Packages from Abe

Abe Young was in Fiji this week and had a few friends going over to Tonga so he sent Tyler 2 packages of candy to get him through the next 4 weeks. We Love you Abe!!!

Thank you for always looking out for Tyler and being such a good friend~

Tanner's Mission call 6/7/2015

First off I cannot believe he is really leaving on his mission!!! Second, I along with Shayler can tell him and testify that you are not called to a mission. You are called to a mission President and the people. I think he will love it!!! I hope I can go through the Temple with him but if he wants to do it before I get home that is fine too. I will just take him 3 times a week when I get home. I would love to have our Homecoming and Farewell together I think that would be awesome!!!

To fill you in on my week Kofe is back home and we are going over there in 30 min. I'm planning on inviting her sister. We'll see about the rest of the family. Kofe comes to every activity and is very strong! This week was really slow because of Stake Conference and everyone was to busy. 

Hey mom I'm sorry we are short on time today we are on our way to Kofe's house. But mom I love you and you raised one heck of a son. Tanner is the man and I can see the light from here. He will save many souls in Reno.

I love you all
Elder Swan   

This is it ~ 5/31/2015

Elder Felemi, Pres. and Lori Tupou and Elder Swan

Malo 'etau lava Fam bam!

So this week was crazy. Not much went on besides our same investigator who just has miracles going on in her life. We found out more of the Miracle but I'll tell you in 6 weeks.

So this girl Kofe Manoa was baptized on Saturday. She was planning on telling her mom afterward but we went to pick her up before the baptism and she ended up telling her mom right there in front of us. Her mom freaked out at her and wouldn't really talk to us after. Kofe was scared but she showed up at the baptism and it went really well and was very spiritual. Afterwards she was super quiet and I couldn't really tell what was wrong with her so we went and sat by her. She leaned to me and asked "do you think I made the right decision??" I looked at her and thought and then I asked her what she thought. She said "yes I believe it is right." I agreed with her and told her that she is now a light and an example to her family! She looked at me and said "Elder Swan, you know I'm scared right??" I told her I knew and as tears rolled down her face I just smiled and said " God is well pleased of you Kofe! Just trust in him. Lets go eat!!" She then laughed and we went to eat. As we were walking the second counselor knew what was going on and he reached out and talked to her and comforted her. I was so happy to FINALLY see someone reach out to her. So that is the good news. Later that night she text us and explained how scared she really is. We sent a few scriptures to comfort her then reminded her about church haha. She came to church and received the Holy Ghost! Again such amazing feelings were felt at that meeting. After the meeting she told me she was kicked out of her house and my heart broke. I didn't know what to say. But I did receive revelation while I was at church that we need to invite her family. So I told her that. She laughed and told us to go for it!!

Transfers came in last night. I've been praying for weeks to stay in this area again! Guess what!!?? I'm staying and finishing my mission here. These people have become my family. I couldn't think of anywhere else I would want to be. I have a lot to do here. I can't believe it's coming so close to an end.. 6 weeks is too fast but I'm right where God needs me and that is all I need.

I apologize that I am unable to put the feelings felt this past week into words. My English isn't great and never was, but I want you to know that This is Gods work and He is watching us in all we do.

I love you all!!

Elder Swan

Kofe's Baptism 5/30/2015

Kofe and Salina

Miracles 5/24/2015

Fam bam can you believe it has already been another week? That means 7 more!!! This week was great with two set backs.... 

Starting off Tuesday morning was a trip to the hospital at 7 in the morning. Mom you already know the results so no need to share them with anyone else. Those of you who don't know anything don't worry about it :) things are great. After the hospital was our district meeting and what a surprise... President Tupou and his wife surprised us!! Haha at least we were all prepared and it was a very good meeting and the spirit taught us wonders. 

Wednesday was a companion exchange in which I went with Elder Tangi and Felemi went with Elder Manuofetoa. It was a good day and we got some potential investigators. Felemi and Manu went and checked on Folita who was supposed to be interviewed that day.. Well they went to her house and the people she stays with chased them away and she said she doesn't want to be baptized anymore. We have no idea what happened and are hearts are broken for this girl. I hope we were able to plant a seed.

Now to the miracle part of the week. Kofe. Kofe is a miracle. We came in contact with her in a miraculous way and throughout the past 3 weeks miracle after miracle have taken place. One night we received a text saying her mom doesn't want us to teach her again. She said she wants to continue but her mom won't let her. Well, she invited us over again and we continued, she asked what she should do and all we could think of was to invite her to ask God because He won't lead her astray and he will tell her exactly what to do. Well the next night we got another text. She said something like this "Tears of joy!! I am so grateful to have met you two and all the things you've shared with me. I can honestly say I've received my answer." We were beyond excited!! In just a matter of 3 weeks she has conquered smoking, family problems, and many temptations. To us she is not only a miracle but an example and a light in this sinful world swan diving (that's kinda ironic... Swan diving downward... Hahaha)  downward into darkness. She is one of Gods elect. She's one of the "honest seekers" of truth.  The next miracle happened last night. Another text comes in saying "my mom wants to apologize for what she said and she wants you to know that you two are welcome anytime. " Now we have ins with the family! She's been such a good example to her family they have accepted us and hopefully we can teach them really soon!! 

