My beloved sisters of relief society
We love you Palau!

Good-Bye Yap

2011-06-02T18:03:00.001-07:00

Margaretta and Matthew

President and Sister Revino from the Thol branch.

Jim and Kathy

President Bamlul from Colonia Branch.

Francie

and our missionaries...

Elder Pearl

Elder Mafi

Elder Richardson

Elder Henrie

We will miss Yap!

Homecoming

2011-05-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

We have had many people asking us about our homecoming.
We will be speaking in church on July 10th, at 12:30 p.m.
in the Valley View 4th Ward
2125 East Evergreen Ave.

New Micronesia Guam Mission President and Wife

2011-05-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

Introducing the new Mission President and his wife:
STEPHEN AND ANGELA MECHAM
We've been waiting and waiting for their picture to appear in the church news.
We can't wait to meet them.
They'll be GREAT!!!!!

Missionary Moments

2011-04-22T23:07:00.000-07:00

Starting in Pohnpei

During zone conferences the missionaries practice a principle they will teach to their investigators. During these practice sessions they teach with an investigator in mind so that when they meet with them in person, they are more prepared. This helps them become powerful teachers.

...just another missionary wearing out his shoes in the service of the Lord.

One of the customs on the islands is to take your shoes off when you enter someones home. It's a little irregular to see the shoes so nicely organized. I had to take a picture.

In Kosrae we had District and Zone Conference. There was a problem with the air conditioning in the church, so plan B was to meet in a hotel room. We were squeezed tight, but the spirit was strong. This is our senior couple the Wrights. I caught them by surprise. They really are happy. We appreciate our senior couples so much, I just had to have them represent the others.

The Kosrean Elders are listening to President Stevenson who was with us for the conferences.

This is Sasaki and Jessymin George. We love this couple. He had a Book of Mormon in his possession on his book shelf for 25 years before he joined the church. She is happy to tell you that she was the first convert of 2010. He was baptised on Christmas Day 2009 and she in January.

I had to include a picture of Sister Jonathan, the District President's wife. She was passing out cinnamon rolls between the conference and fireside sessions so that those of us who stayed wouldn't be too hungry. Thanks Sister Jonathan, we love and appreciate all she does.

This is the primary room for the Utwe Chapel in Kosrae. We had some visitors with us.

Of course we had to get a picture of the sleeping lady, a mountain range in Kosrae.

The sisters came to say good-bye at the airport. They always seem go give you something when you go to remember them by.

The sisters in Guam zone conference.

These two sisters are from Australia. They are trying to convince me that Vegamite (from Australia) is a good condiment for just about anything. I'm not really convinced.

...more pictures of missionaries for their parents!

ALL IS WELL

2011-03-11T19:19:00.000-08:00

All is well in Guam. All missionaries are safe and accounted for. Pray for the Japanese people

TSUNAMI WARNING...FYI

2011-03-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

We have been informed about the Tsunami warning. We have been in touch with our missionaries and Senior Couples. All are moving to higher ground. The estimated time of arrival is around 7:00 pm. which is more than one hour away. We have plenty of time to be safe. Thanks for your concern for our missionaries and members.

"This is better than Christmas..."

2011-02-19T18:58:00.001-08:00

... these are the words spoken by our new arriving missionaries as they wait patiently for their turn to open their "first area of assignment letter". They find out where they will serve, if they will learn a language and who their trainer will be.
Sister Tuilato'a (above) will serve in Tamuning area of Guam. Her trainer is Sister Anitema.

Elder Stewart will serve in Mand, Pohnpei and learn Pohnpean. His trainer is Elder Tadd.

Elder Shakespear will serve in Romanum Chuuk and learn Chuukese. His trainer is Elder Reiri.

Elder Nicerio will serve in Saipan. His companion is Elder Donakey

Elder Nelson will serve in the Yijo North area of Guam. His trainer is Elder Meldrum.

Elder Marshall will serve in Palau and learn Palauan. His trainer is Elder Wright.

Sister Kennach will serve in Yijo south area of Guam. Her trainer is Sister To'a

Elder Allred will serve in the Mechitew area of Chuuk and learn Chuukese. His trainer is Elder Johnson.

Welcome New Missionaries!

February

2011-02-14T23:07:00.000-08:00

February started out with zone leader council. All the zone leaders gather in the mission home for instruction. They counsel together on how to be better missionary leaders. They come up with many inspired ideas to take back to their various zones and islands. President Dowdle taught the missionaries the training entitled: We Invite, They commit, We Follow Up. These lessons teach the missionaries how to be more effective teachers.

The next week we left for zone conference in Chuuk. We were blessed to travel with the area medical team. Elder and Sister Goth answer all our area medical questions and Elder and Sister Gibson answer all our mental health questions. They were able to inspire the missionaries during zone conference. The missionaries learned how to treat everything from boils, the "fungus among us", ingrown toenails, diarrhea, back pain, ways to overcome discouragement, ways to be a better companion and every other imaginable problem the missionaries suffer from.

At most zone conference the missionaries will prepare and present a musical number. It's one of our favorite parts of zone conference. Music always brings a special spirit to the meeting.

Elder and Sister Crittenden are our new senior couple in Chuuk. We love them already. They will do great things in Chuuk and we are so blessed to serve with them.

After zone conference we always have to say good-bye to our Elders as they head back out on the boat to their various islands. They wanted to make sure we saw the box of "raman noodles" in the picture. They love that food!

Saying good-bye to them until we see them again next zone conference. The missionaries use this boat to come and go from the main island. They use it rain or shine. On the way in to the main island they said they were drenched from head to toe from a rain storm. Our Chuuk Elders are a pretty hardy bunch!

For Valentines Day Sister Dowdle had the sisters for lunch and an afternoon of cooking. Sister's Anitema and Koivi made granola bars and Sister Smibert and To'a made Valentine sugar cookies to take to less actives or investigators Then we all decorated them. The sisters get hungry while they are working hard outside. They said that they will carry the bars in their bags to snack on. It's always fun to be with the sisters. Some of our sisters are serving on other islands and can't get to Guam. Sister Dowdle wishes we could have them all together at once.
We'll take what ever we can get.

Sister Smibert and Sister To'a

Barrigada Guam Stake

2010-12-25T21:54:00.000-08:00

The Barrigada Guam Stake was created December 12th 2010 by L. Tom Perry. If you want to know more, please go to: www.lds.org. Go to news room and then world report. You will see an interview done by the local tv station.

Comings and Goings

2010-12-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

Humanitarian Service

We were in Chuuk recently for the presentation of a desalination unit given to the people of Chuuk from the Church's humanitarian department. This unit turns ocean water into drinkable water. Since the only way the people can get water is from rain, this unit will be a blessing for them when doesn't rain. Here the members are arriving for the meeting by water taxi.

