Family,
So once again, we had transfers this week. Here's the news this time:
1) Again, I will be staying where I am.
2) My companion is the same.
3) Elder Stanley (my trainer, who has been a Zone Leader for the last couple of months) is being transferred to Guam to be a Zone Leader there.
4) Elder Lyman will become the only Palau Zone Leader and will train a new missionary from the Marshall Islands.
It's going to be weird not being the youngest missionary in the mission. Now I can tell Elder Bano to make me rice and stuff.
This past week we've been trying things a little differently. We've decided that since Palau is so small, and missionaries have been here so long, that every single person has talked to missionaries at least once, and most people have several times. As a result, people are tired of us knocking on their door. Instead, we've decided to walk around in regular clothes, offering to do service for people right there. We haven't been able to try it with non-members yet, but it's been a huge hit with less-active. For example, we walked up to one family's house with our machetes and said,
"Aki el mlei el ngoseu er kemiu. Sebechemam el meruul a ngarang?"
"We're here to help you. What can we do?"
The woman that we talked to told us to wait, went inside, talked to her son-in-law, and then they both came out. He drove us to their family's farm and asked us to chop down three trees that were casting shade on their tapioca plants. So we did, and I have a nice blister to show it. This led to them asking us to come over the next night for dinner (which was super good), and a lesson. Then 2 of them (one is not a member) came to church. It was so cool. Plus, it's way more fun than tracting - let me tell you.
I can't believe those missionaries cover 47 wards [this relates to missionaries in Utah who Clark and Holly had over to dinner]. I guess it's understandable being Utah, but still. My companion and I cover half of a single branch. Not even a ward. So nuts.
Elder Lyman and I have been working on a language packet for future missionaries to learn from, and I think it's finally finished. We were given one when we arrived, but it was poorly made, and everything was incorrect. It's been pretty difficult though, because I want it to be very simple, focusing on learning from natives and your companion, and he wants it to be very complicated with in-depth grammar and what not. We've obviously had to compromise on a few things.
We have our first baptism of the year scheduled for this Saturday. It's the 14-year old step-son of the Branch President. His sister Jenny still refuses to be baptized, despite the fact that she comes to church every week, all the youth activities, plus seminary and family home evening. She's so strange. Anyway, Jay, is pretty ready to be baptized. We still have some lessons to cram into this week, but it shouldn't be a problem. He's been coming to church for weeks.
Last thing. The visa card only works at one store here. So it works fine, but I can't use it anywhere else. Cash is probably a better avenue from here. Thanks guys.
Thanks for everything.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Monday, April 26, 2010
20 April 2010
[We got this “snail mail” letter from Taylor on Monday.]
Family,
So I’ve been writing this poem for the last couple of days. I meant to email it to you today, but I forgot. I’m obviously not a poet, but Elder Shular had a poem that his mom sent him about missionary work, and I thought I’d try it. The last several weeks have been pretty tough for me, which spawned this desire of mine.
Anyway, here it is:
My eyes flicker open, and I can tell by the light
The alarm soon will sound – “no, please, that cannot be right.”
But then, as expected, comes the unwelcome beep,
To crush any hope of going back to sleep.
I hear my companion grumble, then roll onto his knees.
I then do the same, and give my tired pleas:
“Lord, give me strength” is my silent prayer,
And then the same old morning – to study and prepare.
Again we’re on our knees, about to start our day,
We ask the Lord for guidance, to lead us on our way.
While walking to the car, we ponder where to go,
But we have nothing scheduled, so really, I don’t know.
This island is so small, we’ve been to every street.
They must be sick of us, each person that we meet.
Despite it all, we decide on where to start.
Again, a silent prayer, “Father, open up their hearts.”
Yet, “Go away, we’re busy” they all seem to say.
Plus, it’s hot and humid, but that’s like every other day.
Finally, it’s 9, and time to head for home –
“God, I prayed for help - but today I felt alone.”
We arrive, and plan, and then prepare for bed,
But a thought of sad discouragement is all that’s in my head.
Yet I still kneel down to offer today’s final prayer.
To my Heavenly Father I’ll tell my every care:
“Dear Father,” I begin “today was hard for me.
“How can we do better? Please help me see,
“I’ve been asked to learn a language, much different than my own;
“I don’t know if I can do it, at least not on my own.
