Family,
So if I wasn't already aware that I'm coming home this week, everyone's emails made it pretty clear. Anyway, I guess there's no avoiding the inevitable. It was pretty weird to finish my last planner last night and call in our reports. Elder Wright, my iron-fisted, uncaring Zone Leader is requiring that we have District Meeting on Wednesday, so that makes the amount of time I have left in my area even less than it already is. I'm just kidding, but he really is making me plan a training. It's like my last lecture. I don't really know what to say. I think I'll talk about...planning (make it really boring so he regrets having District Meeting during transfer week).
As for this last week, we had a good week. We've found 3 youth that I'm sure will be baptized. The only problem is making sure they have a consistent mode of transportation to church. We can provide rides for them so they can come to church enough times to get baptized, but I want to make sure that they can continue coming afterward. People aren't going to want to pick them up forever. 2 of them live in our village, so they can walk no problem, but the 3rd lives a ways away (by these standards anyway - how far away can you get really?). I'm pretty sad I won't actually see them baptized, but hopefully I'll get pictures from these guys.
Wednesday night the Branch President called and said, "so you can speak in church this Sunday before you go right?" I told him I couldn't because we had to have to attend our unit, and then the phone cut out. He called back and said "you can just come and speak and then after the talk you can drive up in time for Sacrament meeting." "well, I guess I could..." "okay great, thanks. *click*" I was pretty annoyed. So we had to make the 1-hour drive each way, just so I could speak. I can't be too upset though, he just wanted me to be able to speak before I left, and now I'm glad that I did. Plus, it gave me a chance to practice my homecoming talk (edited for the audience of course).
So I guess I'll see you guys on Friday huh?
Love,
Elder Barlow
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
17 Oct. 2011
Family,
So on my mission I've only been told to go to hell twice - twice that I can recall anyway. The second time was this week. We walked up to a house to teach a few of our investigators, and the less-active woman that I told you about last week was there so we said hi, but she had to go cut bananas for the market the next morning. Anyway, her husband walked over and before he said anything, the people we were teaching told him where his wife had gone. So he walked off and we continued our lesson. A few minutes later we heard some yelling coming from next door and then the husband came back and told us never to come to his house (he didn't know that we'd been going there pretty often, he just thought we came to talk to her that night - which we didn't), because he worships a different god than we do, and if we come he'll show us how to REALLY use a Bible, and then proceeded to condemn us to hell. I felt pretty bad, not because of what he said to us, but because he thought it was okay to yell at his wife like that. He's actually converted from the Protestant church to another church that I won't mention, and everyone in that village said that since then, he's been different. He became pretty mean. Sad. Anyway, I don't think we'll be visiting them again for a while.
Also this week, we got a new senior couple, the Johnsens. The are the first senior couple the mission has received in a while that are classified as "proselyting". Usually they are over S&I. But, since there isn't one over S&I, they'll probably take over that responsibility too. They asked me to go over the branch directory yesterday and tell them who is active and who is not, and they're going to do their best to find who they can and they seem really excited. He was an accountant for Exxon Mobil and they're from Houston most recently but they've lived all over - from Illinois to California to even Guam.
We finally watched conference this weekend too. Dad, it was cool to see Elder Callister speak, everyone here really enjoyed his talk. I think President Monson is getting more and more lively as the years go. He's got to be so comfortable speaking at this point.
Another thing, I got a bug bite on the bottom of my foot and in the middle of the night, it woke me up - unbelievably itchy. So I scratched it like my life depended on it. Anyway it got infected - evidenced by the red lines running up the side of my foot the next morning. So we called the doctor that I told you about who's here with the Army, and he said "oh that's not good". Thanks doc, but not what I want to hear. So he had us come to the clinic and he gave me a double antibiotic. Probably the biggest pills I've ever taken, or even seen, in my life. It's better now, but before, it felt like I was walking on a rusty nail - it was pretty uncomfortable. All's well in Zion again - no need to worry.
I still haven't prepared my talk - I just don't know where to start. Maybe I'll just wing it.
Love,
Elder Barlow
P.S. Just kidding I won't wing it. I'll think of something.
So on my mission I've only been told to go to hell twice - twice that I can recall anyway. The second time was this week. We walked up to a house to teach a few of our investigators, and the less-active woman that I told you about last week was there so we said hi, but she had to go cut bananas for the market the next morning. Anyway, her husband walked over and before he said anything, the people we were teaching told him where his wife had gone. So he walked off and we continued our lesson. A few minutes later we heard some yelling coming from next door and then the husband came back and told us never to come to his house (he didn't know that we'd been going there pretty often, he just thought we came to talk to her that night - which we didn't), because he worships a different god than we do, and if we come he'll show us how to REALLY use a Bible, and then proceeded to condemn us to hell. I felt pretty bad, not because of what he said to us, but because he thought it was okay to yell at his wife like that. He's actually converted from the Protestant church to another church that I won't mention, and everyone in that village said that since then, he's been different. He became pretty mean. Sad. Anyway, I don't think we'll be visiting them again for a while.
Also this week, we got a new senior couple, the Johnsens. The are the first senior couple the mission has received in a while that are classified as "proselyting". Usually they are over S&I. But, since there isn't one over S&I, they'll probably take over that responsibility too. They asked me to go over the branch directory yesterday and tell them who is active and who is not, and they're going to do their best to find who they can and they seem really excited. He was an accountant for Exxon Mobil and they're from Houston most recently but they've lived all over - from Illinois to California to even Guam.
We finally watched conference this weekend too. Dad, it was cool to see Elder Callister speak, everyone here really enjoyed his talk. I think President Monson is getting more and more lively as the years go. He's got to be so comfortable speaking at this point.
Another thing, I got a bug bite on the bottom of my foot and in the middle of the night, it woke me up - unbelievably itchy. So I scratched it like my life depended on it. Anyway it got infected - evidenced by the red lines running up the side of my foot the next morning. So we called the doctor that I told you about who's here with the Army, and he said "oh that's not good". Thanks doc, but not what I want to hear. So he had us come to the clinic and he gave me a double antibiotic. Probably the biggest pills I've ever taken, or even seen, in my life. It's better now, but before, it felt like I was walking on a rusty nail - it was pretty uncomfortable. All's well in Zion again - no need to worry.
I still haven't prepared my talk - I just don't know where to start. Maybe I'll just wing it.
Love,
Elder Barlow
P.S. Just kidding I won't wing it. I'll think of something.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Homecoming
For those of you that are interested in hearing Taylor speak when he comes home at the end of the month, I've created a public event on Facebook that you can RSVP to. You can find it by clicking here.
If you don't have Facebook but you would still like to attend, here is the information:
Time
Sunday, October 30 - 11:00am to 2:00pm
Location
136 N. Sunset Canyon Dr. Burbank, CA 91504
If you don't have Facebook but you would still like to attend, here is the information:
Sunday, October 30 - 11:00am to 2:00pm
Location
136 N. Sunset Canyon Dr. Burbank, CA 91504
I don't normally post on here because I don't want to steal Taylor's thunder, but for those of you on the fence about whether or not to come, Taylor I'm sure would love to see you there. Missionary homecoming talks are some of the most powerful that you will hear in the church. The experiences that they've had; while you've read a good majority of them here, you will be able to see what an enormous impact that they've had on someone in two years.
Hope to see you there!
Jacob
10 Oct. 2011
Family,
So there is this very less-active woman, Florence, in our area who was baptized in Saipan in the 80s but when she moved to Palau, the church was so far that she started going to the Protestant church - which is in our village. So after almost 30 years of that, she's become pretty devoted. However, she agreed to let us teach her granddaughter (that she adopted as her own daughter - that happens a lot). So we arrived the next day and the Florence had given the girl, Medicine (I thought it was Madison, but after asking her to spell it, sure enough it's not), an extra copy of the Book of Mormon, and as we were watching the Restoration, Florence was humming along to "oh how lovely was the morning...." At first I couldn't tell where the humming was coming from but afterward I asked Florence, "were you humming along to that song?" she said, "...yeah...but I can't remember the words." And then she said the closing prayer and asked God to bless "our prophet" and all the members of the church. There may be hope for her yet! It was a pretty interesting turn of events. She has been pretty obstinate up until this point. At first she told us she was baptized, then she changed her story and said she wasn't, and back and forth. To clear things up I called the office in Guam and had them check with the service center. Turns out she was, and that's what we told her. As soon as she realized she was caught, she's been a little easier to work with.
My whole mission I've struggled with people saying they will do things (read, come to church, etc) and not actually meaning it. Whether they do it to make us happy or to get us to go away or what I don't know. I don't know if it's the same in other parts of the world, but it's pretty disappointing. Especially because I feel like it's magnified in the area I'm in now. I'm just trying to stay loving and positive and try to be patient with them. I have to somehow help them understand the idea of a commitment.
Another of our investigators is an alcoholic, and we figured this wasn't going to be a good weekend to see him since it's payday week, but we thought we'd stop by and show him we didn't forget about him. Sure enough he was drunk and he tried to hug me and stuff, so we said we'd come back next week. I can't imagine that people really understand how foolish they become. They cannot possibly understand and continue to do it.
I don't know if I've talked about this yet, but even though I know I have like 3 weeks left, I haven't felt any different. I don't know if it's because I've just been doing the same thing for so long or what, but I just can't comprehend doing anything else. So, I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing until someone tells me what day it actually is.
Love,
Elder Barlow
So there is this very less-active woman, Florence, in our area who was baptized in Saipan in the 80s but when she moved to Palau, the church was so far that she started going to the Protestant church - which is in our village. So after almost 30 years of that, she's become pretty devoted. However, she agreed to let us teach her granddaughter (that she adopted as her own daughter - that happens a lot). So we arrived the next day and the Florence had given the girl, Medicine (I thought it was Madison, but after asking her to spell it, sure enough it's not), an extra copy of the Book of Mormon, and as we were watching the Restoration, Florence was humming along to "oh how lovely was the morning...." At first I couldn't tell where the humming was coming from but afterward I asked Florence, "were you humming along to that song?" she said, "...yeah...but I can't remember the words." And then she said the closing prayer and asked God to bless "our prophet" and all the members of the church. There may be hope for her yet! It was a pretty interesting turn of events. She has been pretty obstinate up until this point. At first she told us she was baptized, then she changed her story and said she wasn't, and back and forth. To clear things up I called the office in Guam and had them check with the service center. Turns out she was, and that's what we told her. As soon as she realized she was caught, she's been a little easier to work with.
My whole mission I've struggled with people saying they will do things (read, come to church, etc) and not actually meaning it. Whether they do it to make us happy or to get us to go away or what I don't know. I don't know if it's the same in other parts of the world, but it's pretty disappointing. Especially because I feel like it's magnified in the area I'm in now. I'm just trying to stay loving and positive and try to be patient with them. I have to somehow help them understand the idea of a commitment.
Another of our investigators is an alcoholic, and we figured this wasn't going to be a good weekend to see him since it's payday week, but we thought we'd stop by and show him we didn't forget about him. Sure enough he was drunk and he tried to hug me and stuff, so we said we'd come back next week. I can't imagine that people really understand how foolish they become. They cannot possibly understand and continue to do it.
I don't know if I've talked about this yet, but even though I know I have like 3 weeks left, I haven't felt any different. I don't know if it's because I've just been doing the same thing for so long or what, but I just can't comprehend doing anything else. So, I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing until someone tells me what day it actually is.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Sunday, October 2, 2011
3 Oct. 2011
Family,
Tomorrow's my birthday, and I think that this is the least excited I've been for a birthday. Not that I'm not excited, it just feels like a normal day. So, I'm just as excited as I am every day, which is probably more than most people I'd say.
This weekend was the worst weekend for missionary work. It was the same last year, but I forgot just how terrible it was. October 1st is Palauan Independence Day. The celebration lasts for 3 days. Day 1 is a market where all the states have a chance to sell their goods - mostly food. Day 2 is similar but it's for private business - mostly food again, but this time some souvenirs and stuff are mixed in. Day 3 is the big day. All the major business owners (or anyone else that's rich enough to participate) have a speedboat race. Somehow they drag it out into an all day event. All of the people in our area spent the weekend in Koror, it was a ghost town. It's like people just stopped whatever they were doing and hopped in the back of someone's truck and left. Laundry still on the line, piles of leaves uncollected, it was spooky. Luckily, we had to spend the weekend in Koror too, because Elder Wright went to Guam and we had to be with Elder Marshall (his companion). Sunday we started another unit in the Koror elders' area. We had a quick Sacrament meeting there, and then made the hour-long drive back to our area to have ours. Other than the missionaries and Toby, there was only one woman - everyone else was in Koror. Even the attendance at the main chapel was sad - 22 at the start and 37 at the end of the meeting. Anyway, we went to the festivities on Saturday for our dinner break, and it was actually pretty cool. Many of the villages had put together cultural dance groups, and they all performed, along with the booths selling various things.
Friday morning the white guy in the branch who is actually a CAT Army doctor was holding a free clinic in our area, and my companion has been getting boils on his legs pretty often, so we decided to go. While the nurse was going through the preliminary stuff I thought I'd take the opportunity to talk to him about medical school and things. Nothing he said made that sound like a course that I want to pursue, so that brings me back to square one. Maybe law school or something with the media. Maybe somehow combining the two. I have no idea what I'll do when the time actually comes.
That's all for this week. My companion and I bought a bunch of food so we're going to be cooking all kinds of delicious entrees. Fajitas, pastas, stir-fry, the works.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Tomorrow's my birthday, and I think that this is the least excited I've been for a birthday. Not that I'm not excited, it just feels like a normal day. So, I'm just as excited as I am every day, which is probably more than most people I'd say.
This weekend was the worst weekend for missionary work. It was the same last year, but I forgot just how terrible it was. October 1st is Palauan Independence Day. The celebration lasts for 3 days. Day 1 is a market where all the states have a chance to sell their goods - mostly food. Day 2 is similar but it's for private business - mostly food again, but this time some souvenirs and stuff are mixed in. Day 3 is the big day. All the major business owners (or anyone else that's rich enough to participate) have a speedboat race. Somehow they drag it out into an all day event. All of the people in our area spent the weekend in Koror, it was a ghost town. It's like people just stopped whatever they were doing and hopped in the back of someone's truck and left. Laundry still on the line, piles of leaves uncollected, it was spooky. Luckily, we had to spend the weekend in Koror too, because Elder Wright went to Guam and we had to be with Elder Marshall (his companion). Sunday we started another unit in the Koror elders' area. We had a quick Sacrament meeting there, and then made the hour-long drive back to our area to have ours. Other than the missionaries and Toby, there was only one woman - everyone else was in Koror. Even the attendance at the main chapel was sad - 22 at the start and 37 at the end of the meeting. Anyway, we went to the festivities on Saturday for our dinner break, and it was actually pretty cool. Many of the villages had put together cultural dance groups, and they all performed, along with the booths selling various things.
Friday morning the white guy in the branch who is actually a CAT Army doctor was holding a free clinic in our area, and my companion has been getting boils on his legs pretty often, so we decided to go. While the nurse was going through the preliminary stuff I thought I'd take the opportunity to talk to him about medical school and things. Nothing he said made that sound like a course that I want to pursue, so that brings me back to square one. Maybe law school or something with the media. Maybe somehow combining the two. I have no idea what I'll do when the time actually comes.