Bill Davis presented the key for the unit to the Governor.

The locals didn't really believe it until they tasted it.

Bill Davis, Elder Stevenson, Governor Semana, and President Dowdle in front of the unit.

That's real drinking water

It tastes really good.

We also had the dedication of the new Sapwalap Chapel in Pohnpei. The celebration lasted Saturday with cultural activities and Sunday for the actual dedication. Friday night we gathered for a dinner for the local church leadership. We love these members.

Saturday was the big celebration. Each branch performed their customary dance and song. It was really fun.

Here are our November departing missionaries the night before they went home to their families. They left us the night before Thanksgiving. I'll bet their families were thankful to have them home. They blessed our mission with their service.

We also received new missionaries the next day and were able to have thanksgiving with them.
They even helped carve the turkey.

Sister Miyazaki cooking the gravy

The sisters helping with the cooking

... and cleaning

... and eating

32 missionaries...33 + lbs of turkey 20+ lbs of potatoes... it was ALL gone. It sure was good.

This coming Sunday will be a historic day in Guam with the new stake being created by Elder L. Tom Perry. Stay tuned for details.

NOW HEAR THIS

2010-10-12T15:52:00.001-07:00

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY HAS APPROVED THE CREATION OF BARRIGADA GUAM STAKE. ELDER L. TOM PERRY OF THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES WILL VISIT GUAM ON DECEMBER 11-12 TO CREATE THE STAKE. THIS HAS COME ABOUT BECAUSE OF MANY YEARS OF HARD WORK, FAITH AND DEDICATION BY MEMBERS AND MISSIONARIES ALIKE.
WHEN IT WAS ANNOUNCED ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 10TH, THE MEMBERS SPONTANEOUSLY CHEERED, CLAPPED AND CRIED!!! WE HOPE YOU CAN FEEL OF OUR EXCITEMENT FOR THIS LONG AWAITED DAY!!!

A Full Schedule

2010-09-07T19:03:00.001-07:00

August was a busy month with zone conferences, leadership training, zone leader counsel, and specialized training. Here is some of what happened:

We trained and ...

practiced and...

and practiced to help learn the new concepts.

Made some time to do some service ....

Received more training and ...

More practice and ...

Eating ...

Elders Lyman and Barlow taught us how to experience a Tim Tam Slam ... First you have to have a cup full of hot chocolate...

Then you get a package of Tim Tam cookies. There are two cookies put together with chocolate in between.

You bite off the ends of the cookie ... an important step for the slam.

getting ready for the slam ...

Slamming involves dunking the cookie in hot chocolate long enough for the chocolate inside the cookie to melt ...

Then eating up the melted delicious cookie with a taste of hot chocolate!!!!! It is very yummy.!!!

Then more training ...

More practicing and ...

And more eating!

We love every minute we spend with the missionaries.

CHANGE

2010-07-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

Saipan

The church has announced changes in missions world wide. We will be having zone conferences with our missionaries once a quarter instead of once a transfer. President's interviews will be once a quarter as well. We will have two new meetings. "Leadership Training" will be held every other month and "Specialized Training" will be held every month. This will give us more opportunity do the work with our missionaries in their companionships. We are excited for that. More finding, teaching, etc...Just when you think you knew the schedule!!! Here are some pictures of our June zone conferences.

Guam

Yap

Palau

Kosrae

Chuuk

Pohnpei

Better Late Than Never

2010-06-26T00:22:00.001-07:00

Better to be late posting than never to post at all right?
Well, we're a little late but wanted to post about our wonderful visit with Elder and Sister D. Todd Christofferson in May. They came to Guam, accompanied by Elder and Sister Gary E. Stevenson, to spend time with the saints and our missionaries. Here are a few of the events that took place.

We went to Chuuk so that Elder Christofferson could dedicate the new Mwan Chapel there. It is the first time a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has ever visited Chuuk. Members arrived at the airport dressed in white to greet him. As we were going through customs, we could hear some singing outside but couldn't see anything yet. We heard "We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet". It filled the building, but more than that our eyes with tears and hearts with anticipation. What a wonderful way to begin.

We had a luncheon with the Chuukese government officials where Elder Christofferson presented them with a framed copy of "The Proclamation on the Family". He also announced the donation by the Church of a large capacity desalination system to the people of Chuuk.

A highlight for the missionaries was a special missionary meeting.

Some pictures of the chapel that he dedicated.

From there we went to the island of Romanum to see the members there. One of our members had a baby girl she named after Sister Dowdle

Great memories that we will not soon forget.

God's Army

2010-06-02T03:50:00.000-07:00

President Dowdle leading his mighty and strong zone leaders.

Here they are... after a great day at zone leader counsel!

Weaving in Yap or "Lava Lava Anyone?"

2010-05-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

We were recently in Yap for Zone and District Conference.

After conference we made our way up to Matthew and Margarita's home so she could show us how they make Lava Lavas. In Yap, the lava lavas are worn mainly by the "Outer Islanders". They use them every day and give them as gifts for deaths and weddings. You should always have plenty on hand. As we arrived we were a little distracted by the children playing with live land crabs.

We made our way into their home. Matthew and Margarita are new converts to the church in Yap. She usually has a lava lava in production most days. It takes her all day to make one if she doesn't have many distractions. Once she has the threads in the pattern she wants, she puts them on the loom.

Here she is getting the thread started onto the loom.

When the lava lava is done it will look like the one she's wearing.

Notice how she uses her body, even her toes to put the threads on the loom.

She uses a special woven belt around her back that hooks to the loom with rope.

She puts the thread in perfect order,

and starts to weave the threads on the loom.

She is folding up the loom and putting it away until next time. The threads remain on the loom.

Lava lavas can be made out of any colors of thread and are often bright and colorful.

Hafa Henry

2010-04-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

This is a man loving known as Hafa Henry! (blue shirt). He is well known and loved by our missionaries. He is a Chomorro man who lives on the south part of the island and goes to the Talisay Branch. He knows many missionaries from many years back that have served in this mission. He loves our missionaries and takes good care of them. He keeps in touch with many that have left to go home. He LOVES to feed them, and they love to eat his food. He and his auntie Agi were kind enough to fix our lunch for zone conference.

They fixed a traditional chamorro meal including spare ribs, chicken, red rice with fenedeni sauce, salad, rolls and last but not least pecan pie. They fixed a whole pie for Sister Dowdle alone. Little did they know it's one of her favorites!!!

That's a lot of hungry missionary mouths to feed. Thanks Hafa Henry.