“And what about my family, Lord, they’re all so far away.
“Please show them that I love them, and pray for them each day.”
As tears then fill my eyes, I end my silent prayer,
But I continue kneeling, and hope for an answer there.
Then before long, thoughts come to my mind.
Peace fills my heart, love of the sweetest kind.
John 14:18
“I will not leave you comfortless,” said the Savior to His friends,
“I will come to you,” this promise does not end.
Doctrine & Covenants 84:88
The Lord promised me His angels, to lift and bear me up.
Doctrine & Covenants 122:8; 3 Nephi 11:11
And Christ descended further – I’ve not yet a bitter cup.
I then get into bed, it’s time to sleep.
I’ve not worries now, because His promises He’ll keep.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Family,
So I’ve been writing this poem for the last couple of days. I meant to email it to you today, but I forgot. I’m obviously not a poet, but Elder Shular had a poem that his mom sent him about missionary work, and I thought I’d try it. The last several weeks have been pretty tough for me, which spawned this desire of mine.
Anyway, here it is:
My eyes flicker open, and I can tell by the light
The alarm soon will sound – “no, please, that cannot be right.”
But then, as expected, comes the unwelcome beep,
To crush any hope of going back to sleep.
I hear my companion grumble, then roll onto his knees.
I then do the same, and give my tired pleas:
“Lord, give me strength” is my silent prayer,
And then the same old morning – to study and prepare.
Again we’re on our knees, about to start our day,
We ask the Lord for guidance, to lead us on our way.
While walking to the car, we ponder where to go,
But we have nothing scheduled, so really, I don’t know.
This island is so small, we’ve been to every street.
They must be sick of us, each person that we meet.
Despite it all, we decide on where to start.
Again, a silent prayer, “Father, open up their hearts.”
Yet, “Go away, we’re busy” they all seem to say.
Plus, it’s hot and humid, but that’s like every other day.
Finally, it’s 9, and time to head for home –
“God, I prayed for help - but today I felt alone.”
We arrive, and plan, and then prepare for bed,
But a thought of sad discouragement is all that’s in my head.
Yet I still kneel down to offer today’s final prayer.
To my Heavenly Father I’ll tell my every care:
“Dear Father,” I begin “today was hard for me.
“How can we do better? Please help me see,
“I’ve been asked to learn a language, much different than my own;
“I don’t know if I can do it, at least not on my own.
“And what about my family, Lord, they’re all so far away.
“Please show them that I love them, and pray for them each day.”
As tears then fill my eyes, I end my silent prayer,
But I continue kneeling, and hope for an answer there.
Then before long, thoughts come to my mind.
Peace fills my heart, love of the sweetest kind.
John 14:18
“I will not leave you comfortless,” said the Savior to His friends,
“I will come to you,” this promise does not end.
Doctrine & Covenants 84:88
The Lord promised me His angels, to lift and bear me up.
Doctrine & Covenants 122:8; 3 Nephi 11:11
And Christ descended further – I’ve not yet a bitter cup.
I then get into bed, it’s time to sleep.
I’ve not worries now, because His promises He’ll keep.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Thursday, April 22, 2010
2 Feb 2010 [Don't know why Taylor labeled it like this]
Family,
We finally got to watch General Conference this week, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will admit though, I slept through the last part of the Sunday Afternoon session. Someone turned off the air conditioning in the church, so it was super warm, and I just could not stay awake. I was in the back though, so I don't think many people could see my head nodding.
My companion has a pretty nasty ingrown toenail, and the mission nurse wanted him to go to Guam so that they could kill the root and stuff, but he really didn't want to. Finally, after making it seem better than it is, she said he could just get it done it. They won't be able to kill the root, but it should last him for a few months at least. He goes home in October.
We have one island in our area that is probably 80% members. The problem is they are all less-active. Missionaries have been meeting with a lot of them for years, trying to bring them back to church - as have we. We're pretty tired of meeting with them, without any progress, even though they say they'll come and everything. What we decided to do, was to have a movie night. We're hoping it happens this week, but we aren't sure. We want to read sections of Alma 5, and show the Testaments. I'm not sure which we'll do first, but we want it to be very bold. I hope it doesn't cross any lines or anything, but it's going to be a last resort kind of thing.
