Time has been flying by... I don't like it. Mainly because that means summer is coming, and seeing how it is only April and the temperature right now is in the mid 90's, it doesn't look too promising to me..This past week has had some ups and some downs, but over all it was a pretty good week! Here are the Top 3 highlights. 1.) 50 ft. Cottonwood. 2.) FHA. 3.) Easter!
1.) This Wednesday we got a call by a member to come and help him take down not 1. Not 2. Not 3. But 4 Cottonwood Trees in his back yard.. It was a blast. We got to watch those things come crashing down and then the pick up was the fun part. We would cart them to the wood chipper. It was so cool mainly because I become a 5 year old when big loud yellow machines are at my disposal. It's weird to see cottonwood trees in AZ. Well you'd be right if you were to agree with me because 1 - I am always right and 2 - The cottonwoods dry out and rot, and become brittle, so limbs come falling down by winds that compare to a 2 yr old blowing out a birthday candle. So that was the reason The Lemieux's were getting rid of them. The video will show how cool it is. Because I do it no justice...
2.) FHA (Family Home Afternoon), So if you haven't heard of FHA don't worry. It is just a 2 hour activity put on by Senior couples in our mission to feed us, teach us, and let us relax, and get out of the heat. It happens every transfer. Well this last FHA was probably my most favorite one yet. There was ping pong, pool, mini golf, a tramp, corn hole, horse shoes, basketball, all in one yard!!! We had some dang good authentic street tacos and they were bombin! We also had a beautiful spiritual message that was all on becoming a better and a more true disciple of Christ. And as we were playing games all over the back yard it was just cool to see of immature we really are. Haha Especially me yelling at a stupid bean bag to get inside the hole. We may all look the part as we ride around and talk with people but deep down we all of our quirks and we all have that inner mischievous part about us. But here are some zone pics from FHA!
3.) I am writing about this now because I failed to send out an email last week! Anyway Easter was AMAZING! Conference was just jaw dropping. It was so amazing to stand and sustain President Nelson as our Prophet! But the best part about Easter Sunday was I didn't feel like I was away from home because of the Sparks family. The past 2 transfers I have gotten really close with them, and they treat me like their own. We spent the time in between sessions to hangout and play some games, and have lunch, and I felt right at home. And it just reminded me of my own family, and how grateful I am for them. Being out her on a mission has brought me to a bigger and better understanding of the importance of families. I am so grateful to know that we can be resurrected because of our Savior to be with our families for Eternity.
I am sad that my time here in AZ is becoming so short. I have hit a lot of bumps in the road while being here, but one thing for sure I am a better person because of the trials I have been through, because of the people I have had the opportunity to meet, and most of all because for once in my life I truly feel I have let the Atonement work in my life. These past 19 months have been the best 19 months for my life. I have learned so much. And all I can say is I wouldn't trade it for the world!
I love you all and I, again, am grateful for the love and support you all have shown me through out my life. I miss you all. I hope life is all goods in WJ! and wherever else you may be. I'll see you in a few!
Here is a picture of a friend I ran into the other day his name is Rolly!
Love,
Elder Tautai Matua