IT STARTED WITH A BIRTHDAY

2010-03-05T21:03:00.000-08:00

Eric Elley (a school teacher) has been investigating the church for 6+ years, and attends church regularly. We were in Kosrae with Elder and Sister Stevenson for Kosrae District Conference. Eric was present during the Priesthood session and while President Stevenson was speaking he turned to his friend Paul Nena and asked him this question..."Do they perform baptisms on Sunday"? Paul said, "lets find out". The next thing we knew Eric had found President Dowdle after the meeting and asked him the same question..."Do they perform baptisms on Sunday"?
"Yes", was the reply, "if the circumstances are right, of course we can". He answered: "Tomorrow is my birthday, I'd like to be baptized on my birthday".

Elder's Paton and Carter (above) happened to be standing there and overheard the entire conversation. Since it had been a while since Eric had been taught the lessons, the elders took him into a room and spent the next 1 1/2 hours reteaching him every lesson again to make sure he sill understood.

The next day, Sunday, after District Conference we held a baptism in the ocean. (There is a drought in Kosrae right now and there was no water to fill the font.)

A Happy Man, Elder and Sister Foote,(our senior couple and next door neighbors to Eric), with Elder and Sister Stevenson.

After the Baptism

A new member of God's true church

and Kosraean soup for all afterward

MERRY CHRISTMAS a little late

2010-01-24T21:15:00.000-08:00

We experienced something we dream of for all our missionaries and their families. It is so very difficult saying good-bye to departing missionaries after spending some of the most spiritual times of our lives together. Yet we know the joy of welcoming a family member back into our arms at the end of service. Talk about feeling extremes......
Here we are waiting in our usual spot for new arrivals. This time Sister Foote (senior couple) is there to play photgrapher

Here he comes...

WELCOME HOME ELDER DOWDLE!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR .... ENTERING PHASE II

2009-12-29T20:03:00.000-08:00

As of January 1st we are at the half way point of our mission. During this time we have found out that there are things we love about our mission, and things we definitely don't love.

We DON'T LOVE:

coach roaches, but we LOVE
PREMITHERIN. (the bottle)
We spray faithfully once a week.

We DON'T LOVE:
Departures!!. Here are a few of the missionaries we've said good-bye two in our time here. We love each one of them.

When the missionaries say good-bye on the islands, the missionaries arrive in Guam showered with flowers from the members.

Once they arrive at the mission home, they need to try on their suits that have been hanging in the closet for 2 years waiting for them. Some of them fit and some don't!!

We found that we LOVE:
Rainbows

... and island sunsets...

We absolutely LOVE:
Hard working missionaries. Yes that is Elder Hatch's big toe poking through his shoe. His parents sent him a new pair. They wear out (both their shoes and themselves) in the service of the Lord

We love seeing lives change for the better. We love watching investigators enter the waters of baptism and come out members!!
We love the gospel of Jesus Christ and the change it makes in the the lives of us all, both missionaries and members. None of us will ever be the same.
Now on to phase II

FOOD, F.H.E., FUN and FAITH

2009-11-22T23:10:00.000-08:00

- FOOD -
For two zone conferences we talked about food. First we talked about the importance of healthy eating and during the second one, we all cooked together. The senior sisters on the islands came up with great recipes for the elders. We put them together in a cook book and fixed some recipes out of the book. Above is Elder Sears cooking a mexican dish.

Elder Cherrington and Matuauto

In Guam Elder Sears, Mabey,and Standage cutting up chicken for chicken curry.

Since most apartments have rice cookers, we learned to open cans, dump ingredients and push the on button. It doesn't get any easier for missionaries than that!! Some of the questions that were asked by the missionaries while learning to cook were:
1. What does drain mean?
2. How do you dice?
3. What is white sauce?

Elders in Siapan loving the food

Elder Tew ready to eat chicken curry

Elder Wood. We have some great cooks... even better eaters!!

- FAMILY HOME EVENING -

We were in Chuuk for District Conference. We had an extra night together with the missionaries. The senior couple, the Duncans, put together a family home evening for us where we played a great game of scripture chase.
Below they are on the edge of their seats waiting for the first scripture!

-FUN -

It's so fun to get together with the sisters. We had many of them in Guam for zone conference which is unusual. We were able to meet together - just the girls - in a sisters session of zone conference. Can you imagine the fun girls can have when we get to be together?

- FAITH -

We were filled with faith promoting experiences during our zone conference tour. President Dowdle taught about faith. He reminded us that Faith is:
l. an assurance of things hoped for, which are true.
2. Evidence of things not seen, and
3. A principle of action
We gain a witness of our faith after we try or (act), we must be focused on Christ, and sometimes it takes stepping out of the light into the darkness.

Kosrae below

Pohnpei

We were filled with faith as we traveled with Elder and Sister Choi. We traveled to Palau and then Yap for District and Zone Conference. He taught us how to learn. Serving a mission is the beginning of learning to align our lives with the Lord. Then:
1. We listen
2. We watch others and learn
3. We feel - when you feel the influence of the Holy Ghost, you are obligated to act on it.

Our Palau zone conference below

While in Yap we visited some branch members. This is the Ayin family at their home.

After District Conference we had a youth meeting

We had the wonderful experience of hosting Sister Dibb and Allred from the general auxiliary presidencies in Guam. Sister Dibb visited some of the Young Women in their homes. She strengthened these young women and reminded them of the importance of personal progress. She even signed off their accomplishments in their books. The girls were thrilled and honored to spend time with her.

There it is... the end of a 6 week transfer.

Since Last Zone Conference

2009-09-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

This is the young people in the Mwan branch. The church did a humanitarian project for the Chuuk schools. They put together backpacks for the students, first grade to Jr. High. The young men/young women put the packs together the night before,

with some missionary help, then..

Loaded them up ready to deliver

Loaded and ready to go... the backpacks are there under the missionary's, I promise

The rewarding part was handing them out at the schools.

I thought it would be fun to show you some of the english words the children are learning.

Are they cute or what...they didn't really understand what was happening when we handed them their packs, they didn't understand our English, but it didn't take them long to catch on.

The church provided over 500 backpacks filled with school items for children in Mwan, from 1st grade to Jr. High age. The following days we had many mothers of the children come up to us in restaurants and on the streets thanking us for what we had done for the children. What a great feeling.

BLESSINGS

2009-09-08T22:44:00.001-07:00

This is Elder Stanley in Palau. During our last few zone conferences we have been discussing and reminding our missionaries of the standards in the "Missionary Handbook". As we were all reading from it, I noticed that Elder Stanley had a cover on his. On his cover was the word "Blessings". When we follow that standards outlined in the missionary handbook, they become our blessings. Our obligation as missionaries is to understand and live the principles and standards taught in it. We have the promise that we will be protected physically and spiritually as we do. As missionaries we strive to live the higher laws taught by Jesus Christ. We are then blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Thanks for reminding us of our blessings Elder Stanley!!!