Matt should have had Kristen's relative catch the turtle (is it still illegal if he's a native?) and cook it up for them. It makes for a great soup. It's good with curry too. For P-Day today we're going to BBQ some unicorn fish for the senior couple. Reef fish taste much better than fishy fish. Just throwing that out there.
I'm thinking of engineering a virus that destroys betel nut trees. It would have to be extremely contagious, spread rapidly, and affect ONLY betel nut trees. Any ideas? If you have any ideas for how to exterminate dogs quickly and secretly, I'll take those too.
This week was pretty ordinary, I don't have much to report. Transfer calls come on Monday, so maybe I'll have something cool to report next week.
Much love,
Elder Barlow
We finally got to watch General Conference this week, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will admit though, I slept through the last part of the Sunday Afternoon session. Someone turned off the air conditioning in the church, so it was super warm, and I just could not stay awake. I was in the back though, so I don't think many people could see my head nodding.
My companion has a pretty nasty ingrown toenail, and the mission nurse wanted him to go to Guam so that they could kill the root and stuff, but he really didn't want to. Finally, after making it seem better than it is, she said he could just get it done it. They won't be able to kill the root, but it should last him for a few months at least. He goes home in October.
We have one island in our area that is probably 80% members. The problem is they are all less-active. Missionaries have been meeting with a lot of them for years, trying to bring them back to church - as have we. We're pretty tired of meeting with them, without any progress, even though they say they'll come and everything. What we decided to do, was to have a movie night. We're hoping it happens this week, but we aren't sure. We want to read sections of Alma 5, and show the Testaments. I'm not sure which we'll do first, but we want it to be very bold. I hope it doesn't cross any lines or anything, but it's going to be a last resort kind of thing.
Matt should have had Kristen's relative catch the turtle (is it still illegal if he's a native?) and cook it up for them. It makes for a great soup. It's good with curry too. For P-Day today we're going to BBQ some unicorn fish for the senior couple. Reef fish taste much better than fishy fish. Just throwing that out there.
I'm thinking of engineering a virus that destroys betel nut trees. It would have to be extremely contagious, spread rapidly, and affect ONLY betel nut trees. Any ideas? If you have any ideas for how to exterminate dogs quickly and secretly, I'll take those too.
This week was pretty ordinary, I don't have much to report. Transfer calls come on Monday, so maybe I'll have something cool to report next week.
Much love,
Elder Barlow
13 April 2010
Family,
This week was a big one for me. I think I told you that the APs were coming, but if I didn't - they came. One of them, Elder Wells, spent 20 months on Chuuk, and is finishing his mission as an Assistant. He speaks Chuukese better than anyone. The other is Elder Sandvik, who spent the first part of his mission on Pohnpei, and this is his last transfer as an Assistant. They went on an exchange with the zone leaders on Wednesday, and then us on Thursday. Knowing this, we were desperately trying to schedule appointments for that day, so we wouldn't have to be knocking doors the whole time. We did pretty well, so we had a very busy, very successful day. Now, the real news that I wanted to share about that day. I spent the first part of the day with Elder Sandvik, and he required that I speak in Palauan to everyone, so I did, and I even taught a lesson. When we switched, Elder Wells said the same thing, but this time we had several appointments. I ended up teaching about the Restoration, the Sacrament, and Nephi and Laban - all in Palauan. It was so hard, and I felt so drained by the time we got back to our apartment. They told Elder Shular, so he's continued it, and I've been teaching in broken Palauan since then.
I have a few problems with all this though. First, my Palauan vocabulary is pretty weak at least at this point, so trying to teach concepts takes a lot longer. I have to stumble through everything, and try to pull words from every crevasse of my brain. Second, I don't feel like I can teach with as much power in Palauan (I guess that's obvious) since I'm always fumbling for the words. Hopefully that comes as I get better. It's just hard for me.
President asked me to start revising the Language Packet (what the missionaries use to learn the language), so I've been working on that during my Language Study time. It's not my favorite thing.
I got the package you sent me yesterday, thanks for all the stuff. I already got compliments on the watch. I haven't tried the gift card yet, though.