That's all for this week. My companion and I bought a bunch of food so we're going to be cooking all kinds of delicious entrees. Fajitas, pastas, stir-fry, the works.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Sunday, September 25, 2011
26 Sept 2011
Family,
This week we finally had Sacrament Meeting in Ngaraard. We had a total of 7 people in attendance. We had it in a "Kwateleu" which means "open place". It's basically just a place with a roof and some benches. They have them in parks at home but I can't remember the name for it. Anyway, Toby was assigned as the group leader and he did a great job. As we were walking down to our car, to go and visit people to make sure they came, Toby rolled up with his motorcycle. His arm is still broken, even though he'll tell you it's already healed - it just needs exercise. But he was in a nice shirt and tie and looked awesome. Anyway we set up a small table in the sand, my companion gave the opening prayer, he and I blessed the Sacrament, I spoke, I chose the hymns, and Toby gave the closing prayer. Afterward, we talked to a couple of people in our village and one of them who saw us said, "why didn't you invite me?" We told him that everyone is invited and we'd love to see him next week.
There's this other girl that lives in the other elders' area who is mentally challenged. She's about 15 but functions at an 8 or 9 year old level. She's been coming to church for months and attends all the activities for the youth, and wanted to be baptized. After talking it over with the branch and the mission president, they determined that she'd have to be taught and interviewed, just as any other convert, but let's let her be baptized. So I drove down on Friday and did the interview. It was pretty interesting, but it was apparent that she did in fact have a testimony and so I passed her. She was baptized Saturday, and a lot of the branch members were able to attend.
I guess there was a typhoon somewhere between Palau and the Philippines, I don't know how true that is since we don't get any news and all I hear is word of mouth, but I believe it. We had trees get blown over and we just got dumped on over the last few days. It's always so unpredictable too. It can be hot and sunny one minute and then clouds come and it rains literally within 2 minutes (no longer sunny, but still hot). Sometimes I'll be in the house and I can look out one window, and it will be sunny and I'll walk over and look out the front door or another window, and it will be raining. It makes it hard to prepare - so usually I don't.
We spent most of this week teaching our investigators about the Sabbath day and the Sacrament to prepare them to come to our Sacrament Meeting. I'm hoping to see a steady growth in the attendance. If that happens, my responsibility to "establish the church" will be covered.
Kim made me worry about classes, so I'm going to go call the mission president and see if I can look at my options.
Love,
Elder Barlow
This week we finally had Sacrament Meeting in Ngaraard. We had a total of 7 people in attendance. We had it in a "Kwateleu" which means "open place". It's basically just a place with a roof and some benches. They have them in parks at home but I can't remember the name for it. Anyway, Toby was assigned as the group leader and he did a great job. As we were walking down to our car, to go and visit people to make sure they came, Toby rolled up with his motorcycle. His arm is still broken, even though he'll tell you it's already healed - it just needs exercise. But he was in a nice shirt and tie and looked awesome. Anyway we set up a small table in the sand, my companion gave the opening prayer, he and I blessed the Sacrament, I spoke, I chose the hymns, and Toby gave the closing prayer. Afterward, we talked to a couple of people in our village and one of them who saw us said, "why didn't you invite me?" We told him that everyone is invited and we'd love to see him next week.
There's this other girl that lives in the other elders' area who is mentally challenged. She's about 15 but functions at an 8 or 9 year old level. She's been coming to church for months and attends all the activities for the youth, and wanted to be baptized. After talking it over with the branch and the mission president, they determined that she'd have to be taught and interviewed, just as any other convert, but let's let her be baptized. So I drove down on Friday and did the interview. It was pretty interesting, but it was apparent that she did in fact have a testimony and so I passed her. She was baptized Saturday, and a lot of the branch members were able to attend.
I guess there was a typhoon somewhere between Palau and the Philippines, I don't know how true that is since we don't get any news and all I hear is word of mouth, but I believe it. We had trees get blown over and we just got dumped on over the last few days. It's always so unpredictable too. It can be hot and sunny one minute and then clouds come and it rains literally within 2 minutes (no longer sunny, but still hot). Sometimes I'll be in the house and I can look out one window, and it will be sunny and I'll walk over and look out the front door or another window, and it will be raining. It makes it hard to prepare - so usually I don't.
We spent most of this week teaching our investigators about the Sabbath day and the Sacrament to prepare them to come to our Sacrament Meeting. I'm hoping to see a steady growth in the attendance. If that happens, my responsibility to "establish the church" will be covered.
Kim made me worry about classes, so I'm going to go call the mission president and see if I can look at my options.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Monday, September 19, 2011
19 Sept 2011
Family,
This week was our trip to Guam, and it was so good to see my old investigators and all the missionaries. President Stevenson, the Area President came, and he spoke to us about some fundamentals of missionary work: hard work, obedience, and testimony, or HOT. Anyway, it was really good. But as usual, it's good to be back. We found out what would be happening with the transfer on Wednesday night, just before we left, and the news was pretty expected. No changes in Palau this time around. So I'll stay with Elder Rokodakunivosa in Ngaraard.
I have good news! The Branch President finally gave us the go ahead to start having church this next Sunday. Now we don't really have any excuse to not have any investigators at sacrament meeting. I think the majority of the lesson that we'll teach this week will be about keeping the sabbath day holy, just to prepare.
We had a really good experience with one of our investigators this week. His name is Adriano, and he's preparing to be baptized in October. He's a pretty rough guy, but he's slowly making changes. He's been struggling to read from the Book of Mormon, and he doesn't understand that he's not going to be baptized if he's not reading. We showed up to our lesson and he basically told us, before we could even say anything, that we better not ask him to read again, because he doesn't need to, he's just going to prepare himself and be baptized - besides, he's too busy to read. So I was praying to know what we needed to share and as we began, we started with the requirements for baptism in D&C 20:37 and I asked the member that was with us to share thoughts about it. As he did I said a quick prayer to myself and as soon as I looked up, Adriano asked to make a comment. He talked about feelings of guilt for past sins and forgiveness and all these things, which gave us a perfect chance to talk about baptism and the Atonement, and the feelings of peace as we read from the Book of Mormon and how it is a testament of the Savior. He was able to see how important it was for him to read, and he committed to do so. We haven't been back yet, so I don't know if he actually did, but it was a very spiritual lesson for me nonetheless.
I love you guys, I'll let you know how things work with the basic unit.
Love,
Elder Barlow
This week was our trip to Guam, and it was so good to see my old investigators and all the missionaries. President Stevenson, the Area President came, and he spoke to us about some fundamentals of missionary work: hard work, obedience, and testimony, or HOT. Anyway, it was really good. But as usual, it's good to be back. We found out what would be happening with the transfer on Wednesday night, just before we left, and the news was pretty expected. No changes in Palau this time around. So I'll stay with Elder Rokodakunivosa in Ngaraard.
I have good news! The Branch President finally gave us the go ahead to start having church this next Sunday. Now we don't really have any excuse to not have any investigators at sacrament meeting. I think the majority of the lesson that we'll teach this week will be about keeping the sabbath day holy, just to prepare.
We had a really good experience with one of our investigators this week. His name is Adriano, and he's preparing to be baptized in October. He's a pretty rough guy, but he's slowly making changes. He's been struggling to read from the Book of Mormon, and he doesn't understand that he's not going to be baptized if he's not reading. We showed up to our lesson and he basically told us, before we could even say anything, that we better not ask him to read again, because he doesn't need to, he's just going to prepare himself and be baptized - besides, he's too busy to read. So I was praying to know what we needed to share and as we began, we started with the requirements for baptism in D&C 20:37 and I asked the member that was with us to share thoughts about it. As he did I said a quick prayer to myself and as soon as I looked up, Adriano asked to make a comment. He talked about feelings of guilt for past sins and forgiveness and all these things, which gave us a perfect chance to talk about baptism and the Atonement, and the feelings of peace as we read from the Book of Mormon and how it is a testament of the Savior. He was able to see how important it was for him to read, and he committed to do so. We haven't been back yet, so I don't know if he actually did, but it was a very spiritual lesson for me nonetheless.
I love you guys, I'll let you know how things work with the basic unit.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
12 Sept. 2011
Family,
We just finished another transfer yesterday, so we'll be finding out where people are moving, or if they are moving on Wednesday. Right after that, the four of us are flying to Guam to have a combined zone conference (Palau, Yap, Guam, and Saipan) with the area president, President Stevenson. I just found out yesterday that he owns Reebok and Puma and Asics (thats what Elder Wright said, but it could be wrong). I've met him briefly before, but I never knew he was a rich guy. Anyway, I'm excited to see my investigators in Guam, all the missionaries, and of course President Stevenson. We'll be there just 2 days, so I'll be able to get back to my area Saturday morning and start working again. Assuming I don't get transferred of course.
As for the earthquake that happened near Guam, I haven't heard anything about it. Maybe they felt it in Guam, and if it reached us, I have no idea.
This week we helped Toby - our one active member in out area - to cut up a tree that had fallen down. It was the first time I'd used a chainsaw, so that was pretty fun. I thought it was like a coconut tree or something easy like that, but it turned out to be a full on tree with branches and everything. It turned out to be more work than I initially intended. His wife made us fried fish (bones, head and all of course) for lunch, complete with Miso soup (she's Japanese) and some kind of custardy dessert (not my favorite), oh and rice. It was a lot of work, but I felt it was a good favor in return for all the help he has given us this last month. He's come teaching with us every day, for like 5 hours each day. And he has a broken arm (it's been broken for over a month and he can't get it fixed because there's no bone doctor in Palau and he can't afford to go to the Philippines). He just wraps it in gauze and sometimes wears a sling. He's a champ.
We're still waiting on getting a basic unit started in our area. Without being able to attend Sacrament meeting, I feel like our investigators are struggling to progress. I never realized how important church attendance is to someone's spiritual progression. Investigators who were doing great are now starting to level off or regress (I was going to say degress, but Google said that's not really a word. So if regress isn't actually the word I'm looking for, blame Google, not me) because they can't come to a Sacrament meeting. I'm not really sure what the hold up is. I think being so far from Guam, there is a communication problem between the Branch President, the Mission President, and the counselors in the Mission presidency. It's pretty frustrating on my end though because I'm working my tail off trying to teach all these people and resolve their concerns and I feel like the only one that gets it is President Mecham - who's equally frustrated if not more.
Oh in other news, I don't know if this matters to you guys, but it does to me, the First Presidency just approved an increase in our missions number of missionaries. I guess every mission has a cap on the number of missionaries assigned to that place. Ours was 60 and President Mecham asked for 6 more missionaries, but instead they approved 12. It was pretty exciting.
Well, I love you guys, and I'm still praying for everyone (friends included), so I hope you've noticed some blessings. If you have, you're welcome (from me and of course the One from whom the blessings come). If you haven't, repent so you can be worthy of them.
Love,
Elder Barlow
P.S. Dad, I better get a sweet calling, like Ward Missionary, or like 30 families to home teach or something like that.
We just finished another transfer yesterday, so we'll be finding out where people are moving, or if they are moving on Wednesday. Right after that, the four of us are flying to Guam to have a combined zone conference (Palau, Yap, Guam, and Saipan) with the area president, President Stevenson. I just found out yesterday that he owns Reebok and Puma and Asics (thats what Elder Wright said, but it could be wrong). I've met him briefly before, but I never knew he was a rich guy. Anyway, I'm excited to see my investigators in Guam, all the missionaries, and of course President Stevenson. We'll be there just 2 days, so I'll be able to get back to my area Saturday morning and start working again. Assuming I don't get transferred of course.
As for the earthquake that happened near Guam, I haven't heard anything about it. Maybe they felt it in Guam, and if it reached us, I have no idea.
This week we helped Toby - our one active member in out area - to cut up a tree that had fallen down. It was the first time I'd used a chainsaw, so that was pretty fun. I thought it was like a coconut tree or something easy like that, but it turned out to be a full on tree with branches and everything. It turned out to be more work than I initially intended. His wife made us fried fish (bones, head and all of course) for lunch, complete with Miso soup (she's Japanese) and some kind of custardy dessert (not my favorite), oh and rice. It was a lot of work, but I felt it was a good favor in return for all the help he has given us this last month. He's come teaching with us every day, for like 5 hours each day. And he has a broken arm (it's been broken for over a month and he can't get it fixed because there's no bone doctor in Palau and he can't afford to go to the Philippines). He just wraps it in gauze and sometimes wears a sling. He's a champ.
We're still waiting on getting a basic unit started in our area. Without being able to attend Sacrament meeting, I feel like our investigators are struggling to progress. I never realized how important church attendance is to someone's spiritual progression. Investigators who were doing great are now starting to level off or regress (I was going to say degress, but Google said that's not really a word. So if regress isn't actually the word I'm looking for, blame Google, not me) because they can't come to a Sacrament meeting. I'm not really sure what the hold up is. I think being so far from Guam, there is a communication problem between the Branch President, the Mission President, and the counselors in the Mission presidency. It's pretty frustrating on my end though because I'm working my tail off trying to teach all these people and resolve their concerns and I feel like the only one that gets it is President Mecham - who's equally frustrated if not more.
Oh in other news, I don't know if this matters to you guys, but it does to me, the First Presidency just approved an increase in our missions number of missionaries. I guess every mission has a cap on the number of missionaries assigned to that place. Ours was 60 and President Mecham asked for 6 more missionaries, but instead they approved 12. It was pretty exciting.
Well, I love you guys, and I'm still praying for everyone (friends included), so I hope you've noticed some blessings. If you have, you're welcome (from me and of course the One from whom the blessings come). If you haven't, repent so you can be worthy of them.
Love,
Elder Barlow
P.S. Dad, I better get a sweet calling, like Ward Missionary, or like 30 families to home teach or something like that.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Labor Day
Family,
It's pretty annoying when national holidays fall on our preparation day. All the banks are closed, and the post office is closed. Besides, who does The Republic of Palau think they are? Stealing our national holidays. I always thought the idea of Labor Day was ironic: "Let's celebrate all the work we're doing by taking a day off of work and not working!"
Anyway, I already told Hannah this, but I just talked to the mission office and my flight lands at LAX at 10:00 am on the 28th of October (I'm leaving Guam at 10:25 am that same day. That's what I call time travel - I'll live the day once on the plane and again at home). So that will leave plenty of time for the luncheon.
This week was pretty busy for us (as is every week though). We had to get Elder Roko's immigration stuff taken care of, but in order to do that, he had to get a blood typing test. So we went to the hospital and did that, then went back to the immigration place. Now we're just waiting to go back to pick up the permit. We were supposed to get back to our area that evening after District Meeting at like 4:00, but it ended up being like 7 after we got everything done. Plus, we had to come into town early because Elder Wright had to go to the airport late Friday night/early Saturday morning. His flight was cancelled though because there was a fire in a warehouse or on the runway or something, so he didn't end up leaving until Saturday night.