So Much to Blog, So Little Time... long post

2009-08-14T01:06:00.000-07:00

Here we are on the mission boat on our way out to the island of Romanum to dedicate the new chapel. Elders from left to right: Ulmer, Mitton, Tuitianu, and Ako. Kerfin Dien on the right just got his mission call and was called to the Marshall Islands mission.

Elder Sorensen and South

Arriving at the chapel in Romanum

As we made our way through a path, this is what we saw. All the primary children and their leaders dressed in white waiting for us, singing primary and Chuukese songs to greet us.

What a beautiful sight. We had lumps in our throats and tears in our eyes.

An open house was held before the dedication for all the locals to come and see the new building. Missionaries and local leaders were waiting for them. Elder's Ako and Matuato are teaching a interested local man, aided by Xerxes Kata, of the Sapuk branch presidency.

Then on to the next week. This is our couples conference. We have 6 couples right now. We consider working with them one of choicest blessings. Our office couple wasn't in this picture. This was our last conference with Elder and Sister Hopoate. It was a great conference, but it was hard to say good-bye to them.

After the conference we were all able to go to dinner together. It was an amazing sight seeing them all together and feeling of their strength.

Next we really did say good-bye to Elder and Sister Hopoate. They came to our house for the last time and we had a meal with the mission presidency. We will miss their leadership, thier intimate knowledge of the island people and their ways, and their way of showing their love to all people.

After that we had our zone leader council. This is all our zone leaders and assistants. From back left: Sister Dowdle, President Dowdle, Elders Bunderson, Carter, Davis, Whitehead, Wells, Dold, Varo, Terriipaia, Walpole, Brown. Front row: Elder's Sorensen, Acton, Parker, Lange, Whetten, Paton, Taufa, and Hill.

Learning together

We had an activity where the elder's had to hold on to someone's hand with each hand. They had to untangle the knot without breaking the chain.

They were blindfolded while doing it.

Once they did it blindfolded, then they had to do it without blindfolds... This proved to be more challenging.

They never did get untangled. The lesson learned was not to lean on the arm of flesh, but to listen to the spirit.

After a great zone leader council, we went bowling for a fun activity.

Elder Dold showing his championship form.

President Dowdle, Elder's Lange, Whetten and Taufa taking a needed break

Elder's Brown, Bunderson, Acton and Whitehead relaxing

Elder's Sorensen and Varo, waiting for their turn.

Elder Whitehead, President Dowdle, Elder's Brown and Lange. During this time we also held our zone conferences through out the mission. We will post those next...

Successes and Inspirations

2009-07-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

Each quarter our mission sends out a newsletter filled with experiences the missionaries are having. Our mission is spread out so far that often times the missionaries don't get to share in each other's experiences. We call it "Successes and Inspirations." I thought I would share some of the experiences the missionaries are having as they seek to do the work the Lord's way.

Seeking Families - You Get What You Go For - Elder Hill writes:

"We met at Robert's house, (a new convert) and Reuban and Mitchell and their family happened to be there. We watched 'The Mountain of the Lord' with them and when it got to the part when they showed the inside of the Salt Lake Temple, they loved it. Mitchell had such a big smile on her face. We talked about how families can be together forever. Her eyes lit up and she asked Robert if they could could go to church with them this Sunday. The spirit was just so strong! Mitchell and Reuban asked if they had to be married to be baptized. We told them yes and explained and he said 'good, I thought that would be a good question to ask...' Mitchell had gone outside and came back in for the closing prayer. When she came in she was crying. Reuban and Mitchell decided right then to get married so they can be baptized and work towards going to the temple. All three of us were just full of smiles and I know that the Spirit was present in this lesson.

Finding and Teaching by the Spirit - Elder Maybe writes:

Last Sunday I decided to fast that we would be able to set up a baptismal date with someone, and today my many prayers and fasting were answered. When I fasted I didn't even have anyone particular in mind that we were teaching. I just knew if I fasted and put my trust in the Lord he would provide a way. Well, this week a Palauan couple we have been teaching Jack and Sariah, have just taken off. They read the Book of Mormon together, they talk about what we have taught and they talk about the feeling of the Spirit. We owe much of this success to Brother Konneh who came with us to teach them and bore a powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon and the Church. The Power of members is real and the power of fasting is real. I know it, for I have seen it. I can already see more happiness in their lives, they have a great light about them now. They are both excited to come to church and are excited to be baptized.

Personal Revelation - Elder Carter writes:

Looking back upon my study journals and notes from meetings I saw a pattern in my life that I had never seen before. I like the words of Nephi best in describing it as found in 2 Nephi 28:30. The Lord teaches us 'line upon line, and precept upon precept...' by looking back on my records I have seen how the Lord, in his own way has taught me principles of revelation, even since before my mission. I can now look back and see what I initially took for granted as my own thoughts and see that the Lord directed them and through them have taught me. The records I have kept are now very precious to me because in them I find the whisperings of the wisdom of the Lord and as I read them I receive more light and knowledge. Journals and record keeping have now taken a completely new meaning for me.

Book of Mormon - Elder Bridgewaters writes:

We had a tender mercy this last week when we were in a three-some. Friday morning we went to a graduation because some members asked us to take pictures. So as we sat back, this man walked up to us, sat down next to us and out of a plastic bag he had in his hand, he pulls out a worn triple combination and says 'this book is amazing, its really good'. He went on to tell us he had read it six or seven times already. The man's name is Sasaki George and he was actually a referral from Joab Mongkeya. He already had a testimoney of the Book of Mormon. I couldn't keep the smile off my face. God Loves us.

Sister Loeak says:

When I teach and share scriptures I can feel myself that I make my people understand. They love reading the Book of Mormon as we read with our investigators. Last week we read with James and Maryann's family. All of them read and write what they learn. James, the father is reading 2 Nephi 27 now; he was sharing something he likes and feels that the Book of Mormon is more clear to understand. Maryann's reading 1 Nephi 13, she was saying that something whispering to her ears to pick up the pamphlet of the Restoration and read it and compare to what she read from 1 Nephi 13. Then when we or Sister Waetford pulled out the pamplet of the Restoration and asked her to read all the questions in the back she was shocked and told us that she read it before we came.

