As we emulate His perfect example our hands can become His hands, our eyes His eyes and our heart His heart. - President Uchtdorf

Thursday, September 29, 2016


Sorry everyone, I've been such a slacker and not getting updates/pictures on here. This was from last week when I was in Vegas for sales meetings.

Me and my companion, Elder Swanson

These past few days have been crazy busy. I am definitely not use to having something planned every minute of the day from 6:40 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. but it has it's upsides. Your brain is always moving, you learn a crap load, and most importantly your testimony grows so much. Let's see to answer, some questions. I love my companion. He is from North Idaho (Bonners Ferry), and has an amazing testimony. Elder Swanson is his name. I love my district we have 12 missionaries in our district. 7 are going to the Houston, Texas East Mission. One is going to Barbados. Then the rest me, Elder Swanson, Elder Lind, Elder Jenkins, Sister Cordon, and Sister Scarlet are headed to Gilbert. I love my District, I have loved them since day one. You can just tell they are here to fulfill the Lord's will, and do work out in the field. My Zone is amazing as well. And, President Metcalf told us we have the most diverse zone he has ever seen come through the MTC. South Africa, Papua New Guinea, Gilbert AZ, Houston TX, Trinidad Port of Spain, Barbados, West Africa it is crazy that we are all in one zone, but for the few days we have been here it is no coincidence that we were all put together. I love them all. You know my first day here was crazy. so much information to take in and I was sooooooo tired. Haha man, my favorite part is waking up. Yes mom and dad waking up is my favorite part and here is why. All the Elders are up and singing, up yelling at each other, hymns blaring, singing in the showers, they are all so happy and grateful to be here to serve. Conner thank you for your email. I laughed out loud when I read it and got some very interesting stares from all the Sisters and Elders in the computer room. And thank you for sending me snapchats that I can't even look at. It kind of scares me to think of what may be on there. . . Well Mom and Dad I love you and I hope all is well at home. Tell the boys I love them and I pray for them every morning and every night. Tell them I would like to hear from them. I do remember how much of a hassle it was to write Wilson, but if they can't get to it, it's all good. Well I gots to get going. I love you all and I will talk to you on Tuesday. I miss you all. Till next time.

MY DISTRICT

 This is what Tai sent to me when I arrived in Vegas.

Hey I had just a few minutes to hurry and get on and send you something. I love you and I miss you. I hope all is well at home and I can't wait to talk to you at Christmas. I know that's a while away but I can't wait. Tell the family I miss them and that I love them. I'll talk to you when I get on next week. I love you and PLEASE be safe in Vegas. BYE😔

Elder Matua
A few POLY brothers

This is my "I'm done studying face"

Elder Matuas subtle way of telling us he's in the choir




Elder Matua meets Elder Matua Cousins, Tautai and Mica

Sunday Temple Walk


Wednesday, September 14, 2016

UPDATE!!! September 14, 2016
First email from Elder Tai Matua, this was sent about an hour ago...

Hey mom and dad! Wow today has been long. There is so much to take in. My P days are Tuesday's while I am here. My companion is Elder Swanson from Northern Idaho. Anyways, I gotta get going. I love you all and I will miss you. Don't have too much fun without me! (; Goodnight!!!! I love you!
SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

He's official....Full-time missionary

Elder #2, Tautai or to those who know and love him just plain ol' TAI, entered the Provo MTC today. He was set apart last night by our awesome Stake President, Pres. McCleary and then just like that he was a full-time missionary. Man this day came way too fast. After a night of good-byes with family and friends, we were able to get some sleep. Our drive to Provo was quiet, subdued, emotional. After a quick bite to eat we dropped him off at 1:15pm and now he can finally put the long wait to an end and begin his service as a full-time missionary. He has been called to labor in the Arizona Gilbert Mission. It was another hard day, especially for Mom but we are grateful that Tai has made this very important and life changing decision in his young life to serve the Lord. As we drove through the gates of the MTC, we could see up ahead a familiar face, Tai's cousin Elder (Mica) Matua, smiling from ear to ear, who's been in the MTC since mid-August and is going to serve in the Korea Busan Mission. What a tender mercy for Tai and for us to have someone around that he knows and loves. Well, now it's time to GET TO WORK!!! We love you and God Bless. Alofa tele mo oe le atalii/uso pele!!

And he's off...Arizona is in for a treat

Elder(s) Matua...Mica and Tai

See you in 2

A picture before dropping of Tai at the MTC


February 13, 2019 Today we dropped off our baby and 3rd missionary to the Provo MTC. It has been a day of mixed emotions.  We ...