I've been waiting patiently for the basic unit to be started in Ngaraard, but I think I'm just going to have to take care of all the logistics myself and just call the branch president and ask for permission to go ahead. So my task this week is to find a definite place to start holding the meetings. Brother Hibbard (the military doctor) said he's met most of the Governors of Palau's 16 states, so he'd be happy to help. We'll see what we can do with that this week.
Love,
Elder Barlow
It's pretty annoying when national holidays fall on our preparation day. All the banks are closed, and the post office is closed. Besides, who does The Republic of Palau think they are? Stealing our national holidays. I always thought the idea of Labor Day was ironic: "Let's celebrate all the work we're doing by taking a day off of work and not working!"
Anyway, I already told Hannah this, but I just talked to the mission office and my flight lands at LAX at 10:00 am on the 28th of October (I'm leaving Guam at 10:25 am that same day. That's what I call time travel - I'll live the day once on the plane and again at home). So that will leave plenty of time for the luncheon.
This week was pretty busy for us (as is every week though). We had to get Elder Roko's immigration stuff taken care of, but in order to do that, he had to get a blood typing test. So we went to the hospital and did that, then went back to the immigration place. Now we're just waiting to go back to pick up the permit. We were supposed to get back to our area that evening after District Meeting at like 4:00, but it ended up being like 7 after we got everything done. Plus, we had to come into town early because Elder Wright had to go to the airport late Friday night/early Saturday morning. His flight was cancelled though because there was a fire in a warehouse or on the runway or something, so he didn't end up leaving until Saturday night.
I've been waiting patiently for the basic unit to be started in Ngaraard, but I think I'm just going to have to take care of all the logistics myself and just call the branch president and ask for permission to go ahead. So my task this week is to find a definite place to start holding the meetings. Brother Hibbard (the military doctor) said he's met most of the Governors of Palau's 16 states, so he'd be happy to help. We'll see what we can do with that this week.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Monday, August 29, 2011
29 Aug 2011
Family,
I got the package this week. It came on Thursday but I had to wait until Saturday when we drove into Koror to get it. I was probably most excited about the Sommer Sausage and the Cheesecake. Gross combo, but awesome separately. Thanks guys.
This week we had some sweet experiences with our investigators. We're teaching these two girls, who are actually the sisters of a member in Koror. The older one, Cassandra, had been taught by missionaries years ago, but she told us that the real reason she ever did was because she thought that one of the missionaries was cute - Elder Stowe (she remembered his name). Anyway, she told us all this after she read and prayed about the Book of Mormon and even wrote down a list of questions she had as she was reading. She said that this time was different, and she wants to be baptized. So she and her sister are planning to be baptized end of April, pending the fact that we have Sacrament meeting up there pretty soon. But she invited her boyfriend to talk to us, and as we talked he asked a few questions, but at the end he said, "wow, this all really makes sense." We told him that the two of them were planning on being baptized, and he turned to her and said, "you were just going to get baptized and leave me behind?" It was pretty funny. Now they just need to overcome their Word of Wisdom problems, and a clear Law of Chastity problem.
Our one active member (Toby) that we have comes teaching with us everyday, and he's probably the best person we could ask for. He has an awesome testimony and he doesn't put up with people's excuses.There was one guy that we were trying to contact and he basically shooed us away pretty rudely. When we went to pick up Toby, he said that he had just talked to a man named Petrus (which was the rude guy's name) and told us that he was actually a member - baptized in Chuuk. Toby said, "Good thing I followed the Spirit in talking to him because you guys never told me you went to talk to him! Anyway, he said we can come visit him." I was really proud of Toby. He's only been baptized for just over a year. Even after Petrus was rude to us, he was still on my mind for the next week and a half, and I couldn't figure out why. So I'm excited to see how things go when we go back.
Another guy that's "the man" is a Army guy named Brother Hibbard. He's from North Carolina and he's the new Army doctor that came with the CAT team (each branch of the military rotates every 6 months or so. So the Air Force just left when I got here and the Army came in). Everyone in the branch loves him and he is getting them all fired up about missionary work and home-teaching. He asked us for 10 copies of the Book of Mormon and a bunch of pass-along cards. Then he asked the Branch President for a list of all the members so he can go and visit them and invite them to church. And since he has all the gas he needs, he's offered to come teaching with us whenever. PLUS, as part of his being here, he's doing research on the health effects of chewing betel nut. He said that 90% of people that chew betel nut get some form of mouth cancer. And that's not even people that chew with a piece of cigarette. Those that chew with a piece of cigarette just accelerate the process. So he's supposed to finish the research and then do a presentation to all the schools. He's great.
Okay I have to go help my companion email - I'll talk to you soon.
Love,
Elder Barlow
I got the package this week. It came on Thursday but I had to wait until Saturday when we drove into Koror to get it. I was probably most excited about the Sommer Sausage and the Cheesecake. Gross combo, but awesome separately. Thanks guys.
This week we had some sweet experiences with our investigators. We're teaching these two girls, who are actually the sisters of a member in Koror. The older one, Cassandra, had been taught by missionaries years ago, but she told us that the real reason she ever did was because she thought that one of the missionaries was cute - Elder Stowe (she remembered his name). Anyway, she told us all this after she read and prayed about the Book of Mormon and even wrote down a list of questions she had as she was reading. She said that this time was different, and she wants to be baptized. So she and her sister are planning to be baptized end of April, pending the fact that we have Sacrament meeting up there pretty soon. But she invited her boyfriend to talk to us, and as we talked he asked a few questions, but at the end he said, "wow, this all really makes sense." We told him that the two of them were planning on being baptized, and he turned to her and said, "you were just going to get baptized and leave me behind?" It was pretty funny. Now they just need to overcome their Word of Wisdom problems, and a clear Law of Chastity problem.
Our one active member (Toby) that we have comes teaching with us everyday, and he's probably the best person we could ask for. He has an awesome testimony and he doesn't put up with people's excuses.There was one guy that we were trying to contact and he basically shooed us away pretty rudely. When we went to pick up Toby, he said that he had just talked to a man named Petrus (which was the rude guy's name) and told us that he was actually a member - baptized in Chuuk. Toby said, "Good thing I followed the Spirit in talking to him because you guys never told me you went to talk to him! Anyway, he said we can come visit him." I was really proud of Toby. He's only been baptized for just over a year. Even after Petrus was rude to us, he was still on my mind for the next week and a half, and I couldn't figure out why. So I'm excited to see how things go when we go back.
Another guy that's "the man" is a Army guy named Brother Hibbard. He's from North Carolina and he's the new Army doctor that came with the CAT team (each branch of the military rotates every 6 months or so. So the Air Force just left when I got here and the Army came in). Everyone in the branch loves him and he is getting them all fired up about missionary work and home-teaching. He asked us for 10 copies of the Book of Mormon and a bunch of pass-along cards. Then he asked the Branch President for a list of all the members so he can go and visit them and invite them to church. And since he has all the gas he needs, he's offered to come teaching with us whenever. PLUS, as part of his being here, he's doing research on the health effects of chewing betel nut. He said that 90% of people that chew betel nut get some form of mouth cancer. And that's not even people that chew with a piece of cigarette. Those that chew with a piece of cigarette just accelerate the process. So he's supposed to finish the research and then do a presentation to all the schools. He's great.
Okay I have to go help my companion email - I'll talk to you soon.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
22 Aug. 2011
Family,
This week was a roller coaster for me. I'm trying to adapt to a lot of new things at once. I struggled with my new companion in the beginning - he's just really different than my other companions, but now we're starting to figure out how to work with each other. I'm having to help him with the computer pretty often as I sit here, so my email might not be very long. He claims he's used a computer before, but he didn't know how to use the mouse or the keyboard, so . . . I don't believe him. Anyway, it's been fun.
We've been finding a bunch of new investigators, and I got a little ego boost when I was talking to a couple of Palauans the other day. After talking for a minute in each case they looked at me pretty confused and said, "Are you Palauan...or what? Where are you from?" Rather than lie to them, I said no, I'm from California. They were pretty confused still. They couldn't believe that I'd only been in Palau less than 18 months. Personally, I think that's a long time, but it made me feel pretty good, especially because it happened twice in a day. Elder Rokodakunivosa pronounces really well, so once he gets rolling, I think he's going to be awesome.
President Mecham is trying to get two basic units of the church started here in Palau. It's basically where we just have Sacrament Meeting in a location where there are members that can't make it to church. One will be in Meyuns (I'm really excited about that one because I spent most of my mission working with those people) where there are probably about 100 members - and 99 that are less-active. The idea is take away the transportation excuse, give a few of the priesthood holders the responsibility of being the "group leaders" and see what happens. The branch president is super excited. He said that very soon, we'll have a full branch there. The other is in my area. Right now none of our investigators can come to church because the church is an hour drive away. So even if they did have cars (which most don't) they wouldn't be able to afford the gas. If they had super strong faith from the start they'd be able to do it, but it usually takes time to build that kind of faith. So I'm really excited about this one too.
As for our investigators, I've been surprised how many actually read the Book of Mormon. We'll give a copy to someone and then walk up to their house the next night or something and they'll be sitting there reading it. The challenges that we've been facing are obviously betel nut, and even though they'll read it, people just won't pray and ask God if the Book of Mormon is true. They'll pray, but they won't ask! I don't get it. I think they're afraid to get an answer because they know that if they do, they'll have to leave their church.
People in the 2 villages we work in have been really nice to us. We're always getting bananas, and I'm finally starting to really like them. Usually I've just turned around and given them to someone else, or made banana bread or let them rot, but now I'm actually eating them. It's a good snack (the bananas are tiny - like 2 bites each).
Note for Kim: Invite Lindsay to church! If we didn't teach people that already had a church, we wouldn't teach anybody! When we ask members for referrals, that's the excuse we get a lot. "My friends already have their own church." We're not trying to get the last available slice of the pie. The gospel is for everyone!
Remember that time Heidi dated that "man" who was like 27 when she was like 18? And he came to Disneyland with us? Kim's story with the 30 year old dude reminds me of that. Sorry to throw you under the bus on this one Heidi.
I love you guys.
-Elder Barlow
P.S. No I haven't got the package yet. But we haven't checked the mail today. I'm sure if it's not here today, I'll get it Wednesday when we drive in for District Meeting.
This week was a roller coaster for me. I'm trying to adapt to a lot of new things at once. I struggled with my new companion in the beginning - he's just really different than my other companions, but now we're starting to figure out how to work with each other. I'm having to help him with the computer pretty often as I sit here, so my email might not be very long. He claims he's used a computer before, but he didn't know how to use the mouse or the keyboard, so . . . I don't believe him. Anyway, it's been fun.
We've been finding a bunch of new investigators, and I got a little ego boost when I was talking to a couple of Palauans the other day. After talking for a minute in each case they looked at me pretty confused and said, "Are you Palauan...or what? Where are you from?" Rather than lie to them, I said no, I'm from California. They were pretty confused still. They couldn't believe that I'd only been in Palau less than 18 months. Personally, I think that's a long time, but it made me feel pretty good, especially because it happened twice in a day. Elder Rokodakunivosa pronounces really well, so once he gets rolling, I think he's going to be awesome.
President Mecham is trying to get two basic units of the church started here in Palau. It's basically where we just have Sacrament Meeting in a location where there are members that can't make it to church. One will be in Meyuns (I'm really excited about that one because I spent most of my mission working with those people) where there are probably about 100 members - and 99 that are less-active. The idea is take away the transportation excuse, give a few of the priesthood holders the responsibility of being the "group leaders" and see what happens. The branch president is super excited. He said that very soon, we'll have a full branch there. The other is in my area. Right now none of our investigators can come to church because the church is an hour drive away. So even if they did have cars (which most don't) they wouldn't be able to afford the gas. If they had super strong faith from the start they'd be able to do it, but it usually takes time to build that kind of faith. So I'm really excited about this one too.
As for our investigators, I've been surprised how many actually read the Book of Mormon. We'll give a copy to someone and then walk up to their house the next night or something and they'll be sitting there reading it. The challenges that we've been facing are obviously betel nut, and even though they'll read it, people just won't pray and ask God if the Book of Mormon is true. They'll pray, but they won't ask! I don't get it. I think they're afraid to get an answer because they know that if they do, they'll have to leave their church.
People in the 2 villages we work in have been really nice to us. We're always getting bananas, and I'm finally starting to really like them. Usually I've just turned around and given them to someone else, or made banana bread or let them rot, but now I'm actually eating them. It's a good snack (the bananas are tiny - like 2 bites each).
Note for Kim: Invite Lindsay to church! If we didn't teach people that already had a church, we wouldn't teach anybody! When we ask members for referrals, that's the excuse we get a lot. "My friends already have their own church." We're not trying to get the last available slice of the pie. The gospel is for everyone!
Remember that time Heidi dated that "man" who was like 27 when she was like 18? And he came to Disneyland with us? Kim's story with the 30 year old dude reminds me of that. Sorry to throw you under the bus on this one Heidi.
I love you guys.
-Elder Barlow
P.S. No I haven't got the package yet. But we haven't checked the mail today. I'm sure if it's not here today, I'll get it Wednesday when we drive in for District Meeting.
Monday, August 15, 2011
15 Aug 2011
Family,
So this internet place is having trouble, so I only have about 15 minutes left. I'm really enjoying my new area. I've noticed that things there are very different than here in Koror. People rely a lot more on the land and on each other. I'm learning a lot as far as the language goes as well. It's been a fun challenge.
As for my companion. He's pretty funny. If you've ever seen Mr. Bean, take him and mix it with a Fijian guy, and you have Elder Rokodakunivosa (none of these Palauans can even attempt to say his name). I'm struggling a little because he kind of likes to keep to himself, and in an area like the one we're serving in, where there aren't any members or friends yet, it makes it hard. But we're learning. We've only been together for less than a week now.
This last week we didn't have a great chance to work in our area because we didn't move in until Wednesday, then we had to come back for District Meeting, and then again Saturday night because Elder Marshall was sick, and we had to relieve his companion (Elder Wright) so that he could go with one of us to teach some important appointments they had scheduled for that night. And so we stayed for church on Sunday, and then now we're here for P-Day. We'll go back tonight. It looks like we'll be getting a unit up there pretty soon though, so we won't have to come in every week for church.
I love you guys, sorry for the short note.
Love,
Elder Barlow
So this internet place is having trouble, so I only have about 15 minutes left. I'm really enjoying my new area. I've noticed that things there are very different than here in Koror. People rely a lot more on the land and on each other. I'm learning a lot as far as the language goes as well. It's been a fun challenge.
As for my companion. He's pretty funny. If you've ever seen Mr. Bean, take him and mix it with a Fijian guy, and you have Elder Rokodakunivosa (none of these Palauans can even attempt to say his name). I'm struggling a little because he kind of likes to keep to himself, and in an area like the one we're serving in, where there aren't any members or friends yet, it makes it hard. But we're learning. We've only been together for less than a week now.
This last week we didn't have a great chance to work in our area because we didn't move in until Wednesday, then we had to come back for District Meeting, and then again Saturday night because Elder Marshall was sick, and we had to relieve his companion (Elder Wright) so that he could go with one of us to teach some important appointments they had scheduled for that night. And so we stayed for church on Sunday, and then now we're here for P-Day. We'll go back tonight. It looks like we'll be getting a unit up there pretty soon though, so we won't have to come in every week for church.