Making and Keeping Commitments - Sister Waetford writes:

This week we also talked with the family about prayer and how we say it properly. The children are fantastic at praying, always volunteering to pray. In discussing with this family about things we can mention in our prayers, the parents commented on their youngest sons how they always pray for food and a car. They always pray for these things and the family giggled at this young child's faithful prayer. I shared an experience of a family in Yap, how the young children constantly prayed for a car but the Father did not believe. After a year or two, the family received a car. I saw our family we were teaching that their attitude changed and they even encouraged the youngest sons to keep praying. When we went back to visit the family this week, they had great news! By miraculous design, they received a car from a relative. I was so excited and happy for them and gave a prayer of gratitude to our Father in Heaven. As I watched the excitement of the family's new addition, I heard the older son say "see Reanjay (the younger brother), it's because of your prayers we have a car."

June Zone Conferences

2009-07-04T23:35:00.000-07:00

We were sitting outside waiting for turns for president interviews and the zone leaders returned from the post office. It was letter day!!! This is always a great day in Chuuk because sometimes there are problems getting mail. Some missionaries have waited up to 5 weeks for a letter from home. The reason is because there have been power outages in the post office and the workers can't go through all the incoming mail. The missionaries are forced to wait and wait. This was a good day for letters. Even our senior couple received letters!!

Chuuk Zone Conference. We've started holding them at the Hotel where we stay, The Blue Lagoon. It has air conditioning (sweet). One of the missionarys had the idea for all of us to hold Book of Mormons. He said we should try to get it in the Ensign or Liahona. Watch and see if we get in!!!

Guam Zone Conference... our biggest

Saipan Zone Conference

Kosrae Zone Conference

The Palau Zone with Pres. and Sister DeVallie as a bonus. He is a counselor to Pres. Dowdle

Pohnpei zone conference, taken just outside the chapel.

Yap zone conference was held in two parts. The second part we came fasting. After a spiritual zone conference we all went and had a meal together This is outside the restaurant. I hope all the mom's were able to get a good look at their wonderful missionaries. We love them, and love working with them.

LETS TALK FOOD

2009-07-02T01:08:00.001-07:00

The elder's in Kosrae asked one of the branch sisters to prepare "local food" for zone conference. Here it is...

Here we have taro, (brown) breadfruit, (yellow)

Kosraen tangerines, (yum) rice, (a staple) and sukiaki, (made with papaya)

a local soup and a basket of coconuts to drink. The baskets are made for special occasions and are made out of palm fronds.

Elder Paton showing off his fish head.

Hawaii is supposed to be the Spam capital of the world. Well Guam has to be a close second. This is the "Costco" type store and they have long aisle's of it. It goes on,..

and on,...

and on....!!!!!

This is the meat department in the local grocery store

We have yet to eat turtle, dog, or turkey tail. We have no plans to do it and we counsel our missionaries to avoid it as well.
Bon appetit!!!!!

Interesting....

2009-06-03T00:50:00.000-07:00

This is our landing strip in Pohnpei... Can you see it in the distance...?

Yep, there it is!!! It would have been better for me had we never taken these pictures.... Can you see why?

Amazing and Wonderful....

2009-06-01T02:26:00.000-07:00

This is the Wolford Family. The whole family was baptised together. It's very rare to baptise an entire family.. They are joined by the Elder's who helped baptise.... Elder Brown (far left), Elder Lange (second from right), and Elder Hill (far right). This is why we are here, This is what it's all about!! After the service Brother Wolford said "I know it is true (with a huge smile on his face) because I feel it right here, as he put his hand up to his heart!!!!

OUR UNIQUE MISSIONARIES

2009-05-18T02:21:00.000-07:00

This is Elder Ako from Hawaii. He came into the mission singing beautifully and has been singing ever since. As we talked about our favorite foods and told him what he would be eating on Chuuk... he turned to us and said "Oh thats me, pointing to the right side of his body... SPAM... then pointing to the left side of his body... RICE... so we affectionately refer to him as Elder Spam and Rice.

Elder's from left... Tuiatano, Mifale'o, South and Ulmer. Elder South is the newest missionary in this photo and is getting help on his Chuukese language packet from Elder Ulmer as they wait their turn for interviews after zone conference. Our missionaries are really supportive of each other.

Elder Standage arrived wearing the exact suit his father had worn on his mission to Norway 20+ years earlier, vest and all. It fit him like a glove. I was so touched, I had to take this picture.

The tall and the short of it!!!!. I think Elder Fahey is 6'7". He's one of the tallest in the mission.

Two new posts: coconuts and gas

2009-04-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

In Kosrae we learned how to husk coconuts. Never been a fan of coconut. From left, Elder's Paton, Hopoate (area seventy) Wilson, Carter, President Dowdle and Elder Foote (senior couple).
With a coconut, you can drink the juice. I like it... don't love it. Coconut milk in almost any recipe is really good. You can eat it plain or you can shred it. Never thought I would say this, but YUM. It's really good

President Dowdle being coached by Elder Hopoate

Elder Wilson attempting to break it open

Elder Carter with Elder Hopoate

The Happy Tongan as we call him showing us his husked coconut

Once it's opened, you can shred it. President Dowdle sitting on a shredding stool, starting to shred...

We first learned how to do it by visiting the Jim family...

We tried... then sister Jim got to work and had the whole thing shredded in 30 seconds.

Still working...

The elder's enjoying the fruits of their labors.

Buying Gas...

2009-04-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

Buying Gas on the islands is a treat. Here in Kosrae we told them we needed a couple of gallons and this is what we got...

They carry the gas in old wesson oil jars. They ended up selling us more than we needed so they saved the extra. The next time our senior couple drove by they stopped them and added it to their tank.

I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT LIKE...

2009-02-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

I thought you might like to see how breadfruit is made. This is a sister in Chuuk in her kitchen. She has a plate full of breadfruit that was picked and made ready to cook.

They take the breadfruit and cook it over an open fire until it is ready to pound

After it is cooked, they put it on this board. There are huge palm leaves under the board. They pound it and manipulate it kind of like kneading bread. It takes a lot of sweat and muscle. The fruit is really hot while they do this.

Here is it finished!! If you look closely or double click, you can see a closer view and actually see the steam coming off of it. It's not bad tasting either. It tastes kinda of bland, like a potatoe.

More catching up.... an island baptism

2009-02-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

This is an island baptism. We are approaching the island by boat.

Here come our zone leaders Elder's Hill (sitting) and Fox to the baptism.

Elder Matuauto gave a great talk on baptism

Jay Jay was baptized by his branch president. We arrived by the boat in the background. We transferred to the smaller boat when the water got to shallow.

Just like kids everywhere, as soon as the baptism is over they have to jump into the ... font... I mean ocean to splash around

When it's time to go home, all the branch members pile in the ... taxi... and head home to their island

December in the mission field...