We're trying to get the branch to start using Palauan in church meetings, but for some reason, they refuse. It's frustrating, because they have a Palauan woman teaching about the Old Testament in English, and no one understands what's going on, not even her. They have Gospel Fundamentals in Palauan (the same manual that the rest of Micronesia uses), but no one wants to use it. People are so alienated and the only one that makes comments is the one white guy in the branch. Not to mention the fact that his comments are in English, and way over everyone's head. The branch is in a difficult spot though, there's this one white guy, some Filipinos, a Mexican, and all of us missionaries (six including the senior couple), and they feel like it's important for us to know what's going on I guess. Despite all of that, we're in Palau.
On the bright side, the Branch President has agreed to sit down with us for an hour every Sunday and teach us Palauan. He used to teach Palauan at some kind of school, and he speaks great English. We had our first lesson on Sunday, and it was great. I wish I'd had this the whole time.
Okiu a budech me a bltikarreng,
Elder Barlow
This week was a big one for me. I think I told you that the APs were coming, but if I didn't - they came. One of them, Elder Wells, spent 20 months on Chuuk, and is finishing his mission as an Assistant. He speaks Chuukese better than anyone. The other is Elder Sandvik, who spent the first part of his mission on Pohnpei, and this is his last transfer as an Assistant. They went on an exchange with the zone leaders on Wednesday, and then us on Thursday. Knowing this, we were desperately trying to schedule appointments for that day, so we wouldn't have to be knocking doors the whole time. We did pretty well, so we had a very busy, very successful day. Now, the real news that I wanted to share about that day. I spent the first part of the day with Elder Sandvik, and he required that I speak in Palauan to everyone, so I did, and I even taught a lesson. When we switched, Elder Wells said the same thing, but this time we had several appointments. I ended up teaching about the Restoration, the Sacrament, and Nephi and Laban - all in Palauan. It was so hard, and I felt so drained by the time we got back to our apartment. They told Elder Shular, so he's continued it, and I've been teaching in broken Palauan since then.
I have a few problems with all this though. First, my Palauan vocabulary is pretty weak at least at this point, so trying to teach concepts takes a lot longer. I have to stumble through everything, and try to pull words from every crevasse of my brain. Second, I don't feel like I can teach with as much power in Palauan (I guess that's obvious) since I'm always fumbling for the words. Hopefully that comes as I get better. It's just hard for me.
President asked me to start revising the Language Packet (what the missionaries use to learn the language), so I've been working on that during my Language Study time. It's not my favorite thing.
I got the package you sent me yesterday, thanks for all the stuff. I already got compliments on the watch. I haven't tried the gift card yet, though.
We're trying to get the branch to start using Palauan in church meetings, but for some reason, they refuse. It's frustrating, because they have a Palauan woman teaching about the Old Testament in English, and no one understands what's going on, not even her. They have Gospel Fundamentals in Palauan (the same manual that the rest of Micronesia uses), but no one wants to use it. People are so alienated and the only one that makes comments is the one white guy in the branch. Not to mention the fact that his comments are in English, and way over everyone's head. The branch is in a difficult spot though, there's this one white guy, some Filipinos, a Mexican, and all of us missionaries (six including the senior couple), and they feel like it's important for us to know what's going on I guess. Despite all of that, we're in Palau.
On the bright side, the Branch President has agreed to sit down with us for an hour every Sunday and teach us Palauan. He used to teach Palauan at some kind of school, and he speaks great English. We had our first lesson on Sunday, and it was great. I wish I'd had this the whole time.
Okiu a budech me a bltikarreng,
Elder Barlow
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
4/6/2010
Family,
First of all, we don't get conference here for another 2 weeks - so I don't know any of the talks or stories that you're talking about. Sorry.
7.2 is a pretty big earthquake. Any damage in Burbank? Probably not huh?
It seems like our success here has been going consistently downward. When I first arrived, things were going amazing. We would teach like 30+ lessons each week and baptized two people. Now we're struggling at like 12 lessons a week (to our credit, we've been teaching members a lot, and they don't count) and we just cannot seem to find new people. I don't know what we're doing wrong, or different that's causing it.
On the bright side, we do seem to have a lot of success with 15 year old girls. We baptized one, another is scheduled to be baptized on April 24th, we're currently teaching one who will likely end up in the water, and the zone leaders have one progressing too.