I love you guys, sorry for the short note.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
8 Aug 2011
Family,
I forgot to tell you that my mailing address is the same as it was before. These smaller islands, including Palau only have one post office. So all the missionaries that serve in each island have the same address. So, it will be:
P.O. Box 551
Koror, PW
96940
As for retail centers, I'll have to drive down to Koror to do all my shopping and everything. Unfortunately, it's like a 40 minute drive, so I'm still trying to decide how to make this most efficient. I'll have to come down for church, district meeting, and P-day. I think I'll try and do all my shopping once a month and then hopefully find a laundry place that's close to the new house so I can limit the amount of times I have to make the drive. I might also have to start handwriting letters. It's just too far. I'll at least email again next week to tell you what we decide. I haven't actually had a chance to move into the new place yet (Elder Wright is in Guam for Zone Leader Council, and I'm here with his companion working in their area until he brings my companion back with him tonight. He went to the New Zealand MTC, so his arrival date was a little different than the other incoming missionaries.), so I can't really tell you anything about it. I do know that there are only little shops that sell like chips and betel nut, and there aren't any gas stations, and definitely no restaurants. As for my Palauan, it's getting there. It's harder to understand, but speaking isn't bad. I forgot some words, but they're coming back pretty quickly.
It was pretty exciting to come to church and see everyone again. What else was exciting was seeing people that didn't used to come, and new members that weren't baptized when I was here. It's good to see things growing. The only active member that lives in my new area broke his arm right below the shoulder while riding his dirt-bike (which he got so he can come to church - he doesn't have a car), so he may have to go to the Philippines to get it fixed. He's trying to avoid that, and I'm hoping there's another solution because I need him. He came to church yesterday with his sling and I told him we need 20 baptisms up there before I leave in October, and he said "don't worry about that. 20, 40, 80 - we can do that." So he's going to take me to all of his friends and since he's a chief, he's the best member missionary we could ask for right now.
Oh, I forgot to mention something. The mission office said that since the new apartment doesn't have a hot water heater, the mission will supply one. Lucky break for me. I was dreading cold showers that early in the morning. They're okay in the afternoon, but there aren't many things that make you dread getting up in the morning as much as knowing you'll have to take a cold shower.
Transfers went smoothly, people were pretty surprised with a lot of the changes. But now I'm out of the loop and don't have to deal with anyone's problems anymore. I heard someone (I heard it was a member) punched a missionary in the face in Guam - but that's not my problem anymore. It's kind of a nice feeling...not that he got punched, just that I don't have to deal with it. On the other hand, I'm kind of scared because I don't really know how the work is going to go in this new area. All I can do it work my hardest, and pray that things happen for me. I'll be sure to let you all know how things progress.
Love,
Elder Barlow
I forgot to tell you that my mailing address is the same as it was before. These smaller islands, including Palau only have one post office. So all the missionaries that serve in each island have the same address. So, it will be:
P.O. Box 551
Koror, PW
96940
As for retail centers, I'll have to drive down to Koror to do all my shopping and everything. Unfortunately, it's like a 40 minute drive, so I'm still trying to decide how to make this most efficient. I'll have to come down for church, district meeting, and P-day. I think I'll try and do all my shopping once a month and then hopefully find a laundry place that's close to the new house so I can limit the amount of times I have to make the drive. I might also have to start handwriting letters. It's just too far. I'll at least email again next week to tell you what we decide. I haven't actually had a chance to move into the new place yet (Elder Wright is in Guam for Zone Leader Council, and I'm here with his companion working in their area until he brings my companion back with him tonight. He went to the New Zealand MTC, so his arrival date was a little different than the other incoming missionaries.), so I can't really tell you anything about it. I do know that there are only little shops that sell like chips and betel nut, and there aren't any gas stations, and definitely no restaurants. As for my Palauan, it's getting there. It's harder to understand, but speaking isn't bad. I forgot some words, but they're coming back pretty quickly.
It was pretty exciting to come to church and see everyone again. What else was exciting was seeing people that didn't used to come, and new members that weren't baptized when I was here. It's good to see things growing. The only active member that lives in my new area broke his arm right below the shoulder while riding his dirt-bike (which he got so he can come to church - he doesn't have a car), so he may have to go to the Philippines to get it fixed. He's trying to avoid that, and I'm hoping there's another solution because I need him. He came to church yesterday with his sling and I told him we need 20 baptisms up there before I leave in October, and he said "don't worry about that. 20, 40, 80 - we can do that." So he's going to take me to all of his friends and since he's a chief, he's the best member missionary we could ask for right now.
Oh, I forgot to mention something. The mission office said that since the new apartment doesn't have a hot water heater, the mission will supply one. Lucky break for me. I was dreading cold showers that early in the morning. They're okay in the afternoon, but there aren't many things that make you dread getting up in the morning as much as knowing you'll have to take a cold shower.
Transfers went smoothly, people were pretty surprised with a lot of the changes. But now I'm out of the loop and don't have to deal with anyone's problems anymore. I heard someone (I heard it was a member) punched a missionary in the face in Guam - but that's not my problem anymore. It's kind of a nice feeling...not that he got punched, just that I don't have to deal with it. On the other hand, I'm kind of scared because I don't really know how the work is going to go in this new area. All I can do it work my hardest, and pray that things happen for me. I'll be sure to let you all know how things progress.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
1 August 2011
Family,
This has been such a busy week for us. I told you about the guy that was going to get baptized on Saturday, well he did, but to prepare for that, we had to teach him every day. In between visits, his family would quiz him on the things we talked about and then review things from "True to the Faith" and the scriptures. They were a really big help for us. He was baptized on Saturday, interviewed for the Aaronic Priesthood right after, then confirmed and ordained as a priest on Sunday. We had 5 of our investigators come, not to mention like 5 or 6 other non-members that we aren't teaching yet. There was a really good turn out from the ward as well, a lot of people came to support him.
So I'm just wrapping things up here in Guam before I go back to Palau on Friday. It's still a secret until Wednesday, but I figured by the time you guys try to leak the secret to anyone, everyone in the mission will already know what's happening. Wednesday we're having a meeting with all the trainers, where President Mecham, my companion, and I will go over the new 12-week training program, and emphasize how important the role of a trainer is. I'm actually going back to Palau to open a new area that missionaries haven't been in before, and to train a new missionary. His name is Elder Rokodakunivosa - he's from Fiji. I won't get to meet him until next week, since he's coming from the New Zealand MTC and arrives on a different day, but I'm excited to see how things go. There's a lot of uncertainty ahead since it's a new apartment, new area, new companion, and just a handful of members that are all less-active. I've been communicating with Elder Wright (who's now the Zone Leader in Palau) on finding a good apartment in the area that we're looking at, but we've totally kept him in the dark that I'm coming. He and I got along really well when we were companions, so I'm excited to go back and work with him, even though he won't be my companion. I told Elder Malit that my goal for the rest of my mission is to teach more lessons than him every single week. It's not really fair because he'll be laden down with administrative duties and all I'll have to do is teach all day, every day. Again this is a secret, so hopefully none of the senior couples are going to read my blog and spill to the younger missionaries on their islands. Jacob, maybe you could wait to put this in until after 9:00 pm Wednesday night our time. Not that people care that much about what happens in a 4-man zone in the western corner of the mission, but secrets are secrets.
I don't really have anything else this week, we were just super busy running from appointment to appointment. We skipped dinner most days just because we had appointments scheduled (we just ate really quick when we came in for the night). I haven't been able to teach so much in months. We came in every night just beat, but it's satisfying to reflect back and look at the work you did and actually feel successful. Our area should be having a lot of baptisms in August. Things started working out for us all of a sudden. I'd much rather leave an area on that note, than leaving it dead.
I love you guys,
Elder Barlow
This has been such a busy week for us. I told you about the guy that was going to get baptized on Saturday, well he did, but to prepare for that, we had to teach him every day. In between visits, his family would quiz him on the things we talked about and then review things from "True to the Faith" and the scriptures. They were a really big help for us. He was baptized on Saturday, interviewed for the Aaronic Priesthood right after, then confirmed and ordained as a priest on Sunday. We had 5 of our investigators come, not to mention like 5 or 6 other non-members that we aren't teaching yet. There was a really good turn out from the ward as well, a lot of people came to support him.
So I'm just wrapping things up here in Guam before I go back to Palau on Friday. It's still a secret until Wednesday, but I figured by the time you guys try to leak the secret to anyone, everyone in the mission will already know what's happening. Wednesday we're having a meeting with all the trainers, where President Mecham, my companion, and I will go over the new 12-week training program, and emphasize how important the role of a trainer is. I'm actually going back to Palau to open a new area that missionaries haven't been in before, and to train a new missionary. His name is Elder Rokodakunivosa - he's from Fiji. I won't get to meet him until next week, since he's coming from the New Zealand MTC and arrives on a different day, but I'm excited to see how things go. There's a lot of uncertainty ahead since it's a new apartment, new area, new companion, and just a handful of members that are all less-active. I've been communicating with Elder Wright (who's now the Zone Leader in Palau) on finding a good apartment in the area that we're looking at, but we've totally kept him in the dark that I'm coming. He and I got along really well when we were companions, so I'm excited to go back and work with him, even though he won't be my companion. I told Elder Malit that my goal for the rest of my mission is to teach more lessons than him every single week. It's not really fair because he'll be laden down with administrative duties and all I'll have to do is teach all day, every day. Again this is a secret, so hopefully none of the senior couples are going to read my blog and spill to the younger missionaries on their islands. Jacob, maybe you could wait to put this in until after 9:00 pm Wednesday night our time. Not that people care that much about what happens in a 4-man zone in the western corner of the mission, but secrets are secrets.
I don't really have anything else this week, we were just super busy running from appointment to appointment. We skipped dinner most days just because we had appointments scheduled (we just ate really quick when we came in for the night). I haven't been able to teach so much in months. We came in every night just beat, but it's satisfying to reflect back and look at the work you did and actually feel successful. Our area should be having a lot of baptisms in August. Things started working out for us all of a sudden. I'd much rather leave an area on that note, than leaving it dead.
I love you guys,
Elder Barlow
Sunday, July 24, 2011
25 July 2011
Family,
It seems like things stayed pretty much the same until just recently. All the nieces and nephews are going to be super old, plus a bunch more that I've never met, Dad's going to be retired, Jacob's going to be married, the house is going to be upgraded with a new flat screen, and who knows what else?
Anyway, we got back from Kosrae this past week. We had a good time over there, but I don't think some of these people realize how small their islands are. We got to Kosrae's excuse for an airport and apparently you have to be there 90 minutes early (it didn't say that on any of the documents I had). We got there 80 minutes before the flight, which I thought was plenty of time, especially because there is only one room to the entire "airport." Anyway, the guy said check-in had closed and we would have to wait until the next flight - which wasn't for another 4 days, just so you know. I asked to talk to the manager and he said "I can't grant you any exceptions, in the future you just need to know that for flight 957, you need to check in at least 90 minutes early." He doesn't realize how many flight there are in the world, and you cannot possibly memorize all of these things. Kosrae is a tiny island in a forgotten corner of Micronesia serviced by an airline twice a week, it's not the center of everyone's attention. Mind you, I didn't say any of this to him, but I wanted to. That's why I'm saying it now. In the end, we did in fact get on the plane, but I was pretty frustrated about the whole thing. Especially because by the time we finished going through security and immigration and everything, the plane hadn't even arrived. I think they had some family members waiting standby to get on the flight, and they thought they would since we were 10 minutes late, but when we actually showed up, it messed with their plans. Other than that, the Kosraean people are wonderful, and the island is beautiful. There was a white marine biologist from New York who was doing some work there, and his wife is a member from Tonga, so she invited us over and her husband, Larry, made us lobster enchiladas. It's been a while since I had enchiladas, and I'd actually never had lobster before. These were pretty spicy, and I spent some time in the restroom that night, but they tasted really good going down.
We had a Pioneer Day celebration and a baptism this last Saturday in our ward, so it made for a pretty crazy day. They had a barbecue, one of those inflatable moon bounce things but this one was a water slide, a slip-n-slide, a water balloon fight, basketball, and this guy in the ward brought his bagpipes and played them for like an hour (it was pretty weird). But there was a really good turnout. Right as we started to take everything down, it started pouring super hard, but it was bright and sunny and hot the whole day prior to that. Pretty lucky for all of us. All the while we would leave to go teach a lesson and then come back, since the party was like 5 hours long. The girl that was baptized is the sister of a Chuukese guy (but they live in Guam) who is now serving a mission in Australia (he was the only member until just now). Elder Matthews and I used to teach her back when I first came to Guam, but some things happened with her family, so she moved out of our area and the missionaries couldn't visit her where she went. Then one day about a month ago she showed up at church and told the sisters she wanted to be baptized and if they could start teaching her. So they did and she asked me to baptize her, after she came up out of the water she just kind of stood there for a second and I directed her back out of the font, and as soon as the door closed, I heard her basically yelling to her cousin who was waiting for her how awesome she felt and how cool it was. She bore her testimony at the end of the service, and her mother is supposed to be baptized next month, and I'm pretty sure her sister will follow as well. It was pretty cool to be a part of it.
We should be having a baptism again this coming Saturday. It's a guy that used to be taught by missionaries but then his mom got offended or something, so she wouldn't let us come over (she's an active member, so I'm not really sure what the problem could have been). Anyway we called and asked if we could come teach him. She readily agreed and we went and taught him for the first time yesterday. We got a feel for where he was at, and it seemed like he was ready (he's been coming to church every week for the past like 5 months), so we asked him to be baptized this coming Saturday, and he said yes. Then his mom told us a story about the night before (when we called) about how she had been praying asking God when her son would be baptized, and then we called. She's kind of a weird lady, but still a cool experience nonetheless.
This is pretty much our only normal week until the transfer happens next week, so I'm excited to just work without any administrative duties to get in the way.
I love you guys, and I'll talk you again soon.
Elder Barlow
It seems like things stayed pretty much the same until just recently. All the nieces and nephews are going to be super old, plus a bunch more that I've never met, Dad's going to be retired, Jacob's going to be married, the house is going to be upgraded with a new flat screen, and who knows what else?
Anyway, we got back from Kosrae this past week. We had a good time over there, but I don't think some of these people realize how small their islands are. We got to Kosrae's excuse for an airport and apparently you have to be there 90 minutes early (it didn't say that on any of the documents I had). We got there 80 minutes before the flight, which I thought was plenty of time, especially because there is only one room to the entire "airport." Anyway, the guy said check-in had closed and we would have to wait until the next flight - which wasn't for another 4 days, just so you know. I asked to talk to the manager and he said "I can't grant you any exceptions, in the future you just need to know that for flight 957, you need to check in at least 90 minutes early." He doesn't realize how many flight there are in the world, and you cannot possibly memorize all of these things. Kosrae is a tiny island in a forgotten corner of Micronesia serviced by an airline twice a week, it's not the center of everyone's attention. Mind you, I didn't say any of this to him, but I wanted to. That's why I'm saying it now. In the end, we did in fact get on the plane, but I was pretty frustrated about the whole thing. Especially because by the time we finished going through security and immigration and everything, the plane hadn't even arrived. I think they had some family members waiting standby to get on the flight, and they thought they would since we were 10 minutes late, but when we actually showed up, it messed with their plans. Other than that, the Kosraean people are wonderful, and the island is beautiful. There was a white marine biologist from New York who was doing some work there, and his wife is a member from Tonga, so she invited us over and her husband, Larry, made us lobster enchiladas. It's been a while since I had enchiladas, and I'd actually never had lobster before. These were pretty spicy, and I spent some time in the restroom that night, but they tasted really good going down.