Last night I got to talk to Siale Tupou who was one of my first baptisms in Tofoa! He's so funny and finally I can understand him and talk with him haha. He is awesome and doing well!! His grandma who is from Koloa Vava'u is in Tofoa so I got to talk with all of them. I love that little family! 

As for Io'apa Save he is still trying to quit smoking. He's doing well and has gone from a pack a day to only 2 or 3 a day. He is progressing and he knows he can do it. He's planning on stopping by the end of the month!! We love these people here. I love them!! 

That's it for this week. I love you all so much and I'll send pictures next week.. Computers down.. 

Ofa lahi atu

Elder Swan

God lives and Loves us 5/17/2015

Okay not much this week. We keep working hard but so is Satan. 

The good news is something I've been waiting to share since last week. We met a new investigator named Kofe Manoa. She is 21 and searching for answers. Two weeks ago on Tuesday the 5th of May at 5 o'clock pm ALL of our plans and back up plans fell through. All of the sudden a girl from our ward called us and asked if we were free to come and teach her friend. We were free so we went over there and met Kofe. We got to know her a little bit and answered some questions she had. We asked for another day we can continue talking. She told us to come back the next day Wednesday the 6th. So we went to her house and just started talking to her and taught a lesson. As we were leaving she ran out and gave us a note. When we got home we read it and it said "Really need some help guys. I'm scared. Please pray for me. Ofa atu." When we read it we were kind of nervous and scared and curious and wondering what the heck it could be. So we went over the next day and began our lesson. Half way through she looked like she wasn't paying attention and that something was on her mind. My companion asked her if she had something on her mind. She said yes. Then I asked if she wanted to share it with us. She began telling us that she has been smoking and has tried to stop and she cant. She's scared because when she doesn't smoke she feels like her life is useless. I can't remember much of what happened after that but all I know is that I bore testimony that God loves Her and knows her and wants to help her. I told her He is so happy and excited that she sought help from His servants and is seeking help from Him. I told her that her life means the world to so many people including us. I told her that the search she was on is over and that she has found happiness in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With tears in our eyes my companion continued telling her that She is loved and that through Christ she can quit smoking. She told us that on Monday she was wondering what to do and finally she said a prayer asking for help. This is the Miracle. She prayed on a Monday. We came the next day. God lives and loves his children and He answers their prayers. Even though things may seem impossible to us on earth. It may seem impossible for us to stop doing things like smoking, looking at bad things on the Internet or any type of addiction. But when we ask God for help it immediately becomes easy because He loves us and wants us to follow Him. So if we are trying to follow Him then he will take our burdens and trials of any sort and put them upon His own back. He will make our pathway easy.. So if any of you are struggling with anything I invite you to ask our loving Father in Heaven for His help and I promise that it, whatever it is you're struggling with will become easy to overcome!

God lives and helps those who seek it.

Ofa atu!

Elder Swan

I finally got to go to the Temple this week but I totally forgot my camera! What a blessing it is to go to the house of The Lord. It almost brought me to tears. I was in the celestial room with everyone and I closed my eyes to say a prayer and I feel like it was 3 minutes later I looked up and I was alone with one other Elder. I just kept thanking the Lord for the opportunity I had to feel His presence and love. I sat for awhile until I was the last one there and finally I said thank you again and left. I asked president if I can go next week too. We are so blessed to live so close to a Temple. I didn't take advantage of it but now I will!!!!

Me and Elder Felemi

Manuofetoa's Birthday

Mashed Potatoes my favorite YUM!!!

Mother's Day 5/10/2015

This is Siale, she is the lady that let me use their phone to call you on Mother's Day. She loves you mom! 

Slow week in Tonga 5/3/2015

How's it Family??

This week was okay... We didn't get much done. We worked hard but a lot of things fell through. I'm loving this area and the people though. We have 2 investigators that will be baptized and are ready, but with all the things going on in Tonga right now a lot of people are busy. We are planning for the last week in May for one of them and maybe next week for the other. 

As for Holden that is soooooo cool!!! Haha Holden and Lindsey are going to be HICKS! 

I am so glad you got to meet Elder Fiefia and Elder King, they are looking good. I miss those guys like crazy. They were two of my best friends. They were good missionaries.

Sorry not much happened this week 
I love you all
Elder Swan

Talk to you next week~

A wonderful visit from Elder Fiefia (Tyler's first companion and trainer)
and Elder King (One of Tyler's Zone Leaders) What great young men!