2009-02-02T21:59:00.001-08:00

December was a very busy month. We started out with zone conferences. We presented each missionary with a clean paperback copy of the Book of Mormon. We had them highlight: 1. Each reference to Jesus Christ. 2. His words 3. His attributes and 4. The doctrines and principles contained in the Book of Mormon. It was a life changing experience as we were enlightened about all the precious truths that are in the book. We learned the the Savior's name or any pronouns referring to Him are mentioned more than 5000 times.

CHUUK

KOSRAE

PALAU

YAP

SIAPAN

POHNPEI

On Christmas Eve we had the Guam missionaries to the mission home. We had a little something to eat, a message from President Dowdle and some caroling to our neighbors. We all enjoyed being together.

THEN...

OUR FAMILY CAME...

We enjoyed our family and missionaries for Christmas... THEN...

We had transfers. We hate this part. These are 6 of our best missionaries that went home. Elder's Thacker, Bentley, Roberts, Flannigan and Bellitti. More about departures later... yuk. After that...

This is our District President's conference where all the District Presidents came into Guam from their islands and had a weeks worth of training and uplift. Each one of these men are spiritual examples for the people on their islands and have great faith to move the work forward here and establish the church. Well that's about it for December.

January Zone Conferences

2009-02-02T21:15:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a long time since we've blogged. This is just the first of some serious catch up sessions. More to follow very soon. We focused more on our Book of Mormon challenge.

January zone conference in Chuuk (above)

... in Guam.

January zone conference in Kosrae with Elder's Saunders, Paton, Bridgewaters, Wilson and Carter. President and Sister Jonathan joined us this day. He is the District President in Kosrae. He and his wife are wonderful people.

January zone conference in Palau with Elder's (left to right) Taufa, Wood, Shuler and Mabey. Also in the picture are Elder and Sister Westergard and Elder and Sister Dahl (area medical adviser)

We just love it when our zone's get together and prepare a special musical number for zone conference. Music always brings the spirit into the meeting

Pohnpei zone conference. You may think all our zone conference pictures are starting to look alike. We have to put the "official zone conference" picture in so everyone can see their missionaries. The faces really do change from time to time if you look close.

Siapan zone conference. Elder's (from left to right) Fahey, Vankomen, Tingey and Loughmiller before zone conference begins, picking out a hymn.

Our cute sisters during zone conference: Sister Phillips, Hamblin and Bandag!!!! We just love them

.... in Yap. It was great. It was a treat having Dr. and Sister Dahl along to give the missionaries some great advise on their health and cleanliness. President Buchun, (far right) the District President in Yap also joined us for the day.

Korea Mission President's Seminar

2008-11-30T01:01:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Seoul to a snow storm! We left Guam with 85 degrees and arrived in Korea at 32 degrees. I never got warm. The only thing that helped was a cup of hot chocolate at the seminar to warm up my hands.

We were able to take a tour of the Secret Garden in Seoul where Kings and Queens lived during the Korean dynasties. It was amazingly peaceful and beautiful.

These beautifully dressed women from the Church's Korea Administration Office served us lunch. These are their traditional Korean dresses.

Here we are with (from left to right) Elder and Sister Choi, Elder and Sister Stevensen, Elder and Sister Clayton, President and Sister Dowdle, Elder and Sister Oaks, Elder and Sister Evans and Elder and Sister Dahl.

This is outside the Seoul Temple. We've felt so blessed to be able to spend time in the Temple. We don't have one YET, in Guam. Someday.....

The Daniels are mission presidents in the Sopporo Japan mission. We met them at the MTC in June and were able to rekindle our friendship in Seoul that now feels like old friends.

This is President and Sister Jennings from the Busan Korea mission. We also met them in the MTC in June. They are famous... their son is Ken Jennings of Jeopardy! fame

A Guam Missionary Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T00:22:00.001-08:00

We invited all Guam missionaries to the mission home for Thanksgiving. We had a total of 30 people with Elders, Sisters, and Seniors. We had a great time being with our missionaries. The food wasn't bad either. Before the meal we had each Elder stand up and say one thing they were thankful for. Here are some of the responses we got.
Food,
Family,
the chance to serve the Lord,
the Atonement
Ice cream
Family
Missionaries
Food
my Mother
and
Food

The upper picture is Sister Roberts and Devi cutting up the potatoes for mashed potatoes. We cut up a whole bag plus 10 extra large potatoes. They were all but gone at the end of the meal.

President Dowdle getting butter ready for the tables

Elders from left to right, Dold, Bentley, Call and Tew. Elder Whitehead is at the piano.
entertaining us before dinner

The turkey came out of the oven and Elder Davidson is getting it cut up before we eat.

Brother and Sister Hendricks were a great help as well. She has a lot of wisdom of how to do things. She gave me the idea of cooking the turkey in a bag. I'd never done it like that before. It was tasty, cooked faster and had a wonderful golden color. I'll totally do it again.

This is Sister Davidson's ribbon jello salad. It takes 8 hours to make!!! It was not only beautiful but tasty. We just had to take a picture of it.

Elder Harris loves any food. He is very easy to please.

Pie was next. The missionaries didn't have a problem finding more room for desert. Elder's Galleguillos, Tew,and Cherrington...loving the pumpkin pie.

Elder Webster enjoying his as well...

Elder Loughmiller enjoying every last bite....

BYE BYE TOOTS

2008-11-16T23:19:00.000-08:00

We pause for a brief moment from our mission to say good-bye to a good friend. Our dog Tootsie left us for a better place this last week. She lived with us for 18 years. Tom was 18 months old when we got her. She was a gentle little thing!!!... She went by Tootsie, Toots and the Took. She fit our family and we will surely miss her. Here are some pictures of her for the last time... We all loved her. It was hard to say goodbye from 8,000 miles away. Bye Tootsie!!!!

October Zone Conferences..

2008-10-31T17:41:00.000-07:00

We started out in Kosrae. The area doctor and his wife Elder and Sister Dahl traveled with us for a part of this conference. They were there make themselves available to the missionarys; to answer any medical questions they might have and to give some great advise. The missionary's in Kosrae suprised us with a homemade missionary dinner during the conference. We were so suprised and excited to see what great cooks they were. They had made 2 salads, spaghetti, crab, and they even had a bowl of fresh Kosraen banannas and tangerines. Yum, it was delicious. Way to go Elders!!!

Pohnpei Zone... The church is growing at a fast pace in Pohnpei. The zone is growing to keep up with the work. It was a uplifting and spiritual zone conference

Chuuk Zone.. The work is moving forward in Chuuk. We love this island with all of it's great challenges. These missionary's don't just handle them, they thrive on them. Zone conference was wonderful. Sister Warner out does herself every conference by preparing great food for all of us.