We had a Pioneer Day celebration and a baptism this last Saturday in our ward, so it made for a pretty crazy day. They had a barbecue, one of those inflatable moon bounce things but this one was a water slide, a slip-n-slide, a water balloon fight, basketball, and this guy in the ward brought his bagpipes and played them for like an hour (it was pretty weird). But there was a really good turnout. Right as we started to take everything down, it started pouring super hard, but it was bright and sunny and hot the whole day prior to that. Pretty lucky for all of us. All the while we would leave to go teach a lesson and then come back, since the party was like 5 hours long. The girl that was baptized is the sister of a Chuukese guy (but they live in Guam) who is now serving a mission in Australia (he was the only member until just now). Elder Matthews and I used to teach her back when I first came to Guam, but some things happened with her family, so she moved out of our area and the missionaries couldn't visit her where she went. Then one day about a month ago she showed up at church and told the sisters she wanted to be baptized and if they could start teaching her. So they did and she asked me to baptize her, after she came up out of the water she just kind of stood there for a second and I directed her back out of the font, and as soon as the door closed, I heard her basically yelling to her cousin who was waiting for her how awesome she felt and how cool it was. She bore her testimony at the end of the service, and her mother is supposed to be baptized next month, and I'm pretty sure her sister will follow as well. It was pretty cool to be a part of it.
We should be having a baptism again this coming Saturday. It's a guy that used to be taught by missionaries but then his mom got offended or something, so she wouldn't let us come over (she's an active member, so I'm not really sure what the problem could have been). Anyway we called and asked if we could come teach him. She readily agreed and we went and taught him for the first time yesterday. We got a feel for where he was at, and it seemed like he was ready (he's been coming to church every week for the past like 5 months), so we asked him to be baptized this coming Saturday, and he said yes. Then his mom told us a story about the night before (when we called) about how she had been praying asking God when her son would be baptized, and then we called. She's kind of a weird lady, but still a cool experience nonetheless.
This is pretty much our only normal week until the transfer happens next week, so I'm excited to just work without any administrative duties to get in the way.
I love you guys, and I'll talk you again soon.
Elder Barlow
P.S. Oh and the other picture is of the office couple that just went home.
Not for the faint-hearted
So while we were in Kosrae, we were waiting to have Family Home Evening with this family. They were butchering this pig so I thought I'd document the process for you guys. After the shaved it, gutted it, and chopped it up, they had been heating these river rocks that the put the meat on then they covered it with some green taro leaves, and then to seal the air inside, they put wet ones down. It was pretty cool and gross at the same time.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
11 July 2011
Family,
This has been a crazy week. We spent everyday meeting with President Mecham talking about the upcoming transfer - which is still a month away. We're losing 6 missionaries and only getting 4, so we have to close an area and replace a bunch of leadership positions. It's been kind of a headache. Usually President Dowdle would just do the transfer, and then towards the end have us check for problems and add our input. Now we're having to make way more suggestions because he doesn't know any of the missionaries. All he knows is where they've served in the past. We're nervous to say anything because as soon as we do, someone gets transferred. It's pretty crazy. But President Mecham is awesome. One of the zone leaders called because a companionship in their zone was bickering and not getting along and they wanted to talk to President Mecham. We gave them his off-island phone number and he called us back and told us that they're being foolish and need to learn to get along - or never get married. It was pretty funny, and it was just evidence to me that he's the man. We're going off-island again this week by the way. We're headed up to Saipan tomorrow and then we'll be in Kosrae all weekend, so if you don't get an email from me next week, that's why.
We've done a lot of finding this week since the investigators we have aren't really progressing for whatever reason. One has to get married, but can't until she goes to the Marshalls and back, another is waiting for his court date, and another is working double shifts at work. So we've been spending our time looking for less-active members in order to teach the other members of the family. Finding people in Guam is surprisingly much harder than the other islands. Here, people have addresses and the streets have names, so you'd think it would make things a lot easier. However, there are all kinds of people so you can't just ask anybody where they live, and even though a street will have a name, it won't be marked. Same with the houses, some will have numbers, and others won't, or they'll go completely out of order - from 15 to 732 to 109. It doesn't make any sense. So as you can imagine, finding these people has been pretty difficult. But we found one and asked for the person we were looking for, but he wasn't home. The woman we were talking to said "You're Mormons right? I want to join your church. Me and my husband." Those are the kind of things I like to happen to me when I knock on someone's door.
There is a member in our ward (she's the pianist), whose husband just moved from the states (she just got a job here, which is why she came in the first place). He's not a member but has been meeting with the missionaries for over 20 years. He talks like a Mormon, feeds us like a Mormon, everything about him feels like a run-of-the-mill member of the church (throw back to the 1950's with that phrase), but he refuses to get baptized. He claims to have a problem with Joseph Smith. Anyway, we're the latest set of missionaries to teach this guy. We're afraid he's just been putting up the same wall of defense for so long that he looks at us as just another set of missionaries trying to take a shot at it. We've only taught him twice, so we'll see how things progress from here. He did come to church yesterday, it that counts for anything.
That's about all I have time for today. I love you guys.
Love,
Elder Barlow
This has been a crazy week. We spent everyday meeting with President Mecham talking about the upcoming transfer - which is still a month away. We're losing 6 missionaries and only getting 4, so we have to close an area and replace a bunch of leadership positions. It's been kind of a headache. Usually President Dowdle would just do the transfer, and then towards the end have us check for problems and add our input. Now we're having to make way more suggestions because he doesn't know any of the missionaries. All he knows is where they've served in the past. We're nervous to say anything because as soon as we do, someone gets transferred. It's pretty crazy. But President Mecham is awesome. One of the zone leaders called because a companionship in their zone was bickering and not getting along and they wanted to talk to President Mecham. We gave them his off-island phone number and he called us back and told us that they're being foolish and need to learn to get along - or never get married. It was pretty funny, and it was just evidence to me that he's the man. We're going off-island again this week by the way. We're headed up to Saipan tomorrow and then we'll be in Kosrae all weekend, so if you don't get an email from me next week, that's why.
We've done a lot of finding this week since the investigators we have aren't really progressing for whatever reason. One has to get married, but can't until she goes to the Marshalls and back, another is waiting for his court date, and another is working double shifts at work. So we've been spending our time looking for less-active members in order to teach the other members of the family. Finding people in Guam is surprisingly much harder than the other islands. Here, people have addresses and the streets have names, so you'd think it would make things a lot easier. However, there are all kinds of people so you can't just ask anybody where they live, and even though a street will have a name, it won't be marked. Same with the houses, some will have numbers, and others won't, or they'll go completely out of order - from 15 to 732 to 109. It doesn't make any sense. So as you can imagine, finding these people has been pretty difficult. But we found one and asked for the person we were looking for, but he wasn't home. The woman we were talking to said "You're Mormons right? I want to join your church. Me and my husband." Those are the kind of things I like to happen to me when I knock on someone's door.
There is a member in our ward (she's the pianist), whose husband just moved from the states (she just got a job here, which is why she came in the first place). He's not a member but has been meeting with the missionaries for over 20 years. He talks like a Mormon, feeds us like a Mormon, everything about him feels like a run-of-the-mill member of the church (throw back to the 1950's with that phrase), but he refuses to get baptized. He claims to have a problem with Joseph Smith. Anyway, we're the latest set of missionaries to teach this guy. We're afraid he's just been putting up the same wall of defense for so long that he looks at us as just another set of missionaries trying to take a shot at it. We've only taught him twice, so we'll see how things progress from here. He did come to church yesterday, it that counts for anything.
That's about all I have time for today. I love you guys.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Pictures:
1) Vilynta - our Chuukese investigator that was just baptized last week.
2-4) Gangster Chuukese wedding. President Dowdle married them, and they rented a limo. We sat in the limo and took pictures before the wedding party came out afterward.
1) Vilynta - our Chuukese investigator that was just baptized last week.
2-4) Gangster Chuukese wedding. President Dowdle married them, and they rented a limo. We sat in the limo and took pictures before the wedding party came out afterward.
Monday, July 4, 2011
4th of July
Family,
This week we finally switched mission presidents. President Mecham arrived at about midnight Tuesday night, so we met the mission presidency and their wives at the airport to greet him. It was pretty awkward. We just weren't sure how to act or what to do. But as soon as he landed, President Dowdle reminded him that as soon as he lands on island, he has the keys for the mission, and handed him his cell phone. It was pretty funny. Then a few hours later we had to come back to the airport to pick up the first of the missionaries that were coming for zone leader council (which was this last weekend). The next morning we met President Mecham at the office for our first meeting with him. We said our goodbyes to President Dowdle (I don't know how many of you changed mission presidents on your missions, but it was pretty emotional for all of us that were there), then went into our meeting. He basically just told us that he has known President Dowdle for a very long time and doesn't plan to change anything, just to build on the work he has already done. He's definitely a different personality, but he's still going to be really good for the mission.
We had a baptism on Saturday, and it was really good. On Thursday before her interview we prepared her for the interview, and my companion had me explain the part of the interview that talks about homosexuality. Keep in mind that I'm having to do this in Chuukese. So my companion taught me some of the words that I needed that I didn't know yet, and we went through all the questions with her. I thought it would be a lot more awkward than it was. Anyway, we told her the program and had her choose people to pray, speak, baptize, etc. She called us later in the day and said she wanted Elder Malit to give the opening and closing prayers and me to baptize and confirm her. We explained that maybe she should let some other people do some things, so she said she wanted Elder Malit to baptize her and me to confirm. I started to get pretty scared because I've never confirmed anyone in Palauan, let alone Chuukese. I told her that she may want to think about it a little more because I felt like Elder Malit could give a lot better of a blessing than I could, but if she wanted, I would learn how to do it. So that night and the next morning (the morning of the baptism) I was studying the words for the ordinance in Chuukese, and also a bunch of words that I might need to know to give a blessing. So about 30 minutes before the baptism was to start, we went over to give her the baptismal clothes, and she said she'd just have us switch - I'd baptize and Elder Malit would confirm. I was pretty relieved, but a little disappointed at the same time. I was getting kind of excited to try something new, but on the other hand I knew that it would mean a lot more to her if he gave the blessing, without having to decipher what I was trying to say if it wasn't exactly right. It was good for me to learn all that stuff though. She also asked Elder Malit and I to sing, so we sang this Chuukese song that was pretty cool. Then she came to church, got confirmed, fasted, and paid her tithing. She's doing really good right now.
Another of our investigators, his name is Daniel, is from an outer island of Yap called Ulithe (I think that's how you spell it). We went to meet with him and he said "Before we start, I just want to say that maybe you guys shouldn't come anymore." He went on to say how he feels bad everytime we come and he hasn't read or he has to reschedule or something, and he doesn't like wasting our time. We just happened to have an object lesson in our car about priorities, using a jar, rocks, and rice (sometimes people use sand, but it's the same idea). Some people may have been offended at this point, but Daniel honestly wants the things we have to offer, and is very humble. So we told him that he's putting the things that don't matter (the rice) first before the things that do, "the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (the rocks), so of course he doesn't have enough time for it all. We read the scripture in 3 Nephi about that, and he started to cry. He said that example really touched him, because he knows how much he wants the blessings, but until now he hadn't understood that he was doing it all wrong. So he committed himself to read and pray everyday. It was a really great lesson.
Bart Jolley was just on a flight from Guam to Saipan that a couple of our missionaries were on. He sat next to them and when they landed Elder Cook called me and said, "Do you know Bart Jolley?" I said of course I do, and he replied, "Okay he's right here." So I talked to him for a minute, and he told me the story. Apparently he's in Saipan for a Biology research group or something from BYU-H. He said he was in the Guam airport when we dropped the missionaries off, but we didn't see each other. It was a pretty weird coincidence.
That's it for this week. We're just getting President Mecham settled in.
Love,
Elder Barlow
This week we finally switched mission presidents. President Mecham arrived at about midnight Tuesday night, so we met the mission presidency and their wives at the airport to greet him. It was pretty awkward. We just weren't sure how to act or what to do. But as soon as he landed, President Dowdle reminded him that as soon as he lands on island, he has the keys for the mission, and handed him his cell phone. It was pretty funny. Then a few hours later we had to come back to the airport to pick up the first of the missionaries that were coming for zone leader council (which was this last weekend). The next morning we met President Mecham at the office for our first meeting with him. We said our goodbyes to President Dowdle (I don't know how many of you changed mission presidents on your missions, but it was pretty emotional for all of us that were there), then went into our meeting. He basically just told us that he has known President Dowdle for a very long time and doesn't plan to change anything, just to build on the work he has already done. He's definitely a different personality, but he's still going to be really good for the mission.
We had a baptism on Saturday, and it was really good. On Thursday before her interview we prepared her for the interview, and my companion had me explain the part of the interview that talks about homosexuality. Keep in mind that I'm having to do this in Chuukese. So my companion taught me some of the words that I needed that I didn't know yet, and we went through all the questions with her. I thought it would be a lot more awkward than it was. Anyway, we told her the program and had her choose people to pray, speak, baptize, etc. She called us later in the day and said she wanted Elder Malit to give the opening and closing prayers and me to baptize and confirm her. We explained that maybe she should let some other people do some things, so she said she wanted Elder Malit to baptize her and me to confirm. I started to get pretty scared because I've never confirmed anyone in Palauan, let alone Chuukese. I told her that she may want to think about it a little more because I felt like Elder Malit could give a lot better of a blessing than I could, but if she wanted, I would learn how to do it. So that night and the next morning (the morning of the baptism) I was studying the words for the ordinance in Chuukese, and also a bunch of words that I might need to know to give a blessing. So about 30 minutes before the baptism was to start, we went over to give her the baptismal clothes, and she said she'd just have us switch - I'd baptize and Elder Malit would confirm. I was pretty relieved, but a little disappointed at the same time. I was getting kind of excited to try something new, but on the other hand I knew that it would mean a lot more to her if he gave the blessing, without having to decipher what I was trying to say if it wasn't exactly right. It was good for me to learn all that stuff though. She also asked Elder Malit and I to sing, so we sang this Chuukese song that was pretty cool. Then she came to church, got confirmed, fasted, and paid her tithing. She's doing really good right now.