The girl who is getting baptized this month made things very easy for us. The second time we met her, she agreed to be baptized. She said she prayed about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, and "the biggest smile" just came on her face and she couldn't stop. She said that if she was going to be baptized, she would want her parents to be too, and asked if that was okay. We told her that it was definitely okay, but it would be up to them. We haven't been able to talk to them, but they seem to be helping her behind the scenes. She came to church this Sunday, and as she was about to walk out of the house in jeans, her dad said, "you're going to go to church in jeans? you should dress up for something like that." She still came in jeans. It was at least good to know that her parents aren't opposed to the idea.
Another cool thing about this girl, whose name is Marsha by the way, is that we found out that a member we have been meeting with wrote down Marsha's name and circled it and asked us to start teaching her. It was pretty cool to be able to say "oh, yeah we're already teaching her and she's actually going to be baptized." Marsha's friend was so excited. That's one success tally on our member missionary program. Cool.
Easter Sunday was probably our best Sunday yet. We counted over 80 people at church, when we usually have about 50. I like to tell myself that it's not just because it was Easter, but the beginning of something great...but probably just because it was Easter.
The Assistants to the President come tonight, and we'll probably have to go pick them up from the airport because the Zone Leaders' truck broke down. "The crank shaft fell out of the rear differential" (which means nothing to me), so it will be in the shop for a month and a half or so while they wait for the parts to get shipped here by boat. They will be doing a lot of walking.
The first picture is of a less active woman and her family. She LOVES the missionaries, and cries every time someone gets transferred. This picture was taken the night Elder Acton left for Guam. I had to send you this picture so you could see her face.
The second one is of a roasted pig that we ate at a member's house. It was their 31st wedding anniversary or something. It was so good. Speaking of food, yesterday we had sea turtle curry. It was so amazingly delicious.
Until next week.
Love,
Elder Barlow
First of all, we don't get conference here for another 2 weeks - so I don't know any of the talks or stories that you're talking about. Sorry.
7.2 is a pretty big earthquake. Any damage in Burbank? Probably not huh?
It seems like our success here has been going consistently downward. When I first arrived, things were going amazing. We would teach like 30+ lessons each week and baptized two people. Now we're struggling at like 12 lessons a week (to our credit, we've been teaching members a lot, and they don't count) and we just cannot seem to find new people. I don't know what we're doing wrong, or different that's causing it.
On the bright side, we do seem to have a lot of success with 15 year old girls. We baptized one, another is scheduled to be baptized on April 24th, we're currently teaching one who will likely end up in the water, and the zone leaders have one progressing too.
The girl who is getting baptized this month made things very easy for us. The second time we met her, she agreed to be baptized. She said she prayed about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, and "the biggest smile" just came on her face and she couldn't stop. She said that if she was going to be baptized, she would want her parents to be too, and asked if that was okay. We told her that it was definitely okay, but it would be up to them. We haven't been able to talk to them, but they seem to be helping her behind the scenes. She came to church this Sunday, and as she was about to walk out of the house in jeans, her dad said, "you're going to go to church in jeans? you should dress up for something like that." She still came in jeans. It was at least good to know that her parents aren't opposed to the idea.
Another cool thing about this girl, whose name is Marsha by the way, is that we found out that a member we have been meeting with wrote down Marsha's name and circled it and asked us to start teaching her. It was pretty cool to be able to say "oh, yeah we're already teaching her and she's actually going to be baptized." Marsha's friend was so excited. That's one success tally on our member missionary program. Cool.
Easter Sunday was probably our best Sunday yet. We counted over 80 people at church, when we usually have about 50. I like to tell myself that it's not just because it was Easter, but the beginning of something great...but probably just because it was Easter.
The Assistants to the President come tonight, and we'll probably have to go pick them up from the airport because the Zone Leaders' truck broke down. "The crank shaft fell out of the rear differential" (which means nothing to me), so it will be in the shop for a month and a half or so while they wait for the parts to get shipped here by boat. They will be doing a lot of walking.
The first picture is of a less active woman and her family. She LOVES the missionaries, and cries every time someone gets transferred. This picture was taken the night Elder Acton left for Guam. I had to send you this picture so you could see her face.
The second one is of a roasted pig that we ate at a member's house. It was their 31st wedding anniversary or something. It was so good. Speaking of food, yesterday we had sea turtle curry. It was so amazingly delicious.
Until next week.
Love,
Elder Barlow
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