13 more days.... 6/28/2015

vao niu (shredding coconut)

Well how are things going at home.

This week Kofe's cousin gave her some anti Mormon videos... She watched them and I didn't wanna tell her anything so I just asked How do you feel when you watch these videos? And how do you feel when you read the Book of Mormon? Pray about it. And she told us that she is all good and believes it all. She is still so strong :)

Making lu (taro leaves)

Yes that's me with a Nasty Sty

                             

A wonderful Temple experience 6/21/2015

Going to the Temple

So this week went okay.. We are still having the hardest time finding people to teach and are in the same situation as last week. Two pluses for this week. One: On Tuesday we took all of the Recent converts and some young men and young women to the Temple. We were able to go and be witnesses for the baptisms. It was a wonderful experience to see those who we taught enter the Temple for their first time. Kofe shared with us that she felt so close to Christ she never wanted to leave. It was a great experience for us all. Two: We taught Io'apa again and He said he is going to quit smoking. He has been having a really hard time but he has had it and we all pray this time he can do it. We also taught a less-active Saturday night and she shared a few things with us and we were able to help her out a bit. We promised her that if she prays and goes to church on Sunday she will get her answer. So on Sunday we were looking for her and she came and while we were blessing the sacrament she looked at us and I could tell she got an answer. It was a really cool experience. I've been trying to look for small ways to serve others. Last week a lady bought some stuff at the store and I took it to her car for her. Then earlier today at the store a few things had fallen over and I picked them up and put them back. The point is, is that service can be found anywhere you just have to plan for unplanned service. It will come up!

 That's pretty much it for now.. Sorry it's not much!

 I love you!!

 Elder Swan

Elder Swan and Kofe and the rest of the temple crew

Toni and Tulu whom we got to witness get married.
We are teaching them...

Osai Siulua (Ward Mission Leader) Bishop Lautaimi
and Sione vea (Young Men's Pres.)

Painting the Kings Gate 6/14/2015

 How are you!!

So this week stunk.. Honestly not much happen at all this week so I don't have much to say. A few days we were in town painting the Kings fence for a service project and then the rest of the days were awful.. We work really hard but everyone just tells us that we are almost done so it really doesn't matter. We are trying to re start and find new people to teach. 

Elder Swan 

Painting at the Kings Palace

                                         

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