Another of our investigators, his name is Daniel, is from an outer island of Yap called Ulithe (I think that's how you spell it). We went to meet with him and he said "Before we start, I just want to say that maybe you guys shouldn't come anymore." He went on to say how he feels bad everytime we come and he hasn't read or he has to reschedule or something, and he doesn't like wasting our time. We just happened to have an object lesson in our car about priorities, using a jar, rocks, and rice (sometimes people use sand, but it's the same idea). Some people may have been offended at this point, but Daniel honestly wants the things we have to offer, and is very humble. So we told him that he's putting the things that don't matter (the rice) first before the things that do, "the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (the rocks), so of course he doesn't have enough time for it all. We read the scripture in 3 Nephi about that, and he started to cry. He said that example really touched him, because he knows how much he wants the blessings, but until now he hadn't understood that he was doing it all wrong. So he committed himself to read and pray everyday. It was a really great lesson.
Bart Jolley was just on a flight from Guam to Saipan that a couple of our missionaries were on. He sat next to them and when they landed Elder Cook called me and said, "Do you know Bart Jolley?" I said of course I do, and he replied, "Okay he's right here." So I talked to him for a minute, and he told me the story. Apparently he's in Saipan for a Biology research group or something from BYU-H. He said he was in the Guam airport when we dropped the missionaries off, but we didn't see each other. It was a pretty weird coincidence.
That's it for this week. We're just getting President Mecham settled in.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Monday, June 27, 2011
27 June 2011
Family,
What a crazy week. Mostly just a crazy weekend actually. There was a less-active Chuukese member that came over from Utah to get married here in Guam (probably so all the family could come). His now-wife isn't a member, but he is, so they were married in our chapel. President Dowdle was asked to perform the wedding (the groom's father is a branch president in Chuuk), and we were invited to attend. So we did, and arrived early, only to realize that the only person that we knew was the groom's father. So we kind of hung out in the car and then in the office waiting for more people to arrive. They all did soon enough, so we went inside the church, only to see that the baptism font had overflowed and there was a pool of water covering the carpet outside of the chapel. It was pretty bad. So we grabbed some mops, and did what little we could until our FM (facilities management) guy came with a wet-dry vacuum made it look as good as new. Luckily it wasn't any of the missionaries' fault. The Ward Mission Leader filled up the font and left (it's supposed to have a automatic drainage system if it gets too full - it turns out it didn't work), and overflowed the bathrooms and the carpet. So we got all that taken care of then went into the wedding. It was pretty entertaining. Chuukese music is pretty tacky, and they had it playing as the wedding party stepped in beat from the back to the front, and then again on the way back after the ceremony. The groom looked like a rapper in his white tux and long braids. It was pretty gangster over all. Right after that, we had another wedding of the sisters' investigator. It was very small and private - only about 20 minutes. AND THEN right after that we had a baptism for that woman and then also another investigator. We had a short break to go and finish a video that we were making for the Dowdles to show at his going away party that night. They had tons of food, cakes, people, and entertainment. Cultural dances, songs, drum shows, it was pretty crazy.
A lot of the rest of the week was spent in the office finishing the mission video and the one for the Dowdles. We should be having a baptism this week though.
Yesterday I taught the Gospel Principles class in church, since our teacher just got called. I decided to teach about the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity. I figure you can never be taught those enough. We have an investigator, Curtis, who looks like a skinnier Santa Claus. He's just awaiting trial, and then he can be baptized. We're pretty confident that the case will get dropped, but we have to wait and see anyway. His wife and 4 daughters are strong, active members, but he just never got around to it. He's loving it now though. He's reading and praying with his family, and it's been really fun teaching them.
I love you guys.
Love,
Elder Barlow
What a crazy week. Mostly just a crazy weekend actually. There was a less-active Chuukese member that came over from Utah to get married here in Guam (probably so all the family could come). His now-wife isn't a member, but he is, so they were married in our chapel. President Dowdle was asked to perform the wedding (the groom's father is a branch president in Chuuk), and we were invited to attend. So we did, and arrived early, only to realize that the only person that we knew was the groom's father. So we kind of hung out in the car and then in the office waiting for more people to arrive. They all did soon enough, so we went inside the church, only to see that the baptism font had overflowed and there was a pool of water covering the carpet outside of the chapel. It was pretty bad. So we grabbed some mops, and did what little we could until our FM (facilities management) guy came with a wet-dry vacuum made it look as good as new. Luckily it wasn't any of the missionaries' fault. The Ward Mission Leader filled up the font and left (it's supposed to have a automatic drainage system if it gets too full - it turns out it didn't work), and overflowed the bathrooms and the carpet. So we got all that taken care of then went into the wedding. It was pretty entertaining. Chuukese music is pretty tacky, and they had it playing as the wedding party stepped in beat from the back to the front, and then again on the way back after the ceremony. The groom looked like a rapper in his white tux and long braids. It was pretty gangster over all. Right after that, we had another wedding of the sisters' investigator. It was very small and private - only about 20 minutes. AND THEN right after that we had a baptism for that woman and then also another investigator. We had a short break to go and finish a video that we were making for the Dowdles to show at his going away party that night. They had tons of food, cakes, people, and entertainment. Cultural dances, songs, drum shows, it was pretty crazy.
A lot of the rest of the week was spent in the office finishing the mission video and the one for the Dowdles. We should be having a baptism this week though.
Yesterday I taught the Gospel Principles class in church, since our teacher just got called. I decided to teach about the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity. I figure you can never be taught those enough. We have an investigator, Curtis, who looks like a skinnier Santa Claus. He's just awaiting trial, and then he can be baptized. We're pretty confident that the case will get dropped, but we have to wait and see anyway. His wife and 4 daughters are strong, active members, but he just never got around to it. He's loving it now though. He's reading and praying with his family, and it's been really fun teaching them.
I love you guys.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Sunday, June 19, 2011
20 June 2011
Family,
So for some reason all of the usual flights were full, so we had missionaries coming in throughout the week, and staying for longer than they usually have in the past. So, we're pretty much out of food at this point. Anyway, we had a good week nonetheless.
We just had the Guam stake's first Stake Conference. They had President and Sister Dowdle speak, since they go home next week, and it all was really, really good. Saipan is part of the Stake, and we had them all set up on a video conference. It was pretty high tech having speakers from there and here on the same program.
We have this Chuukese investigator who comes to church every week, but for some reason won't be baptized. She said she wants to talk to her parents (in Chuuk) first, but that once she does she'll be baptized regardless of what they say (she's 21). For some reason she just won't talk to them. We went over this week to talk about it, and tried to just help her realize that she does in fact have faith in the things we have taught her and that if baptism is something that she wants, there isn't really a need for anything to be keeping her from that. She agreed to talk to her parents on Father's Day (yesterday) and then be baptized this Saturday. Well, it turns out that her father was sick and had to go to the doctor, so she didn't say anything. Hopefully we can get her to call in the next day or so.
For Zone Leader Council, we planned a service project with the local government. We went down to some really cool tide pools and picked up trash and cleaned up the place. Now they're making this big deal of it and want to publish our picture in the newspaper and put an article about the church and everything. It's all fine and good, I just didn't expect it, and now we have to write something to go in the paper. I think we'll just copy something from Mormon.org.
Yesterday, Elder Malit and I trained the Zone Leaders on change. How we are called on missions not for the people that we are, but because of our potential and who we can become. We talked about yielding our will unto the Lord and I think it all turned out really well. Elder Malit talked about himself and how he is happier than he's ever been. I just want to reiterate that to you guys. I can honestly say I'm happier than I've ever been.
Love,
Elder Barlow
So for some reason all of the usual flights were full, so we had missionaries coming in throughout the week, and staying for longer than they usually have in the past. So, we're pretty much out of food at this point. Anyway, we had a good week nonetheless.
We just had the Guam stake's first Stake Conference. They had President and Sister Dowdle speak, since they go home next week, and it all was really, really good. Saipan is part of the Stake, and we had them all set up on a video conference. It was pretty high tech having speakers from there and here on the same program.
We have this Chuukese investigator who comes to church every week, but for some reason won't be baptized. She said she wants to talk to her parents (in Chuuk) first, but that once she does she'll be baptized regardless of what they say (she's 21). For some reason she just won't talk to them. We went over this week to talk about it, and tried to just help her realize that she does in fact have faith in the things we have taught her and that if baptism is something that she wants, there isn't really a need for anything to be keeping her from that. She agreed to talk to her parents on Father's Day (yesterday) and then be baptized this Saturday. Well, it turns out that her father was sick and had to go to the doctor, so she didn't say anything. Hopefully we can get her to call in the next day or so.
For Zone Leader Council, we planned a service project with the local government. We went down to some really cool tide pools and picked up trash and cleaned up the place. Now they're making this big deal of it and want to publish our picture in the newspaper and put an article about the church and everything. It's all fine and good, I just didn't expect it, and now we have to write something to go in the paper. I think we'll just copy something from Mormon.org.
Yesterday, Elder Malit and I trained the Zone Leaders on change. How we are called on missions not for the people that we are, but because of our potential and who we can become. We talked about yielding our will unto the Lord and I think it all turned out really well. Elder Malit talked about himself and how he is happier than he's ever been. I just want to reiterate that to you guys. I can honestly say I'm happier than I've ever been.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Sunday, June 12, 2011
13 June 2011
Family,
We had a pretty rough week in our area. We have been running around picking up the pieces after being gone. One of our investigators is a white guy who is married to a Chuukese woman. He has a long white scraggly beard and a greasy blonde/gray comb over and a pot belly. He's kind of a hippy. Anyway, he met his wife here in Guam, and when they started dating, her brother would translate for them because she couldn't speak English (awkward). After they were married they went all over the United States and even lived in Mexico for a while. I forgot to mention that his wife and their 5 kids are all members, but they are. He's always been nice to the missionaries, but has never really been interested. About a month and a half ago he was driving (without a license) and ran out of gas, so he pulled into the center lane and parked. Just as he was about to get out and go across the street to get gas, a car clipped him from behind and a drunk driver smashed into him from the front. Long story short, the family of the driver of the car that hit him from the front pressed charges (someone in the car died), so he's been in and out of jail for the past month. The court is going to subpoena the driver of the other car to come to court (he went to the Philippines). Now Curtis, our investigator, is on house arrest until his trial, which is in the first week of July. He's come to church twice since this whole thing began, and is doing really well. In my experience, jail does wonders for some people.
We have several other people that are preparing for baptism as well. One is Chuukese and then there is also a couple that is from the outer islands of Yap. They're all doing really well, and I think it's just a matter of time before they get baptized - whether or not I'll be here for that, I'm not sure.
We have another Zone Leader Council coming up this week, as well as our first Stake Conference (at least that I know of). Plus, the usual flights that the missionaries come in on were already booked for some reason this time, so we're going to have missionaries coming in at random times this week, which is going to be a huge hassle.
Well that's all I have - sorry my letters are getting pretty lame.
I love you guys, and I'm glad everyone - besides Kandis and Pierce apparently - is doing well.
Love,
Elder Barlow
We had a pretty rough week in our area. We have been running around picking up the pieces after being gone. One of our investigators is a white guy who is married to a Chuukese woman. He has a long white scraggly beard and a greasy blonde/gray comb over and a pot belly. He's kind of a hippy. Anyway, he met his wife here in Guam, and when they started dating, her brother would translate for them because she couldn't speak English (awkward). After they were married they went all over the United States and even lived in Mexico for a while. I forgot to mention that his wife and their 5 kids are all members, but they are. He's always been nice to the missionaries, but has never really been interested. About a month and a half ago he was driving (without a license) and ran out of gas, so he pulled into the center lane and parked. Just as he was about to get out and go across the street to get gas, a car clipped him from behind and a drunk driver smashed into him from the front. Long story short, the family of the driver of the car that hit him from the front pressed charges (someone in the car died), so he's been in and out of jail for the past month. The court is going to subpoena the driver of the other car to come to court (he went to the Philippines). Now Curtis, our investigator, is on house arrest until his trial, which is in the first week of July. He's come to church twice since this whole thing began, and is doing really well. In my experience, jail does wonders for some people.
We have several other people that are preparing for baptism as well. One is Chuukese and then there is also a couple that is from the outer islands of Yap. They're all doing really well, and I think it's just a matter of time before they get baptized - whether or not I'll be here for that, I'm not sure.
We have another Zone Leader Council coming up this week, as well as our first Stake Conference (at least that I know of). Plus, the usual flights that the missionaries come in on were already booked for some reason this time, so we're going to have missionaries coming in at random times this week, which is going to be a huge hassle.
Well that's all I have - sorry my letters are getting pretty lame.
I love you guys, and I'm glad everyone - besides Kandis and Pierce apparently - is doing well.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
6 June 2011
Family,
We just got back from Chuuk this morning. Our flight landed at 4, so after flying all night, we slept all morning. But I had a blast everywhere we went. For P-day in Yap we rented a boat and the driver took us outside the reef and we went trolling, which is when you just throw your line in while the boat is moving through schools of fish (which you can see thanks to the flock of birds above it). We caught like 3 or 4 fish each - big yellow-fin tuna and flipjack (I think) too. It was about 80 pounds of fish total. It was really fun - probably because the fish were easy to catch (but hard to reel in). At one point a shark almost stole mine off the line, but I guess I was blessed or something because it didn't. Being the amateur fishermen that we all were, it took us like 4 or 5 minutes to reel in each fish, and the driver said that he didn't know what was going on because when he and the other Yapese go fishing, if they're pulling for more than a minute, the sharks are bound to grab it, but we can just keep going and not have any problems. We told him it was because we were missionaries and he said, "oh yeah, that's true." He was a pretty funny guy.
It was really cool to go back to Palau. The members and the other people that I taught seemed pretty excited to see me, so that was a pretty good feeling. It is pretty lonely there though with only two missionaries. I don't have much else to say about that, just that I still love it and things hadn't changed TOO much since I left - which is good.
Chuuk was a pretty crazy place. I got to go to all the outer islands, and work with the missionaries there. Chuuk has 6 areas. 3 outer islands with 2 missionaries each, and then 6 missionaries on the main island. The road on the main island, Weno, is actually more like a river, so everyone drives like 5 mph the whole time. It's about 7 miles from one area to the third area, and it takes an hour to get there. It's pretty terrible. But, the people, especially the members, love the missionaries there. The work is going really well. It was cool actually going because I've been working to learn Chuukese and everyone was impressed that I could speak without having been there before. In Sunday school yesterday, the District President (he was teaching), asked me to pray since I was a new face. So I nervously got up and prayed in Chuukese and sat down. He stood up with the biggest smile on his face, and in English he said, "when I asked you to pray I didn't realize you could speak my language." He's the nicest guy ever. He invited us all over for dinner before we left last night and then gave Elder Malit and I these seashell necklaces since we were leaving. To get to all the other islands they have a missionary boat and the driver is a member (paid by the church). I got pretty toasted on the boat ride out to Romanum. It was about an hour long boat ride, and the waves were pretty big and choppy. I got soaked by saltwater (which is the worst feeling ever, by the way) and toasted by the sun. Romanum is a crazy place though. It's only .6 sq miles and there are only 600 people. Ironically it's one of the strongest branches out there.
It's good to be home back in my own bed (as "my own" as it gets anyway), and I'm ready to finally do something in my area.