Palau Zone... Small zones are intimate and the elders are really close. It's wonderful to share spiritually with them.

Yap Zone... We were happy to have President and Sister Del Valle with us. He is President Dowdle's counselor in the mission presidency. They are a delight, and we enjoy them so much.

Guam Zone... our biggest. We feasted on the word together. President Dowdle taught about faith. We learned what it meant to have an assurance of faith (Hebrews 11: 1)

Siapan Zone...It doesn't matter which island, we are happiest when we are with our elders and sisters.!!!

Missionaries From Chuuk

2008-10-25T23:11:00.001-07:00

This is Elder Kuss (pronounced Koos)

This is elder Kata

This is Elder Stanley

These three Elders live in our mission boundries on the island of Chuuk. They got their mission calls to our mission. They are wonderful young men. Knowing that the elders would have no means to buy mission clothes, the mission provided them with a few things. The branch on Chuuk bought them each a suitcase. When they arrived at the Chuuk airport to leave, one of the elders didn't have his suitcase. He said he left it home because he didn't have anything to put in it, not knowing they would get clothing when they arrived. They literally left with just the clothes on their back, humility, faith, testimonys and a determination to serve the Lord.
We also provided them each with a set of sheets they would need for their missions. They had never slept with sheets and we had to even teach them how to pronouce the name S-H-E-E-T.
They slept at the mission home for one night then flew out to the Phillippines to the MTC there. The morning they left, they commented on how cold it was during the night. We had left the air conditioning on for them. They weren't used to air conditioning and didn't know that they could sleep under the covers, in the sheets on their beds.

They returned to us this week after 3 weeks in the MTC. When I asked Elder Kuss how is liked his MTC experience he said "we never saw the sky". The Chuukese people live outside for the most part and so being in a building for 3 weeks was quite an adjustment for these elders. They are in the field now. They will be an asset to this mission with their native language as a huge help to our mission.
I also want to thank Brad and his family for thier family service project in providing the white shirts for these and future incoming missionaries and members.

Pohnpei relief society activities...

2008-10-22T02:36:00.000-07:00

We were in Pohnpei and drove to see a chapel in Sapwalap. The missionaries motioned us accross the way to see the relief society sisters making grass skirts

The skirts are made out of hibiscus trees and then stipped, soaked and dried.

The sisters told us (me and Sister Riding) that they would teach us how to make them on one of next visits. I can't wait...

September Zone Conference... Pohnpei,Chuuk,Palau, & Yap and Guam/Siapan

2008-09-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

Guam was our first stop on our mission tour with Elder and Sister Evans. This is our biggest group. Elder Hopoate our area Seventy is on the far right. We call him the Happy Tongan. He is very loved on these islands. Is this an incredible sight or what?!!! We have the best missionaries hand down. The greatest white shirts anywhere, and beautiful sisters!!!

Elder and Sister Miller (left) with 4 elders on Yap. Elder Evans on right.

Palau Elders. Only 4, but 4 great Elders!!! Palau is another beautiful island. More pictures later. (Don't want to give all away at once you know!!)

Chuuk Elders! They live in pretty rough conditions. They have our love and respect.

Our missionaries in Pohnpei. Elder and Sister Evans in the middle. We love our Pohnpei missionaries!! I didn't forget Kosrae, it's just below.

...September Zone Conference Kosrae...

2008-09-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

Outside the senior couples home. Right on the beach. Is this really a mission or just heaven.

Our lives revolve around a 6 week schedule starting with zone conferences. This is where we get to travel to the islands, visit our missionaries and have zone conference. We started in Kosrae with Elder and Sister Evans (middle). This was the last time we saw Elder and Sister Ricks as they have now been released (boo hoo) We love our missionaries and the time we spend with them. We love Kosrae. You can see why!

pohnpei crafts

2008-09-23T02:14:00.000-07:00

This man works at the wood carving shop. He sits in the front of the shop. The young apprentices sit way in the back. He is showing me the turtle he made for me. The top of the turtle comes off. The craftsmanship is wonderful and the turtle is very heavy!

... This is President Paulis. He is carving a boat for the Senior couple. He is in the
District Presidency

They carve all kinds of wonderful pieces that they sell.

Playing catchup for all the blogging I've missed...

2008-09-23T01:24:00.001-07:00

When we eat in Pohnpei we like to eat at the Joy Hotel. It's always the same... the forks are to big to put in your mouth and the spoons are to small... why..... I don't know.... just sharing the culture!!!

AAAHHH....It's good to be blogging again...

2008-09-23T00:50:00.001-07:00

One of the major hurdles for many members getting to church on the islands is transportation. They either don't have cars, the cars they have don't work, or it's too far to walk. Often times the elders will help carry children the 10 mile trip to get to church. In this village the members just weren't coming so they asked permission to hold sacrament meeting in their village called Nett (pronounced Netch) They were given permission and the first week had 50 people there. The next couple of weeks produced 64 with 15 priesthood brotheren (yea). A few weeks after that they held a baptism where 8 people were baptised. The church is growing in Nett. This is the building where they were holding sacrament meeting.
DIRT FLOORS

These men are trying to hurry and build a home on the same property so that the branch members will have somewhere to meet.

We were in Pohnpei with the Elders looking at a new meeting place for a new branch. I heared water running and wondered what was behind the curtain. I was given permission to look. This woman is doing her wash just feet from where the home is being built. Given the way she was scrubbing her clothes on the rock, I was sure they were cleaner than mine!!! She is soaking wet from head to toe.

2008-08-09T23:29:00.000-07:00

The local children love to have their pictures taken.....

.....so do the elders.........

2008-08-09T23:01:00.000-07:00

President Dowdle holding a Chuukese baby. These babies are so cute over here. Can you stand it!!!

It doesn't matter what island we visit, the people will likely gift you with something, weather it is a coconut with fresh coconut juice or a Kosraen tangerine. Here Elder Warner has just been given some bananas right from the tree. I'm sure they took them right home, soaked them in clorox water and ate them right down. I think I've told everyone how absolutely delicious the bananas are. They are small and very sweet. Yum!! I love them. He is standing in front of the branch building we visited on an island called Tonoas.

do I dare....

2008-08-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

Honestly, do I dare try another blog page? The last one was so painful, but I started looking through my pictures, President Dowdle is in a meeting and I thought, well, I've got nothing to loose but my pride, so here goes nothing.!!!
This place is nothing short of amazing. It must be shared...... This is our first trip to Chuuk.
Elder Warner was acting as tour guide, President Dowdle and Sister Warner enjoying the scenery. We were highly encouraged to purchase hats, because one trip on the water and one can easily become a fried egg in no time. These little boys were out in their boat, maybe fishing, maybe playing.