Pictures:
1) Fishing in Yap with my woven coconut frond hat
2) The result of our day
3) In Chuuk I got to go to Elder Stanley's house to visit with his family. If you remember, Elder Stanley was my trainer and one of my favorite companions. It was really good to see him. I met his girlfriend, whom he's planning on marrying - which was weird.
Love,
Elder Barlow
We just got back from Chuuk this morning. Our flight landed at 4, so after flying all night, we slept all morning. But I had a blast everywhere we went. For P-day in Yap we rented a boat and the driver took us outside the reef and we went trolling, which is when you just throw your line in while the boat is moving through schools of fish (which you can see thanks to the flock of birds above it). We caught like 3 or 4 fish each - big yellow-fin tuna and flipjack (I think) too. It was about 80 pounds of fish total. It was really fun - probably because the fish were easy to catch (but hard to reel in). At one point a shark almost stole mine off the line, but I guess I was blessed or something because it didn't. Being the amateur fishermen that we all were, it took us like 4 or 5 minutes to reel in each fish, and the driver said that he didn't know what was going on because when he and the other Yapese go fishing, if they're pulling for more than a minute, the sharks are bound to grab it, but we can just keep going and not have any problems. We told him it was because we were missionaries and he said, "oh yeah, that's true." He was a pretty funny guy.
It was really cool to go back to Palau. The members and the other people that I taught seemed pretty excited to see me, so that was a pretty good feeling. It is pretty lonely there though with only two missionaries. I don't have much else to say about that, just that I still love it and things hadn't changed TOO much since I left - which is good.
Chuuk was a pretty crazy place. I got to go to all the outer islands, and work with the missionaries there. Chuuk has 6 areas. 3 outer islands with 2 missionaries each, and then 6 missionaries on the main island. The road on the main island, Weno, is actually more like a river, so everyone drives like 5 mph the whole time. It's about 7 miles from one area to the third area, and it takes an hour to get there. It's pretty terrible. But, the people, especially the members, love the missionaries there. The work is going really well. It was cool actually going because I've been working to learn Chuukese and everyone was impressed that I could speak without having been there before. In Sunday school yesterday, the District President (he was teaching), asked me to pray since I was a new face. So I nervously got up and prayed in Chuukese and sat down. He stood up with the biggest smile on his face, and in English he said, "when I asked you to pray I didn't realize you could speak my language." He's the nicest guy ever. He invited us all over for dinner before we left last night and then gave Elder Malit and I these seashell necklaces since we were leaving. To get to all the other islands they have a missionary boat and the driver is a member (paid by the church). I got pretty toasted on the boat ride out to Romanum. It was about an hour long boat ride, and the waves were pretty big and choppy. I got soaked by saltwater (which is the worst feeling ever, by the way) and toasted by the sun. Romanum is a crazy place though. It's only .6 sq miles and there are only 600 people. Ironically it's one of the strongest branches out there.
It's good to be home back in my own bed (as "my own" as it gets anyway), and I'm ready to finally do something in my area.
Pictures:
1) Fishing in Yap with my woven coconut frond hat
2) The result of our day
3) In Chuuk I got to go to Elder Stanley's house to visit with his family. If you remember, Elder Stanley was my trainer and one of my favorite companions. It was really good to see him. I met his girlfriend, whom he's planning on marrying - which was weird.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
30 May 2011
Family,
I'm in Yap this week, and the other missionaries planned a boat tour of the island, so I'll have to make this really short.
We went to Palau on Friday and Saturday, and now we're in Yap. Wednesday we go over to Chuuk. I'm sure I'll get a bunch of cool pictures for you guys. I didn't take any pictures in Palau really, but there wasn't really anything new. It was cool because a lot of people were excited to see me. It makes you feel good when that happens.
We should be having quite a few baptisms in our district in June, so we'll see how things are when we get back (we asked the sister missionaries to teach our investigators while we're gone).
Love,
Elder Barlow
I'm in Yap this week, and the other missionaries planned a boat tour of the island, so I'll have to make this really short.
We went to Palau on Friday and Saturday, and now we're in Yap. Wednesday we go over to Chuuk. I'm sure I'll get a bunch of cool pictures for you guys. I didn't take any pictures in Palau really, but there wasn't really anything new. It was cool because a lot of people were excited to see me. It makes you feel good when that happens.
We should be having quite a few baptisms in our district in June, so we'll see how things are when we get back (we asked the sister missionaries to teach our investigators while we're gone).
Love,
Elder Barlow
Saturday, May 28, 2011
23 May 2011
Family,
So finally all the missionaries are back where they belong. We had a 4-day leadership training this week - which included all the zone leaders, district leaders, and trainers...so most of the mission. It's pretty lonely now in our huge apartment. There used to still be 4 of us once all the missionaries left, but since there are no office elders now, it's just my companion and I. Anyway, I guess the missionary department came out with a workbook that a new missionary and his/her trainer are supposed to work through in the first 12 weeks (2 transfers). They are also to have 2 hours of companionship study rather than 1 for those twelve weeks as well. I thought it was really cool, because it doesn't leave any questions as to what the new missionary needs to learn. I remember when I was supposed to train, there were some things that had just become second-nature to me that it was hard to remember that it was a habit that my companion hadn't developed yet - there were a lot of basic things that I had to teach, and this workbook lays all that out. The idea is that any new missionary should be able to train another new missionary after that initial 12-week period. It's pretty intense.
I realized yesterday how many potential baptisms we could have in the coming weeks. Looking around at church, there are about 5 individuals (just from our area) coming to church regularly who aren't baptized. Plus, we got some great referrals, from members at church as well. Unfortunately we just aren't going to have time to work with them the way that we'd like. With this last two weeks pretty much shot, and then we're planning trips to Yap, Palau, and Chuuk this next couple of weeks, we just can't do much. We're making contact with all of our investigators again, just in time to leave, so when we get back we'll probably do the same thing, then it will be time for Zone Leader Council again and transfers. Hopefully we'll find some way around all of it and make it work.
I would love to give you an update about how our investigators are doing, but I don't really have one. We spent this week (in the evenings after the meetings) driving missionaries around and dropping them off in random areas just to knock doors and then picking them up, or running errands and getting the things they need that they can't get on their islands. Kind of like a babysitter.
Like I've already said, I'm just eager to get back to work this week. I'll be sure and let you know as events unfold.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Pictures:
1) My new companion, Elder Malit
2) Our living room during leadership training
3) Our bedroom during leadership training
4) Zone Leader Council activity - one of the few perks that we actually get.
So finally all the missionaries are back where they belong. We had a 4-day leadership training this week - which included all the zone leaders, district leaders, and trainers...so most of the mission. It's pretty lonely now in our huge apartment. There used to still be 4 of us once all the missionaries left, but since there are no office elders now, it's just my companion and I. Anyway, I guess the missionary department came out with a workbook that a new missionary and his/her trainer are supposed to work through in the first 12 weeks (2 transfers). They are also to have 2 hours of companionship study rather than 1 for those twelve weeks as well. I thought it was really cool, because it doesn't leave any questions as to what the new missionary needs to learn. I remember when I was supposed to train, there were some things that had just become second-nature to me that it was hard to remember that it was a habit that my companion hadn't developed yet - there were a lot of basic things that I had to teach, and this workbook lays all that out. The idea is that any new missionary should be able to train another new missionary after that initial 12-week period. It's pretty intense.
I realized yesterday how many potential baptisms we could have in the coming weeks. Looking around at church, there are about 5 individuals (just from our area) coming to church regularly who aren't baptized. Plus, we got some great referrals, from members at church as well. Unfortunately we just aren't going to have time to work with them the way that we'd like. With this last two weeks pretty much shot, and then we're planning trips to Yap, Palau, and Chuuk this next couple of weeks, we just can't do much. We're making contact with all of our investigators again, just in time to leave, so when we get back we'll probably do the same thing, then it will be time for Zone Leader Council again and transfers. Hopefully we'll find some way around all of it and make it work.
I would love to give you an update about how our investigators are doing, but I don't really have one. We spent this week (in the evenings after the meetings) driving missionaries around and dropping them off in random areas just to knock doors and then picking them up, or running errands and getting the things they need that they can't get on their islands. Kind of like a babysitter.
Like I've already said, I'm just eager to get back to work this week. I'll be sure and let you know as events unfold.
Love,
Elder Barlow
1) My new companion, Elder Malit
2) Our living room during leadership training
4) Zone Leader Council activity - one of the few perks that we actually get.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
16 May 2011
Family,
This has been one of the most stressful weeks of my mission, and this week is looking to come in a close second. We've had to keep track of a million flights and make sure that everyone that flies in has a place to stay. We wanted to make it so the only people housing missionaries were people that were already coming to the meetings, so that others didn't have to use time and gas making that trip. So we had to be very careful to make sure that there was also enough seats in the cars to fit everyone that was staying with them. I haven't had a full sleep all week. Not to mention preparing everything that we have to do in the meetings. To top it all off, there aren't any office elders anymore, so their responsibilities are supposed to be handled by the senior couple in the office, but the missionaries must be scared to ask them for things, because they've been just asking us. I haven't taught a lesson in over a week. With all that said, these meetings are one of my favorite times. It's not very often that we get to see the missionaries from the other islands, especially those who aren't zone leaders. So we've been having a blast.
We just found out this week as well that we'll be going to visit Palau, Chuuk, and Yap, so I'm pretty excited about that. I'll get to see my trainer again (he's Chuukese), and get to go back to Palau and Yap and work with the missionaries there. I'll be sure and take lots of pictures so you guys can see.
We had our first day of leadership training today, so I only have a few minutes. I think this will be the last 4-day training like we've been having. It's been a year since we started it, and it will be interesting how the schedule changes with President Mecham.
That's pretty exciting news for Jacob and Melanie, and I'm glad that I'll be home for it.
Love,
Elder Barlow
This has been one of the most stressful weeks of my mission, and this week is looking to come in a close second. We've had to keep track of a million flights and make sure that everyone that flies in has a place to stay. We wanted to make it so the only people housing missionaries were people that were already coming to the meetings, so that others didn't have to use time and gas making that trip. So we had to be very careful to make sure that there was also enough seats in the cars to fit everyone that was staying with them. I haven't had a full sleep all week. Not to mention preparing everything that we have to do in the meetings. To top it all off, there aren't any office elders anymore, so their responsibilities are supposed to be handled by the senior couple in the office, but the missionaries must be scared to ask them for things, because they've been just asking us. I haven't taught a lesson in over a week. With all that said, these meetings are one of my favorite times. It's not very often that we get to see the missionaries from the other islands, especially those who aren't zone leaders. So we've been having a blast.
We just found out this week as well that we'll be going to visit Palau, Chuuk, and Yap, so I'm pretty excited about that. I'll get to see my trainer again (he's Chuukese), and get to go back to Palau and Yap and work with the missionaries there. I'll be sure and take lots of pictures so you guys can see.
We had our first day of leadership training today, so I only have a few minutes. I think this will be the last 4-day training like we've been having. It's been a year since we started it, and it will be interesting how the schedule changes with President Mecham.
That's pretty exciting news for Jacob and Melanie, and I'm glad that I'll be home for it.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Monday, May 9, 2011
Mother's Day
Family,
So.. I just barely got off the phone, but I thought I'd send an email too.
My new companion got here last Monday, like I said, and we've been spending this week getting him oriented. We've had to plan out when all the missionaries are coming and going for transfers, plus zone leader council which is this coming weekend, and then leadership training which is this next week. It's been a mess, because everyone needs a place to stay, and we can only have so many people stay in certain places because they need to have enough car space to be able to transport everyone back and forth to the meetings.
We have another new missionary orientation this week as well, and we usually do it at the mission home with the Dowdles, but they're going to a correlation meeting in Japan this week so it's just going to be us and the fresh ones in the office. We will get to go bowling this weekend for zone leader council though, so that's going to be a treat.
Sorry for anyone who wasn't on the phone when I called because I don't have much to say now, but I'll just go through all the pictures I sent and explain.
That's it on this memory card.
Love,
Elder Barlow
1) Elder Matthews and I and the Kosrae Zone (L to R): Me, Elder Sturm, Elder Rufus, Elder Lapeyrouse, Elder Andrew, Elder Matthews
2) Kosrae gas station
3-5) Kosrae sunsets
6-7) Marbo Cave (Guam)
8-14) Taguan Point (Guam)
17) The church in Kosrae wanted to have a going away party for us when we left. So some of the members spoke, and then they sang and gave us some sweet headbands and jewelry they made.
So.. I just barely got off the phone, but I thought I'd send an email too.
My new companion got here last Monday, like I said, and we've been spending this week getting him oriented. We've had to plan out when all the missionaries are coming and going for transfers, plus zone leader council which is this coming weekend, and then leadership training which is this next week. It's been a mess, because everyone needs a place to stay, and we can only have so many people stay in certain places because they need to have enough car space to be able to transport everyone back and forth to the meetings.
We have another new missionary orientation this week as well, and we usually do it at the mission home with the Dowdles, but they're going to a correlation meeting in Japan this week so it's just going to be us and the fresh ones in the office. We will get to go bowling this weekend for zone leader council though, so that's going to be a treat.
Sorry for anyone who wasn't on the phone when I called because I don't have much to say now, but I'll just go through all the pictures I sent and explain.
That's it on this memory card.
Love,
Elder Barlow
1) Elder Matthews and I and the Kosrae Zone (L to R): Me, Elder Sturm, Elder Rufus, Elder Lapeyrouse, Elder Andrew, Elder Matthews
2) Kosrae gas station
3-5) Kosrae sunsets
6-7) Marbo Cave (Guam)
8-14) Taguan Point (Guam)
15-16) 3 flags up with the Kosraean kids
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Uno de Mayo, 2011
Family,
Before I forget, I have two requests. One - when I was in Kosrae, one of the members found out I was from California and one day he came out teaching with us all day and he asked if I could get him a copy of the song - California Dreamin'. I told him I'd ask you guys, so if it's possible for you guys to send me a CD, I'll give it to one of the missionaries and they'll take it to him (obviously I won't be listening to it). While I'm on that note (I guess I have three requests), at the beginning of my mission I asked for some music, and Craig Blake sent me some good stuff - but it's been a while since I've had any new music - so this is another blanket request for anyone who has access to any good missionary music (our music rules are pretty relaxed - just as long as it's produced by members of the church and is spiritual in nature. Or if it's not a member of the church, if it is a sweet rendition of a hymn or something, that's cool too.), I would love some. Second/Third - I have a 320 GB external hard drive in the garage (it's black with red designs on it), and do you think you could package that up and send it to me? I just wanted to be able to back up my pictures and videos and stuff while I have access to the office here. Thanks.
On to my week. Yesterday we had more people at church than I can remember ever having in all the times I've attended church here in Guam. Chairs filled the cultural hall and people were standing along the back and in the hallway. It was crazy. The ward is just super excited about reactivation and missionary work. Every Tuesday, anyone who wants to, but at least the priesthood leadership meets at the chapel and they split with all the missionaries. They either come with us to the appointments we've set, or we just go and visit less-active families in our area. It's been great, not just because we have members to come with us, but it allows them to meet the people that we've found, and then they're more concerned about how they're progressing. I've just really enjoyed it.
We've been really busy this week with transfers. It seems like every transfer, area boundaries have to be re-drawn in Guam. One companionship is leaving a district, so we have to divide that area up. Plus, no one in Guam is really sure what their boundaries are because it has just been hearsay for so long. We're putting together set boundaries and giving a copy to every companionship so people aren't calling us and asking us every other day (I don't even know myself, so this has been good for me). My new companion is here in Guam. We picked him up from the airport this morning. He was one of the Zone Leaders out in Chuuk, Elder Malit, from Utah. He's Filipino, but doesn't speak any Tagalog or anything like that. We'll be spending this week prepping him on all of his duties and stuff and preparing our training for Zone Leader Council in 2 weeks.
We had a guy call the office and asked to talk to the highest authority possible - so they transferred him to President Dowdle, who happened to be in the office that day. He asked for an appointment, and President asked why, so this man, Joe, said that he wants to join the church. Those are the kind of calls that make our lives easier. Turns out he lives in our area, but he hasn't been home when we've gone. We had another guy come to church yesterday who said basically the same thing, and who also lives in our area. He gave us his name and address, so we'll go see him sometime this week too. I love when stuff like that happens.
Lastly, we have these two investigators, both Chuukese, the two brothers that I told you guys about last week. I guess on their tiny outer island the culture is such that if a man's wife dies, he is to take her sister as his wife. They don't have to be remarried or anything. Obviously that doesn't fly legally, so that's going to be a topic of discussion, plus his smoking, and his drinking (coffee, tea, alcohol). Luckily my new companion is the best Chuukese speaker we have in the mission so he'll be able to get that message across effectively.
I'll let you know how all of these things play out.
Love,
Elder Barlow
Before I forget, I have two requests. One - when I was in Kosrae, one of the members found out I was from California and one day he came out teaching with us all day and he asked if I could get him a copy of the song - California Dreamin'. I told him I'd ask you guys, so if it's possible for you guys to send me a CD, I'll give it to one of the missionaries and they'll take it to him (obviously I won't be listening to it). While I'm on that note (I guess I have three requests), at the beginning of my mission I asked for some music, and Craig Blake sent me some good stuff - but it's been a while since I've had any new music - so this is another blanket request for anyone who has access to any good missionary music (our music rules are pretty relaxed - just as long as it's produced by members of the church and is spiritual in nature. Or if it's not a member of the church, if it is a sweet rendition of a hymn or something, that's cool too.), I would love some. Second/Third - I have a 320 GB external hard drive in the garage (it's black with red designs on it), and do you think you could package that up and send it to me? I just wanted to be able to back up my pictures and videos and stuff while I have access to the office here. Thanks.
On to my week. Yesterday we had more people at church than I can remember ever having in all the times I've attended church here in Guam. Chairs filled the cultural hall and people were standing along the back and in the hallway. It was crazy. The ward is just super excited about reactivation and missionary work. Every Tuesday, anyone who wants to, but at least the priesthood leadership meets at the chapel and they split with all the missionaries. They either come with us to the appointments we've set, or we just go and visit less-active families in our area. It's been great, not just because we have members to come with us, but it allows them to meet the people that we've found, and then they're more concerned about how they're progressing. I've just really enjoyed it.
We've been really busy this week with transfers. It seems like every transfer, area boundaries have to be re-drawn in Guam. One companionship is leaving a district, so we have to divide that area up. Plus, no one in Guam is really sure what their boundaries are because it has just been hearsay for so long. We're putting together set boundaries and giving a copy to every companionship so people aren't calling us and asking us every other day (I don't even know myself, so this has been good for me). My new companion is here in Guam. We picked him up from the airport this morning. He was one of the Zone Leaders out in Chuuk, Elder Malit, from Utah. He's Filipino, but doesn't speak any Tagalog or anything like that. We'll be spending this week prepping him on all of his duties and stuff and preparing our training for Zone Leader Council in 2 weeks.
We had a guy call the office and asked to talk to the highest authority possible - so they transferred him to President Dowdle, who happened to be in the office that day. He asked for an appointment, and President asked why, so this man, Joe, said that he wants to join the church. Those are the kind of calls that make our lives easier. Turns out he lives in our area, but he hasn't been home when we've gone. We had another guy come to church yesterday who said basically the same thing, and who also lives in our area. He gave us his name and address, so we'll go see him sometime this week too. I love when stuff like that happens.
Lastly, we have these two investigators, both Chuukese, the two brothers that I told you guys about last week. I guess on their tiny outer island the culture is such that if a man's wife dies, he is to take her sister as his wife. They don't have to be remarried or anything. Obviously that doesn't fly legally, so that's going to be a topic of discussion, plus his smoking, and his drinking (coffee, tea, alcohol). Luckily my new companion is the best Chuukese speaker we have in the mission so he'll be able to get that message across effectively.
I'll let you know how all of these things play out.
Love,
Elder Barlow
25 April 2011
Family,
This has been an interesting week. Before we left to Pohnpei and Kosrae, we decided that we were going to drop all of our investigators and start over. Many of them were people that missionaries had been teaching for who knows how long, and just hadn't been progressing. So this was kind of our rebuilding week. We had a slow start to the week, but as the days have gone on, it's been picking up. We met a Chuukese family, and most of them were actually baptized years ago. They've since joined another church, but after our second visit, the man we are teaching, Saimon, and his brother, Jona, agreed to be baptized and also to come to church this week (yesterday). There are like 35 people that live there and like 4 different generations, and the guy we're teaching is the oldest. They said all they needed was a ride, and they'd be ready to go. So we organized a ride and showed up Sunday morning (To be honest I wasn't expecting much. I didn't think they'd be there, or at least they wouldn't be awake or ready.) and Jona was sitting at the table all dressed and ready with his Book of Mormon and the pamphlet we gave him, and Saimon and his wife were just putting shoes on. They came and had a great experience - especially because Sunday school is in Chuukese, and all the people really welcomed them.
Part of the reason the beginning of the week was so slow was because I had to get a Guam license. I went to the DMV, waited forever in line, only so the woman could tell me I needed my SS card - which I didn't have. So the next day, I went to the SS office, waited forever again, got a letter that verified my SS number (which they said would work until I could get my card in the mail), and went back to the DMV to wait in line for forever again. Then I had to wait in another line to pay for it, another line to take my picture, and another line to pick it up. If anyone was wondering, the DMV is the worst ever, even in Guam. So after like 6 hours between the two days, I finally got my license - and I had to give them my California license. Now I have to drive all the time, because Elder Matthews doesn't have one. I prefer the passenger seat - especially in our minivan (did I ever tell you we drive a minivan?) it's pretty luxurious.
We found out transfers this week, and since I don't know who's reading my blog, I won't say much. That's secret stuff you know. Let me just say - things are going to be crazy! I think I thought the same thing last transfer though.
Happy Easter everyone!
Love,
Elder Barlow
This has been an interesting week. Before we left to Pohnpei and Kosrae, we decided that we were going to drop all of our investigators and start over. Many of them were people that missionaries had been teaching for who knows how long, and just hadn't been progressing. So this was kind of our rebuilding week. We had a slow start to the week, but as the days have gone on, it's been picking up. We met a Chuukese family, and most of them were actually baptized years ago. They've since joined another church, but after our second visit, the man we are teaching, Saimon, and his brother, Jona, agreed to be baptized and also to come to church this week (yesterday). There are like 35 people that live there and like 4 different generations, and the guy we're teaching is the oldest. They said all they needed was a ride, and they'd be ready to go. So we organized a ride and showed up Sunday morning (To be honest I wasn't expecting much. I didn't think they'd be there, or at least they wouldn't be awake or ready.) and Jona was sitting at the table all dressed and ready with his Book of Mormon and the pamphlet we gave him, and Saimon and his wife were just putting shoes on. They came and had a great experience - especially because Sunday school is in Chuukese, and all the people really welcomed them.
Part of the reason the beginning of the week was so slow was because I had to get a Guam license. I went to the DMV, waited forever in line, only so the woman could tell me I needed my SS card - which I didn't have. So the next day, I went to the SS office, waited forever again, got a letter that verified my SS number (which they said would work until I could get my card in the mail), and went back to the DMV to wait in line for forever again. Then I had to wait in another line to pay for it, another line to take my picture, and another line to pick it up. If anyone was wondering, the DMV is the worst ever, even in Guam. So after like 6 hours between the two days, I finally got my license - and I had to give them my California license. Now I have to drive all the time, because Elder Matthews doesn't have one. I prefer the passenger seat - especially in our minivan (did I ever tell you we drive a minivan?) it's pretty luxurious.
We found out transfers this week, and since I don't know who's reading my blog, I won't say much. That's secret stuff you know. Let me just say - things are going to be crazy! I think I thought the same thing last transfer though.
Happy Easter everyone!
Love,
Elder Barlow
Monday, April 18, 2011
18 April 2011
Family,
This last week we were in Kosrae. As we were sitting in Zone Leader Council on that Sunday, I had a pretty bad sore throat, so Sister Dowdle gave me some Airborne (which I don't have any faith in), and some cough drops. As I was writing my letter to you last week it was still pretty bad, and I felt miserable on the plane ride over. It's pretty long, and the flight is called the "island-hopper." It goes from Guam to Hawaii and stops at all of the islands in between: Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, the Marshall Islands, and Hawaii, and then back. Plus, you have to de-plane at every stop while they do a security check. So with all the changes in air pressure and moving around, I felt pretty awful. We went to dinner with the missionaries that night and worked with them a little bit. I slept great that night, but woke up feeling pretty terrible still. I felt like my tonsils were swollen so I checked them out in the mirror. I don't know if they were swollen or not, but there was a white spot on the right side, which was a symptom of something that I couldn't remember, so I went out and asked one of the missionaries. He suggested strep, which is what I was thinking of. So we called the mission nurse, and she sent me to the Kosrae hospital. I have to say, the Kosrae hospital is probably the single worst hospital on earth. But we went anyway. They didn't take any tests or anything, he just looked at my throat, called it strep throat and gave me some Amoxycillin. So I'm still dealing with a pretty nasty cough and congestion, but the sore throat is gone, that's the good news.
Kosrae is a lot smaller than I thought it would be. There's a paved road that only goes around half to three-quarters of the island, and you just drive back and forth on it seeing the same things and the same people over and over again. There are very few cars, and people just walk around, so it was really cool. The members found out that Elder Matthews was coming back (he served there for about a year before he came to Guam) and wanted to to throw him a farewell party, since they didn't get to when he left the first time. Since I was coming back to Guam too, I got a bit of the loving as well. I came away with some cool necklaces made of coconut fiber and shells and some headbands made out of pandanas and flowers. They had a potluck at the district center (which is huge by the way), and each branch sang a song and a few people spoke and then we all ate. It was funny because apparently one of the recent converts (not so recent anymore actually) had been spreading a rumor that Elder Matthews was coming back to take her back with him to Idaho and get married. Everyone we talked to asked about it all week. At the party, she was there, but I think someone called her out on it, so she was pretty embarrassed I think; she and a couple of others sat away from everyone else. The next morning we went to the airport and there were several of them there as well. They sang 2 more songs ("God be with you 'till we meet again" and some Kosraean song) and gave us some flowery headbands (like a lei, but for your head) and one of the families waited until the very moment we stepped on the plane (you just walk out on the tarmac then up the stairs to the plane - there's no covered walkway). I can see how it would be hard for a missionary to leave Kosrae, it was sad for me to leave, and I was only there a week. But, I missed Guam, and I'm glad to be back.
With transfers, and then our two trips these last two weeks, our area is pretty dead. We spent yesterday going through a list of part-member families and other less-active families and tracking them down trying to find new people to teach, and the Elders Quorum President is supposed to be giving us some more names this week. We didn't have any immediate success from it, but we met a bunch of families that we didn't know before, and a lot of potential investigators, so I feel really good about it.
That's it from me. I should be staying in Guam for the next few weeks, so I'll talk to you guys again next week.
Happy Easter!
Love,
Elder Barlow
This last week we were in Kosrae. As we were sitting in Zone Leader Council on that Sunday, I had a pretty bad sore throat, so Sister Dowdle gave me some Airborne (which I don't have any faith in), and some cough drops. As I was writing my letter to you last week it was still pretty bad, and I felt miserable on the plane ride over. It's pretty long, and the flight is called the "island-hopper." It goes from Guam to Hawaii and stops at all of the islands in between: Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, the Marshall Islands, and Hawaii, and then back. Plus, you have to de-plane at every stop while they do a security check. So with all the changes in air pressure and moving around, I felt pretty awful. We went to dinner with the missionaries that night and worked with them a little bit. I slept great that night, but woke up feeling pretty terrible still. I felt like my tonsils were swollen so I checked them out in the mirror. I don't know if they were swollen or not, but there was a white spot on the right side, which was a symptom of something that I couldn't remember, so I went out and asked one of the missionaries. He suggested strep, which is what I was thinking of. So we called the mission nurse, and she sent me to the Kosrae hospital. I have to say, the Kosrae hospital is probably the single worst hospital on earth. But we went anyway. They didn't take any tests or anything, he just looked at my throat, called it strep throat and gave me some Amoxycillin. So I'm still dealing with a pretty nasty cough and congestion, but the sore throat is gone, that's the good news.
Kosrae is a lot smaller than I thought it would be. There's a paved road that only goes around half to three-quarters of the island, and you just drive back and forth on it seeing the same things and the same people over and over again. There are very few cars, and people just walk around, so it was really cool. The members found out that Elder Matthews was coming back (he served there for about a year before he came to Guam) and wanted to to throw him a farewell party, since they didn't get to when he left the first time. Since I was coming back to Guam too, I got a bit of the loving as well. I came away with some cool necklaces made of coconut fiber and shells and some headbands made out of pandanas and flowers. They had a potluck at the district center (which is huge by the way), and each branch sang a song and a few people spoke and then we all ate. It was funny because apparently one of the recent converts (not so recent anymore actually) had been spreading a rumor that Elder Matthews was coming back to take her back with him to Idaho and get married. Everyone we talked to asked about it all week. At the party, she was there, but I think someone called her out on it, so she was pretty embarrassed I think; she and a couple of others sat away from everyone else. The next morning we went to the airport and there were several of them there as well. They sang 2 more songs ("God be with you 'till we meet again" and some Kosraean song) and gave us some flowery headbands (like a lei, but for your head) and one of the families waited until the very moment we stepped on the plane (you just walk out on the tarmac then up the stairs to the plane - there's no covered walkway). I can see how it would be hard for a missionary to leave Kosrae, it was sad for me to leave, and I was only there a week. But, I missed Guam, and I'm glad to be back.
With transfers, and then our two trips these last two weeks, our area is pretty dead. We spent yesterday going through a list of part-member families and other less-active families and tracking them down trying to find new people to teach, and the Elders Quorum President is supposed to be giving us some more names this week. We didn't have any immediate success from it, but we met a bunch of families that we didn't know before, and a lot of potential investigators, so I feel really good about it.
That's it from me. I should be staying in Guam for the next few weeks, so I'll talk to you guys again next week.
Happy Easter!
Love,
Elder Barlow
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