First few weeks....

2008-07-23T00:06:00.000-07:00

I'm trying hard to figure out this blog process!!! As I do, I'm trying to figure out how to browse, post, compose etc.... please be patient while I work out the kinks. Without my help at home I've started over 10 times. Ok , I'm exaggerating but it feels more like 100. I'm a little behind in my posting because I've started over so many times. I've decided this one may be a little out of order. Bare with me and I'll eventually look like I know what I'm doing like the rest of you bloggers out there.
Our first few weeks have been incredible. We have been to all the islands and have seen some incredible things. First we started with our senior couples conference where we were able to meet the couples. WE LOVE OUR SENIOR COUPLES. (capitalizing it just doesn't say it strongly enough for how we feel about them.) Some of them live on the islands. First is Elder and Sister Hopoate. He is from Tonga, she from Hawaii. They are the area seventy here in Guam and are in charge of the seminary and institute programs here. Next are the Ridings, the Ricks', and the Warners. The Ridings are from California and started on Palau, but have since been transfered to Pohnpei. The Ricks are from Idaho and are serving on Kosrae. They started on Chuuk. The Warners are from ,...well everywhere, but for right now we will say Alaska. They live on Chuuk. They all teach seminary and institute there. The couples do so much to help the work move forward. I didn't realize just how important they were until I got here and saw all that they do. The help support the branches where they serve and bring with them years of developed gifts of leadership, experience and wisdom. They are a support system for our missionaries that can feel isolated as they serve alone on the islands. They will feed them from time to time and oh how our missionaries love them. They have been known to act as parents to these missionaries and we just couldn't do it without them, It's as simple as that. They are sweet and funny. I'm going on and on... I guess I better stop, but I think you get an idea of how we feel.
The last picture is Jessica and Victor, the first couple we were able to visit before their baptism. This is on their wedding day, one week before their baptism. Jessica's brother and sister both died, leaving her with their kids to raise. Her husband of 10 years left her over it. She and Victor have been together for 8 years. They are humble, wonderful people who will be a great asset to the church.

...more first weeks continued...

2008-07-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

Our first island visit was to Palau. We were with Elders Tingey, Johnson, Tuafa, and Mabey for zone conference after which they showed us a little of the island. Here are elders Tingey, Mabey and Taufa drinking coconut juice from fresh coconuts. Notice the sign that is in front of the church there. How many time do you see no Betel nut chewing posted on the front of the church. About 95% of the people there chew betel nut. It is a nut from a very common tree. It gives them a buzz when they chew. It also makes their mouths look like they are chewing blood. It is a very disgusting habit. They spit the juice everywhere. The people have to give up betel nut if they want to join the church.
The scenery is a view of Palau

firsts...

2008-07-22T23:29:00.000-07:00

These little kids did a dance for us in their front yard. It was quite entertaining.
They were practicing for the branch party the night we left.

The two in their whites are Rose and her daughter. They were baptized together. Both were very happy that day. Rose has read everything she can get her hands on. She even gave me $10 in church one day for an ensign magazine. I had to ask a sister in relief society to give hers up to Rose so she would have any peace.

They were baptized with Victor and Jessica. Most of the baptismal fonts are outside. It is really neat to be outside for a baptism.

Our MTC Expirience

2008-06-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

We just finished the first 4 days of our mission. We spent it at the MTC with 128 other Mission Presidents and their wives, assigned to places all over the world. It was a most incredible experience. We arrived on Saturday afternoon after saying our good-byes to our family.
As we walked through the front door of the MTC, we were handed our tags and instructed to put them on. It felt great to join the world wide missionary force.
We heard from the first presidency, and were surrounded with the 12 apostles and other general authorities every day. We heard from almost all of them, felt the change in our lives and hope to never be the same. We felt the importance the 12 put on missionary service by having them with us every day. On Monday evening we had the great opportunity of meeting 16 of our missionaries that we will be serving with for 2 years. These missionaries left for our mission on Tuesday morning. Their enthusiasm and missionary spirit were infectious. We expressed our love and excitement to serve with them. We were able to share our excitement for the work and our testimonies of the gospel. We are convinced that we have the best missionaries in the church!!!

We were also able to attend a fireside and devotional, sharing the evening with all the missionaries in the MTC. We sang our favorite missionary songs at the top of our lungs and still couldn't hear ourselves over the sound of the missionaries. It was so great, something we've looked forward to for a long time.

Our bags are now packed and ready to go. We leave for the airport first thing in the morning with the other mission presidents headed to our area. We stop in LA, then off to Tokyo for a day and a half more more traning with the area president, and will arrive in Guam on Saturday, begin our service on Sunday. We have felt the support and prayers of our friends and family and would ask for your continued prayers on our behalf. We are excited. Look up D&C 31: 3. Well keep you posted. Love President and Sister Dowdle

under 3 weeks and counting...

2008-06-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

So, Liz and Emily decided we needed a blog to help keep in touch with all of you from our mission. I think it's a great idea because I'm going to need to see what everyone else is doing while we are gone as well. We have less than 3 weeks to go before we leave for 4 days in the MTC for the mission presidents seminar. Then off to Toyko for the next day and a half training from the area president, then into Guam to meet with the outgoing mission president for 8 hours and our first day at Guam church, then we're on our own yikes!!!!

It has been a crazy 3 weeks so far starting with a phone call from Elder Todd Christofferson's office on my cell phone while I was in my favorite tap class, to 6 days later meeting in President Henry Eyring's office. We were reeling with just that much. Then what did we hear? Micronesia Guam.... my first thought was where is that???

Now with 3 whole weeks under our belt we have been poked and prodded with doctor and dentist appointments, lets just say there has been no stone unturned. We've had pictures taken, filled out forms that go on forever, met with phone tutors to learn Preach My Gospel, gone through storage, gone to the dump and to the D.I., planted flowers, pulled weeds, taken more pictures, had more shots, gone to the police station to make sure we were not felons, and oh yea tried to find time to study the gospel... I'm sure there is more, I just can't remember right now. By Wednesday we have to have our lives packed away so that the church can come in and box us up and send our stuff on the slow boat to China, oh I mean Guam.

In the next 3 weeks, we need to love the Grandbabies, eat our favorite foods, smell the roses, remember what our house looks like, get set apart, make sure we have everything we are going to need for the next 2 years and pack.

We will try our best with this blog to keep you all updated and we'll try to remember to make sure you know the details like what color the tile is in the bathroom. Wish us luck. !!!